Journal Article

Analyzing Decentralized Resource Regimes from a Polycentric Perspective

Ostrom, Elinor, Andersson, Krister P.

2008

Overview

This article seeks to shed new light on the study of decentralized natural resource governance by applying institutional theories of polycentricity-the relationships among multiple authorities with overlapping jurisdictions. The emphasis on multi-level dynamics has not penetrated empirical studies of environmental policy reforms in nonindustrial countries. On the contrary, many of today's decentralization proponents seem to be infatuated with the local sphere, expecting that local actors are always able and willing to govern their natural resources effectively. Existing studies in this area often focus exclusively on characteristics and performance of local institutions. While we certainly do not deny the importance of local institutions, we argue that institutional arrangements operating at other governance scales-such as national government agencies, international organizations, NGOs at multiple scales, and private associations-also often have critical roles to play in natural resource governance regimes, including self-organized regimes.

• Publisher: Springer,Springer US,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Central government / Decentralization / Developing countries / Economic Policy / Environmental policy / Forest management / Forest resources / Forestry / Forestry policy / Governance / Government agencies / Hypotheses / Industrialized nations / Institutions / International organizations / Jurisdiction / Landowners / LDCs / Local government / Mayors / Municipal governments / Natural resource management / Natural resources / NGOs / Non-governmental organizations / Nongovernmental organizations / Political Science / Political Science and International Relations / Political Science and International Studies / Political systems / Politics / Public Administration / Public policy / Reforms / Resource management / Studies / Tourism