Description: Ecosystem-based management is a management approach that considers the interconnectedness and interdependence of different elements within an ecosystem. This approach recognizes that natural and social systems are composed of a variety of components that interact with each other, and that these interactions are fundamental to the functioning and sustainability of the system as a whole. Ecosystem-based management seeks to integrate biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and human well-being, promoting a balance between economic development and environmental protection. This approach is characterized by its flexibility, adaptability, and emphasis on collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and non-governmental organizations. By considering the ecosystem as a whole, more effective and sustainable solutions to environmental and social challenges can be identified, fostering development that respects ecological limits and promotes the resilience of natural systems.
History: Ecosystem-based management began to take shape in the 1990s when the need for a more holistic approach to addressing environmental issues was recognized. One significant milestone was the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, where the importance of sustainability and biodiversity conservation was emphasized. Since then, this approach has evolved and been implemented in various environmental management policies and practices globally.
Uses: Ecosystem-based management is used in natural resource planning and management, biodiversity conservation, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and climate change adaptation. It is also applied in the management of protected areas and in the formulation of environmental policies that seek to balance economic development with environmental conservation.
Examples: An example of ecosystem-based management is the approach used in watershed management, where interactions between water, soil, vegetation, and human communities are considered. Another example is wetland restoration, where the goal is to recover the functionality of the ecosystem and its services, such as water regulation and biodiversity.
