Involvement of Stakeholders
- There are a number of different stakeholders and approaches involved in managing the challenges posed by glaciated landscapes
- Approaches range from conservationists wanting to fully protect through to sustainable management and multiple economic use by TNCs and governments
Management of Cold Environments
Management | Explanation |
Do nothing | Allows for multiple economic uses and exploitation of cold environments for profit. Supported by governments at local or national level. Local support from chambers of commerce and trade unions for revenues and job opportunities |
Business as usual | Leave the area as it currently stands including aspects of pre-existing sustainability or exploitation. Most stakeholders are content with this, although conservationists would prefer more |
Sustainable exploitation | Middle ground as it targets development for profit but without loss of future profits, many stakeholders are involved and relies on continued co-operation to be successful |
Sustainable management | A way to develop an area that allows for resource use for the benefits of local communities without damaging the environment now and for the future. Difficult to maintain in cold environments, particularly regarding mineral exploitation. Conflict arises between environmentalists, local indigenous peoples, state and national governments and oil companies all competing for a part of the area |
Comprehensive conservation | Aims to protect and conserve cold environments as pristine wildernesses. Careful regulation of ecotourism and farming to allow continued use of the landscape. Exploitive activities are banned, but maybe overturned by governments looking for short-term gains over long-term benefits |
Total protection | Also known as fortress conservation, this radical approach involves the total ban of access to the environment, except for scientific monitoring and research purposes. Can cause conflict between conservationists and local indigenous peoples who are used to using the area for a living |
Stakeholder Involvement in Managing Glacial Landscapes
Stakeholder | Involvement |
Conservationists | Lobby governments to take action, public awareness campaigns etc. |
NGOs | Work to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, cultures and environments |
Global organisations | Set up and monitor international agreements |
Local and regional government | Direct management and policing, enforcement, protection, promotion and development of economic benefits |
National government | Laws passed to protect fragile environments and provide management funding |
- Strategy used does depend on the area and immediate situation
- In some parts, there is a need to be pro-active to avert a crisis, in other parts, there is time to plan
- For most places, there are a combination of strategies that are appropriate which includes zoning and buffering with areas of economic developments, i.e. national parks
Exam Tip
Examiners are looking for you to identify that different stakeholders have varying ideas on which management approach needs to be used, based on their differing views of conservation or exploitation. So make sure you know examples of the different types of protection in active and relict glacial landscapes.