Adaptive governance of large, complex ecosystems - such as the Gippsland Lakes

The adaptive governance of large complex ecosystems is increasingly recognised as a global challenge. Traditional governance models are proving inadequate given the compounding and cascading pressures that result from combinations of climate, geophysical, landuse and biodiversity changes. It is argued in the literature that institutions become locked-in to ways of thinking and acting in a manner that constrains their ability to adapt to change. In this paper, we outline the profound challenges to traditional research and governance models through an examination of the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. We further propose that options for more adaptive models are explored through deliberative processes. We argue that governance during periods of rapid change needs to be adaptive and flexible, integrative rather than siloed, responsive, capable of transformative change and inclusive of stakeholder voices.