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UN Conference on Ecosystem

Category: Articles
Date Posted: 2005-12-28

The UN Conference on Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity

The UN Conference on the Ecosystem Approach was held in Trondheim, Norway last 6-10 September 1999 as a follow-up to the Malawi workshop and Conference of parties 4th meeting held in the same year. The objectives of the conference were to 1) contribute to a sound scientific knowledge of issues related to the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity; 2) contribute to the development of the concept and principles of an ecosystem approach to sustainable use of biodiversity; and to 3) provide forum for cross- and multi-disciplinary dialogue between scientists and policy makers on research and management issues related to sustainable use of biodiversity, to contribute to on-going deliberations in other international and national fora.

Several papers were presented on various topics related to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning, Decentralization, Intersectoral Cooperation and Adaptive Management.

Key recommendations and strategies for adoption by governments and local stakeholders within a biogeographical context include the following:

1. Capacity building in ecosystem approach, adaptive management, monitoring, information and participatory management through exchange of information and experience through case studies and development of guidelines

2. Research to gain understanding of ecosystem structure, function and process, as well as temporal and spatial dynamics, including human influence on biodiversity, as well as development of methodologies for valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

3. Adaptive management through flexibility in decision making and implementation and adjustments to the unexpected

4. Integration of ecosystem approach with agro-ecosystem and food production; with socio-cultural-economic aspects

5. Involvement of resources use through promoting integrated management of terrestrial and aquatic systems and managing systems at an appropriate scale

The Norway/UN Conference on the Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity was hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment on behalf of the Norwegian Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme. The Conference was attended by representatives of the Secretariat of the CBD, UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, WB, GEF, IUCN, CIFOR, SCOPE, DIVERSITAS programme and representatives of 95 nations including the Philippines. The Philippines was represented in the conference by D.A. Madulid.