ID: 55476
Title: Managing the landscape for Wetlands, biodiversity and agriculture in Lithuania
Author: Ruta Vaiciunaite
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agrochemicals, drainage, ecotourism, national agri-environment programme
Abstract: Wetlands across Lithuania are particularly important for their high biodiversity value, especially small wetlands which enhance the mosaic character of the landscape. Historically wetlands have been heavily impacted upon and destroyed by poor agricultural practices, such as drainage and excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides. However the current concern regarding the loss of biodiversity in wetlands is due to a lack of agricultural activity. Traditional mowing and grazing practices in wet areas encourages rare species of waders and other protected meadow birds, but the changing economic environment has led to land abandonment, resulting in overgrown bushes and tall grasses which are not suitable for rare bird populations.
These wetland problems are now addressed by the National Agri-environment Programme in Lithuania. The Rusne Island pilot area for the NAEP was selected due to the established level of sustainable farming activities in the area, initiated by the Lithuanian Fund for Nature. The island is both nationally and internationally important for migratory and breeding bird species which have been threatened by land abandonment and other deleterious practices. The rehabilitation project aims to manage abandoned grasslands and breeding habitats, encourage environmentally sound agricultural practices and promote environmental and ecotourism education. Farmers who participate in the project have access to machinery and high quality silage production. An increase in biodiversity and landscape values has been recorded, including restored meadow habitats, an increase in plant diversity and the successful hatching of breeding meadow birds. Promotional and educational initiatives have also been effective in raising awareness and enthusiasm among local people.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55475
Title: Catalysing the wise use of wetlands in the South African agricultural industry
Author: David Lindley
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: community participation, land management, Mondi wetlands project, rehabilitation
Abstract: South Africa has a wide diversity of wetlands, however around 50% have been destroyed through poor land management practices including unsustainable agriculture and industrial development. Prior to the 1990s landowners and government services knew very little about wetlands or why they were so important and the draining of wetlands was actively supported. Irrigation consumes over 60% of South Africa ' s limited fresh water supply, yet around 18 million people lack sanitation leading to an estimated 50,000 deaths per year from infection. These factors have lead to the development of new Water Act which focuses on river baisn and water resource management.
The Mondi Wetlands Project (MWP) has been instrumental in changing government policy and general opinion regarding wetlands. The project ahs pioneered the conservation of wetlands outside protected areas and has moved wetland conservation from a side issue to one of the most significant environmental issues in South Africa. The project has developed a variety of programmes such as wise use, training, community conservation initiatives, rehabilitation, lobbying, policy influencing and public awareness raising; over 30,300 ha of wetlands have been assessed, many degraded wetlands rehabilitated and hundreds of wetland managers and extension officers have been trained. As a result of MWP ' s catalytic work, the government has now initiated a Working for Wetlands partnership to rehabilitate degrated wetlands in South Africa. The partnership employs previously unemployed people from nearby historically diadvantaged rural communities to undertake the rehabilitation.
The holistic approach of the MWP and the promotion of wise use, which includes people in the wetland ecosystem rather than traditional hands-off preservation approach, have been the key to sustainable wetland development across the country.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55474
Title: Conflicts and integration between wetlands and agriculture in Asia
Author: Oi May Chew
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: China, drainage, Indonesia, North Selangor, oil palm, overgrazing, peatswamp forest, Tarim rive basin, Wetland conversion
Abstract: Conversion for agricultural use and poor management of water resources are the main causes of wetland degradation across Asia, creating heavy conflicts between agriculture, and wetlands for water resources. The construction of 68 dams and expansion of agricultural land in the Tarim River catchment area, in Western China have dramatically altered the flow regime within the basin; only 25% of the water entering the mainstream reaches the lower basin and the 62% decline in Euphrates Poplar woodlands in the middle to lower basin has caused severe desertification. In Indonesia, approximately 2.5 million ha of peat swamp forest has been converted to oil palm estates and the 75,000 ha North Selangor peat swamp forest in Penninsular Malaysia has been severely degraded by burning, drainage and clearance related to agricultural activities. These activities pose a serious threat to the diverse fauna and flora of these ecosystems, as well as their hydrological values and functions.
