摘要:This paper outlines the results of a systematic review of the literature on adaptive comanagement (ACM). Adaptivecomanagement is an emergent governance approach for complex social–ecological systems that links the learning function ofadaptive management (experimental and experiential) and the linking (vertically and horizontally) function of comanagement.Given the rapid growth of adaptive comanagement scholarship, there is value in a systematic analysis of how the concept isbeing conceptualized to elucidate agreement and discrepancies and to examine the challenges this presents for cross-casecomparisons and the possibility of arriving at more generalizable insights. A synthesis-based methodology has been developedinvolving a comprehensive search and screening of academic databases and the internet. A detailed analysis of 108 documentswas undertaken to characterize the state of the ACM literature, unpack the construct of ACM, and examine relationships amongaspects of ACM based on accumulated experiences to date. The systematic review and analysis reveals imprecision,inconsistency, and confusion with the concept. Robust evidentiary insights into how the variables or components of ACMinterrelate as well as relate to goals and outcomes are, therefore, presently not possible. These findings lead to the discussionof a series of challenges for ACM scholarship. Opportunities remain for ACM scholars to pursue theoretical development inrigorous ways that facilitate empirically based cross-site comparisons