United Nations Development Program (UNDP) perspectives on global large marine ecosystems movement

Abstract

This commentary briefly reviews UNDP's nearly twenty year perspective on application of the Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) approach to marine ecosystem assessment, planning and management. It underscores the continued value of the LME modules, economic valuation of LMEs, and linking LME programs to subsidiary integrated coastal management and marine protected area programs. It also notes the importance of linking LME efforts with management efforts in both the high seas and with LME drainage basins. It emphasizes the need for continued efforts to engage the private sector as key stakeholders in LME management and increasing recognition of LMEs as vehicles to advance national and regional economic development. Lastly, it notes the sizable recent increase in attention to oceans in the global policy arena (Rio+20 Outcome, Global Ocean Commission Ocean SDG, etc.) and the associated opportunity to build on, scale up and replicate successful LME approaches and programs.