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Special Issue "Human Nature Interactions"

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2018).

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Scheffran
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Guest Editor

Research Group Climate Change and Security (CLISEC), Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), Institute of Geography, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Interests: integrative geography; climate change and security; energy landscapes; environmental migration; resource conflict and cooperation; human–environment interactions, complex systems analysis

Prof. Dr. Beate Ratter
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Guest Editor

Institute of Geography, University of Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Interests: human-environment interactions; climate adaptation; human dimension of coats; economic geography and regional planning
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on “Human Nature Interactions” will focus on interfaces and boundaries between society and the natural environment, which are linked by a variety of exchange processes and complex feedbacks.

Possible topics cover the societal boundaries of the Anthropocene in the context of environmental destruction and climate change; related disasters, conflicts, tipping-points and cascading effects; geographical interfaces (e.g., coasts, atmosphere, rural–urban); technology as an amplifier of human impacts; flows of energy, matter and information as well as migration and social networks as connectors across boundaries.
Societal responses and interventions are analyzed to reduce risks, improve adaptability and resilience of social systems, and proceed towards co-evolution, sustainability transformation and diffusion of social innovations.
Particular attention will be on methods of systems theory and complexity science, including non-linear dynamics, theories of complex adaptive and self-organizing systems, agent-based modeling and social network analysis.

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Scheffran
Prof. Dr. Beate Ratter
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Human-Nature Interactions
Tipping Points and Risk Cascades
Vulnerability, Resilience and Adaptation
Complex Adaptive Systems
Sutainability Transformation
Boundaries of the Anthropocene

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Environmental Quality Resulting from Damages to Human-Nature Interactions Caused by Population Increase: A Systems Thinking Approach

Fernando Ramos-Quintana

Héctor Sotelo-Nava

Hugo Saldarriaga-Noreña

and

Efraín Tovar-Sánchez

Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 1957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11071957 - 02 Apr 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1024

Abstract

Multiple interactions between population increase-as driving force- and pressure factors can cause damage to human-nature interactions. In this paper, we aim to identify, understand, and assess those interactions that exert effects on environment quality. The assessments of multiple interactions will allow selecting management actions to reduce negative effects, such as the loss of vegetation cover, on the environment. However, multiple interactions hinder the understanding of such complex systems. The relevance of this study is related to the support of the systems thinking approach to achieve two objectives: (1) to build a conceptual framework that facilitates the construction of a network aimed at representing the multiple interactions; (2) to build a closed system for the sake of developing a sustainable environmental management system. Thus, the performance of the implemented management actions is assessed through the feedback loop of the closed system. The proposed conceptual framework and the closed system were applied to the state of Morelos, Mexico. We highlight the following results: the systems thinking approach facilitated the construction of a conceptual framework to build understandable causal network; a set of environmental pathways were derived from the causal network and then combined to define and assess a global environmental state. Environmental pathways are composed of relationships between population increase and pressure variables that exert effects on the environment quality; the feedback loop facilitated the performance analysis of implemented management actions related to natural protected areas. The current results suggest further research to apply this study to diverse systems where multiple interactions between drivers and pressure factors damage human-nature interactions, thus exerting effects on the environmental state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Interconnections Accelerate Collapse in a Socio-Ecological Metapopulation

Zachary Dockstader

Chris T. Bauch

and

Madhur Anand

Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11071852 - 28 Mar 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 924

Abstract

Over-exploitation of natural resources can have profound effects on both ecosystems and their resident human populations. Simple theoretical models of the dynamics of a population of human harvesters and the abundance of a natural resource being harvested have been studied previously, but relatively few models consider the effect of metapopulation structure (i.e., a population distributed across discrete patches). Here we analyze a socio-ecological metapopulation model based on an existing single-population model used to study persistence and collapse in human populations. Resources grow logistically on each patch. Each population harvests resources on its own patch to support population growth, but can also harvest resources from other patches when their own patch resources become scarce. We show that when populations are allowed to harvest resources from other patches, the peak population size is higher, but subsequent population collapse is significantly accelerated and across a broader parameter regime. As the number of patches in the metapopulation increases, collapse is more sudden, more severe, and occurs sooner. These effects persist under scenarios of asymmetry and inequality between patches. Our model makes simplifying assumptions in order to facilitate insight and understanding of model dynamics. However, the robustness of the model prediction suggests that more sophisticated models should be developed to ascertain the impact of metapopulation structure on socio-ecological sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Towards a Better Understanding of the Relationship between Individual’s Self-Reported Connection to Nature, Personal Well-Being and Environmental Awareness

