Ecosystem-based management is a holistic approach to coastal resilience engineering that considers ecological, social, and economic factors. It aims to maintain ecosystem health while supporting human well-being, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional ecological wisdom in decision-making processes.
This approach emphasizes long-term ecosystem resilience, essential for adapting to climate change impacts on coastal areas. It incorporates strategies, stakeholder engagement, and economic valuation of ecosystems to balance conservation with human needs and promote sustainable coastal development.
Principles of ecosystem-based management
Ecosystem-based management forms a crucial foundation for coastal resilience engineering by promoting a comprehensive approach to managing complex coastal systems
Integrates ecological, social, and economic factors to ensure sustainable use of coastal resources while maintaining ecosystem integrity
Emphasizes long-term ecosystem health and resilience, essential for adapting to climate change impacts on coastal areas
Definition and key concepts
Top images from around the web for Definition and key concepts
Frontiers | A standardised ecosystem services framework for the deep sea View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Editorial: Biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services: Interrelationship with ... View original
Facilitates detection of long-term trends and ecosystem responses to management interventions
Adaptive management feedback loops
Integrates monitoring results into decision-making processes
Allows for iterative refinement of management strategies based on new information
Identifies knowledge gaps and informs future research priorities
Promotes learning and capacity building among managers and stakeholders
Enhances flexibility and responsiveness of coastal management approaches
Challenges and limitations
Understanding challenges and limitations in ecosystem-based management informs realistic expectations in coastal resilience engineering
Helps identify areas for improvement and innovation in management approaches
Promotes development of strategies to address uncertainties and complexities in coastal systems
Uncertainty in ecosystem dynamics
Addresses inherent complexity and non-linear behavior of ecosystems
Recognizes limitations in predicting ecosystem responses to management interventions
Incorporates uncertainty into decision-making processes through scenario planning
Develops robust management strategies that perform well under various future conditions
Promotes adaptive management approaches to deal with evolving ecosystem knowledge
Conflicting stakeholder interests
Addresses diverse and often competing interests among different user groups
Navigates power imbalances and inequities in resource access and decision-making
Develops conflict resolution mechanisms and negotiation processes
Promotes transparent communication and trust-building among stakeholders
Seeks win-win solutions that balance conservation and development objectives
Climate change impacts on ecosystems
Addresses uncertainties in climate projections and ecosystem responses
Considers potential regime shifts and tipping points in ecosystem dynamics
Develops strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience to climate-related stressors
Addresses synergistic effects of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures
Incorporates climate change adaptation and mitigation into ecosystem management plans
Legal and policy frameworks
Establishing robust legal and policy frameworks is essential for effective implementation of ecosystem-based management in coastal resilience engineering
Provides regulatory support and guidance for sustainable coastal development and conservation
Ensures consistency and coordination across different governance levels and sectors
International conventions and agreements
Implements global frameworks for marine and coastal conservation (Convention on Biological Diversity)
Addresses transboundary issues in ecosystem management (Regional Seas Conventions)
Promotes international cooperation in marine research and capacity building
Establishes global targets and standards for ecosystem protection (Sustainable Development Goals)
Provides mechanisms for sharing best practices and lessons learned across countries
National policies for ecosystem management
Develops comprehensive national strategies for coastal and marine management
Integrates ecosystem-based approaches into sectoral policies (fisheries, tourism, energy)
Establishes legal mechanisms for marine protected areas and no-take zones
Implements environmental impact assessment requirements for coastal development projects
Develops national action plans for addressing climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems
Local governance and regulations
Empowers local authorities to implement ecosystem-based management strategies
Develops zoning regulations and land-use plans that incorporate ecosystem considerations
Implements local ordinances for pollution control and resource use