MRW13: Complex social-ecological systems: linking theory and reality Event

Improved understanding of real world social-ecological systems is seen by many as one of the major challenges facing management of food supply, biodiversity and other ecosystem services across the world. Complexity theory – including variants like resilience theory – has pointed to the importance of utilizing mathematical concepts and models to better understand the nonlinear, emergent effects in such complex systems that lead to unpredictable changes such as critical transitions. This EPSRC-funded workshop aims to take stock of how complexity theory may be applied to the understanding and management of urban ecosystems, agricultural landscapes, river catchments and coastal systems.