- Table View
- List View
Resource Management, Sustainable Development and Governance: Indian and International Perspectives (Sustainable Development Goals Series)
by Rajiv R. Thakur Baleshwar Thakur Srikumar Chattopadhyay Rajesh K. AbhayThis book examines the relationship between natural resource management, sustainable development, and governance with case studies from India and other places covering disaster risk reduction, conflict resolution, capacity building, climate change adaptation and resilience, citizen engagement and ecological conservation. Though the studies focus mostly on cases in India, the volume discusses how governance can be employed to help develop and implement sustainable practices globally through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Readers will learn how to integrate concepts of resource management, sustainable development, and governance to improve human resilience to global environmental change, and to assess the proper development approaches to assist economically stressed and resource-deprived individuals. The book will be of use to graduate students and academics, policy makers, planners, and nonprofits.
Resource Peripheries in the Global Economy: Networks, Scales, and Places of Extraction (Economic Geography)
by Felipe Irarrázaval Martín Arias-LoyolaThis book discusses the conditions that underpin configuration of specific places as resource peripheries and the consequences that such a socio-spatial formation involves for those places. The book thereby provides an interdisciplinary approach underpinned by economic geography, political ecology, resource geography, development studies and political geography. It also discusses the different technological, political and economic changes that make the ongoing production of resource peripheries a distinctive socio-spatial formation under the global economy. Through a global and interdisciplinary perspective that uncovers ongoing political processes, socio-economic changes and socio-ecological dynamics at resource peripheries, this book argues that it is critical to take a more profound appraisal about the socio-spatial processes behind the contemporary way in which capitalism is appropriating and transforming nature.
Resources & Environment in Asia's Marine Sector
by James B. MarshThis volume brings together a cross-section of marine experts who provide a comprehensive exploration of the major facets of Asia's marine sector. It considers both the marine mineral and fish stocks in Asian waters. This extensive volume examines "official" statistics with an objective eye and provides an overview of fish stock with much focus on the access and management of tuna. It considers global economic issues concerning fishing rights, looks at joint ventures between nations, and considers law enforcement efforts. The volume devotes a section to sea lanes and another to off shore mineral deposits. It also considers current and growing problems and possible solutions regarding pollution.
Resources, Financial Risk and the Dynamics of Growth: Systems and Global Society
by Roberto Pasqualino Aled Wynne JonesThis book presents a new System Dynamics model (the ERRE model), a novel stock and flow consistent global impact assessment model designed by the authors to address the financial risks emerging from the interaction between economic growth and environmental limits under the presence of shocks. Building on the World3-03 Limits to Growth model, the ERRE links the financial system with the energy, agriculture and climate systems through the real economy, by means of feedback loops, time lags and non-linear rationally bounded decision making. Prices and their interaction with growth, inflation and interest rates are assumed to be the main driver of economic failure while reaching planetary limits. The model allows for the stress-testing of fat tail extreme risk scenarios, such as climate shocks, energy transition, monetary policies and carbon taxes. Risks are addressed via scenario analyses, compared to real available data, and assessed in terms of the economic theory that lies behind. The book outlines the case for a government led system change within this decade, where the market alone cannot lead to sustainable prosperity. This book will be of great interest to scholars of climate change, behavioural, ecological and evolutionary economics, green finance, and sustainable development.
Resources, Production and Structural Dynamics
by Baranzini, Mauro L. and Rotondi, Claudia and Scazzieri, Roberto Mauro L. Baranzini Claudia Rotondi Roberto ScazzieriEconomists since the First Industrial Revolution have been interested in the links between economic growth and resources, often pointing to resource scarcities as a hindrance to growth. Offering a counter perspective, this volume highlights the positive role that scarcities can play in inducing technical progress and economic growth. It outlines a structural framework for the political economy of scarcity and rents, and offers a novel way of organizing the evidence concerning the role of resources in industrial growth. This book proposes a major shift in the treatment of scarcity issues by focusing on bottlenecks and opportunities arising within the production system, and will appeal to economists and policy makers interested in the role of resources as triggers of structural change.
