- Adaptive capacity
Adaptive capacity is the capacity of a
system to adapt if the environment where the system exists is changing. It is applied to for example , ecological systems andhuman social system s.As applied to ecological systems, the adaptive capacity is determined by :
*
genetic diversity ofspecies
*biodiversity of particularecosystem s
* heterogeneousecosystem mosaics as applied to specificlandscape s orbiome regions.As applied to human social systems, the adaptive capacity is determined by :
* the ability of
institutions and networks to learn, and storeknowledge and experience.
* creativeflexibility indecision making andproblem solving
* the existence of power structures that are responsive and consider theneed s of all stakeholders.Adaptive capacity is associated with r and K selection strategies in ecology and with a movement from explosive positive feedback to sustainable negative feedback loops in social systems and technologies.
The Resilience Alliance, as illustrated by the work of C. S. Holling and L. H. Gunderson, shows how the
logistic curve of the r phase positive feedback, becoming replaced by the K negative feedback strategy is an important part of adaptive capacity. The r strategy is associated with situations of low complexity, high resilience, and growing potential. K strategies are associated with situations of high complexity, high potential and high resilience, but if the perturbations exceed certain limits, adaptive capactity may be exceeded and the system collapse into another so-called Omega state, of low potential, low complexity and low resilience.Benefits of adaptive capacity
Adaptive capacity confers
resilience to , giving ecological and human social systems the ability to reconfigure themselves with minimum loss of function.* In ecological systems this resilence shows as net primary productivity and maintenance of
biomass andbiodiversity , and the stability of hydrological cycles.
* In human social systems it is demonstrated by the stability ofsocial relations , the maintenance ofsocial capital and economicprosperity .Enhacing natural capacity
Adaptive capacity can be enhanced by :
* learning to live with change and uncertainty;
* nurturing diversity for resilience;
* combining different types of knowledge for learning; and
* creating opportunity for self-organization towards social-ecological sustainability.References
* Gunderson, L.H. and C.S. Holling, editors. "Panarchy: Understanding Transformations in Human and Natural Systems". Island Press, Washington.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
