The socio-ecological systems approach

Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way the parts of a system (i.e. something made up of interrelated parts, such as a river, an organisation, a person) interrelate and work over time. This chapter explains the use of systems thinking to help understand the interwoven social and biological issues that create the dynamics of invasive species management that need to be managed to reduce the impacts of invasive species. The chapter also illustrates the use of systems approaches to provide a basis for comprehensive analysis of the many human roles and issues that are involved in this dynamic. Understanding the complexity of the system of invasive species management provides a basis for determining what interventions might be needed with what people and organisations to improve outcomes.