[Contents]

Partnerships

Partnerships are not new to the Service or natural resource management, but never has the recognition of partners and the need to work together been so keen. A potential partner is any organization or individual with responsibilities or interests in an ecosystem. An ecosystem approach needs the full support of all appropriate partners in a given area to succeed.

In implementing an ecosystem approach, the Service participates as one member of a very diverse management team. Our responsibilities and interests vary from one ecosystem to the next. Consequently, the Service's role ranges from leader to catalyst to worker to minor participant. While our mission and mandates shape our advocacy for fish and wildlife resources, we also respect the interests and concerns of other stakeholders and realize the true value of partnerships.

Adopting an ecosystem approach will increase our need for diverse expertise, not just from ecologists, but from hydrologists, geologists, landscape architects, and social scientists. We increasingly recognize that we need to look to other Federal agencies, the States, and the private sector to obtain expertise or skills not readily available in the Service to meet these diverse needs. This is one of the most cost-effective aspects of an ecosystem approach.

The Service's collaboration with its traditional partners State natural resource agencies, environmental organizations, outdoor sporting groups, and others will remain vital in implementing an ecosystem approach. But other partners also must be engaged in this effort industry, local governments, and private landowners, to mention a few. Traditionally many of our employees and partners have been from predominately rural and/or hunting, fishing, and nature-watching backgrounds. More recently, the Service has become aware of the increasing appreciation of the environment among urban constituencies and is expanding its collaboration with this segment of the public.

We have had considerable success conserving resources with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan Joint Ventures, Partners for Wildlife Program, Coastal Ecosystems Program, Partners in Flight, Watchable Wildlife Program, Challenge Cost Share Program, and other associations. These affiliations have taught us that successful, productive partnerships require:

• shared vision, goals, and commitment by all partners;

   

• flexibility, adaptability, and good communication;

   

• understanding of the mission and needs of all partners;

   

• respect for differing perspectives;

   

• teamwork;

   

• an appreciation of what partnerships can do to increase results; and

   

• persistence.

The Service views increased and improved partnerships as critical to its success. Without strong partnerships, independent initiatives will continue to be disjointed, competitive, and limited in effectiveness.

                       "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the
                       integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic
                       community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise."
                                           Aldo Leopold

Continue on to the Principles of the Service's Ecosystem Approach