The ecosystem approach has emerged as a fundamental principle in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity since the establishment of the Convention. At its second meeting, held in Jakarta in November 1995, the Conference of the Parties adopted the ecosystem approach as the main framework for action of the Convention and, since then, has referred to it in the development and implementation of the various thematic and cross-sectoral work programmes as well as in the guidelines that have been developed under these work programmes. Currently, each of the Convention's work programmes integrates the ecosystem approach into its goals and activities. The central role of the ecosystem approach is also set out in the Convention's Strategic Plan.