ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides a theoretical framework which guides the way in which property rights, public and private regulation can protect common-pool resources. It includes case studies on forestry and case studies on fishery. Case studies show that many regulatory instruments influence the content of property rights. A point which clearly came out of the case studies is that one important aspect of the clear definition of property rights obviously also consists of the enforcement of those rights. The availability of information regarding the resources status, forest/fishing activities and their interaction is crucial for resources management. The book suggests that certainty of tenure is important for the quality of the protection awarded to common-pool resources, irrespective of whether this is allocated via public, private or common property rights.
