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Sectors

Transportation

About this sector

Transportation through land, air and sea result in emissions of carbon dioxide as well as issues such as water, waste, noise. Shipping moves approximatly 80% of the worlds commodites.

Impacts

  • Infrastructure for transportation like roads, harbours and airports can threaten natural and important habitats.
  • Climate change through use of energy

Opportunities/Risks

  • Shipping transfers approximately three to five tons of ballast water internationally each year, this poses a threat to ecological stability by transferring harmful organisms.

Case Studies


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African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

Elizabeth Dlamini, herbalist and skincare adviser to a whole of local women, has skin that glows. She beams as she explains why. “Here in the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland we proud of our plants that we use in our traditional beauty regimes. Our grandmothers taught us how to prepare cosmetics from the oil of the Marula nut”. Now, Ubuntu Natural is bringing Swaziland’s best-kept beauty secret to the international cosmetics market.

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants offers a unique opportunity to link biodiversity, health and sustainable development. Biodiversity is the source of primary health care for the majority of the world’s population. The research and development of medicinal plants is thus a way to safeguard and advance health care, which is essential for much of the population. Moreover, the ethical sourcing of medicinal plants can play an important role in the conservation and sustainable use of these species and their ecosystems, as well as provide a significant avenue for local sustainable development.

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

As part of its quarry rehabilitation process, Lafarge has developed local plant nurseries that respect indigenous species and are adapted to the local environment. This initiative is part of broader methodologies and best practices 
developed by the company to optimize its quarry reclamation, with the final objective of strengthening the acceptability of its operations in the long run.

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Committed to neutralize the environmental impacts associated with its paper invoicing process, EDP has engaged in a compensation program based on (1) life cycle assessment and (2) externalities compensation through agroforestry good practices that restore the ecosystem service originally impacted by invoicing activities.

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Owning large natural reserves as part of its forestry activities in Brazil, Fibria has chosen to register its most biodiverse lands as part of the Brazilian-specific Private Natural Heritage Reserves scheme. Recognition of Fibria’s conservation efforts is expected to further increase public and stakeholder awareness on company conservation activities.


Tools and Mechanisms


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A Gateway to Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)

A Gateway to Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)

http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/a_gateway_to_pes...

The main objective of this work is to provide an introduction and sense of direction (i.e. a “Gateway”) into the complicated world of PES. It is not intended as a comprehensive overview of this vast field, but rather provides one entry point for engaging in PES. It was designed to fit into the broader Livelihoods and Landscapes (LLS) strategy, as developed by IUCN’s Forest Conservation Programme.
Biomimicry Institute

Biomimicry Institute

http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org

The Biomimicry Institute is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the study and imitation of nature’s designs, bringing together scientists, engineers, architects and innovators who can use those models to create sustainable technologies. Also offered are training and accreditation.
BIOTRADE Initiative

BIOTRADE Initiative

http://www.BIOTRADE.org

The UNCTAD Biotrade Initiative, launched in 1996,  has established a number of partnerships with national and regional organizations with the aim of enhancing the capability of developing countries to produce value-added products and services derived from biodiversity, for both domestic and international markets.
Central American Markets for Biodiversity

Central American Markets for Biodiversity

http://www.proyectocambio.org/english/index.html

Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and sustainable use within micro, small and medium sized enterprise development and finance
USAID Environment

USAID Environment

http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/biodiver...

USAID has recognized the potential for environmentally sound enterprises to sustain people’s livelihoods while conserving important biodiversity. The Agency is helping communities gain the technical and management skills needed to undertake alternative enterprises, as well as access to credit and markets for their products. For example, USAID empowered the Koija community in Kenya to manage an ecotourism operation, facilitating the development of spin-off enterprises, with women's organizations and a youth organization.

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Transportation

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