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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #215004
Title: A strategy for ecology in an era of globalization

Author
item Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff
item SARUKHAN, JOSE - UNAM

Submitted to: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2007
Publication Date: 5/1/2007
Citation: Herrick, J.E., Sarukkan, J.K. 2007. A strategy for ecology in an era of globalization. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 5:172-181.

Interpretive Summary: The processes associated with globalization lead to increases in the rate and scale of environmental degradation. A more rapid globalization of ecological science is required, in order to increase the rate at which ecological knowledge is developed, communicated, and applied. Many of the strategies used by globally successful organizations can be adopted by ecologists. An Ecological Knowledge System that increases and facilitates access to new and existing sources of knowledge and expertise is a key element of a strategy to increase the impact of ecological research in addressing global sustainability.

Technical Abstract: Globalization of labor and capital can increase the rate and extent of global environmental degradation, while enhancing the ability of ecologists to respond rapidly and collaboratively to mitigate these impacts. Nevertheless, ecological research remains focused at local and regional levels, with collaboration limited by national borders and funding. New initiatives are required to increase the utility and availability of environmental research to natural resource owners, managers, and policy makers in the public and private sectors, whose decisions affect land and other forms of natural capital. We propose a four-part strategy to increase the effectiveness of ecological science in addressing environmental issues in an era of globalization: (1) develop an Ecological Knowledge System, (2) increase our ability to anticipate, identify, and rapidly address new research needs, (3) increase the number and diversity of participants in all phases of research and decision-making processes, and (4) increase the flexibility of funding sources.