Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
lead to a 'tragedy of the commons' and an 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude often prevails
to degradation of biodiversity in ocean areas.
Whether national or regional, ecosystem approaches employ tools and techniques
such as bioregional classification, coherent systems of marine protected or managed areas,
ocean zoning, and fisheries management. Implementation will ideally be undertaken
through successful management practices that are best suited to the particular environment-
al, social, cultural, and economic context of the area being managed. This chapter also
discusses how many indigenous cultures hold a holistic view of the land, sea, and whose
inhabitants have developed management approaches consistent with their perception of
the interconnectedness of nature, and are thus also implementing the ecosystem approach.
There are lessons to be learned from these traditional approaches, still practised in various
parts of the world, although some have been lost due to the prevalence of contemporary
sector-based management.
