A proposed ecosystem-based management system for marine waters: linking the theory of environmental policy to the practice of environmental management

Sardá, Rafael, O'Higgins, Tim, Cormier, Roland, Diedrich, Amy, and Tintoré, Joaquin (2014) A proposed ecosystem-based management system for marine waters: linking the theory of environmental policy to the practice of environmental management. Ecology and Society, 19 (4). 51. pp. 1-14.

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Abstract

New coastal and marine management strategies have recently been developed in many countries and regions. From an ecosystem approach perspective, the aim of such strategies is the maintenance of ecosystem integrity while enabling the sustainable use of ecosystem goods and services. There is, however, a need for harmonized definitions and standardized processes to deal not only with the interjurisdictional and multidisciplinary complexities that are associated with such strategies but also with the extensive timelines and resources implicated in the planning and implementation of these strategies. The ecosystem-based management system proposed here is based on three pillars that facilitate the integration of an ecosystem approach to coastal and oceans policy development, regardless of the ecosystem or administrative scales. The managerial pillar is based on classical risk-management systems that incorporate environmental considerations and objectives within a continuous improvement cycle of adaptive management. The managerial pillar is supported by governance structures that provide oversight and thereby ensure that planning and implementation activities adhere to modern environmental principles. The information pillar ensures that data and scientific advice are based on current knowledge, and the participation pillar brings together communication and consultation requirements as indicated by the principles of the ecosystem approach.

Item ID: 37478
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1708-3087
Keywords: ecosystem approach, ecosystem-based management, ecosystem goods and services, environmental management, marine environment, marine ecosystems, marine management strategy, oceans policy
Additional Information:

Copyright © 2014 by the author(s). Published here under license by The Resilience Alliance.

Funders: European Union project Knowledge-Based Sustainable Management for Europe’s Seas (KnowSeas)
Projects and Grants: KnowSeas grant contract 226675
Date Deposited: 18 Feb 2015 07:38
FoR Codes: 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050205 Environmental Management @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960507 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments @ 30%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960503 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Coastal and Estuarine Environments @ 30%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960604 Environmental Management Systems @ 40%
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