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Explaining and Measuring Social-Ecological Pathways: The Case of Global Changes and Water Security

Author

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  • Thomas Bolognesi

    (Institute for Environmental Sciences - GEDT & Department of Political Sciences and International Relations, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Andrea K. Gerlak

    (Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Gregory Giuliani

    (Institute for Environmental Sciences, EnviroSPACE Lab., University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland)

Abstract

The Social-Ecological Systems framework serves as a valuable framework to explore and understand social and ecological interactions, and pathways in water governance. However, it lacks a robust understanding of change. We argue an analytical and methodological approach to engaging global changes in SES is critical to strengthening the scope and relevance of the SES framework. Relying on SES and resilience thinking, we propose an institutional and cognitive model of change where institutions and natural resources systems co-evolve. Our model of change provides a dynamic understanding of SES that stands on three causal mechanisms: institutional complexity trap, rigidity trap, and learning processes. We illustrate how data cube technology could overcome current limitations and offer reliable avenues for testing hypotheses about the dynamics of Social-Ecological Systems and water security by offering to combine spatial and time data with no major technical requirements for users.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Bolognesi & Andrea K. Gerlak & Gregory Giuliani, 2018. "Explaining and Measuring Social-Ecological Pathways: The Case of Global Changes and Water Security," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:12:p:4378-:d:185071
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Uta Schirpke & Lukas Egarter Vigl & Erich Tasser & Ulrike Tappeiner, 2019. "Analyzing Spatial Congruencies and Mismatches between Supply, Demand and Flow of Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Jianan Qin & Xiang Fu & Shaoming Peng & Yuni Xu & Jie Huang & Sha Huang, 2019. "Asymmetric Bargaining Model for Water Resource Allocation over Transboundary Rivers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-23, May.
    3. Gregory Giuliani & Elvire Egger & Julie Italiano & Charlotte Poussin & Jean-Philippe Richard & Bruno Chatenoux, 2020. "Essential Variables for Environmental Monitoring: What Are the Possible Contributions of Earth Observation Data Cubes?," Data, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-25, October.

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