Ecosystem Management

Principles

* Use an ecological approach that would recover and
maintain the biological diversity, ecological function,
and defining characteristics of natural ecosystems.

* Recognize that humans are part of ecosystems, and
they shape and are shaped by the natural systems; the
sustainability of ecological and societal systems are
mutually dependent

* Adopt a management approach that recognizes
ecosystems and institutions are characteristically
heterogeneous in time and space.

* Integrate sustained economic and community activity
into the management of ecosystems.

* Develop a shared vision of desired human/environ-
mental conditions.

* Provide for ecosystem governance at appropriate
ecological and institutional scales.

* Use adaptive management as the mechanism for
achieving both desired outcomes and new understand-
ings regarding ecosystem conditions.

* Integrate the best science available into the decision
making process, while continuing scientific research to
reduce uncertainties.

* Implement ecosystem management principles
through coordinated government and non-government
plans and activities.