Evaluating and Monitoring the Health of Large-Scale Ecosystems

Evaluating and Monitoring the Health of Large-Scale Ecosystems

Author: David J. Rapport

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-06-29

Total Pages: 444

ISBN-13: 3642794645

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Ecosystem health offers a fresh perspective on the management of natural resources and the environment. While some of the root concepts can surely be traced back to Aldo Leopold and even earlier, it is only in the recent decade that a substantial body of work has emerged on this topic. There is no question that a novel approach which is by its nature cross disciplinary, bridging the health and biological sciences, will initially raise a number of questions particularly pertaining to the use of metaphors and the validity of the analogy. This volume however goes beyond merely the philosophical dimensions of the subject by covering a number of case studies which have given rise to the development of promising quantitative methods for diagnosis and rehabilitation of ecosystems under stress. The focus of most studies is on regional ecosystems i.e. ecosystems of large scale. As such, the methods and approaches should have wide appeal to government agencies charged with the responsibility of sustainable development of regional ecosystems and natural resources. Health is one of those difficult concepts that everyone thinks they can define, until they come to try. We all have personal knowledge about health and illness and this makes the ecosystem analogy so potentially powerful. Yet it is also clear that the uncritical application of the concept could lead to overly simplistic approaches to analysis and management of ecosystem health.


Book Synopsis Evaluating and Monitoring the Health of Large-Scale Ecosystems by : David J. Rapport

Download or read book Evaluating and Monitoring the Health of Large-Scale Ecosystems written by David J. Rapport and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 444 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecosystem health offers a fresh perspective on the management of natural resources and the environment. While some of the root concepts can surely be traced back to Aldo Leopold and even earlier, it is only in the recent decade that a substantial body of work has emerged on this topic. There is no question that a novel approach which is by its nature cross disciplinary, bridging the health and biological sciences, will initially raise a number of questions particularly pertaining to the use of metaphors and the validity of the analogy. This volume however goes beyond merely the philosophical dimensions of the subject by covering a number of case studies which have given rise to the development of promising quantitative methods for diagnosis and rehabilitation of ecosystems under stress. The focus of most studies is on regional ecosystems i.e. ecosystems of large scale. As such, the methods and approaches should have wide appeal to government agencies charged with the responsibility of sustainable development of regional ecosystems and natural resources. Health is one of those difficult concepts that everyone thinks they can define, until they come to try. We all have personal knowledge about health and illness and this makes the ecosystem analogy so potentially powerful. Yet it is also clear that the uncritical application of the concept could lead to overly simplistic approaches to analysis and management of ecosystem health.

Ecosystem Health

Ecosystem Health

Author: D. J. Rapport

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-06-01

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1444313460

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Ecosystem Health presents information to help the environmental sciences community further understand the relationships between ecosystem health and human health. By exploring preventative, diagnostic and prognostic aspects of ecosystem management and using case-study examples, the book takes the reader from theory to practice in this emerging integrative science.


Book Synopsis Ecosystem Health by : D. J. Rapport

Download or read book Ecosystem Health written by D. J. Rapport and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-06-01 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecosystem Health presents information to help the environmental sciences community further understand the relationships between ecosystem health and human health. By exploring preventative, diagnostic and prognostic aspects of ecosystem management and using case-study examples, the book takes the reader from theory to practice in this emerging integrative science.

Status and Future of Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean

Status and Future of Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean

Author: Ezekiel Okemwa

Publisher: IUCN

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13: 9782831702551

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This report signals a new approach to ocean monitoring and management that lays a solid base using the principles of ecology and sustainable development while transcending traditional geopolitical and disciplinary divisions. LMEs are relatively large regions, often including the territorial waters of more than one nation, thus making coordination of monitoring and management highly desirable.


Book Synopsis Status and Future of Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean by : Ezekiel Okemwa

Download or read book Status and Future of Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean written by Ezekiel Okemwa and published by IUCN. This book was released on 1995 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report signals a new approach to ocean monitoring and management that lays a solid base using the principles of ecology and sustainable development while transcending traditional geopolitical and disciplinary divisions. LMEs are relatively large regions, often including the territorial waters of more than one nation, thus making coordination of monitoring and management highly desirable.

The Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem

The Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem

Author: J.M. McGlade

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2002-08-15

Total Pages: 429

ISBN-13: 008053273X

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The Gulf of Guinea volume is part of a series on the Large Marine Ecosystems. This volume combines the latest research on the Gulf of Guinea from scientists working primarily in the region and from Europe. It covers the dynamics of the oceanic and coastal waters of the region, the major biological resources, pollution in the marine environment and the socio-economics and governance of marine fisheries. A significant number of new data sets, including some which have been repatriated from outside the region, are now made available through this publication. The combination of the various chapters underlines the interlinkages that exist between the interannual and seasonal dynamical behaviour of the oceanic offshore waters and the living marine resources along the coast, and the direct effect they have on the livelihoods of the populations living throughout the Gulf of Guinea. The volume is intended for those who have a general interest in the region as well as those who work professionally in the field. It will also be of immense value to resource managers and policy-makers as a demonstration project on how research can help solve the pressing problems of economic and food security in coastal regions.


Book Synopsis The Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem by : J.M. McGlade

Download or read book The Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem written by J.M. McGlade and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2002-08-15 with total page 429 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Gulf of Guinea volume is part of a series on the Large Marine Ecosystems. This volume combines the latest research on the Gulf of Guinea from scientists working primarily in the region and from Europe. It covers the dynamics of the oceanic and coastal waters of the region, the major biological resources, pollution in the marine environment and the socio-economics and governance of marine fisheries. A significant number of new data sets, including some which have been repatriated from outside the region, are now made available through this publication. The combination of the various chapters underlines the interlinkages that exist between the interannual and seasonal dynamical behaviour of the oceanic offshore waters and the living marine resources along the coast, and the direct effect they have on the livelihoods of the populations living throughout the Gulf of Guinea. The volume is intended for those who have a general interest in the region as well as those who work professionally in the field. It will also be of immense value to resource managers and policy-makers as a demonstration project on how research can help solve the pressing problems of economic and food security in coastal regions.

Ecological Moral Character

Ecological Moral Character

Author: Nancy M. Rourke

Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Published: 2024

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 1647124034

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"This book of metaethics focuses on Catholic virtue theory. To create an ecological model through which we can imagine the human moral character, the book integrates concepts of ecology with Aquinas' vision of moral character. The book describes the dynamics of a moral character in terms of the processes and functions that take place in an ecosystem. The virtues parallel species and other aspects of ecosystems, and other participants, such as the passions, the will, and the intellect, are also described in terms of this model. The book is a creative project with a solid and documented scholarly foundation. It aims to begin a conversation about a rarely discussed aspect of virtue ethics. The images we use to think about moral character are powerful. They inform our understandings of the moral virtues and the ways in which moral character develops. The book asks readers to choose deliberately the models we use to imagine moral character and offers this ecological virtue model as a good example for our own time"--


Book Synopsis Ecological Moral Character by : Nancy M. Rourke

Download or read book Ecological Moral Character written by Nancy M. Rourke and published by Georgetown University Press. This book was released on 2024 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book of metaethics focuses on Catholic virtue theory. To create an ecological model through which we can imagine the human moral character, the book integrates concepts of ecology with Aquinas' vision of moral character. The book describes the dynamics of a moral character in terms of the processes and functions that take place in an ecosystem. The virtues parallel species and other aspects of ecosystems, and other participants, such as the passions, the will, and the intellect, are also described in terms of this model. The book is a creative project with a solid and documented scholarly foundation. It aims to begin a conversation about a rarely discussed aspect of virtue ethics. The images we use to think about moral character are powerful. They inform our understandings of the moral virtues and the ways in which moral character develops. The book asks readers to choose deliberately the models we use to imagine moral character and offers this ecological virtue model as a good example for our own time"--

Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean

Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean

Author: Kenneth Sherman

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-06-01

Total Pages: 418

ISBN-13: 1444313436

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In this volume marine experts from countries of East Africa and southern Asia describe the conditions of marine resources of the large marine ecosystems of the Indian Ocean. Countries of the region represent over a quarter of the world's population, most of whom are existing at or below the poverty level. The potentials for economic growth through the development of coastal tourism, mariculture, fisheries, mineral extraction, and oil and gas production are examined by the authors in relation to the need for ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources. Case studies of resource assessments presented by several authors illustrate the magnitude of risk from continuing degradation of resources under the prevailing unmanaged conditions extending over much of coastal areas of East Africa and southern Asia. The authors explore the application of multidisciplinary ecosystem-based assessment and management strategies to the future economic development of the large marine ecosystems of the region. With the initiation of science-based management practcies, the ecosystems of the area can provide an important source of economic growth, improved food security, and nutritional benefits to the populations of stakeholders in coastal areas bordering the Indian Ocean


Book Synopsis Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean by : Kenneth Sherman

Download or read book Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean written by Kenneth Sherman and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-06-01 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this volume marine experts from countries of East Africa and southern Asia describe the conditions of marine resources of the large marine ecosystems of the Indian Ocean. Countries of the region represent over a quarter of the world's population, most of whom are existing at or below the poverty level. The potentials for economic growth through the development of coastal tourism, mariculture, fisheries, mineral extraction, and oil and gas production are examined by the authors in relation to the need for ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources. Case studies of resource assessments presented by several authors illustrate the magnitude of risk from continuing degradation of resources under the prevailing unmanaged conditions extending over much of coastal areas of East Africa and southern Asia. The authors explore the application of multidisciplinary ecosystem-based assessment and management strategies to the future economic development of the large marine ecosystems of the region. With the initiation of science-based management practcies, the ecosystems of the area can provide an important source of economic growth, improved food security, and nutritional benefits to the populations of stakeholders in coastal areas bordering the Indian Ocean

Engineering Within Ecological Constraints

Engineering Within Ecological Constraints

Author: National Academy of Engineering

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1996-04-22

Total Pages: 222

ISBN-13: 0309051983

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Engineering within Ecological Constraints presents a rare dialogue between engineers and environmental scientists as they consider the many technical as well as social and legal challenges of ecologically sensitive engineering. The volume looks at the concepts of scale, resilience, and chaos as they apply to the points where the ecological life support system of nature interacts with the technological life support system created by humankind. Among the questions addressed are: What are the implications of differences between ecological and engineering concepts of efficiency and stability? How can engineering solutions to immediate problems be made compatible with long-term ecological concerns? How can we transfer ecological principles to economic systems? The book also includes important case studies on such topics as water management in southern Florida and California and oil exploration in rain forests. From its conceptual discussions to the practical experience reflected in case studies, this volume will be important to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, educators, and students in the fields of engineering, environmental science, and environmental policy.


Book Synopsis Engineering Within Ecological Constraints by : National Academy of Engineering

Download or read book Engineering Within Ecological Constraints written by National Academy of Engineering and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1996-04-22 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Engineering within Ecological Constraints presents a rare dialogue between engineers and environmental scientists as they consider the many technical as well as social and legal challenges of ecologically sensitive engineering. The volume looks at the concepts of scale, resilience, and chaos as they apply to the points where the ecological life support system of nature interacts with the technological life support system created by humankind. Among the questions addressed are: What are the implications of differences between ecological and engineering concepts of efficiency and stability? How can engineering solutions to immediate problems be made compatible with long-term ecological concerns? How can we transfer ecological principles to economic systems? The book also includes important case studies on such topics as water management in southern Florida and California and oil exploration in rain forests. From its conceptual discussions to the practical experience reflected in case studies, this volume will be important to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, educators, and students in the fields of engineering, environmental science, and environmental policy.

Monitoring Ecological Condition at Regional Scales

Monitoring Ecological Condition at Regional Scales

Author: Shabeg S. Sandhu

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 593

ISBN-13: 9401149763

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The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program was created by EPA to develop the capability for tracking the changing conditions of our natural resources and to give environmental policy the advantages ofa sound scientific understanding of trends. Former EPA Administrators recognized early that contemporary monitoring programs could not even quantify simple unknowns like the number of lakes suffering from acid rain, let along determine if national control policies were benefiting these lakes. Today, adding to acidification impacts are truly complex problems such as determining the effects of climate change, of increases in ultraviolet light, toxic chemicals, eutrophication and critical habitat loss. Also today, the Government Performance and Results Act seeks to have agencies develop performance standards based on results rather than simply on levels of programmatic activities. The charge to EMAP of ecosystems is, therefore, the same today as it was a with respect to measuring the condition decade ago. We welcome the increasing urgency for sound scientific monitoring methods and data by efforts to protect and improve the environment. Systematic nationwide monitoring of natural resources is more than anyone program can accomplish, however. In an era of declining budgets, it is crucial that monitoring programs at all levels of government coordinate and share environmental data. EMAP resources are dwarfed by the more than $500 million spent on federal monitoring activities each year.


