Socioøkologiske

Socioøkologiske refers to an approach or set of concepts that examine the mutual interactions between society and ecosystems. The term is used broadly in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish contexts to describe research and policy perspectives that integrate social and ecological dimensions rather than treating them separately. A socioøkologisk perspective emphasizes that human well‑being depends on healthy ecosystems and that ecological processes are shaped by social choices, institutions, and power relations.

Key concepts include resilience, adaptability, and transformability of socio‑ecological systems. Systems are viewed as multi‑scalar and dynamic, with feedbacks linking resource use, governance, culture, and technology. Ecosystem services—provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural—are central to evaluating outcomes for communities, particularly regarding equity and distributional effects.

Methodologically, socioøkologiske studies employ systems thinking, transdisciplinary collaboration, and participatory approaches to co‑produce knowledge with stakeholders. They often analyze case studies in areas such as land use, water resources, urban planning, fisheries, and climate adaptation to understand how social practices influence ecological conditions and vice versa.

Critiques note that the approach can be complex and context dependent, posing challenges for measurement, policy design, and implementation. Nevertheless, it provides a framework for integrated analysis and governance aimed at sustainable, just outcomes.