Physical Commons

Physical Commons differ significantly form the Information Commons that we are in the process of creating, so this entry focuses on material related to such physical commons.

Managing Common Pool Resources

These are the design principles that Elinor Ostrom reported finding in groups that managed common pool resources without either underprovisioning or overconsuming them.

From: http://www.cooperationcommons.com/Documents/EntryView?id=30

o Group boundaries are clearly defined.

o Rules governing the use of collective goods are well matched to local needs and conditions.

o Most individuals affected by these rules can participate in modifying the rules.

o The rights of community members to devise their own rules is respected by external authorities.

o A system for monitoring member's behavior exists; the community members themselves undertake this monitoring.

o A graduated system of sanctions is used.

o Community members have access to low-cost conflict resolution mechanisms.

o For CPRs that are parts of larger systems: appropriation, provision, monitoring, enforcement, conflict resolution, and governance activities are organized in multiple layers of nested enterprises.