| Description |
Garrett Hardin's "tragedy of the commons" has shaped resource management and conservation in both marine and terrestrial spaces. However, it is this metaphor, and proposed solutions, that have perpetuated the maritime tragedy of the commons. The conservation paradigms inspired by Hardin's framework have produced disjointed efforts that focus on limiting access rather than challenging the current epistemological, ethical, and regulatory systems driving marine degradation. Politics, social structures, conservation science, and economics all collide in marine protected areas (MPAs), which make them uniquely situated for rethinking humanity's relationship to the global oceans. The hydrocommons can encourage more collaborative and effective network of MPAs as it provides a different commons framework. A framework that fundamentally opposes the assumptions made in Hardin's metaphorical commons and more accurately portrays human relationships to the ocean. Palau's recent national marine sanctuary and marine tenure history illustrate what hydrocommons informed marine conservation might look like, as Palau's actions are more in line with the hydrocommons than Hardin's pasture. Incorporating the hydrocommons into resource management challenges the way commons spaces have been conceptually mapped and subsequently protected. By accepting how we, as humans, are semiotically, physically, and culturally intertwined with the hydrological cycle, the hydrocommons creates space for new ethical and political modes of iv engagement. The theoretical insights provided by the hydrocommons, represented by Palau's socio-economic relationships and decentralized institutional agreements, can illustrate the ethical and political requirements of humans in the Anthropocene. Polycentricity is a fundamental concept of commons scholarship and lends itself best to the hydrocommons framework as it can account for the full complexity of commons spaces. Incorporating several levels of autonomy to address the social, economic, and cultural values of an ocean space can produce more holistic MPA designations. When resource users have a voice in designing and monitoring MPAs, they can contribute local knowledge that provides new perspectives and strengthens user commitment. Adopting a polycentric system of marine governance is essential as both small and large institutions are needed for effective management. |
