State-and-Transition Models: Process-based modelling of a system's capacity to generate ecosystem services

RUSCH, GRACIELA; RUSCH, VERÓNICA; GOIJMAN, ANDREA; LÓPEZ, DARDO R.; CAVALLERO, LAURA; PERI, PABLO

Oslo

Congreso; Nordic OIKOS Conference 2016; 2016

University of Turku

State-and-Transition (STM) models, are heuristic ecological models of vegetationdynamics that, in contrast to succession theory, recognize that for a specific set of ecological conditions, anthropogenic and natural factors can drive the system into alternate states, from which transitions are irreversible without active intervention. Alternate states are characterized by specific structural and functional properties that are, in turn, indicators of ecosystem condition. Between-states dynamics is defined by negative (degradation) and positive (restoration) transitions. We demonstrate the use of STMs as a model of ecosystem condition as a result of ecosystem management, and further link ecosystem condition to the capacity of the system to generate ecosystem services (ES). We illustrate the STMs and ES model with a case of silvopastoral use of native Nothofagus antarctica (ñire) forest in northern Patagonia, Argentina, and we discuss questions about criteria of ecological sustainability.