Module 9 - Transboundary Issues

Question 1

What is Environmental Management undertaken by?

Answer 1

Governing bodies with specific GEOGRAPHICAL JURISDICTION such as:
- Global/International Territories
- National Borders
- Provincial, State Borders
- Municipality, County, District, Boundaries
- Individual, Firm, Organization’s Property Boundaries

Question 2

Biophysical Region

Answer 2

Things defined by nature and natural systems
- ex. ecosystem/biological community
- ex. grizzly bear habitat
- ex. a watershed
- ex. boreal forest

Question 3

Transboundary Issues

Answer 3

When a biophysical region crosses multiple jurisdictions

Question 4

The Ogallala Aquifer

Answer 4

• Largest known aquifer in the world
• Recharge rate (renewal) is much slower than withdrawal (use) rate
• Relied on for crop irrigation and beef production; systems are very inefficient and wasteful
• Mostly ‘fossil’ water
• Many areas will be dry in 10-50 yrs
• Very politicized

Question 5

How is the Ogallala Aquifer managed?

Answer 5

Primary managed at County or State Level
- Inappropriate level for collective action as regional self interests create ‘tragedy of the commons’; each governing body has an incentive to ‘free ride’ off of the management efforts of other regions