Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Flexibility: there is no one 'correct' way to implement the ecosystem approach.
Methods may vary and will depend on the environmental, cultural, social, and eco-
nomic setting of the area. However, certain principles and guidance should apply.
In many instances, groups or countries may implement the ecosystem approach
without calling it by that name.
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More case studies of the successful application of the ecosystem approach in
coastal and deeper ocean environments should be undertaken, to add to the body
of work already maintained by the CBD.
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Implementing the ecosystem approach can be demanding of information, and
some of the analytical tools to assess impacts and assist planning, as well as on-go-
ing management, are still under development.
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There is a need for more comprehensive documentation of ecosystem approach
implementation in ocean and coastal areas in order to assess the extent of the area
under management. There is also a need to assess the effectiveness of this manage-
ment for both biodiversity and human needs, leading to an adaptive process of im-
provement over time.
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There is a need to adopt a 'mountain to ocean trench' approach to management of
the coasts and seas, which can be best achieved through application of the ecosys-
tem approach.
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Standardization of terms will be helpful. At present there is a large range of over-
lapping terminology that only serves to confuse and confound the science-policy
discussion.
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Implementation of the ecosystem approach can enable us to better manage mul-
tiple impacts on the marine environment. It provides the best strategy for reducing
the rate of biodiversity loss in the world's oceans and for maximizing long-term