Although strong conflict still occurs between agriculture and wetlands across Asia, Asian countries are starting to recognise the importance of wetlands as a dependable water source for production, for the livelihoods of the local people, for flood mitigation and for soil erosion control. In the Tarim Basin a lack of integrated river basin management planning has had extreme nagative impacts, but within two years of establishing basin level committees to developing water saving techniques and restore natural vegetation, a 100 km increase in the mainstream water flow has been achieved and flow in some of the dry tributaries has been restored.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55473
Title: Sustainable utilisation of lake Chiwa wetland: A challenge for environmental management
Author: Daimon Kambewa
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: equitable utilisation, community participation, Malawi, sustainable use
Abstract: Studies on Lake Chilwa wetland in Malawi have shown in diversity, value and the richness both locally, nationally and internationally. Fishing is the most common activity directly supporting over 6,000 fishermen. The wetland also directly supports over one million people through agricultural activities and rice production is most predominant. Internationally, the wetland supports ove 350, 000 birds of which most are migratory.
In 1997, the Malawi government listed the Lake Chilwa wetland under the Ramsar Convention due to its importance for waterfowl species. In fulfilment of the Ramsar obligation, a management plan was prepared and the surrounding districts have produced District Environmental Action Plans to consolidate the implementation of the management plan. Findings from the plan development studies have shown that sustainable utilisation of the Lake Chilwa Wetland is challenged by human population, poverty and limited knowledge about better production methods. Generally, agricultural production is on the increase, fish reproduction success is not secured, bird trapping is on the increase and water resources are not protected and monitored.
The issue at hand is how to ensure full participation of local people and service providers to utilise the wetland in such a way that it continues to perform its ecological functions. It is proposed to put in place interventions that ensure efficient and equitable utilisation of the wetland by the community members when cultivating the wetland. Additional conservation measures will including protecting the river mouth to enable fish reproduction, establishing bird sanctuaries and monitor the condition of the wetland and its resources.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55472
Title: Wetland cultivation : Reconciling the conflicting needs of the rural poor and society at large through wise wetland use
Author: Donovan Kotze and Vhangani Silima
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Best management practices, conflict resolution, Cyperus latifolius, land use, local communities, Mondi wetlands project, South Africa, wise use
Abstract: Poverty is still widespread in South Africa ' s rural areas. Given that many wetlands have potentially high agricultural productivity, it is recognised that wetland cultivation can make a valuable contribution towards food security, particularly during periods of drought. At the same time, however, wetland cultivation may have severe impacts on catchment water quality and biodiversity. The study presents a brief overview of the situation in South Africa and provides recommendations relating to policy and strategy development, co-operative governance, institution building and livelihood strategies. Although little recent development of wetlands by large-scale, commercial farmers has occurred, the extensive and uncontrolled development of wetlands by small-scale farmers is still taking place in South Africa. Government departments have largely ignored this problem and have done little to encourage Best Management Practices (BMPs) or promote alternative land-use options (e.g., craft production from indigenous wetland plants). The impacts of small-scale cultivation are potentially much lower than large-scale cultivation provided that BMPs (many of which exist in indigenous cultivation practices) are followed. These include growing crops tolerant of waterlogging (e.g., taro), cultivating by hand and restricting the use of fertilisers and biocides. However, certain wetland areas are generally considered unsuitable for any form of cultivation, such as wetlands with high erosion hazards, peatlands and wetlands in catchments where the cumulative impacts on wetlands are already high. Here , alternative land -uses must be pursued. A case-study is presented where income generating options from the abundantly growing sedge, CYperus latifolius, have been developed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55471
