1) Clearly defined boundaries (membership and physical boundaries of resource are clear)

2) Congruence between appropriation and provision rules and local conditions (rules are congruent with local conditions)

3) Collective choice arrangements (individuals affected can participate in modifying operational rules)

4) Monitors are accountable to the resource users

5) Graduated sanctions against violators

6) Ready access to conflict-resolution mechanisms

7) Recognition of rights to organize, by external government authorities

8) Nested enterprises (where the resource is part of a larger system)