What do you think is the best example of commons management today?

The human population is now more than 6.6 billion and each year 78 million more people are added. When will the world be ready to acknowledge the importance of this issue? "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." ---Albert Einstein The significance of this living issue demanding attention is self-evident. The fact that people are considering the countless variables presently is encouraging. Philosophers and scientists of every degree have contended with this issue through the ages. Together we have an opportunistic foundation. It is now time for the present generations to empower Goodwill and act with focused vision. http://www.peterussell.com/Odds/WorldClock.php Obviously, solutions lie not in the populace elimination. The answers lie in anticipating sustainability measures, engaging demographics, conscionable resource stewardship engaging pertinent environmental standards, determining practical health standards, working to establish world peace and allowing Mother Earth to flourish as God has provided us with the means and so it shall be. It all boils down to mutual respect each individual being respected as a gift. Presumptuous and idealistic some will claim. Love one another is the Golden Rule, the greatest commandment. One must be responsible for the other, oneself and accord respect to both. Stated another way, “The faster we learn we are all in this together, the better we all shall be”. Human life expectancies are rising. Disease cures will increase survival rates significantly. This is an imperfect world flowing with abundant miracles. Each experience elicits sharing discoveries enabling creatively acute response networks. That message has been clearly telegraphed through the ages. Our forefathers could only conceive of the today’s phenomenon (industry, technology, population demands upon resources, environmental afflictions etc.). Awareness of the living dynamic seemed to accelerate post WWll with the forethought of authors such as Lester Brown. Grasping the population issue is something we all seem to ponder at some point. Solutions will be availed and attitudes will shift. Solution implementation requires teamwork. It’s up to each of us. For example, intensive aquaculture applying proven eco-friendly practices, advanced technical equipment, and a mission statement incorporates the will to produce abundantly in order to share the wealth of product to the hungry as a measure of success. In order to accomplish this we must be profitable enough to keep the process rolling and share innovative energy generation techniques so that we can work to resolve the current “energy quest” to achieve a better way. That’s the reason we will have a bene-fishery since many will benefit (participants, markets, infrastructure support, industry, education, etc). It’s not too late. The time to act is before us. Once we procure a shift in energy resourcefulness so will many other power infrastructures be displaced and replaced. The quiet green revolution may manifest peacefully. Enough for everyone! Isaiah has prophesized: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. The Definite Chief Aim : To synergize a dedicated, competent, talented team to implement a sustainable renewable energy hybrid (Wind, Tides, Solar, Water) to successfully institute the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) designed for intense commercial farming of Penaeus vannemai (Pacific white shrimp) and Trachinotus carolinus (Pompano). Both are marine species, presently raised successfully in domestic RAS(s). The challenge to collaborate the energy sources will be a unique challenge and must be site-specific, definitively adapting to the location’s physical and political profile including permitting stipulations. Interestingly, several renewable options may be examined and realized. The sophisticated aquaculture enterprise will be genuinely sustainable and eco-friendly. Founded on the fecundity principle, dependent upon proven genetics and reproductive efficiency, and emblazoned to manifest sound, honest and ethical management practices, the farm will be established with expansion capabilities intact. The hatchery and processing units will be pre-planned and integrated once manufacturing quantities and cash flow create a green light. Freely sharing our experiential progress and discoveries with like-inclined professionals, we shall create mechanisms promoting sound aquaculture, enhance proliferation of the green energy movement critical to our national economy and demonstrate duplicable, credible manufacturing excellence positioned to compete in diverse current trade scenarios. Coupled with year-round production capability, the ability to service and supply markets for live, freshly iced, processed and frozen product is a lucrative opportunity. Seafood connoisseurs, restaurant chefs, seafood marketing and distribution agencies are seeking domestic dependable top-quality, “organic proficient” producers. Eco-friendly means business. This will be our niche. Vannemai shrimp and pompano are already highly desirable plate/menu species. Once demonstrating success in efficiently supplying opportune