A fuzzy set approach to the problem of sustainability

Evaluating sustainability in forest management requires decision makers to consider multiple, conflicting definitions in an environment of risk, uncertainty, and incomplete or non-quantitative information. Zadeh's fuzzy set theory provides a rigorous, flexible approach to the problem of definin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest ecology and management Vol. 115; no. 1; pp. 29 - 40
Main Authors: Ducey, Mark J., Larson, Bruce C.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 08.03.1999
Elsevier
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
decision making
forest ecology
Forest health
Forest management
Forest management. Stand types and stand dynamics. Silvicultural treatments. Tending of stands. Natural regeneration
Forestry
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
fuzzy logic
information needs
Multi-objective decision support
sustainability
Forest health
Multi-objective decision support
Forests
Decision making
Multiobjective programming
Forest management
Set theory
Review
Ecological approach
Sustainable development
Canopy gap
ISSN:0378-1127, 1872-7042
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Evaluating sustainability in forest management requires decision makers to consider multiple, conflicting definitions in an environment of risk, uncertainty, and incomplete or non-quantitative information. Zadeh's fuzzy set theory provides a rigorous, flexible approach to the problem of defining and evaluating sustainability and comparing alternative scenarios. We discuss how fuzzy set concepts can be used to better manage for goals such as sustainability, equity, and ecosystem health. We then show how a simple tabular technique using fuzzy sets can be used to compare management alternatives, incorporate multiple objectives, and identify knowledge gaps and areas of disagreement. The simplicity and flexibility of this technique provides needed support for more explicit, objective decisions.
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ISSN:0378-1127
1872-7042
DOI:10.1016/S0378-1127(98)00433-2