Biodiversity and Development

Research Framework

(BDRF)

Overview• Objectives/rationale of the (draft) BDRF

• Approach and Principles

• Conceptual Framework and Prioritization Strategy

• Generation of Research Topics

• Review Process

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... III

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 1 I. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................................. 1 II. OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE ................................................................................................................................... 1

PART TWO: APPROACH, PRINCIPLES AND METHODS ................................................................... 3 I. Systematic .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3 II. Strategic ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 III. Operations-Focused ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 IV. Collaborative ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4

PART THREE: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND PRIORITIZATION STRATEGY ....................... 5 I. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 II. Biodiversity and Development Research Framework Conceptual Framework .................................................. 5 III. Methodology for Identifying and Prioritizing Research Topics ............................................................................. 10 IV. Portfolio Approach to Research Implementation ..................................................................................................... 13

PART FOUR: PART FOUR: RESEARCH TOPICS- BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE ................... 15 I. Improving Enabling Conditions for Sustained Biodiversity Conservation ......................................................... 15 II. Reducing Priority Threats to Biodiversity .................................................................................................................. 25 III. Strengthening the Evidence Base for Biodiversity Conservation and Development Integration................. 35

PART FIVE: IMPLEMENTATION APPROACHES ................................................................................ 45 I. Participation in Collaborative Partnerships ............................................................................................................... 45 II. Engaging Agency Mechanisms ........................................................................................................................................ 47 III. Leveraging Significant Existing Data Sources .............................................................................................................. 48 IV. Practicing Open Science Through Harnessing Information Technology ............................................................. 49

PART SIX: SHARING AND APPLICATION OF NEW KNOWLEDGE .............................................. 51 I. Multiple-Channel Distribution of Key Findings ......................................................................................................... 51 II. Adaptively Integrating Findings Into Programmatic Cycles ..................................................................................... 52

PART SEVEN: ONGOING EVALUATION OF THE BIODIVERSITY AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................................................... 55

BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 57

CONTRIBUTORS ..................................................................................................................................... 65

Objectives/Rationale• Conserve global biodiversity and advance human development through

evidence-based programming rooted in a robust examination of the critical theories and assumptions in the field of biodiversity and forest conservation

• Support the reform effort of USAID Forward through conservation programs that are strategic, results-oriented, effective, and leverage high-impact partnerships

• Empirically demonstrate the linkages between biodiversity conservation and development outcomes, particularly in the context of the three major initiatives of the Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development: Feed the Future, Global Health, and Global Climate Change; and the Agency’s gender equality and female empowerment goals.

Approach and Principles Establishment of a Research Agenda Working Group

BDRF developed in a manner that is:o Systematico Strategico Operations-focusedo Collaborative

Tied to the forthcoming Biodiversity Policy

Aligned with USAID policies, especially USAID Forward

DRAFT Biodiversity Policy

Conceptual Framework (aligns with Draft Policy)

Expanded Conceptual Framework

Priorit ization Strategy

Generation of Research Topics• RAWG meetings were held for each Result to generate

research topics (~190 topics generated)

• Research topics were also derived from the peer-reviewed literature (~300 topics generated)

- All of the research topics were run through the prioritization strategy to generate a priority list (~150 topics)

Sample Priority Research Topics• Result 1: Enabling conditions in place for sustained

biodiversity conservationo Under what conditions does investing in policy improve conservation outcomes?o How do gender differences in legal rights around land ownership, inheritance, and

access to capital impact conservation outcomes?

• Result 2: Reduce priority threats to biodiversityo What are the impacts of wildlife trafficking on natural capital, local livelihoods, and

ecology?o Does an eco-agriculture approach work to maintain biodiversity?

• Result 3: Strengthen the evidence base for biodiversity conservation and development integrationo Is an area with greater biodiversity more resilient to climate change?o How do forests, coastal vegetation, native grasses, and wetlands help to mitigate

the impacts of natural disasters?

Review Process• RAWG (completed)

• Internal review: select USAID staff at missions and DC office (ongoing)

• External review/outreach: academia, research institutions, other government agencies, private sector, donors, the media (planned)