ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS TO THE CHALLENGES OF THE TIME

Currently, the destruction of landscapes is taking place with a decrease in the sustainability and productivity of natural ecosystems. One of the main reasons for this is inadequate environmental management, which, as a rule, is based on inadequate outdated theoretical ecological concepts. The totality of accumulated data shows that real ecosystems can be in several alternative states and demonstrate relatively rapid changes in the regime of existence with significant, abrupt and permanent changes in structure and functioning. In this regard, the main ecosystem paradigm is currently being revised. From the theoretical concept of the unicity of the ecosystem stable state, ecology moves to the concept of the multiplicity of stable states in the ecosystem. The dynamics of ecosystems can be represented, according to K. Holling, in the form of an adaptation cycle with the alternation of four phases, the features of which are considered. The importance of no return points and possible uncertainty in the dynamics of ecosystems are shown. Ecosystems, in a certain sense, have memory, which is the reason for the hysteresis effect during multidirectional changes in systems. The necessity of developing approaches of adaptive ecosystem management based on this concept is shown. Which is especially important in cases of rapid transformation of natural ecosystems, such, as an example, in the Crimea after the cessation of the supply of Dnieper water to the North Crimean canal. The difficulties of transition to adaptive environmental management in modern conditions are analyzed.

Social Learning, Learning Organizations, and Adaptive Environmental Management

As outlined in chapter 1, complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity present challenges for resource and environmental management. In this chapter, three interrelated responses to deal with surprise, change, and wicked problems are examined: social learning, learning organizations, and adaptive environmental management. The characteristics of social learning and learning organizations are identified and reviewed. Then, basic ideas associated with adaptive environmental management are considered. Experience with applying adaptive environmental management is analyzed with regard to managing fish and wildlife, hydro-electricity production, and flood damage reduction in the Columbia River Basin in the United States. In her guest statement, Beate Ratter analyzes the collaborative approach to protecting the coastline of the EuropeanWalden Sea, shared by the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

Governance

For decades, natural resources and environmental management was approached as needing scientific and technical expertise, as well as the ability to identify different societal needs and aspirations. Government often was viewed as the dominant decision-maker. Today, it is increasingly recognized that governance is another key element. Here, attention is given to differentiating between governance and government, and to opportunities for different types of governance. With growing recognition of the value of learning from experience, consideration turns to adaptive environmental management. Consideration next is directed to co-management, as an approach to allocate more responsibility and authority to local stakeholders. Two case studies, national parks in England and a mangrove preserve in Tanzania, provide insight into experience with adaptive management and co-management. In his guest statement, Nigel Watson reviews governance arrangements regarding water quality for Loweswater in the Lake District of England.