Sustainable Development:
“Development meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Biodiversity:
“The genetic variability on the earth shall not be compromised; the population levels of all life forms must be at least sufficient for their survival, and to this end necessary habitats shall be safeguarded.”
Precautionary Principle:
“Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.”
Burden of Proof:
“Activities which are likely to pose a significant risk to nature shall be preceded by an exhaustive examination; their proponents shall demonstrate that expected benefits outweigh potential damage to nature, and where potential adverse effects are not fully understood, the activities should not proceed.”
Polluter Pays:
“Operators of potentially risky activities who cause environmental damage shall be held responsible for restoring the damage caused, or made to pay for the restoration.”
* Our Common Future, Bruntland Commission, 1987
* The World Charter for Nature, I. General Principles, II
* The United Nations Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992, Principle 15
* The World’s Charter for Nature, I. General Principles, 11 (b)
* Making the Polluter Pay, European COmmission press statement, Brussells, 23 January 2002