Coupled Human and Natural Systems: A Novel Framework for Complexity Management

Abstract

Coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) represent dialectic interaction between human and nature subsystems. This dynamic interaction involves a prominent level of complexity stemming from the uncertain interrelation between the systems and the incorporated subsystems. The complexity within CHANS includes reciprocal effects, nonlinearity, uncertainties, and heterogeneity. Although many researchers have highlighted the significance of understanding the nature of the coupling effect, most of the prevailing literature emphasises either human or natural systems separately, while considering the other as exogenous, despite evaluating the reciprocal and complex interrelations. The current review utilises the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). It focuses on synthesising the prevailing literature on the CHANS framework in several disciplines, focusing on the approach, findings, limitations, and implications. The review comprises 56 relevant articles, found through Endnote and Covidence database searches. The findings identify the dominant complexity character as reciprocal effects and feedback loops, confirming the complex interactions between human and natural systems. Furthermore, the review provides evidence surrounding the significance of developing an analytical framework that can better explain the complex connections between humans and nature, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of CHANS and their potential impacts.