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COMMONS
SENSE: |
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Background
Information
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An important concept embedded in the current mainstream of environmental education and science education, both formal and informal, is "sustainability." Sustainability has broad and widespread applications within economics, resource management, and artificial systems. The context being considered here is ecological sustainability which can be defined as: "To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). |
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ecosystem natural resource conservation and preservation efforts occur,
the ability to sustain that ecosystem or natural resource is of primary
consideration. This is not an easy process. For decades fisheries managers
have struggled to develop optimal sustainable yields. The crash of the
North Atlantic Cod industry is evidence that using the best science
of biological and economic models failed to sustain that fishery. |
The
need for resource management for sustainability evolved from the over-utilization
of limited resources. These resources were often shared resources such
as pastures, ranges, fisheries, forests, water, and air. In 1968, Garrett
Hardin published an essay in Science titled "The Tragedy
of the Commons." In this context a "commons" is any resource used
as though it belongs to all. A commons is destroyed by over-utilization,
lack of personal ownership, and lack of  control.
Hardin uses a public pasture to illustrate such an exploitation. Herdsmen
can quickly exceed the carrying capacity of that pasture (system) and
thus degrade or completely destroy the pasture (resource). Hardin's pasture
is also considered to be a metaphor for shared aspects of our society,
such as our communities, roads, air, and water.
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| An Internet search for Tragedy of the Commons yielded several hundred matches. This is an indication that the concept of the Tragedy of the Commons and how to best utilize, manage, and conserve resources for sustainability is widely discussed. Social, economic, and political issues are often embedded in these discussions. | |
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In an article in the journal Science titled "Principles for Sustainable Governance of the Oceans," five major Tragedy-of-the-Commons-related marine problems are identified:
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| Each problem area is suitable for student exploration and learning. These problems facing our oceans provide excellent opportunities for students to apply "commons thinking" to their ecological decision-making and stewardship practices. Why? Because the vast oceans are being impacted by the pressure exerted by humanity on global resources. Therefore, the largest ecosystems on earth are calling out for sustainable management. The ten keys to successful resource management include: | |
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