“In Defense of the Commons: Challenges, Innovation and Action,” aims to provide scholars, practitioners and policymakers with a forum to debate the contemporary role of the commons in the context of a globalized word. Analyzing such concerns as climate change, ecosystem resilience and sustainability through the lens of commons theory offers the potential to find alternative solutions. In light of growing economic and power inequalities, gender imbalances and impending scarcity, there is a need to find ways to address these pressing challenges occurring around the globe. The IASC 2019 global conference in Lima offers the opportunity for delegates to delve into concerns affecting a fascinating region of the world, which includes the Andes, the Amazon and the Pacific, where many natural resources currently managed by ethnic communities are under threat of privatization or state appropriation.