Interdependent Principles of Ecosystem-Based Planning

Important principles that underlie ecosystem-based planning include:

1. Focus on what to leave, not on what to take. An ecosystem-based approach leaves fully functioning ecosystems at all spatial scales through time. Biological diversity is protected, including genetic, species, community, landscape, and regional diversity. Natural composition, structures, and functioning of ecosystems are maintained, ranging from small patches of trees or wetlands, to large river basins or regions.

2. Recognize the hierarchical relationship between ecosystems, cultures, and economies. Economies are part of human cultures, and human cultures are part of ecosystems. Therefore, protecting ecosystem functioning provides for healthy human cultures, and the economies that are part of these cultures.

3. Apply the precautionary principle to all plans and activities. The precautionary principle deals with uncertainties by directing that decisions, interpretations, plans and activities must err on the side of protecting ecosystem functioning, as opposed to erring on the side of protecting resource exploitation. In other words, if you are not sure that an activity will protect, maintain, or restore ecosystem functioning, do not do it.

4. Ensure that the planning process is inclusive of the range of values and interests. Ecosystem-based planning provides for full discussion and debate of issues, based upon the best available information, by participants who represent the spectrum of values and interests that may be affected by the plan. Shared decision-making by all participants characterizes an egalitarian approach to planning.

5. Protect, maintain, and, where necessary, restore ecological connectivity, and the full range of composition, structures, and functioning of enduring features, natural plant communities, and animal habitats/ranges by establishing large reserves, linkages, and an interconnected network of smaller reserves throughout all areas of the landscape. This is particularly important in areas that are likely to be altered due to human settlement and economic activity.

6. Provide for diverse, ecologically sustainable, community-based economies. To be sustainable and provide for social equity, economies need to facilitate a diverse range of activities that focus on fulfilling individual and community needs, and on protecting and maintaining natural capital. Healthy communities both depend upon, and sustain, healthy and diverse ecosystems.

7. Practice adaptive management. Within the constraints of the precautionary principle and ecological responsibility, undertake a variety of activities. Continuously evaluate the success of all activities at maintaining or restoring ecological health and biological diversity.