ABSTRACT
The basic notion of "integration" necessary for sustainability is formed by the suggestion of focusing on actively making human activities fit in and work with ecological patterns and processes. In contrast to currently popular notions of stewardship, and more especially ecosystem or biosphere management, however, it is more inclusive, comprehensive – not least because these tend to forget the need to manage societal activity. "Integration" must not, however, be mistaken for a simplistic "back to nature", as it applies to human activities ranging from subsistence agriculture to industrial processes. Integration, as an active process of making human activities fit into and mirror ecological cycles, would contain the idea of environmental protection – from widespread alteration of natural ecosystems, introduction of novel substances, etc. – in its very workings. It should also be going hand in hand with the biological conservation.
