ABSTRACT
In Chapter 8, ‘Weak commons management, strong identity: the case of Val d’Anniviers (Canton Valais)’, Francois-Xavier Viallon traces the historic transformations of commoners’ organisations back to the thirteenth century, when bourgeoisies and consortages were central actors of local political and economic life. The chapter shows how commoners’ organisations progressively lost their legal competencies and transformed into village-based organisations contributing to the preservation of local heritage, and allowing local and outside members to bind to their familial origins. Looking at the recent changes in the state of common pool resources, this chapter identifies a set of current strategies adopted by bourgeoisies and consortages to manage their resources, which mainly comprise a civic hall, forests, pastures, and vineyards. In the case of forests, commoners carry out market-based activities to secure income and maintain resource use. The creation of a cantonal forest association representing the interests of commoners strengthens their role as intermediaries in the policy implementation process. Further, there is a strong tendency for the use of pastures to be privatised, coupled to the preservation of symbolic management structures. Despite strong public support, agricultural activities in the valley continue to diminish, and put the preservation of the landscape ecosystem at risk.
