Global Dynamics and Institutional Changes for Resource Management along Cochin Estuary

Abstract

"Management of common pool resource in transitional economies is becoming a challenge to local communities as well as policy makers. Though local communities in Asia had a long tradition of community based natural resource management, but today they are faced with severe constrains to self organise in a fast changing environment. When natural resources are opened to forces of international markets; communitarian management methods fail to bring consensus among competing stake holders. This has led to various governance and institutional changes where livelihoods and environmental sustainability is questioned. Various methods and measures are adopted by communities to manage this dilemma, which have mixed results. This local experience in resource management is a road map for policy makers for sustainable resource management which promises better livelihood and environmental sustainability."