Ecosystem based management (EBM) is a holistic and adaptive approach to developing effective policies for ensuring ecosystem sustainability, food and water security, and improved human health outcomes for future generations. Informed by science, it incorporates the entire ecosystem, including humans, into resource management decisions. Importantly, EBM explicitly considers tradeoffs in resource uses while protecting and sustaining diverse and productive ecosystems and the services they provide.

In partner with Maryland Department of Natural Resources, UMCES is sponsoring the World Seagrass Conference & International Seagrass Biology Workshop to be held in Annapolis, Maryland, 9-14 August 2020. The theme of WSC 2020 and ISBW 14, “Signs of Success: Reversing the Course of Seagrass Degradation," is inspired by recent successes in the conservation, resurgence, and restoration of seagrasses. The Chesapeake Bay, the location of this year's meeting, is a perfect example of such success.

Resource Assessments for Managements Strategies is an ongoing project aimed to identify the best opportunities to preserve the environmentally, culturally and historically significant resources within and across the National Capital Region parks. This assessment strategy is being implemented over two phases:  

IAN has teamed up with Belmont Forum members to design and faciltate meetings as well as produce communication tools. We are developing surveys, create meeting materials and agendas, generating templates and videos, and distributing summary documents to achieve programmatic goals and focus efforts to further the success of the Belmont Forum.