Ecosystem Continuity

In addition to institutional and communication barriers, a fragmented decision process can result from isolated frames of reference that ignore the continuity of ecosystems.  Ecosystems exist at a particular spatial scale without regard to jurisdictional or property lines.

For example, the stream on a farmer’s property does not typically begin and end on the property but rather is part of a terrestrial and aquatic system extending upstream and down.  If the farmer believes he ‘owns’ the stream on his property, he may not consider the effects of his actions downstream.  The same farmer, however, will certainly understand the concept of continuity if the actions of upstream neighbors muddy the waters and kill the fish in his portion of the stream.

The ecosystem consists of interrelated, co-existing organisms that need each other to survive.  If the system becomes unbalanced, then the ecosystem fails to function in a manner that provides goods and services that we depend upon.