The Problem of the Governmentalized Commons: The Importance of Legitimizing and Supporting Self-Governance for the Transition from Decentralized Management to Localized Government

Abstract

"Through the case of Zaisan-ku system in Japan, this paper discusses the problem of the governmnetalized commons illustrating why it is difficult for suchcommonssystemsto sustain and develop as long enduring Common-pool Resource systems do. In this paper, a very broad concept of the commons is employed on purpose to include non-natural resources which happen to have CPR systems as its governing regime. By analyzing the two cases, the paper argues that both systems function as the governmnetalized commons through administrative decentralization and the enlargement of governance regime size (municipal mergers). Based on the analysis, the author states that, despite the systems' appeal as a sort of commons system, the governmnetalized commons system actually hinders the establishment and development as it do not allow self governance, lack supporting systems for individual CPR systems, and can bring commercialization of the commons. Considering that 'self-governance' is the prerequisite condition and 'nested system' is one of the necessary institutional conditions of long enduring CPR systems proposed by E. Ostrom, such aspects of the governmnetalized commons system cannot function as sustainable CPR systems. The public policy implications of this governmentalized commons problem concern legitimizing and supporting self-governance of communities and the commons. To address the problem and promote CPR systems, policy makers have to consider a comprehensive decentralization through the political structure reform, the legitimization of community self-governance and the commons rights. The UK government's recent decentralization reform including the introduction of the community rights is described as a reference point."