This article synthesizes and compares environmental governance theories. For each theory we outline its main tenets, claims, origin, and supporting literature. We then group the theories into focused versus combinatory frameworks for comparison. The analysis resonates with many types of ecosystems; however, to make it more tangible, we focus on coastal systems. First, we characterize coastal governance challenges and then later link salient research questions arising from these challenges to the theories that may be useful in answering them. Our discussion emphasizes the usefulness of having a diverse theoretical toolbox, and we argue that if governance analysts are more broadly informed about the theories available, they may more easily engage in open-minded interdisciplinary collaboration. The eight theories examined are the following: polycentricity, network governance, multilevel governance, collective action, governmentality (power / knowledge), adaptive governance, interactive governance theory (IGT), and evolutionary governance theory (EGT). Polycentricity and network governance both help examine the links or connections in governance processes. Polycentricity emphasizes structural configurations at a broader level, and network governance highlights agency and information flow within and between individuals or organizations. Collective action theory is helpful for examining community level governance, and helps analyze variables hindering or enabling self-organization and shared resource outcomes. In contrast, multilevel governance helps understand governance integration processes between localities, regions, and states across administrative, policy, or legal dimensions. Governmentality is helpful for understanding the role of discourse, power, knowledge, and narratives in governance, such as who creates them and who becomes governed by them with what effect. Adaptive governance helps analyze the links between context, change, and resilience. IGT helps examine the interdependencies between the systems being governed and the governing systems. EGT is helpful for unpacking how coevolutionary processes shape governance and the options for change.

中文翻译：

---

环境治理理论：对沿海系统的回顾和应用

本文综合比较了环境治理理论。对于每个理论，我们概述了其主要原则、主张、起源和支持文献。然后我们将这些理论分为重点框架和组合框架进行比较。该分析与许多类型的生态系统产生共鸣；然而，为了使其更加具体，我们将重点放在沿海系统上。首先，我们描述了沿海治理挑战，然后将这些挑战产生的突出研究问题与可能有助于回答这些问题的理论联系起来。我们的讨论强调了拥有多样化理论工具箱的用处，并且我们认为，如果治理分析师对可用理论有更广泛的了解，他们可能更容易参与思想开放的跨学科合作。所考察的八种理论如下：多中心、网络治理、多层次治理、集体行动、治理（权力/知识）、适应性治理、互动治理理论（IGT）和进化治理理论（EGT）。多中心性和网络治理都有助于检查治理过程中的联系或联系。多中心强调更广泛的结构配置，网络治理强调个人或组织内部和之间的代理和信息流。集体行动理论有助于检验社区层面的治理，并有助于分析阻碍或促成自组织和共享资源结果的变量。相比之下，多级治理有助于理解跨行政、政策或法律维度的地方、地区和州之间的治理整合过程。治理性有助于理解话语、权力、知识和叙事在治理中的作用，例如谁创造了它们，谁被它们治理，产生什么效果。适应性治理有助于分析环境、变化和弹性之间的联系。IGT 有助于检查被治理的系统与治理系统之间的相互依赖关系。EGT 有助于解开共同进化过程如何塑造治理和变革选项。