Kanchan Paira, Assistant professor, Geography, Hijli College Environment: Concept of holistic and system approaches

1. Concept of Holistic and System
Approach
Mr. Kanchan Paira
Asst. Prof (Geography)

2. Definition
The holistic approach in ecology and environmental science derives from the
idea proposed by Harrison Brown that “a precondition for solving (complex)
problems is a realization that all of them are interlocked, with the result that
they cannot be solved piecemeal.
David Gates notes, “the very definition of the discipline of ecology implies a
holistic study.
Points to Remember
“The Holistic Approach to Environment” deals with exploring possibilities and
developing themodels of benevolent co-existence of all beings on Earth.
It does not deal society with one segment of environment, but its sees the life on
the planet as a whole.
It promotes benevolent co-existence of all beings on Earth taking the perspective
of certain sciences, e.g. ecology, chemistry, chemical technology, biology, zoology,
mechanical engineering, metallurgy, philosophy, integrative bioethics etc.
finding the solutions to actual environmental issues of
today.

3. Aspects
The aspects that best describe a holistic environment include:
1. Basis
For an environment to be holistic, it should be based on values that are important
to humanity such as love and care.
People have a deep concern for their home, their community, their
environment.
People don’t just live for now, but they also need to leave a good sustainable
environment for the next generation
2. Scope
A holistic environment is encompassing and inclusive
 It takes into consideration the other forces such as cultural environment, political
environment and the global environment.
3. Value
A holistic environment is timely and relevant. It tries to give the needs of the
people at the present time.
The environment should be valuable to the existing users or caretakers.

4. Holistic Approaches to environmental
studies
1. Anthropocentric approaches
 Wetland conservation
 Afforestation
 Reduction of fossil fuel consumption, co2 emission
 Conservation of flora and fauna
2. Biocentric approaches
 Earth is for all
3. Eco-centric approaches
 Conservation of forest ecosystem, wetland ecosystem, grassland ecosystem
 Conservation of Bio-medicine
4. Ecofeminism
 Giving Priority to women

5. System Approaches
1. Morphological system
 Interrelation between biotic and abiotic resources.
2. Flow system
 Energy transfer
 10% law of Lindeman
3. Process response form ecosystem
 Size and function of plants and animals depends on how the system response.
 Bio-diversity depends on energy (solar) and atmosphere
 Complex nature
 Succession and climax community
4. Control system
 Balance between producers and consumers

6. THANK YOU