Title: Interest groups, local knowledge and community management of wetland agriculture in South-West Ethiopia
Author: Afework Hailu Adrian Wood and Alan Dixon
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Community management, indigenous knowledge, interest groups, multiple use, sustainable use, wetland agriculture
Abstract: In Western Ethiopia, the sustainability of wetland agriculture is being threatened by increasing food insecurity, market penetration and population pressure. Drainage of entire wetlands and intensive cultivation have impacted negatively upon wetland hydrology and biodiversity and the livelihood of several groups of people, while providing an improved livelihood for a small group of middle income farmers. However, communities in western Ethiopia have developed over the decades a body of local knowledge about wetlands which includes a series of practices that can contribute towards wetland management. Such strategies for sustainable wetland use are characterised by mixed use of wetlands, where agriculture exists alongside other land uses, such as sedges for thatching, medicinal plants and craft materials. Water sources are also protected by less intensive wetland use. Such mixed land use regimes mean that a wide range of the community members can maintain a long term livelihood from the different wetland uses. It is critical that methods for promoting and empowering indigenous multiple-use management systems are identified and incorporated into national policy as this is the most effective way of achieving the sustainable use of wetlands and of meeting the livelihood needs of a large range of beneficiaries.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55470
Title: Wetlands, agriculture and water resource management: The need for an integrated approach
Author: Brij Gopal
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agroecosystems, agriculture policy, biodiversity, man-made wetlands, sustainability, water policy
Abstract: Agriculture, which laid the foundation of human civilisation, has been closely linked with wetlands since its very beginning in riparian habitats. Around the world, agriculture has increasingly been expanded at the expense of wetlands and large areas of wetlands, which have been converted into paddy fields or drained for agriculture. Today, intensive agricultural systems depend upon the heavy input of water and agrochemicals, which directly and indirectly cause degradation and loss of natural wetlands. Although it must be conceded that numerous tanks and ponds, in regions with prolonged dry periods, constructed for storing water primarily for agriculture have turned into valuable wetland habitats, human made and managed wetlands, including paddy fields and intensive aquaculture systems are no substitute for natural wetlands as they differ greatly in their functions and values.
The sustainability of wetlands and agriculture are interlinked with that of the water resources. Whereas agriculture is becoming increasingly dependent upon irrigation, wetlands are driven by hydrological systems whose very existence, including their biodiversity, depends on their specific hydrological regimes. The agroecosystems often depend also upon wetlands for crop pollinators, frost protection and for predators of crop pests, besides for water. Therefore, an integrated, balanced and coordinated approach is required for the management of water resources. National policies on agriculture, water and wetlands must be integrated into a single balanced, holistic policy to resolve the conflicts between different stakeholders.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55469
Title: Wetlands, water resources and agricultural productivity: An important synergy for biodiversity conservation
Author: Teddy Tindamanyire
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Benefits, biodiversity, conservation, ecosystems, productivity, synergy, wetlands, water resources
Abstract: Wetland ecosystems in Uganda cover about 13% of land surface area and constitute an important natural resource, whose contribution to the country ' s economy is paramount. Wetlands offer a range of hydrological and ecological benefits to the entire life support systems and rural communities livelihoods depend on them.
They store water for the rain fed dependent agricultural country and for centuries have maintained the water tables and high agricultural productivity especially those based on traditional systems. Wetlands harbour an enormous stock and diversity of flora and fauna whose economic potential is still under-utilised.
Participatory research has revealed that; a three-year fallow period, the maintenance of a core wetland, and partial conversion based on traditional knowledge, provide long term environmentally, socially and economically sustainable use of wetlands synergies.
