Social Ecological Systems

Social ecological systems (SES) are complex linked living and non-living systems. Each system is composed of interdependent units with interdependent subsystems. An example is the relationship between humans and the environment. Humans depend on the environment to live, and human activity influences the environment. Think of how farming and cities change the natural landscape. Nature is harnessed to grow those crops most demanded by people, the majority living in cities of concrete and steel. Essentially, an SES consists of a humans interacting over the natural environment. Significant resources, both physical and institutional, have been invested to protect these systems from drastic changes. The more readily a system can absorb or adapt to change, the more resilient it is. Therefore, system resilience can be thought of as the amount of change it can take without collapsing. Resilience can occur in strictly human systems. In these situations, it is all about how people handle disturbances. The key is the ability to adapt and plan for change, regardless of system composition. Long-term sustainability of human civilization is the ultimate goal.

A river and the system it supports within its catchment, or watershed, is a good example of a social ecological system. Humans and all living things require water to survive. It is also used to grow food and fiber. Meats, vegetables, jeans, paper and many other things require water in the production process. As it is a finite resource, these different stakeholder groups want to ensure a steady supply of clean water for their causes. These interactions are generally cooperative, but conflict does occur in some form regularly. As you go about your daily life, think about all of the interconnections, local and distant, involved in your routine. You will look at the world in a new way.