Steps in an adaptive management framework.

Initial movement through the set-up phase is followed by rapid iterative learning in the implementation phase (feedback loop from H to F). An outer feedback loop (from H to A, B, or C) can also arise, with occasional reconsideration of steps in the set-up phase, as necessary (for example, if preliminary management efforts motivate alterations or refinements to objectives, if new stakeholders become involved, if new uncertainties become apparent, or if new management options arise). This slow-rapid iterative learning process is called double-loop learning [21]. The set-up phase can be conducted before an anticipated problem arises (e.g., planning for a possible future outbreak, as discussed for FMD in this paper), while the implementation phase can only occur once an outbreak has started.Steps in an adaptive management framework.