Kay Fretwell

and

Alison Greig

Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051386 - 06 Mar 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2900

Abstract

This paper examines the relationships between an individual’s self-reported connection to nature (CTN) and aspects of their personal well-being (PWB) and environmental awareness. Specifically, it addresses (i) the relationship between CTN and PWB; (ii) the external variables which influence trait-level CTN over a person’s life course and (iii) how individuals feel about CTN. A mixed methodology is used, with qualitative data adding depth and insight into the statistical associations recorded. The results are drawn from a sample of 222 respondents living in the City of Bath, UK. This study uncovered a significant relationship between CTN and some aspects of PWB which did not always align with research undertaken in other countries. Demographic variables, childhood experiences of nature, usual frequency of nature contact, and nature-related hobbies were all found to affect CTN. A number of barriers to CTN were also identified. Although the literature already provides considerable evidence of positive relationships between contact with nature and a range of mental and physical health benefits, the nature and mechanisms behind these relationships are not well understood, particularly for the UK population. As these associations are increasingly being used to underpin both health and environmental interventions and campaigns it is important that we better understand these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

A Transdisciplinary Approach to Identifying Transboundary Tipping Points in a Contentious Area: Experiences from across the Jordan River Region

Juan Miguel Rodriguez Lopez

and

Sustainability 2019, 11(4), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041184 - 23 Feb 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Transdisciplinary research is urgently needed but has rarely been applied in sustainability science. Here, we present a case study for a transdisciplinary approach to identify tipping points in the Jordan River region, an area of severe conflicts and environmental problems. The aim was to identify and prioritize different ecological and social tipping points within a framework of transdisciplinary assessment, using the Jordan River Region as a case study. The methodology included an iterative process in which a multidisciplinary group of scientists and regional stakeholders evaluated emerging tipping points involving professionally facilitated workshops, a correlation analysis, and an anonymous ranking based on specific criteria (practical relevance, scientific novelty, transboundary elements, and feasibility of intervention). During the process, the similarities and differences in the perceptions of the potential case studies by stakeholders from the three countries (Israel, Palestine and Jordan) involved were analyzed. The results found key elements of the term tipping point (abrupt, difficult to predict, irreversible regime shift, difficult management), and showed local and regional differences in evaluating potential case studies, where degradation or desertification of rangelands emerged as a final case study of common concern. The lessons learnt show the potential and challenges of transboundary cooperation, and the possibility of the co-creation of research with stakeholders to build knowledge about the diversity of tipping points. The study concludes that common ground related to the sustainable management of natural resources exists even in highly contentious areas, and among highly different cultural, political, and socio-economic conditions. The approach presented here may thus inform practitioners in prioritizing areas of transboundary sustainability research in other regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

When Culture Materializes: Societal Dynamics in Resilience of Social-Ecological Systems in the Case of Conch Management on Abaco, The Bahamas

Lars Bomhauer-Beins

Corinna de Guttry

and

Beate M. W. Ratter

Sustainability 2019, 11(4), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041080 - 19 Feb 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1183

Abstract

The concept of resilience has greatly contributed to the scientific discussion on human–nature interactions by analysing the dynamics, relationships and feedbacks between society and the natural environment at different levels. In this paper, we analyse how culture and societal dynamics influence those connections and, at the same time, have the potential to eventually hinder or foster social-ecological resilience. In order to do so, we take the example of a natural element which is also a cultural icon: the Conch (pronounced ‘konk’). Conch is a marine mollusc with significant social and cultural value for the islands’ society of The Bahamas. In the last decade, a decline in several Conch stocks has been documented, calling for an urgent sustainable management strategy. Nevertheless, only little efforts are happening. This case study offers an innovative understanding of resilience by introducing an aspect which is too often overseen: the role of culture in shaping social-ecological resilience. In this case study, the role of culture proved to be crucial as the cultural significance and embeddedness of Conch has made the management process challenging. But at the same time, culture can be used as a positive impulse towards adaptive management and as a starting point for sustainability. When culture materializes, it affects not only societal dynamics but also the vulnerability and the resilience process of the entire social-ecological system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Changes of Oases in the Hexi Corridor over the Past 30 Years

and

Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4489; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124489 - 29 Nov 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1343

