The tragedy of the commons is the problem that, because no one person owns the commons, each individual has an incentive to utilize common resources as much as possible.

While acknowledging that issues surrounding compensation for losses to global commons were unique and complex and required separate treatment, some delegations would have preferred the application of the draft principles to the global commons.

In areas beyond national jurisdiction, collective action is essential for effective conservation and management, not only to support species and habitat recovery in more heavily impacted zones, but also to maintain the biodiversity of the international commons for the benefit of all.