3. Be aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> characteristic flexibility <strong>of</strong> customary systems. Customary <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> systemsare flexible <strong>in</strong> time and space, and generally feature <strong>the</strong> <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> system that is adapted andadaptable to local ecological, social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. While legal recognition <strong>of</strong>customary systems can <strong>in</strong> many cases re<strong>in</strong>force security <strong>of</strong> <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> and reduction <strong>of</strong> legal “grayareas,” detailed codification <strong>of</strong> a customary system can oversimplify and freeze rules at a po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> time thatnormally change over time, thus undercutt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> subtleties and dynamism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> system.4. Provide <strong>in</strong>centives for susta<strong>in</strong>able <strong>management</strong> to user groups by secur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong>. Anappropriate <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> regulatory system channels and enhances positive <strong>in</strong>centives for susta<strong>in</strong>ablegovernance and <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>resource</strong>s. Access to and use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>resource</strong>s should be clearly def<strong>in</strong>edand <strong>rights</strong> based, but will most appropriately be derived from—ra<strong>the</strong>r than a replacement <strong>of</strong>—exist<strong>in</strong>g<strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> rules and <strong>in</strong>stitutions.5. Where possible, clarify <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong>, reduc<strong>in</strong>g (potential) conflict over land and <strong>natural</strong><strong>resource</strong>s. Identify and address exist<strong>in</strong>g conflicts due to overlapp<strong>in</strong>g claims. Where possible identify andacknowledge users <strong>of</strong> various <strong>resource</strong>s, <strong>in</strong> particular secondary <strong>resource</strong>s that are <strong>of</strong>ten overlooked.Harmonize plural legal systems such that <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> emerg<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> various legal systems lend forconsistent rules. In practice, any new statutory rules and laws that are designed take full consideration <strong>of</strong>customary rules already <strong>in</strong> place. Such harmonization is, and should be, an important aspect <strong>of</strong> clarify<strong>in</strong>gand secur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong>.6. Pay particular attention to duration <strong>of</strong> <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong>. Secure long-term <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> are neededto create and consolidate local <strong>in</strong>centives for long-term <strong>in</strong>vestments. Short-term <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> are notconducive to long-term <strong>in</strong>vestments.7. Avoid displacement (reduction or elim<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong>) wherever possible. Reduction orelim<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> should be avoided. Reduction or elim<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> haveenormous potential for creat<strong>in</strong>g poverty, livelihood <strong>in</strong>security, and conflict. Where such changes <strong>in</strong> <strong>rights</strong>are necessary, assess current <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> <strong>of</strong> various primary and secondary users <strong>of</strong> land and <strong>natural</strong><strong>resource</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area and provide mean<strong>in</strong>gful compensation.8. Recognize diversity <strong>of</strong> solutions. No s<strong>in</strong>gle model is appropriate or applicable <strong>in</strong> all situations andplaces. Assess trade<strong>of</strong>fs <strong>of</strong> various <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> regimes, and associated factors such as governmentcapacity for enforcement <strong>of</strong> laws (particularly <strong>in</strong> relation to private <strong>property</strong>), strength <strong>of</strong> local <strong>in</strong>stitutions(particularly <strong>in</strong> relation to communal lands and <strong>resource</strong>s), and <strong>in</strong>centives and dis<strong>in</strong>centives associatedwith various <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> regimes.9. Streng<strong>the</strong>n local <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Where possible streng<strong>the</strong>n local <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>of</strong> <strong>natural</strong> <strong>resource</strong>governance. While efficient common <strong>property</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions ensure high levels <strong>of</strong> equity and susta<strong>in</strong>ability<strong>of</strong> <strong>resource</strong> <strong>management</strong>, <strong>the</strong>ir effectiveness is <strong>in</strong>fluenced under certa<strong>in</strong> social and <strong>in</strong>stitutional sett<strong>in</strong>gs,and by specific attributes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>resource</strong>s and members <strong>in</strong>volved. Institutional arrangements arestreng<strong>the</strong>ned by mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m more transparent, accountable, <strong>in</strong>clusive, and responsive to local