The moist tropical forest: Its conversion and protection

Summary Though strong concern over the rapid conversion of moist tropical forests may justifiably arise from any discipline, a growing interdisciplinary tide of voices is expressing its alarm over a particularly disturbing consequence of forest alteration and destruction: the reduction of species diversity through the extinction of numerous plant and animal species. Consequently, an array of ecologists land-use planners, botanists, zoologists and conservationsts are searching for means to enhance the protection and preservation of tropical forests' biotic diversity. Management schemes aimed at achieving this particular end are being investigated, particularly by UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Project 8 of Biosphere Reserves Projects, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) tropical forests conservation program (UNEP, 1980) and by the World Wildlife Fund. In addition, many countries with a significant area of moist tropical forest (MTF) are beginning to pursue some form of conservation strategy. Currently Robert T. Perry is a full-time teacher of biology at a private school for a cademically gifted students in the Brooklyn area. In addition he has designed and is teaching courses in environmental chemistry and ethology to advanced high-schoolers. He is also an adjunct instructor for the City College of the City University of New York, where he is teaching graduate students in the Environmental Studies Programme. He graduated in Environmental Conservation from Cornell University, and has a Masters Degree in Environmental Biology from City University, New York.     

The first world conservation lecture

Summary This, The First World Conservation Lecture, was presented at the Royal Institution, London, UK, on 12 March 1981. The Lecture celebrated the 20th anniversary of the World Wildlife Fund, and the first anniversary of the World Conservation Strategy. The Lecture was organized by the World Wildlife Fund, UK.Published with the kind permission of the World Wildlife Fund, UK.Edward Max Nicholson, CB, CVO, Commandeur (Netherlands), Order of the Golden Ark, holds honorary doctorates from the University of Aberdeen, and The Royal College of Art London. He was educated at the University of Oxford, and was a member of the University's expeditions to Greenland (1928) and to British Guiana (1929). He was General Secretary (until 1940), later Chairman of PEP (Political and Economic Planning): now Vice-President of its successor body, the Policy Studies Institute. From 1945 to 1952 he was Secretary of the Office of the Lord President of the Council, then Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He was member of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy from 1948–1964. In 1952 he was leader of the joint UN/FAO Development Team in Baluchistan. Charter Member from 1949, and Director-General (1952–1966) of the Nature Conservancy, London, UK. From 1963 to 1974 he was Convenor of the Conservation Section of the International Council of Scientific Unions' International Biological Programme. President of the IUCN Technical Meeting in Edinburgh in 1956, concerned with rehabilitation of areas biologically devastated by human disturbance, and relation of ecology to landscape planning. Member, Panel on Landscape Action Program, The White House Conference (USA) on Natural Beauty (1965). Secretary, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's Study Conference on The Countryside in 1970 (1963 and 1965). Council and Board Member of IIED. Godman-Salvin Medallist British Ornithologist Unions. Phillips Medallist and Member of Honour IUCN, Geoffroy St. Hilaire Gold Medal, Société Nationale de Protection de Nature de France, Premio Europeo Cortina-Ulisse (1971), Europa Preis für Landespflege (1972), Hon Member of World Wildlife Fund, Chairman Ecological Parks Trust, President RSPB, 1980. Principal Consultant and Chairman of Land Use Consultants Ltd (London) since 1966. Author of many books,Birds and Men (1951);Britain's Nature Reserves (1958),The System (1967);The Environmental Revolution (1970).     

Responding to the World Conservation Strategy

Summary The nature, achievements and shortcomings of the World Conservation Strategy (WCS) are reviewed. In particular, the National Conservation Strategies (NCS) prepared in response to WCS are discussed, and the differences between developed and less developed countries are noted in this respect. Special attention is paid to the UK follow-up. It is concluded that more emphasis must be placed on popularizing WCS and on acquiring a more balanced appreciation of conservation.Dr Paul Selman is lecturer in Environmental Management at the University of Stirling. He holds qualifications in environmental science and town planning from East Anglia, Heriot-Watt and Stirling Universities, and has worked as a local authority planner as well as in higher education. He has published extensively on the interface between planning and ecology.     

