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Basic Principles Evolved in the U.N. Stockholm Declaration, 1972

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference, 1972) established important principles that became the foundation for modern environmental law and sustainable development policies. The Declaration emphasizes balancing environmental protection with human development. Below are the core principles:

  1. Human Rights and the Environment (Principle 1)
  • Humans have a fundamental right to a healthy and productive environment.
  • Every individual has the responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations.
  1. Responsible Use of Natural Resources (Principle 2 & 3)
  • Earth’s natural resources, including air, water, land, flora, and fauna, must be safeguarded.
  • Renewable and non-renewable resources should be used sustainably, ensuring their availability for future generations.
  1. Environmental Protection as an Integral Part of Development (Principle 4)
  • Development is necessary for improving the quality of life but must be integrated with environmental preservation.
  • Policies should ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
  1. Pollution Prevention and Control (Principle 6)
  • Pollution of air, water, and land must be controlled and minimized to maintain environmental quality.
  • Nations should develop regulations to prevent pollution that could harm ecosystems and human health.
  1. Protection of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (Principle 5)
  • The Earth’s ecosystems, including wildlife and biodiversity, should be protected.
  • Preventing environmental damage helps sustain life on the planet.
  1. International Cooperation for Environmental Issues (Principle 24 & 25)
  • Environmental problems often transcend national boundaries (e.g., pollution, climate issues).
  • Nations should cooperate through international agreements to address shared challenges effectively.
  1. Development Support for Developing Countries (Principle 9)
  • Developing countries may require support to protect the environment while pursuing development.
  • The global community, particularly developed nations, should provide assistance through funding and technology transfers.
  1. Environmental Awareness and Education (Principle 19)
  • Educating the public about environmental issues is essential.
  • Countries should promote environmental knowledge and involve citizens in conservation efforts.
  1. Sovereign Right of States Over Natural Resources (Principle 21)
  • Nations have the right to utilize their natural resources according to their own policies.
  • However, they also have a responsibility to ensure their activities do not harm the environment of other nations or areas beyond their jurisdiction.
  1. Avoidance of War-Related Environmental Damage (Principle 26)
  • Environmental damage caused by military activities and wars must be prevented.
  • Peaceful cooperation is essential for long-term environmental protection.
  1. Limit the Carrying Capacity of Nature (Implicit Principle)
  • Recognizing that natural systems have limits, development policies should not push ecosystems beyond their ability to recover.
  1. Polluter Pays Principle (Emerging Idea)
  • Although not explicitly named in the declaration, the idea that those responsible for pollution should bear the cost of prevention or cleanup was hinted at and later became widely recognized.

Summary

The Stockholm Declaration laid the foundation for modern environmental protection, stressing that humans are both dependent on and responsible for nature. Its core message revolves around sustainable development, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and international collaboration, which continue to shape global environmental governance today.

 

Basic Principles Evolved in the Rio Declaration, 1992

The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development was adopted during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The declaration consists of 27 principles aimed at balancing environmental sustainability with human development. Below are its key principles:

  1. Human Responsibility to Protect the Environment (Principle 1)
  • Humans have the right to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.
  • Every individual and nation is responsible for protecting and preserving the environment.
  1. Sustainable Development (Principle 2, 3, & 4)
  • Development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • Economic development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually supportive.
  1. Sovereignty and Responsibility (Principle 2)
  • Nations have the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources according to their own policies.
  • However, they must ensure that activities within their jurisdiction do not harm the environment of other nations.
  1. Environmental Protection Integrated with Development (Principle 4)
  • Environmental protection should be an integral part of development processes.
  • Sustainable development requires balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.
  1. Eradication of Poverty (Principle 5)
  • To achieve sustainable development, nations must focus on eradicating poverty.
  • This will help reduce environmental degradation caused by underdevelopment.
  1. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (Principle 7)
  • All nations share a common responsibility to protect the global environment.
  • However, developed countries have a greater responsibility due to their historical contribution to environmental degradation and their ability to provide technology and financial assistance.
  1. Precautionary Principle (Principle 15)
  • Where there are threats of serious environmental damage, lack of scientific certainty should not be used as an excuse to delay measures to prevent environmental harm.
  • Preventive action is better than corrective action.
  1. Polluter Pays Principle (Principle 16)
  • Those responsible for causing environmental damage should bear the cost of cleanup and prevention.
  • This principle ensures accountability and incentivizes reducing pollution.
  1. Right to Information and Participation (Principle 10)
  • Environmental issues should involve the participation of all concerned citizens.
  • Individuals should have access to information about the environment and be able to participate in decision-making processes.
  1. Cooperation to Address Global Environmental Problems (Principle 12, 14, & 19)
  • Global environmental issues, such as climate change, require international cooperation.
  • Nations should share information and work together to address transboundary or global problems.
  1. Women and Indigenous Communities’ Roles (Principle 20, 21, & 22)
  • Women play a vital role in environmental management and development, and their full participation is essential.
  • Indigenous and local communities also have traditional knowledge and practices that can contribute to sustainable development.
  1. War and Environmental Protection (Principle 24)
  • Warfare is inherently destructive to sustainable development.
  • Environmental protection should be respected during armed conflicts.
  1. Peaceful Dispute Resolution (Principle 26)
  • Environmental disputes should be resolved peacefully through cooperation and negotiations, not conflict.
  1. Environmental Legislation and Liability (Principle 17 & 18)
  • Nations should establish environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures to evaluate activities that may harm the environment.
  • Systems of liability should be established for environmental damage, ensuring proper compensation and restoration.
  1. Technology Transfer and Financial Support (Principle 9)
  • Developed countries should help transfer environmentally sound technologies and provide financial resources to developing nations.
  • This helps bridge the gap between development and environmental protection.
  1. Sustainable Consumption (Principle 8)
  • To achieve sustainable development, consumption patterns, especially in developed countries, should be re-evaluated and made more sustainable.

Summary

The Rio Declaration built upon the Stockholm Declaration, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development, global cooperation, environmental justice, and the balance between economic development and ecological protection. The declaration became a crucial milestone in shaping international environmental treaties, like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. 

Note: ( it is just for education purpose, familiarty about the conference held) 

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