Mesurer et améliorer la performance écologique de l’aide publique au développement par des outils de comptabilité écologique intégrée – application aux actions de préservation et de restauration d’écosystèmes conduites au Sénégal
PhD supervisors: Gaël Giraud (CES Paris I), Harold Levrel (CIRED), Clément Feger (AgroParistech MRM).
Abstract
This research work focuses on the evaluation and strengthening of the ecological performance of official development assistance (ODA) using environmental accounting tools. In a context of increasing sustainability requirements for ODA, this project considers the potential of these tools for informing mobilized actors – donors as well as beneficiaries – and structuring new modes of management of natural spaces and resources. We hypothesize that these accounting tools are likely to facilitate the modes of collective management characteristic of the Commons.
This research project is interested in the articulation between the definition of metrics and their use for public action. It thus intends to propose possible answers to the following question: how can the application of multiscalar ecological accounting to development aid policies serve to achieve biodiversity preservation objectives, defined at the scale of the communities that depend on them, and contribute to defining a highly sustainable development at the scale of a State? This question fuels a critical evaluation of ODA performance and the formulation of complementary proposals to existing programs by the research work.
In the context of official development assistance, three uses of ecological accounting have been identified and will be explored in greater depth during this thesis. First, ecological accounting can be used to inform donors and to structure a robust ecological reporting system to account for the effectiveness of aid. Second, at the state level, it is a public policy tool for ecological planning, making it possible to reconcile development strategies with the preservation of natural areas. Finally, at the scale of socio-ecosystems, it can be a tool for the formulation, evaluation and implementation of development projects that include conservation or ecological restoration dimensions. It can facilitate negotiation and coordination by providing objective information to the different actors about the gains, losses and reciprocal commitments related to an expected environmental result.