This book helps track developments in natural resources legislation from the perspective of international sustainable development principles. It seeks to reflect up-to-date trends and thinking in natural resources governance, enhance the knowledge base in this field, and offer general guidance to countries in the regulation of their natural resources.Influenced by international trends, as well as in response to population, climate, resource and development needs, the standards, norms, mechanisms and incentives in natural resources law at the national level have evolved in recent years. Natural resources laws are influenced by developments in the international arena, either through international treaties that are binding or through "soft law".This publication encompasses a broad range of natural resource sectors, including water, land, forestry, fisheries, mining, petroleum and agriculture, and provides an overarching holistic perspective that is supportive of a systems-thinking approach. The approaches offered embrace the pillars of sustainable development, i.e. approaches that recognize and are informed by economic, social and environmental considerations and impacts.