National programs to protect genetic diversity — The US example

Summary A country which truly wishes to preserve the full range of genetic diversity with which it has been endowed must look beyond large biosphere reserves. It must inventory and protect individual species and habitat types in smaller preserves as well. The United States provides an example of a country which has a legacy of preserves. Much of the land that would be necessary for an effective preserve system has already been acquired, but basic information and coordination among agencies is lacking.Dr Francis Roy Thibodeau graduated in Environmental Sciences from Boston College. He later took his Masters in Urban, Social and Environmental Policy, and his Doctorate in Ecology and Environmental Policy, both degrees from Tufts University. His research interests are in the field of relationship between ecology and land use, especially as they influence the preservation of genetic diversity.     

Implementation of a national conservation strategy: The case of Australia

Summary The World Conservation Strategy called upon all governments to produce their own national conservation strategies. Many countries responded to this, although their degree of determination has varied considerably. One of the most exemplary responses was the National Conservation Strategy for Australia (NCSA). The production and endorsement of the NCSA, and of its subsequent progress, are reviewed. Attention is then turned to the actual and potential roles of Commonwealth Government, State and Territory Governments, and other governmental and non-governmental organisations in implementing the Strategy. It is noted that various bodies have endorsed the NCSA, whilst some state governments and the Australian Forestry Council have produced their own strategies. These responses are considered further, but it is found that they appear only rarely to chart precise courses of action. More typically, they comprise broad statements of intent: if real progress is to be made, more attention must be given to the production of detailed, tactical documents. These must be expressed with sufficient precision to permit effective measurement and monitoring.Dr. Paul Selman has recently returned to the UK after having completed a short period at the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies at the Australian National University, Canberra. He is currently a lecturer in Environmental Management in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Stirling. This paper was first submitted early in 1987.     

Integrators: An outcome of environmental education

Summary People working in the environmental field may refer to themselves as environmentalists, but this does not indicate how they approach their work. The term environmental integrator has been used to describe people who are specialists with breadth, in comparison to generalists with no speciality. The training of integrators involves the integration of knowledge with the teaching of problem solving and ways of dealing with people and complex organisations. A recent evaluation of the Master of Environmental Science programme at Monash University, which has an interdisciplinary focus, provided an opportunity to see if the training of environmental integrators was feasible. A questionnaire survey of graduates, and interviews with a sample of their employers, indicated that the majority of graduates worked as integrators, and valued the broad perspectives and integrative team work opportunities gained through the programme. While it is difficult to define and measure the qualities of integrators, it is apparent that the Monash programme contributed to the training of such people, and that other tertiary programmes could do likewise.Dr Ian G. Thomas graduated as a Civil Engineer and worked with a State government authority and consultants in traffic and transportation, before moving into the area of environmental assessment at State government level. The environmental area was the focus of his position at Monash University where he undertook his PhD and the research into the Monash course. Since 1990, Ian has been lecturing in the BSocSc (Socio-Environmental Assessment and Policy) course at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology where he is researching energy conservation and education, environmental policies for tertiary institutions, and environmental education in the Department of Planning, Policy and Landscape.     

The fiscal pit and the federalist pendulum: Explaining differences between US States in protecting health and the environment

Summary The US federal government has deliberately shifted a great deal of responsibility for protecting public health and the environment to the 50 US States. Some States are able and willing to assume control, but many others cannot or will not. It is argued that the American federal government should be prepared to intervene in those States that do not place health and environment on their agenda.Dr. Michael Greenberg is Professor of the School of Urban and Regional Policy at Rutgers as well as being an Advisory Board member to this journal. Prof. Frank Popper chairs the Department of Urban Studies and Community Health at Rutgers University. He has written extensively about land use issues and the American Great Plains. Bernadette West is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy Development, Rutgers University. Her thesis concerns scientific and political issues in developing cancer research centers.     

Environmental planning at the local level: The example of local conservation strategies in Victoria,Australia

Summary While there is a burgeoning literature on national approaches to environmental policy and programmes, much less interest thus far has been shown in the role of local government. However, the State of Victoria in Australia, in the period 1988–1990, took a world lead in encouraging local municipalities to formulate Local Conservation Strategies (LCSs) with a high level of citizen input. The paper places this programme initiative in context and reports on the results of consultations and workshops with local Municipal Conservation Officers who have been in the front line in terms of developing and implementing LCSs in that State. In particular, the paper explores the process of LCS formulation and highlights some of the benefits and problems with the programme so far.Dr David Mercer is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at Monash University, Melbourne. His major research interest is Australian environmental policy. Dr Meg Keen's research interests are in environmental education and management.     

