There are many different systems approaches to integrate management of the land and the sea. These have slowly been evolving over time, from Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), to the ecosystem-based approach, to the natural capital approach. The terminology as well as the process has been in evolution as people think systemically about the interactions involved, as well as emerging concepts around blue growth and ocean sustainability.
It was emphasised that there is a need to bring together economics, social science, and environmental and ecological science to consider natural capital assets and their value for people, the economy, and the environment.
Highlighting a positive move, there is now a Defra-led cross-governmental Coast and Ocean Applied Systems Thinking Committee (COAST). This is bringing together chief scientific advisors from different departments and from the devolved administrations to address challenges facing the marine and coastal environment using systems thinking approaches.
Using systems approaches is important in making better decisions, understanding trade-offs, and protecting coastal areas. They are a great way of communicating the importance of certain coastal ecosystems and the multiple layers of ecosystem services they provide. However, there’s potentially an over-emphasis on the metrics that are being using and a need to keep sight of the bigger picture. Systems thinking is fundamental to understanding the interactions between land and sea and ensuring that environmental scientists are equipped with the knowledge to understand the impact of their work on the wider environment and to implement multifunctional solutions. To be effective, systems thinking approaches should encompass big picture thinking, and not rely solely on metrics like natural capital valuation.