Collective management of environmental commons with multiple usages: A guaranteed viability approach

In this paper we address the collective management of environmental commons with multiple usages in the framework of mathematical viability theory. We consider that stakeholders can derive from the study of their specific socioeconomic problem (i) the variables describing the different usage of the commons and its evolution (ii) and a representation of the desirable states for the commons. We then consider the guaranteed viability kernel, subset of the set of desirable states where it is possible to maintain the state of the commons even when its evolution is represented by several conflicting models. This approach is illustrated on a problem of lake eutrophication. •Sustainable management of commons relies on models which are not always consensual.•Stakeholders with different interests may consider different models and constraints.•Guaranteed viability can take into account simultaneously different differential equations models.•Guaranteed viability can propose a consensual solution satisfying all constraints.