Modelling forests as social-ecological systems : A systematic comparison of agent-based approaches

Summary, in English

The multifunctionality of forest systems calls for appropriately complex modelling approaches to capture social and ecosystem dynamics. Using a social-ecological systems framework, we review the functionality of 31 existing agent-based models applied to managed forests. Several applications include advanced cognitive and emotional decision-making, crucial for understanding complex sustainability challenges. However, far from all demonstrate representation of key elements in a social-ecological system like direct interactions, and dynamic representations of social and ecological processes. We conclude that agent-based approaches are adequately complex for simulating both social and ecological subsystems, but highlight three main avenues for further development: i) robust methodological standards for calibration and validation of agent-based approaches; ii) modelling of agent learning, adaptive governance and feedback loops; iii) coupling to ecological models such as dynamic vegetation models or species distribution models. We round-off by providing a set of questions to support social-ecological systems modelling choices.

• Author: Hanna Ekström; Nils Droste; Mark Brady
• Department/s: Department of Political Science; Lund University; Department of Economics; AgriFood Economics Centre, SLU
• Publishing year: 2024-04
• Language: English
• Publication/Series: Environmental Modelling and Software
• Volume: 175
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2024.105998
• Document type: Journal article review
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Topic: Ecology; Forest Science
• Keywords: ABM; Complex adaptive system; Forest management; Model choice; SES
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1364-8152