Context:
Tragedy of Commons: Delhi recently hosted a first-of-its-kind dialogue on the conservation, restoration and Governance of Common Resources such as forests, community lands, and water bodies like lakes or rivers, all usually referred to just as Commons.
Background: –
- Nearly one-fourth of India’s landmass, about 205 million acres, is estimated to be Commons.
Key takeaways
- Commons is a term used to refer to resources that are not owned by any individual or group or the government, but belong to, and are shared by, the community as a whole. Forests, local ponds, grazing lands, rivers, sacred sites, parks and lakes are all Commons.
- Commons could be intangible too. Language, folk art or dance, local customs, and traditional knowledge are all shared resources, and thus are Commons.
- In the digital age, most Internet and open-source software are Commons. Digital resources with creative commons licences are meant to be used freely by everyone.
- At the international level, the polar regions, the Arctic and Antarctica, are considered global Commons. No country is allowed to take ownership of these areas, even though everyone can use them for certain activities. Outer space, the Moon, and other planetary bodies are also global Commons.
- Commons are critical for several reasons. They provide a variety of ecological and other services that are beneficial for the entire community.
- As these resources are accessible to all, they face a greater threat of overexploitation and damage. Since no one owns Commons, the responsibility of maintenance and upkeep often becomes a problem. Commons have also come under increased stress due to climate change.
- Different kinds of governance mechanisms have evolved to manage Commons depending on the context. There are international agreements, for instance, for the use and management of polar regions, outer space, and high seas.
- In India, the 2006 Forest Rights Act (FRA) is considered a good template for managing common forest resources.
Additional Information: What is the Tragedy of Commons?
- The tragedy of the commons refers to a situation in which individuals with access to a public resource—also called a common—act in their own interest and, in doing so, ultimately deplete the resource.
- This economic theory was conceptualized in 1833 by British writer William Forster Lloyd. In 1968, the term “Tragedy of Commons” was used for the first time by Garret Hardin in Science Magazine.
- This theory explains individuals tendency to make decisions based on their personal needs, regardless of the negative impact it may have on others. In some cases, an individual’s belief that others won’t act in the best interest of the group can lead them to justify selfish behavior.
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