Ecologically Sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM) for National Development

Abstract

Ecologically sustainable development is the environmental component of sustainable development. It encompasses the concepts of sustainability, intergenerational equity and ecological integrity. Ecologically sustainable Natural Resource Management harmonizes land use planning, water management and biodiversity conservation. This paper examines the throughput of Natural Resource Management in all its ramifications ; Stakeholder analysis and participation, Management approaches (e.g. Integrated Natural Resource Management) as related to biodiversity conservation operating on the precautionary principle, Land management regarding fundamental ecological guidelines relating to
landscape, disturbance, species and time. The paper then gives a number of recommendations for uplifting the practice of Natural Resource Management for a better quality environment; boosting food security built on the pillars of availability, access and use, Agroforestry, sustainable fisheries, mixed farming and polyculture (sustainable agriculture). It also recommends improved sustainable vegetation resources through bioregional policy or legislation on forests as well as creation of reserves and national parks. On sustainable mining it urges judicious utilization only with little damage to the environment while avoiding accidents and minimizing hazards. It suggests wildlife conservation methods that uphold the standards for effective maintenance of game reserves and national parks while banning poaching and illegal trade on endangered species, as stipulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).