Do commons management and movements reinforce each other? Comparative insights from Mexico and Sri Lanka

•The relationship between CBNRM and mobilization is non-linear due to synergies and tensions•CBNRM is neither necessary nor sufficient for mobilization, but it can contribute positively to it in some instances•Mobilization can have both positive and negative effects on CBNRM regimes•Further research should address the co-evolution of movements, CBNRM and political/management opportunity structures