"Holistic Management" by Allan Savory and Jody Butterfield offers a groundbreaking approach to land management that addresses environmental degradation and social issues through a holistic perspective. This essential guidebook presents a comprehensive framework designed to restore degraded lands and enhance ecosystem health while promoting sustainable agriculture and ranching practices.
Savory, a renowned biologist, draws upon decades of experience in combating desertification and revitalizing grasslands. By emphasizing the interconnectedness between livestock, plants, soil, and water, he outlines a revolutionary approach to land management that promotes biodiversity, enhances soil fertility, and sequesters carbon.
The book highlights the importance of holistic decision-making, which considers not only the ecological impact but also the social and economic factors of land management. Savory and Butterfield explore the concept of "holistic context," encouraging land managers to define their values, goals, and desired outcomes with a long-term vision. Through various examples and case studies, they demonstrate how holistic decision-making can lead to more effective and sustainable land management practices.
Additionally, "Holistic Management" provides practical tools and techniques for implementing holistic grazing plans, wildlife management strategies, and regenerative agricultural practices. The authors emphasize the significance of adaptive management, stressing the importance of constant monitoring and adjusting management strategies based on ecosystem responses.
This succinct and informative book is a must-read for land managers, farmers, and anyone interested in sustainable and regenerative land management practices. "Holistic Management" offers an innovative approach that restores degraded landscapes, enhances ecosystem resilience, and promotes a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.