Mangrove ecosystems are an important source of ecological benefits and support livelihoods at the coastline, but the governance systems often cannot compromise conservation and socio-economic requirements. This systematic review looks at the way the scientific literature relates the relationships between mangrove conservation and local livelihoods and governance, especially adaptive governance frameworks. Bibliometric mapping and qualitative synthesis were used to analyze 45 Web of Science Core Collection studies that focused on governance. The results show that it is a rapidly developing and interdisciplinary area, yet one that is thematically lopsided. Whereas there is a well-researched understanding of ecological processes, ecosystem services and livelihood outcomes, there is no adequate integration of their governance aspects which includes power relations, institutional coordination and adaptive learning. Though conservation-livelihood trade-offs are generally recognized, there are not effectively dealt with by effective institutional mechanisms. New financial strategies such as blue carbon risk enhancing the existing inequalities with weak governance frameworks. It is pointed out in the review that a paradigm shift is required in the form of switching to adaptive governance that directly controls trade-offs, fair sharing of costs and benefits and responsive to changing socio-ecological dynamics.

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