Sustainable land management in Asia: introducing the landscape approach
Sustainable land management practices can be enhanced by reconciling environmental and development objectives while incorporating climate resilience. A growing international consensus indicates a need to look at the bigger picture and not just treat sectors selectively and independently. The landscape approach looks at the broad picture in biophysical and human terms, by acknowledging and integrating the simultaneous objectives of various production systems with conservation. It seeks to provide tools and concepts for allocating and managing land to achieve multiple social, economic and environmental objectives in areas where agriculture, hydropower, mining and other productive land uses compete with environmental and biodiversity goals. This publication sets out how the landscape approach can contribute to overcoming major environmental and developmental challenges—with particular focus on the rural areas of Asia and by examining four prevalent forms of SLM (namely, participatory forest management, terraces, conservation agriculture, and homegardens). Through this publication, ADB seeks to strengthen awareness of the landscape approach and facilitate the integration of its key elements into cooperation programs with its developing member countries.