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Ostrom's Principle

Ostrom's Principle, derived from the work of Elinor Ostrom, emphasizes that communities can effectively manage shared resources, like fisheries or forests, without relying solely on government control or private ownership. It suggests that local groups, when given autonomy, often create their own rules and cooperate to sustain resources. This principle highlights the importance of local knowledge, trust, and social norms in managing commons responsibly and using them sustainably, ultimately challenging the idea that only top-down regulations can prevent resource depletion.