Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
of the ecosystem approach to the management of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction
. It is in this context that current efforts by the CBD related to the identification of 'eco-
logically and biologically significant areas ' and the efforts under the Food and Agricul-
ture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to identify 'vulnerable marine ecosystems'
should be considered.
The FAO ecosystem approach to fisheries is also to be recognized; this approach en-
tails significant implications for the operation of Regional Fisheries Management Organ-
largely consistent with those for the ecosystem approach developed in the context of the
CBD. The FAO approach is also being increasingly tested and pursued in large marine eco-
systems in various regions of the world, although current efforts have been focusing on the
planning process related to an ecosystem approach to fisheries rather than on its actual im-
plementation.
Indigenous holistic approaches to marine management can also be consistent and
greatly contribute to the implementation of the ecosystem approach. Relevant case studies
from different regions of the world demonstrate that, for example, in the Pacific region,
communities that depend on resources from the sea for their subsistence tend to have an
integrated view of peoples and nature, reflecting the perceived connection between all liv-
ing things and their environments. In this regard, governments can learn significantly from
these communities in their efforts towards fully embracing and applying an ecosystem ap-
proach while pursuing an integrated approach to ocean management.
Experiences and lessons learned in implementing the ecosystem approach are de-
While the policy relevance of applying the ecosystem approach is widely recognized,
the application suffers from the frequent lack of availability of adequate analytical and sci-
entific tools necessary for its implementation. Lack of an understanding of what the eco-
system approach entails may play a critical role in hampering its application. Hence it is
important to present lessons derived from the successful implementation of the ecosystem
approach, rather than its theoretical aspects. Relevant case studies must illustrate not only
