Ecosystem Management Initiative
What is Ecosystem Management Approach?
The EM Approach defines issues by their ecological boundaries requiring stakeholders to consider both human interaction and natural processes to craft creative management plans. It attempts to incorporate both social and biological goals toward sustainability at multiple scales of interaction. This approach understands that landscapes are utilized for different purposes and valued in different ways. The EM approach further seeks to address complex issues that will withstand changes in the environment, and other uncertainties over the long-term.

Why Collaborations?
  • Bridges boundaries that subdivide ecosystems
  • Produces informed and effective management decisions
  • Addresses problems that cannot be solved individually
  • Increases information and expertise
  • Gains public support and understanding
  • Balances a broad range of public values
  • Is imperative

Research Methods
Assessing the Situation
Organizing and Managing the Process
Learning about the Issues
Making Decisions
Evaluation

More Information
The Ecosystem Management Initiative is headed by Dr. Steven Yaffee and Dr. Julia Wondolleck and housed in the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
For more information, please visit: http://www.snre.umich.edu/ecomgt/.