Building an integrated analytical framework: a new methodology to analysing social-ecological systems

Appropriate adaptive management frameworks are useful for analyzing social-ecological systems. Natural resource managers and concerned stakeholders can co-design locally adapted, appropriate management systems based on the information obtained using frameworks, which leads to a better understanding of the social-ecological system (SES). However, no single framework addresses all environmental and social issues with equal efficiency. Therefore, the Driver-Activity-Pressure-State-Impact (Welfare)-Response (Measure) framework (DAPSI(W)R(M)), Ostrom's SES Framework (SESF), and the Systems Approach Framework (SAF) were combined to create an integrated analytical framework (IAF). Finally, the integrated analytical framework was tested in the Community Council of Alto and Medio Dagua (AMDA), Colombia, to assess a water quality problem emanating from anthropogenic activities. The approach seems to be valid and useful for the assessment of social-ecological systems.