There are many different types of resources, including human, social, information, and natural resources. This entry focuses specifically on natural resource management. While community organizations and state policies are very important for defining equitable and sustainable use of the Earth's resources (discussed below), this entry highlights private sector practices, with particular attention to resource management benefits and costs associated with the rapid growth of green businesses. A discussion of participatory natural resource management models linked to private sector and state initiatives follows an introduction to the characteristics of resources, ownership rights and responsibilities, and parameters for sustainable management.