Overutnytting

Overutnytting is the excessive utilization of a resource or asset beyond its capacity to regenerate or sustain long-term yields, resulting in depletion or degradation. The term is used in Norwegian policy discourse and in international discussions to describe the mismatch between use and renewal in natural, economic, or social systems. While often associated with natural resources such as forests, fisheries, water, land, and minerals, overutnytting can also refer to the overuse of services or ecosystem functions, including pollination, carbon sequestration, or cultural assets.

Causes include open access or poorly defined property rights, weak governance or enforcement, price distortions or subsidies that encourage exploitation, short-term profit motives, population growth, and misaligned incentives. Overutnytting frequently arises when demand exceeds sustainable supply and common-pool resources are not adequately managed, contributing to the tragedy of the commons.

Consequences can be ecological, economic, and social: depletion of stocks, loss of biodiversity, habitat degradation, soil erosion, reduced water quality, and increased vulnerability to climate variability. Economic risks include price volatility, livelihood disruption, and higher costs associated with replacing degraded resources or services.

Management responses emphasize sustainable use principles and precautionary action. Tools include setting quotas or licenses, establishing protected areas, improving monitoring and enforcement, clarifying property rights, and aligning incentives through market-based instruments or community governance. Ecosystem-based management and integrated planning are commonly advocated to prevent irreversible damage.

See also: tragedy of the commons, sustainable development, ecological footprint, resource management.