Resources, Services and Risks
by Mathew Kurian Reza Ardakanian Linda Gonçalves Veiga Kristin MeyerThis book discusses the role of observatories in supportingevidence-based decision-making. The book focuses on issues of data accessibility,monitoring frameworks and governance processes with regard to environmentalresources - water, soil and waste. This publication highlights challenges related to policy-implementationmeasures and examines current monitoring approaches, and illustrates how theUNU-FLORES Nexus Observatory seeks to overcome concerns related to data,monitoring and governance of water, soil and waste resources. In particular,given that extreme weather events such as droughts and floods are predicted tobecome more frequent in the future, it discusses the need for improved hazardrisk monitoring. It proposes risk indices for drought and floods, which measureexposure and vulnerability to the phenomena through a multitude ofbio-physical, socio-economic and institutional indicators. Furthermore, thepotential for using openly accessible data made available through observatoriesin decision-making aimed at improving food security is also discussed. It acknowledgesgovernments as key players in environmental resource management, and recognizesthat decentralization reforms, as well as the emergence of information andcommunication technologies, have significantly changed the role of governmentsin promoting sustainable development. The book is particularlyrelevant for decision-makers, donor agencies, practitioners and students withan interest in environmental management who are also keen followers ofdiscussions on the post-2015 monitoring agenda.
Respect for Nature: A Theory of Environmental Ethics (Studies in Moral, Political, and Legal Philosophy #51)
by Paul W. TaylorWhat rational justification is there for conceiving of all living things as possessing inherent worth? In Respect for Nature, Paul Taylor draws on biology, moral philosophy, and environmental science to defend a biocentric environmental ethic in which all life has value. Without making claims for the moral rights of plants and animals, he offers a reasoned alternative to the prevailing anthropocentric view--that the natural environment and its wildlife are valued only as objects for human use or enjoyment. Respect for Nature provides both a full account of the biological conditions for life--human or otherwise--and a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between human beings and the whole of nature. This classic book remains a valuable resource for philosophers, biologists, and environmentalists alike--along with all those who care about the future of life on Earth. A new foreword by Dale Jamieson looks at how the original 1986 edition of Respect for Nature has shaped the study of environmental ethics, and shows why the work remains relevant to debates today.
Respecting Our World (Making a Difference)
by Sue BarracloughDiscover how to make a difference to the planet by reusing things, reducing garbage, recycling materials, and respecting our world. Find out how you can play an active part, from taking your garbage home, to saving water and energy.
Responding to Climate Change in Asian Cities: Governance for a more resilient urban future (Routledge Advances in Climate Change Research)
by Diane Archer Sarah Colenbrander David DodmanThe role of cities in addressing climate change is increasingly recognised in international arenas, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the New Urban Agenda. Asia is home to many of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts and, along with Africa, will be the site of most urban population growth over the coming decades. <P><P>Bringing together a range of city experiences, Responding to Climate Change in Asian Cities provides valuable insights into how cities can overcome some of the barriers to building climate resilience, including addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The chapters are centred on an overarching understanding that adaptive urban governance is necessary for climate resilience. This requires engaging with different actors to take into account their experiences, vulnerabilities and priorities; building knowledge, including collecting and using appropriate evidence; and understanding the institutions shaping interactions between actors, from the national to the local level. <P><P>The chapters draw on a mix of research methodologies, demonstrating the variety of approaches to understanding and building urban resilience that can be applied in urban settings. Bringing together a range of expert contributors, this book will be of great interest to scholars of urban studies, sustainability and environmental studies, development studies and Asian studies.
Responding to Crises in the African Great Lakes (Adelphi series)
by G. EvansExamines the international responses to the ethnic conflicts in Burundi and Rwanda from 1993-1997 and their overspill into Zaire. Concludes that the external reaction was impotent and incoherent, and urges a number of changes in response by the international community.
