Today, people live in a world full of various opportunities without even thinking about how dangerous and destructive human actions can be for nature. They continue consuming available resources and neglect the impact of their actions, which increases the “tragedy of the commons.” This concept was first introduced by William Forster Lloyd in the 19th century and promoted by Garrett Hardin in the 20th century to explain what to expect when populations shared limited resources like fishing areas or grazing land (Amendolare, 2017). During this course, several ideas were discussed to find practical solutions to the “tragedy of the commons,” remove selfish purposes, and believe that what is good for all may not be good for everyone. Such sustainable development goals as developing marine resources, restoring ecosystems, and managing forests should be considered at individual and international levels to involve as many participants as possible.
Management of marine resources touches upon the rationalization of fisheries and aquaculture. The health of the oceans determines human health because people depend on water from multiple perspectives. People should participate in eliminating plastic usage and coastal cleaning campaigns. Governments must define protected areas, establish fishing limits, and create zoning for natural habitats. Deforestation seriously threatens nature as people significantly decrease forest areas and neglect forests’ worth in mitigating natural disasters and maintaining biodiversity. The “tragedy of the commons” is evident in both cases because people try to find free natural resources to cover their needs. However, they do not think about the future when oceans are polluted and forests disappear. At this moment, the most effective practical solution for all stakeholders is to learn how to restore wildlife in forests, establish a human connection with nature, and create a world that does not destroy the earth. Restoration processes are not simple, but governments and individuals should understand their contributions and start protecting nature.
Reference
Amendolare, N. (2017). What is the tragedy of the commons? [Video]. YouTube.