The public trust doctrine (PTD) originated in Roman law. It states that certain natural resources, which are very important for the continued survival of the human race, like air and water, should not be owned or possessed by one individual. They are a gift of nature to all humankind and therefore should remain in the “trust” of the “public”. The modern roots of this doctrine are firmly embedded in the US. However, the doctrine has spread across to several countries and made itself a fundamental part of modern law