IASCP 2006 Conference

Conference Theme

Recent IASCP conferences have highlighted globalization and its challenges. For the 2006 conference, the committee sought a theme that emphasizes issues of importance to Indonesian communities and policy-makers, but that also encompasses supranational topics and concerns. Internationally emphasis has shifted to new arenas of innovation and contestation and new institutional forms – such as the virtual commons, the ownership of ideas and information, and global commons. In the case of Indonesia, the issue of survival and adaptation are of highest importance. The organizing committee proposes the following conference theme and sub-themes:

Conference Sub-themes

1.1 Contemporary analytical tools and theoretical questions

Over the past two decades, analyses of common property rights have used the comparative case study method, and in rarer cases, game theory, modelling and statistical tools. The use of soft system methodology, systems dynamics, fuzzy cognitive mapping, cellular automata, decision theory, artificial intelligence, and agent-based models have also provided potentially new insights into the structures, processes, and functions of commons arrangements. These tools can investigate the dynamic and complex interactions among structures, actors and institutions.

More widespread use of multiple analytical tools is crucial to the continuing vitality of the field of commons studies. Under this theme, we welcome paper and panel proposals that move away from the traditional reliance of commons scholars on case study description. We welcome papers that illustrate the use of contemporary analytical tools and that provide inferences derived from these approaches. Panels that bring together several studies under a common idea or argument will be especially welcome. We also welcome panels on theoretical approaches in the analysis of the concept of common property.

1.2 Conservation policy and the commons

For urban, industrialized societies the Protected Area (PA) approach for conservation remains the paramount model for the use of nature, and it is still held out as a paradigm for the developing world. In many regions of the developing world however, designation of protected areas for conservation has resulted in a shift from common property to state property which in practice means open access. As a result, natural resources are sometimes degraded rather than conserved. In an attempt to reverse this trend, new, participatory approaches have been introduced.

At the same time, there is a growing movement by indigenous peoples demanding control over lands they feel have been alienated illegally. However, one of the major problems facing such a movement is the growing heterogeneity of many rural villages. Which traditions are to be followed? Also, indigenous peoples supported by non-governmental organizations claim that traditional systems are more conservation-oriented. A closer look at traditional systems shows that this is not always the case. Migration as well as global economic processes have changed local systems irrevocably.

Papers to be submitted under this sub-theme will link globalization with local-level issues and concerns regarding conservation. They will identify and analyze the linkages between PAs and other conservation programs and indigenous and/or local communities, especially in light of changes being experienced in this age of global transition. Of particular interest is transnational collaboration for conservation and what it means for the involved parties. We also welcome papers that offer insights into many of the contemporary problems experienced by PAs and suggestions of how law and policy could be better designed to promote and balance the needs of conservation and local communities.

1.3 Culture, identity, and survival of the commons

Indigenous and other local peoples control a large portion of the world's common property resources. In the long history of interaction between these peoples and their natural environments, a complex system of culture and adaptation has evolved. In this process large portions of the world's common pool resources came under the control of indigenous and other local peoples. The process of modernization and globalization, however, has engulfed these peoples at varying levels of intensity and with different consequences. There are, however, certain general patterns of how external forces have intervened and have affected the livelihoods of indigenous and local people. The more integrated the indigenous and other local people are into the dominant economic and political system, the more they have had to surrender rights to their former natural resources. Integration into the dominant economic and political system has been followed by the loss of local institutions, such as NRM systems, political systems and belief systems. Often, these processes of integration are followed by, or are part of, the enforcement of new institutions, belief systems and cultural norms by external forces. In many cases indigenous and other local peoples became second class citizens in these new political environments. Meanwhile, the privatization and commoditization of the commons has taken place, jeopardizing indigenous peoples and the commons.

Papers submitted for this sub-theme will investigate the effects of state intervention and globalization on the commons and on the destiny of indigenous and other local peoples. How are indigenous groups confronting these challenges? What changes are occurring in the relationships between indigenous groups and their traditional resources, territories and knowledge? What kind of strategies and policies are best to help indigenous groups gain and regain control over their patrimonies? To what extent has recognition of indigenous people's territorial rights led to improved "livelihoods"?

1.4 Local resource rights and management institutions

In many parts of world, institutionalization of the rights to manage local natural resources has been shown to have a significant role in influencing the community livelihood and conservation of natural resources. Nevertheless, the rights and the institutions that are currently in place vary and have a complex relationship with the economic, social, political situations and the characteristics of the natural resources that are being managed. Therefore, the approach needed to maintain the rights to manage and the institutions that are currently in place needs to be specific and unique based on the specificity of the locality. At present, many countries and international institutions have tried to improve poverty -related policies from the "basic needs fulfillment" approach toward "rights based" approach in managing the natural resources and the environment.

Papers that will be discussed under this theme are expected to cover issues ranging from the forms of institutions that are involved in natural resources management and its relationship with the economic, social, and political conditions that are affecting them. Other topics that can be covered include internal and external factors of the society that can either weaken or even destroy local existing institutions, and the dynamics that exists within the society in responding to the economic, social and political changes from outside. Various kinds of case studies can be used to refer how local communities can or cannot maintain and defend their rights and their local institutions.

