A 'new' philosophy for environmental management

Authors: J.A. Hayward
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1988, Issue N.Z.J.For. 33(2) 1988, pp 15-18, Aug 1988
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: Recent legislation has institutionalized a quite different philosophy for environmental management from that of the past. The Conservation and Environment Acts emphasize the integration of the spiritual, human and natural worlds - a philosophy far removed from the Western ethnocentric, pro-development approach to the environment. They contain concepts such as sustainability and the needs of future generations that environmental managers must give meaning to if they are to capitalize on opportunities for developing strategies for sound environmental management offered in the Acts. Meaning will only be derived if managers adopt a more appropriate philosophy for environmental management.