Responding to Environmental Issues through Adaptive Collaborative Management: From Forest Communities to Global Actors (The Earthscan Forest Library)
by Carol J. Pierce Colfer Ravi PrabhuFocused on forest management and governance, this book examines two decades of experience with Adaptive Collaborative Management (ACM), assessing both its uses and improvements needed to address global environmental issues. The volume argues that the activation and the empowerment of local peoples are critical to addressing current environmental challenges and that this must be enhanced by linking and extending such stewardship to global and national policymakers and actors on a broader scale. This can be achieved by employing ACM’s participatory approach, characterized by conscious efforts among stakeholders to communicate, collaborate, negotiate and seek out opportunities to learn collectively about the impacts of their action. The case studies presented here reflect decades of experience working with forest communities in three Indonesian Islands and four African countries. Researchers and practitioners who participated in CIFOR’s early ACM work had the rare opportunity to return to their research sites decades later to see what has happened. These authors reflect critically on their own experience and local site conditions to glean insights that guide us in more effectively addressing climate change and other forest-related challenges. They showcase how global and regional actors will have to work more closely with smallholders, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, recognizing the key local roles in forest stewardship. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars and practitioners working in the fields of conservation, forest management, community development, natural resource management and development studies more broadly.
ResponsAbility: Law and Governance for Living Well with the Earth
by Betsan Martin Linda Te Aho Maria Humphries-KilResponsAbility challenges conventional thinking about our governance and legal frameworks. The cross-currents of persisting, established worldviews, knowledge systems, institutions, law and forms of governance are now at odds with future-facing innovations designed to help societies transition to both low-carbon economies and social equity. This book explores the ways in which we can move to new governance and legal structures that more effectively reflect our changed relationship with the Earth in the Anthropocene. The book is written by a group of eminent scholars and leading experts from a diverse range of backgrounds, all of whom bring new knowledge and analysis from across oceanic and continental regions. Many are from the discipline of law, whilst others bring expertise on indigenous knowledge, climate, water, governance and philosophy to engage with law. Contributors include His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi, Head of State of Samoa, Judge Sir E. Taikakurei Durie, Dame Anne Salmond, Pierre Calame and Adrian Macey. A number of scenarios are presented throughout the book for the realignment of global and local law to institutionalise responsibility for social, environmental and earth-centered equity.
Response of Flood Events to Land Use and Climate Change
by Azadeh RameshThis book is an original and novel contribution to flood hazard assessment, climate change and land use change and is intended to serve both as an effective source of information and a valuable basis for priority setting and further technical, financial and political decisions regarding flood hazard assessment. The study area is located on the floodplain of the Ubaye River in the Barcelonnette area, part of the Alpes de Haute Provence in southeast France. The book offers a comparative overview of the major challenges faced when dealing with flood hazards. The research presented is intended to promote a deeper understanding of how climate change and land use change processes have evolved from past to present, and how they affect the flow regime of the Ubaye River based on sound and reproducible scientific arguments. The methodology implemented ranges from remote sensing interpretation to hydrodynamic modeling and includes the application of spatial and statistical modeling. The results of this research provide essential information for policymaking, decision-making support and flood hazard planning in the Barcelonnette area.
Responses of Fruit Trees to Global Climate Change
by Fernando Ramírez Jose KallarackalGlobal climate change is expected to produce increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, higher temperatures, aberrant precipitation patterns and a host of other climatic changes that would affect all life on this planet. This review article addresses the impact of climate change on fruit trees and the response of the trees to a changing environment. The response of fruit trees to increasing carbon dioxide levels, phenological changes occurring in the trees themselves due to increased temperature and the lower chilling hours especially in the temperate regions, ecophysiological adaptations of the trees to the changing climate, impact of aberrant precipitation, etc. are reviewed. There is very little data on the impact of rising CO2 levels on fruit tree performance or productivity including the temperate region. Based on a large number of observations on the phenology, there is reason to believe that the flowering and fruiting of most species have advanced by quite a few days, but with variations in different crops and on different continents. The chilling hours have also grown shorter in many regions, causing considerable reductions in yield for several species. In the tropics, there is very little work on fruit trees; however, the available data show that precipitation is a major factor regulating their phenology and yield. The ecophysiological adaptations vary from species to species, and there is a need to develop phenological models in order to estimate the impact of climate change on plant development in different regions of the world. More research is also called for to develop adaptation strategies to circumvent the negative impacts of climate change.
