ABSTRACT
ADAPTIVE GOVERNANCE IS a complex normative framework for the proper governance of natural resources. In this book, it is used primarily to organize commentaries on the case studies and suggest ways of improving governance. As a positive (empirical) theory, however, it is relatively underdeveloped, although the case studies tend to reflect the well developed institutional rational choice perspective of Elinor Ostrom (1999; Ostrom et al. 1994). There is a lot of attention to institutional variables, but comparatively little to the belief systems of those involved, relationships of trust and distrust, and the range of scientists involved in technical advisory committees. Within this tradition, scientific learning about the world is relatively easy, so long as the institutional variables provide actors with the appropriate incentives and necessary resources. Individuals are assumed to seek their self-interest in a boundedly rational fashion. While their ability to process information is limited, there are no systematic biases in perception.
