Both ecosystems and society are complex adaptive systems. Changes in one part of a system affect other parts. These changes often depend on other systems and are very seldom predictable. Unexpected changes can occur, so to speak, overnight.

As natural resource conflicts and other environmental problems involve both ecosystems and society, their management requires flexibility and openness. Attempts to use simple solutions to deal with these problems often result in them becoming both more complex and more conflictual. Flexible responses invariably involve the need to include stakeholders with different perspectives on the challenges that arise. An open response requires stakeholders to relinquish control and fixed positions, not only in respect of the concrete steps that need to be taken but also in regard to understanding the nature of the problem or challenge itself.

The lack of clarity, or confusion, that arises when people attempt to deal with complex environmental challenges contributes in part to a sense of losing control. Feeling that one has some measure of control is a basic human need. Confusion and uncertainty often cause people to seek strong leaders, clear answers and deliberate (if not immediate) action. Ironically, this is just the opposite of what is needed to deal with a complex problem.

Dialogue aims to provide those participating, both directly and indirectly, to gain a more complete understanding of the complexity of the challenge and to explore ways of dealing with it together. Collective problem definition and action are both essential in dealing with complex problems.

Because of the dynamic nature of complex challenges, solutions are time-bound. One might succeed in finding ways of dealing with a particular issue or conflict only to be confronted with a new set of problems. For this reason, it is commonly understood that one will not solve a complex problem once and for all, but, at best can hope for improvement rather than a deterioration of the problem or conflict.

Those who provide support in dealing with complex problems or conflicts are clear that no final solutions should be expected. Rather, they help stakeholders understand that changes should be assessed in terms of improvement or deterioration of a given situation. A sustained dialogue between the stakeholders has the purpose of constantly adjusting actions taken and reviewing the results. For those wishing for quick solutions this, of course, seems like a never-ending process and a reason to doubt the effectiveness of dialogue. A longer-term perspective however shows that collaboration and dialogue improve the situation over time and may lead to sustainable ways of dealing with seemingly irreconcilable forces and positions.