Collective action for the marine environment: Lessons from social dilemma research

Abstract

Scientific knowledge, evolved from environmental psychology and other disciplines, indicates clearly that people can take care of the environment with good results under some conditions. On the other hand, science also reveals some of the obstacles related to the fact that people are people. How humans think and act regarding environmental problems has been studied in various contexts. These studies are not only interesting to reflect on, but can also form the basis of scientific knowledge to be used by authorities, managers and others with an interest in improving their environmental status. This report syntesises the scientific knowledge gained from social dilemma research on how to handle common properties in cooperation with other people, regions and nations. This may concern how to handle nutrients, quantities, when and what to fish, and other activities on land and at sea.