(Introduction):

This study proposes advances in modeling and analysis of socio-natural systems as a result of public policies on the environment and sustainable development.

(Objective):

Present a formal systemic proposal for modeling socio-natural systems in a strategic decision-making framework.

(Methodology):

Based on the symbols of signed digraphs, the study offers a group of elements to analyze socio-natural model systems geared towards a prospective analysis of diverse intervention scenarios applied to the systems. New quantitative metrics are also presented to evaluate the dynamic role of the variables comprising the socio-natural systems. The energy-territory sustainability system of the Coquimbo Region in Chile is used as a case study, and the expected performance of alternative environmental management actions is evaluated on a comparative basis.

(Results):

Results suggest that intervention/management actions planned based on the new metrics presented here were particularly effective in modeling scenarios projected.

(Conclusions):

Qualitative structural modeling is suitable for representing and analyzing socio-natural systems, exhibiting operational advantages to support decision-making.