Conservation must empower local communities to succeed
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Liisa Varumo’s doctoral research examines how biodiversity conservation efforts impact environmental justice in Finland and Colombia.
Varumo investigated both market-based approaches, like biodiversity offsets intended to compensate for environmental damage, and place-based approaches, such as co-management of natural resources with local communities. Her work revealed that injustices often arise from limited participation, disregard for local knowledge, and unequal power dynamics, issues rooted in existing societal structures that prioritize economic growth and Western scientific methods.
Varumo’s research on biodiversity offsets in Finland and Colombia showed that recognizing the rights and values of Indigenous communities is crucial for long-term success. She found that conservation efforts can either reinforce colonial patterns or empower local people depending on how genuinely shared decision-making power is. The researcher also studied the Näätämö River in Finland and the Ranchería River in Colombia, finding that place-based conservation thrived when it prioritized local and Indigenous knowledge.
Varumo argues that truly transformative conservation requires challenging existing structures and enabling local communities to lead their own initiatives. She suggests that while companies and municipalities often prefer solutions that fit existing practices, these approaches may not be enough to halt biodiversity loss justly. Instead, she advocates for state-supported approaches that give communities the resources and networks they need to implement conservation efforts aligned with their values.
