P.R. Burbridge
2.4.2
A Simple Conceptual Model for Illustrating Role of Coastal Ecosystems in
Sustaining Human Activities
Figure 2.4 illustrates a coastal ecosystem, the different functions it produces, the resources generated by those functions and the different human activities that make use
of those resources.
Points that should be noted from this figure are:
• The direct link between environmental functions and the generation of renewable
resources;
• The use of one form of resource by more than one form of human activity;
• Sustainable use of the flow of renewable resources - this includes economic as well
as environmental goods and services - requires management of the coastal ecosystem as well as the human activities.
• Overexploitation of one resource can have a corresponding effect upon other potential users of the resource;
• Adverse environmental effects resulting from the uses of the coastal ecosystem, or
from external activities can reduce the functional integrity of the ecosystem, and
production of resources and their use;
• The importance of environmental processes in maintaining the production of renewable resources. Like a factory, you cannot expect the system to continue produce
products unless you pay attention to the amount and quality of inputs required to
maintain the productivity and functional integrity of the system.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROCESSES
HYDROLOGY
MATERIAL FLOWS
NUTRIENT FLOWS
ENERGY
FUNCTIONS RESOURCES
COASTAL ECOSYSTEM
Impact of Activities on System
'--------------~vr----------------/ ~-------~vr--------~
Field of Interest of the
Field of Interest of the
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Fig. 2.4. A coastal ecosystem
2.4.2
A Simple Conceptual Model for Illustrating Role of Coastal Ecosystems in
Sustaining Human Activities
Figure 2.4 illustrates a coastal ecosystem, the different functions it produces, the resources generated by those functions and the different human activities that make use
of those resources.
Points that should be noted from this figure are:
• The direct link between environmental functions and the generation of renewable
resources;
• The use of one form of resource by more than one form of human activity;
• Sustainable use of the flow of renewable resources - this includes economic as well
as environmental goods and services - requires management of the coastal ecosystem as well as the human activities.
• Overexploitation of one resource can have a corresponding effect upon other potential users of the resource;
• Adverse environmental effects resulting from the uses of the coastal ecosystem, or
from external activities can reduce the functional integrity of the ecosystem, and
production of resources and their use;
• The importance of environmental processes in maintaining the production of renewable resources. Like a factory, you cannot expect the system to continue produce
products unless you pay attention to the amount and quality of inputs required to
maintain the productivity and functional integrity of the system.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROCESSES
HYDROLOGY
MATERIAL FLOWS
NUTRIENT FLOWS
ENERGY
FUNCTIONS RESOURCES
COASTAL ECOSYSTEM
Impact of Activities on System
'--------------~vr----------------/ ~-------~vr--------~
Field of Interest of the
Field of Interest of the
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Fig. 2.4. A coastal ecosystem