FAO

The Ecosystem Approach is considered one of the most important principles of sustainable management of the environment which should be considered 'a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way' (CBD).

Essentially, the ecosystem approach requres the taking into consideration of the effects of actions on every element of an ecosystem based on the recognition that all elements of an ecosystem are linked.

The 1992 UNCED Declaration and Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 specifically embrace the ecosystem approach where oceans-related issues are considered. UN agencies promote the ecosystem approach through advocacy and normative work at the higher policy level and through capacity-building and and fieldwork.

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