Some traditional knowledge systems have evolved through age-old processes of trial and error. Methods are changed as adaptations through social learning from mistakes take account of the interlocking of local management with uncertain cycles of renewal.

Modern conservation management systems are adaptive when they follow the logic of repeated management cycles, where feedback from outcomes is used to modify objectives and methods for the next round. In this sense conservation management acknowledges, through scientific knowledge, that the managers at lease are at one with the greater ecosystem. They operate their biodiversity action plans within a community of beings.