niche markets, other species and/or marketing matrixes may be explored. The marketing arms evolve naturally once nurtured. Consistent quality and demonstrably dependent supply will reinforce intense targeted production mechanisms Not so long ago, the US seafood industry as a whole treated sustainability as an afterthought. Today, environmental responsibility in purchasing decisions is foremost in the wholesale and retail sector’s consciousnesses. Large and small retailers alike know that: a.) selling sustainable seafood is good for business and b.) Savvy customers have become more aware that sustainable, clean, organic seafood is available, highly desirable and demanded. Accordingly, “farmed organic”, product sustainability is expected. RAS aquaculture is by its very nature “genuinely sustainable”. USDA, USDOE, USDOC, NOAA, through financing, grants and credits programs too numerous to mention here are poised to support aggressive projects. After all, NOAA has targeted a five-fold increase in marine aquaculture in the scope of 10 year plan, as recently published in October 2007. Simultaneously winning the confidence of institutions of higher learning as well as political affiliates at USDOC, NOAA, DOE, EPA etc., and credibly securing eligibility to a host of grant and loan programs is conceivable. An investor’s capital will be used sparingly and conservatively. My work experience as a dairy farmer (1972-1986), and twenty years of experience in the lobster trap and wire mesh industries (1987-2007) servicing commercial fishermen, has granted a witness to diverse recent political and economic trends. The farming and fishing industries are intrinsically linked. Convinced that the opportunity to launch an intense aquaculture manufacturing enterprise is ripe and present, success will be practicable through honest deliberate implementation. In many business activities, improvised strategies work best combining common sense and real-world experience. But through cooperative masterminding the three universal core guidelines for business: the people process, the strategy, and the operating plan; we fulfill summarized priorities through decisive action and achieving progressive benchmarks. Congruently, homogenizing participation with mentoring professionals, enhancing training, strategizing, drilling, funding and building team chemistry, are critical to this project’s initiation. Together, these demonstrate what sound business is all about. Resourcefulness takes on even greater meaning when human energy, focused, favors the common good. The enterprise must contribute to its members through assurance, financial reward and benefit packages incenting creative professional application and professional development. The responsibility and relationship within the local community and broader economy will be enhanced through furnishing jobs as well as supporting existing complementary commerce. Synergized relationships with universities for aquacultural research, technology augmentation, and public policy must be cultivated. Market distribution networks will be established engendering unique partnerships. Participants will be melded to our mission statement. Inspiration will be bestowed through imagination, enthusiasm and passionate pragmatism. Together, positive contributions to the protein grid and the vitalized demonstration that domestic manufacturing is indeed feasible independent of the conventional energy grid are virtuous targets and feasible goals. The culmination of purpose and scope is duly conceivable. The timing is perfect. The major topics specific to the proprietary plan; The Aquaculture Component, the Renewable Energy Initiative Implementation, and the Optimal Location Parameters will be discussed as appropriate. Additional details for the aquaculture production component, outlined options for the renewable energy proposal, and location prerequisite parameters will include sharing of site analyses, insights and observations conducted previously. Planning and design options for the a renewable/alternative energy initiative as applied to the Penaeus Vannemai commercial operation requirement to displace of 1,103,760 KW-hrs of grid based electricity, 284,736 (100000 BTU) natural gas, and approximately 8,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel is the initial task. Today we have multiple options as improved technologies and economies of scale kick in. The real winners in modern business are the businesses and personalities that take a chance, gamble on a unique reading of the marketplace, and look for differential advantages that will distinguish them from the pack mentality The process to concert and execute the dynamic plan will take guts and persistence. Working cooperatively, transparently, and accountably, resourcefulness will be enhanced. Economic stimuli will evolve. Economies are generated by creative ideas. It is this spirit class and attitude which spurs a new class of innovation. Innovation propels innovation. Collaboratively piggybacked, hybridized generation sourcing to supplement and complement the aqua/energy plant makes the most competitive sense. Final thought: "The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us"

