Both sides are right to some extent. But these simplifications- and the resulting polarised debate- do not get us very far. Yet we all share the objective of reducing poverty in a lasting manner, and there is nowadays wide agreement in the development community that the environment is crucial for the sustaining of livelihoods. And once we realise that “the environment” actually means soil- to grow food; water- to drink, wash and irrigate crops; and air to breathe, and a host of natural food and medicinal products, it becomes clear that preserving “the environment” actually means safeguarding food production; sustaining livelihoods and preserving health. Poverty reduction,.
