The tragedy of the commons

Governments and delegates are gathering in Colombia to tackle one of the world’s most pressing issues: the protection of nature. This meeting is part of the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity, addresses a crisis many overlook.

Governments are gathering to address the crucial problem of biodiversity and habitat loss

Later in November, another critical COP meeting on climate change will convene in Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders to confront the climate emergency.

Both events share a crucial goal: to assess progress and set new action plans. Yet, despite the urgency, current ambitions still fall short of what’s needed to counter the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

A treasure trove under threat

Forests alone shelter 80% of all terrestrial species – a treasure trove of biodiversity at risk. 38% of tree species are now threatened with extinction, warns the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Kakamega Rainforest, focus of multiple ITF projects, is home to diverse tree species and extraordinary wildlife, like the colobus monkey. Sadly it is under real threat from deforestation.

This troubling fact serves as yet another wake-up call to the mounting impacts of environmental destruction. If deforestation were a country, it would rank as the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, following only China and the United States.

So, why the inaction? The answer lies in what’s known as the “tragedy of the commons,” a concept that explains how individuals acting in their own self-interest can deplete shared resources with little regard for the future. Establishing global agreements, rules, and enforcement for vital resources – like land, oceans, and air – is notoriously difficult.

Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom dedicated her career to studying solutions to the “tragedy of the commons.” Successes do exist: the Clean Air Act and the global ban on chlorofluorocarbons to protect the ozone layer are two powerful examples.

But reversing environmental decline remains an uphill battle.

We can change

The scale of these issues can feel overwhelming, affecting every living species on earth. However, real change is possible. Active citizens can advocate for sustainable policies, and leaders must move beyond short-term gains and zero-sum thinking. We can also make progress locally, strengthening protections in specific places to preserve our shared resources.

This community nursery battles deforestation by growing trees to replenish the forests of Mount Elgon

The International Tree Foundation is doing just that. In East Africa, ITF works alongside communities and local authorities to restore forests and boost collective benefits. Bit by bit, this collaborative effort is showing results – forests are coming back to life, ecosystems are regenerating, and communities are thriving.

As Elinor Ostrom said, “Little by little, bit by bit, family by family, so much good can be done on so many levels.”

With our help, communities are turning scarred, overworked land into thriving forest

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