Challenges for grassland science: managing research priorities

This paper argues the need for a re-appraisal of prioritisation and funding in research on issues of land use strategy in general, and on issues of integrated land use and grassland management in particular. There is a need to provide a stronger base for genuine inter-disciplinary research, with the emphasis on integrated land use programmes and effective coordination of production and conservation oriented objectives, and greater emphasis on a coordinated programme of large-scale, long-term, integrated land use research projects on a national or, preferably, a regional basis. Improved linkages between national and international research programmes, and closer coordination of interests between the professional bodies representing particular land use interests, are likely to be required for the effective execution and delivery of such programmes. Achievement of these objectives will require a re-evaluation of conventional research and tertiary education priorities, to encourage both a broader vision and a more informed and flexible attitude to land use issues.