Ecosystem-based management

Definition

Ecosystem-based management is an approach that considers entire ecosystems, including their biodiversity, interactions, and services, in the planning and implementation of resource management. This method seeks to balance ecological, social, and economic goals, aiming to sustain the health and resilience of ecosystems while meeting human needs. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of species and their environments, this strategy promotes sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem-based management emphasizes the protection of entire ecosystems rather than focusing on individual species or resources in isolation.
2. This approach integrates scientific knowledge with traditional ecological knowledge and stakeholder input to create more holistic management plans.
3. Ecosystem-based management aims to enhance ecosystem resilience, allowing them to better withstand and recover from disturbances such as climate change or pollution.
4. It recognizes that human well-being is dependent on healthy ecosystems and seeks to create a balance between environmental conservation and economic development.
5. Successful ecosystem-based management can lead to improved biodiversity outcomes, which in turn can enhance ecosystem services that support human communities.

Review Questions

• How does ecosystem-based management differ from traditional resource management approaches?
  • Ecosystem-based management differs from traditional resource management by taking a broader view that considers entire ecosystems rather than focusing solely on individual resources or species. Traditional methods often prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term ecological health, whereas ecosystem-based management seeks to balance ecological integrity with human needs. This holistic approach encourages collaboration among stakeholders and integrates scientific understanding with local knowledge, leading to more sustainable outcomes.
• In what ways does ecosystem-based management contribute to the conservation of biodiversity?
  • Ecosystem-based management contributes to the conservation of biodiversity by protecting entire habitats and the interactions within them, rather than targeting specific species alone. By maintaining healthy ecosystems, this approach supports diverse biological communities and enhances their resilience against disturbances. Additionally, it fosters sustainable practices that reduce habitat degradation and promote restoration efforts, ultimately leading to greater biodiversity protection.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of ecosystem-based management in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
  • The effectiveness of ecosystem-based management in addressing climate change lies in its focus on enhancing ecosystem resilience and adaptive capacity. By promoting diverse and interconnected ecosystems, this approach allows natural systems to better cope with stressors such as extreme weather events and shifting species distributions. Furthermore, it encourages practices that mitigate climate change impacts, such as carbon sequestration through sustainable land use. Overall, ecosystem-based management provides a strategic framework for not only responding to climate change but also for fostering a sustainable relationship between people and nature.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems, which is crucial for ecosystem resilience and functioning.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning (e.g., food), regulating (e.g., climate control), cultural (e.g., recreational), and supporting services (e.g., nutrient cycling).

Adaptive Management: A systematic approach to improving resource management by learning from outcomes and adjusting practices based on what works and what doesn’t over time.