Towards an ecosystem approach to policy process : insights from the sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem health approaches

Abstract

The paper outlines factors that should be considered in an ecosystem approach to policy process. Merely exhorting policymakers to avoid reductionism is not enough. The more difficult questions are: how to avoid reductionism, how to employ multiple perspectives, and how and when to make necessary value judgements. In a complex system where value judgments are made, a strong argument for stakeholder engagement and participation emerges. As well, particular attention must be paid to how governance takes place, and the flow of information across scales. Funding agencies will need to encourage policy processes that are not straight-jacketed by sectoral boundaries.