The nature and practice of sustainability is very complex, multi‐dimensional and dynamic. Traditional and reductionist approaches have shown their inability to address sustainability issues. Increasing complex issues and challenges related to sustainability requires a fresh approach to address the multi‐dimensional and multi‐disciplinary nature of complexity. In this paper, systems thinking is used in a case study in a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve to demonstrate its application to effectively address complex and sustainability issues. A systems model has been developed, and various tools, processes and techniques of systems thinking have been used in the study. The systems model and its associated systems archetypes are qualitatively analysed to provide insights into potential system behaviour and to facilitate the identification of leverage points and systemic intervention strategies that are required for the sustainable development of the Biosphere. The unique approach used in this study has significant potential to apply globally considering the comprehensive network of Biosphere Reserves around the world, as well as the various sustainability and other complex issues that our society is facing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
This paper discusses the benefits of applying Systems Thinking to solving natural resource management problems. It first explains the Systems Thinking concept and briefly outlines its history and emergence in agriculture and natural resource management. A series of case studies are then presented which illustrate practical examples of how Systems Thinking has been used to address real life natural resource management issues. The case studies build on the conclusions of each other by adding additional ways (lessons learnt) of incorporating Systems Thinking into practice to address issues more systemically. The first case study deals with examples of how Systems Thinking facilitated the sharing and integration of disparate sources and forms of knowledge, and making sense of the factors influencing tree density in the tropical savanna region of northern Queensland. The second case study deals with how Systems Thinking has been imbedded in the design and implementation of a research project investigating how to improve financial returns to smallholder tree farmers in the Philippines. The third case study illustrates how Systems Thinking was used to design and facilitate an adaptive rodent management project in Cambodia based on participatory research, development and extension. From these experiences, the authors' highlight a variety of key points that lead to the proposition that Systems Thinking should be 'absorbed' into scientific research, in the same way that statistics, is today an integral part of all sciences. A framework for the application of Systems Thinking is presented to help improve sustainable land management.
Policy makers, managers and leaders in organizations, governments and business institutions are under increasing pressure to make the right management decisions in the face of a continually changing political and socio‐economic landscape. To make matters more challenging, the complex environmental, socio‐economic, business‐financial issues that decision makers need to deal with tend to transcend the jurisdictions and capacities of any single organization. There is a multitude of difficult, long‐term global challenges ahead, almost all of which are coupled with the most pressing concerns of different countries at national and local levels. Despite many efforts to deal with these complex issues facing our society, the solutions so far have seldom been long lasting, because ‘treating the symptoms’ and ‘quick fixes’, using traditional linear thinking, are the easiest way out, but do not deliver the solutions. This paper describes the processes for unravelling complexity through participatory systems analysis and the interpretation of systems structures to identify leverage points for systemic interventions. It further demonstrates the promotion of effective change and the enhancement of cross‐sectoral communication and collaborative learning. This learning focuses on finding solutions to complex issues by applying an iterative, systems‐based approach, both locally—Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab)—and globally—Global Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (GELL). A generic framework and processes for implementing and institutionalizing ELLabs are described, and how these become part of the GELL for managing complex issues is explained. Four case studies are used to demonstrate diverse examples of the application and implementation of the ELLab approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
African countries have comparative advantages in the production and export of primary commodities; however, they face many sustainability challenges in the agricultural sector. Since the democratization of many African countries, notably Ghana, there have been a number of interventions costing billions of dollars to overcome the challenges facing the agricultural industry but with little success. The agricultural industry is a complex system. Casual loop and Bayesian belief network modelling were used to develop systems models to determine the components and interactions between the policy and the social, environmental and economic dimensions of the industry. Insights into potential system behaviors and leverage points for systemic interventions required for sustainable agricultural development were identified. The systems models will help governments to anticipate the long‐term consequences of their decisions and actions, as well as help to avoid any unintended consequences of policies and strategies such as ‘silo mentality’ and ‘organizational myopia’. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
This paper discusses the application of systems thinking concepts and tools in establishing ‘Learning Laboratories’ for Sustainable Development. It first presents a brief description of the potential value of utilising biosphere reserves for implementing the learning laboratories concept, followed by how systemic processes have been developed to establish a Learning Laboratory through a comprehensive pilot project in the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve (CBBR) in Vietnam. In this project Causal Loop Modelling were used to determine the components and interactions between the policy, social, environmental and economic dimensions of the CBBR. The resultant model has been used to identify key leverage points and where systemic interventions will be most effective (potential research projects). The model also serves as a platform for learning and research collaboration through alliances and cross‐sectoral teams to address the various domains, leverage points, and interventions identified. The role and importance of systems thinking methodology and applications to deal with ever‐increasing complexities of sustainable development are discussed. The modelling approach and various processes that were used in this pilot project could be extended to other biosphere reserves in Vietnam and globally, in that way creating a worldwide network of ‘Learning Laboratories for Sustainable Development’. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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