Linking Social and Economical Systems. - Management Practices and Social Mechanisms for Building Resilience

It is usually the case that scientists examine either ecological systems or social systems, yet the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the problems of environmental management and sustainable development is becoming increasingly obvious. Developed under the auspices of the Beijer Institute in Stockholm, this new book analyses social and ecological linkages in selected ecosystems using an international and interdisciplinary case study approach. The chapters provide detailed information on a variety of management practices for dealing with environmental change. Taken as a whole, the book will contribute to the greater understanding of essential social responses to changes in ecosystems, including the generation, accumulation and transmission of ecological knowledge, structure and dynamics of institutions, and the cultural values underlying these responses. A set of new (or rediscovered) principles for sustainable ecosystem management is also presented. Linking Social and Ecological Systems will be of value to natural and social scientists interested in sustainability. It will also be of use to students and policy makers interested in improving resilience in interdependent socioecological systems, which is so urgently needed in modern society. From the reviews: 'Fikret Berkes and Carl Folke brought together a remarkable group of people and organized their scholarly work to produce a splendid volume that marries the best research on social and ecological systems that exists today.' Ecological Economics 'This volume offers the basis of a synthetic view of environment and human decision-making. Such work is of the highest importance, both as a basis for policy and for its inherent intellectual challenge.' W.M. Adams, Trends in Ecology and Evolution