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Prosocial influencers can promote societal cooperation

A modeling study suggests that prosocial behaviors can arise and be maintained in large societies through various mechanisms, including influencers who recruit neighbors to cooperate. The strategy produced similar results as strong leadership that prevents detected defectors from defecting again.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 2, 2024

The cultural evolution of collective property rights

A new simulation model examines the conditions under which institutions emerge and persist, highlighting the critical role of competition and learning from out-groups. The study builds on Elinor Ostrom's design principles for successful management, shifting focus to understanding how collective property rights arise and spread.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 21, 2024

The more stakeholders are included in policy planning, the better those policies protect them

Researchers found that groundwater management plans with stakeholder input offered greater protection from groundwater depletion, especially for domestic wells and ecosystems. However, only 9% of plans integrated all three stakeholder groups, with economically vulnerable communities being disproportionately affected.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2023