Ecosystems are complex, dynamic and integrated natural systems that produce goods and services to society and have substantial intrinsic value. An ecosystem approach accounts for the interrelationships among air, water, land, and all living things, including humans, and involves all user groups in comprehensive management. Ecosystem approaches are frequently designed for a particular place and a particular set of stakeholders. As such, they are frequently referred to as locally-designed ecosystem approaches.We now have over 40 years of experience in applying an ecosystem approach in both science and management. It is time to take stock of where this approach originated, where we are now in terms of its application, and what is its future direction. We will be convening a two-day conference titled "The Ecosystem Approach in the 21st Century: Guiding Science and Management" in the fall of 2022 at the