Analysis of experience through case studies and evaluations seeks to determine the adequacy of project design and implementation, and to transform grounded experience into generalized knowledge about the attributes of successful initiatives. Our research and learning agenda targets the integration of governance processes and reliable knowledge. Strong governance processes and reliable knowledge are fundamental requirements for improved coastal resource management. Sound governance is the process by which policies, laws and institutions address the issues of concern to society. Governance questions the fundamental goals and the institutional processes and structures that are the basis of planning and decision making.
Governance sets the stage within which management occurs.
Tailor coastal management interventions to the place and situation in order to match the complexity of issues selected to the management capacity present Use adaptive management methods that emphasize experimentation, reliable knowledge and learning Resolve conflicts and build cooperation and ownership with participatory processes and partnerships Nest governance systems across village, district and national scales and coordinate management strategies across projects We view each field project as a living laboratory in which to refine these and other concepts and improve understanding of how to better address today's coastal resource challenges. A major challenge and opportunity is to integrate across regions and to link what is being learned at the site scale to regional programs and the global ecosystem management agenda.