Abstract
Globalization can have substantial impact on local commons by
reducing sustainability of ecosystems and their vital services. Without effective
local institutions, these resources are at high risk of exploitation, especially to
feed global markets. This study proposes a multiscale ecosystem framework
(MEF) that incorporates information on ecosystem components, socioeconomic
processes, and their interactions. This includes inter and intra common
interactions and multi-scale processes to evaluate inter and intra scale changes
in socioeconomic and ecological processes of commons. Local participation
and multi-disciplinary information are critical in achieving sustainability. Using
a global dataset of selected indicators, a general decline is observable in local
commons that face globalization. The need for increasing resilience of commons
through multi-scale adaptation strategies can inform decisions at the national,
state and local levels. Increased resilience through ecosystem-based approach can
minimize impacts of globalization using information on multiattribute processes,
equity considerations, development of robust institutions, and effective strategies
for adaptation.