THE RIO EARTH SUMMIT

1 THE RIO EARTH SUMMIT

We do not inherit the earth from our fathers, we borrow it from our children. (Inuit

saying)

We cannot betray future generations. They will judge us harshly if we fail at this critical

moment. (Gro Harlem Brundtland, Prime Minister of Norway, UNCED, 1992)

...we can waste the planets resources for a few decades more...we must realize that one

day the storm will break on the heads of future generations. For them it will be too late.

(UN Secretary General Boutros-Ghali, UNCED, 1992)

Every bit of evidence I've seen persuades me we are on a course leading to tragedy. I

don't agree with those who say the status quo is the answer. (UNCED Secretary General

Maurice F. Strong, UNCED, 1992)

Rio de Janerio ,Brazil hosted the United Nations Conference on Environmental and

Development (UNCED) from 3-14 June 1992 which focused on the issue –The state of

the global environment and the relationship between economics , science and the

environment in a political context, in which 105 nations (Stephanie Meakin,nov,1992, p-

2) have shown their commitment towards sustainability by participating in this summit.

2 HISTORY

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, Sweden 1972 is

staged to be the initial step towards environmental awareness in the international

community which is a new concept and the countries primarily participated were

industrially developed ones who are facing the problems with the byproducts of

industrialization.

This conference is the first one of its kind which has provided an international platform

for sharing, discussing, analyzing, and the environmental issues being developed due to

human activities and formulate necessary agendas or principles to work towards a

sustainable environment.

This conference in Stockholm lead to a declaration, a non-binding statement of twenty six

principles, “to inspire and guide the people of the world in the preservation and

enhancement of the human environment”. The most important achievement of Stockholm

was that the creation of the United Nations Environmental programme (UNEP) which is

regarded as world`s primary international body which addresses global environmental

problems with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Yet Stockholm is considered to be mere failure as not even one issue debated in the

conference has been solved, (Halpen S. , 1992, p- 2).In 1972 , eco-catastrophes such as

chemical explosion in Bhopal ,India , Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in former

Soviet Union has occurred at a later stage which proves the inefficiency or failure of this

conference in eradicating or avoiding such disasters.

The inequities between north and south countries with prevailing major issues like

poverty, debt, limited natural resources which are the important reasons for countries to

be industrially well developed and vice-versa.

Inspite of many conferences and meeting after the Stockholm till date with about thirty

years of brainstorming no good has been done towards environment, in fact the effects

and actions were leaded the other way round harming the environment more.

Global warming is the most popular in media. Climate change along with effects like

desertification, unbalanced biological diversity, deforestation, and reduced access to

drinking water resources area also effects of human tampering with environment.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) with a body of 1,300 experts from 95 countries

stated that the earth`s capability to sustain and serve current and future generations is

being tampered by human actions. (Paolo Galizzi, 2005 p-955).

Tenth year from Stockholm gave rise to a special session emphasizing the validity of

principles adopted at Stockholm, the disparities in implementing the agenda, resulting in

Nairobi Declaration with intensified efforts and measures to protect and improve

requesting the governments and people to scale the progress achieved and discharge their

historical responsibilities collectively as well as individually.

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A special commission World Commission on Environment and development chaired by

Gro Harlem Brundtland ,the then Prime minister ,Norway , produced Brundtland report

1987 ,which explains about the unavoidable link between development and environment

and paved a path for the concept of sustainable development.

Later the general assembly discusses on accessing the stock of global environment ,

twenty years of Stockholm which resulted in another conference twenty years after

Stockholm with the main aim of sense of current , broad concept of environment its

linkage , durability and suitability for the human race unlike the first with focusing only

on human environment.

Basically this concept is being carried by the so called developed countries whose

economy is at a higher grade and those who caused more damage to the environment in

course of development. Developing countries who hasn`t explored their resources were

against this clause which doesn’t let the growth of their country`s economy, later agreed

on the condition that they get assistance both in financial and technological issues from

developed countries.

