Challenges to the implementation of the ecosystem approach in the Great Lakes basin
Keywords:
Ecosystem approach, Great Lakes basinAbstract
The end of a century is a good time to look back and see how past events have shaped both our present situation and our perspective on the future. In this essay, we do this in the context of the emergence of an ecosystem approach to management of the North American Great Lakes. Our goal is to (i) review how the ecosystem approach emerged and became institutionalized in the Great Lakes region and then (ii) discuss why implementation of the approach continues to pose profound challenges for Great Lakes citizens and institutions. We suggest how some of the greatest hurdles might be overcome and share our optimism that Great Lakes institutions are moving, albeit slowly, in the right direction. We have prepared this essay in memory of a former colleague and pioneer of the ecosystem perspective for Great Lakes management, W.J. (Jack) Christie. As we develop our thesis, we will highlight some of the many contributions Jack made, both to the science behind ecosystem management and to helping make the Great Lakes great again.
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