WRI launches How to Guide for Restoring Ecosystems

The World Resources Institute released a 101 page report titled, Restoring Nature's Capital: An Action Agenda to Sustain Ecosystem Services.

Reproduced below are the main points of the synopsis from the report.

The report identifies 5 barriers to working effectively in ecosystem restoration work

· People fail to make the connection between healthy ecosystems and the attainment of social and economic goals.

· Local people often lack clear rights to use and make decisions about the ecosystem services they depend on for their livelihoods and wellbeing.

· The management of ecosystem services is fragmented among many different agencies and bodies that often work at cross-purposes and fail to coordinate across levels.

· Government and business accountability mechanisms for decisions about ecosystem services are frequently absent or weak.

· Responsible management of ecosystem services does not always pay.

Here's a 5 point Action Agenda from the Report to reverse ecosystem degradation

· Develop and use information about ecosystem services : That includes efficient monitoring, spread of information, use of local knowledge and development and use of effective ecosystem management tools

· Strengthen the rights of local people to use and manage ecosystem services : through supportive services, good rules, strong social networks and enhanced local participation.

· Manage ecosystem services across multiple levels and timeframes : through dialogue and efficient resolve of conflicts and having a good knowledge of the ecosystem and applying good management practices at all levels

· Improve accountability for decisions that affect ecosystem services : by aligning taxation policies along with ecosystem stewardship and making elected leaders more accountable

· Align economic and financial incentives with ecosystem stewardship : by including ecosystem stewardship goals in facility managers’ performance objectives and supporting and participating in markets and payments for ecosystem services

You can download the complete 101 page report here at http://www.wri.org/biodiv/pubs_description.cfm?pid=4309

Source: http://www.wri.org/newsroom/newsrelease_text.cfm?nid=383
image source: IMSI Clip Arts