An Integrated Approach for Maximising Local and Scientific Knowledge for Land Management Decision-Making in the New Zealand High Country.

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a process to facilitate the identification and introduction ofsustainable land management practices in the high country of New Zealand. The process was designedto gather and structure community knowledge (both local and scientific) into a single, accessibledecision support system (DSS). The development and provision of appropriate, and user-friendlymonitoring tools is supported. An outline is given of how this integrated system can be used tointegrate monitoring with adaptive management. Special reference is made to how this process isused as a large-scale ecological 'experiment', to enhance continually the knowledge base availablefor land use decision-making in the South Island high country of New Zealand.