Already, there are sectors and governments that have developed guidelines that are partially consistent, complementary or even equivalent to the ecosystem approach (e.g. The principles that underlie the ecosystem approach can be translated flexibly to address management issues in different social, economic and environmental contexts. There is no single correct way to apply the ecosystem approach to management of land, water, and living resources. The ecosystem approach is a tool it provides a framework that can be used to implement the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, including the work on, inter alia, protected areas and ecological networks. The searchable component of the ecosystem approach sourcebook can be used to find information on case studies and tools which have met some or all of ecosystem approach principles. Much can be learnt from the experiences of others when attempting to use the ecosystem approach. However, there are a number of actions which can be taken which can help this process.

There is no single way to deliver the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Further information can be found under the Advanced User Guide. This guide provides a brief introduction on how to apply the ecosystem approach to a project or issue. Beginners Guide to use the Ecosystem Approach

The forest beginner guide download