In defence of the inuit world-saving a way of life

Summary The author describes how the philosophies of the World Conservation Strategy are particularly applicable to the Inuit, or Eskimo, peoples of the Arctic. A trans-national conservation strategy has been established to safeguard the culture, livelihood and interest of these people. The requirements and structure of this strategy are briefly outlined.Finn Lynge was born in Greenland in 1933. He was initially trained as a priest, but subsequently became Director of Radio Greenland, until 1979, when he became Member of the European Parliament until Greenland's withdrawal from the EEC in 1985. After a few years as co-ordinator of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference Environmental Commission (ICCEC) he has now become Consultant in Greenlandic Affairs for the Danish Foreign Office. He has published two books;Bulldozer track, on Greenland's cultural policies, andBird, Seal and Human Soul, on Greenlandic folklore.     

A future for the forest of dean

Summary This article outlines the historical background of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and the Acts of Parliament which have affected its landscape character. Problems relating to the present situation are discussed. These include rights of access, common rights, sales of public land, intrusion of industry, open cast mining and tourism. The suggestion is put forward that there should be a new Act of Parliament establishing a Dean Forest Authority which would be an autonomous estate management body with an executive committee drawn from the many interests in the district. The Forestry Commission, which is at present responsible for management, with its main concern that of commercial tree growing, is not considered to be sufficiently sympathetic to local needs. The author originally intended reading for a Forestry degree at Oxford, but eventually took a degree in Botany at that University (1957). For some time he was Biology teacher at King Edward VI's School, Norwich, and Head of Science at the Blyth School, Norwich. Since establishing the Centre for Environmental Studies for the Gloucestershire Education Authority in the Forest of Dean in 1969 he has become closely involved with a number of conservation organisations in Gloucestershire. He was for a time chairman of the Dean branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the North Dean Reserves Committee of the Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation. Besides writing the occasional paper on field studies and local history he writes a ‘Conservation Piece’ monthly for the local papers. He has been an outspoken critic on a number of local issues on radio, television and in local inquiries.     

Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
The Roots of Change: Human Behaviour and Agricultural Evolution in Mali Brent M. Simpson Intermediate Technology Publications, London
The Political Economy of Water Pricing Reforms Edited by Ariel Dinar The World Bank, Oxford University Press
Environmental Policy Analysis with Limited Information: Principles and Applications of the Transfer Method William H. Desvousges, F. Reed Johnson, H. Spencer Banzhaf Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK.
Partnerships for Protection: New Strategies for Planning and Management for Protected Areas Edited by Sue Stolton and Nigel Dudley Earthscan Publications, Ltd., London, UK
The Economics of International Environmental Agreements Edited by Amitrajeet A. Batabyal Ashgate, Aldershot, England     

The deep-ocean option for the disposal of sewage sludge

Summary Present methods of disposal of high-bulk low-toxicity wastes, such as sewage sludge, into shallow marine environments are beginning to be questioned by many environmentalists. The alternative options generally considered all have environmental costs. A novel approach of discharging such wastes as slurries into the deep ocean at depths of 4,000 m close to the abyssal sea bed is considered. Such disposal would fulfil all the criteria required by the Oslo Convention before dumping at sea can be permitted, in that it isolates the waste from Man's ambit and offers no threat to present or foreseeable uses of the ocean. It also seems to fulfil the criteria of the World Conservation Strategy, so long as the oxygen levels in the deep waters of the ocean are not reduced excessively. The improvements in the quality of coastal seas would offset the doubling in the economic cost of disposal.Dr Martin V. Angel is the Head of the Biological Oceanography Group at the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory. He serves on the Council of the WWF, UK and is a member of its Conservation Review Group. He is also a member of the IUCN Commission of Ecology, with particular interests in conservation of oceans and Antarctica. His professional expertise is in the ecology of deep-living pelagic organisms in the oceans but he is also an editor of a research journal,Progress in Oceanography and an external examiner for the Open University.     

