Adaptive management is a systematic process for improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of implemented strategies. A fundamental aspect of adaptive management is the flexibility to address uncertainties that arise in dynamic environments. This approach recognizes that conditions can change and that initial assumptions may not hold true over time. Consequently, adaptive management encourages continuous monitoring and the willingness to adjust strategies based on new information, stakeholder feedback, and changing circumstances.
This capacity for flexibility allows practitioners to experiment with different approaches, learn from their successes and failures, and evolve their management practices accordingly. Such adaptability is crucial for effectively navigating the complexities and unpredictabilities of ecological, social, and economic systems. In contrast, strict adherence to initial plans or a failure to modify strategies would limit responsiveness and inhibit the growth of knowledge, undermining the primary goal of adaptive management.