THE WATERSHED APPROACH
by Antonio C. Antonio
March 5, 2015
The Watershed Approach is, by far, the most effective
framework to address the water resource challenges and problems of today. Watersheds supply drinking water, provide
recreation and respite, and sustain life.
The Watershed Approach refers to the practice and application of the
concepts and principles of watershed management to the management of land,
inland water bodies and other natural resources. It allows the use of the watershed as the basic
unit for planning taking into consideration the interconnectivity of land and
inland water resources in crafting key management strategies and development
decisions without prejudice to the sustainability of socio-economic benefits
man gets from the watershed.
Having mentioned the foregoing, what then are the reasons
why the watershed is the most appropriate unit for planning and management for
sustainable development? Please consider
the following reasons: (1) Watersheds
have a fixed physical boundary as a functional ecological landscape. They contain the key principles, criteria and
indicators for sustainable forest management; (2) Watersheds, a defined
landscapes, makes assessment of chosen sustainable forest management strategies
for the watershed ecosystem can easily be accomplished; (3) Watersheds allow
for a holistic approach sustainable forest management where social,
institutional, economic, production and ecological factors have direct
influence and impact; and, (4) Water is an excellent monitoring mechanism since
it is the best index for sustainable forest management. If a watershed is managed well to quality
water, it is most likely managed properly in other ways.
Often, watersheds are taken for granted. Water and water bodies are very important to
preserve biodiversity in an ecosystem.
Watersheds are important parts of the ecosystem. Therefore, equally important is the Watershed
Approach.
Just my little thoughts…
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