THE WAY AHEAD — CONTINUING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN VEGETATIVE SLOPE ENGINEERING OR ECOENGINEERING

This paper reviews past achievements in vegetative erosion control and slope stabilisation - as signposts to the way ahead. Attention is focused on the structured use of vegetation for enhanced slope performance, amenity and wildlife conservation - called ingenieurbiologie in German and a raft of other terms in English. Some past achievements on which these are based are described. The modern resurgence of traditional European Alpine natural construction principles and techniques is described and seen as one mode for expansion into other regions and continents. The other springboard of activity has been an analytical one based on research knowledge of slope processes and vegetation's interaction with them. Both reflect the pressures on uplands as forestry and infrastructure developments accelerate worldwide. A holistic approach is needed to study and understand the interaction of vegetation and slopes. This will require the collaboration of the many disciplines. Research in the field, the laboratory and computer modelling and priorities for future work in these categories are described. Problems of project management experienced to-date are mentioned and some ideas on how the engineered use of vegetation on slopes may evolve are given. A short section on costs follows. The need for classification of the mass of existing data on vegetation/slope interaction, much seemingly contradictory, is stressed; likewise future data. The paper discusses further developments of potential value for vegetative slope engineering, including genetic engineering and selection.

• INTRODUCTION

• DEVELOPMENTS IN ECOENGINEERING

• SIGNPOSTS FROM THE PAST

• CURRENT PRACTICE

• THE FUTURE

• FURTHER INFLUENCES & TRENDS OF FUTURE SIGNIFICANCE

• COSTS

• CONCLUSIONS

• REFERENCES

• BIBLIOGRAPHY