Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. http://sharvanishukla.blogspot.in/2008/02/emergence-ofenvironmental-issues.html

Stockholm Conference
The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (UNCHE), held in Stockholm, was the first major UN Conference on the environment. The purpose of the conference was not to discuss scientific or technological approaches to environmental problems but to coordinate international policy.

AGENDA 21
Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development. It was adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development which was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Agenda 21 is named so because it is an action programme for the 21st century.

 Agenda 21 is divided into four sections: I Social and Economic Dimensions examining the underlying human factors and problems of development, along with the key issues of trade and integrated decisionmaking;

 Conservation and Management of Resources for Development The largest section of Agenda 21, presenting the range of resources, ecosystems and other issues, all of which must be examined in detail if sustainable development is to be achieved at global, national and local levels.

III Strengthening the Role of Major Groups Looks at the social partnerships necessary if sustainable development is to be a reality.

IV

Means of Implementation
The section looks at the resources which must be mobilised in support of sustainable futures.

The 27 Principles
Principle 1. The role of humans. Principle 2. State sovereignty Principle 3. The Right to development

Principle 4. Environmental Protection in the Development Process

Principle 5. Eradication of Poverty Principle 6. Priority for the Least Developed

Principle 7. State Cooperation to Protect Ecosystem

Principle 8. Reduction of Unsustainable Patterns of Production and Consumption Principle 9. Capacity Building for Sustainable Development

Principle 10. Public participation

Principle 11. National Environmental Legislation Principle 12. Supportive and Open International Economic System Principle 13. Compensation for Victims of Pollution and other Environmental Damage Principle 14. State Cooperation to Prevent environmental dumping

Principle 15. Precautionary principle

Principle 16. Internalization of Environmental Costs.

Principle 17. Environmental Impact Assessments

Principle 18. Notification of Natural Disaster Principle 19. Prior and Timely Notification

Principle 20. Women have a Vital Role

Principle 21. Youth Mobilization Principle 22. Indigenous Peoples have a Vital Role Principle 23. People under Oppression Principle 24. Warfare

Principle 25. Peace, Development and Environmental Protection Principle 26. Resolution of Environmental Disputes
Principle 27. Cooperation between State and People

International Protocols On Sustainability

 Basel Convention on Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Convention on Law of the Sea Convention to Combat Desertification World Trade Organization

Basel Convention on Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

The Convention was adopted in 1989 and entered into force on May 5th, 1992. - The objectives of this Convention are: to minimize and strictly control trans-boundary movements of hazardous wastes and to dispose of them in an environmentally sound way; - To dispose of the hazardous wastes and other wastes generated, as close as possible to their source of generation; and - To minimize the generation of hazardous wastes both in terms of quantity and hazardousness.

Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention was opened for signature on June 5th, 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The Convention entered into force on December 29th, 1993. Inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development, the Convention on Biological Diversity strives to: conserve biological diversity,encourage the sustainable use of its components, andpromote the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, entered into force on July 1st, 1975 and now has a membership of 146 countries. These countries act by banning commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species and by regulating and monitoring trade in others that might become endangered.

Convention on Law of the Sea

The Convention, which entered into force on November 16th, 1994, embodies and enshrines the notion that all problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be addressed as a whole. Today, it is the globally recognized regime dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea. The Convention includes 320 articles and nine annexes, governing all aspects of ocean space, such as: delimitation, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, transfer of technology, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters.

Convention to Combat Desertification

The objective of the Convention to Combat Desertification is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing either serious drought or desertification. Achieving this objective will involve effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. Signatory countries not affected by desertification, such as Canada, are obliged to assist in the implementation of the Convention . This includes: assisting, collecting, analyzing and exchanging information; encouraging research, technology transfer, capacity building and awareness building; promoting an integrated approach in developing national strategies to combat desertification; and assisting in ensuring that adequate financial resources are available for programs to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.