Governance of the commons

Governance of the commons refers to the management and regulation of shared resources, such as land, water, fisheries, and air, by the communities that depend on them. This approach to governance emphasises collective stewardship, where resource users collaboratively establish rules and practices to ensure sustainable use and equitable distribution of ecosystem services. 

Governance of the commons is historically rooted in traditional practices where communities managed shared resources through customary laws and cooperative arrangements. In the mid-20th century, the “tragedy of the commons” theory argued that individuals acting in their self-interest would inevitably overuse and deplete shared resources. However, research by Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom and others challenged this view, demonstrating that communities worldwide have successfully managed commons for centuries without state intervention or privatisation. Ostrom’s work highlighted the importance of collective action, trust, and local knowledge in sustainable resource governance, providing a theoretical foundation for contemporary commons management practices. Governance of the commons is often contrasted with private property regimes and centralised state control, advocating for a more decentralised, participatory model of resource management. 

The outcomes of effective commons governance are diverse and significant. For example, in Nepal, community forestry programmes have empowered local groups to manage forest resources, resulting in improved forest conditions and increased biodiversity. Similarly, in Maine, USA, the lobster fishing community has developed a system of self-regulation, including territorial use rights and conservation practices, which has led to a thriving and sustainable lobster population. These examples illustrate how governance of the commons can lead to positive environmental outcomes, economic stability, and strengthened community bonds. 

At the same time, governance of the commons also faces challenges, particularly in the context of globalisation, climate change, and political pressures. External threats such as industrial exploitation and environmental degradation can undermine local management efforts. However, the principles of commons governance—such as inclusive decision-making, adaptive management, and resilience-building—offer valuable lessons for addressing these challenges. By fostering cooperation and empowering communities, governance of the commons provides a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional resource management models, highlighting the potential for collective action to steward shared resources effectively.