Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
discussion of how an ecosystem-based approach to planning for the
marine environment might be introduced.
18
I have already taken issue with the utility of
as a foundational
concept for ecological protection in
Chapter 2
,
19
and reiterate my con-
cerns in
Section 5.2
of this chapter. The suggestion that there may be
some quanti
'
limits
'
able point at which development becomes unacceptable or
that decisions on proposed projects could be made by reference to it is
not supported by scienti
c understanding of ecosystems as highly com-
plex and dynamic entities. Regulation on this basis is not possible in view
of the signi
cant uncertainty concerning the impacts of human activities
on systemic properties and the impossibility of knowing whether an
ecosystem
cient to enable it to withstand disturbance.
Even if it were feasible, it is questionable whether the knife-edge
approach to balancing economic growth and environmental health
that a focus on limits invites would be appropriate under a system of
governance whose primary concern is with ensuring that what is eco-
logically valuable is preserved. Conversely, the
'
s resilience is suf
rst concern of an eco-
logical planning system would be with promoting options for meeting
demands and land uses that are judged to be least ecologically conse-
quential amongst those available. The setting of absolute constraints on
development where this may affect places of importance for ecosystem
functionality is a key aspect of the regulatory framework. However, it
provides a supporting bottom-line for more progressive
mech-
anisms for reducing ecological stresses rather than bearing the exclusive
responsibility for resisting developmental pressures.
Second, proposals made for spatial and environmental planning have
tended to concentrate on bringing environmental considerations into the
decision-making frame in the hope that giving them equal billing alongside
economic and social matters will result in enhanced conservation. They
offer little or no guidance on the circumstances in which con
'
top-line
'
ict between
the different concerns should be resolved in favour of preserving the
environment. The in
interpretations of sustainable
development that promote a search for outcomes which advance environ-
mental, economic and social goals simultaneously is apparent in this
uence of
'
integrative
'
18
See, for example, M. M. Foley et al.,
'
Guiding Ecological Principles for Marine Spatial
Planning
Essential
Ecological Insights for Marine Ecosystem-based Management and Marine Spatial
Planning
'
(2010) 34 Marine Policy, 955; L. B. Crowder and E. A. Norse,
'
'
(2008) 32 Marine Policy, 772; Jay,
'
BuiltatSea
'
,173;Youngetal.,
'
Solving
the Crisis in Ocean Governance
'
, 20.
19
Chapter 2,
Sections 2.2
and
2.3
.
