Lessons in Real Estate No. 1 "sustainability is a duty we owe to future generations for the earth is merely held in trust by us"

“x-x-x the concept of intergenerational responsibility insofar as the right to a balanced and healthful ecology is concerned. x-x-x considers the "rhythm and harmony of nature." Nature means the created world in its entirety. Such rhythm and harmony indispensably include, inter alia, the judicious disposition, utilization, management, renewal and conservation of the country's forest, mineral, land, waters, fisheries, wildlife, off-shore areas and other natural resources to the end that their exploration, development and utilization be equitably accessible to the present as well as future generations. Needless to say, every generation has a responsibility to the next to preserve that rhythm and harmony for the full enjoyment of a balanced and healthful ecology. Put a little differently, the minors' assertion of their right to a sound environment constitutes, at the same time, the performance of their obligation to ensure the protection of that right for the generations to come.” Excerpts from Source : Oposa et al. vs. Factoran et al., G.R. No. 101083 July 30, 1993