Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
financially self-sustaining. In the second case, the species has no major livelihood
value, and so the economic costs to hunters of ceasing to harvest it are minimal. But
there are many more systems in which the approach to take is not nearly so obvious.
Box 6.9
Hypothetical examples of management plan development for
conservation problems.
Case 1. A commercially harvested fruit
System:
Commercially harvested high-value fruits of a plant with high resilience
to exploitation but within a National Park. Major source of livelihoods to local
people.
Issues:
Park authority perceives a population decline, but the cause is unclear.
Harvesters dispute that they are the cause. Authority also feels that presence of
people in the Park is detrimental to the ecosystem. Users feel they are safeguarding
the Park from outsiders.
Solution:
Co-management of resource by community and Park Authority, requir-
ing a change in legal (though not traditional) use rights. Community undertakes
to monitor resource levels and control use. Stakeholders develop a set of access rules
to safeguard the rest of the ecosystem from detrimental effects, and to monitor
incursions by others.
Implementation:
Collect data and develop an understanding of system dynamics,
with harvester participation. Use this to develop an agreed quota-setting
system. Cost-benefit analysis to ensure financial viability, particularly taking
monitoring costs into account. Monitor progress and continue consultation to
ensure adaptation.
Assumptions:
Monitoring is practicable, and robust enough to detect trends and
set a meaningful quota. Management and monitoring costs are low enough for
new system to be profitable. Park authorities are prepared to devolve power and
responsibility to local harvesters. Institutional structure is robust to changes in
circumstances. External threats are containable. Cause of decline is correctly
identified and addressed in the plan. Genuine adaptive management takes place.
All stakeholders are committed to success.
Case 2. A recreationally hunted bird
System:
Endangered species of little-known ground-dwelling bird, narrow range
endemic. Opportunistic harvest for meat and recreation in the course of hunting
other species, no commercial market.
Issues:
Concern of conservationists that this offtake is driving species to extinc-
tion. Little local awareness of the issue. Popularity of recreational hunting.
Solution:
An enforced harvest ban on this species, with other activities unaffected.
Increased public awareness of the issue and cultural pride in their local species.
Engaging local and international people in monitoring and research.
