Social Ecological Approach Research Articles

Exploring Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening Participation among Singaporean Women: A Social Ecological Approach

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer screening uptake in Singapore remains suboptimal. This study employed the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to investigate factors influencing cervical cancer screening participation among Singaporean women. Methods: The study included 665 women, aged 25–69 years, who reported awareness of cancer screening and no personal cancer history. Data were collected through a previously described online survey. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant factors influencing screening participation. Results: Only 30% of participants reported cervical cancer screening participation. Women aged 25–29 years (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.12–0.77), Malay women (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.20–0.83), and unmarried women (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.18–0.48) were less likely to be screened. Positive associations with screening participation were observed with good cervical cancer screening knowledge (OR = 2.90; 95% CI = 1.96–4.32), awareness of primary care providers’ role in delivering screening services (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.24–3.10), cancer information seeking behavior (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.07–2.39), and acceptance of self-sampling options (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.22–2.70). Conclusions: Our study highlights the cumulative impact of factors at various SEM levels on screening participation and underscores the necessity for more targeted and multi-pronged strategies to improve cervical cancer screening uptake in Singapore.

How Polycentric Governance Affects Nature Conservation in Practice: The Case of Two Coastal Protected Areas in Suriname

This article focuses on the interactions between multi-level decision-making centers – local, national, international – in migratory species conservation in Suriname. Such multi-level interactions are crucial for transboundary conservation practices, but they have been researched very little by the scientific community so far, and not on Suriname at all. Moreover, although multi-level decision-making may differ per situation, it always poses governance and management challenges. To understand these, two Suriname case studies are analyzed in-depth: migratory shorebirds in the Bigi Pan Multiple Use Management Area and marine turtles in the Galibi Nature Reserve. A polycentric governance framework is used as an analytical lens, while a qualitative case study methodology is applied. The results of the analysis show that polycentric structures for the conservation of migratory species are currently only moderately in place and heavily dependent on donor finance. Yet, such vertical interactions are crucial for building connections – particularly among international NGOs, national governments and local communities – to achieve effective and legitimate conservation outcomes, irrespective of the presence or absence of donors. This paper, therefore, draws the following three key lessons for polycentric conservation efforts in the global South: (1) structural funding and alternative sources of income to donor money are crucial for transboundary conservation, (2) effective cooperation will require robust institution-building for enduring collective action, particularly at the local level, and (3) decision-making centers at all levels should be truly committed to a social-ecological approach of conservation, since a sole focus on biodiversity will not lead to legitimate results.

Establishing a Marine Protected Area network using a Marine Spatial Planning approach: A reflection on practical challenges and opportunities for social–ecological integration

AbstractIntegrative social–ecological approaches are crucial for addressing sustainability challenges in coastal and marine systems. Among these, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) emerges as a pivotal approach for integrated management. Often, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the application of MSP occur in parallel. Given the potential synergies, there is a need to better understand and address barriers to the adoption of MSP approaches for integrative conservation mechanisms. Using São Tomé and Príncipe as a case study, we illustrate how MSP was employed as an operational framework for establishing an MPA network. Drawing on the experiences of people directly involved in this co‐design process, we reflect on the main challenges and opportunities in achieving social–ecological integration, and highlight recommendations for conservation practitioners and planners. Applying MSP was perceived to contribute substantially to multiple project goals, with some (e.g., incorporating perspectives and needs of vulnerable groups) more challenging to achieve. While MSP enhanced conceptual, disciplinary, methodological and functional integration, practical challenges in implementation hindered the extent to which each of these was achieved. Given international commitments to Blue Growth, high fisheries dependence and current patterns of change, developing effective integrative MSP approaches is essential for social–ecological resilience.

Exploring the Implementation of UNESCO’s MAB Program in South Africa: A Case Study of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve

The Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) responds to challenges of the Anthropocene through an explicit social-ecological approach. Implemented as a world network of biosphere reserves, MAB aims to increase [eco]system sustainability and resilience globally, via individual model sites for learning and sustainable development. This research provides an in-depth case study of MAB implementation in South Africa using the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR), established in 2007 when a key MAB guiding policy, the Madrid Action Plan came into effect. The study utilized semi-structured in-depth interviews with strategic and operational management, and document analysis. The CWBR prioritizes their role as a landscape coordinator, a driver of socio-economic development and site in which humans derive benefits from healthy natural environments. The CWBR have adopted a non-profit organization cooperative governance model in support of this vision, fulfilling the socio-economic development function primarily through successful international partnerships. Challenges faced include a perceived lack of sufficient government support, limited stakeholder awareness and insufficient resources for project implementation. Over reliance on the pillar of their model, the chief executive officer in the current governance form, is an instrument in their effectiveness, yet carries significant risk. These are learnings useful for other biosphere reserves translating an international designation for a local context.

