Several definitions of Ecological Engineering are in use of which the one by Mitch and Joergensen (below) is the most commonly used. However, Ecological Engineering is far from being a strictly defined practice. It may be better reflected by its principles, goals and context of application:

"Designing the human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both"
Mitch and Jørgensen, 1988

"Management that joins human design and environmental self-design, so that they are mutually symbiotic"
 Odum, 1996

"Ecological Engineering is a tool in sustainable management of our resources using resource management principles of the ecosystems" 
Jana, Banergee, Guterstam and Heeb, 2000

"The application of our knowledge of ecosystems, and our skills of technical and engineering problem solving and design, to achieve the integration of human endeavour and creativity with the natural world, for sustainable efficiency"
Dakers, 2001

"Engineering with an attitude"
Del Porto, 2003

"Ecological Engineering serves as a valuable toolbox in designing and developing regenerative landscapes"
Bruell and Buergow, 2006


Engineering design can be considered as "creative art, based on science, for useful purposes" (Davies and Painter 1990). In that respect Ecological Engineering may be understood as creative design, based on the science of ecology, for sustainable solutions.
Bruell, 2008

What do others think about engineering and reorienting the profession?

The Brundtland report called for a "reorientation of technology - the key link between humans and nature"
Brundtland, 1987

"Virtually any engineering project modifies the environment in some way and therefore has an effect on the welfare, health and safety of the surrounding community" of living-beeings.
Gillin, 1992, President of the Australian Institute of Engineers

"The whole ethos of engineering practice will have to be different"
Thom, 1993, Chairman of WFEO World Federation of Engineering Organisations

"Future engineers, scientists and business people must design technology and economic activities that sustain rather than degrade the natural environment, enhance human health and well-beeing and mirror and live with the limits of natural systems"
Cortese, 1999, President of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers

Your ideas are welcome!

Would you like to share your idea of Ecological Engineering? We are happy to receive your comments. Please mail your one-sentence quote to:

Anja Bruell This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Further readings
Van Bohemen gives an overview on definitions and development of Ecological Engineering in Chapter 5 of his book "Ecological Engineering - bridging between ecology and engineering" (link to book review )