Vulnerability studies need to consider changes in the ecological and the social system as well as their interactions. Yet, the link between ecosystem services and the wellbeing of different social groups represents a deficit in research. The presented case study attempts to create a deepened understanding of the social-ecological system as a basis for vulnerability assessment. For this purpose, participatory mapping of cultural ecosystem services (CES) and perceived vulnerability in the urban region of Rostock (Germany) were conducted. A comprehensive approach was developed including the spatial distribution of CES in the urban region, the interrelations between the supply and demand of CES (considering different social factors and the spatial link), as well as an exemplary vulnerability assessment. The case study showed that an application of the participatory mapping approach is valuable in a wide urban region. The evaluation of the link between population wellbeing and CES suggested no differences according to social factors. Concerning the spatial link, different critical distances for individual CES were found. An integrated map of supply and demand was developed showing the supply of districts with CES area, number, and diversity. The final exemplary vulnerability assessment visualized potential changes in CES supply areas and affected districts in the urban region.

The ''dynamic knowledge loop'' explores processes of knowledge generation, knowledge exchange, and social learning in inter-and transdisciplinary cooperation and relates them to adaptive capacity. Adaptive capacity building can reduce vulnerabilities and enhance the resilience of urban regions towards the impacts of climate change. We use a mix of empirical methods and apply the dynamic knowledge loop as an innovative analytical tool. The added value of inter-and transdisciplinary cooperation concerning knowledge generation and facilitation of social learning is discussed by applying the dynamic knowledge loop to research about a scenario-planning process and a participatory mapping exercise in the urban region of Rostock, Germany. The results demonstrate that the scenario planning process allowed for a consideration of complex interrelations that have the potential for an integration of different influences, perspectives, and knowledge forms. Scenario planning facilitated social learning by creating a platform for integration and exchange of different epistemologies and for considering alternative futures. The participatory mapping exercise demonstrated the scientific value of the integration of local knowledge as well. Building upon these results, we stress the importance of knowledge generation, knowledge exchange, and social learning to build up adaptive capacity through different forms of cooperation between science and practice.

There is a rapidly growing body of literature on the theory about the ecosystem service concept and the practical assessment of ecosystem services in different contexts ranging from natural to urban environments. Yet, where does the concept reach its limits? This paper critically reflects the application of the ecosystem service concept in urban environments illustrating the handling of urban structures (incl. built-up areas) and the risk that the normative principle of the concept could be missed. It is shown that in theory urban structures refer to a variety of ecosystem concepts. As a starting point for ecosystem service assessments, these could be classified into natural, managed, constructed and overbuilt systems. Since ecosystem service concepts do not directly refer to a specific ecosystem definition, but to biophysical structures and processes, all of these classes could be included. However, the dependency on context and scale makes a differentiation in practical ecosystem services assessment challenging. We conclude that the ecosystem service concept does not reach its limits in urban environments, but urban environments represent an extreme case characterized by multifunctionality and a high degree of modification that enables to uncover research challenges applying in any environment. There is a need for a more transparent reporting of theoretical and methodological assumptions to facilitate the comparability between ecosystem service assessments. Comprehensive approaches that consider multiple ecosystem services and include human input, human modification, the ecosystem status as well as their interactions are required to understand the spatial relations between ecosystem services delivered by different ecosystems.

ABSTRACT. Today's multifaceted environmental problems, including climate change, necessitate interdisciplinary research. It is however difficult to combine disciplines to study such complex phenomena. We analyzed the experience we gained in applying a particular method of interdisciplinary integration, the 'bridging concept.' We outlined the entire process of developing, utilizing, and adapting social-ecological resilience as a bridging concept in a research project involving seven different disciplines. We focused on the tensions and opportunities arising from interdisciplinary dialogue and the understandings and manifestations of resilience in the disciplines involved. By evaluating the specific cognitive and social functions of resilience as a method of integration, we call for placing greater emphasis on the quality and value of the actual interdisciplinary process, rather than concentrating solely on the output of interdisciplinary work.