ABSTRACT
This chapter synthesizes the contributions of literatures into a set of principles for effective ecosystem planning. The goals of ecosystem management will be better attained by focusing protection efforts on patches and corridors that serve as important stepping stones or integral ecological components of a larger natural system. Regionally significant habitats comprise the landscape mosaic, which is an essential feature of ecosystem protection. Sense of place is defined by the collection of meanings, beliefs, and feelings individuals or groups associate with a particular locality. Systems thinking principles apply to both understanding the behaviour of natural systems and creating organizations capable of making ecosystem level decisions. It is the integration of these two areas that enable effective ecosystem management. A proactive approach to ecosystem planning and management also allows policy makers to employ the 'precautionary principle'. One of the most important goals for organizations implementing ecosystem policies is to manage adaptively.
