From Human-Nature Dualism Towards More Integration in Socio-ecosystems Studies

Abstract

Significance StatementIn the management of natural resources and biodiversity, humans and nature have traditionally been considered as two distinct systems, one controlling the other. The concept of socio-ecosystems allows a more integrated approach, in which humans and nature are recognized as interdependent. However, this new perspective does not necessarily eliminate a distinction between humans and nature, or even a hierarchy of humans over nature. This chapter aims to raise awareness of the potential human–nature dualism in socio-ecosystem approaches. Other research fields have adopted different approaches regarding human–nature integration versus dualism, offering a window on the advantages and limitations of various positions. We also discuss how methodological choices are important to translate human–nature integration or dichotomy depending on the study aim.

A model of mountain socio-ecological systems to catalyze multi-actor collaborations towards sustainability

“…However, this asymmetric wording choice is imperfect in that it may seem to conjure an underlying asymmetric conception of the relationship between humans and nature. As noted by Boulangeat et al (2022), some SES may indeed reinforce the idea of hierarchy, with humans exploiting or protecting nature in an unidirectional way. This may be quite unintentional, and deeply grounded in an implicit belief system: Kluckhon and Strodtbeck (1961) suggested that any culture relies on one of three basic assumptions about the relationship between humans and nature, namely humans as dominant, as part of nature, or as subordinate to nature.…”