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Home , Earth Charter, Earth Charter Initiative, Mohamed Sahnoun

The Values and Principles for a Sustainable Future

Why is the Earth Charter important? and development of the document reflects the progress of the worldwide dialogue on the Earth At a time when major changes in how we think Charter. Beginning with the Benchmark Draft and live are urgently needed, the Earth Charter issued by the Commission following the Rio+5 challenges us to examine our values and to Forum in , drafts of the Earth choose a better way. It calls on us to search for Charter were circulated internationally as part of common ground in the midst of our diversity and the consultation process. Meeting at the to embrace a new ethical vision that is shared by UNESCO Headquarters in in March, 2000, growing numbers of people in many nations and the Commission approved a final version of the cultures throughout the world. Earth Charter.

What is the history of the Earth What are the sources of Earth Charter? Charter values?

In 1987 the World Commission on Together with the Earth Charter consultation Environment and Development issued a call for process, the most important influences shaping creation of a new charter that would set forth fun- the ideas and values in the Earth Charter are con- damental principles for . temporary science, international law, the teach- The drafting of an Earth Charter was part of the he Earth Charter is a ings of , the wisdom of the unfinished business of the 1992 Rio Earth world’s great religions and philosophical tradi- Tdeclaration of fundamental Summit. In 1994 , the secretary tions, the declarations and reports of the seven principles for building a just, general of the and chairman of the UN summit conferences held during the 1990s, Earth Council, and , president sustainable, and peaceful global the global ethics movement, numerous non- of Green Cross International, launched a new governmental declarations and people’s treaties society in the 21st century. It with support from the issued over the past thirty years, and best seeks to inspire in all peoples a new Dutch government. An Earth Charter Com- practices for building sustainable communities. mission was formed in 1997 to oversee the sense of global interdependence and project and an Earth Charter Secretariat was shared responsibility for the well- established at the Earth Council in Costa Rica. What is the mission of the being of the human family and the international Earth Charter By what process was the Earth Initiative? larger living world. It is an Charter created? expression of hope and a call to A new phase in the Initiative began with the offi- cial launching of the Earth Charter at the help create a global partnership at a The Earth Charter is the product of a decade long, worldwide, crosscultural conversation Palace in The Hague on June 29, 2000. The mis- critical juncture in history. about common goals and shared values. The sion of the Initiative is to establish a sound ethi- drafting of the Earth Charter has involved the cal foundation for the emerging global society The Earth Charter’s inclusive ethical most open and participatory consultation and to help build a sustainable world based on vision recognizes that process ever conducted in connection with an respect for nature, universal , eco- international document. Thousands of individuals nomic justice, and a . , human and hundreds of organizations from all regions of rights, equitable human the world, different cultures, and diverse sectors What are the goals of the Earth development, and peace are of society have participated. The Charter has been shaped by both experts and representatives Charter Initiative? interdependent and indivisible. It of grassroots communities. It is a people’s treaty 1. To promote the dissemination, endorsement, provides a new framework for that sets forth an important expression of the and implementation of the Earth Charter by thinking about and addressing these hopes and aspirations of the emerging global civil , business, and government. society. issues. The result is a fresh, broad 2. To encourage and support the educational conception of what constitutes a Who wrote the Earth Charter? use of the Earth Charter in schools, universi- ties, faith communities, and many other set- and Early in 1997, the Earth Charter Commission tings. sustainable development. formed an international drafting committee. The 3. To seek endorsement of the Earth Charter by drafting committee helped to conduct the inter- the United Nations. national consultation process, and the evolution 1 The Earth Charter PREAMBLE PRINCIPLES We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the OF LIFE future at once holds great peril and great promise. To 1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity. move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are a. Recognize that all beings are interdependent and one human family and one Earth community with a every form of life has value regardless of its worth to common destiny. We must join together to bring forth human beings. a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and b. Affirm faith in the inherent dignity of all human a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiri- that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibili- tual potential of humanity. ty to one another, to the greater community of life, and f. Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable to . 2. Care for the community of life with under- resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways EARTH, OUR HOME standing, compassion, and love. that minimize depletion and cause no serious envi- ronmental damage. Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our a. Accept that with the right to own, manage, and use home, is alive with a unique community of life. The natural resources comes the duty to prevent environ- forces of nature make existence a demanding and mental harm and to protect the rights of people. 