Restorative Management of Land and Water

Land is indispensable for the survival and economic well being of humankind. In its broader sense it constitutes the basic natural resources such as soil, water, climate, flora and fauna and the national treasure of any country. However, due to unsustainable land management practices and changing pattern of climate parameters result in degradation of these vital resources in several regions of the world. Simultaneously there has been a growing concern for rational resources use and proper management at all levels which demands for a balance between its exploitation and conservation. We have described these aspects in details with examples from the coastal and island regions of India which include both land and marine resources. Emphasis is also given to the process of climate change and its possible effect on the coastal and island regions with respect to agricultural production and land degradation.