Education on environmental law

Summary The current views on whether environmental law is a subject of study at the Universities is discussed in this paper. The author traces the development of environmental law, and maintains that legal science is one, and that it has been grounded into branches for teaching and research purposes. A case for the teaching of environmental law at the universities is made. A teaching programme is suggested which brings out the relationships of environmental law with ecology, social science, economics, management science, technology and other branches of legal science.Born in Argentina, with a Doctor of Law from the University of Buenos Aires. Has held professorships in Water and Mining Laws, Agrarian and Mining Law, Natural Resources Law, in several universities in Argentina. He was a visiting professor in the period 1967–71, at Delft Technological Institute, The Netherlands.From 1969–70, he was Secretary of State for Water Resources of Argentina, and in 1970, Vice-Chairman of the UN Committee on Natural Resources. Consultant on Environmental Law for FAO in 1970. He is at present (1980–82) President of the International Water Resources Association.He has been a member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Policy, Law and Administration since 1978, is President of the Inter American Commission on Environmental Law and Administration, and Regional Governor (Latin America) of the International Council on Environmental Law.In 1978 he was awarded the Elizabeth Haub Prix on Environmental law.He is author of several books and papers on environmental, natural resources and water laws. These include Code on Natural Resources (Province of Corrientes Argentina, 1980) and co-author of Code on the Renewable Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Colombia, 1974.     

Cancer atlases: Uses and limitations

Summary Atlases of cancer mortality have recently appeared in many nations. This paper cautions environmental professionals against using them to draw cause-and-effect conclusions because of limitations of the map as a conveyor of information, and limitations of the data used in cancer atlases. Appropriate uses include, finding clues for detailed epidemiological and environmental research, places with poor data, regions requiring special equipment and personnel, and as tools for persuading the public to be less fatalistic about cancer and more supportive of public health protection and education programs.Dr Michael Greenberg is both Professor of the School of Urban and Regional Policy, and Acting Director of the Graduate Program in Public Health, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry and Rutgers University.     

Federalism and environmental politics: An Australian overview

Summary This overview paper examines past Australian conservation controversies and experiences to identify prospective means of ameliorating environmental conflict in the future. Since all community disputes should be resolved by means of political and administrative actions, emphasis is placed on federalism and intergovernmental relations, and measures are suggested which might improve environmental policy and practices in the future.Dr Bruce W. Davis is currently Head of the Department of Political Science, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and member of the Council of the University of Tasmania. He possesses qualifications and professional experience in engineering, economics and administration. He has numerous publications within the fields of public sector planning and natural resources management, and acts in an advisory and consulting capacity to State and Federal agencies involved in national parks administration, heritage conservation and land-use planning.In addition to University commitments, Dr Davis holds the following appointments: Commissioner, Australian Heritage Commission; Member, Australian National Commission for UNESCO, Man and Biosphere Program; Trustee, World Wildlife Fund Australia; Councillor, Australian Conservation Foundation; and Consultant to IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.     

Reckless denudation of forest wealth in India

Summary It has been shown in recent surveys, that in India there is an upward trend in the area of open forest, which has grown from 10.06 million ha to 26.32 million ha in a few years. But the closed forests of India have registered a fall from 36.02 million ha to around 33 million ha. The latter fact is both significant and disturbing. It proves that in spite of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, the process of degeneration of forests, in India, constantly continues. It is obvious that a part of the open forests must have come from closed forests due to the reckless denudation of forests, carried out in the name of development. A massive afforestation/reforestation programme is desired to achieve the target of one third of the geographical area of the country to be under forest cover for proper ecological balance. India has to develop a sound National Forest Policy to meet the requirements of the country, to produce industrial wood, for forest based industries, defence, communication and other public purposes, and small timbers fuel wood and fodder for the rural community. In this context the decision taken by the Control Board of Forestry in December, 1987, is quite encouraging. It was resolved that the extraction of wood from the forests would be stopped and the country's need for timber and fuelwood would be met by importing wood and by means of farm forestry. The reconstitution of the National Wasteland Development Board and the planting target of 5 million ha p.a. are other positive steps in this direction. Extensive research is needed for a better and new approach to social and commercial forestry.Dr Om Prasad, the senior author, is a biologist in the Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad. He is responsible for developing a number of Environmental Biology Courses at graduate and post-graduate level. Besides being actively engaged in research on the adverse toxilogical effects of a number of commonly used food additives, he supports environmental protection activities including the provision of guidance to the Students Nature Club which is affiliated to WWF-India.Dr Pawan Kumar, after teaching for seven years in the Department of Forestry at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Bihar, recently joined the Department of Environment of the Government of India where he is in charge of a number of environmental projects. Dr O.N. Pandey is a specialist in Forestry teaching at Birsa Agricultural University, India.     

