The Ecosystems Approach
Sustainable use of marine resources requires the combined efforts of all who use or benefit from them. It used ot be that each sector would concentrate on its own activities, but this approach led to conflict and un-resolved competition. It was recongnised that an approach was needed that took in to account all the actions influencing the health of an ecosystem, and bring these together in to one overall framework. This is the Ecosystems Approach
The Ecosystems Approach came to prominence as an idea following the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. The Ecosystem Approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Application of this Approach will help to reach a balance of the three objectives of biodversity. It recognizes that humans, with their cultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems.
This approach is now a vital component of Integrated Coastal Zone Management. It has even been adopted by the Common Fisheries Policy as the underpinning philosophy for fisheries management. It also provides the founding principles for much of the draft Marine Bill, without being explicitly mentioned.
You can find out more about the Ecosystems Approach by copying this Natura England document on the subject. Key websites are also to be found here;