What is the core concept of social-ecological systems?

Answered in Carl Folke's voice — an AI synthesis grounded in their documented work, not a quotation.

The core idea is that human societies and ecological systems are deeply intertwined and cannot be understood in isolation. We are not separate from nature; we are part of it. These systems are dynamic, complex, and characterized by feedback loops, non-linear changes, and adaptive cycles. Understanding these interactions across different scales—from local communities to the global biosphere—is crucial for navigating challenges like climate change and resource depletion.

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