What is Integrated Catchment Management (ICM)?
Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) is a component of environmental planning and research that recognizes the interdependence and cyclical nature of different ecosystems. It takes into account the complex relationships of different ecosystems and how it shapes the inhabitants of that ecosystem; compared to the individualistic approach that’s usually done when studying land or water systems.
The catchment or the river basin, serves as the center of the system. The main goal of ICM is managing the resources of the catchment and turning it into a sustainable system which consideration of the ecological and human factors around it.
It was with the prodding of the government through Landcare Research that the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) was first employed as a project of improving research and resource management of the river basin, in relation to the rest of the property. ICM has a multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach in handling information pertinent to the management of property resources such as land, water, as well as coastal areas.
It became a model when it comes to environmental research because it ladder type approach; the elements level up from the microcosm of that catchment to the macrocosm of the entire property. It entails thorough analysis of landforms, soil composition, vegetation, drainage concerns and land use specifications.
We at Rural Design use ICM because it gives us a broad overview of land management. It provides us with an acute understanding of how elements from different ecosystems interact with one another and how different activities could impact these different ecosystems as a whole. It also helps us find better ways for land management that creates a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship with any development or human activity that will be done within that property.
Why Go for ICM?
ICM has its critics because it involves considerable costs. But let us examine some of the factors why ICM makes sense as an approach in land management.
● It gives an in-depth look at the land and all the elements surrounding it. – ICM provides a holistic approach to land management, giving you a better understanding of what your property can do.
● Exploring other opportunities for land management – As a landowner, you won’t be able to explore the potential of your river basin or land for that matter by just looking at it. ICM enables you to explore different opportunities where you can improve your property other than the one you initially planned.
● Increasing its economic use – This is an offshoot after discovering the potential of your land. Many landowners use ICM in order to explore other possibilities of earning from their property other than developing it.
Why Rural Design with ICM
Our experience with ICM enables us to run a research system that involves all aspects of a land, the physical as well as the natural elements on it. Since its implementation a decade ago, we have been aiding landowners on how to maximize the use of their land through ICM.
We will analyze your property through mapping and appropriate design, using ICM, to determine critical elements and help you create the best possible design for your landscaping project.