About Stockholm resilience centre
Stockholm Resilience Centre: Advancing Transdisciplinary Research for Governance of Social-Ecological Systems
The Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) is an international research centre that focuses on advancing transdisciplinary research for the governance of social-ecological systems. The centre was established in 2007 and is located at Stockholm University, Sweden. SRC's mission is to generate knowledge and provide insights into how social-ecological systems can be managed sustainably to enhance human well-being.
SRC's research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between humans and nature, with a particular emphasis on resilience thinking. Resilience thinking recognizes that social-ecological systems are dynamic and constantly changing, and that they can adapt to disturbances while maintaining their essential functions. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying drivers of change in these systems, as well as identifying potential tipping points or thresholds beyond which irreversible changes may occur.
One of SRC's key strengths is its transdisciplinary approach to research. The centre brings together researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including ecology, economics, sociology, anthropology, geography, political science and law. This interdisciplinary collaboration enables SRC to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives and develop innovative solutions that are grounded in both scientific evidence and practical experience.
SRC's research has contributed significantly to our understanding of how social-ecological systems function and how they can be managed sustainably. For example, one area where SRC has made significant contributions is in the field of ecosystem services - the benefits that people derive from nature such as clean water or pollination services for crops. By studying how different stakeholders value ecosystem services differently depending on their cultural background or economic interests, SRC has developed new approaches for managing these resources more effectively.
Another area where SRC has made important contributions is in developing tools for assessing resilience in social-ecological systems. These tools enable decision-makers to identify potential vulnerabilities or risks within a system before they become critical issues. This approach has been applied in a range of contexts, from managing fisheries to urban planning.
SRC's research is not only relevant for academics but also for policymakers and practitioners. The centre works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure that its research findings are translated into practical solutions that can be implemented on the ground. SRC's engagement with stakeholders also helps to ensure that its research is relevant and responsive to the needs of society.
In conclusion, the Stockholm Resilience Centre is an international centre that advances transdisciplinary research for governance of social-ecological systems. Its innovative approach to understanding complex interactions between humans and nature has contributed significantly to our understanding of how these systems function and how they can be managed sustainably. SRC's transdisciplinary collaboration enables it to develop innovative solutions grounded in both scientific evidence and practical experience. Its engagement with stakeholders ensures that its research findings are translated into practical solutions that can be implemented on the ground.