Looking out for life: Satellite remote sensing for dynamic ecosystem management

The traditional conservation paradigm defines protected areas for preservation in perpetuity. This paradigm has served us well, but its focus on stasis (maintaining critical elements—species, habitats, functions—of changing natural systems through time) is limiting. There’s a new paradigm in town. Dynamic Ecosystem Management complements our traditional paradigm by focusing on the dynamic nature of ecosystems. It still protects places but does so at particular times of the year, when they are of special importance to populations, communities, or entire ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing determines critical junctures for conservation action, a vital role in dynamic ecosystem management.