Dryland opportunities for people and ecosystems

Dryland opportunities: a new paradigm for people, ecosystems and development (ca 100pp) by Mike Mortimore et al (2009) presents recent insights into climate dynamics in drylands and the role of uncertainty, risk and resilience, setting the debate in the context of rapid global change – of climate, economy and geopolitics. It emphasises adaptive potentials, dryland ecosystem services, and strengthening the institutional environment for managing risk and rewarding resilience. It applies new scientific insights into complex dryland systems to practical options for development. A new dryland paradigm builds on the capacities of dryland peoples, on emerging economic opportunities and investment, and on dryland science. The authors recommend to: 1) strengthen the knowledge base; 2) value and sustain dryland ecosystem services; 3) promote public and private investment in drylands; 4) improve access to profitable markets; and 5) prioritise rights, reform, risk and resilience.

Posted on 25 December 2012 in Pastoralism & Climate Change, Pastoralism & Marketing, Pastoralism & Natural Resources, Pastoralism, Policy & Power