Responsibilities and Liabilities for Commercial Activity in the Arctic: The Example of Greenland (Routledge Research in International Environmental Law)
by Vibe Ulfbeck Anders Møllmann Bent Ole MortensenGiven the magnitude of the risks associated with commercial activities in the Arctic arising as a result of the milder climate, new business opportunities raise important questions of responsibility and liability. This book analyses the issues of responsibility and liability connected with the exploitation of natural resources, marine transport and other activities in the Arctic. Applying a combined private and public law perspective on these issues, it considers both the business and societal interests related to Arctic development using Greenland as an example. The book focuses on problems that are specific to Greenland and wider issues that affect all Arctic states.
Responsibility and Liability in the Context of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes by Sea
by Jan AlbersThe term "hazardous wastes" covers a wide range of disused products and production wastes generated not only in industrial sectors, but also in all areas of everyday life. Hazardous wastes are to a large extent shipped by sea to third countries for recycling or disposal. While the procedural requirements for such movements are laid out in the 1989 Basel Convention, explicit rules of responsibility and liability for resulting damages are neither provided by the Basel Convention nor by other international conventions. The Liability Protocol to the Basel Convention of 1999 has not yet entered into force. This book examines the existing rules of responsibility and liability applying to States and private persons and outlines the conditions under which liability may be incurred. Subsequently, the advantages and shortcomings of the 1999 Liability Protocol are analyzed. Although this Protocol faces substantial political headwind, from a legal perspective it includes principally useful and reasonable approaches and should therefore be ratified.
Responsibility in Environmental Governance: Unwrapping the Global Food Waste Dilemma (Environmental Politics and Theory)
by Tobias GumbertThis book provides a comprehensive study of the notion of responsibility in environmental governance. It starts with the observation that, although the rhetoric of responsibility is indeed all-pervasive in environmental and sustainability-related fields, decisive political action is still lacking. Governance architectures increasingly strive to hold different stakeholders responsible by installing accountability and transparency mechanisms to manage environmental problems, yet the structural background conditions affecting these issues continue to generate unevenly distributed, socially unjust, and ecologically devastating consequences. Responsibility in Environmental Governance develops the concept of responsibility as an analytical approach to map and understand these dynamics and to situate diverse meanings of responsibility within larger socio-political contexts. It applies this approach to the study of food waste governance, uncovering a narrow governance focus on accountability, optimization, and consumer behavior change strategies, opening up spaces for organizing more democratic solutions to a truly global problem.
Responsible Citizens and Sustainable Consumer Behavior: New Interpretive Frameworks (Routledge-SCORAI Studies in Sustainable Consumption)
by Pietro LanziniThere is broad consensus on the need to shift to a new paradigm of lifestyles and economic development, given the un-sustainability of current patterns. Given this, research on consumer behavior is to play a crucial role in shedding light on the motives underpinning the adoption of responsible behaviors. Stemming from a thorough discussion of existing approaches, this book argues that the perspective of analysis has to be modified. First, acknowledging that a profile of the responsible consumer does not exist since all of us can be more or less sustainable and environment-friendly: the sustainability of an individual should not be considered as given, being something dynamic that changes according to both subjective and contextual factors. Moreover, the book hypothesises that integrating dimensions and perspectives that have been so far overlooked by mainstream research will help deconstruct responsible behaviors adopting a flexible and holistic approach. Relevant policy implications are discussed, and empirical research on responsible behaviors is illustrated. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of consumer behavior, sustainable consumption, environmental psychology and environmental studies in general.
