A plethora of terms are used to describe the form of governance of complex social-ecological systems, such as multi-level governance, polycentricity and network governance. This plethora of terms is associated with a diffuse literature from which it can be challenging to identify which variables are important for investigation of the governance system and what questions could be asked. The purpose of this article is to present the development of a guide for the analysis of the complex governance systems of renewable natural resources, informed by a breadth of literature from which key characteristics, challenges and concepts are identified. The guide consists of three dimensions: multiplicities of levels, actors and institutions; the existence, opportunities for, and challenges of, interactions within and between levels (vertical and horizontal interactions); and an assessment of governance performance through application of governance principles. The guide is applied to a case study of mangrove forests in Kenya, to illustrate its utility in generating understanding and identification of challenges and opportunities for more effective multi-level governance. It is proposed that the guide could be beneficial to researchers and practitioners seeking to develop an understanding of structures, performance and outcomes of multi-level governance.

中文翻译：

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导航多层次自然资源治理：分析指南

多层次治理、多中心治理、网络治理等复杂社会生态系统的治理形式被大量使用。过多的术语与散布的文献有关，从这些文献中确定哪些变量对于治理系统的调查很重要以及可以提出哪些问题可能具有挑战性。本文的目的是介绍可再生自然资源复杂治理系统分析指南的制定，其中包含大量文献，从中确定了关键特征、挑战和概念。该指南包括三个维度：层次、参与者和机构的多样性；的存在、机遇和挑战，级别内和级别之间的交互（垂直和水平交互）；通过应用治理原则评估治理绩效。该指南应用于肯尼亚红树林的案例研究，以说明其在促进理解和识别挑战和机遇以实现更有效的多级治理方面的效用。建议该指南对寻求了解多级治理的结构、绩效和结果的研究人员和从业人员有益。说明其在促进理解和识别挑战和机遇以实现更有效的多级治理方面的效用。建议该指南对寻求了解多级治理的结构、绩效和结果的研究人员和从业人员有益。说明其在促进理解和识别挑战和机遇以实现更有效的多级治理方面的效用。建议该指南对寻求了解多级治理的结构、绩效和结果的研究人员和从业人员有益。