A Model of Mountain Social-Ecological Systems to Catalyze Multi-Actor Collaborations Toward Sustainability

Addressing sustainability challenges in mountain regions where human activities strongly overlap requires multi-actor collaboration and interdisciplinary methods. Yet, such collaborative processes need to account for the existence of diverse representations of mountain social-ecological systems amongst actors. Here we first explore and describe diverse representations of mountain social-ecological systems using picture-based interviews with local actors. We then develop a conceptual model of such systems that can help actors acknowledge and share their representations. This model integrates the human and natural components of mountain social-ecological systems as well as their interactions. To further support reflexivity, it also specifies an individual's personal stance with respect to the system.