Ecological Dynamics and Property Rights Flashcards
What is the natural capital approach?
Economic activity is linked to natural capital through ecosystem goods and services and positive and negative impacts
What is needed for the natural capital approach to work?
Clearly defined property rights, hidden hand
What is the classical theory of ecology?
Trophic pyramid (Man - Carnivores - Herbivors - Primary Producers) Based on the great chain of being
What is the dynamic theory of ecology?
Individualistic and chaotic, simple interactions lead to complex behaviour and humans are on a similar level to nature
Biodiversity hotspots?
25 terrestrial spots cover 2% of Earth’s surface by contain 46% of plant species
Who proposed the common pool resources approach?
Elinor Ostrom
What is the key to successful management of common pool resources?
Clearly defined property rights
Role of men in the Shea butter industry?
Men own the parks and dominate the mechanised cash crop agriculture
Mechanised agriculture now replacing Shea parklands
Role of women in the Shea butter industry?
16 million women collects shea as a source of food and disposable income across 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa
There is a decline in ecological and social resilience with shifting agricultural practices
Define ecosystem health?
Desired management target compared to reference condition
What is the main determinant of ecological productivity?
Climate - rainfall
How was climate influenced African society?
Saharan lakes have come and gone which has impacted society, development of the pharaonic civilisations
Where does most of Africa’s biodiversity lie?
Common Pool Resources
How many people extract resources from sub-Saharan forests?
15 million people
What are CPRs used for in Nigeria?
Food, fuel, wood, income generation and traditional medicines (benefits = $817-5200 / year)
