Cumulative effects considerations for integrated planning in DFO

Abstract

Integrated planning is a policy driven process to establish ecosystem, cultural, social, and economic objectives in line with a given policy. Integrated plans can provide the overarching framework for multi-jurisdictional engagement, the inclusion of community and stakeholder interests, the setting of ecological objectives informed by multi-sectoral interests, the compilation of information from different knowledge systems, and ecosystem-based and adaptive management. They are a valuable platform for incorporating cumulative effects in decision making because comprehensive assessments of cumulative effects require an understanding of the ecological impacts of human activities to inform the policies and legislation used to manage them. Integrated planning can be used to operationalize an adaptive management approach that includes monitoring the state of fish and fish habitat and compliance with regulatory actions. Synthesis of information about past and current works, undertakings, and activities (and activities not under the jurisdiction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada) within an integrated plan will position the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) to determine the effectiveness of Departmental management and conservation strategies for fish and fish habitat and evaluate program performance. However, FFHPP will also require an integrated planning policy to establish goals for planning and the processes to implement integrated plans through regulatory decision making process regarding project proposals. The context and scope of such a policy will also help frame the science needed to inform the planning process, the monitoring activities, and the regular review of the performance of the framework, and individual integrated plans regionally. We provide and customize examples from integrated planning internationally.