The recent announcement that giant pandas have been downgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable” has opened a new conversation about showing how long-term studies of coupled human and natural systems can yield powerful insights. Researchers at Michigan State University and colleagues this year released the book “Pandas and People — Coupling Human and Natural Systems for Sustainability” (Oxford University Press, PandasandPeople.org), synthesizing two decades of research on coupled human and natural systems in nature reserves for the giant pandas and then applying those findings to national and global levels. The book sheds light on how panda habitat has been transformed from degradation to recovery and offers lessons for enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services while improving human well-being.
Are there more opportunities for synergies in sharing long-term insights, or wisdom to foster new collaborations and get the most out of long-term efforts? Thanks for your attention! Sue Nichols Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability Michigan State University
