Systems analysis that considers human-environmental systems as a complex set of interactions, and the novel use of systems thinking to consider the feedbacks and consequences of action in this system
Background
Defra’s areas of responsibility cover a wide range of interacting natural and human systems. Changes that affect one outcome are often likely to have knock-on implications for others. Policy in areas such as land management, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention, food security, fisheries, and waste management, need to be designed in the absence of perfect knowledge of how human and natural processes interact. It can be particularly difficult to attribute cause and effect in such complex systems where evidence is often partial and fragmented.
Consideration of the issues that Defra deals with as parts of systems, i.e. in terms of relationships between the parts can help us to unpick complex or seemingly chaotic situations, and better deliver robust positive outcomes for society. To facilitate more effective decision making, a range of approaches and specialties need to be applied to the above challenges.
Next steps
Get in touch with Research.Interests@defra.gov.uk
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Related UKRI funded projects
-
Core principles for integrated models for ecosystem management
Human society and our economy have been built to make use of the natural world. However, as the Dasgupta report has highlighted these activities have damaged our environment and wild populations. Repairing this damage an...
Funded by: NERC
Why might this be relevant?
The project addresses the question fully and the authors have the necessary expertise to answer the question.
-
Addressing the unintended consequences of tropical forest restoration for people and biodiversity.
Earlier this year, the media reported on a major new report (endorsed by most governments) that drew attention to the decline in natural ecosystems on our planet, and why this matters for human wellbeing. There are now g...
Funded by: NERC
Why might this be relevant?
The project partially addresses the question and the authors have the necessary expertise to answer the question.
-
Interdisciplinary Exchanges: Natural resource management in the 21st century
Human-dominated landscapes are playing an increasingly important role in natural resource conservation and it is becoming progressively clear that social and ecological outcomes are inherently interrelated and difficult ...
Funded by: ESRC