6. Prevent harm as the best method of environ- uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the condi- mental protection and, when knowledge is limit- b. Affirm that with increased freedom, knowledge, and tions essential to life’s evolution. The resilience of the ed, apply a precautionary approach. community of life and the well-being of humanity power comes increased responsibility to promote the depend upon preserving a healthy with all common good. a. Take action to avoid the possibility of serious or its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and ani- irreversible environmental harm even when scientific mals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air. The glob- knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive. al environment with its finite resources is a common 3. Build democratic societies that are just, partic- concern of all peoples. The protection of Earth’s vitali- ipatory, sustainable, and peaceful. b. Place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant ty, diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust. a. Ensure that communities at all levels guarantee harm, and make the responsible parties liable for human rights and fundamental freedoms and provide THE GLOBAL SITUATION environmental harm. everyone an opportunity to realize his or her full poten- The dominant patterns of production and consumption c. Ensure that decision making addresses the cumu- are causing environmental devastation, the depletion tial. lative, long-term, indirect, long distance, and global of resources, and a massive extinction of species. b. Promote social and economic justice, enabling all to consequences of human activities. Communities are being undermined. The benefits of achieve a secure and meaningful livelihood that is eco- development are not shared equitably and the gap logically responsible. d. Prevent pollution of any part of the environment between rich and poor is widening. Injustice, poverty, and allow no build-up of radioactive, toxic, or other ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread and the hazardous substances. cause of great suffering. An unprecedented rise in 4. Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present human has overburdened ecological and and future generations. e. Avoid military activities damaging to the environ- social systems. The foundations of global security are ment. threatened. These trends are perilous—but not a. Recognize that the freedom of action of each gen- inevitable. eration is qualified by the needs of future generations. 7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, b. Transmit to future generations values, traditions, THE CHALLENGES AHEAD and reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regener- and institutions that support the long-term flourishing ative capacities, human rights, and community The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for of Earth’s human and ecological communities. Earth and one another or risk the destruction of our- well-being. selves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is a. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials used in are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of liv- necessary to: production and consumption systems, and ensure ing. We must realize that when basic needs have been that residual waste can be assimilated by ecological met, human development is primarily about being II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY more, not having more. We have the knowledge and systems. technology to provide for all and to reduce our impacts b. Act with restraint and efficiency when using ener- on the environment. The emergence of a global civil 5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for bio- gy, and rely increasingly on society is creating new opportunities to build a demo- sources such as solar and wind. cratic and humane world. Our environmental, eco- logical diversity and the natural processes that nomic, political, social, and spiritual challenges are sustain life. c. Promote the development, adoption, and equi- interconnected, and together we can forge inclusive a. Adopt at all levels sustainable development plans table transfer of environmentally sound technologies. solutions. and regulations that make environmental conservation d. Internalize the full environmental and social costs UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY and rehabilitation integral to all development initiatives. of goods and services in the selling price, and enable To realize these aspirations, we must decide to live with b. Establish and safeguard viable nature and bio- consumers to identify products that meet the highest a sense of universal responsibility, identifying our- sphere reserves, including wild lands and marine social and environmental standards. selves with the whole Earth community as well as our areas, to protect Earth’s life support systems, maintain e. Ensure universal access to health care that fos- local communities. We are at once citizens of different , and preserve our natural heritage. ters reproductive health and responsible reproduction. nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the pres- c. Promote the recovery of and f. Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life ent and future well-being of the human family and the ecosystems. and material sufficiency in a finite world. larger living world. The spirit of human solidarity and d. Control and eradicate non-native or genetically kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with 8. Advance the study of ecological modified organisms harmful to native species and the reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift and promote the open exchange and wide appli- of life, and humility regarding the human place in environment, and prevent introduction of such harmful cation of the knowledge acquired. nature. organisms. We urgently need a shared vision of basic values to e. Manage the use of renewable resources such as a. Support international scientific and technical provide an ethical foundation for the emerging world water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that cooperation on sustainability, with special attention to community. Therefore, together in hope we affirm the do not exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the needs of developing nations. following interdependent principles for a sustainable the health of ecosystems. b. Recognize and preserve the traditional knowledge way of life as a common standard by which the conduct of all individuals, organizations, businesses, govern- and spiritual wisdom in all cultures that contribute to ments, and transnational institutions is to be guided environmental protection and human well-being. and assessed. 2 c. Ensure that information of vital importance to IV. , NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE human health and environmental protection, includ- The Way Forward ing genetic information, remains available in the pub- 13. Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, lic domain. and provide transparency and accountability in As never before in history, common governance, inclusive participation in decision destiny beckons us to seek a new III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE making, and access to justice. beginning. Such renewal is the promise of a. Uphold the right of everyone to receive clear and these Earth Charter principles. To fulfill this 9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and timely information on environmental matters and all promise, we must commit ourselves to environmental imperative. development plans and activities which are likely to adopt and promote the values and a. Guarantee the right to potable water, clean air, affect them or in which they have an interest. objectives of the Charter. , uncontaminated soil, shelter, and safe b. Support local, regional and global civil society, and sanitation, allocating the national and international promote the meaningful participation of all interested This requires a change of mind and heart. resources required. individuals and organizations in decision making. It requires a new sense of global b. Empower every human being with the education c. Protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expres- interdependence and universal and resources to secure a sustainable livelihood, and sion, peaceful assembly, association, and dissent. responsibility. We must imaginatively provide social security and safety nets for those who develop and apply the vision of a d. Institute effective and efficient access to administra- are unable to support themselves. sustainable way of life locally, nationally, tive and independent judicial procedures, including c. Recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, remedies and redress for environmental harm and the regionally, and globally. Our cultural serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop threat of such harm. diversity is a precious heritage and their capacities and to pursue their aspirations. different cultures will find their own e. Eliminate corruption in all public and private institu- distinctive ways to realize the vision. We tions. 10. Ensure that economic activities and institu- must deepen and expand the global tions at all levels promote human development in f. Strengthen local communities, enabling them to dialogue that generated the Earth Charter, an equitable and sustainable manner. care for their environments, and assign environmental for we have much to learn from the responsibilities to the levels of government where they a. Promote the equitable distribution of wealth within can be carried out most effectively. ongoing collaborative search for truth nations and among nations. and wisdom. b. Enhance the intellectual, financial, technical, and 14. Integrate into formal education and life-long Life often involves tensions between social resources of developing nations, and relieve learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed them of onerous international debt. important values. This can mean difficult for a sustainable way of life. choices. However, we must find ways to c. Ensure that all trade supports sustainable a. Provide all, especially children and youth, with edu- harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise resource use, environmental protection, and progres- cational opportunities that empower them to contribute sive labor standards. of freedom with the common good, short- actively to sustainable development. term objectives with long-term goals. d. Require multinational corporations and interna- b. Promote the contribution of the arts and humanities Every individual, family, organization, and tional financial organizations to act transparently in as well as the sciences in sustainability education. community has a vital role to play. The the public good, and hold them accountable for the consequences of their activities. c. Enhance the role of the mass media in raising arts, sciences, religions, educational awareness of ecological and social challenges. institutions, media, businesses, 11. Affirm gender equality and equity as prereq- d. Recognize the importance of moral and spiritual nongovernmental organizations, and uisites to sustainable development and ensure education for . governments are all called to offer creative universal access to education, health care, and leadership. The partnership of economic opportunity. 15. Treat all living beings with respect and consid- government, civil society, and business is a. Secure the human rights of women and girls and eration. essential for effective governance. end all violence against them. a. Prevent cruelty to animals kept in human societies and protect them from suffering. In order to build a sustainable global b. Promote the active participation of women in all community, the nations of the world must aspects of economic, political, civil, social, and cultur- b. Protect wild animals from methods of hunting, trap- renew their commitment to the United al life as full and equal partners, decision makers, ping, and fishing that cause extreme, prolonged, or leaders, and beneficiaries. avoidable suffering. Nations, fulfill their obligations under existing international agreements, and c. Strengthen families and ensure the safety and c. Avoid or eliminate to the full extent possible the tak- support the implementation of Earth loving nurture of all family members. ing or destruction of non-targeted species. Charter principles with an international 12. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, 16. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, legally binding instrument on environment to a natural and social environment supportive of and peace. and development. human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well- a. Encourage and support mutual understanding, soli- being, with special attention to the rights of Let ours be a time remembered for the darity, and cooperation among all peoples and within indigenous peoples and minorities. awakening of a new reverence for life, the and among nations. firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the a. Eliminate discrimination in all its forms, such as b. Implement comprehensive strategies to prevent that based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, reli- quickening of the struggle for justice and violent conflict and use collaborative problem solving to gion, language, and national, ethnic or social origin. peace, and the joyful celebration of life. manage and resolve environmental conflicts and other b. Affirm the right of indigenous peoples to