This article is written by Vanshika Sharma during her Internship with LeDroit India.
INTRODUCTON
The Stockholm Declaration on Environmental Protection stands as a seminal document in the history of global conservation efforts. Crafted during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, held in Stockholm, Sweden, this declaration marked a significant turning point in international recognition of the importance of environmental protection. Its principles have since served as a cornerstone for countless environmental policies and initiatives worldwide. This article delves into the origins, key principles, impact, and ongoing relevance of the Stockholm Declaration on Environmental Protection.
As nations grappled with the consequences of unchecked industrialization, pollution, and resource depletion, the Stockholm Declaration emerged as a beacon of hope and a call to action. It articulated a set of principles that underscored the intrinsic value of the environment, affirmed the right of all people to a healthy and sustainable environment, and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
The declaration acknowledged the interconnectedness of environmental issues, recognizing that environmental degradation knows no borders and requires collaborative efforts at the global level. It laid the foundation for subsequent environmental treaties and agreements, serving as a guiding framework for policies aimed at promoting conservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice.
Nearly five decades after its adoption, the principles enshrined in the Stockholm Declaration remain as relevant and pressing as ever. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion continue to threaten the health of our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants. In the face of these challenges, the Stockholm Declaration reminds us of our shared responsibility to act as stewards of the Earth and to pursue a path of sustainable coexistence with nature.
As we reflect on the legacy of the Stockholm Declaration on Environmental Protection, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the importance of upholding the principles of environmental sustainability, equity, and justice. In a world facing unprecedented environmental crises, the spirit of the Stockholm Declaration serves as a guiding light, inspiring us to redouble our efforts to protect and preserve the precious gift of our planet.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Stockholm Declaration on Environmental Protection, a landmark in global conservation efforts, had its roots in a proposal by the Government of Sweden in May 1968. Recognizing the urgent need for international cooperation to address environmental issues, Sweden proposed convening an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations to tackle problems related to the human environment. Following deliberations in the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly, resolution 2398 (XXIII) was adopted in December 1968, calling for the convening of a United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. This resolution highlighted the importance of addressing environmental challenges and requested the Secretary-General to prepare a report outlining the nature, scope, and progress of work in the field of the human environment.
The Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was established, holding its first session in March 1970. Over subsequent sessions, the committee worked on drafting a declaration on the human environment and addressing specific issues such as marine pollution, soils, surveillance, and conservation.
In June 1970, the Secretary-General submitted a progress report to the Economic and Social Council, which noted the advancements made in preparation for the conference. The General Assembly, in its twenty-fifth session, adopted resolution 2657 (XXV) in December 1970, further supporting the organization of the conference.
The Preparatory Committee held additional sessions in February and September 1971, refining the draft declaration and preparing for the upcoming conference. The declaration, consisting of a preamble and 26 principles, was based on the text submitted by the Preparatory Committee and was adopted by acclamation at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972.
During the conference, attended by representatives of 113 Member States and specialized agencies, discussions centered on various environmental issues, resulting in the adoption of not only the declaration but also 109 recommendations for international environmental action.
The report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, containing the Declaration on the Human Environment, was transmitted to the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. Both bodies acknowledged the report, with the General Assembly designating June 5 as World Environment Day in recognition of the conference’s significance.
In December 1972, the General Assembly adopted resolution 2994 (XXVII), noting with satisfaction the conference’s report and drawing attention to the Declaration on the Human Environment.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Stockholm Declaration on Environmental Protection is a comprehensive document that comprises two distinct parts, each addressing different aspects of humanity’s relationship with the environment.
The first part of the declaration encapsulates seven fundamental truths about the connection between humanity and the environment. These truths recognize the dual role of humans as both creators and shapers of their environment. It emphasizes the profound impact that human activities have on the natural world and underscores the urgent need for environmental protection and preservation. This part of the declaration serves as a preamble, laying out the overarching principles that guide the international community’s approach to environmental stewardship.
In addition to these truths, the preamble contains general observations that highlight the universal desire among citizens of all nations to protect and preserve the environment. It emphasizes that environmental protection is not just a matter of national interest but a global imperative that transcends borders and requires collective action. Furthermore, it underscores the shared responsibility of governments worldwide to take proactive measures to safeguard the environment for current and future generations.
The second part of the Stockholm Declaration consists of 26 principles that form the basis of international policy for the protection and preservation of the environment. These principles delineate specific guidelines and objectives aimed at addressing various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. They cover a wide range of issues, including pollution prevention, resource conservation, biodiversity conservation, and the integration of environmental considerations into development planning and decision-making processes.
Each principle reflects a commitment to upholding the rights of present and future generations to live in a healthy and sustainable environment. They underscore the importance of adopting holistic approaches to environmental management, fostering international cooperation, and empowering individuals and communities to participate in environmental decision-making.
Collectively, the principles outlined in the second part of the Stockholm Declaration provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the complex and interconnected challenges facing the global environment. They serve as a guiding beacon for policymakers, environmental advocates, and citizens alike, offering a roadmap for collective action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
PRINCIPLE OF THE STOKHOLM DECLARATION
The 26 principles or the Magna Carta on the human environment are dealt with in great detail.
Human-centric (Principles 1 and 15)
Principle 1: The Stockholm Declaration emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of humans in protecting the environment. It asserts that humans have the right to utilize and appreciate nature, but this right is accompanied by the duty to preserve and safeguard it. This principle aligns with Article 21 of many constitutions worldwide, which guarantees the fundamental right to a healthy environment. Additionally, Principle 1 prohibits discriminatory laws that may impede environmental protection efforts.
