ABSTRACT
UN Conference on Environment and Development produced several key documents, including the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and Agenda 21, a plan of action for organisations of all sizes. The Rio Declaration defined two key principles—the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle—that are key elements of many environmental standards. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities. Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. States should cooperate to promote a supportive and open international economic system that would lead to economic growth and sustainable development in all countries, to better address the problems of environmental degradation. Environmental measures addressing trans boundary or global environmental problems should, as far as possible, be based on an international consensus. States shall develop national law regarding liability and compensation for the victims of pollution and other environmental damage.
