Ecosystem Classification for Environmental Manage- ment. 1994. (Ecology and Environment, 2). figs. some col.pls. tabs. XIV, 293 p. gr8vo. Hard cover.

The ecosystem is a central concept in modern ecology, and is fundamental to sound environmental policy making. Not all ecosystemsare equally susceptible to human-induced environmental change, nor do weattribute equal value to all ecosystem types. From a nature conservationpoint of view we are concerned about the spatial extension ofecosystems and their quality, as well as about their responsiveness andrecovery potential. This requires the classification and mapping ofecosystems. This book treats the why and how of such classification andmapping as a prerequisite to environmentally sound management aimed atsustainability and the preservation of biodiversity. Existing conceptsand procedures are modified for modern applications, includingsusceptibility assessment, environmental quality assessment andmonitoring, as well as predictive modelling for environmental impactassessment. These procedures are illustrated by applying them to currentenvironmental problems, such as acidification, eutrophication, changingland use, or groundwater lowering. Written by a number of renownedlandscape ecologists from several West European countries, this bookdiscusses a wealth of theories, concepts, and methods from plant ecology, vegetation science, physical geography, and other environmentalsciences composed in such a way to constitute practically applicabletools.