Transcript Ecologically Sustainable Development in NT Horticulture

Ecologically Sustainable
Development (ESD)
in NT Horticulture
Concepts of ESD in NT Horticulture
As it pertains to Horticulture, ESD describes
farming systems that are capable of
maintaining their productivity and usefulness
to society indefinitely. Such systems …must
be;
natural resource conserving
socially / culturally supportive
commercially competitive
and environmentally sound
Sustainability Issues
With respect to sustainable agriculture;
 Long term viability and resilience of rural
economies.
 Conservation and enhancement of the natural
resource base.
 Avoidance of environmental impacts.
 Socio-economic viability of rural communities.
 Quality of land management managerial skills.
NTHA Accomplishments
Development of a strategic Natural Resource
Management plan for Horticulture in the
Northern Territory.
Production and implementation of best practice
guidelines for sustainable land use in the
Northern Territory (SUSTAINT / SPINTA)
Addressing deficiencies in the marketing and
supply chains of exotic tropical fruits through
the Tropical Fruits Industry Partnership Program
Identifying the needs of the non-English speaking
background (NESB) growers with regards to Natural
Resource Management .
Working toward the determination of best water practice
for the sustainable production of cut flowers.
Best practice accreditation programs (NIASA/EcoHort)
for the Nursery and Garden Industry (NGINT).
NT ESD considerations
Largest, relatively intact area of savanna on
the planet – costly to manage - huge asset.
Small population base in the landscape. Good
NRM requires people in the landscape.
Economy is focused on, and driven by purely
extractive fly-in, fly-out industries.
Greater focus required on sustainable
development that is going to provide
infrastructure in the regions –Agriculture
/Eco -tourism / Defence.
ESD Priorities
• Collaborative Research Centre for Sustainable
Development in Northern Australia.
• Comprehensive land capability mapping
• Sustained Research and Development (R&D)
• Extension programs to coordinate, facilitate
and accelerate the implementation of
sustainable food systems in the North.
ESD Barriers
Awareness
Knowledge
Education
Training
Investment
Continuity
Passion