Training Course in Watershed Management

5. Development of Management Programs for Watershed Lands

There is clear evidence that a potential exists on earth to feed a much larger population than currently lives here. Despite this encouragement, it must also be remembered that the resources of individual regions and countries vary widely. Development of the resources on watershed lands also takes a long period of time before it yields benefits. Conversely, once degraded, watershed restoration also takes a long period of time. Unfortunately, political leaders often have short-term goals—they focus on immediate and popular concerns. Yet, the production and conservation of the resources on watershed lands are dependent upon long-term and extensive commitments. People must be ready to make this commitment to the development of the watershed lands if future land degradation is to be avoided.

It is important to recognize that the problems of managing resources on watershed lands do not arise necessarily from physical limitations nor from lack of technical knowledge. Wood harvesting practices, reforestation programs, and methods of livestock grazing have been developed to largely prevent adverse impacts on soil and water resources. Likewise, technology to solve many watershed problems is available. However, methods are needed to effectively demonstrate the benefits of instituting environmentally sound watershed management programs. The social and economic benefits from watershed management programs must be quantified and compared to the costs of not implementing these programs. Inhabitants of watersheds and their livelihoods must be considered as an integral part of any watershed management program, requiring integration of social, economic, and political factors in addition to biological and physical considerations.

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