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Coupled Human and Natural Systems: A Novel Framework for Complexity Management

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  • Dhanushki Perera

    (School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia)

  • Ziyad Abunada

    (School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia)

  • Ahmed AlQabany

    (World Bank, Washington, DC 20433, USA)

Abstract

Coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) represent dialectic interaction between human and nature subsystems. This dynamic interaction involves a prominent level of complexity stemming from the uncertain interrelation between the systems and the incorporated subsystems. The complexity within CHANS includes reciprocal effects, nonlinearity, uncertainties, and heterogeneity. Although many researchers have highlighted the significance of understanding the nature of the coupling effect, most of the prevailing literature emphasises either human or natural systems separately, while considering the other as exogenous, despite evaluating the reciprocal and complex interrelations. The current review utilises the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). It focuses on synthesising the prevailing literature on the CHANS framework in several disciplines, focusing on the approach, findings, limitations, and implications. The review comprises 56 relevant articles, found through Endnote and Covidence database searches. The findings identify the dominant complexity character as reciprocal effects and feedback loops, confirming the complex interactions between human and natural systems. Furthermore, the review provides evidence surrounding the significance of developing an analytical framework that can better explain the complex connections between humans and nature, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of CHANS and their potential impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Dhanushki Perera & Ziyad Abunada & Ahmed AlQabany, 2024. "Coupled Human and Natural Systems: A Novel Framework for Complexity Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9661-:d:1514913
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wandersee, Sarah M. & An, Li & López-Carr, David & Yang, Yeqin, 2012. "Perception and decisions in modeling coupled human and natural systems: A case study from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 37-49.
    2. Richard Aspinall & Michele Staiano, 2017. "A Conceptual Model for Land System Dynamics as a Coupled Human–Environment System," Land, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-9, November.
    3. Boumans, Roelof & Roman, Joe & Altman, Irit & Kaufman, Les, 2015. "The Multiscale Integrated Model of Ecosystem Services (MIMES): Simulating the interactions of coupled human and natural systems," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 12(C), pages 30-41.
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