There are three essential methods for managing an agricultural or urban economy.
Degenerative Approach:
- begins in a state of decline or deteriorates from the outset.
- Requires continuous input of energy and materials to sustain functionality.
- Consumes more resources than it generates.
- Contributes to environmental degradation on both local and global scales.
- Typically, it serves a single purpose.
Examples:
Maintaining lawns and landscapes often requires pesticides, fertilizers, and high-energy irrigation systems. Buildings that depend on mechanical heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting and conventional single-use parking lots must also be maintained.
Generative Approach:
- starts in a state of decline or begins degrading immediately.
- Continuous energy and material inputs are demanded to remain operational.
- Uses more resources than it generates.
- Specific resources are conserved while others are depleted.
- Often serves multiple functions.
Examples:
Multifunctional landscapes that provide food, scenic beauty, and wildlife habitats; buildings designed for passive heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting; sustainable and renewable energy sources like solar, micro-hydro, and wind, enabling buildings or communities to generate clean energy while consuming less non-renewable energy; and multifunctional parking lots.
Regenerative Approach:
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- Possesses the ability to self-repair, regenerate, and sustain itself.
- Starts to grow and thrive as soon as the process is initiated.
- Does not require continuous energy and material inputs to remain functional.
- Generates more resources than it consumes.
- Enhances the environment and contributes to global well-being.
- Serves multiple purposes.
Examples:
Once properly established, multifunctional landscapes sustained solely by rain and stormwater require no external resources. These landscapes involve natural mulching, soil enrichment, and afforestation, supported by ecosystem-based infrastructure. Policies and cultural values that promote equal access and rights for all individuals are essential.
Sustainable resource use includes harnessing solar energy, prevailing winds, rainfall, and surface water. Implementing public loan revolving funds can support communities in their water conservation efforts. Additionally, seed selection and preservation strategies are vital for ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
Rainwater harvesting structures are necessary for efficient water management. Furthermore, oral traditions, such as songs and stories, can serve as valuable guides for maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable practices.
The text fragment used in the article: the book “Rainwater harvesting for drylands and beyond” by Brad Lancaste.
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