Common-pool resources in East Russia: a case study on the creation of a new national park as a form of community-based natural resource governance

Abstract

An institutional system for community-based governance of common-pool resources (CPRs) was recently established in Eastern Siberia, Russia. We analyze the features of the raw-material economy, which is still typical for Russian regions, and then we argue that contextual factors are crucial for the success of community-based governance of CPRs in creation and development of protected areas. Our focus is on the creation of the Alkhanay National Park, which was a unique event because of the competition between two rival projects: gold mining and a national park. Local contextual factors of holy Buddhist places, natural attractions, and long-standing traditions of health treatment in mineral springs played key roles. Remote contextual factors, such as the participation of Siberian scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the project and the state ownership of natural resources in this area, also played a positive role in the process. A very important instrument for community-based governance is functional zoning, where different community interests of agricultural, historical, and cultural traditions; religious and native customs; and a new economy based on tourism and recreation are taken into account. We conclude that such zoning is effective for sustainable development of the area.