In most ecosystems , the ecological environment is not independent of the human community. Humans are an integral part of most ecosystems, and management of these ecosystems must consider not only ecological but also social, economic and political concerns. There is a reciprocal or inter-relationship between humans and the environment. The natural environment exerts a controlling influence over society, while society at the same time controls its environment. The natural environment provides the raw materials needed for human existence, and personal incomes, local economies and long-held cultural beliefs or historical traditions are based on natural resource conditions, abundance and availability.
Nature also influences personal values that enrich the human spirit and guide behavior.
Alternately, humans have a long history of manipulating the natural environment to produce desired products and services. Economic philosophy that emphasizes a short-term profit motive and the food, fiber and energy demand of an ever expanding population have dramatically changed the natural landscape. Because human land use has such a profound impact on the natural ecosystem, social components often drive the whole interrelated biological and physical system. Management is a socially or human constructed process of controlling human uses of natural resources in a specific area. Management starts with people identifying problems and defining the area to be managed.