Description
Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/tragedy-of-the-commons.asp
Context:
India hosted an event on the Protection, Restoration, and Governance of Commons.
What Are Commons?
- Commons are shared resources by communities, not owned by individuals or governments.
- It can include tangible assets like forests, water bodies, and grazing grounds, or intangible ones like local customs and knowledge.
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- It also applies to global Commons like arctic regions and outer space.
- They provide essential services like clean air, water, and fertile soil.
- They are crucial for livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
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Tragedy of the Commons
●The term was created by ecologist Garrett Hardin in 1960s.
●It refers to individuals overusing and depleting shared resources.
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Challenges
- Commons are open-access resources that are at risk of overexploitation leading to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
- Lack of clear ownership creates a "free rider" dilemma, with individuals utilizing without accountability for long-term sustainability.
- Many Commons lack specific legal designations, hindering effective management and conservation efforts.
- Local communities frequently lack the resources required for effective administration and conservation.
- Climate change influences ecosystems, limits resource availability, and increases the frequency of extreme weather events.
- Competing goals among stakeholders in common usage and management.
Way Forward
- Promoting Local Management in Commons Management.
- Identify and promote local management structures.
- Improve the legislative frameworks for commons management.
- Promote sustainable management practices that balance resource use and conservation.
- Provide financial and technical incentives to encourage local management efforts.
- Collaborate with non-governmental organisations and the private sector to mobilise resources.
- Build climate resilience into the management process.
- Involve all stakeholders to ensure good governance.
- Educate communities on the importance of commons and sustainable practices.
Must Read Articles:
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Source:
Indian Express
Wikipedia
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q.Which of the following is/are the major features of the "Tragedy of the Commons"?
1. Depletion of shared resources
2. Individual self-interest
3. Government regulation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
Depletion of shared resources is a core component of the "Tragedy of the Commons." When people overuse a shared resource, it becomes depleted.
Statement 2 is correct:
People act in their self-interest, and this leads to excessive exploitation of the commons.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
Government regulation is not a characteristic of the "Tragedy of the Commons."
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