Free-Riding in Plant Health: A Social-Ecological Systems Approach to Collective Action.

Plant disease epidemics often transcend land management boundaries, creating a collective-action problem where a group must cooperate in a common effort to maximize individual and group benefits. Drawing upon the social-ecological systems framework and associated design principles, we review variables of resource systems, resource units, actors, and governance systems relevant to collective action in plant health. We identify a need to better characterize how attributes of epidemics determine the usefulness of collective management, what influences actors' decisions to participate, what governance systems fit different plant health threats, and how these subsystems interact to lead to plant health outcomes. We emphasize that there is not a single governance structure that ensures collective action but rather a continuum of structures that depend on the key system variables identified. An integrated social-ecological systems approach to collective action in plant health should enable institutional designs to better fit specific plant health challenges.

Exploring uncertainty of small-scale blue swimming crab fishery (Portunus pelagicus) toward local blue economy: The case of Pati Coastal Waters, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract Blue swimming crab (BSC) fisheries are characterized as small-scale, with limited biological and socio-economic data. Information limitations, such as those related to administrative inputs, have become a pressing issue in understanding the sustainability of BSC fisheries in coastal Pati Regency. This study aimed to analyze fishery uncertainty. The research was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 in Alasdowo Village, Dukuhseti District, Pati Regency. Biological data was collected from the daily logbooks of BSC middlemen, encompassing the catch of 368 fishermen from January 2019 to March 2021. Socio-economic data was obtained through structured interviews and focus group discussions. The production value of BSC in zone 2 was approximately 724.6 ± 889.7 kg/day, with a coefficient of variability of 1.23. The number of fishing trips was 188 ± 137, with a coefficient of variability of 0.73. The productivity value was approximately 3.2 ± 3.7 kg/trip, with a coefficient of variability of 1.16. The BSC fishery using trap-net gear in zone 2 exhibits high uncertainty, as evidenced by the high coefficients of variability. Exploring fishery uncertainty can be a valuable component of fisheries management through a social-ecological systems approach.

Modeling fisheries and carbon sequestration ecosystem services under deep uncertainty in the ocean twilight zone

Mesopelagic fishes are a vital component of the biological carbon pump and are, to date, largely unexploited. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in harvesting the mesopelagic zone to produce fish feed for aquaculture. However, great uncertainties exist in how the mesopelagic zone interacts with the climate and food webs, presenting a dilemma for policy. Here, we investigate the consequences of potential policies relating to mesopelagic harvest quotas with a dynamic social-ecological modeling approach, combining system dynamics and global sensitivity analyses informed by participatory modeling. Our analyses reveal that, in simulations of mesopelagic fishing scenarios, uncertainties about mesopelagic fish population dynamics have the most pronounced influence on potential outcomes. The analysis also shows that prioritizing the development of the fishing industry over environmental protection would lead to a significantly higher social cost of climate change to society. Given the large uncertainties and the potential large impacts on oceanic carbon sequestration, a precautionary approach to developing mesopelagic fisheries is warranted.

A social-ecological approach to support equitable land use decision-making.

Human-driven land use change can result in unequitable outcomes in the provision and appropriation of ecosystem services (ES). To better address equity-related effects of land use change in decision-making, analyses of land use and ES changes under different land use management alternatives should incorporate ecological and social information and take a disaggregated approach to ES analysis. Because such approaches are still scarce in the literature, we present a generalized social-ecological approach to support equitable land use decision-making (in terms of process and outcomes) and an example of its application to a case study in southwestern Ethiopia. We propose a six-step approach that combines scenario planning with equity-focused, disaggregated analyses of ES. Its application in our study area made equity-related effects of land use change explicit through the recognition of different beneficiary groups, value types, and spatial locations. We recommend the application of our approach in other contexts, especially in the Global South.

