Law, Ecology, and the Management of Complex Systems: The Case of Water Governance

This book explores the role of law in the adaptive management of socio-ecological systems, using the European Union water governance as an example. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how scientific knowledge of the environment is produced and argues that the legal needs to understand itself as an integral part of the process. It offers new insights into the EU regulators approaches to scientific realities and is of interest to academics, legal scholars, regulators, and scientists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the crucial role of law in the adaptive management of socio-ecological systems. Over the past few years, there has been a growing discourse on the interplay between adaptability and law, as legal scholars have begun to grasp the profound implications of the scientific paradigm known as 'adaptive management' on the legal sphere
within the realm. While the intricate relationships between law and the adaptive management of socio-ecological systems have gained increased attention, a comprehensive exploration of the scientific and theoretical foundations of these endeavors has yet to be presented.

Using the illustrative example of European Union water governance and its journey toward embracing adaptive management, this book underscores the legal significance of thoroughly understanding the process by which scientific knowledge about the environment is generated. While the role of science has always been pivotal, it becomes especially crucial when dealing with the management of complex ecosystems, as the 'normative' is gradually established before law begins to examine the 'facts of the matter.

After examining the roots of adaptive management, this book makes a compelling argument that the legal field must recognize its integral role in the socio-ecological management of complex systems rather than viewing itself as an external arbiter resolving disputes. In essence, the book provides fresh insights into the approaches of EU regulators to scientific realities, making it an engaging read for academics, legal scholars, regulators seeking to enhance their understanding, and scientists interested in the interplay between science and law in their work.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032054995