Using viability theory for managing environmental systems

Viability theory offers a mathematical framework for managing environmental systems. Instead of optimizing a given objective function, the purpose of viability theory lies in complying with constraints defined by stakeholders. These constraints typically correspond to desirable states of the system that we want to maintain. This paradigm of complying with constraints aligns with many environmental contexts where optimization does not always make sense, such as preserving a minimum level of biodiversity within an ecological system. The purpose of this talk is to present viability theory and demonstrate how this theory has been utilized not only for managing environmental systems but also for operationalizing concepts used in sustainability sciences, such as resilience and vulnerability.