A typology of scientific bottlenecks to natural resources development
A preliminary systematic framework for considering the scientific bottlenecks to the development of natural resources is presented, as a basis for discussion and refinement. In giving particular attention to problems of resource use in developing countries, two main types of scientific bottlenecks are recognized. One concerns the quality and quantity of information on natural resources, and the use that is made of that information. The second relates to the quality and quantity of local manpower in the ecological and related sciences that is available to developing countries, and to the conditions that affect the promotion and stability of scientific endeavor in these countries.Action strategies for combatting these bottlenecks are proposed. These strategies emphasize the need to improve the scientific basis for the predictable use of natural resources, to facilitate multi-directional links of scientific cooperation between countries, and to help develop national self-reliance in research and management activities. They stress such principles of action as the promotion of a problem-oriented, interdisciplinary approach within specific geographic units, and the combination of research, training and demonstration within particular field activities. These features of suggested research run counter neither to scientific method nor to the freedom of scientific endeavor. They do, however, entail a change in the way that much research is conceived and organized. More particularly, they entail the incorporation of additional dimensions in the overall research effort, including that of a perception approach to problems.
Land-use planning to help sustain tropical forest resources
Abstract Greater use of land-use planning could help sustain tropical forest resources, particularly in countries where future alternatives have not been closed off by prior land-use allocations. Although suitable planning techniques are available, they have not been used to their full potential in tropical countries because of (1) insufficient appreciation by decision- makers, (2) limited availability of data, (3) scarcity of planning expertise, (4) cost, and (5) domination of decision-making by special interest groups. The usefulness of existing techniques can be improved by (1) increasing the timeliness and focus of analysis, (2) improving the data base, (3) encouraging public participation, (4) improving communication of findings, (5) adopting an interdiciplinary approach, and (6) incorporating better monitoring and evaluation in project implementation.
On the Role of Professional Sports in the National Economy Under the Market Economy Conditions
Through the research of the present situations of the professional sports at home and abroad and its influence on economy, this paper points out the opportunities, challenges and the exist- ing main problems that the professional sports faces in the transitional peried-from plan economy to market economy, then elucidates that the professional sports can becompletely developed and improved and play an important role in the national economy under the market economy conditions.