The History of
SocSES

The concept of social-ecological systems emerged in the late 20th century as scholars sought to better understand the intertwined dynamics of human and natural systems. Key areas of research such as work on complex adaptive systems, ecological resilience and adaptive management provided a foundation for thinking about the feedbacks, thresholds, and transformations within these intertwined systems. The formal introduction of the term “social-ecological systems” emphasized the integrated and complex nature of human-nature relationships and provided a shared language for this growing field.

Collaboration has been central to the growth and development of SES research. The Resilience Alliance (RA), established in the late 1990s, played a foundational role in developing concepts and work on resilience, adaptive cycles, panarchy, and co-management. It also supported the launch of Ecology and Society, one of the first open-access journals, dedicated to SES research. The Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS), created in 2011 following the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, expanded on this legacy by emphasizing place-based, interdisciplinary research to address sustainability challenges globally.

While the RA and PECS have been instrumental in shaping the SES field, they are part of a broader constellation of networks and initiatives that have fostered inter and transdisciplinary dialogue and innovation. Regional and global collaborations have enriched the field, building connections across scales and integrating diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and local perspectives.

Despite successes, the SES field has lacked a unified institutional structure to connect its growing community. Discussions about forming an SES-focused society began in the early 2000s and culminated in 2023, when a task team of SES leaders began drafting a proposal for establishing a Society for Social-Ecological Systems (SocSES).

SocSES builds on the legacy of the RA, PECS and other SES-related networks, while creating new opportunities for global collaboration, inclusivity, and transformative action. By uniting a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, SocSES aspires to advance the SES field and address the pressing challenges of our time.

SocSES is being co-developed with its members to ensure it reflects the needs and values of the community. The society’s innovative governance structure includes thematic streams, regional hubs, and dedicated spaces for early-career researchers, providing spaces for both smaller group conversations, as well as broader discussions and debates. It will also include focused task forces aimed at developing guidelines around specific issues, such as ethical guidelines for transdisciplinary research, and governance structures for the new society.

This collaborative approach aims to ensure inclusivity and adaptability as the field evolves, to build a stronger, more resilient society  and support the society’s core values of co-creation and inclusivity. Together, we are establishing an intellectual and professional home for social-ecological systems research, education, and practice that grows with the field and its community.