Community-Based Approaches to Environmental Sustainability: A Social Science Review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the theoretical foundations, empirical evidence, and practical implications of community-based approaches to environmental sustainability through a social science lens. Drawing on an analysis of 183 peer-reviewed publications from 1990--2024, the author identifies key patterns, challenges, and opportunities in this evolving field. The findings indicate that community-based environmental approaches have shifted from primarily institutional analyses toward more integrated frameworks that address power dynamics, knowledge systems, and equity considerations. While these approaches demonstrate variable effectiveness across different contexts, with the strongest outcomes in forest management and small-scale fisheries, their success depends on several key factors: secure resource rights, strong local institutions, meaningful participation, and supportive policy environments. Nested governance arrangements that balance local autonomy with higher-level support emerge as particularly important for addressing complex environmental challenges at multiple scales. The author concludes that community-based approaches offer valuable pathways for environmental sustainability but require context-sensitive design, attention to power dynamics, and multilevel institutional support. This review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of when, where and how community-based approaches can effectively address environmental challenges in diverse social-ecological contexts.