The conference was conducted at The University of Auckland, New Zealand to discuss the topic "Property Rights and Sustainability: The evolution of property rights to meet ecological challenges" from 16-18 April 2009. The prime objective of the conference was to achieve the goal of sustainability. It has opened a new horizon in the approach towards conflict resolution and regulatory intervention. It was intended to explore the further areas of reconfiguring the property rights and responsibilities so that the address of ecological problems can be done in a more sustainable way.

Profile of the Speakers:

Judge Christopher Weeramantry

One of the confirmed keynote speakers was Judge Christopher Weeramantry. He is renowned for his judgments regarding various issues like environment, human rights, peace and nuclear weapons. The 1997, Gabcikovo-Nagymaros judgment made him famous in New Zealand. The opinion on the “Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons" also was a remarkable incident. His achievements include UNESCO Peace Education Laureate in 2006, and the 2007 Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize).

Professor Eric Freyfogle

There are numerous books authored by Professor Eric Freyfogle. The books are mainly on private property and land ethics. Some of his recent books include Finding Common Ground on the Ownership of Land, The Land We Share: Private Property and the Common Good.

Professor J. Ronald Engel

Professor J. Ronald Engel is a Senior Research Consultant and Center for Humans and Nature. He was the one who helped in pioneering the academic fields of environmental ethics, history and theology. Some of his publications include The Struggle for Community in the Indiana Dunes, Voluntary Associations etc.

Professor Beder

Professor Beder was trained as a civil engineer before getting involved in the social, political and philosophical aspects of engineering and environmental politics. He has been involved and authored many journals and books. Some of them are Free Market Missionaries: The Corporate Manipulation of Community Values.

Professor Tony Arnold

Professor Tony Arnold is responsible for writing on numerous issues related to environment. His writings include environmental regulation of land use, water, and property. However, in particular to the themes of the conference  are "The Reconstitution of Property: Property as a Web of Interests" (2002) 26 Harvard Environmental Law Review, 281.