Abstract

In recent decades, the oases in the Hexi Corridor have gone through a tremendous transformation, which has caused a series of social and environmental problems. We aim to explore quantitatively the characteristics of the oasis expansion and their dynamic mechanism(s) in the Hexi Corridor, and their implications and impact on current and future policies. The spatial distribution pattern and dynamic changes experienced by the oases are examined using Landsat imagery. Their spatio-temporal changes are analyzed using the grid-transformed model and the dynamic-degree model. The model drivers are analyzed based on data from statistics yearbooks and field surveys. The total area of oases in the Hexi Corridor has expanded tremendously during the last 30 years from 10,709 km² to 14,950 km², almost 40% of the original value. Oasis evolution patterns of ‘unchanged’, ‘expanding’, ‘shrinking’, and ‘oscillating’ are observed at different periods in the three basins. In terms of area, almost half of the oases experienced some change, where most of the changes took place in the ecotone between oases and deserts, and the interior of oases due to the reclamation of abandoned land. Oasis expansion is mainly determined by the human instincts for survival and well-being, which are generally governed by population growth, agricultural policies and economic development. These changes reflect the need to find a balance in the relationship between ecological protection and increasing the well-being of local residents, because unreasonable or excessive development and utilization will cause damage to the local ecological environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

A Century-Long Ex-Post Evaluation of a Countermeasure for a Serious Pollution Problem in Japan

and

Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4385; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124385 - 23 Nov 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Current environmental literature provides insufficient information and analysis on how today’s environmental state was shaped by countermeasures to pollution taken in the last century, which could be characterized as a century of environmental degradation. Such a look back is crucial to better understand and predict how policy and countermeasure choices today may shape the world in the future. Following this line of reasoning, the present work conducted a post audit on the long-term consequence of a countermeasure against a major heavy metal pollution case caused by the operation of the Ashio Copper Mine in Japan. It examined this issue from both environmental and societal perspectives by document analysis, field investigation on the heavy metal concentration in the soils of a heavy mental catchment area and questionnaire survey on the public knowledge with regard to the copper mining contamination case as well. It shed new light on how environment may evolve via the interaction with human activities by identifying drivers behind major changes. It also revealed a gap between the reality and the public perception towards the consequence of the copper contamination. Such insights will deepen the discussion on what is sustainability and motivate further study to pursue sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

A Conceptual Framework for Heuristic Progress in Exploring Management Regime Shifts in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation of Coastal Areas

and

Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4171; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114171 - 13 Nov 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2139

Abstract

Social conflicts related to biodiversity conservation and adaptation policy to climate change in coastal areas illustrate the need to reinforce understanding of the “matters of concern” as well as the “matters of fact”. In this paper, we argue that we must rethink adaptation from a new perspective, considering that humans together function as both ecological actors and social actors. Using international examples from the UNESCO world biosphere reserve network, we show that an ontological perspective may provide a simple and compact way to think about coupled infrastructure systems and systematic formalism, allowing for understanding of the relational matrix between actors, institutions and ecosystems. We contend that our formalism responds to three challenges. First, it encompasses the different regional contexts and policies that rely on the same ontology. Second, it provides a method to relate any local adaptation plan to the conservation paradigms that originate from the ecological modernization of policies. Third, it facilitates the discovery of drivers and processes involved in adaptation and management regime shifts by highlighting the way contextual factors configure, determine the structure of the action situation of the Institutional Analysis and Development framework (IAD) (Ostrom 2005), and how it operates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Impacts of Sediment Variations in Downstream of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, China

and

Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4093; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114093 - 08 Nov 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1520

Abstract

Spanning the Yangtze River of China, the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) has received considerable concern worldwide with its potential impacts on the downstream side of the dam. This work investigated the spatio-temporal variations of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) at the downstream section of Yichang-to-Chenglingji from 2002 to 2015. A random forest model was developed to estimate SSC using MODIS ground reflectance products, and the spatio-temporal distributions of SSC were retrieved with this model to investigate the characteristics of water-silt variation. Our results revealed that, relatively, SSC before 2003 was evenly distributed in the downstream Yangtze River, while this spatial distribution pattern changed ce 2003 when the dam started storing water. Temporally, the SSC demonstrated a W-shaped curve of seasonal variation as one peak occurred in September and two troughs in March and November, and showed a significantly decreasing trend after three-stage impoundment. After official operation of the TGD in 2009, the SSC was reduced by over 40% than before 2003. Spatially, the most significant changes occurred in the upper Jingjiang section, where the SSC dropped by 45%. During all stages of impoundment, the water impoundment to 135 m in 2003 had the most significant impact on suspended sediment. The decreased SSC has led to emerging risks of bank failure, aggravated erosion of water front and aggressive down-cutting erosion along the downstream of the dam, as well as other ecological and environmental issues that require urgent attention by the government. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Land-Use Spatio-Temporal Change and Its Driving Factors in an Artificial Forest Area in Southwest China

