Loss and destruction of natural resources are advancing rapidly in many developing countries, with a devastating impact on the living conditions of rural people and particularly of the rural poor. A vicious circle of poverty and environmental destruction is created that not only impedes local development, but also has dramatic effects at global level.

The value of natural resources
Natural resources – land, water, vegetation and biodiversity – are the primary livelihood of people in poor countries. Consequently, natural resources are vitally important for poverty reduction and development. Agriculture is the most important form of utilisation of these resources. Due to poverty, lack of economic alternatives, ignorance, and even as a result of economic interests, this resource base is frequently overexploited and thereby put at risk. In many places, natural resources have already been irreparably destroyed.

Sustainable management safeguards development prospects
It is our goal to safeguard natural resources by means of sustainable management in order to ensure that development potential in rural areas is maintained for the future. In this regard, it is crucial to achieve a balance between maximising the productivity of natural resources on the one hand and ensuring their conservation on the other.

In this area, GTZ acts on four levels:

• shaping the policy framework governing access to and utilisation of natural resources
• promoting the development of institutions responsible for sustainable use of natural resources and promoting capacity building
• facilitating dialogue and, if necessary, mediating between user groups with divergent interests
• fostering management and research into use of natural resources.