Complex socio-ecological systems: What are they? Why be concerned? Governance?

Lets start with some definitions

Socio Ecological System

A socio-ecological system can be defined as:

1. A coherent system of biophysical and social factors that regularly interact in a resilient, sustained manner;
2. A system that is defined at several spatial, temporal, and organisational scales, which may be hierarchically linked;
3. A set of critical resources (natural, socioeconomic, and cultural) whose flow and use is regulated by a combination of ecological and social systems; and
4. A perpetually dynamic, complex system with continuous adaptation.

(Socio-ecological system. (n.d.). Retrieved September 02, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socio-ecological_system)

In other words, socio-ecological systems refer to the interactions between the ecological and social components of an ecosystem. For example, how humans interact with the environment around them to convert ecological resources into assets for human use. 

Why be concerned?

I felt that this is increasingly relevant in the world today due to the dearth of un-exploited areas of the world today. Take Antarctica for example, once widely seen as inaccessible, it is now one of the more exotic locations in the world to visit and is already facing issues from tourism such as visitors walking on moss beds that require easily a century to grow but a few inches.

(http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/08/0822_030822_antarctictours.html)

Coupled with the increasing trend of urbanization, there is a real chance that we might see developments springing up in previously pristine areas. The issue then is how do we manage the environmental impact of these new developments. One possible way is integrating these developments into the ecological system.

Singapore is a possible example of this integrative method due to its position as a garden city. Most green spaces in Singapore are often located near urban communities. For example, the Macritchie area doubles as both a nature reserve and a trail running route for local runners. The Bedok Reservoir serves as both a water catchment area and also a recreational watersport facility. As a result of this integration, multiple smaller socio-ecological systems centered around community green spaces have cropped up. Considering the Governments long term goal of having 90% of housing within 400m of green spaces, these complex ecosystems are set to be the norm. 

Which brings us to the whole idea of governance. In light of all the environmental issues in the world today, how can we manage these integrated green spaces properly to best utilise them without compromising on the environmental aspects? 

Governance

The process of governing these complex socio-ecological systems is hard to pin down if we look at them as a whole. Individually, the ecological aspects are handled by the various statutory boards in Singapore, chief among them National Parks (NParks) and the National Environment Agency. The social aspect on the other hand is a hodgepodge of government agencies, local communities and other organisations operating in the area. Take East Coast park for example, its utilised for so many purposes that its hard to pin down who exactly are its key stakeholders. Marathon planners often use its long uninterrupted paths for hosting races, cyclists use it as a connection between East and Central Singapore, young adults using the beaches for barbecue get-togethers and even the Singapore Army marches there as part of their graduation march. 

With so many stakeholders, the issue of governance becomes quite complicated. Who should be given priority? What environmental impact does each group have? We cannot view these groups and the environment in isolation because they all ultimately affect each other.

Thus there is a need to study these complex socio ecological systems and identify what are the key areas that must be governed, whom should govern these areas, the practicality of governance and the cost.

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