STOCKHOLM DECLARATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 1972
1. Human Centric (Principle 1 and 15).
2. Sustainable Development (Principles 2 to 5, 13 and 19)
3. Reflection of Customary International law Position (principle 25)
4. Preventative Actions (Principles 6,7,15, 18 and 24)
5. Compensation to Victims (Principle 22)
6. Cooperation (Principles 24 and 25)
7. Other Principles (Principles 11, 19, 20 and 26) STOCKHOLM
DECLARATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 1972
Human Centric (Principle 1 and 15).
(Pr.1) Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality and
adequate conditions of life in an environment of a quality that
permits a life of dignity and well-being; and he bears a solemn
responsibility to protect and improve the environment for
present and future generations.
(Pr.15) Planning must be applied to human settlement and
urbanisation to avoid adverse effects on the environment
Sustainable Development (Principles 2 to 5, 13 and 19)
(Pr.2)The natural resources of the earth including the air, water
land, flora and fauna must be safeguarded for the benefit of
present and future generations through careful planning and
management.
(pr.3) The capacity of the earth to produce vital renewable
resources must be maintained and wherever practicable
(Pr.4) Man has a special responsibility to safeguard and wisely
manage the heritage of wildlife and its habitat.
(Pr.5) The non-renewable sources of the earth must be employed
in a way as to safeguard against the danger of their future
exhaustion.
(Pr.13) State should adopt an integrated and coordinated
approach to their development is compatible with the need to
protect and improve the human environment.
(Pr.19) Rational planning constitutes an essential tool for
balancing the needs of the development with the need to protect
and improve the environment.
Reflection of Customary International Law Position
(Principle 21)
(Pr.21)States have the Sovereign right to exploit their own
resources according to their environmental policies and the
responsibilities to ensure that the activities within their
jurisdiction do not cause damage to the environment of other
states.
Preventative Actions (Principles 6,7,15, 18 and 24)
(Pr.6) The discharge of toxic substances or other substances
and the release of heat, in such quantity or concentration as to
exceed the capacity of the environment must be stopped.
(Pr.7)The state shall take all possible steps to prevent pollution
of the seas
(Pr.15)Planning must be applied to human settlement and
urbanisation to avoid adverse effects on the environment.
(Pr.18) Science and technology must be applied to the
identification, avoidance and control of environmental risks and
the solution of environmental problems.
(Pr.24)International matters concerning the protection and the improvement
of the environment should be handled in a cooperative spirit by all countries
on an equal footing. Cooperation through multilateral or bilateral
arrangements or other appropriate means is essential to effectively control
prevent, reduce and eliminate environmental effects.
Compensation to Victims (Principle 22)
(Pr.22)States shall cooperate to develop International law
relating to liability and compensation for the victims of
pollution and other environmental damage.
Cooperation (Principles 24 and 25)
(Pr.24) International matters concerning the protection
and the improvement of the environment should be
handled in a cooperative spirit by all countries on an
equal footing. Cooperation through multilateral or
bilateral arrangements or other appropriate means is
essential to effectively control prevent, reduce and
eliminate environmental effects.
(Pr.25) States shall ensure that international
organisations plays a coordinated, efficient and dynamic
role in the protection and improvement of the
environment.
Other Principles (Principles 8-10,11,12,16,17 19, 20,23 and
26)
8. (pr.8) Economic and social development is essential for ensuring
a favourable living and working environment for man.
9. (pr.9) Environmental deficiencies generated by the conditions of
underdevelopment and natural disasters must be remedied by
accelerated development through the transfer of substantial
quantities of financial and technological assistance.
10. (pr.10) For developing countries stability of prices and
adequate earnings for primary commodities and raw materials
are essential for environmental management.
11. (Pr. 11) The environmental policies of all states should
enhance and not adversely affect the present for future
development of potential of developing countries.
12. (Pr.12) Resources should be made available to preserve
and improve the environment, taking into account the
circumstances and particular requirements of developing
countries.
13. (Pr.16) Demographic policies should be applied where the
rate of population growth is likely to have adverse effect on the
environment or development.
14. (Pr.17) Appropriate national institutions must be
entrusted with the task of planning, managing or controlling the
environmental resources to enhance the environmental quality.
15. (Pr.19) Education is environmental matters is essential to
broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible
conduct by individuals, enterprises and communities in
protecting and improving the environment.
