Globally, community-governed and managed natural resources are recognised as Territories of Life. This concept emphasises the importance of collaboration and local governance in managing shared ecosystems. In Europe, the ancestral English term “Commons” better describes these spaces, where local communities take charge of their natural resources. These Commons illustrate a fascinating amalgamation of cultural heritage, local authority, and the historical significance of the stewardship of the diverse ecosystems of Europe.
Across Europe, rural Commons manifest in various forms, with a vast diversity of names, each unique to local traditions and societal values. These diverse practices, from communal grazing lands to cooperative water management, reflect the rich tapestry of cultural identities across the continent. The adaptability of these systems allows communities to tailor their resource management strategies, effectively responding to the specific challenges posed by their environment and in turn cresting the European cultural landscape.
The following stories reflect the diversity of these European Territories of Life / Commons.
