Ecological integrity and the management of ecosystems

Date

1993

Authors

Woodley, S.
Kay, J.
Francis, G.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

St. Lucie Press

Abstract

A characterization of ecosystems is sketched which reflects different perspectives adopted by ecological experts, and refer to the features which characterize the self-organization of ecosystems. Then the particular set of human values associated with maintaining or enhancing these features of ecosystems is noted, in part by contrasting them with other sets of cultural values that guide human activities vis-a-vis nature. Cultural integrity is defined as human capability individually and through institutions to complement the integrity of a modified natural ecosystem in an overall context that is inevitably turbulent, socially and ecologically. At the conclusion there is a sketch of a general image of an ecosystem in a state of integrity.

Description

220 p

Keywords

ecosystems, ecological impact, environmental management, ecosystem management, human impact, habitat

Citation