Abstract
Formation of the National Biological Survey was one of Secretary Babbitt's first administrative acts. The mission of NBS is to research, inventory, and monitor the nation's living resources, and to provide biological data to resource managers, universities, and other organizations. The ultimate purpose is to anticipate incipient resource problems. The NBS role is non-advocacy, non-managerial, non-regulatory. It will adopt an ecosystem perspective which will integrate ecological, economic, and social principles to promote sustainability, diversity, and ecological health. NBS will operate on seven key principles: (1) People are part of ecosystems. (2) Diversity and sustainability are keys to ecosystem management. (3) Ecosystems are complex and dynamic. (4) Partnerships are an essential part of implementing ecosystem management. (5) Integrated resource information is essential to implement an ecosystem-management approach. (6) Desired ecosystem conditions will guide management decisions. (7) Good management requires good science. NBS was formed by moving the biological research, inventory, and monitoring programs and personnel from seven Interior Department bureaus into the new agency. At the field level, NBS will be administered out of four regional offices and operate with 13 Science Centers, more than 100 field stations, and the Cooperative Research Units.
Recommended Citation
Mosesso, John
(1995)
"Role of the National Biological Survey in ecosystem management,"
Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 5, Article 16.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol5/iss1/16
