Navigating ecological security research over the last 30 years: a scoping review

Abstract Intensification of human activities is pushing our use ecosystems beyond thresholds resiliency. Given the accelerating global crisis ecological sustainability, there has been enormous growth in research related to security. However, differences opinions on security have hindered understanding and effective applications this concept. To understand development security, we reviewed its achievements limitations over past 30 years from three dimensions: definition, evaluation method, approach identify measures improve level. We used Web Science search engine retrieve peer-reviewed journal articles published 1990 2021 containing keywords “ecological security” or safety”. There are main ethical perspectives among definitions security: nature-centric, human-centric, eclectic; human-centric view, which focuses well-being, predominant field. Most studies employed following methods: quantitative comparison, composite indicators, spatial analysis. results analyses were difficult compare. Three approaches (causality, correlation, landscape) drivers propose for ensuring improving Owing complexity heterogeneity ecosystems, universally ensure rarely exist. For definition a broader, non-anthropocentric perspective that incorporates intrinsic value non-humans context cost–benefit, security–efficiency evaluations essential. When proposing methods, comparability should be given priority. level, identifying key and/or potential optimal patterns may promising solution.