RECONSTRUCTING HEADWATER AREAS: Social and Institutional Considerations

摘要

Headwater reconstruction has social and institutional as well as biophysical dimensions. Healthy environmental systems are linked to healthy social and economic systems. Six principles for successful headwater management are proposed. These recognise that: (1) since environmental goals represent social values, they should be determined collectively by stakeholders; (2) an holistic systems viewpoint is needed to manage environmental processes in headwater areas; (3) management systems must operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales; (4) information must be timely, objective, scientifically credible, and easily available to stakeholders; (5) decision making must be participatory and consensual; while (6) management institutions must be adaptable, flexible and open to new ideas. America's 'Watershed Councils' provide illustrations of good practice.