The recursive nature of systems in the VSA is central to sustainability science. Each system is composed of smaller subsystems that must be viable in their own right while contributing to the sustainability of the larger system. For instance, a community’s sustainability depends on the viability of its households, businesses, and institutions, while the community itself contributes to regional or global sustainability. This recursive perspective ensures that sustainability efforts are aligned and coherent at multiple levels, from local to global scales.

A key principle of sustainability science in the VSA is the need to address complexity and dynamic interdependencies. Sustainability challenges often involve numerous interacting factors, such as climate change, resource depletion, social inequality, and economic instability. The VSA emphasizes that these issues cannot be addressed in isolation; instead, they require holistic approaches that consider the interplay between systems and their environments. This systemic perspective helps identify leverage points where interventions can have the greatest impact.

Adaptation and learning are central to sustainability science in the VSA framework. Systems must continuously monitor changes in their environment, evaluate the outcomes of their actions, and adjust their strategies accordingly. This iterative process is essential for navigating uncertainty and maintaining alignment with evolving sustainability goals. Feedback loops play a crucial role in this process, enabling systems to learn from experience and refine their approaches to achieve better outcomes.

Requisite variety is another foundational concept in sustainability science within the VSA. Systems must possess sufficient internal complexity to match the diversity and variability of their external environment. In the context of sustainability, this means fostering diverse knowledge, perspectives, and resources to address the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development effectively. For example, integrating scientific, indigenous, and local knowledge can provide the variety needed to develop robust and inclusive sustainability strategies.

Sustainability science in the VSA also highlights the importance of governance. Effective governance structures are necessary to manage the complexity of sustainability challenges, coordinate actions across multiple stakeholders, and ensure accountability and transparency. Governance mechanisms must balance short-term needs with long-term goals, ensuring that present actions contribute to the sustainability of future generations.

A relational and systemic view of sustainability science in the VSA framework also emphasizes value co-creation. Sustainability is not a zero-sum game but a process where multiple stakeholders work together to create shared value. This involves fostering collaboration, trust, and mutual understanding to align goals and actions across the system. For example, partnerships between businesses, governments, and communities can lead to innovative solutions that address sustainability challenges while creating economic and social benefits.

In the VSA, sustainability science is closely linked to the concept of systemic viability. A system is sustainable when it can maintain its identity, purpose, and functionality over time while adapting to changes in its environment. Sustainability science provides the tools and frameworks needed to assess and enhance a system’s viability, ensuring that it contributes positively to its broader ecosystem.

In summary, sustainability science in the VSA is a holistic, adaptive, and relational field that seeks to ensure the long-term viability of systems by managing complexity, fostering collaboration, and balancing diverse goals and perspectives. It integrates systemic thinking, governance, and learning processes to address sustainability challenges and create pathways for resilient and inclusive development. By aligning the principles of sustainability with the dynamics of viable systems, the VSA offers a powerful framework for navigating the complexities of sustainable development in an interconnected world.