Laura Westra & Janice Gray 
The Role of Integrity in the Governance of the Commons 
Governance, Ecology, Law, Ethics

This book explores the impact of disintegrity on various aspects of governance, as the disregard of ecological conditions produce grave direct effects to human rights (to water or food) and, indirectly, also to human security in several ways. International legal regimes need to be reconsidered and perhaps re-interpreted, in order to correct these situations that affect the commons today.






Some believe that our starting point should acknowledge the impact we already have on the natural world, and accept that we now live in the ‘anthropocene’. Others think that the present emphasis on sustainable development needs to be re-defined. Finally, many believe that reconnecting with moral principles both in professional life and in governance in general represents a necessary first step.

Table of Content

Part I Governance for the Commons.- Part II Human Security, Food and Water Issues.- Part III Responsibility for Human Rights Breaches and Climate Change.- Part IV The ‘Anthropocene’ and Sustainable Development.- part V Human Responsibilty for Ethical Governance.

About the author

Laura Westra, Maple, Canada

Janice Gray, UNSW Australia


Franz-Theo Gottwald, Schweisfurth-Stiftung