The  concept-paradigm of socio-ecological coviability is the cornerstone of the IDEAL IJL and our lines of inquiry are built upon this theoretical approach to sustainability. Coviability refers to the multiple possible forms of persistent, functional, and fair coexistence between humans and non-humans within socio-ecological systems.

The coviability perspective highlights the transdisciplinary nature of the IJL, which aims to reconcile the conservation and restoration of ecosystems with social inclusion and productive innovation in the Northeast region of Brazil, as we face the Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on the interplay of eco-evolutionary and socioeconomic processes that together shape socio-ecological system,  the lines of inquiry of the IDEAL IJL include:

• Understanding, protecting, and valuing agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge;
  
  
• Optimizing biological, water, and socio-productive connections and potential at local and regional scales;
  
  
• Monitoring ecosystemic and socioeconomic indicators of territory transformation;
  
  
• Social learning through experimentation and the application of data science and artificial intelligence;
  
  
• Developing network approaches to support governance focused on promoting socioecological resilience;
  
  
• Promoting social participation in decision-making based on science.

Methodologically, LMI IDEAL will combine artificial intelligence with the integration of large datasets (big data) to enhance participatory research. These approaches are aligned with the philosophical, technological, and ethical principles of Open Science, which define central trends for research in the 21st century, particularly  the FAIR principles.