1.5 New frontiers (the new global commons)

There is a new global commons emerging with new frontiers such as global partnerships, geographical indications, and internet communications. Some of these create new opportunities for sustainable resource use, employment absorption and poverty alleviation. However, different actors may have different access to these commons. It can empower some actors and dis-empower others. It is a myth that common pool resources are all small and traditional. The information revolution is known for having created a digital divide between those who have access to the internet and those who do not. New international institutions such as the Kyoto Protocol have been developed to govern the use of common pool resources such as the atmosphere, air, the gene pool, and oceans.

Under this theme, emerging institutional arrangements will be explored and promising and problematic examples identified. What are the best possible agreements, arrangements, institutional mechanisms, and structures of partnerships, including those between global and national actors? What are some of the basic conditions for success? What are the roles of different players in enforcing rules? What is a realistic balance between market-driven adjustments and government and/or international regulation? What is the impact of these new global commons on the distribution of power among different actors at different levels?

1.6 Privatization

Capitalism and the global market are driving the world towards increasing privatization of natural resources. More and more, the commons and communal lands have been converted to private property, where exclusion rather than inclusion becomes the norm. The case of water illustrates the problems imposed by this trend. The right to sufficient clean drinking water is a basic human right, yet access to water is being privatized at the time when it is becoming scarce.

Papers invited for this sub-theme will analyze the drivers of privatization and its implications in the context of common pool resources. How will the public interest be fulfilled when common pool resources such as water are privatized? How will privatization affect economically marginalized people? What is the role of the state in this process? What is the appropriate role for corporate bodies that aim towards social responsibility?

1.7 Resurgent commons within public or private property

In many developing countries, land and natural resources are owned by the state. In the utilization of the land and natural resources, government has a dominant role (state owned or state property) and often acts as a representative of the public, in the name of the people, and often stated as state/government's interest. To develop its economy, the land and other natural resources are frequently allocated to the private sector, either through privatization or by providing certain licenses and authorities to the private industries managing the natural resources. These kinds of situations, which have been going on for a long time, weaken the communal rights (common property) and even eliminate its existence. Furthermore, the uniformity of policies across nation can create new problems in the field.

This sub-theme will cover such topics as efforts on establishing and strengthening collective actions by different stakeholders, including by the community themselves, in the midst of privatization and strong government control on natural resources. The focus can be on the main argument behind the birth of those initiatives, the process that took place, actors playing significant roles from outside or within the community, and also the processes of institutionalizion as a follow up of the achievements that has been reached. The economic and political impact, the legal reform and government policies can also be added to widen the scope of the topics discussed under this sub-theme.

1.8 The commons and its role in revitalizing agriculture, forestry, and fisheries

With increasing development, the contribution of the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors to the economy is decreasing in relative terms, and the role of the industrial sectors is increasing. However, the problems of poverty and environmental degradation around the world are escalating in many countries. Revitalizing agriculture, fisheries and forestry to increase community welfare while preserving the environment is tremendously complex, especially in developing countries where regulations and institutions are not well established and enforced. Several efforts have been made to strengthen local institutions for managing common pool resources. While revitalizing these sectors attracts more attention, mostly among economists and government officers, there has been little discussion on the link of this revitalization to the concept of commons and to influence policy makers on this subject.

This session will discuss the following issues: (a) The competitive roles of the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors in job creation, poverty alleviation and environmental preservation; (b) Good practices in common pool resource management in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry; (c) Collaborative natural resource management and employment; (d) Costs and benefits of managing common pool resources in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry; (e) Structure-actor-institution inter-linkages in revitalizing the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors; and (f) Models, tools and processes to influence policy makers and make impact towards revitalizing agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

1.9 The state, legal reform, and decentralization

In recent years, several countries are changing the approach used in their natural resource management, i.e. from centralized to decentralized approach. Through these changes, local governments have more influence on the management of the natural resources. Results of these changes vary across the globe, with some countries showing success, while others are still struggling with this new approach. The failure can be attributed to the fact that key factors have not been properly identified and thoroughly considered, hence leading to the failure of decentralization in many instances. The legal reforms that are carried out are mostly not followed by solutions to solve fundamental problems such as the rights to manage natural resources, lack of capacity of the local institutions and limited access to information for decision making.

Papers that will be discussed under this theme are expected to cover issues on legal reform for implementation of the decentralization policies in relation to the efficiency of natural resources management and efforts to increase community's livelihood. Other topics covered under this sub-theme include the basis on implementing decentralization, the politics and the roles of different parties that are involved in decision making and enforcement of decentralization and key factors in the successes and failures of the implementation of decentralization.

Special Panel Series: “The International Journal of the Commons”

In addition to the above themes, a set of panels will focus on an effort to provide an excellent synthesis of where we stand in regard to core theoretical issues and/or specific substantive concerns related to a particular sector. A selection of papers presented at this series of panels will be published in January of 2007 in the very first issue of the “International Journal of the Commons”. This is the new journal that IASCP plans to start publishing in 2007. The inaugural issue will provide an overview of where we have come in our understanding of key theoretical and policy issues in the study of the commons. Papers that provide an update of findings related to inshore fisheries, irrigation systems, pastoral systems, digital commons, and forestry would be of major assistance in helping summarize for all of us where we are. This would be particularly important for students who wish to gain a good overview before they start their own research. Synthesis articles on the impact of the size of a group, its heterogeneity, the kinds of rules in use, the level of governance arrangements, and other major issues are also encouraged.