Importance of integrated approaches and perspectives

Ecology has traditionally neglected the role of people as components of ecosystems, and in particular has been largely absent from urban and other densely settled and built ecosystems. However, ecologists have finally come to realize that people and their effects are part of both seemingly wild and clearly urban ecosystems. This recognition has called for increased integration between the social sciences and biophysical sciences. This novel integration has exploited the increasingly important interfaces between urban and rural or wild systems. The frameworks of (i) patch dynamics, (ii) the watershed, and (iii) the human ecosystem concept have supported integrated research, education, and community engagement. The chapter uses the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, Long-Term Ecological Research program to exemplify how these frameworks are used to formulate and answer questions shared by social and biophysical sciences. Furthermore, shared research and restoration sites, and a shared concern with neighborhood quality of life, environmental quality, and ultimately with urban sustainability continue to promote integration across disciplines and embed socio-ecological research and education in the decision making and community life of Baltimore.

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