Disagreement was also faced concerning the location of UNCED preparatory committee

which is very important as Prepcom is such a body which refines conference issues in

seeking consensus which was finalized and on December 22, 1989 resolution44/228 has

been passed (Halpen S., 1992, p- 3) stating that developed countries have a responsible

role for reducing air pollution and also stressed the need for sharing of technology.

3 RIO DE JANERIO 3RD -14TH JUNE, 1992.

The UNCED conference conveyed on 3rd- 14th June 1992. Virtually 178 countries and 100

state heads 1,000 non-governmental organization, tens of thousands of journalists

attended and UNCED also worked on “ the `92 Global Forum “ a simultaneously

happened and equally attended conference.

Five agreements have been signed by the participating countries.

The Rio Declaration

Agenda 21( 800 page document)

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A frame work convention on climatic change

A frame work on biological diversity

A statement of principles on forests (Halpen S., 1992, p- 3)

Agenda 21 is divided in to four sections:

Section I - Social and economic dimensions.

Section II-Conservation and management of resources for development.

Section III- Strengthening the role of major groups.

Section IV-Means of implementation

The principles of Agenda 21:

Principle 1

Human beings are at the center of concerns for sustainable development. They are

Entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.

Principle 2

States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of

international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own

environmental and developmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities

within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States

or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.

Principle 3

The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitable meet developmental and

environmental needs of present and future generations.

Principle 4

In order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall

constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered

in isolation from it.

Principle 5

All States and all people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating

poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to

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decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the

majority of the people of the world.

Principle 6

The special situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least

developed and those most environmentally vulnerable, shall be given special

priority. International actions in the field of environment and development should

also address the interests and needs of all countries.

Principle 7

States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and

restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different

contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but

differentiated responsibilities. The developed countries acknowledge the

responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable

development in view of the pressures their society’s place on the global

environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command.

Principle 8

To achieve sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all people,

States should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and

consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies.

Principle 9

States should cooperate to strengthen endogenous capacity-building for

sustainable development by improving scientific understanding through

exchanges of scientific and technological knowledge, and by enhancing the

development, adaptation, diffusion and transfer of technologies, including new

and innovative technologies.

Principle 10

Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned

citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have

appropriate access Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992 to information

concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including

information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the

opportunity

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To participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage

Public awareness and participation by making information widely available.

Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and

remedy, shall be provided.

Principle 11

States shall enact effective environmental legislation. Environmental standards,

man agreement objectives and priorities should reflect the environmental and

developmental context to which they apply. Standards applied by some countries

may be inappropriate and of unwarranted economic and social cost to other

countries, in particular developing countries.

Principle 12

States should cooperate to promote a supportive and open international

economic system that would lead to economic growth and sustainable

development in all countries, to better address the problems of environmental

degradation. Trade policy measures for environmental purposes should not

constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised

restriction on international trade. Unilateral actions to deal with environmental

challenges outside the jurisdiction of the importing country should be avoided.

Environmental measures addressing trans boundary or global environmental

problems should, as far as possible, be based on an international consensus.

Principle 13

States shall develop national law regarding liability and compensation for the

victims of pollution and other environmental damage. States shall also cooperate

in an expeditious and more determined manner to develop further international

law regarding liability and compensation for adverse effects of environmental

damage caused by activities within their jurisdiction or control to areas beyond

their jurisdiction.

Principle 14

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States should effectively cooperate to discourage or prevent the relocation and

transfer to other States of any activities and substances that cause severe

environmental degradation or are found to be harmful to human health.

Principle 15

In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely

ape

Plied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious

or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a

reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental

degradation.

Principle 16

National authorities should endeavour to promote the internalization of

environmental costs and the use of economic instruments, taking into account the

approach that the polluter should, in principle, bear the cost of pollution, with due

regard to the public interest and without distorting international trade and

investment.

Principle 17

Environmental impact assessment, as a national instrument, shall be undertaken

for proposed activities that are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the

environment and are subject to a decision of a competent national authority.

