2011-11-Utrecht
Smart and Sustainable Land Use Workshop
11 November 2011
Solidaridad
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Sarah French from Earthmind participated in the one day workshop at Solidaridad on behalf of the Green Development Initiative (GDI).
In the morning session, the latest status of Solidaridad’s engagement in the Smart and Sustainable Land Use approach was discussed. This approach is based on three transitional strategies: ‘More with Less’, the ‘Bio Based Economy,’ and ‘Sustainable Natural Resource Governance.’ The discussion included several Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) processes including the RT-REDD+, the development of the Cool Farm Tool, and the GDI.
Arthur Eijs of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment presented the business case for GDI approach as means to mobilise private sector support for biodiversity. His presentation enabled Solidaridad staff from around the world to hear first hand of the development of the GDI and to learn more about the establishment of a pilot programme to further develop the GDI approach. The participants then dicussed possible next steps of Solidaridad’s partnership particularly with respect to a possible forestry area to be GDI certified in India.
During the afternoon session, the participants divided into two groups, one of which focused on GDI. This practical session was led by Andre Brasser from Solidaridad and Sarah French. It considered the possible Solidaridad areas to be certified in Brazil, Ghana, India and Mozambique to reflect on current thinking on GDI certification for biodiversity- responsible land management. There was vigorous debate and the session proved to be very useful for everyone. The plenary feedback on the working groups opened up the discussion further. Feedback from this workshop will be used along with other feedback and comments in the development of the GDI certification scheme.
