The 12 principles of the ecosystem approach
and their rationale, suggested annotations to the
rationales and implementation guidelines
Principle 1: The objectives of management of land, water and
living resources are a matter of societal choice.
Rationale:
Different sectors of society view ecosystems in terms of their own
economic, cultural and societal needs. Indigenous peoples and
other local communities livingon the land are important
stakeholders and their rights and interests should be recognized.
Both cultural and biological diversity are central components of the
ecosystem approach, and management should take this into
account. Societal choices should be expressed as clearly as
possible. Ecosystems should be managed for their intrinsic values
and for the tangible or intangible benefits for humans, in a fair and
equitable way