ecosystemcentered
Ecosystem-centered is an approach that places the functioning and preservation of ecosystems at the core of decision-making across disciplines. It emphasizes the dependencies between natural systems and human well-being, viewing ecosystem health as a prerequisite for long-term social and economic outcomes. Rather than treating environment, economy, and society as separate compartments, ecosystem-centered practice seeks integrative solutions that maintain ecological integrity while achieving human objectives.
The concept spans policy, planning, business, and research. It draws on systems thinking, adaptive management, and
Applications of an ecosystem-centered approach appear in environmental policy, conservation planning, and land-use decisions, as well
Critics point to challenges in quantifying ecosystem services, balancing trade-offs, and coordinating across jurisdictions and sectors.
See also: ecosystem-based management, ecosystem services, sustainability, resilience.