their disputes. spirituality, knowledge, lands and resources and to c. Demilitarize national security systems to the level their related practice of sustainable livelihoods. of a non-provocative defense posture, and convert mili- c. Honor and support the young people of our com- tary resources to peaceful purposes, including ecologi- munities, enabling them to fulfill their essential role in cal restoration. creating sustainable societies. d. Eliminate nuclear, biological, and toxic weapons d. Protect and restore outstanding places of cultural and other weapons of mass destruction. and spiritual significance. e. Ensure that the use of orbital and outer space supports environmental protection and peace. f. Recognize that peace is the wholeness created by right relationships with oneself, other persons, other cultures, other life, Earth, and the larger whole of which all are a part. 3 Who has endorsed the How you can participate in the Earth Charter Earth Charter? Earth Charter Initiative Commission Thousands of Consult the Earth Charter website AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST nongovernmental • Amadou Toumani Touré, Mali* (http://www.earthcharter.org). The website Princess Basma Bint Talal, Jordan organizations and provides extensive information on the back- Wangari Maathai, Kenya cities and towns throughout the world ground of the Earth Charter and sugges- , have endorsed the Earth Charter and tions for how to use it in a variety of set- ASIA AND THE PACIFIC tings. Kamla Chowdhry, India* are working to implement its princi- A.T. Ariyaratne, Sri Lanka ples. Among these groups are nation- Wakako Hironaka, Japan • Contact a local or national Earth Charter Pauline Tangiora, New Zealand/Aoteroa al and international environmental group in your area. This information can be Erna Witoelar, Indonesia organizations, educational institutions found on the Earth Charter website. EUROPE and associations, religious groups, Mikhail Gorbachev, Russia* Start an Earth Charter study group and Pierre Calame, France peace initiatives, and local govern- • , The explore how to use the Earth Charter and Federico Mayor, Spain ment councils, including the United apply its principles in your home, work- Henriette Rasmussen, Greenland States Conference of Mayors and the place, and local community. Awraham Soetendorp, The Netherlands International Council for Local NORTH AMERICA Environmental Initiatives. The Earth • Provide copies of the Earth Charter and rel- Maurice F. Strong, Canada* evant background information to schools, John Hoyt, of America Charter has also been endorsed by Elizabeth May, Canada faith communities, businesses, and local Steven Rockefeller, United States of America the United Nations University for governments. To request copies of the Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Canada Peace in Costa Rica, with which the Earth Charter brochures, call the LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN international Secretariat is presently International Secretariat at (506) 205-1600 Mercedes Sosa, Argentina* or write to [email protected]. , Brazil affiliated. See the Earth Charter Yolanda Kakabadse, Ecuador website for more information on • Make use of the Earth Charter in public Shridath Ramphal, Guyana endorsements. events, conferences, and workshops. *Co-chair • Endorse the Earth Charter and encourage Steering Committee endorsement by organizations to which you belong. Co-chairs How can the Earth Charter Kamla Chowdhry, India be used? Encourage your local and national govern- Yolanda Kakabadse, Ecuador • Ruud Lubbers, The Netherlands A growing number of individuals, organi- ment to use and endorse the Earth Charter. Steven Rockefeller, United States of America zations, and communities are finding Urge your national government to support Wakako Hironaka, Japan that there are a variety of interrelated • Alexander Likhotal, Russia ways to use the Earth Charter. It can be endorsement of the Earth Charter by the Wangari Maathai, Kenya United Nations. Mohamed Sahnoun, Algeria utilized as: Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Canada Make charitable contributions in support of Rick Clugston, United States of America* • an educational tool for developing • *Chair, Finance Committee understanding of the critical choices local Earth Charter projects and the interna- tional Earth Charter Initiative. Maximo Kalaw, Philippines facing humanity and the urgent need In Memoriam for commitment to a sustainable way of life. Who provides the funding for the • an invitation to individuals, institu- tions, and communities for internal Initiative? reflection on fundamental attitudes and ethical values governing behavior. The Earth Charter Initiative is dependent upon contributions from individuals, nongovernmen- • a catalyst for multi-sectoral, cross- tal organizations, and foundations. Some gov- cultural, and interfaith dialogue on ernments have also provided support. global ethics and the direction of Financial contributions to the international . Earth Charter Initiative can be sent to The For more information please contact: • a call to action and guide to a sus- Earth Charter Fund/TPC, attention: Claire Mirian Vilela, Executive Director tainable way of life that can inspire Wilson, Post Office Box 648, Middlebury, VT Earth Charter International Secretariat commitment, cooperation, and 05753 USA. c/o change. P. O. Box 138-6100 San José, Costa Rica Phone: (506) 205-9000 • a values framework for creating sus- What does endorsement of the Fax: (506) 249-1929 tainable development policies and E-mail: [email protected] plans at all levels. Earth Charter mean? Website: http://www.earthcharter.org • an instrument for designing profes- Endorsement of the Earth Charter by individu- sional codes of conduct that pro- als or organizations signifies a commitment to mote accountability and for assessing the spirit and aims of the document. It indi- The well-being of the human progress towards sustainability in cates an intention to use the Earth Charter in family and greater community of businesses, communities, and ways that are appropriate given the situation life depends on our personal nations. and to cooperate with others in working for the commitment... • a soft law instrument that provides an implementation of its principles. Endorsement ethical foundation for the ongoing builds support for the Earth Charter Initiative Join the Earth Charter Initiative! development of environmental and and social change. See the website for further sustainable development law. information on endorsement. 4