Integration of Humans in Biodiversity Science A New Paradigm in Ecosystem Complexity

In a traditional approach to consideration of biodiversity, humans are often kept out of the definition of the ecosystem boundary. If humans are brought in as an integral component of ecosystem function, its implications for the role of biodiversity would change drastically. The manner in which ʹtraditionalʹ societies operate can be conceptualized as being one where they are integrated within the ecosystem boundary and its functioning. The implications of this approach often leads to a drastic change in our perceptions of ecosystem function and sustainable management of natural resources with peoplesʹ participation. This is a developing paradigm in ecology with considerable implications to transform our perceptions in understanding ecological processes and the linkages between ecological and social processes.