needs.Local <strong>in</strong>stitutions should be assisted to become more equitable, particularly <strong>in</strong> heterogeneouscommunities (prevent capture <strong>of</strong> <strong>resource</strong>s by local elites). Where necessary, local <strong>in</strong>stitutions and usergroups should be provided necessary tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g, conflict resolution, and consensus build<strong>in</strong>g.In addition, public oversight <strong>of</strong> <strong>resource</strong> exploitation may be necessary; however this will be moreeffective <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> support to local efforts than <strong>the</strong> traditional polic<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> land and <strong>resource</strong>s. One<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> least costly and most effective strategies available to central governments to streng<strong>the</strong>n local<strong>in</strong>stitutions is to promulgate enabl<strong>in</strong>g frameworks that formally recognize exist<strong>in</strong>g customary systems forland and renewable <strong>natural</strong> <strong>resource</strong> and provide backup enforcement and dispute resolution services onan as-needed basis. Such measures quickly and effectively revive customary systems by underl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>irlegitimacy <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> eyes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> formal legal system. Customary systems whose rules and monitor<strong>in</strong>g andenforcement activities are protected from unlimited contestation will have considerably greater <strong>resource</strong>s32 ROLE OF PROPERTY RIGHTS IN NRM: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE RURAL POOR
available to carry on <strong>the</strong>ir activities. In o<strong>the</strong>r cases, an ideal comb<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> state and community controlmay be explored to ensure social equity and environmental susta<strong>in</strong>ability. 2010. Promote <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> regimes that allow for equity as well as efficiency. Equity, efficiency, andsusta<strong>in</strong>ability cannot be attributed to any particular regime by itself. Private, state, and common <strong>property</strong>regimes have <strong>the</strong>ir respective <strong>role</strong>s, and provide different benefits. When assess<strong>in</strong>g benefits <strong>of</strong> a <strong>rights</strong>regime, it is essential to take <strong>in</strong>to consideration <strong>the</strong> characteristics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>resource</strong>, range <strong>of</strong> right holders<strong>in</strong>volved, range <strong>of</strong> potential users, and <strong>the</strong> diversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>resource</strong>s derived from <strong>the</strong> region. Care must betaken to ensure that secur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>rights</strong> <strong>of</strong> one group does not serve to marg<strong>in</strong>alize o<strong>the</strong>rs. In addition,transaction costs <strong>of</strong> enforcement <strong>of</strong> rules should be seriously taken <strong>in</strong>to account as <strong>the</strong>y weigh veryheavily on <strong>the</strong> viability <strong>of</strong> customary renewable <strong>natural</strong> <strong>resource</strong> and land tenure systems.11. Where possible promote solutions that go beyond efficiency and equity; empowerment <strong>of</strong> ruralpoor can br<strong>in</strong>g many long-term benefits. While efficiency and equity are important dimensions <strong>of</strong>ideal <strong>property</strong> <strong>rights</strong> regimes, regimes should consider concerns <strong>of</strong> rural empowerment and mov<strong>in</strong>gcommunities beyond dependency and a pervasive sense <strong>of</strong> helplessness. Such solutions br<strong>in</strong>g enormoussocial and economic benefits. In addition, long-term susta<strong>in</strong>ability (ra<strong>the</strong>r than short-term ga<strong>in</strong>s) shouldbe considered important variables <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> equation.Awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> above pr<strong>in</strong>ciples and observations will enhance understand<strong>in</strong>g and facilitate <strong>the</strong>response <strong>of</strong> <strong>natural</strong> <strong>resource</strong> managers as <strong>the</strong>y grapple with project or program implementation issuesacross a variety <strong>of</strong> contexts. While every situation is unique, <strong>the</strong>se pr<strong>in</strong>ciples shed light on exist<strong>in</strong>gpractices and constra<strong>in</strong>ts for which a practical response can be identified.20Some authors have explored <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>of</strong> subsidiarity <strong>in</strong> decision mak<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>natural</strong> <strong>resource</strong>s, that is, decisions be made at <strong>the</strong> mostlocal level possible <strong>in</strong> order to m<strong>in</strong>imize costs at higher socio-political, and adm<strong>in</strong>istrative levels (Ribot, 2004). Accord<strong>in</strong>g to this pr<strong>in</strong>ciple,where <strong>the</strong>re is lack <strong>of</strong> skilled human <strong>resource</strong>s at <strong>the</strong> decentralized level, and where macroeconomic policies such as taxes and quotasneed to be considered, <strong>the</strong> central government may be a more appropriate <strong>management</strong> entity (FAO, 2005).ROLE OF PROPERTY RIGHTS IN NRM: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE RURAL POOR 33
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