Biosphere reserves in the tropics: an opportunity for integrating wise use and preservation of biotic resources
From their formulation a century ago, ideas on the conservation of natural resources rested on two strategies: (1) protection and (2) manipulation of natural systems. In the United States these two strategies became polarized, each evolving into a movement of its own with different management philosophies, implemented by different government agencies. I argue that tropical acountries cannot afford such a dual conservation strategy, because in the tropics human needs are more critical to the survival of people and natural resources, and because tropical countries lack sufficient financial resources to waste in needless duplication of effort. The biosphere reserve concept of the Man and the Biosphere Program offers the ideal framework to integrate conservation efforts in tropical countries. Experience with the Luquillo Experimental Forest Biosphere Reserve is reviewed to illustrate the dangers of extreme preservation ideas and confrontation tactics in tropical countries. Simultaneously, experience in Puerto Rico is reviewed to illustrate the responsiveness of tropical ecosystems to sound management practices. I call for a new conversation ethic for the tropics, and outline the elements of such an ethic.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Atlanta, Georgia (EUA)
1989
|
| Subjects: | RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA, PUERTO RICO, |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|