Making Commons Dynamic: Understanding Change Through Commonisation and Decommonisation

Making Commons Dynamic explores the empirical basis of theorising the concepts of commonisation and decommonisation to understand commons as a process and offers analytical directions for policy and practice to maintain commons as commons. It draws from 20 geographically diverse empirical cases involving a wide range of commons, and is a transdisciplinary endeavour with contributions from scholars from various fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 354 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Making Commons Dynamic delves into the complexities of sustaining the commons across local to global scales, offering a comprehensive examination of the empirical foundations of theorising commonisation and decommonisation as key approaches to understanding commons as a dynamic process. Through a series of insightful chapter contributions, the book explores how natural resources are subjected to commonisation and decommonisation processes driven by a multitude of internal and external factors, ultimately shaping the governance of these vital resources across diverse geographical and temporal contexts. Drawing from a rich array of empirical cases spanning 20 countries across North, South, and Central America, South- and South-East Asia, the book offers a diverse range of commons, including fisheries, forests, grazing, wetlands, coastal-marine, rivers and dams, aquaculture, wildlife, tourism, groundwater, surface freshwater, mountains, small islands, social movements, and climate. This transdisciplinary endeavour brings together scholars from a wide range of disciplines, including geography, history, sociology, anthropology, political studies, planning, human ecology, cultural and applied ecology, environmental and development studies, environmental science and technology, public policy, Indigenous/tribal studies, Latin American and Asian studies, and environmental change and governance. Contributions from academics, community members, NGOs, practitioners, and policymakers further enrich the discourse, ensuring a holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining commons as commons in the face of rapidly evolving societal and environmental dynamics.

The book's central theme revolves around the challenges of sustaining the commons, recognising that these shared resources face diverse threats and pressures at different scales. Commonisation, which refers to the expansion of common access to resources, can be facilitated by factors such as government policies, technological advancements, and social movements. However, it can also lead to overexploitation, degradation, and the loss of ecological integrity. On the other hand, decommonisation, which involves the privatisation or enclosure of resources, can result in the concentration of power, inequality, and the marginalisation of certain groups.

To address these challenges, the book provides analytical directions for policy and practice that aim to maintain commons as commons in the future. It emphasises the importance of recognising the diverse drivers and dynamics of commonisation and decommonisation processes, as well as the role of governance structures, institutions, and community engagement in shaping the outcomes of commons management. The contributions offer valuable insights into the complexities of managing commons, including the challenges of balancing economic development, environmental conservation, and social equity. They also highlight the importance of developing flexible and adaptive governance strategies that can respond to changing circumstances and emerging threats.

One of the key strengths of Making Commons Dynamic lies in its extensive use of empirical evidence and case studies. The book showcases a wide range of geographically diverse empirical cases, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and insights into the dynamics of commonisation and decommonisation. These cases encompass a diverse array of commons, ranging from fisheries and forests to coastal-marine ecosystems and social movements. By examining these cases in detail, the book offers valuable lessons and practical recommendations for managing commons in different contexts.

Furthermore, the book recognises the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders and promoting community-based governance models. It advocates for the inclusion of local communities, indigenous peoples, and other marginalised groups in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are heard and valued. This approach not only promotes social justice and equity but also enhances the sustainability and resilience of commons by fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

In conclusion, Making Commons Dynamic is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the commons as a dynamic process. Through its exploration of commonisation and decommonisation as key analytical frameworks, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing commons management across local to global scales. By drawing from a rich array of empirical cases and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, the book offers practical recommendations for policy and practice that aim to maintain commons as commons in the face of rapidly evolving societal and environmental dynamics. As such, it is an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and community members alike who are committed to preserving and promoting the sustainability of our shared resources.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367712129