Managing Common Pool Resources: Principles and Case Studies

Common Pool Resources (CPRs) or natural resources used by people in common constitute a significant proportion of the earth's total endowment. Most of these resources are over-exploited and then neglected. This unique work combines theoretical and empirical approaches to CPR development and management in India. It addresses basic concepts, the role of CPRs, theoretical models for analyzing CPR problems, alternative CPR management systems, instruments of CPR policy, and decision-making tools and techniques. Next, case studies of different forms of CPR management from various parts of India are examined. They indicate that success can be achieved under various management systems, and there is no single best system appropriate for all situations and all times. Lastly, Katar Singh synthesizes the insights gained from an analysis of the basic concepts of CPRs and analytical lessons and conclusions drawn from the case studies into a coherent and environmentally sound policy for development and management of CPRs.