In a new article, recenlty published in Ecosphere, the application of complex systems thinking for improving forest ecosystem resilience and adaptability is analyzed. In particular, the article review the properties of complex systems (heterogeneity, hierarchy, self-organization, openness, adaptation, memory, non-linearity and uncertainty) using four well-studied forest biomes (temperate, boreal, tropical and Mediterranean) as examples. The lens of complex systems science yields insights into facets of forest structure and dynamics that facilitate comparisons among ecosystems. These biomes share the main properties of complex systems but differ in specific ecological properties, disturbance regimes, and human uses. We show how this approach can help forest scientists and managers to conceptualize forests as integrated social-ecological systems and provide concrete examples of how to manage forests as complex adaptive systems.
Filotas E., Parrott L., Burton P.J., Chazdon R.L., Coates D.K., Coll L., Haeussler S., Martin K., Nocentini S., Puettmann K.J., Putz F.E., Simard S.W., Messier C. (2014) Viewing forests through the lens of complex systems science. Ecosphere 5:art1 dx.doi.org/10.1890/ES13-00182.
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| Photo: Pere Casals |
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