Book Synopsis Monitoring Ecological Condition at Regional Scales by : Shabeg S. Sandhu

Download or read book Monitoring Ecological Condition at Regional Scales written by Shabeg S. Sandhu and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 593 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program was created by EPA to develop the capability for tracking the changing conditions of our natural resources and to give environmental policy the advantages ofa sound scientific understanding of trends. Former EPA Administrators recognized early that contemporary monitoring programs could not even quantify simple unknowns like the number of lakes suffering from acid rain, let along determine if national control policies were benefiting these lakes. Today, adding to acidification impacts are truly complex problems such as determining the effects of climate change, of increases in ultraviolet light, toxic chemicals, eutrophication and critical habitat loss. Also today, the Government Performance and Results Act seeks to have agencies develop performance standards based on results rather than simply on levels of programmatic activities. The charge to EMAP of ecosystems is, therefore, the same today as it was a with respect to measuring the condition decade ago. We welcome the increasing urgency for sound scientific monitoring methods and data by efforts to protect and improve the environment. Systematic nationwide monitoring of natural resources is more than anyone program can accomplish, however. In an era of declining budgets, it is crucial that monitoring programs at all levels of government coordinate and share environmental data. EMAP resources are dwarfed by the more than $500 million spent on federal monitoring activities each year.

Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability 8/10

Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability 8/10

Author: Ray C. Anderson

Publisher: Berkshire Publishing Group

Published: 2012-11-01

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 1933782730

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The Americas and Oceania: Assessing Sustainability provides extensive coverage of sustainability practices in two regions linked culturally and historically by their relative isolation before the Columbian exchange, by their colonization after it, and by the challenges of pollution, resource overuse, and environmental degradation. Regional experts and international scholars focus on environmental history in areas such as the South Pacific islands, now particularly threatened by rising ocean levels due to climate change, and on countries whose governments and corporations can play a major role in promoting or discouraging sustainable choices: Brazil, an emergent power on the world stage; the United States, the world's third most populous nation; and New Zealand, seemingly on its way to becoming an enviable model of sustainable development.


Book Synopsis Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability 8/10 by : Ray C. Anderson

Download or read book Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability 8/10 written by Ray C. Anderson and published by Berkshire Publishing Group. This book was released on 2012-11-01 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Americas and Oceania: Assessing Sustainability provides extensive coverage of sustainability practices in two regions linked culturally and historically by their relative isolation before the Columbian exchange, by their colonization after it, and by the challenges of pollution, resource overuse, and environmental degradation. Regional experts and international scholars focus on environmental history in areas such as the South Pacific islands, now particularly threatened by rising ocean levels due to climate change, and on countries whose governments and corporations can play a major role in promoting or discouraging sustainable choices: Brazil, an emergent power on the world stage; the United States, the world's third most populous nation; and New Zealand, seemingly on its way to becoming an enviable model of sustainable development.

Managing for Healthy Ecosystems

Managing for Healthy Ecosystems

Author: David J. Rapport

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2002-10-29

Total Pages: 1548

ISBN-13: 1420032135

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One of the critical issues of our time is the dwindling capacity of the planet to provide life support for a large and growing human population. Based on a symposium on ecosystem health, Managing for Healthy Ecosystems identifies key issues that must be resolved if there is to be progress in this complex area, such as: Evolving methods f


Book Synopsis Managing for Healthy Ecosystems by : David J. Rapport

Download or read book Managing for Healthy Ecosystems written by David J. Rapport and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2002-10-29 with total page 1548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the critical issues of our time is the dwindling capacity of the planet to provide life support for a large and growing human population. Based on a symposium on ecosystem health, Managing for Healthy Ecosystems identifies key issues that must be resolved if there is to be progress in this complex area, such as: Evolving methods f