Components of Sustainable Upland Ecosystem Management

COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINABLE UPLAND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT

by Antonio C. Antonio

December 24, 2014

Sustainable upland ecosystem management can only be possible if the three components are present.  These are:

ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY – Utilization and development of natural resources should be undertaken in a manner that is compatible with the maintenance and enhancement of essential ecological processes, biological diversity and the natural resources base.  Thus all technologies and production processes used should have a beneficial rather than adverse environmental impact (DENR-FMB, 1998).

SOCIO-CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY – Utilization and development of resources should be undertaken in a manner that will increase people’s control over their lives, is compatible with the culture and values of the people affected by it, maintains and strengthens community identity and ensures that the cost and benefits are shared equitably between and within communities and individual households.  In addition, community-based organizations, NGOs, LGUs and national institutions responsible for conducting and supporting the planning, implementation and monitoring of natural resource management activities should have the capability (financial and skilled human resources) to sustain the delivery of services required (DENR-FMB, 1998).

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY – Utilization and development of natural resources should be undertaken in a manner that is economically efficient (therefore, the benefits are commensurate with the costs).  Resources should be used and managed in a way that will retain their potential to support future generations.  This also means optimizing both tangible and intangible economic benefits for the greatest possible number of people while ensuring, as far as the needs for sustainability of the natural resources permit, that no one suffers economic hardship (DENR-FMB, 1988).

There are still other relatively minor components that need to be considered but these are the three more important components of sustainable upland ecosystem management.

Just my little thoughts…

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