My work in coastal and marine ecosystems is based on the premise that "the environment sets the limits" for human interactions with coastal ecosystems. This means that the functions and resiliencies of ecosystems underlie human social and economic activities, not the other way around, as has often been assumed to the detriment of both human and other living systems.
Ecosystems have remarkable powers of resiliency, as long as the basic processes are not reversibly upset, ecosystems will continue to recycle and distribute energy. Both aspects of the environment, natural and socio-economic, have a capacity for resiliency that is interdependent of each other. Holistic science approach is a prerequisite for adaptive research and management based on understanding, monitoring, and maximizing both natural and socio-economic resiliency. In 2009, I developed and started the Green Boston Harbor (GBH) project engaging more than 45 students working on interdisciplinary research, education and outreach sites in Boston Harbor (www.gbh.umb.edu). GBH projects include monitoring for marine invasive species, water quality and zooplankton sampling, assessments of local salt marshes and public beaches; development of Green Roofs in Boston Metro Area, Greening the Cruise Lines in Boston Harbor, and developing an Outdoor classroom at the Mather Elementary School in Dorchester MA.
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On Sustainability
