Lesson 4 Overview

Governance of Resources:

This week we will examine theories and approaches to study how resources (especially natural resource) are governed. Governance refers to the norms, institutions and processes that determine how power and responsibilities over resources are exercised, how decisions are made, and how different people participate in these processes. In Geography we pay particular attention to how different groups (and especially marginalized groups) participate in and benefit from the management of resources. The effectiveness and equity of governance processes critically determine both the extent to which ecosystems contribute to human well being and the sustainability of use. 

Consider these questions as you go through the material for this week as well as when completing your assignment:

• Whose responsibility is it to manage local resources? Global resources?
• What are the socio-economic and socio-ecologic implications of resource extraction?  
• When is it beneficial for a government or private company to control a resource? When is it not beneficial? 

Lesson 4 Checklist

Note: Please refer to the Calendar in Canvas for specific time frames and due dates.