Track 3-08: Innovative Methods for Grassland Research and Education
Description
Grasslands cover nearly 2/3 of the land masses of the world and make up 1/4 of the earth's surface. Although various regions of the world have different names for their grasslands, common management principles govern maintaining and improving these lands for the food production and environmental services they provide. There is much talk today about “finding the balance between environmental protection and economic development” but there is little evidence of knowledge about grassland ecosystems being translated into effectively implemented policies designed to restore degraded grasslands. In contrast, there are many examples of the tragic consequences of economic development rather than biological capacity driving decision-making. Historically, people were connected with the land and understood the soil, plant, animal, human “circle of life.” This understanding led to appropriate management. Today, the vast majority of the developed world has little understanding of these natural processes and increasing percentages of the developing world live in cities and are disconnected from the natural ecosystems that service them. Even those few studying agricultural sciences have little appreciation for the scope and diversity of grasslands present in the world. Far fewer have an understanding of the importance of grasslands management principles and needed supporting policies. Thus, there is a need for teaching materials that can be used worldwide to convey the importance and proper management of grasslands and forage-livestock systems.
Included in
Creating an International Forage and Grasslands Curriculum
Grasslands cover nearly 2/3 of the land masses of the world and make up 1/4 of the earth's surface. Although various regions of the world have different names for their grasslands, common management principles govern maintaining and improving these lands for the food production and environmental services they provide. There is much talk today about “finding the balance between environmental protection and economic development” but there is little evidence of knowledge about grassland ecosystems being translated into effectively implemented policies designed to restore degraded grasslands. In contrast, there are many examples of the tragic consequences of economic development rather than biological capacity driving decision-making. Historically, people were connected with the land and understood the soil, plant, animal, human “circle of life.” This understanding led to appropriate management. Today, the vast majority of the developed world has little understanding of these natural processes and increasing percentages of the developing world live in cities and are disconnected from the natural ecosystems that service them. Even those few studying agricultural sciences have little appreciation for the scope and diversity of grasslands present in the world. Far fewer have an understanding of the importance of grasslands management principles and needed supporting policies. Thus, there is a need for teaching materials that can be used worldwide to convey the importance and proper management of grasslands and forage-livestock systems.
