National Resource Management for Sustainable Development causes and concerns

Abstract

Natural resources are depleting at alarming rates because of their irrational use pattern. Although, utilization of resources is an intrinsic component of the process of development yet, overexploitation of natural resources has led to environmental degradation and change in pattern of rural economy. Rural communities, in particular, are greatly affected by the increasing use of natural resources. To many of them, development is about livelihood and survival rather than increasing productivity and accumulation of wealth. Management of natural resources seems to be the only way forward to sustain the livability of rural communities. Management of natural resources requires collaborative works from various stakeholders as the use and un-use of natural resources depend upon a number of factors including historical, political, economic, social and cultural. Through the substantial holistic approach and concrete framework for policy research could be conceptualized, planned and implemented. Department of Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, India, hosted an international conference on natural resources management for sustainable development and rural livelihoods which have addressed ways to boost agricultural productivity for food security and sustainable economic development, while conserving and restoring the natural resource base. Topics were covered include: assessment, management of natural resources for sustainable development, rural livelihoods and food security; integrated management of water and land resources; conserving agriculture systems; climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies including carbon sequestration in soils for different land use systems; and policy frameworks for capacity building to mitigate emerging problems in natural resource management. Developing and transition economies will be increasingly concerned with natural resources management, sustainable development and rural livelihood issues; they will have to solve a three-fold challenge: a better environment, good economic performances and poverty reduction as targeted by the Millennium Development Goals. Developing and emerging countries will also have to tackle with increasing scarcities. Major objectives of conducting the conference was to evaluate past research efforts in integrated natural resources management for sustainable development and rural livelihoods, to streamline future scientific efforts in support of sustainable livelihood, to draw recommendations for capacity building in land, forest and water management Invited participants were international scientists, leading farmers and experts from governmental and non-governmental organizations, researchers, representatives of vi Natural Resources Management for Sustainable Development and Rural Livelihoods (Abstract Book) donor organizations and decision-makers who exchanged views on how to use and manage natural resources for sustainable development and rural livelihoods. The Conference focused on various aspects of natural resources management for sustainable development and rural livelihood which were elaborated upon into the 11 thematic sessions