Riodeklarationen

The Riodeklarationen, also known as the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, was a significant outcome of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), commonly referred to as the Earth Summit. Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this landmark conference brought together representatives from numerous nations to address pressing global environmental and developmental issues. The Declaration, adopted by 172 governments, outlines a comprehensive set of principles aimed at fostering sustainable development.

Key to the Riodeklarationen is the concept of "sustainable development," defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Declaration acknowledges the interdependence of economic development, social progress, and environmental protection. It establishes 27 principles, emphasizing the sovereign right of states to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental and developmental policies, while also asserting their responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction do not cause damage to the environment of other states or of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Other core principles include the importance of environmental protection being an integral part of the development process, the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, and the need for international cooperation. The Riodeklarationen served as a foundational document for subsequent global environmental agreements and initiatives, influencing policy-making and fostering a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental and developmental challenges worldwide.