Conclusion: Environmental futures of the upper yellow river basin

Abstract

The distinctive geography, ecology and history of the Upper Yellow River Basin have created a suite of unique, irreplaceable environmental and cultural values. However, significant development pressures present an all-too-familiar example of the challenges faced in achieving sustainability goals. This chapter pulls together various threads of enquiry explored in this book to scope prospective environmental futures of the Upper Yellow River. A socio-ecological systems approach to environmental management demonstrates how landscape approaches can provide a useful tool to negotiate trade-offs between competing social, economic and environmental objectives. Research needs and prospective management approaches to address threats to environmental and societal well-being are outlined. The chapter challenges the proposition that effective environmental protection and conservation can be achieved through a ‘reserve’ mentality applied independently from lifestyle values of people who live in the area. Participatory practices that frame human activities as part of nature, not separate from it, are required to support ‘whole of landscape’ approaches to ecosystem management that give due regard to social, economic, cultural and environmental considerations. Future prospects for the Upper Yellow River basin are shown to be far from a ‘doom and gloom’ situation.