A comprehensive classification of ecosystem resilience assessment methods: Frameworks, approaches, and models

In the face of increasing human pressures on ecosystems, the selection and application of appropriate methods for assessing resilience are vital for effective decision-making and policymaking in both natural and social environments. Methods for evaluating resilience differ in various respects, and the main purpose of this study is to identify and classify different approaches to ecosystem resilience assessment for the purpose of analysis and comparison. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted, identifying 589 studies, of which 98 articles were selected for analysis after refinement. The systematic analysis revealed that resilience assessment methods are highly diverse, with each method focusing on a particular dimension of resilience. To organize and analyze these methods, a well-established framework was employed, classifying them into three main categories: Frameworks (emphasizing structural and cyclical analysis of ecosystems), Models (using indicators and quantitative data to measure resilience dimensions), and Approaches (offering operational tools to guide managerial responses and rapid decision-making). This classification was subsequently applied to analyze an ecosystem, and the findings showed that understanding the distinctions and applications of each category enables the selection of appropriate tools. Such insights can be practically applied to the analysis, management, and policymaking of diverse ecosystems, contributing to improved policies, the design of operational programs, and the enhancement of ecosystem resilience.