ISSN:
1572-9915
Keywords:
KOMBU
;
SEAWEED
;
COMMON PROPERTY
;
COMPETITION
;
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
;
COMMUNAL REGULATIONS
;
JAPAN
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Ethnic Sciences
Notes:
Abstract Kombu is a kind of seaweed growing in northern Japan. In Hidaka District, Hokkaido Island, it comprises an important source of income. In the harvest of wild kombu, competition among the harvesters tends to be intense because of its high price and the fact that it is a limited resource. About a century ago, severe competition caused resource depletion and decline of kombu quality. Today, however, the resource is used sustainably by the villagers, who observe complex communal regulations for the use of common property. This study examines the ecological role of these regulations in the management of kombu as common property, and demonstrates that these regulations facilitate equal access to the resource, maintaining the unity of the local community, as well as efficient resource use.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1018704231913
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