ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to synthesize an integrated approach to the sustainable development of fragile lands. It describes why “fragile lands” are resources at risk, and discusses an approach to fragile land development which has evolved from the Development Strategies for Fragile Lands project, financed by the Agency for International Development. The chapter focuses on experience in Latin America and the Caribbean. It aims to synthesize the various strands of thought and provide a set of guidelines for an integrated approach to resolving fragile lands issues—specifically the sustainable development of such lands. Property of ecosystems that may be of considerable importance is energy efficiency and finding ways to substitute structure for energy in the maintenance of the ecosytem. Fragile lands are those lands which are prone to environmental degradation, leading to both soil and fertility loss, and concomitant decrease in productivity.
