Understanding large‐scale, complex, human–environmental processes: a framework for social–ecological observatories

Bourgeron, Patrick; Kliskey, Andrew; Alessa, Lilian; Loescher, Henry; Krauze, Kinga; Virapongse, Arika; Griffith, David L.

doi:10.1002/fee.1797

Title: Understanding large‐scale, complex, human–environmental processes: a framework for social–ecological observatories

Journal Article · Mon May 07 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1797· OSTI ID:1464342

Bourgeron, Patrick ^[1]; Kliskey, Andrew ^[2]; Alessa, Lilian ^[3]; Loescher, Henry ^[4]; Krauze, Kinga ^[5]; Virapongse, Arika ^[2]; Griffith, David L. ^[6]

Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) University of Colorado Boulder CO, Center for Resilient Communities University of Idaho Moscow ID
Center for Resilient Communities University of Idaho Moscow ID
Center for Resilient Communities University of Idaho Moscow ID, US Department of Homeland Security Washington DC
Battelle–National Ecological Observatory Network, INSTAAR University of Colorado Boulder CO
European Regional Center for Ecohydrology Uniwersytet Lodzki Lodz Poland
Center for Resilient Communities University of Idaho Moscow ID, Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program University of Idaho Moscow ID

There is a growing consensus that transdisciplinary environmental networks are required to generate knowledge of the dynamics of coupled human–natural systems ( CHAN s) 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 CHAN s 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 CHAN s, 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 CHAN s 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 SEO s.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

OSTI ID:: 1464342

Journal Information:: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Journal Name: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment Vol. 16 Journal Issue: S1; ISSN 1540-9295

Publisher:: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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