Social ecological model of alcohol use among youth living with HIV

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to identify predictors of alcohol use among youth living with HIV (YWH) using a social ecological approach that examines the individual and the context in which they are embedded. The sample consisted of 183 YWH ages 17–24 from five sites within the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network (ATN). Structural equation modeling was used to test the social ecological model of alcohol use in this sample. The model tested predictors at the individual, interpersonal, and environmental level. Results showed that mental health distress (b = 0.21, p < 0.05), social norms of alcohol use (b = 0.29, p < 0.05) and alcohol outlets (b = 0.23, p < 0.05) were associated with alcohol use. Externalizing behaviors were indirectly associated with problematic alcohol use, while social norms of alcohol use mediated this relationship (z = 2.42, p = 0.015). Our findings identified factors across multiple systems related to alcohol use among YWH supporting the social ecological model. Findings suggest treatment for alcohol use behavior would benefit from also addressing the individual by focusing on mental health issues as well. Additionally, at the interpersonal level, considering one’s social norms of drinking in their social network, especially among youth who are more prone to externalizing behaviors, would lower alcohol use. Furthermore, public policy should examine ways to limit the accessibility of alcohol in higher risk environments.

A social-ecological approach for identifying and mapping ecosystem service trade-offs and conservation priorities in peri-urban areas.

Considering both ecological and social dimensions in the assessment of ecosystem services (ESs) can facilitate acceptable and inclusive management strategies, especially in peri-urban areas characterized by intricate human-ecosystem interactions. A limited body of research, however, has mapped the plural values of ESs and their different types of trade-offs in such areas. This research aimed to execute an interdisciplinary analysis of the biophysical and social values of ESs in peri-urban Shanghai, China, through a social-ecological approach that integrates spatial biophysical assessment with participatory mapping. Trade-off analysis in both ES types and ES valuations were then conducted, and multicriteria decision-making was applied for conservation. Our results reveal that trade-off intensities were lower within the social values compared to the biophysical values. Within both value dimensions, relatively stronger trade-offs were found between food production and other ESs. Areas with both high biophysical and social values were infrequently observed across ESs. Based on the characteristics of diverse values, our study identified priority conservation areas and provided management implications. We argue that adopting the integrated social-ecological perspective in sustainable environmental management contributes to the realization of harmonious coexistence between people and nature in peri-urban areas.

Health Care Utilization and Care-seeking Behavior Among Vulnerabilized Sexual Minority Women: A Social-ecological Approach

Abstract: Sexual minority women (SMW) experience worse health than their heterosexual counterparts but have largely been omitted from health services research. To address this gap, we conducted 25 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with SMW. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis, and findings were organized using a modified socioecological framework. Key themes at each socioecological level include (1) structural: stigma, sociocultural norms, health infrastructure; (2) organizational: stigma, patient-provider relationship, hours and location, linkage to care and co-location of services; (3) interpersonal: stigma and social support; (4) individual: internalized stigma, self-efficacy, socioeconomic status, health literacy, and intersecting identities. Stigma is the central theme affecting vulnerabilized SMW's experiences accessing care. Anti-stigma initiatives and factors that lead to personal resilience and can mitigate care access barriers were identified at each level. Interventions should focus on building inclusive policies/infrastructure and using SMW's unique social networks to empower and improve care access and health outcomes among vulnerabilized SMW.

A case for stronger integration of physical landscape processes in conservation science and practice.

I argue that the dynamic nature of contemporary, landscape-shaping (geomorphic) processes deserves more consideration in conservation science and practice. In an analysis of a sample of fundamental terms related to geomorphology and area-based conservation in the Web of Science, I found that the terms co-occurred in <2% of the analyzed entries (titles, abstracts, and keywords) from 2000 to 2020. This result is indicative of the rather peripheral attention that, more broadly, landscape-shaping processes seem to receive in the conservation literature. Among conservation scientists and practitioners, landforms that define the physical structure of habitat are often perceived as largely static, whereas the consideration of their dynamic adjustments to geomorphic processes is often limited to extreme events. I use examples derived from river-floodplain environments to illustrate strong, multifaceted, and reciprocal interactions between biota and various erosional and depositional processes. These ubiquitous interdependencies clearly demonstrate that geomorphic processes are an integral part of ecosystem dynamics at time scales relevant for conservation. Crucially, erosional and depositional processes modulate many environmental impacts of past and current anthropogenic activities. I conclude that the absence of a more explicit and widespread consideration of geomorphic processes in conservation science and practice is surprising and detrimental to their effectiveness. I call for bolstered efforts among the conservation and geoscience communities to better integrate landscape dynamics within the field of conservation. The rise of the ecosystem-based and social-ecological systems approaches to conservation and the growth of interdisciplinary geoscience branches (e.g., biogeomorphology, ecohydraulics, and geoconservation) will facilitate such an integration.

