International experts recommend Public Trust Doctrine for Rio+20 discussions

29th February 2012

Brown Bear. Photographer: Steiner WikanA group of International experts have recommended that the notion of the 'Public Trust' be incorporated into the conversations regarding institutional frameworks for sustainable development at Rio+20.

Setting humanity on a sustainable course will require striking a balance between the use of natural resources and their conservation. An ancient but often overlooked doctrine called the Public Trust Doctrine (PTD) provides a legal foundation and implementation framework for achieving sustainable resource use.

Two key topics at Rio+20 in particular could be clarified by applying the PTD: protecting the rights of future generations to functioning ecosystems and the governance of ecosystems and resources beyond national jurisdiction.


We know the Earth's resilience and resource base cannot be stretched infinitely and we are uncomfortably aware that we are heading in the wrong direction. The question that remains is how we can better manage
our relationship with nature.
- Third Nobel Laureate Symposium on Global Sustainability



Their full breifing - The Public Trust Doctrine and Rio+20 - provides greater detail