[Abstract] Ecosystem planning for Canadian urban regions

Abstract

The document details the development of a framework for applying the ecosystem planning approach to urbanized and urbanizing regions in Canada. It defines "ecosystem planning" based on research of Ontario initiatives. Seven planning principles central to the ecosystem approach are identified. It reviews 15 case studies of ecosystem planning initiatives (12 in Canada and 2 in the United States), discussing their strengths and weaknesses and lessons for an ecosystem planning model. It explores 11 planning-related movements and methods that share features with an ecosystem approach to test the basic principles of the ecosystem planning approach. Finally, a generic 5-step planning framework for implementing the ecosystem approach in Canadian regions is presented.