For many nations, a key challenge is how to achieve sustainable development without a return to centralized planning. Using case studies from Greenland, Hawaii and northern Norway, this 2006 book examines whether 'bottom-up' systems such as customary law can play a critical role in achieving viable systems for managing natural resources. Customary law consists of underlying social norms that may become the acknowledged law of the land. The key to determining whether a custom constitutes customary law is whether the public acts as if the observance of the custom is legally obligated. While the use of customary law does not always produce sustainability, the study of customary methods of resource management can produce valuable insights into methods of managing resources in a sustainable way.
Tpurchase and land use control powers appears to be increasing worldwide as competition for space increases. The need for large and relatively undeveloped areas of land for agriculture and conservation purposes often competes with the need for shelter and the commercial and industrial development accompanying such development for employment, the production and distribution of commodities, and other largely urban uses. The free market does not alwayssome would say oftenresult in a logical and equitable distribution of land uses and attendant public facilities necessary to serve the use of land. One function of government is therefore: (1) to regulate the use of private land for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; and (2) to help provide roads, water, sanitation, and other public facilities, as well as schools, parks and airports, etc. Accomplishing the former is generally done in accordance with some form or level of plan. Accomplishing the latter often requires the exercise of compulsory purchase powers, providing public land or interests in land in order to construct such public facilities or infrastructure.
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