The management of ecosystem for SCPI is based on a set of principles that help to address the multiple dimensions of sustainability. The purpose of these guiding principles is not to set up an unattainable list of ideals, but rather to help to design a basis against which to assess the current status of cropping systems and to measure future changes in these systems. The Conceptual Framework for SCPI provides the context for developing tools that include guiding principles, checklists, indicators and case studies for use in developing policies, programme and projects related to sustainable intensification.