septième réunion technique seventh technical meeting ... - IUCN

habitat through the creation of artificial lakes, evidence that even in
the case of engineering structures man's effect upon habitat and
landscape may be constructive as well as destructive. The importance
of providing accommodations for migratory fish at dams and similar
structural barriers was given considerable attention, with improved
devices reported by McGrath, Deelder, Someren, Runnstrom, and
others.
Humphreys and Foster suggested flood-plain zoning to reduce the
need for flood control storage, while Brew offered a positive suggestion
for study of archaeological sites prior to inundation. From Burhenne
and Adams we learned that thermal and nuclear power plants are not
likely to replace hydro-power, since the latter are especially useful
to provide storage and to meet peak loads. Many of the speakers,
however, recognized the need for multi-purpose developments,
including adaptations to protect or create fish, wildlife, recreational,
and scenic values. Such adaptations, it seems, may prove more
feasible as additional power from nuclear sources becomes available.
The significance of interrelationships was shown in numerous
papers, particularly in the treatment of aquatic resources. The effect
of water pollution on aquatic habitat, including sewage, industrial
wastes, and sedimentation from accelerated erosion exemplified
relationships. Beauchamp showed that development of both fisheries
and agriculture on the same site could benefit from full use of scientific
knowledge. That good land management was needed for good water
management was stressed by Tarzwell. Others considered the importance
of vegetative cover if we are to have clear streams and long life
for reservoirs. Lasser showed that fire control was pre-requisite for
erosion control through protection of vegetation. Many other examples
might be cited.
Of special significance were papers relating to the ecological
aspects of natural resources management. And this brings me to one
of the major issues set before the Union at this Assembly. That issue
is the apparent conflict over protection versus production or stability
versus manipulation of an environment. This issue was met head-on
by the F.A.O. staff in its paper stating that production and protection
had once been thought incompatible objectives of F.A.O. and I.U.C.N.
Using forestry as an example, however, F.A.O. showed that both were
possible, as when good soil sites were utilized for timber production,
poorer sites for less intensive use and protection. Thus, F.A.O.
contended, the aims of F.A.O. and I.U.C.N. are in fact compatible.
Ovington further stated that stability and high production were
possible, on the same area, as in the Swedish Enge or wooded meadow
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