Synthesis of Lessons

In this final chapter we suggest how the lessons learned in the case studies could be used to inform other attempts to move from conventional to adaptive management. All forms of adaptive management are purposeful and deliberate, characterized by careful documentation processes and they are designed to promote learning that translates to action. The cases suggest that adaptive managers must understand and articulate their particular context, even as they seek to understand the tools and philosophies of adaptive approaches. Support for people- leaders, champions, and managers- and participatory approaches are also necessary to achieve significant moves from traditional to adaptive management.