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Use of a conceptual model of societal drivers of ecological change in South Florida: Implications of an ecosystem management scenario

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Abstract

Human-dominated ecosystems such as in South Florida's Everglades region are greatly affected by societal actions and choices, and efforts to restore degraded ecosystems must take into account the societal drivers of ecosystem change. A conceptual model of societal-ecological interactions within the region illustrates connections between major societal drivers, such as water management and land use, and ecological stressors, such as loss of habitat and nutrient loading. Using the conceptual model as an initial guide for discussion, examination of a restoration scenario for the region shows that social and economic effects from activities proposed in a restoration scenario will likely affect most sectors of South Florida. Political effects from changing land and water management practices likely will be significant, as will the physical effects of changing water structures and management practices. Conceptual models such as this can aid in the initial stages of ecosystem restoration discussions and can assist in planning for subsequent social science evaluations of specific societal impacts of actual proposed governmental restoration alternatives. In crafting restoration scenarios, local, regional, and national decision makers can use conceptual models such as this to help broaden the early considerations of how possible future changes in societal drivers, including management choices, will change ecological stressors that affect ecosystem health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Marine and Environmental Analyses, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA

    Christine C. Harwell

  2. Everglades Research and Education Center, P.O. Box 8003, Belle Glade, FL, 33430, USA

    Christopher W. Deren & George H. Snyder

  3. Department of Geography, Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA

    William D. Solecki

  4. School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469-5782, USA

    James Wilson

  5. Center for Marine and Environmental Analyses, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA

    Mark A. Harwell

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  1. Christine C. Harwell
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  2. Christopher W. Deren
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  4. William D. Solecki
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  5. James Wilson
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  6. Mark A. Harwell
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Harwell, C.C., Deren, C.W., Snyder, G.H. et al. Use of a conceptual model of societal drivers of ecological change in South Florida: Implications of an ecosystem management scenario. Urban Ecosystems 3, 345–368 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009512819104

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