strategy
Improving management systems for highland valleys
Context:
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 sustainable mountain development as part of an overall programme for managing fragile ecosystems.
Implementation:
An agroforestry farming system in the highlands of Papua New Guinea has been developed by village growers since about 1960 and has expanded rapidly since about 1970. Major components of the system are numerous species of annual and perennial food crops (especially bananas), arabica coffee and [Casuarina oligodon]. It provides food, a cash crop and timber for construction and fuel. It is likely that returns on labour inputs are very favourable, but no formal assessments have been made. Evaluation of the system as a whole, and research on certain key components (casuarina ecology, banana cultivars, timing of operations) are suggested as high priority areas for systematic studies.
Narrower:
Stabilizing shifting agricultureExpanding research on mountain ecosystemsUsing polycultural, multistoried agroforestry in highlandsTraining mountain communities in integrated environmental managementDeveloping a multidisciplinary ecological knowledge base on mountain ecosystems Facilitated by:
Developing economicallyImproving farming systemsDiversifying mountain economiesAdvancing integrated rural developmentSupporting use of environmentally sound technologyProviding incentives to undertake conservation measuresImproving international coordination on mountain developmentStrengthening international cooperation on fragile ecosystems Values:
Mismanagement Subjects:
→ SystemsDevelopment → Reform
Geology → Land and coastal forms
Geology → Mountains
Management → Management
Type Classification:
C: Cross-sectoral strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
