Search results

Developing and maintaining a pattern of sustainable livelihood (SL) is dependent upon the use to which we put our resources, particularly, our natural resources. SL is dependent upon five principal components; namely the vulnerability context, livelihood assets, transforming structures and processes, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes. DFID (1999), DFID, FAO, IFAD, UNDP, WFP (2001) liveli hood assets also have many components one of which is natural assets/capital. Once the environment is shocked the natural assets are directly affected and all other types of assets and principal components become inoperable. The livelihood outcomes of the Caribbean people, poor and otherwise, are therefore linked to these natural as sets. The objective of this study is to possibly shape and create ways of developing and maintaining patterns that can lead to SLs. It should focus on the available natural resources, access to and optimal use of, which can transit into the best livelihood outcomes specifically for the poor. Basically, the outcome should be a body of knowledge that can contribute to SLs within the Caribbean. This is done with the use of two case studies of Caribbean islands, namely St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Grenada. This paper is divided into four sections. Section one provides the background for the paper and briefly introduces the concept of SL. Section two outlines the SL approach. Section three provides an application of the SL approach in SVG and Grenada from two varying standpoints. Section four makes concluding remarks on the types and the sustainability of the livelihood strategies and outcomes.

The purpose of this paper is to begin charting the discussion of sustainable livelihoods (SLs) towards the Caribbean. Its aim is to put this debate within a Caribbean context and start the process of building the theory that can be adequately applied to Caribbean economies. The end point of this paper, which should be the starting point of the discourse, would be the development of a working definition of the concept based on what constitutes life in the Caribbean. This paper begins the discourse on the development of a Caribbean specific definition of SLs. Many authors and organizations have defined the concept; however, some believe that the existing definitions are too theoretical. Given this, the Caribbean must find a common ground upon which this concept can become useful, as it is based on developing islands with many peculiarities.

The paper builds the definition by first, summarizing the Caribbean reality; second, by considering the reflections on the concept both internationally and regionally and finally, concluding with the definition of the concept.

Presently, the literature from the Caribbean region is still being developed. It is similar to that compiled internationally, particularly that of the Department for International Development (DFID), as DFID ' s methodology is most frequently used. However, emphasis has been placed on poverty, conservation and management of natural resources, governance, entitlements and capabilities and individual level development.

The concept highlights some Caribbean peculiarities and applies them to sustainable livelihoods. This definition can be applied to the determination of an index to access the quality of Caribbean livelihoods. It can be used by development practitioners in the determination of sustainable livelihood patterns.

The purpose of this paper is to identify green envelope building components of residential buildings applicable under hot and humid climates and to analyze the effect of these components on building value.

The authors place an emphasis on green envelope components that influence building value and which are derived based on their integration into a building envelope structure that is applicable under hot and humid climates. This is performed through identification of green benefits of each green envelope component based on literature reviews and in relation to green criteria listed by the Malaysia Green Building Index (GBI). Consequently, a quantitative analysis has been conducted to determine the effect of these green envelope components on building value by means of a questionnaire distribution among 550 property valuation practitioners in Malaysia. However, in order to certify respondents’ credibility, the authors analyzed questionnaires answered by property valuation practitioners with experience in green valuation.

The findings show that there are ten green envelope components currently certified under GBI Malaysia and applicable for hot and humid climates. There are three green envelope components that can increase property values, specifically: solar photovoltaic, green living wall and green roof. However, eight of the green envelope components have no effect on building value.

Due to the relative immaturity of the green building market in Malaysia, the authors were unable to analyze the actual percentage of increment on building value as conveyed by each green envelope component.

This paper aims to provide understanding of the effect of individual green envelope components on building value rather than merely the value of green buildings in general. It proves that green building envelope components do in fact contribute to an increase in green building values. As the green building market in Malaysia is still in its infancy, this study is significant in that it prepares the Malaysian green building market to attain a new level by providing valuation practitioners with awareness of green building values and new knowledge concerning the effect of individual green components on building values. Hence, it is anticipated that this study can assist property valuation practitioners in conducting valuations of green buildings in the future.