Land Management

Mature ecological criticism of agricultural policies is not easy: targets agreed in Biodiversity Action Plans must be achieved within a framework of agricultural and economic policies. Developing a balanced solution is the essence of sustainability. Until recently the hidden costs of high-production systems on biodiversity has been ignored. This booklet identifies some of the hidden costs of unsustainable production, and also considers examples where conservation management has failed. The authors argue that sustainable land management is possible, and that conservation and production interests can be satisfied. They go on to show how a sustainable approach can be applied throughout Europe. The approach adopted is the one that has underpinned the development of the European Union Biodiversity strategy and is becoming a compelling force for change in Europe's decision-making processes. Land managers and planners, ecologists and agriculturalists will, in particular, find this booklet an invaluable resource. However, it will also appeal to those with a more general interest in the issues of land management.

Mature ecological criticism of agricultural policies is not easy:targets agreed in Biodiversity Action Plans must be achieved withina framework of agricultural and economic policies. Developing abalanced solution is the essence of sustainability. Until recentlythe hidden costs of high-production systems on biodiversity hasbeen ignored.This booklet identifies some of the hidden costs ofunsustainable production, and also considers examples whereconservation management has failed.The authors argue that sustainable land management is possibleand that conservation and production interests can be satisfied.They go on to show how a sustainable approach can be appliedthroughout Europe. The approach adopted is the one that hasunderpinned the development of the European Union Biodiversitystrategy and is becoming a compelling force for change in Europe'sdecision-making processes.Land managers and planners, ecologists and agriculturalistswill, in particular, find this booklet an invaluable resource.However, it will also appeal to those with a more general interestin the issues of land management.

1. Introduction.2. Land-Use Intensification: The Cost To TheEnvironment:.The Drive For Productivity.Habitats And Wildlife.Overuse And Neglect.Pollution.Soil Erosion.The Loss Of Farm Biodiversity.Impact Of Land-Use Intensification On Forest Biodiversity.Landscape Effects Of Intensive Forestry And Farming.Cultural Effects.Concluding Thoughts.3. Biological Conservation : Gaps, Overlaps AndContradictions:.Complexity And Simplicity In Ecological Interactions.Attempts To Deal With The Ecological Effects Of Land-UseIntensification.4. Traditional Land Use Systems; Sustainability, EfficiencyAnd Biodiversity:.Sustainable Land-Uses.The Character Of Extensive Land-Uses.Farming Efficiency And Ecological Complexity.Habitat Scale Effects Of Optimising Production Within ExtensiveSystems.The Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.The Red-Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax).Landscape Scale Effects Of Optimising Production With ExtensiveSystems.Concluding Thoughts.5. Land-Use Reform: A New Harmony Between Human ActivityEconomic Forces And The Land:.Agricultural Support Mechanisms.Attempts To Control The Adverse Environmental Effects OfSubsidies.The Need For An Integrated Approach To Conservation And LandManagement.Reduction Of Support For Intensive Production.Environmentally Neutral Support For Agriculture.6. Abbreviations