Principle 18

States shall immediately notify other States of any natural disasters or other

emer-

gencies that are likely to produce sudden harmful effects on the environment of

those States. Every effort shall be made by the international community to help

States so afflicted.

Principle 19

States shall provide prior and timely notification and relevant information to

potentially affected States on activities that may have a significant adverse trans

boundary environmental effect and shall consult with those States at an early

stage and in good Faith.

Principle 20

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Women have a vital role in environmental management and development. Their

full participation is therefore essential to achieve sustainable development.

Principle 21

The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to

forge a global partnership In order to achieve sustainable development and

ensure a better future for all.

Principle 22

Indigenous people and their communities, and other local communities, have a

viable in environmental management and development because of their

knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support

their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the

achievement of sustainable development.

Principle 23

The environment and natural resources of people under oppression, domination

and occupation shall be protected.

Principle 24

Warfare is inherently destructive of sustainable development. States shall

therefore

Respect international law providing protection for the environment in times of

armed Conflict and cooperate in its further development, as necessary.

Principle 25

Peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and

Indivisible.

Principle 26

States shall resolve all their environmental disputes peacefully and by appropriate

Means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

Principle 27

States and people shall cooperate in good faith and in a spirit of partnership in

the

Fulfilment of the principles embodied in this Declaration and in the further

development of international law in the field of sustainable development.( UN,

1992,p-1-5)

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4 1997 EARTH SUMMIT +5

The greatest challenge of the Rio summit 1992 is the implementation of summit`s the

agreements which gave way for the establishment of The Commission of Sustainable

Development (CSD) to monitor and record the after affect s of the Rio Earth`s summit

1992.

The 1997 Earth summit is a review of the Rio summit which proved the Rio –

commitment was not encouraging and the agenda of principles still proven to be the best

solution for the problems prevailing even after five years of the summit 1992.but some

progress has been made in institutional development , international consensus-building ,

public participation, and private sector action which resulted in reduced rate of

degradation of environment and also pollution.

At the end of the century the environment in particular is in fr more worse condition in

spite of the 25 yrs.’ of summit development. as the humanity is stepping in to a new

millennium the which was availed by international community as the perfect timing to

rethink about the principles and agendas and to work on making the new millennium

further better.

5 NEW YORK -2000

This is named as” Millennium Assembly” or “Millennium summit”, deals with the role of

United Nations vis-à-vis the prospects and challenges of the future.

The theme for this summit has been classified in to four different categories. They are:

1. Peace and security including the disarmament

2. Development , including poverty eradication,

3. Human rights

4. Strengthening the UN.

These categories were not accepted by Kofi Annan who argued on the major aspects that

an international community should focus on adopting. They are:

1. Freedom from want( the development agenda)

2. Freedom from fear(the security agenda)

3. A sustainable future( the environmental agenda)

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4. Renewing the U.N

This millennium summit has shown an increased approach of its aims and objectives to

the corners of the world and has actually envisioned in society, government, and every

individual working towards it, which has proven as an accomplishment for people to

celebrate the eve. This millennium summit was officially convened at U.N headquarters

in September 2000.

This millennium declaration consists of the renewed values and principles of the

international community. They are:

1. Freedom

2. Equality

3. Solidarity

4. Tolerance

5. Respect for nature and

6. Shared responsibility.

6 JOHANNESBURG: WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

AUGUST 26TH 2002

After two years from the millennium summit the international community has gathered

again for the world summit on sustainable development as a continuation of millennium

summit which undergone activities like enhancing and elaborating the goals of

millennium summit and also checking through the Rio earth summit as a second review

after ten years.

As extension of review one that is Earth summit +5 which has proved that the Rio summit

1992 has been programmed for namesake and as in such no work or efforts were seen

engaged in implementation of these goals, which has been extended even in the second

review also. The main reason is that these so called developed countries have failed in

putting in their part of effort.

