Interactions of social, terrestrial, and marine sub-systems in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands face growing tensions between conservation and economic development, particularly due to tourism pressures that threaten unique species, terrestrial landscapes, and marine environments. This study uses dynamic systems models and agent-based models to analyze human-environment interactions, rooted in complexity theory. It identifies key relationships and processes linking social and ecological systems, revealing how political policies shape human responses—often with detrimental effects on sustainability. The research formalizes knowledge of coupled human-natural systems through statistical and theoretical functions, offering practical insights for policymaking.

Walsh, S. J., & Mena, C. F. (2016). Interactions of social, terrestrial, and marine sub-systems in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(51), 14536–14543. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1604990113