Modelling interactions between biophysical and social systems: the example of vegetation dynamics in the Causse Méjean (France)

A pioneering interdisciplinary study on the Causse Méjean, part of France's UNESCO-listed Causses and Cévennes landscape, reveals how shrubland vegetation dynamics are shaped by complex interactions between biophysical and social systems. The research demonstrates that vegetation progression can be effectively modeled by harmonizing and analyzing heterogeneous spatio-temporal data—ranging from environmental conditions to historical land use practices and social representations. Using advanced statistical techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for vegetation description and canonical correlation analysis, the study identified key factors influencing shrubland expansion. This approach not only advances our understanding of agro-pastoral landscapes but also provides a framework for modeling similar systems worldwide, bridging gaps between ecological and socio-economic dimensions.

Cohen, M., Alexandre, F., & Mathieu, N.-R. (2011). Modelling interactions between biophysical and social systems: the example of vegetation dynamics in the Causse Méjean (France). Cybergeo. https://doi.org/10.4000/cybergeo.1551