Recognition and defence of the commons from the local community perspective
Across Europe, various communities have accessed land, water, and their abundant resources through systems that resonate deeply with local heritage. These territories, known collectively as “commons,” showcase a rich tapestry of local governance models. While they bear numerous names—such as caolars, consortage, crofting, katuns, and corals de pesca—Elinor Ostrom’s work has popularized the term “commons” for their recognition and defense. The effective management of these areas often spans centuries, highlighting human ingenuity in resource stewardship.
In this session, community representatives from different parts of Europe will share insights into their systems of governance and management. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, participants will illustrate how local customs and practices can effectively sustain community needs while protecting shared resources. This gathering aims to reinforce the recognition of commons as vital aspects of European cultural and ecological identity, contributing significantly to community resilience and the biodiverse cultural landscapes of Europe.
TRANSCRIPT DRAFT
Meeting summary for Recognition and defence of the commons from the local community perspective (09/12/2024)
Quick recap
XXX led a discussion about the community’s perspective, involving rights holders, travelers, associations, and researchers, and shared his experiences as a hill farmer in Dartmoor. He also discussed the challenges faced by his community in maintaining their traditional way of life, the importance of nature and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in their mountainous region, and various cultural activities and initiatives of his community. The meeting also covered the complexities and challenges of land rights in various regions, the impact of European Union policies on land rights, and the need for policy changes to better support and protect communal land rights.
Next steps
- European Union policymakers to review and consider recognition of Commons and collective rights in Europe.
- Attendees interested in legal aspects of Commons to attend the session on law and policy later in the program.
- Commoners to continue efforts to protect and maintain their traditional land rights and practices despite challenges from governments and corporations.
- Communities to explore ways to adapt their governance structures to current policies while preserving their core rights and identities.
- Participants to further discuss challenges and strategies related to Commons during coffee break and networking opportunities.
Summary
Community Perspective Discussion Led
XXX led a discussion about the community’s perspective, involving rights holders, travelers, associations, and researchers. There was some confusion and interruptions during the meeting, but XXX managed to keep the discussion on track. He also mentioned that each speaker would have a turn to present, with Layla Brownfield being the first to present directly from the source of the community.
Dartmoor Farm History and Management
XXX , a hill farmer in Dartmoor, discussed the history and current state of his farm. He explained that the land was taken from the locals by the King in 1368 and given to the Prince of Wales to become the Duchy of Cornwall. XXX ‘s farm is part of the Dartmoor forest, which is surrounded by village commons. He mentioned that his farm has been largely untouched by the Duchy of Cornwall, with the only significant investment being a thousand pounds for a bit of concrete. The farm is managed by pre-written occupants, with around 240 rights entitling him to 150 cattle or 350 sheep. XXX also shared a recent incident where one of his cows had an accident with a motorcycle on a fast road through the common.
Challenges in Traditional Community Life
XXX discussed the challenges faced by his community in maintaining their traditional way of life, particularly in relation to farming and livestock management. He expressed concerns about the impact of external pressures, such as the expectations of NGOs and the need for environmental conservation, on their practices. XXX also highlighted the issue of losing the younger generation to urbanization and the difficulty of adapting to change. He mentioned a court case against him regarding the Dartmoor Act and the struggle to maintain the balance between environmental conservation and the needs of the community. Finally, he introduced Melanie, the president of Safe in Javina, a Montenegrin journalist and a representative of the largest mountain grasslands in Europe.
Nature, Culture, and Government Conflict
XXX discussed the importance of nature and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in their mountainous region. He mentioned the existence of villages called “cartoons” where they live during the summer and descend to villages in winter. XXX also highlighted their cultural heritage, including traditional dances and talks. He then shared a recent issue with the government, which established a military training ground in their area, leading to protests and international support. XXX emphasized their community’s resilience and their efforts to protect their environment and culture.
Cultural Initiatives and Indigenous Traditions
XXX discusses various cultural activities and initiatives of his community, including collecting herbs, cooking workshops, using traditional bells for locating livestock, and mountain hiking programs. He mentions symbolic actions following a government change, such as cleaning a river and meeting with the Prime Minister of Montenegro regarding military training and wind turbines on their land. He also expresses concern about the use of the English language, suggesting a focus on the Sami language instead. The discussion covers diverse topics related to preserving indigenous traditions, environmental efforts, and political engagement.
Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism Challenges
XXX discussed the challenges and successes of sustainable agriculture practices in their mountainous region. He highlighted the importance of community collaboration, soil biodiversity, and recycling nutrients. XXX also mentioned the impact of tourism on their land, which sometimes conflicts with farming practices. He noted that their agarian community has been struggling with legal recognition of land ownership since it was nationalized by the government in 1919, 1940, and 1958. Despite this, they have taken proactive steps to balance agriculture and tourism, and aim to preserve cultural heritage, promote eco-friendly tourism, and support biodiversity. XXX also introduced Eva, who is working on a PhD related to the development of managed plans in France.
Prudonia of Paravez and Vigo Movement
XXX discussed the history and rules of the Prudonia of Paravez, a community of fishermen established in the 13th century. He highlighted the unique characteristics of the territory, including its 30-kilometer coastline and eight spans. XXX also mentioned the community’s ability to establish rules within its territory, unlike the territory of the predominium of Paris. He further explained the community’s decision-making process, which is based on the knowledge of fishermen. XXX also touched upon the social movement in Vigo, Spain, led by Manuel Lopez Rodriguez, a professional firefighter who became the first president of the newly constituted Comunidad de Montes de es.
Restoring Native Forests in Europe
XXX discussed the history and current state of a community’s efforts to restore native forests in an area affected by a highway construction project. He highlighted the challenges faced, including the introduction of non-native species and the need for a wide spectrum of possibilities for the wilderness to spread. XXX emphasized the importance of recognizing the community’s relationship with nature and the role of art in restoration efforts. He also noted the community’s progress and the need for continued action to restore native forests in Europe.
Land Rights Challenges and Policies
XXX discussed the complexities and challenges of land rights in various regions. He highlighted the historical and legal aspects of land rights, particularly in Dartmoor and Slovenia, where rights are tied to the land and can be difficult to transfer. XXX also touched on the impact of European Union policies on land rights, noting that they often fail to recognize and respect communal rights. He emphasized the need for policy changes to better support and protect communal land rights. The discussion concluded with an invitation to a session on specific laws and policies.