Ecosystem-based Planning
(From the Fraser Headwaters
Proposed Conservation Plan,
Silva Forest Foundation, 2001)
Ecosystem-based planning is based upon the principle
that economies are subsets of human cultures and societies, which in
turn are subsets of ecosystems. Human societies are dependent upon the
natural diversity and integrity of the ecosystems of which they are
a part. Therefore, if our activities protect the functioning of ecosystems,
we will protect human cultures, and if we protect human cultures, we
will protect and sustain our economies.
An ecosystem-based approach protects ecosystem functioning at all spatial
scales through time as the first priority, and then seeks to sustain,
within ecological limits, a diversity of human uses across the landscape.
In other words, an ecosystem-based approach focuses first on what to
leave and then on what can be taken without damage to ecosystem functioning.
A detailed explanation of Silva’s ecosystem-based methodology can
be found here.
The Silva Forest Foundation has completed three ecosystem-based plans
in the Fraser Headwaters bioregion. See the links to the right for more
information on each of these three planning processes.
The proposed Fraser Headwaters Conservation Plan is the first
significant attempt at a conservation area design for the Fraser
Headwaters, and improved drafts will follow. Extensive
critiquing from local communities and a peer review has
occured. There is strong feeling from FHA members and other
conservationists in the region that a larger portion of the
study area needs to be recommended for full protection. For
example, the Walker Creek watershed, which has very high
biodiversity values and is almost entirely intact, is a primary
candidate.
|
|
The Plans:
Fraser
Headwaters Proposed Conservation Plan
Horsey Creek Watershed Plan
Raush River Watershed Plan
|
