A conceptual framework to manage interactions between nature and society in a changing world.
Our current understanding of the processes that underlie interactions between nature and society is limited owing to the fact that different scientific disciplines use different vocabulary to discover and analyse socio-ecological systems. Without the existence of a theoretical framework capable of using information to analyse the complex interactions of socio-ecological systems, we will not be able to tackle the global change in which we are currently immersed. In response to this need, this paper looks at the standardisation of a common language to study relations between nature and society and designs a framework to manage socio-ecological systems. This framework is based on the analysis of the natural assets required to supply eco-services to society, and on the institutional response to favour territorial organisation that ensures the maintenance of these natural assets.
Keywords: Ecosystems, eco-services, socio-ecological systems.