Document Type

Article

Disciplines

International Law

Abstract

Land possesses specific characteristics including the fact that it is not a product of human work, it is finite, and it cannot be replaced. Land also possesses several other natural properties which are partly intrinsic (e.g., type of soil, topographic conditions, etc.), partly the result of climactic or other physical effects, or due to historical evolution (e.g., proximity of communities, transportation or communication facilities). In addition, an important aspect of land in all states is how its ownership is regulated and restricted by law.

The. main traditional economic uses of land are agriculture and forestry; nevertheless, newcomers in industry, transportation, communications, recreation, tourism, housing and public utilities are increasingly laying claim to and are competing with each other for the land. Changed land usage methods have resulted in a shift in the socio-economic "value" of the land with production capacities becoming less dominant while land values influenced by location and appearance are becoming more central. At the same time, agriculture and forestry are expected to meet growing needs by producing on an even smaller scale, yet without damaging other social interests.

Since land is non-fungible and scarce, and since it has a role to play with respect to all production areas, a state should regard it as national wealth.

Accessibility Requirements

1

Download

Share

COinS