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 the use of ecosystem services as indicators of value. Principles commonly associated with ecosystem-centered work include resilience, precaution, inclusivity of diverse stakeholders, and long-term horizon planning. It also encourages the integration of ecological knowledge with social, cultural, and economic considerations to inform governance and investment decisions.

Applications of an ecosystem-centered approach appear in environmental policy, conservation planning, and land-use decisions, as well as in urban design, agriculture, forestry, and supply-chain management. In cities, nature-based solutions and green infrastructure exemplify ecosystem-centered thinking by aligning infrastructure with ecological processes. In conservation and fisheries, ecosystem-based management aims to sustain the structure and functioning of whole ecosystems rather than focusing on a single species. Economic instruments such as payments for ecosystem services and biodiversity offsets are often employed to align incentives with ecological outcomes.

Critics point to challenges in quantifying ecosystem services, balancing trade-offs, and coordinating across jurisdictions and sectors. Implementation commonly requires transparent governance, long-term funding, and robust monitoring to adapt strategies as ecological conditions change.

See also: ecosystem-based management, ecosystem services, sustainability, resilience.