Skip to main content
SLU publication database (SLUpub)

Research article2004Peer reviewed

The dynamics of social-ecological systems in urban landscapes - Stockholm and the National Urban Park, Sweden

Elmqvist T, Colding J, Barthel S, Borgstrom S, Duit A, Lundberg J, Andersson E, Ahrne K, Ernstson H, Folke C, Bengtsson J

Abstract

This study addresses social-ecological dynamics in the greater metropolitan area of Stockholm County, Sweden, with special focus on the National Urban Park (NUP). It is part of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and has the following specific objectives: (1) to provide scientific information on biodiversity patterns, ecosystem dynamics, and ecosystem services generated; (2) to map interplay between actors and institutions involved in management of ecosystem services; and (3) to identify strategies for strengthening social-ecological resilience. The green areas in Stockholm County deliver numerous ecosystem services, for example, air filtration, regulation of microclimate, noise reduction, surface water drainage, recreational and cultural values, nutrient retention, and pollination and seed dispersal. Recreation is among the most important services and NUP, for example, has more than 15 million visitors per year. More than 65 organizations representing 175,000 members are involved in management of ecosystem services. However, because of population increase and urban growth during the last three decades, the region displays a quite dramatic loss of green areas and biodiversity. An important future focus is how management may reduce increasing isolation of urban green areas and enhance connectivity. Comanagement should be considered where locally managed green space may function as buffer zones and for management of weak links that connect larger green areas; for example, there are three such areas around NUP identified. Preliminary results indicate that areas of informal management represent centers on which to base adaptive comanagement, with the potential to strengthen biodiversity management and resilience in the landscape

Published in

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
2004, Volume: 1023, pages: 308-322
ISBN: 1-57331-553-2
Publisher: NEW YORK ACAD SCIENCES

      SLU Authors

    • Bengtsson, Jan

      • Department of Ecology and Crop Production Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

      • Ahrné, Karin

        • Department of Ecology and Crop Production Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

      UKÄ Subject classification

      Economics and Business
      Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
      Social Sciences

      Publication identifier

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1319.017

      Permanent link to this page (URI)

      https://res.slu.se/id/publ/3580