Abstract

Land systems are coupled human–environment systems that are the source of a wide variety of ecosystem services used by individuals and society. The dynamics of land systems are influenced by natural, technological, financial, and human capital and flows, and by land management and decision-making at scales ranging from local to global. Supporting, regulating, provisioning, and cultural ecosystem services are made available in land systems through the dynamics of human activity linked to environmental processes, and are recovered through a variety of land-management practices. The global scope of land change and pressures on land systems provide compelling reasons for using a land systems approach to move to understanding the roles of land management and other human activities in providing ecosystem services.