Question

SUS 350 Sustainable Communities

Module 4 Homework Assignment

 

Assignment objectives:

• Assess common pool resource management examples using the conditions for long-lasting systems of common pool governance created by Elinor Ostrom
• Understand and apply policies and management approaches that enhance sustainability

 

Complete this assignment using module 3 and 4 course materials.

Part 1.  Elinor Ostrom devised eight underlying ‘design principles’ for managing common pool resources based on her observations of hundreds of case studies.  The principles can be viewed as necessary conditions for effective common pool resource management.

 

After reviewing the chapter on the design principles starting on page 71 of Sustaining the Commons (https://sustainingthecommons.asu.edu/), explain in your own words, in 3 to 5 sentences each, what each of these principles mean.  (20 pts)

 

1.  Clearly defined boundaries 

2.  Proportional equivalence between benefits and costs 

3. Collective-choice arrangements 

4.  Monitoring 

5.  Graduated sanctions 

6. Conflict-resolution mechanisms 

7.  Minimal recognition of rights to organize 

8.  Nested enterprises 

 

 

Part 2:  Now that you have a thorough understanding of the design principles, you will apply them to the case study of management of lobster fisheries in Maine.  You will explain how the case study either meets or fails to meet each of the conditions. If you feel that you do not have sufficient information from the provided readings to make the determination about a specific condition, explain what additional information you would need. This exercise has been completed for you for the Deschutes River Conservancy case study as an example (40 pts)

 

 

Example Case Study:  Deschutes River Conservancy (0 pts) 

 

The first case study, the Deschutes River Conservancy, has been completed for you to show our expectations for this part of the assignment.  Note that there is more than one way to assess each condition.  As long as you provide evidence from the reading to support your determination that the boundary is met or not or explain what further information you would need to make a determination, you will receive full credit. 

 

1. Clearly defined boundaries.

CONDITION MET: The physical boundaries of the system are defined by the Deschutes River Basin and the use of the resource (water from this basin) is regulated by the water rights system created by the state of Oregon. 

 

2. Proportional equivalence between benefits and costs. 

NEED MORE INFO: I would have to see a clear comparison of the benefits of being involved with the Conservancy with the costs associated with it.  Benefits that I can think of include potential income from water right transfers and leases and the ability to adjust your water right to align with the amount of water you actually need for the beneficial use described in your water right.  Costs include the time required to collaborate with the conservancy.  I would have to more information about benefits and costs for different stakeholders to make a full determination.

 

3. Collective-choice arrangements. 

 

CONDITION MET: Although they are bound by Oregon state’s water laws, the Deschutes River Conservancy can make decisions pertaining to the water in the basin within that framework. The mechanisms used to conserve water include Instream Leasing, Water Rights Transfers, In-District and On-Farm Efficiency and Tribal Reserved Water Rights.  Partners include the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, state and federal agencies, local governments, irrigation districts, state and federal legislators, NGOs, fishing clubs, and more. 

 

4. Monitoring

NEED MORE INFO:  Based on this reading, it is not clear to me who is tasked with monitoring either within the Deschutes River Conservancy or within the larger state-wide water rights system, to ensure that water rights are being followed.  I would need more information about who is monitoring water use before I can determine whether monitoring is occurring internally by invested stakeholders.

 

5. Graduated sanctions. 

NEED MORE INFO: Much like the monitoring, I saw insufficient information regarding sanctions for water rights infractions.  To make a determination, I would need more information about how the Deschutes River Conservancy deals with partners who do not meet agreements.

 

6. Conflict-resolution mechanisms. 

CONDITION MET:  Although I saw no specific information about how the Deschutes River Conservancy resolves conflict among water users, the purpose of the DRC is to bring together different groups of water users so they can work out a long term plan that considers the priorities of all users. The DRC serves as a forum for stakeholders to discuss potential conflicts moving forward.

 

7. Minimal recognition of rights to organize. 

CONDITION MET: The Deschutes River Conservancy exists within the framework of Oregon State water law. Water right holders will continue to retain their water rights.  Stakeholders have the right to organize and formulate plans for long-term water management. 

 

8. Nested enterprises. 

CONDITION MET: The Deschutes River Conservancy exists within a framework of local, state and federal regulations pertaining to water use. This project focuses on many different water uses in the Deschutes River Basin and does an excellent job maintaining collaborations with different organizations to work toward its goals.

Current collaborative efforts to balance the needs of everyone that depends upon the river – fish, farmers, cities, recreation, and Tribes - while maintaining quality of life in this region are supported by the community.  The DRC is respected by stakeholders as the trusted voice for the river and its many uses. DRC’s role is to bring balanced, level-headed reasoning and education to the general public, targeted interest groups, and all stakeholders about what it will take to have a fully functioning, healthy river in this region. The general public, targeted interest groups and all stakeholders feel heard, validated, and are engaged to devise and support solutions that benefit everyone. (Deschutes River Conservancy Strategic Plan, 2015)

 

 

Case Study:  Maine Lobster Fishery (40 pts)

 

Explain how this case study either meets or fails to meet the following conditions.  If you feel that you do not have sufficient information from the provided readings (Chapter 6 of Sustaining the Commons as well as the readings on lobster fisheries in the module 4 required readings) to make the determination about a specific condition, explain what additional information you would need.  You must include a citation for at least 6 of the conditions.

 

1.Clearly defined boundaries 

2.Proportional equivalence between benefits and costs 

3.Collective-choice arrangements 

4.Monitoring

5.Graduated sanctions 

6.Conflict-resolution mechanisms 

7.Minimal recognition of rights to organize 

8.Nested enterprises 

 

4 months ago

Answer