BIODIVERSITY, LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE FINANCIAL CRISIS: AN INTERVIEW WITH VANDANA SHIVA

Abstract

In this interview Vandana Shiva addresses the financial and economic crisis, maintaining that it is only strong local economies and decentralized cooperation networks- as opposed to globalized economies - that can effectively deal with the financial crisis as well as the climate and food crisis. In this respect, protection of biodiversity and local agriculture, promotion of organic farming and local knowledge are crucial factors for sustainable local development and women’s empowerment. Shiva argues that universities have a social obligation to engage with the problems of societies where they are located and, in particular to address issues related to the agrarian crisis, to disseminate potential solutions and expose those practices that exploit small farmers in developing countries and destroy the environment.

Universitas Forum gratefully acknowledges the support of Caroline Lockhart, Coordinator of the International Commission on the Future of Food and Agriculture, in arranging the interview.