Environmental information for total catchment management: incorporating local knowledge |
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| Authors: | Peter Martin Stewart Lockie |
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| Institution: | 1. Landcare and Environment Program, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development , University of Western Sydney — Hawkesbury , Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia;2. Centre for Rural Social Research , Charles Sturt University — Riverina , Wagga Wagga, NSW 2576, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Total Catchment Management (TCM) has been implemented in New South Wales to provide a more integrated, participatory' approach to natural resource management. This change in direction poses significant challenges for obtaining and integrating environmental information. This paper examines the adequacy of environmental information in terms of both the participatory turn in government policy and the management imperatives of the integrated, catchment‐wide approach of TCM. Drawing on empirical studies in the Hunter Valley, it is suggested that current information available for TCM is inadequate and reflects a fragmented approach that is primarily concerned with biophysical phenomena and is generated at inappropriate scales. Furthermore, most information is generated by government agencies, ignoring the substantial contribution that catchment occupiers could make. It is argued that the utilisation of the knowledge and experience of occupiers could provide more integrated catchment perspectives while meeting the participatory goals espoused in TCM. |
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| Keywords: | Total catchment management resource management Hunter Valley community participation information loop (l‐loop) dryland salinity soil erosion knowledge networks |
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