Showing papers by "Timothy O. Randhir published in 2007"

Effects of riparian areas, stream order, and land use disturbance on watershed-scale habitat potential: An ecohydrologic approach to policy

Abstract: Spatio-temporal linkages between hydrologic and ecologic dimensions of watersheds play a critical role in conservation policies. Habitat potential is influenced by variation along longitudinal and lateral gradients and land use disturbance. An assessment of these influences provides critical information for protecting watershed ecosystems and in making spatially explicit, conservation decisions. We use an ecohydrologic approach that focuses on interface between hydrological and ecological processes. This study focuses on changes in watershed habitat potentials along lateral (riparian), and longitudinal (stream order) dimensions and disturbance (land use). The habitat potentials were evaluated for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds in the Westfield River Watershed of Massachusetts using geographic information systems and multivariate analysis. We use a polynomial model to study nonlinear effects using robust regression. Various spatial policies were modeled and evaluated for influence on species diversity. All habitat potentials showed a strong influence along spatial dimensions and disturbance. The habitat potential for all vertebrate groups studied decreased as the distance from the riparian zone increased. Headwaters and lower order subwatersheds had higher levels of species diversity compared to higher order subwatersheds. It was observed that locations with the least disturbance also had higher habitat potential. The study identifies three policy criteria that could be used to identify critical areas within a watershed to conserve habitat suitable for various species through management and restoration activities. A spatially variable policy that is based on stream order, riparian distance, and land use can be used to maximize watershed ecological benefits. Wider riparian zones with variable widths, protection of headwaters and lower order subwatersheds, and minimizing disturbance in riparian and headwater areas can be used in watershed policy. These management objectives could be achieved using targeted economic incentives, best management practices, zoning laws, and educational programs using a watershed perspective.

Policies for sustaining groundwater resources in India

Abstract: This paper develops an integrated policy framework for groundwater, based on Indian conditions, that identifies four policy types that target depletion, recharge, contamination and treatment. Socio‐economic implications and income inequalities are discussed with special reference to a case study in South India. The sustainability indicators considered in this paper have not shown positive signs especially groundwater level, quality, and distribution of income among different categories of farmers. An integrated watershed based policy package covering both structural and nonstructural policies is suggested in this paper for achieving groundwater sustainability.

Managing Ecosystems in the Presence of Habitat Interactions and Market Imperfections in a Dynamic Setting

Abstract: Managing local commons like wildlife ecosystems is becoming complex because of increasing pressure from anthropogenic uses and markets The interaction between wildlife and their habitat poses interesting challenges for policy design in the presence of imperfect markets Development of alternate institutional mechanisms to alter user behavior is required to manage these wildlife ecosystems This paper uses a welfare analytical approach to develop alternative institutional solutions to manage wildlife ecosystems The social and private problems are evaluated using a dynamic framework to identify deviation from optimal behavior for consumptive and recreational users of the wildlife ecosystems Both habitat and wildlife stocks are considered in the analysis It was observed that overexploitation and anthropogenic disruptions could be accounted to lack of incentives to comply with social requirements It was observed that a prolonged existence of private outcomes that are not corrected could lead to cumulative deterioration of wildlife and their habitat Alternate mechanisms (transferable quotas, conservation subsidies, and cooperative methods) are discussed for providing appropriate incentives to wildlife conservation Practical implications of these institutional mechanisms are evaluated for various resource conditions