The remaining challenge is still the harmonisation of the needs of a rapidly growing population, and the co-existence of biodiversity in an optimally agricultural productive system that is dependent on wetland water resources. This calls for further research in appraoches that will enhance the synergies between the wetland water resources utilisation, biodiversity conservation and agricultural productivity.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55468
Title: An overview of irrigated rice agro-ecosystems in Asia as man-made wetlands sustaining a rice biodiversity
Author: Channa N B Bambaradeniya
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agroecosystems, biodiversity, man-made wetlands, rice fields
Abstract: At present, approximately 150 million hectares of land around the world is devoted to rice cultivation, with Asia accounting for 90% of this area. Irrigated rice field can be scientifically defined as ' agronomically managed temporary wetlnad ecosystem ' . They are temporary and seasonal aquatic habitats, managed with a variable degree of intensity. The ecolgoy of rice fields is domianted by rapid physical, chemical and biological changes. Surveys on biodiversity associated with traditionally - farmed rice field agro-ecosystems in Asia have clearly shown that this man-made ecosystem can sustain a rich biodiversity. In general, organisms inhabiting the rice fied ecosystem can be considered as opportunistic biota, which are able to react physiologically and behaviourally to the drastic conditions in these temporary wetlands. The fauna is dominated by micro, meso and macro invertebrates inhabiting the vegetation, water and soil sub-habitats of the rice fields and the rice field flora consists of microphytes and macrophytes. The biodiversity of rice fields is subjected to temporal variation during a single crop cycle, while it also exhibits spatial variation, in relation to variations in agronomic practices, and biogeographic and climatic features.
Although traditional rice cultivation has been carried out in a sustainable manner over many millennia, there is growing evidence that modern rice cultivation, dependent upon machinery and chemical inputs and short term rice varieties, has disrupted the balance of these efficient trophic linkages and hence poses a threat to the future sustainability of this unique ecosystem. An increase in rice production to address food security over the coming decades should not be achieved at the expense of future generations and should fulfill the concept of sustainability.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55467
Title: The use of wetlands for small-scale agricultural production in Swaziland
Author: Emmanuel J Mwendera
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agricultural production, household income, irrigation, wetland systems, wetland management
Abstract: There are three types of wetlands in Swaziland namely, riverine, lacustrine and palustrine systems. The riverine and palustrine systems provide important grazing resources and are used for crop production by smallholder farmers. Growing of subsistence crops on individual basis in some of the wetlands of Swaziland is an old practice, however organised commercial cropping of wetlands by smallholder farmers is a recent development in the use of wetlands. It has been observed that smallholder farmers who organise themselves into groups or cooperatives are able to use wetland resources for some degree of commercial agriculture without undermining the ecological balance of these ecosystems. The main threats to crop production in wetland areas of Swaziland include crop damage by livestock and limited water during dry periods. These threats can be overcome by fencing in crop areas and installing irrigation and water supply infrastructure to ensure sufficient supplies of water for year round cropping. The study shows that those farmers who form cohesive garden groups are more successful in their utilisation of wetlands for agriculture than those that continue to use the wetlands on an individual basis.
The sustainable use of wetlands for agriculture can be enhanced by ensuring that the farmers receive expert advise on how best they can expand their agricultural production with minimum damage to the wetland resources and by ensuring that there are adequate legal and policy instruments guiding the use of wetlands for agricultural purposes in the country. Most of the existing national policies and laws are biased towards conservation and protection. However, the local bylaws engraved in the Swazi culture and customs provide a basis for effective legal and institutional frameworks for promoting the sustainable use of wetlands for agriculture. Thus, strengthening the existing local byelaws can go a long way towards achieving this goal.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55466
Title: Agriculture and water management for crops
Author: Nico Van Leeuwen
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Food security, sub-saharan Africa, water, wetlands
Abstract: It is anticipated that the world population by the year 2030 will have increased by 30 percent. To provide sufficient food, an expansion of the cultivated area as well as an increase of the yields are required. Efforts by the International Community to significantly reduce the number of hungry people are increasingly complicated by the limited amount of fresh water available for agriculture. In addition to the introduction of more efficient irrigation methods, alternative solutions to improve the water availability to crops should be explored and developed.
