Perspectives on ecological integrity

Authors:Laura Westra, John Lemons

Summary:Recently, concepts of ecological integrity have been proposed to facilitate enhanced protection of biological and ecological resources against the threat of human activities. The promotion of ecological integrity as a basis for public policy and decision making stems from scientists and others concerned about the threats of human activities to ecosystems and species, and from philosophers attempting to derive a more suitable ethic to guide the relationships between humans and the nonhuman environment. Although ecological integrity has been proposed as a norm for public policy and decision making, the concept is relatively new and therefore the underlying scientific and philosophical rationales have not been developed fully. This book offers a number of perspectives that are intended to stimulate and inform future discussion concerning the importance and consequences of ecological integrity for science, morality, and public policy. Environmental professionals, whether academic, governmental or industrial, or in the private consultancy sector. Also suitable as an upper level reference text