The Ecosystem Dilemma: Discordance between Nature and Culture

Horizons: The Journal of the Policy Research Initiative, Vol. 9, No. 3, 2007

11 Pages Posted: 16 Apr 2011

See all articles by Justin Longo

Justin Longo

Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

Robert Anthony Hodge

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: February 14, 2007

Abstract

Following advances in thinking and practice made during the past 40 years in such diverse places as the Great Lakes, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean, ecosystem-based management (EbM) concepts were applied in the Georgia Basin Ecosystem, on Canada’s west coast. In this article, we look back at the experience in the Georgia Basin Ecosystem and argue that, in the case of the Georgia Basin, natural ecosystem boundaries are not consistent with “cultural system” boundaries as illuminated by the concept of a "sense of place." This discordance may be a fundamental reason why application of EbM approaches in the Georgia Basin Ecosystem has had little acceptance by policy makers, politicians, and the public. The key lesson is that where such discord exists, EbM approaches may be less effective. Conversely, when ecosystem and cultural boundaries are aligned, an EbM approach can be expected to be embraced more readily.

Keywords: ecosystem-based management, Salish Sea, Georgia Basin Puget Sound, transboundary, sense of place

JEL Classification: Q28,

Suggested Citation

Longo, Justin and Hodge, Robert Anthony, The Ecosystem Dilemma: Discordance between Nature and Culture (February 14, 2007). Horizons: The Journal of the Policy Research Initiative, Vol. 9, No. 3, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1809878

Justin Longo (Contact Author)

Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy ( email )

3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S0A2
Canada
3064505345 (Phone)

Robert Anthony Hodge

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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