Ecology and Man: Synthesis

Abstract

The general public has recognized that environmental problems are likely to cause the current decline of nature. Because of land use intensivation, but also because of fragmentation, less area has become available to plant species. However, the effect of management on natural ecosystems is not always clear. Reflecting this concern, in 1991 the development of a management plan for Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl National Park and its surroundings has been started. A vegetation survey of the Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes shows the underlying processes that determine the distribution of the various vegetation communities. Although it has been proved that wildlife, especially mammals and birds, may play an important role in ecological, economic and social values, as yet little research has been done in the area to include wildlife in land use management plans. The results of this book show that Remotely Sensed information could be successfully used as a primary data source for environmental planning. Following a set of guidelines in order to minimize adverse effects on nature is relatively simple, but to manage land use for purposes of nature restoration is much more complex. Here we come to an approach of Natural Resource Management, which should make clear what steps have to be taken.