Adaptive management provides a structured approach to inform park management decisions in times of uncertainty.
Natural systems are complex and there will always be information gaps and uncertainty.
Adaptive management is based on the following principles:
Objectives for parks must be clearly defined
Management responses must be measured against those objectives
Further management responses are adjusted to incorporate evaluation and feedback.
Parks Victoria’s adaptive management framework has five clear stages:
Set the context - define the important assets and threats
Plan - set measurable goals and objectives to direct management strategies
Implement management and monitoring programs
Evaluate - analyse and apply the information collected
Communicate - share the information and learn from the experiences.