Natural resources

This bilingual publication results from a four-day symposium aimed at capturing the general directions and analytical issues that characterize approaches to sustainable use in Africa. The papers included in this work are organized under four major headings: modes of use, devolution, scale issues and external issues. Authors explore these themes through the use of case studies and the description of specific regional experiences. External issues are further explored in a series of commissioned policy papers which have also been included.

The Muthurajawela Marsh is part of an integrated coastal wetland system of high biodiversity and ecological significance. Yet it is subject to intense and growing pressures from urban, residential, recreational and industrial development. The short-term economic gains that have influenced land and resource use decisions have neglected to take into consideration the economic value of wetland goods and services.