commons

A concept whereby some forms of wealth belong to all, and that these community resources must be actively protected and managed for the good of all. It consists of land and services of common property (forests, rivers, fields and arable land) used and managed by a given community (mainly traditional, local or indigenous). The commons also consist of gifts of nature such as air, oceans and wildlife (global commons) as well as shared social creations such as libraries, public spaces, scientific research and creative works. See also Common Pool Resources” and Tragedy of the commons”.