Socio-Ecological Systems: Core Concepts Flashcards

1
Q

Define a Socio-Ecological System:

A

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

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2
Q

What is a S-E approach?

A

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

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3
Q

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

A
  • Describing system dynamics
  • Defining an ecosystem
  • Using flexible research and planning process.
  • Recognizing limits to actions.
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4
Q

What are 3 advantages of a S-E approach?

A
  • Holistic approach for understanding whole systems.
  • Encourage preventative thinking by putting people with nature.
  • Contributes to understanding limits, complexity, stresses.
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5
Q

What are 3 disadvantages to S-E approaches?

A
  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.
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6
Q

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

A
  1. System / subsystem
  2. Environment
  3. Universe
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7
Q

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

A

Because delineating boundaries for systems is often arbitrary and artificial.

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8
Q

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

A

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

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9
Q

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

A

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

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10
Q

Where can a S-E system be implemented?

A

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

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11
Q

What are the two ways of setting system boundaries?

A

Spatial and Temporal

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12
Q

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

A

Social System and Ecological System

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13
Q

_________ issue is fundamental to S-E thinking.

A

Scale

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14
Q

Define Scale:

A

The spatial or temporal dimension of an object or process.

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15
Q

How can scale affect analysis?

A

Because it all depends on how you look at it.

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16
Q

Ignoring cross-scale effects linked to failure of _________________

A

management

17
Q

Define S-E system structure:

A

arrangement of and relations between the parts

18
Q

Define S-E system Function:

A

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

19
Q

Define S-E system process:

A

series of related actions or steps that produce particular outcomes

20
Q

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

A

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

21
Q

What are the 7 principles of Resilience?

A
  • Diversity and redundancy
  • Encourage Learning
  • Manage connectivity
  • Manage slow variables and feedbacks
  • Foster complex adaptive systems thinking
  • Broaden participation
  • Promote polycentric governance systems
22
Q
A