Evolution of rangeland conservation strategies

Abstract

The history of soil conservation approaches worldwide may be characterized by a change from single issue, top down approaches to ecosystem management and community involvement. In this paper, the long history of combating desertification in Iceland is used to illustrate past, present and future perspectives in the implementation of rangeland conservation programs.

Livestock production based on grazing of rangelands has been the mainstay of Icelandic agriculture. Unsustainable land use for the past 1100 years has, however, led to severe degradation. Tree-cover has declined by about 96% and much of the original vegetation cover has been lost. The composition of remaining vegetation varies, but long term over-grazing has led to a low proportion of palatable species in many areas.

After 90 years of soil conservation in Iceland, approaches have been undergoing rapid changes. Past programs emphasized federal intervention, agronomic approaches (seeding, fertilization) and degradation “containment”. As a consequence, soil conservation came to be regarded as a government responsibility, rather than a responsibility of the land user. In contrast, current programs emphasize sustainable land use, land improvements, environmental quality, land literacy, and locally led participation. More than 25% of the sheep farmers and thousands of volunteers currently work with the national Soil Conservation Service on restoration projects and combating rangeland desertification. Their direct involvement, combined with various other incentives, has been a powerful tool in fostering a “conservation ethic”.