Ecosystem thinking towards a vision of society, nature and integrated resource management

Abstract

This article examines the concept of ecosystem, its implications to other areas of society in light of the
theoretical and scientific development that has taken place in the last years from a new and integrated
perspective. In order to do this, the ecosystem movement based on a holistic connotation associated
with the development of general systems theory as a method for possible and adequate solutions to
problems involving the study of the earth and its relationship with economics, nature and society were
reviewed. Starting from the classical and unidimensional scientific point of view that favors reductionism,
the paper suggests the need to change ways of interpreting the world while adding light and value to
different variables like uncertainty, diversity and complexity. In addition, practical ways to articulate
the ecosystemic, holistic and theoretical approaches in a perspective which includes the human being as
part of nature and its relationships are also discussed. In this respect the obstacles and principles of the
integrated ecosystem, the challenges, the multi and interdisciplinary approaches, and concerns related to
the subject are highlighted in addition to pointing out methodological elements necessary for this point
of view to operate in the ambience of projects for integrated resources management (IRM).