While I am eager to vote for the community garden, local sustainability as the answer. I resently was introduced to a freecycle.org website. If you are in need of it, ask. If you want to be free of it, give. Keeping our landfills free of some. What if we put the garbage in the front entrance of our neighborhoods? What if we all had to spend 20 minutes a day sorting it? Would we together hide it or resolve it? Are we a village, alone at our computer?

Libraries!

OTHER I interpret your question "What do you think is the best example of commons management today?" as “give a GOOD example of management", that is, a CLEAR, EVIDENT example of COMMONS' MANAGEMENT; not just an example of "GOOD MANAGEMENT". So there are many more and evident examples of "BAD MANAGEMENT, BAD POLICIES" or miss-management than are or good management of commons. The Tragedy of the Commons (as explained by Garrett Hardin), is everywhere. One of the most evident examples nowadays, and that will become worst, is OIL (petrol). A "common natural resource" overexploited by greed, indifference and comfort of all of us, without clear rules how to preserve that cheap energy for ourselves and much less for future generations. Also mismanaging its use to avoid polluting our environment or affecting climate. Of course the most noxious of all mismanagements is the freedom to breed as denounced and adverted by Garrett Hardin since 1968.

I know it sounds ridiculous but, are you ready? The best example of commons management: The NHL Hockey draft where last years' Stanley Cup winners get to pick last this year. That is an egalitarian way to manage the commons (and share the wealth) of hockey talent as well as those who value a good sporting contest. Wouldn't it be interesting to try something similar for profit or financial wealth management. Recognition for high (personal or national) earnings trumps the actual entrenchment of earnings and wealth disparities this promotes. Next year, someone else gets to have a go at it without all the obstacles to competition. Somehow, substantive merit needs to supercede mere accumulation of financial resources. Best wishes. Sincerely, John R Ferguson, PhD

Wikipedia?! Geez louise what a narrow view... I guess since anyone can add to this site that is everyone contributing to the same, BUT most school systems block this site because it is inaccurate for that very reason. Farmer's markets and community gardens are scattered and don't always serve the most people though it is catching on and more are opening up esp. in the SE. Aquaculture is now serving more people who eat fish but Atlantic aquaculture for salmon is not recommended for regular consumption. Land trusts - now this has the farthest reaching potential in times to come as well as families who want to keep their heritage and land as it is. I have been surprised at the number of land trusts here in NC. though I shouldn't be small farms and family lands are a tradition and we're slowly going back to that. Thanks to the good Lord.

I vote for carsharing. This concept available in progressive cities around the world, makes cars part of the street system. Since we share the streets, why not share the cars as well. In fact, the large footprint of the car means that, with private ownership, there are too many of them and they are utilized too poorly (one occupant each) and they are too large and polluting for city use. Carsharing not only reduces the footprint of the car presence, it promotes 'nicer' driving, thanks to the carsharing company's tracking of their cars and the high scrutiny of people allowed to become members. Chris Bradshaw Ottawa (Living 'car-lite')

Paul Justus As a long time advocate for land trusts*, community land trusts and cooperative living I agree that these are excellent and necessary ways to manage our commons. However, if we are to survive as a civilized society, I believe we need to take a much more powerful step of adopting on local to international scales the Environmental Tax Shift. This tax reform, also known as the Green Tax Shift, Geonomics, Earthrights Democracy and Geoist Philosophy, is critical to getting everyone on the planet to shifting our technology and behavior to an ecologically sustianable resource conserving way of life. In a bumper sticker slogan we need to Tax Waste, Not Work. Regards, Paul I have served on the board of a land trust for 12 years.

The health food stores organized as cooperatives, found today in many cities, could be examples of such successful commons management. Wikipedia is a pioneer demonstrating the viability of a paradigm shift idea -- that we can (and we should) manage the "knowledge commons" of humanity, especially the less temporal segment of knowledge. It should not be the property of a few individuals, groups, or companies, but the property of all, with the right of "all" to participate. Other pioneers should follow soon, developing the brilliant management principles discovered by the founder of Wikipedia and by the scholars who inspired the movement. Consequently, humanity in general should start managing its own medical knowledge commons, and finally its health.

It is possible Wikipedia is not "the best" example for it quality, but it has a strong "demostration effect" of the commons possibilities.