Wetland ecosystems, in particular in developing countries, are an important resource to increase agricultural production because of the availability of water and the fertile soils. However, wetlands are generally more fragile than other ecosystems and when mis-used they can be permanently destroyed. Wetlands are in many places traditionally used for a variety of purposes including the collection of forest products and medicinal plants, as grazing land, for fisheries and cultural activities. When considering expansion of agricultural use of wetlands, water management modalities need to be adapted to the particular needs of each wetland. The economic evaluation of wetland development projects should include the impact on all traditional practices.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55465
Title: Earth systems engineering and management in a multicultural world
Author: Braden R Allenby
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Earth systems engineering, earth systems management, multiculturalism, global climate change, industrial ecology
Abstract: As a result of economic, technological, cultural and demographic evolution, the dynamics of many of the important natural systems and cycles are increasingly affected by human activities. This will not be a passing situation, but reflects a new relationship between one species, humanity, and the planet. While the need to ethically and rationally respond to these new conditions has called forth the concept of "earth systems engineering and management ", it is apparent that the appropriate knowledge, methods, institutions and cultural patterns are still nascent at best. In particular, the situation requires that attention be paid to communications and dialog, lest less powerful cultural voices not be heard.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55464
Title: Urban metabolism as an industrial ecology tool for sutainable development of human settlements - A viewpoint
Author: Kanduri Krrishnamohan
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Human settlements, cities, industrial ecology, urban metabolism, materials and energy flow
Abstract: In the process of evolving economically and socially, human settlements (cities) use energy and resources and emit wastes, into the surrounding ecosystem. Increased urban migration, economic activity and high per capita consumption rates result in increased flows of energy and materials into and from human settlements. The environmental impacts are mainly due to human settlements not being able to manage the growth of inputs of energy and materials and subsequent outputs. Currently, in human settlements the flow of energy and resources (from natural ecosystem) is generally ' linear ' or one-way. This results in significant environmental problems such as resource depletion and waste accumualtion. In this paper it is suggested that the environmental impact of human settlements could be mitigated by the application of industrial ecology (IE) which hitherto has been applied to industrial systems. The paper also discusses the usefulness of ' urban metabolism ' as a tool to support the industrial ecology application to human settllements.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55463
Title: Economic development, Environment and Eco-Industrial networking
Author: Michael Von Hauff
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Eco-industrial networking, economic development, economic growth, Endogenous Growth Theory, Environemental Policy, Environmental protection, Government Policy, Industrial Ecology, Industrial pollution prevention
Abstract: In many developing countries, the development process underlies the paradigm "grow first-clean up later". This has caused a deepening environmental crisis, undermining the basis for economic growth and resulting in barriers for development. Nevertheless, theory as well as empirical research show that economic growth and environemental protection do not necessarily contradict each other. Latest findings based on endogenous growth theory lead to the conclusion that environmental protection may actually stimulate economic growth. One possible strategy to reach this goal is "eco-industrial networking". It is concerned both with encouraging cleaner production through the increased use of cleaner technology and with improving in-plant and inter-plant materials cycles and waste management. The present study aims to provide theoretical and empirical proof of the positive relationship that exists between economic development, environment and eco-industrial networking.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55462
Title: Information and public health: A case study on lead use
Author: Tatiana Georgievna Fedorova
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Lead, heavy metal, industrial ecology, risk factors, information, Russia
Abstract: The main aim of Industrial Ecology (IE) is to maintain an adequate balance between industrial development and the safety of antural and human populations. An important element of IE requiring explicit study, therefore, is the critical role of information development, both in the manufacturing process, and more broadly throughout society. In this case study, we investigate these issues with regard to lead (Pb), a well-known polytropous industrial pollutant, in Russia. There exists a structure in Russia to supervise industrial processes using lead. However, this study suggests that a major unrecognized problem is a lack of available information about lead and its effects on the environment and human body for the population and policy-makers. Hygienic and medico-sociological methods were used for testing the environment in a factory producing small electric accumulators and the soldering sections in two radio-electronic enterprises. The study revealed that the effectiveness of developing and diffusing relevant information regarding lead for industrial workers and among the general population is incomplete. The results further suggested that it is necessary to increase employer and population knowledge of environmental and safety issues, and to increase regional administation capabilities and public compliance with appropriate state standards. The importance of understanding information systems that underlay and support enviornmental and safety performance of industrial systems, especially in countries such as Russia with a heavy manufacturing base, is made clear in this case study, and suggests an important area of research for IE that, until now, may not have received the attention it derserved.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None