Towards a Social Ecological Approach to Supporting Caseworkers in Promoting the Online Safety of Youth in Foster Care

This research examines how caseworkers collaborate with foster families to address adolescent online safety. We interviewed 32 caseworkers who worked with teens (ages 13-17) in foster care within the past 5 years. Using thematic analysis, we found that case managers are most concerned about sexual-related risks that result in physical abuse (e.g., sex trafficking) or online interactions that facilitated offline risks (e.g., runaway, illegal drug activity), rather than risks that only manifested in virtual spaces. Yet, inadequate training and insufficient support left caseworkers at a loss for how to address these challenges on top of their already heavy caseloads, often making online safety an afterthought. We call on the foster care system to place a higher priority in providing collaborative and socio-technical ecological support for caseworkers, foster parents, and children, so that early risk prevention in online spaces can support the safety and well-being of foster youth offline.

Cultivating Wellbeing: Traditional Wisdom and Sustainability in Fiji’s Green Schools

This method abstract details the Green School Program, piloted across three schools in maritime Fijian islands, addresses critical issues faced by Fijian and Pacific Island communities. These encompass malnutrition, food security, health hazards, and the urgency of integrating traditional knowledge, governance, and social-ecological systems approaches into creating healthier school environments. Non communicable diseases have emerged as a pervasive concern within Pacific Island communities, creating a challenge for public health systems, driven greatly by dietary habits(1). This complex health landscape underscores the need to safeguard traditional knowledge and agri-food practices and develop neo-traditional approaches to local food systems(2). Furthermore, the Green School Program recognizes the essential role of schools as community hubs, enabling enhancing heathy school environments by embracing traditional wisdom and sustainable farming practices and foods, ultimately empowering communities to address these multifaceted challenges(3). Developing the school environment as a sustainable setting for governance framework led by women and the school administration, rooted in traditional knowledge and practices. Additionally, it aims to design facilities that support efficient organic farming while integrating these into school activities. Economic sustainability through the sale of surplus farm products, as well as the enhancement of sustainable land-use management, health, wellbeing, and cultural identity. The program unfolds within a distinctive community-based framework with the establishment of robust governance, with a notable emphasis on the leadership of women and mothers who play a pivotal role in steering the green school initiative and ensuring community ownership. Collaborative governance spans multiple stakeholders, including school management, community-based school committees, youth groups, women groups, and traditional leaders. This inclusive engagement ensures both shared responsibility in program design and ownership during implementation phases. Sustainable facilities are strategically designed to include biodigesters, water storage and irrigation systems, composting, organic fertilizers, and seedling nurseries, enhancing the program’s capacity to create healthier school food environments while embracing traditional practices and values. The program has witnessed the active engagement of women in governance roles, promoting community unity and ownership. Traditional knowledge integration has enhanced crop diversity and sustainability. Economic sustainability has been achieved through surplus farm product sales, reducing dependency on external funding sources. Health improvements are evident, with reduced exposure to indoor air pollution from open fires. Cultural identity preservation and increased student engagement are also notable outcomes. The Green School Program’s holistic approach, rooted in traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, has yielded positive outcomes in governance, agriculture, nutritional food security, health, and cultural identity preservation. The program’s success demonstrates the potential for community-based initiatives to address critical issues and empower remote island communities. These results provide valuable insights into sustainable development approaches that prioritize community wellbeing and cultural heritage preservation in similar contexts.

An Integration of Community Empowerment and Biodiversity Conservation Program through Social-Ecology Approach in Indonesia (Study Case: Kokolomboi Hamlet)

