How does one “study the Commons” you might ask?

The International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) is a group concerned with that question. Its members focus on understanding and improving the management of resources that are (or could be) held or used collectively by communities. 

The IASC will hold its 2007 North American Regional Meeting at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College from July 31 to Aug. 3. 

The theme of the conference, Transitions in Defining and Utilizing North American Commons, is timely given the rapid changes occurring in Newfoundland and Labrador and elsewhere in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. 

Commons researchers often study natural resources such as forests, fish, wildlife, and water. Others now focus on information and cultural resources (traditional music for example) that can also be used collectively by communities. For all these resources, there are important questions to answer about who really ‘owns’ a resource, how resources can be shared and managed without conflict, and how public resources contribute to improving quality of life for people throughout society.

“We believe that Western Newfoundland is an ideal venue for the event, having a rich history and abundant natural and cultural resources,” said Dr. Murray Rudd, conference chair and Grenfell’s Canada Research Chair for Ecological Economics.

“As we diversify from traditional forestry and fishing industries, new opportunities are opening up in Newfoundland and Labrador, in sustainable nature-based and cultural tourism, environmental industries, and other fields. Conference delegates will have the opportunity to experience the legendary hospitality of the people of Newfoundland, traditional music, and participate in post-conference field trips.” 

Plenary speakers have been confirmed. Dr. Fikret Berkes, Distinguished Professor and Canada Research Chair in Community-Based Resource Management at the University of Manitoba, will give a talk titled Governance systems and role of communities: the challenge of scale.

Dr. Roberto Enriquez-Andrade, professor, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, will present Globalization and market pressures on Mexico’s marine and coastal commons: 12 years of NAFTA.

Dr.  Bonnie McCay, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor in Human Ecology at Rutgers University, will deliver a keynote speech titled Co-operatives and the commons – comparative reflections from Newfoundland, New Jersey, and Baja California.

Concurrent sessions, a poster session and a public forum are in the process of being planned.

To register, or for more information, visit the conference's website.