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Combining the Viable System Model and Nature Futures Framework

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  • Russell Clemens

    (University of the Sunshine Coast)

Abstract

Conceptual linkages between the Viable System Model (VSM) and the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) are explored drawing on south Asian human-elephant conflict (HEC) as an illustrative case study. While the VSM can map operationalized forestry systems responsible for managing HEC, this paper focuses on pre-structural foresighting process in participatory governance. The paper posits the NFF is a contemporary “Platform for Change” and that entailing VSM-related knowledge within NFF scenario process can help facilitate viable enterprise networking within global environmental and conservation discourse. The NFF-VSM approach helps address complex science-policy gaps in ecological governance through improved viability in communication, stakeholder engagement, and participatory decision-making. A poststructural foresighting lens is adopted to theorize VSM-NFF combining as an emerging metalanguage for navigating undecidability in complex sustainability governance. South Asian HEC literature and secondary case studies are analysed within the NFF-VSM complex to establish transformational knowledge focused on raising citizen diplomacy pressure. The results include: 1. Mapping HEC undecidability using NFF-VSM metalanguage principles. 2. Signalling cross-cultural directionality via a color semiotic triple-bottom line (TBL). 3. Presenting a speculative fabulation to reframe posthuman participatory collaboration. The NFF functions as a viable system four metalanguage domain to address complex ecological governance challenges that require affective images of desirable futures. VSM principles and genealogy can support development of speculative NFF scenario/fabulation (systems fiction) to catalyse foresight-policy and identity transformation. Combining VSM with NFF as a tool for addressing undecidability within sustainable governance promotes interdisciplinary ‘ideal speech’ communication. It improves futures literacy and offers actionable insights for networked cross-cultural policy-making. Finally, it demonstrates how grounded South Asian HEC case studies can inform viable enterprise telecoupling and support participatory governance promoting sustainable human-elephant coexistence (HECx).

Suggested Citation

  • Russell Clemens, 2025. "Combining the Viable System Model and Nature Futures Framework," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 38(2), pages 1-38, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:38:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11213-025-09718-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-025-09718-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kelly E. Kapsar & Ciara L. Hovis & Ramon Felipe Bicudo da Silva & Erin K. Buchholtz & Andrew K. Carlson & Yue Dou & Yueyue Du & Paul R. Furumo & Yingjie Li & Aurora Torres & Di Yang & Ho Yi Wan & Juli, 2019. "Telecoupling Research: The First Five Years," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-13, February.
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