The Natural Resources Institute

The Natural Resources Institute of the University of Greenwich is an internationally recognised centre of expertise in research and consultancy in the environment and natural resources sector. The Institute carries out research and development and training to promote efficient management and use of renewable natural resources in support of sustainable livelihoods. Most of NRI's work provides support to development assistance programmes funded by international donor agencies, and contributes to environmentally sound management of physical and biological resources ('natural capital') for use by future generations, and to the development of human and social capital. |

NRI's activities relate to all stages of the project cycle, from identification, assessment, planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. Work is conducted in both natural and managed (human influenced) ecosystems, including tropical forests, wetlands, mountain and coastal regions, and savannahs. It covers a broad geographical area with projects in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific Islands, and work therefore relates to a wide range of cultures and socio-economic systems.

Of central concern is sustainable development of local farming and livelihood systems, and in this context biodiversity and wider environmental issues play an important part.

A unique feature of NRI is its broad disciplinary base which includes biological sciences (with an emphasis on ecology and the environment), agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry, as well as social sciences (including agricultural economics and sociology). NRI staff specialise in natural resource management issues and problems and frequently work in multi-disciplinary teams. The Institute is noted for its integrative skills, and the use of interdisciplinary and systems approaches; a particular interest is the interlinkages between biological, human and farming systems. NRI's expertise lies principally in solving the scientific and practical problems of systems and resources which are heavily utilised, often unsustainably, as a result of population growth and agricultural intensification. An extensive programme of laboratory- and field-based research underpins the Institute's problem solving skills and contributes to its reputation as a centre of developmental excellence.

Activities and Initiatives

Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) People, Natural Resources and Livelihoods Mainstreaming the Environment Rural Services and the Global Economy Human and Institutional Development |
NRI's CSD promotes fundamental thinking on people-centred sustainable development. Its programmes focus on policy and institutional development to contribute to the building of sustainable livelihoods world-wide. By focusing on the impact of development on the poor and vulnerable, NRI delivers people-centred solutions.
Cross-cutting Issues Building Formal and Informal Capacity Implementing Participatory Mechanisms Developing Indicators and Reviewing Policy | Ethical Trade Developing Trading Standards Devising Tools for Trading Performance Evaluating GMO Impacts
Environmental Science Improving Decision support and Information Systems Monitoring Our Environment Conserving Biodiversity | Food Security Providing Poor People with Good Food Working for Safer Food Developing Coping Strategies for Disaster
Integrated Pest Management Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture Developing Innovative Pest Control Techniques Monitoring the Impact of Biotechnologies | Natural Resource Management Helping People to Manage Natural Resources Addressing Society and Environment Together Providing Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development

Please visit the NRI web site
http://www.nri.org

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