Introduction

The dependence of humanity on the ecosphere, which is constituted only as a dynamic, living assemblage of diverse ecosystems and the species which, in interaction with physical conditions, make these up in turn. Many building blocks for a "meta-field" of sustainability analysis and action are in existence, both in the form of theoretical considerations, and in terms of empirical, practical examples, but in highly fragmented form. The environmental crisis, and more recently the call for a transformation to sustainability, have brought their relationship to renewed prominence. In effect, "sustainability" now parallels "nature" and "culture" not only in their fundamental character, and in virtual indefinability, but is further dissolved through its haphazard usage. Ecology, though recognized as fundamental to the issue, is conspicuously silent when it comes to engaging in the political and social debate on, and oftentimes even practical work towards sustainability, focusing an more traditional research and activities such as those in conservation biology and analysis after fact, instead.