LE3 .A278 2011

2011

Lusby, Linda

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Environmental Science

Earth & Environmental Sciences

This study investigated the practicality of applying an ecosystem services approach, as defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, to contentious land management issues in Kings County, Nova Scotia. It was hypothesized that such an approach could satisfy landowners looking for compensation, public members looking for land conservation, and decision makers in finding solutions. A struggle over zoning legislation in the hamlet of Greenwich provided a case study for investigation. Two members of provincial government, a farmer on the rezoning application in Greenwich, and a member of the public activist group “No Farms No Food” were interviewed. Public surveys were distributed in Greenwich, scientific literature and Kings County Council publications were reviewed, and a list of ecosystem services pertaining to agricultural land in the area was generated. Ecosystem services were found to be poorly recognized for their importance to human well-being in Greenwich, despite the numerous important services that the land provides. Food production was consistently identified as the primary reason to conserve agricultural land. A strong split in views over whether the land should be conserved and whose responsibility it was to do so was also represented. The study concluded that there are many benefits to conserving agricultural land that reach beyond food security, and that conservation should be not only the responsibility of landowners, but of everyone who benefits. It was also determined that many solutions strengthened by an ecosystem services approach have the potential for compromise amid the involved groups, and should be given more consideration in future management decisions.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:804