Ecosystem-based management is an overarching strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources . An ecosystem approach addresses many relationships across biological, spatial and organisational scales. Globally driven, such an approach promotes conservation and sustainable resource use. It combines environmental knowledge and coordination with governing agencies to initiate, sustain and enforce habitat/species protection and include public education and involvement. Moreover, ecosystem-based management involves community influence as well as planning and management from local, regional and national government bodies and management agencies.
THE CHALLENGES
- Contending with extensive habitat destruction caused by human activities
- Dealing with ecosystem loss, depletion of valuable natural resources and the multiple services they often provide to local communities
- Enhancing knowledge of ecosystem components and functions
- Increasing the knowledge base of cumulative impacts of multiple sector interventions
- Setting up meaningful and appropriate management units with the ability to respond to threats
- Elevating inter-agency collaboration and making existing data (normally dispersed among authorities) more cohesive
APPROACH
DHI's integrated approach to managing natural resources and development
projects addresses all variables affecting ecosystems including biological,
physical and chemical factors as well as spatial and organisational challenges. We strive to attain a balance via adaptive management in order to deal with constant environmental changes.
SOLUTIONS
An adaptive approach that allows for flexibility and inclusiveness helps to navigate the constant environmental, societal and political changes. Dynamic modelling tools are used to describe the physical and natural environment, species inter-linkages and connectivity within and beyond the system. With model scenarios, DHI can offer advice on conservation, restoration and mitigation measures. Moreover, we help bridge science and policy through communication between managers, resource users, scientists, government bodies and other stakeholders. In addition, extensive access to graphics, figures, resource maps and diagrams facilitate a fact-based dialogue.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT
SOFTWARE, TOOLS AND SERVICES
We're here to build competence and promote technological development in all
areas related to water environments. In the context of ecosystem-based management, software, tools and services include:
- numerical modelling with MIKE Powered by DHI software:
- Biological modelling tools (MIKE ECO Lab)
- Catchment management models for wetlands (MIKE HYDRO Basin)
- Ocean 3D current models (MIKE 3)
- agent-based modelling to secure survival and distribution of species during critical stages of their life cycle (ABM Lab)
- combination of habitat and species predictability models with field surveys and calibration for reality checks
- remote sensing techniques (DHI GRAS)
- Decision Support Systems (DSS) for management information and real-time data
- capacity building and training by THE ACADEMY by DHI
- support for the implementation of EU’s Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Habitats Directive, Natura 2000, the Ramsar Convention as well as
the Convention for Biological Diversity
- establishment of baselines, indicators, setting thresholds and establishing threats and risks
- preparation and conduction of extensive environmental monitoring programmes focused on maintaining environmental services
- support to local authorities in the implementation of ecosystem-based management, complying with national and international regulations