Ethical and environmental dimension of the commons problem

The article presents ethical and ecological analysis of the problem of the commons raised by G. Hardin. The author reveals the reasons of the "tragedy of the commons". He considers market regulation and state control as two alternatives to communal ownership, and observes their positive and negative consequences. On the basis of E. Ostrom's works he shows the role of self-organization and moral standards in managing the commons. The conclusion is that the most important condition for effective management of environmental natural resources is increase in the role of local communities, study and use of their experience, preservation of ethnic traditions and values.