Structural equation models: a strategy for the socio-ecosystemics analysis on forests

The analysis of the environmental state as a socio-ecosystem, together with the understanding of the causal relationships that lead to its deterioration or recovery, is essential for the identification of effective conservation and sustainable development actions. Environmental indicators are an essential tool that allows us to monitor the human impact on the biophysical and socio-economic environment. However, there is currently a lack of methods that can relate and evaluate the effect of the direct and indirect causes of deterioration. Added to this is the fact that this task often fails to consider the role biodiversity plays in ecosystem functionality and, consequently, its impact on environmental services for human well-being. This article proposes some strategies to develop socio-ecological studies. Among these strategies is the use of the Pressure-State-Response model, which is an option to integrate indicators with a line of causality that reflects the problems of the ecosystem of interest and thus allows to coordinate and concentrate efforts for its preservation. On the other hand, we review the use of structural equation models (SEM) as a multivariate statistical tool to address socioecological studies on forests. This perspective shows that the use of SEM for this purpose constitutes a strategy with the potential to confirm the complex causal relationships of environmental deterioration. Only with an integrative vision will it be possible to address ecological problems and direct social actions in response to the different needs and responsibilities to maintain natural resources and the functioning of ecosystems.