Hari Hari : a study of land use and a community

A multi-disciplinary approach was used to study land use, and the associated community of Hari Hari. Land use decisions concerning forestry and agriculture, were placed in the context of social and economic needs of the human system and ecological requirements of the natural system. Data was collected from interviews with 17% of the Hari Hari community. The needs of the community were identified, from a detailed study of the Hari Hari people. Past and present land uses were studied in detail to determine the suitability of each land use, and its ability to work within the constraints imposed by the natural system. Future land use options and their social, economic and ecological implications were outlined. The most appropriate options were selected, according to their ability to satisfy the needs of the community, and ecological requirements of the natural systems. Appropriate options for agriculture included the following: a. continuing as at present; and, b. increasing farm management efficiency and, c. diversification into opossum and deer farming. These options met ecological requirements and would contribute to community needs. The most appropriate option for forestry was found to be; immediate cessation of production logging until the natural constraints are identified and a logging system which works within these constraints is identified This option conflicts with the social need to maintain employment. However the study found that closure of the sawmill would have little impact upon the Hari Hari community, other than a reduction in employment possible options for establishing alternative employment activities were suggested. These included a fur industry, an out-door pursuits centre, cottage industries, and ventures which would promote community self-sufficiency. As a whole, this study emphasised the value of a multi-disciplinary approach to land use planning.