Implementing ecosystem-based management approaches in Canada's forests : Mise en oeuvre de méthodes de gestion écosystémique dans les forêts du Canada : un dialogue entre sciences et politiques

Reference to imple- in every jurisdiction across the country, particularly mentation of the ecosystem approach is embedded in for natural resources and protected areas management the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy (CBS), the National and more broadly for sustainable development (Quinn Forest Strategy, and in several provincial and territorial and Theberge 2004). [...] The Framework Decision-making Mandate •. At the national level — through a forum(s) or a process(es) The Ecosystem Approach to Environmental Manage- bringing together governments and key stakeholders ment focuses on understanding, making decisions, to discuss the status of Canadian ecosystems and to and taking action based on the long-term health of organize and prioritize collective responses. [...] The origins of SFM can be traced to the “Forest Principles” (UNGA 1992) adopted at In this paper, I review international dimensions of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and to the work of the the ecosystem approach and discuss prospects for International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). [...] The Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ecosystem Approach 3. Ecosystem managers should consider the effects (actual or potential) of their activities on adjacent and other At its second meeting, the CBD’s Conference of the ecosystems. [...] The 3rd COP called for a work program for forest bio- 5. Conservation of ecosystem structure and functioning, logical diversity that would facilitate the application in order to maintain ecosystem services, should be a and integration of the CBD’s objectives “in the sustainable priority target of the ecosystem approach.