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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    4th EA Workshop Report
    (2014)
    A workshop in Vancouver, Canada, June 16-18, 2014. Workshop on understanding national approaches and reviewing progress on IEA in Arctic LME's straddling national boundaries: The Beaufort and Barents Seas.
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    Managing Arctic marine ecosystems requires international, multidisciplinary, and cross-sectoral cooperation
    (2025)
    The third International Conference on Ecosystem Approach to Management in Arctic Large Marine Ecosystem was convened in 2024. Among many outcomes (see the conference report) the conference highlighted the importance of effective international cooperation to ensure a safe and sustainable future for the Arctic. To follow up on the conference outcomes and prepare for continued work the Norwegian Chairship and international partners convened a workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 10-12 December 2024. The workshop aimed at identifying effective ways to promote international collaboration for producing, accessing, synthesizing, and sharing scientific knowledge among organizations and Arctic Council Working Groups involved in the production of relevant knowledge, and those using this knowledge as a basis for advice on management in the CAO. The workshop convened 28 attendees in-person and 11 more online, representing Arctic governance, scientific communities and Indigenous Peoples, to discuss and identify ways to promote international collaboration to produce, share, access, synthesize and make evidence-based advice relevant to EBM of Arctic LME. During three intensive workshop days, participants discussed the information needed by institutions with mandates to provide management advice or make management decisions for the CAO. The meeting explored which institutions can produce and deliver this information, and how the collection, assessment, synthesis and sharing of relevant information can be made more effective across the relevant organizations and Arctic Council Working Groups.
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    Framework for a Panarctic Marine Conservation Network
    (2025-05-12) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)
    This framework for a Pan-Arctic marine conservation network was first published in 2015, and is now updated. The framework sets out a common vision for international cooperation in conservation network development and management, based on best practices and previous Arctic Council initiatives, with the aim to inform the development of conservation networks under the national jurisdiction of the Arctic States.
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