The use of natural areas to establish environmental baselines

Abstract

In order that wise decisions can be made in environmental management, an understanding is needed of ecosystem functioning and reaction to change. To obtain this information we must have continuing knowledge of the undisturbed ecosystem as a baseline against which to measure the effects of modifications. It is proposed that relatively undisturbed natural areas form the basic research tool for the establishment of such baselines. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive natural area system to preserve, manage, and catalogue for use, the full range of natural area types. This, together with a network of environmental monitoring stations, should lead to the long-term continuation of the many baseline measurements required for necessary ecosystems analysis programmes. It is expected that such a system of natural area/baseline programmes will lead away from the narrow focus on pollution and towards an integrated approach to environmental quality and management.