The need to disentangle key concepts from ecosystem-approach jargon

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Conservation biology
• Natural resource management

Background:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) endorsed the ecosystem approach in 2000 for holistic, sustainable, and equitable natural resource management.
• Implementation relies on the 12 Malawi Principles, emphasizing dynamic ecosystems and local engagement.
• The term 'ecosystem approach' is widely used but has multiple, often conflicting, interpretations in scientific and policy literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical uses of the term 'ecosystem approach' (1957-2012).
• To identify and differentiate primary interpretations of the ecosystem approach.
• To assess the alignment of current uses with the CBD's intended concept and highlight the importance of the Malawi Principles.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of references to the ecosystem approach from 1957 to 2012.
• Analysis of different meanings and applications of the term.
• Comparison of common interpretations with the CBD's definition and Malawi Principles.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary uses: as an alternative to ecosystem management, as the CBD's integrated resource management concept, and focusing on ecosystem services.
• Found that many current uses, particularly those emphasizing ecosystem services, do not fully encompass the CBD's holistic and socially engaged ethos.
• Highlighted that the Malawi Principles are underemphasized and at risk of being forgotten.

Conclusions:

• The CBD's ecosystem approach, guided by the Malawi Principles, requires more attention and dedicated implementation efforts.
• Current trends, like a sole focus on ecosystem services, may undermine the principles of decentralization and diverse knowledge integration.
• Evaluating implementation efforts using comparative approaches is crucial to prevent the abandonment of this holistic and equitable management strategy.