Chapter 3 - Governing the Commons Through Understanding of Institutional Diversity: An Agenda for Application of Ostrom’s Framework in Managing Natural Resources in Asia

Abstract

Common pool resource (CPR) management is a complex phenomenon that involves a range of issues around the local institutions that govern the resources. This chapter provides an extensive review of theoretical frameworks developed by Elinor Ostrom, which were instrumental in guiding empirical research on understanding various CPR management problems. Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development framework and design principles for CPR were the key milestones in her theoretical contributions to CPR governance research. These frameworks have been widely used in various relevant policy research-related CPRs in South and Southeast Asia as well, especially in case of irrigation, forestry, and fisheries. The empirical case studies presented in this chapter provide applicability and usefulness of those frameworks in varying contexts. Her frameworks are helpful to analyze the robustness of CPRs and the evolution of institutional rules in managing those resources in a Southeast Asian context as well; however, some suggestions are made at the end of this chapter for wider applicability.