A social-ecological systems approach for environmental management

Arika Virapongse, Samantha Brooks, Elizabeth Covelli Metcalf, Morgan Zedalis, Jim Gosz, Andrew Kliskey, Lilian Alessa

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

200 Scopus citations

Abstract

Urgent environmental issues are testing the limits of current management approaches and pushing demand for innovative approaches that integrate across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Practitioners, scholars, and policy-makers alike call for increased integration of natural and social sciences to develop new approaches that address the range of ecological and societal impacts of modern environmental issues. From a theoretical perspective, social-ecological systems (SES) science offers a compelling approach for improved environmental management through the application of transdisciplinary and resilience concepts. A framework for translating SES theory into practice, however, is lacking. In this paper, we define the key components of an SES-based environmental management approach. We offer recommendations for integrating an SES approach into existing environmental management practices. Results presented are useful for management professionals that seek to employ an SES environmental management approach and scholars aiming to advance the theoretical foundations of SES science for practical application.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-91
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Environmental Management
Volume178
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2016

Keywords

  • Environmental management
  • Land management
  • Natural resource management
  • Social-ecological systems

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