This was considered seriously and the secretary general has utilized this summit in

reminding the goals of millennium summit and has drafted an agenda called “WAHED”

agenda.

WAHED AGENDA:

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Water and sanitation

Energy

Agricultural productivity

Bio diversity and ecosystem management

Health.

This summit is arguably criticized for it diverted vision which used very weak words

defining environment sustainability and also referred to the International Conference on

Financing for Development (Monterrey) and Doha Ministerial Conference, which were

defined as summits that discussed more about technological development but mere

thought about sustainable environmental development.

7 NEW YORK: THE ENVIRONMENT UPSTAGED

World leaders once again gathered in New York for2005 world summit as usual to

monitor the progress of the previous meet and also analyze and reform the goals and

objectives of summit observing the need and requirement in a larger scale of adoption.

Such goals which were achievable at a larger scale are areas like development, security,

human rights and reforms.

Environment was not one of the four priorities of this summit. Goals which are

achievable and requires urgent attention are

Desertification

Bio-diversity

Climate change

And the four multilateral categories which were considered are:

Development

Peace and collective security

Human rights and the rule of law

Strengthening of the United Nations.

Where environmental sustainability has no place in this summit but which was a major

concern for all the past summits. But on further note the outcome document has

marginalized environmental aspects in its chapter II and also reminds about international

agreements and treaties that were made on environmental desertification.

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8 RIO+20 -2012

The resolutions made in this summit are

Resolution-1

“The future we want”

The common vision is to review the previous summit and renew the commitment

to sustainable development ensuring promotion of an economically, socially and

environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for present and future

generations.

Eradicating poverty- increasing basic standards of living.

Importance of freedom, peace, security, respect for human rights, and providing

adequate standards of living.

International cooperation in achieving economic stability, sustained economic

growth, promotion of social equity and protection of environment.

Empowerment of women, survival and development of children.

Providing or recognizing opportunities for people to influence their lives,

participating in decision making activities, and working together to secure the

future we want.

Resolution II

Renewing political commitment.

A. Reaffirming, recognizing and working towards implementing past summits goals

and principles, Reinvigorate political will and raise the level of commitment from

international community, society, government, and individuals.

B. Advancing integration implementation and coherence

Supporting developing countries, eradicating poverty, unemployment,

underemployment, combating climate change, refraining unilateral

economic, financial, or trade measures.

o Emphasizing that sustainable development is inclusive, people

centered .most attention given to Africa in development and providing

assistance.

o Recognizing need for broader measures of progress for increasing GDP,

integrated and holistic approaches to sustainable development.

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C. Engaging major groups and other stake holders.

Affirm the key role of all government and propose that participation and

access to information and judicial and administrative proceeding are

essential

Civil society , women , importance of participation of workers , trade

unions, farmers, fisher folk ,pastoralists, foresters plays a vital role in

working towards a sustainable development.

D. Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

E. Institutional frame work for sustainable development.

F. Frame work for action and followup

G. Means of implementation

Resolution 2

Expression of thanks o the people and government of Brazil

Resolution 3

Credentials of representatives of the United Nations

Conference on sustainable development

9 REFERENCE LIST

Stephanie Meakin ,BP-317E, November 1992. The Rio Earth Summit: Summary

of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

Shanna L. Halpern , 1992, The United Conference on Environment and

Development: Process and Documentation.

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Paolo Galizzi 2005, Fordham International Law Journal, Volume 29, Issue 5,

Article3 From Stockjolm to NewYork , via Rio and Johannesburg: Has the

Environment Lost its Way on the Global Agendas?

United Nations –Rio Declaration on environment and Development 1992 .(p:1-5)

http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/environmental.development.rio.declaration.1992/

sisu_manifest.html›

Title: Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992

Creator: United Nations (UN)

Rights: Copyright (C) 1992 United Nations (UN)

Publisher: SiSU ‹http://www.jus.uio.no/sisu› (this copy)

Date: 1992

Topics Registered: environmental law:convention;development

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