In the context of a PRSP, environment and poverty are linked in two major ways. One is that poverty alleviation should not damage the environment of the poor, which would only undercut gains in one area with losses in another. The other main link is that improving environmental conditions can help to reduce poverty. It is that link which is the focus of this chapter.
Environmental conditions have major effects on the health, opportunity, and security of poor people.
Environmental activities can also provide effective ways to empower the poor. The many links between environmental management and poverty alleviation provide the rationale for systematic mainstreaming of environment in PRSPs and their associated processes. This chapter aims to help PRSP teams integrate environmental problems and opportunities in their work, and consider potential environmental and natural resources interventions in their poverty reduction strategies. The scope of environmental concerns is quite broad, and includes water supply and wastewater disposal, solid waste removal, indoor and urban air pollution, and natural resources issues such as land degradation, deforestation, loss of coastal ecosystems and fisheries. Better environmental management provides many opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.