Guiding rangelands into an uncertain future
Brian Walker
The Rangeland Journal 42(5) 235-237 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ20051
Submitted: 1 June 2020 Accepted: 22 July 2020 Published: 14 August 2020
Journal Compilation © Australian Rangeland Society 2020 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
The oncoming stream of biophysical and social changes facing the rangelands calls for an innovative mix of modifying existing uses and pursuing new ones to help transition into a social-ecological system more in tune with its new environment. In the face of rising uncertainty, trying to find some particular, optimal combination of management and policy to suit some assumed future environment can’t work. A transformational change is needed. This does not mean getting to one new, particular kind of system. It has to be an ongoing process of exploring, learning and keeping options open, along the lines of the developing field of guided self-organisation.
Additional keywords: rangeland policy, socio-economic environment, transitional change.
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