Integrating social-ecological dynamics, microbial ecology and biodiversity conservation for sustainable landscape management
Abstract
Sustainable landscape management requires an integrated understanding of ecological processes, microbial dynamics and social-ecological systems. Human activities, land-use change and climate variability impact biodiversity and ecosystem function, yet the resilience of landscapes depends on the interactions among microbial communities, plant and animal diversity and human socio-economic behaviors. Soil microbes, including fungi and bacteria, regulate nutrient cycling, carbon storage and plant productivity, while social-ecological factors influence land-use decisions, resource management and conservation outcomes. This article synthesizes current research on microbial ecology, biodiversity conservation and social-ecological dynamics, highlighting strategies to enhance ecosystem services across natural and managed landscapes. By linking microbial processes with human governance and biodiversity objectives, we propose a framework for resilient and sustainable landscape management in the context of global environmental change.