Proceedings of the Workshop on the Science in Ecosystem-based Management

PUBLICATION DATE:

Sunday, November 01, 2009

PUBLICATION TYPE:

Meeting Documents

STATUS:

Only Available Online

DESCRIPTION:

The coastal and marine environment of East Asia is confronted with similar, if not more complex, management challenges as many other regions in the world. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is widely advocated as a way of coping with multiple simultaneous pressures that are causing a decline in the state of the marine ecosystems. EBM requires a sound science supporting an adaptive management framework, undertakes integrated assessments to inform management decisions and to regulate multiple human pressures and coordinate and integrate national and international monitoring programs. Management efforts in the region should be, therefore, geared toward the adoption of an integrated, EBM approach and capitalize on the availability of scientific knowledge and technological advances from within and outside the region, including experiences in engaging wider participation of stakeholders in the scientific process. This report presents the highlights of the papers presented in the Workshop on the Science in Ecosystem-based Management, including the conclusions and recommendations drawn from the discussions. It covers, in particular, the key initiatives and experiences in integrating science into policy and management decisions. It also discusses innovative approaches to monitor ecosystem changes due to human interventions, identify effective strategies for knowledge transfer, packaging and communicating scientific information to support policy formulation. It also illustrates how various programs that adopt an ecosystem-based approach, which takes into account ecosystem knowledge and uncertainties, transboundary influences and balancing societal and environmental objectives, have contributed to promoting interdisciplinary research, which is essential for sustainable development of coastal seas.