| Abstract | As increasing populations expand into steeper, more fragile areas in the tropical uplands, many catchments are affected by severe soil erosion, declining soil productivity, and environmental degradation. Watershed degradation now poses a threat to the economies of many countries in Asia, and to the livelihoods of the ever-growing populations the depend on these resources. Unfortunately, past watershed management programmes to arrest and reverse this trend have not been effective. But the lessons learned from theses failures have been instrumental in promoting a major change in thinking with regard to watershed management (Douglas, 1996). The two key elements underlying this approach are better land husbandry practices, and active people’s participation. |
