Promise, Trust and Evolution: Managing the Commons of South Asia

Abstract

From land management to water rights, this book looks at the current status of Common Property Resources, or CPRs, in South Asia. Developed countries have managed to establish well-defined property rights over numerous resources, and in some instances, extended non-exclusionary rights over privately owned resources over an extended period of time. In the developing world, however, the share of community property is extensive, either as a response to an expanding market or because the exposure to markets in still in its nascent stage. This coupled with the demands of globalization, has led to the co-existence of both community ownership of resources as well as an evolving private property rights market. This tension between public versus private ownership rights is particularly relevant in the developing countries of South Asia, not only because of its shared history but also because of its resources frequently cross national boundaries. This book tells the story of CPRs and the commons in a rapidly changing South Asia. Including contributions from those working with natural resources in Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the chapters discuss issues such as equity in distribution, efficiency and productivity of resources, sustainability of resources, and institutional transition and governance.