Adaptive learning: Some experiences from implementing adaptive fisheries co-management in Lao PDR and India

Abstract

Experiences with inland fisheries systems have shown that they are often both complex and dynamic in terms of their biophysical, technical and institutional aspects and that the outcomes of management actions cannot always be assumed. Adaptive co-management has emerged as a potential management approach that seeks to reduce uncertainties by using management actions as a way to generate information about the system and its dynamics at the same time as providing benefits to resource users. Adaptive learning provides a tested framework for implementing this approach where management is treated explicitly as a learning process based on the generation, sharing and utilisation of information. The principles on which adaptive learning is based are described along with experiences of implementing the process in small water body fisheries in southern Lao PDR. Some additional experiences from implementing the process in India are also included.