linked environmental protection with sustainable development
Concerned with transboundary pollution, particularly in the form of acid rain, Sweden in 1968
Held on 5-6 June 1972 at Stockholm
Adopted the declaration on the human environment popularly known as Stockholm declaration which lays down 26 distinct principles not of all which address environmental issues.
Objective: 1. provide a framework for considering the problems of human environment in order to focus the attention of govt. and public opinion 2. to find the best solve of the problems through international cooperation and agreement
3 non-binding instruments
underlined the recognition of the environment as a holistic entity, the bio-sphere, to be protected in its entirely by international law and organizations
Attracted 103 affirmative votes, 11 abstentions with no negative vote
Significance of the conference:
• The redefinition of international issues
• The rationale for co-operation
• The approach to international responsibility
• The conceptualization of international organizational relationships.
Main purpose- to serve as a practical means to encourage and provide guidelines for action by Governments and international organizations designed to protect and improve the human environment
Issues-1. Problems and management of human settlements;
2. Natural resources management;
3. Pollution control measures;
4. Social and cultural aspects of environmental issues;
5. Development and its relationship with the environment
26 Principles including- 1. Rights (1 & 21)
2. Resource (2-5)
3. Pollution (6-7)
4. Relationship between development and environment (8-15)
5. Non-legal topic (16-20, 23-26)
6. Defined responsibility of state (22)
Action Plan- 1. The global environmental assessment program called ‘earth watch’.
2. Environmental management activities; and
3. International measures to support the national actions of assessment and management
Achievements- 1. UNEP 2. The Adoption of Principle 21 Declaration