Principle 15: Addresses the importance of planned human settlements and urbanization in mitigating adverse environmental impacts. It emphasizes the necessity of strategic planning to maximize benefits for all while minimizing harm to the environment. Discriminatory urban planning practices are also prohibited under this principle, emphasizing the importance of equitable development and environmental sustainability.
Sustainable development (Principles 2, 3, 4, 5, 13 and 14)
Principle 2 : Underscores the responsibility to safeguard natural resources, recognizing their finite nature. It stresses the importance of utilizing these resources judiciously through effective planning and management to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Principle 3: Emphasizes the duty to conserve renewable resources, acknowledging that although renewable resources are replenishable, their quality and availability can be compromised without proper preservation efforts.
Principle 4: Addresses the imperative of wildlife conservation, acknowledging that various factors endanger wildlife and emphasizing humans’ unique obligation to protect it. It advocates for integrating wildlife conservation into economic planning to achieve sustainable development.
Principle 5: Highlights the duty to conserve non-renewable resources, acknowledging their limited availability and inherent value. It stresses the necessity of exercising caution and adopting responsible practices to prevent their depletion.
Principle 13: Calls for the adoption of rational approaches to resource management by states, advocating for integrated and coordinated strategies to enhance environmental quality and resource sustainability.
Principle 14 : Advocates for rational planning to reconcile conflicts between development and conservation objectives. It underscores the importance of balancing development initiatives with conservation efforts to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Reflection on customary international law position (Principle 21)
States have the absolute authority to use natural resources according to their policies. However, their policies shouldn’t violate the principles of international law and cause damage to other states outside its jurisdiction.
Preventive actions (Principles 6,7,8 and 18)
Principle 6: Emphasizes the importance of managing pollution, recognizing its detrimental effects on the environment. It emphasizes the harmful consequences of discharging toxins and other harmful substances into the ecosystem in large quantities. Both individuals and governments are urged to actively participate in reducing the dumping of such substances to mitigate environmental damage.
Principle 7 : Addresses the management of sea pollution, urging states to take necessary measures to reduce pollution in oceans. This includes preventing the release of substances that pose risks to human health, marine life, and the legitimate uses of seas.
Principle 8 : Underscores the importance of balancing social and economic development with environmental protection. While advancements in social and economic conditions are essential for improving living and working environments, they should not come at the expense of environmental degradation.
Principle 18: Highlights the indispensable role of science and technology in modern life, emphasizing their widespread use across various industries. It stresses their applicability in environmental conservation efforts, particularly in identifying and controlling environmental risks, as well as in finding solutions to environmental challenges.
Compensation to Victims( Principle 22)
The States should join to foster the compass of transnational law for defining liability for those harming the terrain. States should also come together to compensate victims of environmental pollution or damage.
Cooperation( Principles 24 and 25)
Principle 24: Underscores the significance of transnational cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, feting that environmental issues transcend public boundaries and affect all countries inversely. While each state retains exclusive governance over internal matters, collaboration through multinational and bilateral agreements is essential for controlling, precluding, and reducing environmental pitfalls.
Principle 25: Emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between nations to ameliorate environmental conditions. By concertedly coordinating conduct and plans, countries can effectively address environmental challenges and work towards achieving common environmental pretensions.
Other principles
Principle 11: Emphasizes the significance of progressive environmental programs at the public position, which should round and enhance each other without assessing overdue restrictions on developing countries. National and transnational associations should unite to ameliorate living conditions for all while ensuring environmental protection.
Principle 19: Highlights the significance of environmental education as a tool for raising mindfulness about environmental issues, particularly among marginalized and depressed populations. Access to education should be universal, as it empowers individuals to inclusively address environmental challenges.
Principle 20: Stresses the need for expanding scientific exploration nationally and internationally to address environmental problems effectively. There should be mechanisms in place to grease the exchange of information and exploration across nations, while countries should manage their spending on scientific exploration responsibly.
Principle 9: Acknowledges that natural disasters and underdevelopment produce environmental scarcities, which can be addressed through technological and fiscal backing from transnational sources.
Principle 10: Underscores the significance of profitable stability, including stable prices of essential goods and inflows, in environmental operation sweats, particularly in developing countries.
Principle 12: Lawyers for wide education on environmental protection through colorful mediums similar as social media and print media to raise public mindfulness.
Principle 16: Addresses population control measures in areas where overpopulation poses environmental challenges, emphasizing the significance of enforcing programs that admire mortal rights.
Principle 17: Calls for the establishment of public institutions devoted to the control and operation of environmental coffers within each state.
Principle 23: Emphasizes the significance of aligning public dockets with the values and precedences of each country, allowing inflexibility in procedures to avoid gratuitous social costs.
Principle 26: Lawyers for a global ban on nuclear munitions due to their destructive impact on the terrain, pressing the need for transnational cooperation to achieve this thing.
CONCLUSION
THE Stockholm Declaration on Environmental Protection stands as a corner in the history of environmental conservation, furnishing a design for global cooperation in securing the earth for unborn generations. Its principles continue to guide policymakers, activists, and citizens in their sweats to address pressing environmental challenges and make a more sustainable and indifferent world. As we defy the environmental heads of the 21st century the dateless wisdom of the Stockholm Declaration reminds us of the critical need for combined action to cover the earth and insure a thriving future for all life on our earth.
