BIODIVERSITY AND WATER SECURITY: INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PUBLISHED
F. GUYVENCHY1, Maroua DAHBI1, Laura VORNICU1, Laura SMULEAC1, R. PASCALAU1 1 University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara laurasmuleac@usvt.roThe goal of this paper is to explore and advance the concept of Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) as a holistic approach to ecosystem conservation and resource management. IEM aims to address complex environmental challenges by integrating ecological, social, and economic factors in a unified management framework. Current state-of-the-art practices in IEM often rely on multidisciplinary approaches that combine ecological science with policy and stakeholder engagement. Despite its widespread application, challenges persist in achieving effective integration due to varying spatial, temporal, and governance scales. The research methodology includes a comparative analysis of IEM case studies across diverse ecosystems, utilizing a combination of qualitative interviews with stakeholders, field data collection, and modeling techniques. The study emphasizes participatory processes, adaptive management strategies, and the incorporation of indigenous knowledge. The degree of novelty in this research lies in its focus on bridging the gap between ecological modeling and real-world socio-economic contexts, addressing the gap in literature regarding the scalability of IEM frameworks across different regions and ecosystems. Preliminary results indicate that successful IEM outcomes are closely tied to the robustness of governance structures, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to adapt management strategies to evolving environmental conditions. However, the study also highlights significant limitations, including data gaps, the difficulty of integrating multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests, and challenges in monitoring and assessing long-term outcomes. The implications of this research are critical for informing policy and enhancing the efficacy of IEM frameworks. By presenting novel insights into the practical application of IEM, the article contributes to the refinement of strategies that can more effectively address global environmental challenges. Its originality lies in integrating socio-ecological systems thinking with empirical case studies to provide actionable recommendations for practitioners and policymakers.
water management, biodiversity, ecosystem, ecological management, integrated, environmental, governance, framework
environmental engineering
Presentation: poster
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