Harnessing the potential of vulnerability assessments for managing social-ecological systems

Ecology and Society: a journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability

article

Lauric Thiault¹  Stacy D. Jupiter⁴  Johanna E. Johnson⁵  Joshua E. Cinner⁷  Rebecca M. Jarvis⁸  Scott F. Heron⁷  Joseph M. Maina^1,10  Nadine A. Marshall^1,11  Paul A. Marshall^1,12  Joachim Claudet¹ 

[1] National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris;Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL;Moana Ecologic;Wildlife Conservation Society, Melanesia Program;C 2 O Coasts Climate Oceans;College of Marine & Environmental Sciences, James Cook University;Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University;Te Kura Pūtaiao - School of Science, Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau - Auckland University of Technology;Physics and Marine Geophysical Laboratory, James Cook University;Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University;CSIRO Land and Water, James Cook University;Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University;Environment Department

关键词: conservation planning;    environmental management;    risk;    social-ecological systems;    sustainability;    vulnerability;   

DOI  :  10.5751/ES-12167-260201

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Resilience Alliance Publications

【 摘 要 】

The concept of vulnerability has broadened from initial applications in the fields of risk and hazards, human ecology and resilience to include the management of social-ecological systems (SES). We review how this concept has been operationalized in various contexts and identify opportunities and challenges to apply vulnerability assessments to SES management in the face of social, environmental, and climatic changes. We synthesize these lessons into a 12-step framework to help practitioners scope, design, operationalize, and implement vulnerability assessments that can effectively minimize exposure, reduce sensitivity, and enhance adaptive capacity. We describe the rationale, assumptions, and implications that underlie each step and highlight future directions that are critically needed to further enable vulnerability assessments to address real-world sustainability challenges. These include applying biocultural approaches, building knowledge about SES vulnerability to nonclimate stressors, and anticipating potential trade-offs and maladaptation. The framework presented provides a roadmap for the development of integrated vulnerability assessments that are robust, context-specific, and relevant to the management of SES.

【 授权许可】

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