Reflections on the application of the ecosystem approach for biodiversity conservation at Lake Fúquene, Colombian Easterns Andes

Abstract

The Ecosystem Approach as an action guiding tool. The case of the lake Fúquene, Colombian Eastern Andes. Based upon the principles of the Ecosystem Approach of the Convention of Biological Diversity we review the interventions of Fundación Humedales in lake Fúquene. The principles of the approach grouped as ecological, social and managerial helped integrate and orient institutional action through: i) identification of the spatial scales at which the ecosystem should be managed, ii) understanding of the nature of ecological change, especially when unavoidable and iii) identification of social actors affected by current overuse of the ecosystem and those interested in its conservation values.