Commons theory

Commons theory explores how shared resources—like forests, fisheries, or clean air—are managed by communities or individuals. It emphasizes that to prevent overuse or depletion, effective management requires cooperation, rules, and collective responsibility. Without proper governance, individuals acting in their own interest may exhaust or damage these resources, harming the whole community. The theory highlights the importance of balancing individual needs with collective sustainability to ensure shared resources remain available and healthy over time.