A ground cover-based incentive approach to enhancing resilience in rangelands viewed as complex adaptive systems
Ronald B. Hacker A C , Peter J. Jessop B , Warren J. Smith A and Gavin J. Melville AA Industry & Investment NSW, Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, PMB 19, Trangie, NSW 2823, Australia.
B Industry & Investment NSW, Dareton Research and Advisory Station, PO Box 62, Dareton, NSW 2717, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: ron.hacker@industry.nsw.gov.au
The Rangeland Journal 32(3) 283-291 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ10011
Submitted: 16 March 2010 Accepted: 20 July 2010 Published: 14 September 2010
Abstract
Inconsistencies can commonly be expected between the financial goals of rangeland grazing enterprises and public conservation goals such as maintenance of ground cover to reduce erosion. Where the State wishes to promote conservation outcomes, incentive schemes which reward these outcomes on privately managed grazing lands are an option. We describe one such scheme intended to achieve conservation outcomes and support the development of resilience in the complex adaptive (human–environmental) rangeland system through payments related to measured ground cover. A pilot program in western New South Wales has shown that the practical operation of such a program is uncomplicated and that while several theoretical issues could be further refined there is a rationale for extension of the program based on parameters and processes that are agreed by the participants. We suggest that development of such a scheme should be considered as part of the policy mix related to natural resource management and drought assistance.
Additional keywords: conservation outcomes, erosion reduction, natural resource management.
Acknowledgments
The innovation of WEST 2000 Plus in establishing the pilot program, and the support of the Western CMA and I&I NSW for its continued operation, are gratefully acknowledged, as is the enthusiasm and hospitality of the graziers who participated. Policy implications of the proposal were elucidated by discussions with Scott Davenport and Nick Milham. Field data were collected by the authors (except GM) with assistance from Ian Toole, Steve Clipperton, Anthony Baird and Eric Bailey. We thank three anonymous referees for comments that materially improved the original manuscript.
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