The incremental cost approach and the conservation of biological diversity: Basis for lasting partnerships of the global commons

This thesis dissertation explores how, if at all, the application of the incremental cost method by the Global Environment Facility contributes to the conservation of Biodiversity of Global Significance1. In answering this research question the thesis applies a combination of a theoretical discussion, an analysis of the circumstances that lead to the selection of the Global Environment Facility and its IC method as the financial mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and two in-depth case studies.; Chapter One presents a description of the Global Environment Facility and introduces the notion of incremental costs. The objective of the incremental cost method is to provide developing countries with the financial incentives to integrate biodiversity conservation into national sustainable development plans. The section with the introduction of the Global Environment Facility and the incremental cost is followed by a discussion on sustainability, sustainable livelihoods and conservation. The chapter closes with a description of the research method and conduct of research.; Chapter Two introduces the conceptual foundations of a biodiversity conservation regime and compares these to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the incremental costs approach in its role as the financial mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The chapter focuses on the restrictions posed by the Global Environment Facility on the use of the incremental cost method, and in particular, the many difficulties arising from restricting the application of the method to scenarios of sustainable resource use. The chapter closes by discussing whether the Convention on Biological Diversity represents a case of premature issue-linkage.; Chapter three and four present the case studies. Both chapters begin with a description of the area and the main threats to biodiversity conservation. These sections also provide an account of the predominant socio-economic dynamics and their effect on natural resource use. A description of the projects' objectives and the application of the incremental cost approach follow these sections. The chapters close with a discussion on the contribution of the incremental cost method towards project objectives.; Chapter Five attempts to make sense of the diversity across cases so as to unite similarities and differences in a single coherent framework. The findings from the case studies are discussed within the framework presented in Chapters One and Two. The thesis concludes that the incremental cost method as applied by the Global Environment Facility appears to have a limited contribution towards biodiversity conservation. The chapter closes with suggestions for a way forward.; 1By the term "Biodiversity of Global Significance" we will refer to endemic or rare species or any species that the Global Environment Facility identifies as a conservation target in its projects.