INTEGRATED
CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT (ICM)
The
adoption of the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) approach is
increasingly regarded as the most effective way of dealing with
environmental issues. ICM takes a 'whole of systems' approach and
avoids dealing with issues in isolation. It also recognises the
important role played by the community in managing natural resources
and advantages, such as increased mutual understanding and
effectiveness that result from a genuine partnership between
community and government.
For
example, over half the ACT is reserved for nature conservation, but
there are major on going challenges in natural resource
management related to land use Practices, off reserve
conservation, urban development, water quality and responsibilities
to downstream communities.