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Watershed
Science
Watershed
science is an interdisciplinary field of study concerned with
the relationships between humans and their natural environments
at the watershed level. Watershed science recognizes that human
and natural systems exist in linked social-ecological systems
with complex interactions between human decisions and ecosystem
functioning. Because of these linkages, watersheds are more than
merely the sum of their parts, but rather Gestalt systems whose
nature and structure is defined by the interactions between its
components.
The coupling
of social and ecological systems often results in complex, primarily
nonlinear and sometimes chaotic dynamics. The social dimension
in social-ecological systems is rarely uniform, but rather results
from the individual actions of multiple agents, institutions,
and other groups. The ecological (biophysical) dimension exhibits
similar complexity and emergent properties as well.In order
to explore the rich diversity of relationships between society
and the natural environment, watershed science applies new interdisciplinary
methodologies that recognize that social-ecological systems have
"emergent properties" that describe their characteristic
as wholes and that these properties are conditioned but not determined
by the system's constituent parts.To this end,
watershed science uses a complexity of perspectives that seeks
to integrate the social and natural sciences into a comprehensive
framework that re-orients the focus from conventional, partical
and piecemeal approaches to a more holisitc, more relational and
more integrally-informed understanding of natural systems, human
subjectivity and social relations.
Finally,
in its pursuit of designing activities that result in self-respecting,
sensitive and social behaviors which show an awareness of social
and ecological responsibilities, watershed science emphasizes
actions and reflective practice that integrate personal, social
and environmental concerns and possibilities. End goals include
wellbeing and health, in the broadest sense, equity and social
justice, and the fostering of mutualistic and caring relationships,
social learning, co-evolutionary change and environmental sustainability.
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