RESUMEN
Current social-technical and political conditions threaten the integrity of the Amazon biome. Overcoming these lock-ins requires structural transformations away from conventional economies towards 'socio-bioeconomies' (SBEs). SBEs are economies based on the sustainable use and restoration of Amazonian ecosystems, as well as Indigenous and rural livelihood systems in the region. They include sustainable eco-tourism as well as diversified production and innovative processing of fruits, nuts, oils, medicines, fish and other products deriving from socio-biodiversity. Using a sustainability transitions perspective, we argue for multi-scalar policy changes to sustain, enhance and scale-out and scale-up SBE initiatives. To nurture niche SBE acitivities, we advocate for improvements in infrastructure, value chains and social organizations. To dismantle structural barriers, we call for an end to harmful subsidies, greater representation of marginalized communities in territorial planning, enhanced rural-urban and intersectoral linkages, international collaboration, shifts in demand, and changes in conservation and production narratives. Policies for SBEs must also use clear definitions, participatory processes and a multi-biome approach to avoid perverse outcomes.
RESUMEN
Based on a survey of stakeholders from 34 municipalitiesin Puerto Rico 1 year following HurricaneMaria, this study reports on progress and prioritiesfor longer-term recovery. Following a description ofthe storm and its impacts and an overview of recoveryprinciples, initial insights expressed after the stormare studied. Over 56 percent of respondents rankedthe need for equity considerations as the top recoverypriority, while 23 percent ranked building back faster,and 11 percent supported building back stronger as thetop priority. Building back greener was the top recoverygoal for 10 percent of the respondents. In addition tobroad recovery goals, specific actions and initiatives tosupport recovery are also investigated. While the needsfor more robust data collection and information sharingemerged, gaps in training and capacity buildingwere also reported. The analysis sheds light on the needfor more participatory, deliberative processes, and thechallenges of leadership, management, and inclusivegovernance following large-scale disasters. The findingsare relevant to other island communities and thedevelopment of effective systems for disaster recovery.