The challenge of governing complex forest ecosystems: can a polycentric approach help?

Komal Preet Kaur, Varnitha Kurli and Krister Andersson

Chapter 17 in Handbook on Institutions and Complexity, 2025, pp 349-373 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Both centralized and decentralized governance arrangements often fail in successfully managing complex and delicate natural systems like forests. As a result, forests are often poorly managed and overexploited. We argue that polycentric governance systems offer a promising alternative to traditional governance systems to address the non-linear, unpredictable, dynamic, and interconnected nature of socioecological processes within and outside of forests. The success of polycentric governance relies heavily on the engagement of a variety of actors who prioritize the long-term health of ecosystems as well as the establishment of resilient institutional frameworks. By combining theoretical analysis with empirical insights, we discuss the adoption of more responsive and agile governance structures capable of navigating complexity and promoting sustainable forest management for achieving longer-term environmental resilience and human well-being. We present questions for future research on comparatively evaluating the efficacy of different governance arrangements in shaping incentives for managing forest systems.

Keywords: Governance; Forests; Common-pool resources; Complexity; Property rights; Polycentric governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035309719
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