An ecosystem approach for Scotland
What is an ecosystem approach?
"The Ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way." Convention on Biologocial Diversity 
.
An ecosystem approach to biodiversity conservation
An ecosystem approach to delivering biodiversity action allows action to be taken at a larger scale than just a single species or habitat and means that the needs of people are included at the same time.
To help guide this approach the Scottish Biodiversity Committee has endorsed an ecosystem approach framework 
, which has helped shape the development of five Ecosystem Plans in Scotland. Many Local Biodiversity Action Plans are also now following an ecosystem approach.
Promoting an ecosystem approach
Scottish Natural Heritage has a lead role in promoting an ecosystem approach. The policy document Sustaining Nature's Services sets out how it aims to do this.
The Land Use Strategy aims to demonstrate how the ecosystem approach could be taken into account in relevant decisions made by public bodies to deliver wider benefits. Scottish Government has published an information note on applying an ecosystem approach to land use.
A number of initiatives that stem from EU environmental directives already take an ecosystem approach:
- Water Framework Directive - River basin planning and diffuse pollution priority catchments
- Marine Strategy Framework Directive - draft Marine Plan for Scotland , and marine spatial planning.