‘National Level Brief on Economic Valuation of Land Commons in India’, a brief highlighting the economic value of Commons by estimating the income derived from Commons and its socio-economic impact, was discussed at the Commons Convening on Tuesday (27 August 2024).

The brief – compiled by Common Ground, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), Federation University, and International Food Policy Research Institute – cites data and insights from a paper titled ‘Valuing Ecosystem Services provided by Land Commons in India: Implications for Research and Policy’. The brief identifies 66.5 million hectares of total Land Commons Area and valuates it at an average annual value of INR 6.6 lakh crore (USD 90.5 billion). It further breaks down this total valuation into ecosystem services that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living.

The convening also discussed Our Commons, a comprehensive handbook which elucidates terms like Commons, Commoning and community stewardship, what it means to India, and the ways communities connect to them. The book highlights data points, legal frameworks, case studies and legislative efforts, and chart the way towards restoring Commons in India.

On Day 2 of the Commons Convening, Arun Maira, former member of Planning Commission of India moderated a session on 'Samaj, Sarkar, and Bazaar' highlighting the linkages between community, governments, and markets. The panelists in the plenary included Thomas Isaac, former finance minister, Kerala; Jahnvi Andharia, Director and Research Fellow Institute of Social Studies Trust, and Mekhala Krishnamurthy, Professor, Ashoka University.