HOLISTIC APPROACH AND REGIONAL DIMENSIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

assoc. prof. Daniela Toneva, PhDTechnical University of Varna, Bulgaria

dept. Ecology and Environmental Protection

e-mail: d_toneva@abv.bg

Programme funded by the EUROPEAN

UNION

WHAT IS HOLISM? WHAT DOES THE HOLISTIC APPROACH MEANS? The term holism was coined in 1926 by Jan

Smuts in his book, Holism and Evolution.  Smuts defined holism as "The tendency in nature

to form wholes that are greater than the sum of the parts through creative evolution”.

Holism may be is sometimes seen as the opposite of Reductionism.

Reductionism in science says that a complex system can be explained by reduction to its fundamental parts.

(For example, the processes of biology are reducible to chemistry and the laws of chemistry are explained

by physics).

WHAT IS HOLISM? WHAT DOES THE HOLISTIC APPROACH MEANS?

Holism, in the contrary claims that: The functionality of the systems is different from

functionality of its main subsystems; Even the full scale subsystem’s efficiency doesn’t

necessarily means efficiency of the System

The complex systems, such as ecosystems and socio- systems evolving through meta-system transitions, when a new level(s) of complicity and hierarchy appears.

META- SYSTEM TRANSITION

HOLISTIC APPROACH + ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES = ?

The holistic approach considers the complex systems as a subsystems, a part

of a higher range system

For example, each ecosystem is a part of the a higher range system - biosphere. All land and marine ecosystems are connected to each other and forms the biosphere. Something more, they are interconnected and interdependent.

In order to fully understand and predict the ecosystem’s behavior the holistic approach put focus on the hierarchical connections and the whole.

IMPLEMENTATION OF HOLISTIC APPROACH WHEN?

Strong hierarchical structures

Complexity

Variety of elements

Social issues

Economical issues

Environmental issues

Common challenges

HOLISTIC APPROACH IN PROBLEM SOLVING. THE IMPLEMENTATION STEP BY STEP

HOLISTIC APPROACH IN PROBLEM SOLVING. HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT EASIER? We define the issues as local, national, regional,

global…, but our definition of the environmental issues depends of our capacity, knowledge, experience and perspective! To achieve better results and to benefit more

from holistic approach implementation: Mapping: not only the local and national

dimensions of the issue, but also the regional dimensions

Follow the aim – ensure the regional impact of your action

Networking – cooperate and provide mutual learning process

Coordination – work together as a higher range System

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL DIMENSIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

I Offer You a Challenge:

1. Write down at least 3 dimensions of environmental issues (for your country or costal area)

2. Write down at least 3 regional dimensions of environmental issues in the Black Sea Region

3. Now Compeer

WATER

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ADDRESSING COMMON CHALLENGES

Feedback from the documents:

Agenda 21

Black Sea Biodiversity and Landscape Conservation (2002)

The Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest)

NATURA 2000

Black Sea Basin JOP

Stop looking at the tree! SEE THE FOREST!

Programme funded by the EUROPEAN

UNION

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!