Responsible Consumption and Production (Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals)
by Walter Leal Filho Anabela Marisa Azul Luciana Brandli Pinar Gökçin Özuyar Tony WallThe problems related to the process of industrialisation such as biodiversity depletion, climate change and a worsening of health and living conditions, especially but not only in developing countries, intensify. Therefore, there is an increasing need to search for integrated solutions to make development more sustainable. The United Nations has acknowledged the problem and approved the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. On 1st January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Agenda officially came into force. These goals cover the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. The Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals comprehensively addresses the SDGs in an integrated way. It encompasses 17 volumes, each one devoted to one of the 17 SDGs. This volume addresses SDG 12, namely "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns" and contains the description of a range of terms, which allows a better understanding and fosters knowledge. Concretely, the defined targets are:Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countriesAchieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resourcesHalve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest lossesAchieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environmentSubstantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuseEncourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cyclePromote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities Ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and productionDevelop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and productsRationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communitiesEditorial BoardMedani P. Bhandari, Luciana Londero Brandli, Morgane M. C. Fritz, Ulla A. Saari, Leonardo L. Sta Romana
Responsible Tourism
by Ralf C Buckley Professor Richard W Butler Dallen J Timothy Anita Pleumarom David LeslieTourism is one of the world's biggest industries. Responsible tourism is concerned with the effects of tourism on people, ecology, and communities, and seeks to ameliorate these impacts by providing tourism which benefits host communities, improves working conditions, involves the local community, promotes cultural heritage, and benefits the environment. This book discusses responsible tourism as a whole, including the politics, policy and planning behind it, and major sub-topics such as poverty reduction, the environment, transport, governance, wildlife tours and heritage.
Responsible Tourism: Critical Issues for Conservation and Development
by Anna Spenceley�Responsible Tourism presents a wide variety of valuable lessons learned in responsible tourism initiatives in Southern Africa that many tourism practitioners can use in their efforts to make the tourism sector work for the poor and for the environment.� Dr Harsh Varma, Director, Development Assistance Department, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) �For those interested in how tourism can assist in the economic and social development of societies in need, Responsible Tourism effectively integrates scales and types of knowledge to present an informative, stimulating perspective. It will be on my bookshelf.� Steve McCool, Professor Emeritus, Wildland Recreation Management, University of Montana �Responsible tourism is one of the most significant contemporary issues for tourism scholars and practitioners alike. This useful and clearly written collection of new research demonstrates the innovations in responsible tourism occurring within southern Africa and provides lessons for international research and practice.� Professor Christian Rogerson, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa Conservation efforts are often seen to be in conflict with local livelihoods and resource use - the �park versus people� debate. �Responsible tourism� and �Ecotourism� are often invoked as a third way that serve both ends. Yet do they actually work in practice? This volume delves deep into practice in southern Africa, the hotbed of innovation on the issue, and provides a comprehensive, evidence-based examination of what works and what fails, using a wealth of information from scholars and practitioners working in the region. This book opens with an overview of the issues, looks at what sustainable and responsible tourism are in practice and how they may contribute to conservation, poverty alleviation and local economic development. Part 1 examines policies and institutional activities in responsible tourism by governments, donor agencies and nongovernmental organizations, and addresses the market for responsible travel. Part 2 considers responsible nature-based tourism, the economics of wildlife tourism and ecotourism, transfrontier conservation areas, ecological impacts of tourism and other issues. Part 3 looks at more detailed case studies of community-based tourism projects, and highlights the reasons for successes and failures in this sector. The book concludes with a synthesis of the key findings with implications for policy, destination planning, business management, and future private sector and donor interventions. Published with the Southern African Sustainable Use Specialist Group (SASUSG) of IUCN
The Responsible Traveller: A Practical Guide to Reducing Your Environmental and Social Impact, Embracing Sustainable Tourism and Travelling the World With a Conscience
by Karen EdwardsThe Responsible Traveller is your ticket to sustainable and ethical travel. This pocket-sized book provides the knowledge and tools that can help you to explore the world with a lighter footprint.Whether you travel out of curiosity, to find respite, to remind yourself of how vast and wonderful our planet is, or in search of life-shaping adventures, having the freedom to explore can be exhilarating and hugely rewarding. However we owe it to the people, cultures, ecosystems and wildlife that we encounter along the way to travel with respect; to preserve our beautiful world for generations to come.The Responsible Traveller will show you how to make actionable changes that result in more thoughtful and adventurous travels, while also doing our very best for Planet Earth. Through case studies and storytelling, you’ll learn about the environmental and social effects of tourism and gain a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivity. And through simple, achievable tips and practical lifestyle changes, you’ll discover how you can make an almighty difference in reducing your impact. Empowered with this information, perhaps your next adventure will be inspired by consideration, understanding and compassion.
