Ecosystem Approach to Management

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https://arcticcouncil.dspace7.dspace-express.com/handle/11374/59
The concept of the Ecosystem Approach to management (EA) has been around for at least 30 years and has been extensively discussed, elaborated and developed. This approach is known by a number of different names; ecosystem-based management (EBM), ecosystem approach to management (EAM), or simply the ecosystem approach, EA, which is the term used here. The EA was adopted as an overarching principle and approach by Arctic Council Ministers in 2004 as part of the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan (AMSP) and described in the following manner: "An integrated ecosystem-based management approach requires that development activities be coordinated in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment and integrates thinking across environmental, socioeconomic, political and sectoral realms. The management of resource activities needs to be focused on realistic, practical steps that are directed toward reducing environmental damage, protecting biodiversity and promoting the health and prosperity of local communities. For such an approach to be successful, the relevant ecosystems need to be better understood, monitored and reported on. Actions must be based on clear objectives and a sound management structure, employing best available knowledge and practices, integrated decision-making and, where appropriate, a coordinated, regional approach."

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    Guidelines for Implementing an Ecosystem Approach to Management of Arctic Marine Ecosystems
    (Arctic Council Secretariat, 2019-05) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)
    The concept of the Ecosystem Approach to management (EA) has been around for at least 30 years and has been extensively discussed, elaborated and developed within national and international fora. The Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a Guidance for the Ecosystem Approach in 2000 at its 5th Conference of the Parties (CBD COP V/6)1. The EA was adopted as an overarching principle and approach by Arctic Council Ministers in 2004 as part of the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan (AMSP). In 2011, the Ministers established an expert group on Arctic ecosystem-based management (EBM), which reviewed the EA (or EBM) concept2 and provided a definition of EA along with principles and recommendations that were adopted as part of the Kiruna Declaration in 2013. In Iqaluit in 2015, and in Fairbanks in 2017, the Arctic Council Ministers recognized the need for EA and requested and encouraged the development of practical guidelines for EA implementation in the Arctic.
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    Guidelines for Implementing an Ecosystem Approach to Management of Arctic Marine Ecosystems
    (Arctic Council Secretariat, 2019-03) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)
    The Iqaluit declaration (2015) encouraged progress toward implementation of the ecosystem- based management recommendations approved by Ministers in Kiruna, and requested development of practical guidelines for an ecosystem-based approach. The Joint Ecosystem Approach (EA) expert group (EA-EG), led by PAME and with participation of AMAP, CAFF and SDWG, has developed the “Guidelines for Implementing an Ecosystem Approach to Management of Arctic Marine Ecosystems”. The framework for the guidelines was crafted during an international conference on the status of implementation of EA in the Arctic in Fairbanks, Alaska, in August 2016. Many of the details of the guidelines were then developed during the 6th Ecosystem Approach workshop, held in Seattle, during January 2018.
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    Arctic Council WG-Observer session, Ecosystem Approach to Management
    (Arctic Council Secretariat, 2018) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)
    PAME’s joint Ecosystem Approach Expert Group (EA-EG) membership collectively contributes to the integration of EA implementation into the overall work of the Arctic Council. It also provides a mechanism to facilitate the exchange and review of information and experiences to support the development of a common and coordinated approach to EA implementation by Arctic States.
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    The Ecosystem Approach to Management: Status of Implementation in the Arctic; Conference Summary
    (Arctic Council Secretariat, 2017-02-15) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME); Arctic Council Secretariat
    The Ecosystem Approach to Management (EA) is a globally accepted principle, aiming at managing natural resources and the environment on a geographic scale, that suffices to insure sustainability. The EA Conference in Fairbanks was planned and organized by representatives across the Arctic States, AC Working Groups, Indigenous Peoples' organizations, and others.
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    Status of Implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Management in the Arctic; Cover Letter, and Report from the Joint Ecosystem Approach Expert Group
    (Arctic Council Secretariat, 2017-02-15) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME); Arctic Council Secretariat
    This report is structured by noting first the agreed definition and principles of the Ecosystem Approahc to Management, a brief history, followed by a summary of main achievements, and recommendations for further work.