Socio-Ecological Systems: Core Concepts

Question 1

Define a Socio-Ecological System:

Answer 1

A bounded, self-maintaining system of varied, living & non-living, interacting parts

Question 2

What is a S-E approach?

Answer 2

To dissect local or regional system structure and components to identify their interactions with larger ecological and social systems
(i.e. surrounding biosphere or societies

Question 3

What are some core characteristics of a S-E approach?

Answer 3

• Describing system dynamics
• Defining an ecosystem
• Using flexible research and planning process.
• Recognizing limits to actions.

Question 4

What are 3 advantages of a S-E approach?

Answer 4

• Holistic approach for understanding whole systems.
• Encourage preventative thinking by putting people with nature.
• Contributes to understanding limits, complexity, stresses.

Question 5

What are 3 disadvantages to S-E approaches?

Answer 5

1. May neglect sociocultural issues (I.e., politics, power and equity)
2. Nonstandard definition of ‘ecosystem’
3. If ecosystem approaches can apply to everything, they’re meaningless.

Question 6

Wha are the 3 boundaries within a S-E system?

Answer 6

1. System / subsystem
2. Environment
3. Universe

Question 7

Why is it important to set boundaries in a S-E system?

Answer 7

Because delineating boundaries for systems is often arbitrary and artificial.

Question 8

What is the role of the environment boundary within a S-E system?

Answer 8

The system’s environment provides the context for the system; the environment is whatever is not in our system.

Question 9

How does the system / subsystem boundary differ from the environment boundary?

Answer 9

By setting the system boundaries we establish the system of interest. It is a way to guide our thinking in order to develop understanding.

Question 10

Where can a S-E system be implemented?

Answer 10

You can focus on a region, resource, or an environmental issue

Question 11

What are the two ways of setting system boundaries?

Answer 11

Spatial and Temporal

Question 12

What are the two main components within a S-E system?

Answer 12

Social System and Ecological System

Question 13

_________ issue is fundamental to S-E thinking.

Answer 13

Scale

Question 14

Define Scale:

Answer 14

The spatial or temporal dimension of an object or process.

Question 15

How can scale affect analysis?

Answer 15

Because it all depends on how you look at it.

Question 16

Ignoring cross-scale effects linked to failure of _________________

Answer 16

management

Question 17

Define S-E system structure:

Answer 17

arrangement of and relations between the parts

Question 18

Define S-E system Function:

Answer 18

how does the system and it’s subsystems ‘work’ to produce outcomes?
What roles do parts and processes play?

Question 19

Define S-E system process:

Answer 19

series of related actions or steps that produce particular outcomes

Question 20

What are some examples of a S-E system process?

Answer 20

Photosynthesis
movement of water
Freeze-thaw cycles
Policy & planning process

Question 21

What are the 7 principles of Resilience?

Answer 21

• Diversity and redundancy
• Encourage Learning
• Manage connectivity
• Manage slow variables and feedbacks
• Foster complex adaptive systems thinking
• Broaden participation
• Promote polycentric governance systems