The article discussing the Everglades makes the point that the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) for Adaptive Management (AM) uses said project as a model for other AM project attempts. The authors pose the Everglades program as a way to inform other management methods in similar areas.
One of the key points drawn from CERP is the usefulness of peer review. In the most basic form, peer review provides feedback on the AM activities, looking at and evaluating successful and unsuccessful processes. More specifically, peer review provides advice and suggestions for future management. In the following table you can see the variety of peer reviews used to inform and develop CERP. A range of evaluators is important in the peer review process as it helps to spread awareness about different aspects of the project. Peer reviews provide information not only to AM managers, but also to stakeholders, including governments and special interest groups. These groups in turn influence project funding and regulation. The backing of scientific peers add validity to AM actions taken specifically in regards to biota and ecosystems, and management peer reviews provide insight into regulatory strategies.
It is important to note that peer reviews are highly influential in making sure methods are scientifically accurate, as well as in raising money and gaining funding. First and foremost peer reviewing allows for more outside information and scientific support. Just as importantly, peer reviewing can be a course of action taken to eventually raise funding and support for projects. Not only can outside peer reviewing foster information exchange and provide new advice to adaptive management practitioners, but it can also help to increase stakeholder interest. A range of peer reviews is key in raising awareness and knowledge about the AM activities taking place. Raising interest can raise involvement and supporters who can provide financial backing.
The two major aspects of peer reviewing are the comprehensive look at the science informing the AM methods and the awareness the reviews raise that can increase interest and subsequently support and funding.
Sources:
Lessons learned from the first decade of adaptive management in comprehensive everglades restoration