Understanding large‐scale, complex, human–environmental processes: a framework for social–ecological observatories
Abstract
There is a growing consensus that transdisciplinary environmental networks are required to generate knowledge of the dynamics of coupled human–natural systems (CHANs) and to assess societal and policy consequences of complex environmental issues. Few of the existing large environmental observatory networks collect much, if any, data on the CHANs coupling mechanisms, reaffirming the need to develop observing approaches and structures that address the interoperability of the diverse data being obtained from these systems. We review the characteristics of existing environmental observatories and similar initiatives used to monitor CHANs, and identify opportunities for interoperability among them. From a synthesis of the characteristics of environmental networks representing a wide spectrum of research approaches and applications, a conceptual framework of a typical Social–Ecological Observatory (SEO) is presented to support long‐term, multi‐scaled CHANs observations through a common set of principles for organizing the observatories. Finally, we identify three areas of emphasis where progress is needed to support the use and application of SEOs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1002/fee.1797
Entities
People
- Andrew Kliskey
- Arika Virapongse
- David L Griffith
- Henry Loescher
- Kinga Krauze
- Lilian Alessa
- Patrick Bourgeron
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute
- Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program
- National Science Foundation
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence
- United States Department of Agriculture
- United States Department of Energy
- United States Department of Homeland Security
- University of Colorado
- University of Idaho
- University of Łódź