Resilience Thinking in Ecosystem Management

In our globalized society, ecosystems are heavily influenced by human activity, and ecosystem services are essential for people. A resilience thinking approach explores how the interaction between people and nature can be effectively managed. Here are seven principles to guide this approach:

Principle 1: Maintain Diversity and Redundancy

• Diversity is Key: Systems with diverse components (species, actors, knowledge sources) are generally more resilient.
• Redundancy: Diversity allows some components to compensate for the loss or failure of others, enhancing system resilience.

Principle 2: Manage Connectivity

• Connectivity Benefits: Well-connected systems can recover quickly from disturbances.
• Connectivity Risks: Overly connected systems might experience rapid spread of disturbances.

Principle 3: Manage Slow Variables and Feedbacks

• Slow Variables: Essential for ecosystem services; e.g., phosphorus levels in lake water should be controlled to prevent a costly eutrophic state.
• Feedback Loops:
  • Positive feedback (e.g., grass fires promoting growth of grasses)
  • Dampening feedback (e.g., rule enforcement through sanctions)

Principle 4: Foster Complex Adaptive Systems Thinking

• Complexity Acceptance: Recognize multiple simultaneous connections at different levels within a socio-ecological system.
• Uncertainty and Multiple Perspectives: Accept unpredictability and diverse viewpoints.

Principle 5: Encourage Learning

• Continuous Development: Social-ecological systems evolve, requiring ongoing revision of knowledge and stimulation of learning.
• Collaboration: More collaborative processes enhance learning and adaptation.

Principle 6: Broaden Participation

• Benefits of Broad Participation: Enhances trust and shared understanding, fundamental for collective action.

Principle 7: Promote Polycentric Governance

• Polycentricity: Involves multiple governing bodies, supports collective action during changes, but can face actor/institution tensions.
• Balancing Act: Engage a wide range of stakeholders, balancing openness with decision-making mandates.

These principles provide a framework for integrating resilience thinking into ecosystem management, highlighting the importance of diversity, connectivity, and governance structures.