Chapter 1: The Need for Coordination
One of the greatest challenges of developing and implementing law and policy in multi-level governance systems is the question of coordination.1,2,3,4 Coordination, which refers broadly to processes and practices that aim to synergize activities, aims, and objectives, is needed because our world is comprised of many deeply interconnected and complicated parts. Overlap in or externalities resulting from these parts creates the potential for both positive synergies and counter valiance across actions.4,5 How to engage in coordination to address fragmentation and to improve environmental governance is the focus of this handbook.