Managing Ecosystem Transitions Using a RAD Framework Incorporating Ecological, Social, and Economic Contexts

Recently, the resist–accept–direct (RAD) framework has emerged as a conceptualized tool for managing ecosystem change. Yet, its application remains limited and uneven across ecological, social, and economic dimensions. To assess how RAD has been implemented to date, we conducted a systematic literature review using a structured PI(E)CO-based search and screening process. Of 473 documents identified, 19 contained case studies and met our inclusion criteria, highlighting the still-early use of RAD in practice. Most case studies focused on resist approaches along the ecological axis, with fewer fully incorporating social or economic considerations. Climate change and biodiversity loss were the most frequently addressed stressors. From our findings and assessed case studies, we developed a RAD strategy advice checklist, designed to guide practitioners in assessing potential trade-offs and implementation constraints, illustrated by a case study from southern Ontario, Canada. Our synthesis assesses the current state of RAD application, laying the groundwork for future knowledge sharing, real-time learning, and the development of broader decision-support networks.