Effective management of natural resources has become increasingly important as human interaction and resource use disruption increases. I will look at two types of natural resource models currently used in the world today. The two types of systems are the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) and Integrated Adaptive Management (IAM). After comparing and contrasting the two resource models, I will provide a real-world example that can utilize the two management systems. Finally, a third natural resource application space system dynamics (SSD) will be briefly discussed to see if improvements can be made to enhance the EMS or IAM. The environmental management system generally focuses on environmental management practices, rather than management action (US Environmental Protection). Agency, 2011, March). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the world's leading standardization organization for business and government (International Organization for Standardization, 2011). ISO is a structured support system that enables efficient and consistent outcomes in environmental matters. An important element of the ISO-managed EMS plan is that it provides flexibility to any application. Many essential elements of the ISO system are similar to any normal business operation with an added emphasis on environmental policies and sustainability (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2011, March). Specifically, the ISO 14001 environmental management guide uses a repetitive process consisting of five determining factors: “environmental policy development, environmental planning, implementation and operation, monitoring and corrective actions,…… half of the document…… on Environmental Management Systems . (2003, March 6). ,). UNC-Chapel Hill: Chapter 7. Similarities and Differences Among Environmental Management Systems. Retrieved March 30, 2011, from http://ndems.cas.unc.edu/final_report/Chapter_7.pdf National Environmental Management Systems Database. (2003, March 6). UNC-Chapel Hill: Chapter 1. Why study EMS? Retrieved March 30, 2011, from http://ndems.cas.unc.edu/final_report/Chapter_1.pdf U.S. Department of the Interior. (2010, September 14) Technical guide to adaptive management. Retrieved March 29, 2011. From http://www.doi.gov/initiatives/AdaptiveManagement/TechGuide.pdfUnited States Environmental Protection Agency. (2011, March 23). Agriculture: Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Retrieved April 1, 2011. from http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/tems.html#Questions%20and%20Answers%20About%20ISO%2014000