Commons" or authorized open access? Multi-use governance on the shores of lake Chad (Cameroon) An analysis of access to agricultural, fishing and livestock resources and of coordination issues among "users" of Lake Chad in Cameroon reveals original forms of governance characterised by an absence of groups that prohibit and regulate use, a prevalence of mutual adjustments, some forms of collective action, and conflict resolution by the authorities who authorise access. Shared access exists, but there is no "commons" as such, or any intentional management to ensure the viability of pooled resources. This case raises questions about the relevance of the concept of «commons» to analyse shared natural resources and calls for a more accurate characterisation of the diverse forms of resource governance. It also suggests that the multi-use governance observed on the shores of Lake Chad would be better described as authorised open access.