Concepts of ecological integrity have recently 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
non-human 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 fully developed. This book offers a number of
perspectives to stimulate and inform future discussion on the importance
and consequences of ecological integrity for science, morality and
public policy.
Audience: Environmental professionals, whether academic, governmental
or industrial, or working in the private consultancy sector. Also
suitable as an upper-level reference text.