ABSTRACT
This chapter draws upon aspects of the theory and practice of systems thinking relevant to understanding ecosystems, the services they provide and the ways in which service exploitation feeds back within complex socioecological systems (SES), which reflect the interdependence of human – nature interactions. To understand ecosystem services, a robust understanding of systems is essential. System thinking is concerned with understanding the properties of integrated systems, looking beyond component parts in isolation to consider their relationships and the functions of the whole. Ecosystem services are implicitly systemic, arising from the functioning of ecosystems and giving rise to a wide spectrum of benefits spanning multiple fields of human well-being and interest. The vitality, functioning and service production of ecosystems are also fully interdependent on the uses and other pressures that people impose on them. Collective human activities have the potential to safeguard or degrade the system and its capacities to generate services vital for continuing well-being.
