UNEP-WCMC 425d ago

People and nature are fundamentally interconnected, yet planning and policy frameworks often overlook the complexity and nuance of this relationship. Effective spatial planning for conservation requires integrated assessments that draw on geographic, ecological, and socio-economic data. Multi-layered, interdisciplinary approaches are essential not only for identifying conservation priorities but also for developing more robust metrics of human wellbeing. This talk will highlight the critical role of incorporating socio-economic dimensions into environmental decision-making and demonstrate methods for integrating social and ecological datasets within spatial analysis frameworks. We will also present a case study from Brazil that addresses the environment–poverty nexus through the development of an environmentally-adjusted multidimensional poverty measure. This approach combines exposure to environmental risks—such as floods, droughts, and landslides—with traditional indicators of health, education, and living standards.