A land systems approach: Bay of Plenty

Abstract

This case study features the combination of land systems with related ecological and climatic concepts in the Bay of Plenty (BOP) region of New Zealand. The aim of the study was to develop a framework for monitoring ecological integrity. The essential feature of the BOP assessment is that it is based on a systematic analysis of ecological integrity, measured in terms of the spatial configuration, processes and evolving condition of the biophysical environment, and that culminates in the development of management guidelines for the entire landscape of the region. The key concepts of the assessment are land systems, landform components, bioclimatic zones, ecological districts, and ecological units (eco units).