The Responsible Traveller: A Practical Guide to Reducing Your Environmental and Social Impact, Embracing Sustainable Tourism and Travelling the World With a Conscience
by Karen EdwardsThe Responsible Traveller is your ticket to sustainable and ethical travel. This pocket-sized book provides the knowledge and tools that can help you to explore the world with a lighter footprint.Whether you travel out of curiosity, to find respite, to remind yourself of how vast and wonderful our planet is, or in search of life-shaping adventures, having the freedom to explore can be exhilarating and hugely rewarding. However we owe it to the people, cultures, ecosystems and wildlife that we encounter along the way to travel with respect; to preserve our beautiful world for generations to come.The Responsible Traveller will show you how to make actionable changes that result in more thoughtful and adventurous travels, while also doing our very best for Planet Earth. Through case studies and storytelling, you’ll learn about the environmental and social effects of tourism and gain a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivity. And through simple, achievable tips and practical lifestyle changes, you’ll discover how you can make an almighty difference in reducing your impact. Empowered with this information, perhaps your next adventure will be inspired by consideration, understanding and compassion.
Ressourceneffizienz und Nachhaltigkeit: Sechs Planspiele für die betriebliche Weiterbildung
by Kerstin Anstätt Frank Bertagnolli Mario SchmidtKlimaschutz und Ressourceneffizienz gehen häufig Hand in Hand. Mit Spiel und Spaß ressourceneffizientes Handeln fördern – das ist die Devise der Planspiele rund um das Thema Energie- und Materialeffizienz, die in diesem Buch vorgestellt werden. Die Planspiele schließen eine Lücke im betrieblichen Weiterbildungsangebot und bilden ein niederschwelliges Angebot, mit dem ressourceneffizientes Denken und Handeln spielerisch in Unternehmen eingeführt werden kann. Unternehmen aller Art können gleich auf mehrere Arten von den in den Spielen vermittelten Kenntnissen und Methoden profitieren: Durch Ressourceneffizienz-Maßnahmen werden sowohl deutliche Kosteneinsparungen erzielt als auch ein Beitrag zum Klimaschutz durch die Minderung von Treibhausgasemissionen geleistet. Dies wirkt sich nicht zuletzt positiv auf die Wettbewerbs- und die Innovationsfähigkeit aus. Darüber hinaus werden die Mitarbeiter intern mit einem attraktiven und kurzweiligen Schulungsangebot weiterqualifiziert. Die Interaktion im Spiel involviert die Mitarbeiter aktiv und motiviert sie, ihr Wissen produktiv einzubringen. Das Ergebnis sind neue Ideen für noch mehr Effizienz im Unternehmen und gleichzeitig für mehr Klimaschutz. In diesem Open Access-Buch werden sowohl das fachliche Hintergrundwissen für die in den Spielen vermittelten Methoden beschrieben als auch konkrete Anleitungen zur Durchführung der Spiele gegeben.
Restoration and Development of the Degraded Loess Plateau, China
by Norikazu Yamanaka Sheng Du Atsushi Tsunekawa Guobin LiuThis book presents state-of-the-art scientific evidence and technological innovations to restore lands on the Loess Plateau of China, known worldwide for its serious land degradation and desertification problems. Supported by a rapidly developing Chinese economy and the dissemination of effective technology, the Grain-for-Green Project and Western Development Action launched by the Chinese government have resulted in successful ecological restoration and protection over the past 30 years. These programs have contributed not only to conservation of soil and water, but also to economic development. At the same time, however, these developmental interventions have brought new challenges that have not yet been fully addressed. The book describes (1) case studies of success and failure in practice, including rare success stories of combating desertification; (2) technical issues such as erosion control and breeding of stress-tolerant plant species, and socioeconomic measures taken by the Chinese government and lending policies with support from the World Bank; and (3) comprehensive measures against desertification, such as water and wind erosion, salinization, and deforestation. This volume is recommended for researchers and students above the undergraduate level in diverse fields including soil science, rural engineering, social technology and civil engineering, biology, ecology, climatology, physical and human geography, and developmental economics, among others. It also serves as a valuable resource for engineers, government officials, and NPOs and NGOs involved in afforestation, ecological restoration, combating desertification, disaster prevention, and sustainable rural development.