Chapter 6 Summary and Learning Objectives

Part C Summary

The two chapters in this section address the planning and management related to perspectives, processes, and methods that can be applied in resource and environmental management. A key point is that humans do not so much “manage” the environment, but instead we attempt to manage the interaction between humans and the environment. Therefore, resource and environmental management involves not only the application of “science” or “technical expertise” but also sensitivity to various, and often differing, values, interests, needs, and wants.

Chapter 6 focuses on perspectives of planning and management as related to resources and environments, while Chapter 7 considers processes and methods. Together, they provide an overview of the concepts, approaches, and methods that can be drawn upon to examine ongoing initiatives to determine best practices, necessary additions and changes required to achieve best practices, and how science and social sciences can be used to provide a solid foundation for best practices in planning and management.

Chapter Summary

Chapter 6 focuses on perspectives, considering basic concepts widely accepted for addressing resource and environmental problems. Chapter 6 begins by considering the concept of best practice. It then examines the importance of context (including context in the big picture) when developing a strategy, a plan, or an approach for a resource or an environmental management problem and the need for a shared vision to determine what ends or desirable future conditions are sought. To ensure that a shared vision is endorsed by a group or society, it should be consistent with and reflect shared ethics and values, whether ecocentric or technocentric. A systems and ecosystem perspective is described as a way to incorporate context and vision into best practice. The need to consider environmental management over multiple times scales is addressed, particularly the need to take a long-term view. The value of social learning is considered in terms of its value in engaging organizations and individuals in environmental management. Finally, the concept of environmental justice is presented, reminding us that aspirations for sustainable development always need to incorporate social considerations.

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Appreciate the significance of different planning and management approaches
• Understand the importance of context for a problem-solving situation and the need to be able to design solutions to fit particular contexts
• Appreciate the distinctions among “government,” “governance,” and “management”
• Distinguish among most probable, desirable, and feasible futures and understand why it is important to identify a vision or direction to help choose the right thing to do
• Know the difference between “ecocentric” and “technocentric” perspectives
• Understand the significance of a systems perspective and how that can be applied as an ecosystem approach
• Realize the importance of thinking simultaneously in the short, medium, and long terms
• Understand the significance of “social learning” as a foundation for resource and environmental management
• Appreciate the implications of “environmental justice” when making resource and environmental decisions