The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment is a four-year process,commencing in April 2001,designed to improve the management of the world's natural and managed ecosystems by helping to meet the needs of decision-makers and the public for peer-reviewed,policy-relevant scientific information on the condition of Earth's eco-systems,potential impacts of changes to ecosystems on their ability to meet human needs,and policies,technologies,and tools to improve their management.The objectives,process,conceptual framework and users of the millennium ecosystem assessment are introduced.some response options are also suggested.