ABSTRACT
Globalisation presents a complex set of dynamics that not only offers many opportunities to better the human condition but also involves significant potential threats. The central argument in this chapter is that globalisation introduces business and environmental standards that are vital for strengthening competitiveness of communities that have historically been on the margins of formal economies. On the other hand, liberalisation of trade that inevitably accompanies globalisation is known to intensify the demand and exploitation of environmental resources leading to depletion or degradation of vital livelihood supporting resources. Considering the importance of creating a balance between the benefits and costs of globalisation especially with respect to sustainable environmental and natural resource management, the chapter seeks to fulfil two objectives. The first objective is to identify the appropriate interventions that could be applied to realise sustainable management and conservation of natural resources in valuable water catchments and wildlife habitats in south-eastern Kenya. The second objective is to examine the ways in which micro and small enterprise development can be utilised to strengthen local community links with the world through entrepreneurship and tourism. The chapter concludes that the development of conservation-oriented enterprises is an important means of reducing direct reliance of local communities on extracted natural resources from the environment while securing sustainable livelihoods in a globally competitive business environment that has traditionally disadvantaged the poor. It further observes that technology diffusion is a crucial tool to spur entrepreneurship and promote environmental sustainability and equitable human development in low income communities living in fragile ecosystems of south-eastern Kenya.
