A Systems Perspective: How Social-Ecological Networks Can Improve Our Understanding and Management of Biological...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Social Science

Background:

• Reversing biodiversity loss and sustainability crises necessitates understanding human-nature interdependencies.
• Social-ecological networks integrate social and ecological actors and their interactions, offering a holistic approach.
• Existing applications of social-ecological networks cover sustainable resource use, ecosystem services, and collective action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review past applications of social-ecological networks in invasion science.
• To provide guidance on constructing and analyzing social-ecological networks for invasion science.
• To outline future opportunities for social-ecological networks in invasion science.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of social-ecological network applications in invasion science.
• Development of guidance for network construction and analysis.
• Illustrative example of network application.

Main Results:

• The application of social-ecological networks to invasion science is currently limited but shows significant potential.
• Social-ecological networks can elucidate human roles in species introductions, invasion success, and impacts.
• Guidance and examples are provided for implementing these networks in invasion science.

Conclusions:

• Social-ecological networks provide a valuable framework for addressing complex challenges in invasion science.
• Integrating social and ecological perspectives through networks can enhance the management of biological invasions.
• Further application of social-ecological networks is encouraged to improve invasion science and conservation efforts.