Considering Scale in Resource Definition

Abstract

"Resources are defined, regulated, and consumed at scales ranging from the scale of a single individual to the global scale. Forests have long been recognized as common-pool resources that exist within the context of different scales. This paper examines the importance of understanding the role of scale in the definition of forests as resources. It begins with a discussion of structuration as the theoretical foundation for resource definition. Next, the dual role of scale in influencing and being influenced by the definition of resources is discussed, and finally, these principles are applied to forests."