strategy
Managing fragile ecosystems
Synonyms:
Implementing programmes to manage vulnerable natural resources Context:
60% of the world's population lives in ecologically vulnerable areas.Because of the interaction of ecological, economic and social factors, the disruption of ecosystems has economic and social consequences. There is a lack of knowledge regarding ecosystem functioning and ecological limits to economic and social activity (ie. carrying capacity) which has led to a greater acceptance of the precautionary principle and its use to guide policy and action.
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends ensuring implementation of programmes on sustainable livelihoods, agriculture and rural development, managing fragile ecosystems, water use in agriculture and integrated management of natural resources.
Broader:
Managing natural areasManaging ecosystems sustainablyProtecting fragile ecosystemsImplementing programmesReducing alternatives for development of natural resources Narrower:
Managing drylandsImproving management systems for highland valleysStrengthening international cooperation on fragile ecosystemsImproving land and water management by farmers in arid regionsPromoting conservation and sustainable use of pollinators within ecosystemsDecentralizing ecosystem managementManaging interventions in ecosystems Facilitates:
Combating droughtImproving drought control through appropriate technologyEmphasizing role of regional and sub-regional organizations on drought and desertification Facilitated by:
Studying food websAssessing earth's carrying capacityMonitoring desertificationStrengthening research on drought forecastingConducting natural resources damage assessmentsImproving national staff for assessing desertificationDeveloping technical competence in dryland agricultureStrengthening role of farmers in sustainable developmentIncreasing public participation in desertification controlAssessing scientific, social and economic aspects of droughtAssessing means for measuring consequences of desertificationExploring common property rights in semi-arid and saline areasStrengthening interdisciplinary research on drought prevention strategiesEstablishing indicators for assessing progress in combatting desertification Values:
FragilityUnnaturalness References:
Farnworth, E G and Golley, F B: Fragile Ecosystems: evaluation of research and applications in the neotropicsBrowder, John O: Fragile Lands of Latin America: Strategies for Sustainable Development Subjects:
Resources → Resources Geography → Ecology
Management → Management
Type Classification:
C: Cross-sectoral strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
