‘사배체 목화’가 보여주는 식민지화 비극…“자원 풍부할수록 더 가난”

The research highlights an unexpected link between biodiversity and poverty, suggesting that the richer a region is in biological diversity, the more likely it is to experience greater levels of poverty and inequality. Despite expectations, the study found that countries with high biodiversity levels often face more severe poverty and inequality issues.

Historically, biodiversity-rich regions thrived economically prior to colonialism and imperialism. However, with the onset of these historical experiences, diverse regions became targets for resource exploitation and labor appropriation by European powers. This led to a reliance on specific commodities for export, resulting in economic vulnerabilities and perpetuating poverty and inequality.

The study emphasizes the concept of "systematic biological inequality," where the economic benefits of biodiversity are unevenly distributed, often leaving poorer regions with fewer advantages. A prime example cited is the case of maize, a plant with a diploid genome, contrasted with a tetraploid genome found in maize species in America and Pacific islands.

This genetic difference is attributed to the rich biodiversity in these regions, illustrating the unequal exchange of ecological benefits and economic gain between colonial powers and indigenous populations.

The research underscores the necessity for a reevaluation of conservation efforts, emphasizing that the burden of conservation should be fairly distributed among nations. It argues that countries contributing most to global biodiversity loss and having the least poverty burden should lead conservation initiatives. This critique redirects the historical exploitation patterns of the colonial era, urging a more equitable approach to environmental protection.