The Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS) aims to integrate research on the stewardship of social–ecological systems, the services they generate, and the relationships among ecosystems, 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 research projects. Research under PECS employs a range of transdisciplinary approaches and methods, with comparative, place-based research that is international in scope at its core.

PECS was launched by the International Council for Science (ICSU) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and became a core project of Future Earth in December 2014.

Key Contacts

Odirilwe Selomane

Director, Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society

Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs

Co-Chair, PECS Scientific Steering Committee

Elena Bennett

Co-Chair, PECS Scientific Steering Committee

Other Resources