and

Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114066 - 06 Nov 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

Understanding the driving factors of land-use spatio-temporal change is important for the guidance of rational land-use management. Based on land-use data, household surveys and social economic data in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015, this study adopted the Binary Logistic Regression Model (BLRM) to analyze the driving factors of land-use spatio-temporal change in a large artificial forest area in the Ximeng County, Yunnan province, in Southwest China. Seventeen factors were used to reflect the socio-economic and natural environment conditions in the study area. The results show a land use pattern composed of forestland, dry cropland, and rubber plantation in Ximeng County. Over the past fifteen years, the area of artificial forests increased rapidly due to the “Grain for Green” policy, which has led to increases in rubber plantations, tea gardens, eucalyptus forests, etc. In contrast, the area of natural forest and dry cropland decreased due to reclamations for farming and constructions. The BLRM approach helped to identify the main driving factors of land-use spatio-temporal change, which includes land-use policies (protection of basic farmlands and natural reserves), topography (elevation and slope), accessibility (distance to the human settlements), and potential productivity (fertility and irrigation). The study revealed the relationship between land-use spatio-temporal change and its driving factors in mountainous Southwest China, providing a decision-making basis for rational land-use management and optimal allocation of land resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Taiwan Roadkill Observation Network: An Example of a Community of Practice Contributing to Taiwanese Environmental Literacy for Sustainability

and

Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3610; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103610 - 10 Oct 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

Citizen science has become a major source of scientific research in recent years. Many studies have concluded that citizen science projects not only contribute to the sciences but also considerably improve the scientific and environmental literacy of participating volunteers (citizen scientists). A dynamic citizen science project can accomplish goals that benefit society but it is difficult to establish, operate, and maintain a citizen science project. This paper reports a case study and examined the most famous citizen science project in Taiwan, the Taiwan Roadkill Observation Network (TaiRON), with the viewpoint of a community of practice learning theory. Community of practice theory is widely used in education and business management research and is an important framework for knowledge exchange and dissemination. Through content analysis, observation, and interviews with the moderator of the TaiRON project, this study explored how its internal operations reflected the principles of community of practice theory. The results indicated that TaiRON members developed a set of shared working methods and jointly completed certain actions. All participating members possessed in-depth knowledge or enthusiasm with respect to their specific focus areas, enabling them to meaningfully contribute to work on specific topics. The three major elements of a community of practice—domain, community, and practice—should be aligned with the community’s purpose and action. We discovered that the TaiRON citizen science project was consistent with the elements of the theory of community of practice. In particular, the establishment of TaiRON was enabled by scientific and technological advances; therefore, this paper discusses the characteristics of virtual communities of practice. Moreover, TaiRON contributed to raising the public’s environmental literacy. This paper reports pilot research concerning citizen science operations and may stimulate related future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Social Resilience of the Coastal Fishing Communities: A Case Study of Hilsa (Tenualosa Ilisha H.) Fishery in Bangladesh

Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder

Md. Abdul Wahab

Simo Sarkki

Petra Schneider

and

Mohammad Mahmudul Islam

Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3501; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103501 - 29 Sep 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2157

Abstract

Social resilience is an essential aspect of sustainability in environmental management, especially in poor resource-dependent communities. To better understand the dynamics of social resilience, we have conducted a primarily qualitative study of communities dependent on hilsa fishing in two coastal villages in southern Bangladesh. This study applies concepts of social-ecological system (SES), social resilience and co-management in outlining our qualitative data and framing its interpretation. Our findings show that while the establishment of hilsa sanctuary areas has enhanced the previously low ecological sustainability of local small-scale fishing, the management of this program has challenged the social resilience of hilsa fishers by creating new inequalities in the distribution of power and privilege, in terms of the ways in which seasonal fishing bans are enforced and compensation for income loss during the ban periods is distributed. Based on our findings, we suggest specific measures for strengthening social resilience at the local level, including building community networks, developing community infrastructures, updating existing rules and regulations, providing alternative means of generating income for fishers during the crisis periods (e.g. natural disasters and fishing ban periods) and more active sharing of responsibility between stakeholders and government for management of the hilsa fishery. These findings are also applicable to understanding the issues beyond rules and regulations that co-management arrangements need to address in order to be successful and to enhancing the function of co-management arrangements in improving social resilience within resource-dependent communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

