Rural Social-Ecological Systems

This book explores rural landscapes as dynamic social-ecological systems shaped by environmental change, shifting livelihoods, and evolving governance. It reveals how rural regions function through the interplay of ecology, society, culture, and policy.

Moving from core conceptual frameworks—including integrated social-ecological models—to empirical studies, the volume spans Indigenous knowledge systems, land abandonment, pastoralism, sacred groves, climate vulnerability, geo-hazards, gendered livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, infrastructure expansion, and environmental law. These cases illuminate the diverse pressures and adaptive strategies defining contemporary rural environments.

Further chapters address governance, resilience building, and adaptation pathways toward more just and sustainable rural futures. The book underscores the need to pursue ecological integrity and social equity together to strengthen resilience, support climate adaptation, and sustain both biodiversity and livelihoods.

This volume offers integrative frameworks and actionable insights for an era of global transformation, designed for researchers across ecology, geography, environmental social science, sustainability studies, and rural development.