Sustainability requires that human social systems and property-rights regimes are adequately related to the larger ecosystems in which they are embedded. Understanding the complex evolutionary dynamics of these ecosystems is essential, but we must acknowledge and deal with the inherently limited predictability of complex systems. Because our knowledge of the structure and function of ecological systems is limited, and because we DO know that sustainability depends on these systems, we must take a precautionary approach to their management. Complex adaptive systems require 'adaptive management'. This means that we need to view the implementation of policy prescriptions in a different, more adaptive way that acknowledges the ever-present uncertainty and allows participation by all the various stakeholder groups. Adaptive management views regional development policy and management as "experiments" -- wherein interventions at several scales are made to achieve understanding and to identify and test policy options -- rather than as 'solutions'
Rights to Nature, Chapter 2, The Structure and Function of Ecological Systems, Robert Costanza and Carl Folke
