Resumo:One of the fundamental duties of governments is to protect and safeguard the rights and interests of vulnerable parties and minorities. The environmental rule of law holds tha this duty and related principles apply with full force in matters related to the environment. Recognition of the emerging environmental law principle in dubio pro natura, under which will lead to greater protection of the environment, is a key step toward incorporating na ethic of environmental sustainability into a legal system and strengthening environmental rule of law. Several counstries have begun applying this principle in statutory interpretation, shifting the burden of proof, and in other ways to give environmental laws greater effectiveness.

Sumário:In dubio pro natura: defining the principle: -- Justification -- Relationship to other principles of environmental law -- Applicability -- Analysis -- Costa Rica -- Brazil -- Ecuador.