Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10.7
The waffl e gardens of the Zuni were remarkably effective in capturing rainwater, and protecting plants from
winds and animals. Lessons from traditional societies can be applied to restoration efforts. These waffl e gardens would be well
suited for nurseries growing native plants for restoration work. (Photograph by Jesse Nussbaum, 1911. Courtesy Denver
Public Library, Western History Collection.)
maximize output. A no-loss guarantee, provided by a
participating NGO or government programme, can
encourage participation and experimentation with
restoration activities.
I would suggest a new approach to the development
and implementation of solutions that includes local,
long-term research and validation. This approach
would engage local communities in transdisciplinary
systems analysis, research, demonstration and exten-
sion needed for successful restoration. The most impor-
tant groups involved in solving the problems of dryland
desertifi cation are the local communities. Yet they are
often a weak link, hampered by poverty, lack of respect
by outsiders for their wisdom and internal power rela-
tionships that limit their ability to voice their concerns.
Encouraging local farmers and ranchers to participate
can help offset the narrow goals of special interest
groups and their economic and political dominance.
While much has been learned about the function-
ing of some dryland ecosystems in the last 80 years,
much remains unknown. Long-term transdisciplinary
research is needed to better understand the challenges
we face and the opportunities for improving mana-
gement practices and restoring arid lands. Diverse
stakeholders need to be collectively engaged in design-
ing and delivering strategies that simultaneously
address the challenges of meeting goals for rural
liveli-
hoods
, food security and environmental
sustaina-
bility
(Scherr & Rhodes 2006). Restoration research
and implementation teams can provide insight about
the ecosystem and the current and historic national
and international economic incentives and cultural
pressures that determine land management practices
(Figure 10.7). A system-oriented approach to restora-
tion that incorporates socio-economic goals as well as
environmental goals is much more likely to succeed
than a more traditional eco-technical solution. It is
also more likely to get local community buy-in and
support. This type of project cannot be fast or short-
lived because it takes time to build trust and to research,
test and demonstrate solutions. Costs may be much
lower than those of many traditional aid programmes,
but long-term commitment for the communities and
the researchers is essential.
Developing effective restoration programmes will
require demonstrating solutions at the fi eld, farm and
watershed levels before promoting their widespread
use (Leigh 2005). Demonstration is the ultimate test
of practice and understanding and is the best way to
encourage land managers, volunteers, companies and
organizations to become actively involved. Land man-
agers can be very skeptical, and only after they see,
