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Environmental Governance for the Anthropocene? Social-Ecological Systems, Resilience, and Collaborative Learning

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  • Fikret Berkes

    (Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2 MB)

Abstract

The Anthropocene is characterized by rapid global change, necessitating adaptive governance. But how can such adaptive governance be operationalized? The article offers a three-point argument to approach this question. First, people and environment need to be considered together, as social (human) and ecological (biophysical) subsystems are linked by mutual feedbacks, and are interdependent and co-evolutionary. These integrated systems of humans and environment (social-ecological systems) provide an appropriate unit of analysis. Second, the resilience approach deals with change in multilevel complex systems, and has stimulated much of the adaptive governance literature by addressing uncertainty and adaptation to unforeseen future changes. Third, there is a need to foster collaborative approaches to improve social and institutional learning, as for example in adaptive management, collaborative learning networks, and knowledge co-production. Collaborative learning is perhaps where further research, experimentation, and application might make a difference for operationalizing adaptive governance, with a focus on institutions, at all levels from local to international.

Suggested Citation

  • Fikret Berkes, 2017. "Environmental Governance for the Anthropocene? Social-Ecological Systems, Resilience, and Collaborative Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-12, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:7:p:1232-:d:104552
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Oran R. Young, 2017. "Beyond Regulation: Innovative Strategies for Governing Large Complex Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-12, June.
    6. Chuenpagdee, Ratana & Jentoft, Svein, 2007. "Step zero for fisheries co-management: What precedes implementation," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 657-668, November.
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