Proprietary possession of common resources

Imposition of property rights on shared resources
Affirmation of terra nullius
Closure of the commons

Nature

In earlier periods of much lower population levels many areas of land appeared to be unoccupied, especially when no notion of ownership was associated with them by scattered inhabitants. This allowed former colonial powers to claim and acquire these lands and to segment them into parcels and sell them as property. Encroachment on forest and wilderness areas may be undertaken in the same spirit. A similar approach is taken with respect to non-territorial resources, notably minerals and water (especially by depriving downstream land of river water or rain-bearing clouds). This logic is extended into traditional knowledge of indigenous communities with regard to valuable plants and animals. The logic legitimates commercial processes of biopiracy of local folk varieties of crops, traditional medicines and useful species, leading to the patenting of life. It may be extended into various forms of cultural piracy in which valued traditions are appropriated, repackaged and commercialized to the disadvantage of the originating culture.

Background

The issue of proprietary possession of common resources gained global prominence in the 1960s, notably following Garrett Hardin’s influential essay, "The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968), which highlighted the risks of privatizing shared assets. Subsequent international debates, particularly during United Nations environmental conferences in the 1970s and 1980s, deepened awareness of how exclusive control over commons—such as water, fisheries, and genetic resources—threatened equitable access and long-term sustainability worldwide.

Incidence

Proprietary possession of common resources is a persistent global issue, affecting forests, water bodies, fisheries, and mineral reserves across continents. The privatization or exclusive control of these shared assets by individuals, corporations, or states often leads to restricted access for local communities, resource depletion, and social conflict. This phenomenon is observed in both developed and developing regions, with significant implications for environmental sustainability and equitable resource distribution.
In 2022, the government of Indonesia granted large-scale palm oil concessions to private companies in West Papua, resulting in the displacement of indigenous communities and restricted access to traditional forest resources. This sparked international concern and local protests.

Claim

Proprietary possession of common resources is a grave injustice that threatens the very fabric of our society. When individuals or corporations seize control of resources meant for all, they undermine equality, fuel environmental destruction, and deepen social divides. This unchecked greed prioritizes profit over collective well-being, eroding our shared heritage and future. Addressing this issue is not just important—it is absolutely urgent for the survival and fairness of our communities.

Counter-claim

The so-called issue of proprietary possession of common resources is vastly overstated. Private ownership often leads to better management, innovation, and efficiency, benefiting society as a whole. Concerns about resource depletion or inequality are exaggerated, as market forces and regulations can address these challenges. Focusing on this "problem" distracts from more pressing global issues. In reality, proprietary possession is not a significant concern and does not warrant the attention it receives.