Adaptive implementation for river restorations in Canada and the Netherlands

Adaptive implementation is important for implementing projects that are complex and dynamic. The two cases chosen in this article are longer - term, integrated and multi - purpose projects where adaptive implementation is part of a modern approach to water management. This article provides the results of an analysis of two stream restoration cases, one in Canada and the other in the Netherlands. The cases are used to identify strategies for implementation of projects that attempt to improve the natural diversity and resilience of watersheds. When transferring lessons of water management from one context to another, it is however very important to understand the characteristics of the involved actors and the setting within they are working. This paper thus provides an explanation of the various strategies that were seen as being supportive of implementation in both cases. Being aware and open to opportunities to advance particular goals, including new ideas and actors into the implementation processes and being flexible with respect to typical planning processes were all found to be supportive strategies in achieving their local stream restoration goals