A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR ECOSYSTEM - HUMAN HEALTH INTERCONNECTIONS
Citation:
Benson, W H., M. Miranda, AND R. T. Di Giulio. A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR ECOSYSTEM - HUMAN HEALTH INTERCONNECTIONS. Presented at International Society for Ecosystem Health, Washington, D. C, June 6-11, 2002.
Description:
Much environmental policy fails to consider the relationships that exist among component parts of the natural and social world. The linkages that exist between natural and social systems are intricate and varied and call for new and creative approaches to environmental policy and management. This presentation offers a conceptual model of human-ecological interconnections, as well as a sense of how to make that model operational. It explores the processes and connections among components of both natural and social systems and emphasizes the importance of understanding these relationships for effective decision making. This conceptual model maps human-ecological interconnections according to the relationships that link the Natural System and the Social System. The former is composed of both the physical environment and biota, with biota including human and non-human populations. The Social System contains linked institutional and cultural elements that define and shape the direction and timing of action that society takes. The outputs that are delivered from one system change the way the other system functions, which subsequently changes the outputs
that the second system can deliver, which, in turn, changes the way the original system can function, and so on. The natural and social system outputs create states or conditions that shape and influence well-being, including well-being of the individual, societies, and ecosystems both now and in the future. Human and ecosystem well-being in turn influences the natural and social systems. To make the framework operational, a series of practical tools supplement the conceptual model and facilitate better decision-making. These tools
include risk assessment, life cycle assessment, decision analysis, cost-benefit analysis, social impact assessment, and ethical considerations. We also discuss the appropriate role for science infrastructure, less fragmented regulatory systems, private sector change, community involvement, and decision coordination. This conceptual model provides a framework for broadly enhancing our understanding of interconnections between human and ecosystem health and appropriately incorporating this understanding into public application