Ekosysteemilähtö

Ekosysteemilähtö refers to an approach in environmental management and planning that prioritizes the functioning and health of natural ecosystems. Instead of focusing solely on individual species or isolated problems, this perspective emphasizes understanding and maintaining the complex interactions within an ecosystem. This includes considering the flow of energy, nutrient cycles, and the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.

The goal of an ekosysteemilähtö approach is to ensure the long-term sustainability of ecosystem services, which are the benefits that humans derive from nature. This can involve managing landscapes to support biodiversity, protecting water quality by preserving wetlands, or ensuring the resilience of forests to climate change. Decision-making is guided by ecological principles and scientific understanding of how ecosystems respond to various pressures.

Implementation of ekosysteemilähtö often requires collaboration among different stakeholders, including government agencies, researchers, local communities, and private landowners. It acknowledges that human activities have impacts on ecosystems and seeks to integrate these activities in a way that minimizes harm and promotes ecological integrity. This holistic view can lead to more effective and sustainable conservation and resource management strategies.