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Connecting distinct realms along multiple dimensions: A meta-ecosystem resilience perspective
David G Angeler1, Jani Heino2, Juan Rubio-Ríos3
1Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; The Brain Capital Alliance, San Francisco, CA, USA; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
This study introduces meta-ecosystem resilience, modeling interconnected ecosystems for sustainability. Understanding these connections aids in natural resource management and risk assessment in a changing world.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability Science
Background:
- Sustainability challenges require understanding interconnected social-ecological systems.
- Existing resilience models often overlook the connectivity across diverse ecosystems (freshwater, marine, terrestrial, atmosphere).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a resilience perspective of meta-ecosystems, emphasizing cross-realm connectivity.
- To demonstrate ecological resilience using aquatic-terrestrial linkages and riparian ecosystems.
- To discuss applications of meta-ecosystem resilience in ecological research and management.
Main Methods:
- Conceptualizing meta-ecosystems connected by flows of biota, matter, and energy.
- Applying ecological resilience theory (sensu Holling) to aquatic-terrestrial linkages.
- Analyzing applications including resilience quantification, panarchy, and spatial regime migration.
Main Results:
- Meta-ecosystem resilience provides a framework for understanding complex, interconnected ecological systems.
- Aquatic-terrestrial linkages and riparian zones serve as key examples for demonstrating meta-ecosystem resilience.
- The framework highlights potential for early warning indications and spatial regime shifts.
Conclusions:
- Understanding meta-ecosystem resilience is crucial for addressing global sustainability challenges.
- This perspective can inform natural resource management through scenario planning and vulnerability assessments.
- Further research in meta-ecosystem resilience can enhance ecological and social system adaptability.
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