Principles of an Ecosystem Approach

The goal of an ecosystem approach to natural resource management is to foster the sustainable use of ecosystems and the equitable distribution of their benefits. An ecosystem approach is successful if it preserves or increases the capacity of an ecosystem to produce the desired benefits in the future, and increases the capacity of society to fairly apportion benefits and costs.

Manage Within Natural Limits
Recognize the complex functioning of ecosystems and respect their biological thresholds. Conserve ecosystem structure in order to maintain ecosystem productivity.

Manage for the Long Term
Optimize ecosystem productivity