ABSTRACT
In the twenty years since the Rio Declaration, there have been a number of developments in the fi eld of participatory rights where environmental agreements emphasise the need to include communities in the environmental decision-making. Lack of community engagement, along with weak information and consultation procedures that disregard the voice of the affected communities, have resulted in unsustainable resource management. Examples from developed and developing countries show the need for increased participation of non-state actors, joint management of shared natural resources and stronger government obligations to involve communities in decisions. Along with an effective global framework dealing with participatory rights, regional collaboration can help to promote sustainable resource governance.
