Ostrom Design Principles

Question 1

What are Ostrom’s design principles for successful and sustainable management of common pool resources?

Answer 1

1) Clearly defined boundaries
2) Congruence between rules and local conditions
3) Collective-choice arrangements
4) Monitoring
5) Graduated sanctions
6) Conflict-resolution mechanisms
7) Minimal recognition of rights to organize
8) Nested enterprises

Question 2

What is ‘clearly defined boundaries’?

Answer 2

The boundaries of the resource and the people who have rights to withdraw from it must be clearly defined

Question 3

What is ‘congruence between rules and local conditions’?

Answer 3

The rules governing the use of the resource must be adapted to local conditions

Question 4

What is ‘collective-choice arrangements’?

Answer 4

Most individuals affected by the operational rules should have the ability to participate in modifying the rules, to make sure they are seen as legitimate and fair

Question 5

What is ‘monitoring’?

Answer 5

Monitors who track behavior of the users must be accountable to the users or be the users themselves, providing a basis for trust among users

Question 6

What is ‘graduated sanctions’?

Answer 6

Users who violate rules should face graduated sanctions, making penalties seem fair and appropriate, enhancing compliance

Question 7

What is ‘conflict-resolution mechamism’?

Answer 7

There must be an accessible, low-cost means for resolving disputes, maintaining community cohesion and preventing escalation of disputes

Question 8

What is ‘minimal recognition of rights to organize’?

Answer 8

Rights of users to devise their own institutions should not be challenged by external authorities

Question 9

What is ‘nested enterprises’?

Answer 9

The aforementioned activities should be organized in a layered manner. Each layer, from local to regional to national, is coordinated and contributes to the overall governance of the resource