The Future of Our Land Facing the Challenge Guidelines for Integrated Planning for Sustainable Management of Land Resources

In collaboration with UNEP, FAO has developed an improved planning framework for land resources development and management that addresses the problems recognized during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

This document is the last in a series of three publications which introduce these new concepts and propose an integrated planning approach for sustainable management of land resources based on an interactive partnership between governments and people. The approach is centred on the concept of stakeholders and their objectives, and the role of government in creating the conditions within which rural people can use their land resources productively and sustainably

Several examples from different projects worldwide illustrate the importance of the key elements of the approach in creating an enabling environment that makes it possible to address the common concern to manage land sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Acronysms/Abbreviations

The Challenge

The Approach - Facing the Challenge

1 - Land Resources and People: Dependence and Interaction

Definition of Land and Land-Use

Functions of Land

The Basic Relationship: Land, Population and Management Strategies

Land Resources under Stress

The Cause of the Problem

The Point of Intervention




2 - The Need for an Integrated Approach

Planning and Management of Land Resources in the Rural Development Context

Constraints Associated with Previous Approaches

Needed: An Improved Approach to Integrated Planning for Sustainable Management of Land Resources




3 - The Key Factors Necessary for Implementing an Integrated Approach

The Framework for an Integrated Approach

A Clearly Formulated Objective

Recognition of Stakeholders and Their Differing Objectives

An Enabling Environment and Regulatory Policy

Effective Institutions

Platform For Negotiation

Efficient and Accessible Knowledge Base

Land-use Planning Procedures




4 - The Methodology

The Decision Sequence

Problem Identification and Formulation of the Objective

Identifying Stakeholders and their Goals, Needs and Stakes

Establishment of Multidisciplinary Task Forces

Collecting Data and Information

Preliminary Identification and Screening of Options

Evaluating Resources for the Identified Options

Appraisal of Identified Options

Negotiating and Deciding upon Options - Set up the Plan

Legislation and Enforcement for the Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation




5 - How To Get Started

Initiating the Approach

Countrywide Application




Boxes

Figures

Tables

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

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ISBN 92-5-104366-9

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© FAO and UNEP 1999