The natural capital of the Amazonian rainforest

Sustainable forest management is not only needed to protect our natural resource supplies. It’s also crucial for the entire environment in which we all live. Renewable plant resources will play an increasingly important role in human life.

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Livelihoods of small islands

The people of the Pacific Islands are facing exciting social, political and cultural transitions as a result of the huge influence that comes along with the international aid pouring into the area from super-power countries. These transitions also leave them vulnerable.

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New Orleans lessons for climate change

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, climate action plans are necessary. The American Planning Association recently edited and endorsed the United Nations’ Habitats Climate Action Plan Benchmark Guidelines, which includes four key elements.

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Sustainable use of resources by Sami people

The Sámi way of life relates closely to nature and their traditional knowledge is built on generations of experience. While Sámi reindeer herding families remain strong, changes have been brought about by modern introductions, such as snowmobiles.

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Improving informal settlements using social technologies

The demand for technical assistance for informal housing in Brazil dates back to the 1970s. This resulted in 2008 in new social housing strategies. The future of free technical advisory services is directly related to social technologies.

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Reduction of inequality in the sub-Saharan region

The gap between poverty and wealth in Southern Africa is reflected in its built environment. Retention of traditional and vernacular architectures in both self-built and government-provided housing would help reduce inequality.

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