Program on ecosystem change and society: an international research strategy for integrated social–ecological systems

The Program on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS), a new initiative within the ICSU global change programs, aims to integrate research on the stewardship of social–ecological systems, the services they generate, and the relationships among natural capital, human wellbeing, livelihoods, inequality and poverty. The vision of PECS is a world where human actions have transformed to achieve sustainable stewardship of social–ecological systems. The goal of PECS is to generate the scientific and policy-relevant knowledge of social–ecological dynamics needed to enable such a shift, including mitigation of poverty. PECS is a coordinating body for diverse independently funded research projects, not a funder of research. PECS research employs a range of transdisciplinary approaches and methods, with comparative, place-based research that is international in scope at the core.

► Research on integrated social-ecological systems (SES) is a crucial need.
► More effective coordination is needed among the many existing projects on SES.
► The Program on Ecosystem Change and Society aims to provide this coordination.