Issues in environmental management for sustainable development in nigeria

Summary In Nigeria, an increased level of consciousness is observable with regard to the complex relationship that exists between development and the quality of the environment. However, there remains much to be done by way of actually developing the mechanism and legislative backing for reconciling environmental imperatives with developmental goals. Nigeria, like many other developing countries, is beset with such environmental problems as desertification, deterioration of urban physical quality, land degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, and flooding. It has been established that these problems emanate mainly from human activities created in the quest to achieve a higher level of development. The implication is that sufficient precautions have not been taken to balance development objectives against the need to maintain desirable environmental quality.The policy responses that have so far resulted from these problems include: the establishment of a Federal Ministry which is charged solely with the responsibility for environment related issues, the institution of a War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign with environmental sanitation as one of its key components, the initiation and sponsorship of national conferences on issues related to the environment, the establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, and the launching of a National Policy on the Environment.While it can be conceded that a start has been made towards the attainment of sustainable development, Nigeria presently needs the necessary technical, administrative and legislative back-up for more effective integration of environmental concems with national and local development policies.Dr Layi Egunjobi is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.     

A process for quantifiable evaluation of environment improvement

Summary The assessment of adverse effects of development projects is well established, as, for example, in the case of quarrying or a new urban road scheme. Environmental Improvement, on the other hand, is generally seen as a by-product of economic or development schemes. In the UK it is recognised as an important factor in attracting private sector investment, yet in project evaluation environmental improvements are often described in general terms but not quantified.Survey methods for establishing people's preferences are well established. Enhancement of the environment can be measured as a ratio by assessing the environment before and after improvement. This method has been applied in an evaluation of four case studies assessing the impact of Urban Development Grants in South Wales (Alden et al., 1987).Dr S M Romaya is an architect who possesses a planning qualification. His environmental interests relate particularly to urban centres and these form the focus of his research and many publications. In addition to conducting an architectural practice and being involved in consultancy, much of his working life has been spent in academic institutions; as an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering Technology, Baghdad; at Nottingham University; and now as a lecturer in Urban Design in the Department of Town Planning, UWIST, Cardiff. This paper was initially delivered at an Environmental Impact Assessment Conference conducted by the Institution of Environmental Sciences during October 1986.     

Stockholm Recommendation 96: Viable in the Dominican Republic

Summary The Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries face serious challenges to their natural resource base. In recent years the government of the Dominican Republic has taken major steps toward the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for national natural resources management. This plan is called Plan Sierra. An important component of this plan is the outline of actions for carrying out an environmental education programme within the country. This demonstrates a commitment to fulfill Recommendation No. 96 of the Stockholm Conference in a way that could become a model for other Latin American nations. Clinton L. Shepard is Assistant Professor in the Division of Environmental Education, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. Dr Shepard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Kentucky and graduate degrees from The Ohio State University in Natural Resources/Environmental Education and Education-Foundations and Research. He has worked as an interpreter and Environmental Education Coordinator for the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, a research associate for ERIC—Science, Math, and Environmental Education Clearinghouse, and College instructor in interpretive methods, environmental education methodology, resident outdoor programming, and natural resources development. He is also involved in international research and development, especially in the Caribbean Basin. Robert E. Roth is Chairman/Professor in the Division of Environmental Education, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. Dr Roth received a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Science Education, a Master's degree in Conservation Education from The Ohio State University, and his Ph.D. in Environmental Education from The University of Wisconsin. he came to OSU in 1969 and since that time has designed and institutionalized the only academic unit in the US that offers both well developed undergraduate and graduate programmes in Environmental Communications, Education and Interpretation and has published over 40 works in the field. He has been instrumental in implementing a growing international environmental education research and development emphasis in the wider Caribbean, he continues as an Executive Editor of theJournal of Environmental Education.     

The classic environmental issue

Summary Environmental issues are rarely straightforward. The construction of the Tellico Dam not only proved to be an exceptionally complex environmental problem but also developed into a major political issue in its own right. Following the discovery of a previously unknown species of fish near the site of the nearly completed dam, environmentalists began a long legal battle to halt construction work and protect the habitat of the fish. The United States Supreme Court found in their favour, but local political interests, through a series of clever manoeuvres, succeeded in exempting the dam from all legislation to secure its completion. The blatant use of political expediency to resolve an environmental dilemma makes the Tellico Dam a classic case study for students of environmental policy and decision-making.Graham Bennett was born in London in 1948 and graduated from the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia where he also completed his doctoral research. Since 1980 he has been working in The Netherlands as an Associate in the Department of Environmental Science at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. His research interests lie in the field of environmental management and he is currently involved in the study of environmental policy making in Britain and The Netherlands with particular reference to the control of pollution by local authorities.