Abstract:

Over time, humans have gradually developed unique systems based on harmonious interactions with their natural environment. These sustainable systems have enhanced land management practices and made natural resource use more effective. These socio-cultural systems and associated traditional ecological knowledge are forces that have, over centuries, shaped and formed unique landscapes adapted to various geographical and socio-cultural backgrounds around the world. Such sustainable human-influenced landscapes, which have been known to be beneficial for biodiversity conservation and human well-being, are referred  in this report as socio-ecological production landscape. This document is a collection of case studies and articles that address how relationships between humans and nature function in socio-ecological production landscapes around the world. The examples highlight the various physical structures, management techniques and governance systems that characterize these landscapes, as well as the benefits they provide for biodiversity and human well-being, the threats they currently face, and ways to address these threats.