Holistic Resource Management (part 3)
If we wanted to apply HRM to our life what we find is a
model and process that looks like this:
Holistic Model
the WHOLE consists of: people, resource base, money
the GOAL are: quality of life, forms of production, and future
landscape
the ECO components: community, water cycle, nutrient cycle, energy
the TOOLS: creativity, rest, fire, grazing, animal impact, living
organisms, technology, money and labor
the TESTS: whole ecosystems, weak link, cause and effect, marginal
reaction, gross margin, society and culture.
the GUIDE: time, stock density, croplands, population mgt, burning,
flexibility, bio-plan, organizational growth, finance.
some add the caution to assume decisions are wrong and monitor them.
Steps
1. Define physical area to be considered
2. Set goal using the Holistic Model as a guide
3. Evaluate current state
4. Choose tools and strategies
5. Test each tool for economic, environmental, and social soundness
6. Create a plan
7. Monitor and implement the plan assuming it is wrong.
jeff's comments: These steps are much narrower than some of
the previous comments and seem to fit a ranch or piece of
property. Probably it is a big holistic step forward for
many ranchers and farmers, but it is far from a totally
holistic approach. Dividing things into "people, resources,
and money" is a way of putting things in a box and isn't pure
holistic reasoning. Also, there is the assumption that
economics, social, and environmental concerns can be balanced
without impacting the environment. I think this style of
thinking will never stay on sustainable paths. The Economics
or social factors can easily dominate and keep us going in
circles.
Overall, i think HRM is a good step for ranchers today and
with a few adjustments might have a future. Next, i'll look
at how the critics view HRM.
Some WEB sites on HRM
http://www.ns.net/~Keithw/hrm_int.htm
http://www.ranchvision.com/manual/thanksnf.htm
http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/MagRack/EF4/Ef_94_P_13.htm
http://www.gov.sk.ca/agfood/aimsres/a-3.htm
----------
Jeff Owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Zone 7, http://www.teleport.com/~kowens
Underground house, solar energy, reduced consumption, no TV