Analysing Ecosystem User Perceptions of the Governance Interactions Surrounding a Brazilian Near Shore Coral Reef

Marion Glaser

Philipp Gorris

Beatrice Padovani Ferreira

and

Annette Breckwoldt

Sustainability 2018, 10(5), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051464 - 07 May 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1684

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding stakeholder perceptions in environmental governance and management. Based on an application of the net-mapping method as the main approach for a comparative analysis of local ecosystem users’ perceptions, this research elucidates subjective local realities of fishers and tourism operators in two study sites of the governance system of a marine protected area in Northeast Brazil. The findings showed that fishers and tourism operators see themselves as part of specific webs of social relations with associated power asymmetries. The perceived governance interaction networks varied between stakeholder groups, since they see reef governance in relation to their own interests and vulnerabilities. These variations in perception set the scene for different actions. The results of this comparative study show that where ecosystem users perceived the environmental rule system to be equitable and legitimate, its implementation was enhanced, where they did not, it was fraught with difficulties. This points to the potential for applying a systematic approach for differentiating perceptions, and their change over time, as behavioural drivers to strengthen future sustainability research. The article concludes with reflections on net-mapping as a tool for analysing perceptions on environmental governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Are We Doing ‘Systems’ Research? An Assessment of Methods for Climate Change Adaptation to Hydrohazards in a Complex World

and

Sustainability 2019, 11(4), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041163 - 22 Feb 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

Climate change is a product of the Anthropocene, and the human–nature system in which we live. Effective climate change adaptation requires that we acknowledge this complexity. Theoretical literature on sustainability transitions has highlighted this and called for deeper acknowledgment of systems complexity in our research practices. Are we heeding these calls for ‘systems’ research? We used hydrohazards (floods and droughts) as an example research area to explore this question. We first distilled existing challenges for complex human–nature systems into six central concepts: Uncertainty, multiple spatial scales, multiple time scales, multimethod approaches, human–nature dimensions, and interactions. We then performed a systematic assessment of 737 articles to examine patterns in what methods are used and how these cover the complexity concepts. In general, results showed that many papers do not reference any of the complexity concepts, and no existing approach addresses all six. We used the detailed results to guide advancement from theoretical calls for action to specific next steps. Future research priorities include the development of methods for consideration of multiple hazards; for the study of interactions, particularly in linking the short- to medium-term time scales; to reduce data-intensivity; and to better integrate bottom–up and top–down approaches in a way that connects local context with higher-level decision-making. Overall this paper serves to build a shared conceptualisation of human–nature system complexity, map current practice, and navigate a complexity-smart trajectory for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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Other

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Open AccessConcept Paper

Perception and Representation of the Resource Nexus at the Interface between Society and the Natural Environment

Mario Giampietro

Sustainability 2018, 10(7), 2545; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10072545 - 20 Jul 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the resource nexus. This has created the co-existence of different understandings and uses of the concept. In this regard, experiences in the EU H2020 project ‘Moving towards adaptive governance in complexity: Informing nexus security’ are consistent with findings reported in the literature: (i) The inconvenient message of the nexus is difficult to get across, it being incompatible with the currently dominant rosy narratives about sustainability. Indeed, from a historic perspective, the nexus can be seen as a revival of the ideological fight between cornucopians and neo-Malthusians; (ii) Silo structures in existing institutions are a problem for the governance of the nexus, and so is the resulting reductionist strategy of addressing and fixing one issue at the time; (iii) Scientific inquiry is currently not providing the quality inputs needed for a meaningful discussion of the resource nexus. Entanglement of resource flows is rooted in the complex metabolic pattern of social-ecological systems, the analysis of which requires a complex systems approach and relational analysis. Contemporary reductionist models simply make the nexus invisible to the analyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Nature Interactions)

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