There are many different definitions for the term ecosystem management, but they all have two things in common. First and foremost, ecosystem management should aim to keep or improve the ecosystem. Second, the ecosystem’s management should offer products or services to current and future users.
An ecosystem is made up of all the species that live in a specific physical environment, including humans. It is made up of living and non-living components that work together to form a self-sustaining system. An ecosystem is stable because it can adjust to changes from within, and it is self-perpetuating because it continues to exist without human or other species interference. Coniferous forests in North America, kelp forests in the ocean, and tropical rainforests are examples of ecosystems.
If a portion of an ecosystem is depleted faster than it can be replenished, the entire system may be jeopardized. This could be due to a new species’ invasion or humans’ use and exploitation of a portion of the ecosystem. The consequences are the same regardless of which part of the ecosystem is removed.
Humans have over-exploited a variety of species, including giant redwoods in California, a variety of large game species in Africa, and whales all over the world. The extinction of the whale population as a result of hunting was widely reported. Conservation does not preclude the extinction of any plant or animal. Instead, removal is done slowly and carefully so that nothing is ever removed from an ecosystem faster than it can be replaced. The entire ecosystem can be maintained while providing for current and future users through ecosystem management.
Those who currently rely on the ecosystem for their livelihood are one of the most vocal opponents of ecosystem management. Timber production vs. conservation in the coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest of the United States is a good example. Conservationists pointed to the loss of key species such as owls due to the lack of trees, while those in the timber industry were concerned about job losses. The ecosystem management plan outlined a method for harvesting timber while still leaving enough trees in certain areas to maintain species diversity.
It’s important to remember that ecosystem management entails looking after the entire ecosystem rather than just a few species or parts of it. Often, focusing on just one aspect of the ecosystem, other aspects of the ecosystem suffered while the one area thrived. Ecosystem management takes a more holistic approach to ensuring a healthy ecosystem in the present and future.