Adaptive management

In the previous post, we discussed the strategies put forward by Biggs, et al. (2015) that are targeted at managing complex socio-ecological systems (SES) in spite of the inherent uncertainties associated with them. In this post, we cover adaptive management; one of the strategies discussed in the framework.

First off, Biggs et al. (2015) puts forward the idea of adaptive management which is to “treat ongoing management actions as deliberate, large-scale experiments”. The approach focuses less on scale experimentation due to their infeasibility and more on constantly experimenting with various approaches to managing the SES. The approach begins with the definition of explicit hypotheses and testing the hypotheses through the implementation of different strategies to enable comparison between them. The data from these “experiments” are then used to identify certain outcomes that are preferable before they are considered for implementation on a larger scale. Lastly, the process is a cycle of “data collection, reflection, planning and action” (McKay & Marshall, 2001) thus showing us how the key to adaptive management is truly in the word “adapt”.

This approach also helps tackle the issue of analytical complexity which is the inability to fully understand SES (Biggs, et al., 2015). By testing a single hypothesis at a time, we can isolate and attribute the changes to a single strategy rather than having to deal with multiple complexities in the SES.

I thought one really good example of Adaptive Management in the governance of SES in Singapore is the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme launched by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore (Public Utilities Board, 2016).

The strategic initiative is focused on improving the quality of water and life of water bodies around Singapore. The program also focuses on “integrating the drains, canals and reservoirs with the surrounding environment in a holistic way”. Which is shown in the building of numerous waterways and beautification of the reservoirs in Singapore. Examples include the Family Bay at Lower Seletar Reservoir and Kallang River@ Ang Mo Kio Park. (PUB, 2016).

 The program was first established in 2006 and started with Bedok Reservoir as it was upgraded to allow for more recreational activities. The plan was to attract more visitors to the reservoirs and raise awareness about protecting Singapore’s water resources at the same time. (National Library Board, 2009). It has since expanded across the country with many more sites since then and planned in the future. (Othman, 2016).

From this we can see how the PUB first experimented with the idea of recreational activities in a single reservoir first before trying it elsewhere. Which I feel really works out well especially in Singapore where resources are limited. Extra prudence has to be given to usage of resources because of how scarce they are. The PUB could hardly afford to launch the program across multiple reservoirs as any complications could ultimately damage the supply of water.

In conclusion, adaptive management focuses on experimenting with the different strategies involved in the management/governance of SES. By doing so, the overall complexity of SES is somewhat reduced as changes can be isolated to a single strategy.  

Bibliography

Biggs, R. O., Rhode, C., Archibald, S., Kuene, L. M., Mutanaga, S. S., Nkuha, N., . . . Phadima, L. J. (2015). Strategies for managing complex social-ecological systems in the face of uncertainty: examples from South Africa and beyond. Ecology and Society.

McKay, J., & Marshall, P. (2001). The dual imperatives of action research. Information Technology & People, 46-59.

National Library Board. (2009). Bedok Reservoir. Retrieved from National Library Board -Singapore Infopedia: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1482_2009-03-06.html

Othman, L. (20 Mar, 2016). 20 more ABC Waters projects to be completed in next 5 years. Retrieved from Channel NewsAsia: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/20-more-abc-waters/2619600.html

PUB. (2016). ABC Waters. Retrieved from PUB The National Water Agency: https://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters

Public Utilities Board. (9 May, 2016). ABC Waters Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programmes. Retrieved from PUB: https://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters/about