Proposed Institutionalization of a Global Pro-Conservationist Second Floor Microfinancing System Inspired by Nexus Between Biodiversity, Poverty and Population Growth: Example of Toba Samosir and Samosir Regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Massive extinction of species is to a large extent caused by a combination of poverty and population growth, as biodiversity overlaps with poverty stricken regions leading to the spiral of degradation induced by poverty-environment nexus. Present plethora of protectionist approaches focused on nature conservation detached from market based solutions targeting human populations in biodiversity hotspot zones, can be labelled as shortsighted as the principal cause for damage – sustained destructive activity of Homo Sapiens Sapiens - has not been tackled. Although microfinance as a tool to combat poverty can offer a complementary tool for nature protection through creation of frameworks that take into account the value of biodiverse environment, being one of the main economic assets of the local population, the relationship between microfinance and biodiversity conservation remains unexplored. This paper studies microfinance clientele in an Indonesian biodiversity hotspot and proposes an institutional combination of intelligent funding instruments for assistencialist MFIs, linking fight against poverty with pro-biodiversity business.