The Need For Ecosystem-Based Management Of The Arctic

Abstract

Climate change is having profound effects on the Arctic environment, including increasing water temperatures, decreasing sea ice, and ocean acidification. Examination of human impacts and the health of ecosystems in other regions suggest that our single-sector management approach cannot adequately address the extensive and rapid changes to ensure long-term ecosystem health. An ecosystem-based management framework provides a comprehensive and adaptive approach that incorporates community concerns and traditional knowledge and can help achieve resiliency of Arctic biodiversity and Arctic communities. Recognizing that ecological, social, economic, and institutional considerations are inextricably linked, ecosystem-based management seeks to maintain an ecosystem's health, productivity, and resiliency by limiting cumulative impacts. Rather than simply prioritizing environmental preservation, the objective of ecosystem-based management is to ensure that the ecosystem can continue to provide human services. Keywords: Arctic biodiversity; Arctic environment; climate change; ecosystem-based management