Environmental protection is an inherent part of sustainable development efforts. Therefore, it cannot be separated from alternative development and broader sustainable livelihood interventions. While alternative development is primarily a drug control intervention, there is a growing consensus that this supply reduction strategy should also promote environmental protection and sustainability. To help pave the way, this Practical Guide on Alternative Development and the Environment produced by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) brings together experiences and common success factors from around the world that could be used to inform the design, planning and implementation of environmental components of alternative development and similar livelihood projects.
The guidance offered in this publication covers four thematic areas: environmentally sustainable practices and approaches; forest and biodiversity conservation; carbon credit schemes; and payments for environmental services. The guide is intended for two main audiences: First, practitioners involved in the design of alternative development and related policies, projects and programmes; and second, project implementers and coordinators at the local level.
The guide was prepared by Jorrit Kamminga, independent consultant under the guidance of Thierry Rostan, Global Coordinator of UNODC’s Alternative/Sustainable Livelihoods Team and its Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB).
Feedback on the guide is welcome and can be sent to:
UNODC-alternative.development@un.org
