Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Delivering ecosystem services from rangelands represents a unique challenge. While social, ecological and economic complexity and diversity often lend stability to rangeland systems, the broad array of services, users and connections makes the process of identifying what services to manage for, which management practices are most effective and how to deliver them challenging. In addition, lag times between management changes and responses, climatic variability and changes in demand can further complicate decision-making. We propose a structured process that includes: (1) inventory of existing conditions; (2) identification of relevant scenarios; (3) stakeholder involvement; and (4) monitoring for verification based on the unique nature of rangelands as complex socio-ecological systems. Our objectives are to improve the quality of management planning and implementation by land managers, better inform the policies and programs that assist managers and to enhance the credibility of delivery systems. The goal of this approach is to improve sustainability by expanding the mix of ecosystem services rangelands can deliver and stabilizing income to support people who depend on rangelands.
Authors: Joel R. Brown, Neil D. MacLeod, Simone Maynard
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2608914734