An Integrated Framework to Study Ecological Tipping Points in Social-Ecological Systems

Presenter Information

F. A. Männer, University of Bonn, Germany
L.-M. Schwarz, University of Bonn, Germany
D. A. Menestrey-Schwieger, University of Cologne, Germany
V. Amputu, University of Tübingen, Germany
M. C. Bilton, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
K. Brinkmann, Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Germany
G. Dressler, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Germany
N. Hamunyela, University of Namibia, Namibia
H. Heita, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
S. Heshmati, University of Tübingen, Germany
S. Liehr, Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Germany
M. Mbidzo, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
F. Munyebvu-Chambara, University of Namibia, Namibia
W. C. Nesongano, University of Namibia, Namibia
M. Rauchecker, Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Germany
A. Sandhage-Hofmann, University of Bonn, Germany
K. Tielbörger, University of Tübingen, Germany
K. Zimmer, University of Bonn, Germany
A. Linstädter, University of Potsdam, Germany

Publication Date

2001

Location

Brazil

Description

Sudden regime shifts or tipping points pose a major threat to various ecosystems and people's livelihoods worldwide. However, tipping points are still hard to predict and often occur without warning. To avoid dramatic social-ecological consequences, it is crucial to understand tipping point behaviour and to identify early warning indicators. Previous studies have hardly implemented an integrated social-ecological approach, which has led to a fragmented understanding and oversimplification of tipping point phenomena. Against this background, we present a systemic research framework that harmonizes ecological and social perspectives to gain a mechanistic understanding of tipping point behaviour. We utilize a social-ecological systems (SES) approach to identify drivers, consequences, and feasible preventive strategies. Our proposed framework consists of a retrospective, a comparative and a prospective perspective; each of them utilizes interdisciplinary studies in both sub systems at multiple scales. The research framework was developed by the members of NamTip, an inter- and transdisciplinary research project aiming to understand and manage desertification tipping points in Namibia’s semi-arid rangelands. The NamTip project represents a practical implementation of the research framework, that uses an integrated, social-ecological study design combining the threefold approach with dynamic modelling. This includes analyses of time-series and archival data, experimental and observational studies, as well as scenario development and exploration of decision-making with local farmers. After the initial practical implementation and with our ongoing evaluation, we are convinced that such an ambitious and complex framework will guide the way to a profound understanding of tipping point phenomena and feasible management options.

Citation

Männer, F. A.; Schwarz, L.-M.; Menestrey-Schwieger, D. A.; Amputu, V.; Bilton, M. C.; Brinkmann, K.; Dressler, G.; Hamunyela, N.; Heita, H.; Heshmati, S.; Liehr, S.; Mbidzo, M.; Munyebvu-Chambara, F.; Nesongano, W. C.; Rauchecker, M.; Sandhage-Hofmann, A.; Tielbörger, K.; Zimmer, K.; and Linstädter, A., "An Integrated Framework to Study Ecological Tipping Points in Social-Ecological Systems" (2001). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 2.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/24/1-2/2)