title: Policy characterization of ecosystem management.
abstract: This paper provides a comparison of ecosystem management (EM) to the traditional regulatory management approach and outlines the characteristics of EM from a policy perspective, defining the conditions under which this management tool can be successfully implemented. Ecosystem management is a collaborative and integrative tool focused on balancing societal needs, economic growth, and environmental protection to ensure the long-term ecological integrity of a particular ecosystem. The characteristics of this particular tool include: (1) its holistic approach to environmental problems; (2) its integration of values (economic, social, and environmental) through a collaborative, multi-partner, decision making structure; (3) its reliance on science to guide decisions and set boundaries; and (4) its ability to learn from the implementation of decisions (adaptive management). Examples are draw from Environment Canada's various regional ecosystem initiatives.
authors.affiliation: Policy Research Directorate, Environment Canada, Gatineau, QC. averil.lamont@ec.gc.ca
authors.forename: Averil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lamont
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003657:Decision Making; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D011050:Policy Making; D011640:Public Policy