Implementing the ecosystem approach through area-based management

While globally embraced by the international community as a concept, the ecosystem approach challenges the siloed approach that is characteristic of ocean governance and management in practice. Area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) can serve as a stepping stone in the implementation of the ecosystem approach as these require cross-sectoral cooperation. This chapter assesses how existing guidance, particularly, under the CBD for the implementation of ecologically representative, well-connected systems of effectively and equitably managed systems of MPAs and OECMs can facilitate such implementation.