Principle 9: Management must recognize that change is
inevitable.
Rationale:
Ecosystems change, including species composition and
population abundance. Hence, management should adapt
to the changes. Apart from their inherent dynamics of
change, ecosystems are beset by a complex of
uncertainties and potential "surprises" in the human,
biological and environmental realms. Traditional disturbance
regimes may be important for ecosystem structure and
functioning, and may need to be maintained or restored.
The ecosystem approach must utilize adaptive management
in order to anticipate and cater for such changes and events
and should be cautious in making any decision that may
foreclose options, but, at the same time, consider mitigating
actions to cope with long-term changes such as climate
change.