Part II.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
In their actions to achieve the objective of this Covenant and to implement its
provisions, Parties shall cooperate, in global partnership, and shall be guided, inter
alia, by the following fundamental principles:
ARTICLE 2 RESPECT FOR ALL LIFE FORMS Nature as a whole and all life forms
warrant respect and are to be safeguarded. The integrity of the Earths ecological
systems shall be maintained and where necessary restored. 3 Draft International
Covenant on Environment and Development
ARTICLE 3 COMMON CONCERN OF HUMANITY The global environment is a common
concern of humanity and under the protection of the principles of international law,
the dictates of the public conscience and the fundamental values of humanity.
ARTICLE 4 INTERDEPENDENT VALUES Peace, development, environmental
conservation and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are
indivisible, interrelated and interdependent, and constitute the foundation of a
sustainable world.
ARTICLE 5 EQUITY and Justice Equity and justice shall guide all decisions affecting
the environment and shall oblige each generation to qualify its environmental
conduct by anticipating the needs of future generations.
ARTICLE 6 PREVENTION of environmental harm is a duty and shall have priority
over remedial measures. The costs of pollution prevention, control and reduction
measures are to be borne by the originator.
ARTICLE 7 PRECAUTION is a duty. Accordingly, even in the absence of scientific
certainty, appropriate action shall be taken to anticipate, prevent and monitor the
risks of serious or irreversible environmental harm.
ARTICLE 8 PROPORTIONALITY Among reasonable alternatives for action, preference
shall be given to the alternative least harmful to the environment. 4 Draft
International Covenant on Environment and Development
ARTICLE 9 RESILIENCE The capacity of natural systems and human communities to
withstand and recover from environmental disturbances and stresses is limited, and
shall be sustained or restored as fully as possible.
ARTICLE 10 RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT The right to development is universal and
inalienable and entails the obligation to meet environmental, as well as social and
economic needs of humanity in a sustainable and equitable manner.
ARTICLE 11 ERADICATION OF POVERTY The eradication of poverty, which
necessitates a global partnership, is indispensable for sustainable development.
Enhancing the quality of life for all humanity and reducing disparities in standards of
living are essential to a just society.