The reading of the course materials and watching of supplementary vides on natural resource management reveals that human wellbeing is dependent upon improved management of natural resources. While the human race has made tremendous progress through exploitation of the natural environment, they have not handled the management of the physical environment well. Watching the video on human quest reveals that while the world has tremendous diversity in biodiversity, people have not been conscious of their impact on the ecosystem. Nonetheless, the present generation is continuously becoming aware of sustainable ways of exploiting the natural environment. In the video The Human Quest (Tierragrande Films, 2012) the present generation is touted as the first generation to have the knowledge of the impact that human enterprise has on the earth’s ecosystems. This awareness is apparent everywhere, with the formation of agencies and non-governmental agencies tasked with promoting sustainable ways of exploiting the environment.
It is apparent therefore that the present way of doing things cannot continue much into the future without risking serious lash back from nature. However, the current momentum towards sustainable and restorative use of the environment promises a brighter future in sustainable use of the environment. Gretchen & Pamela explain how administrations around the world are recognizing ecosystems as real assets. In this respect, governments are promoting the adoption of sustainable use of the environment. Towards this goal, it is paramount that relevant information is available to the required stakeholders. Further, policy interventions are crucial in codifying the environmental conservation efforts intended in to law. While legislation and information are apt ways of stimulating change, it is important to provide incentive for the proposed change in environmental management. In the developing world for instance, low-income households hold the most ecologically sensitive land. Payment for ecosystem services, (PES) is a revolutionary market based approach used in land management. Effective use of (PES) in developing countries could encourage land stewards towards environmentally sustainable use of their parcels. While the situation is presently grim, there is hope for the future, with increase in technology and an influx in environmental conservation initiatives.
References
Alcamo, J., Ash, N. J., Butler, C. D., & al, J. B. (2003). Ecosystems and Human Well.,being: A Framework for Assessment. London; Washington; Covelo : ISLAND PRESS.
Daily, G. C., & Matson, P. A. (2008). Ecosystem services: From theory to implementation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105(28) 9455-9456.
Milder, J. C., Scherr, S. J., & Bracer, C. (2010). Trends and Future Potential of Payment for Ecosystem Services to Alleviate Rural Poverty in Developing Countries. Ecology and Society, 15(4) online.
Tierragrande films (2012). The Human Quest – Johan Rockstrom & Mattias Klum [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWGssA0qAc8
