Topic 3:How can the rules and norms which govern CPRs be given room to shift and change in the face of fast-moving GEC?

Many CPRs are the product of long-term relationships between actors and operate at a small scale. With rapid changes in land, sea, and atmospheric systems, as driven increasing teleconnections (both by global environmental change [GEC] and economic forces of globalization), as well as increasing uncertainty, do the insights gained for communal CPR management still apply in the face of such changing relationships? What can we learn about CPR management from past periods of rapid change and high uncertainty? How can the rules and norms which govern CPRs be given room to shift and change in the face of fast-moving GEC?

I think this is a good question. As I wrote in the 'general discussion' section, I think it is also healthy to recognize that many of these local institutions are inherently quite conservative. As you say Marci, they are the product of long-term relationships. Arguably, one reason why they are so successful of managing in a steady state is that cultural norms become established and people live within those bounds.

This conservatism may serve useful purposes when the system is in equilibrium, but certainly seems problematic to me when the system is highly dynamic. Going back to my post in the 'general discussion' section, I think we need to start thinking about how we can help these local institutions to survive and thrive (in fact, evolve and overcome some of their deficiencies) in a changing environment if we believe that they are ultimately key to the successful management of CPRs.