The endangered Peleng Tarsier primate species and the critically endangered Banggai Crow species live and breed in Kokolomboi Hamlet. However, for such a long time, natives hunt wild animals for food and for commercial interest. Land conversion and forest fires that become normal method for beekeeping and farming have resulted in a progressive loss of wooded area and degraded land. To address this, a community empowerment program with the integration of socio-cultural, socio-economic, and socio-ecological approach has been designed as a method to achieve sustainable exploitation and management of the forest area through honeybee production with apiculture as backbone. The objective of this community empowerment program is to make people of Kokolomboi Hamlet voluntarily conserve nature by developing conservation village while assuring their primary needs are met by the economic empowerment using environmentally friendly beekeeping method and eco-tourism activities. From year 2020 to 2023, this socio-cultural, socio-economic, and socio-ecological integration approach has empowered 30 members of Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), 11 beekeeping groups with 245 members, 30 households participated in environmental preservation, 60 foreign tourists have visited Kokolomboi Biodiversity Park, and flora biodiversity index monitored is 4.51 while fauna biodiversity index monitored is 3.75. The method of integrating social, economy, and ecological aspect as an approach along with engaging relevant stakeholders show significant impacts on transforming community&amp;rsquo;s behavior in livelihood and biodiversity conservation.

Stay or go? Geographic variation in risks due to climate change for fishing fleets that adapt in-place or adapt on-the-move

From fishers to farmers, people across the planet who rely directly upon natural resources for their livelihoods and well-being face extensive impacts from climate change. However, local- and regional-scale impacts and associated risks can vary geographically, and the implications for development of adaptation pathways that will be most effective for specific communities are underexplored. To improve this understanding at relevant local scales, we developed a coupled social-ecological approach to assess the risk posed to fishing fleets by climate change, applying it to a case study of groundfish fleets that are a cornerstone of fisheries along the U.S. West Coast. Based on the mean of three high-resolution climate projections, we found that more poleward fleets may experience twice as much local temperature change as equatorward fleets, and 3–4 times as much depth displacement of historical environmental conditions in their fishing grounds. Not only are they more highly exposed to climate change, but some poleward fleets are &gt;10x more economically-dependent on groundfish. While we show clear regional differences in fleets’ flexibility to shift to new fisheries via fisheries diversification (‘adapt in-place’) or shift their fishing grounds in response to future change through greater mobility (‘adapt on-the-move’), these differences do not completely mitigate the greater exposure and economic dependence of more poleward fleets. Therefore, on the U.S. West Coast more poleward fishing fleets may be at greater overall risk due to climate change, in contrast to expectations for greater equatorward risk in other parts of the world. Through integration of climatic, ecological, and socio-economic data, this case study illustrates the potential for widespread implementation of risk assessment at scales relevant to fishers, communities, and decision makers. Such applications will help identify the greatest opportunities to mitigate climate risks through pathways that enhance flexibility and other dimensions of adaptive capacity.

A social ecological approach to belonging in LGBTQ+ people

A social ecological approach to belonging in LGBTQ+ people

Tipping Points of Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit

Global services like navigation, communication, and Earth observation have increased dramatically in the 21st century due to advances in outer space industries. But as orbits become increasingly crowded with both satellites and inevitable space debris pollution, continued operations become endangered by the heightened risks of debris collisions in orbit. Kessler Syndrome is the term for when a critical threshold of orbiting debris triggers a runaway positive feedback loop of debris collisions, creating debris congestion that can render orbits unusable. As this potential tipping point becomes more widely recognized, there have been renewed calls for debris mitigation and removal. Here, we combine complex systems and social-ecological systems approaches to study how these efforts may affect space debris accumulation and the likelihood of reaching Kessler Syndrome. Specifically, we model how debris levels are affected by future launch rates, cleanup activities, and collisions between extant debris. We contextualize and interpret our dynamic model within a discussion of existing space debris governance and other social, economic, and geopolitical factors that may influence effective collective management of the orbital commons. In line with previous studies, our model finds that debris congestion may be reached in less than 200 years, though a holistic management strategy combining removal and mitigation actions can avoid such outcomes while continuing space activities. Moreover, although active debris removal may be particularly effective, the current lack of market and governance support may impede its implementation. Research into these critical dynamics and the multi-faceted variables that influence debris outcomes can support policymakers in curating impactful governance strategies and realistic transition pathways to sustaining debris-free orbits. Overall, our study is useful for communicating about space debris sustainability in policy and education settings by providing an exploration of policy portfolio options supported by a simple and clear social-ecological modeling approach.

Lobster fisheries management strategy by the social-ecological system approach: The case of Gunungkidul Coastal Waters, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province

Lobster fisheries management strategy by the social-ecological system approach: The case of Gunungkidul Coastal Waters, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province

A social-ecological approach to exploring barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services among Iranian transgender women

A social-ecological approach to exploring barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services among Iranian transgender women