ABSTRACT
I GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1 Nature shall be respected and its essential processes shall not be impaired. 2 The genetic viability on the earth shall not be compromised; the population levels of all life forms, wild and domesticated, must be at least sufficient for their survival, and to this end necessary habitats shall be safeguarded. 3 All areas of the earth, both land and sea, shall be subject to these principles of conservation; special protection shall be given to unique areas, to representative samples of all the different types of ecosystems and to the habitats of rare or endangered species. 4 Ecosystems and organisms, as well as the land, marine and atmospheric resources that are utilised by man, shall be managed to achieve and maintain optimum sustainable productivity, but not in such a way as to endanger the integrity of those other ecosystems or species with which they coexist. 5 Nature shall be secured against degradation caused by warfare or other hostile activities. II FUNCTIONS 6 In the decision-making process it shall be recognised that man’s needs can be met only by ensuring the proper functioning of natural systems and by respecting the principles set forth in the present Charter. 7 In the planning and implementation of social and economic development activities, due account shall be taken of the fact that the conservation of nature is an integral part of those activities. 8 In formulating long-term plans for economic development, population growth and the improvement of standards of living, due account shall be taken of the long-term capacity of natural systems to ensure the subsistence and settlement of the populations concerned, recognising that this capacity may be enhanced through science and technology. 9 The allocation of areas of the earth to various uses shall be planned and due account shall be taken of the physical constraints, the biological productivity and diversity and the natural beauty of the areas concerned. 10 Natural resources shall not be wasted, but used with a restraint appropriate to the principles set forth in the present Charter, in accordance with the following rules: (a) living resources shall not be utilised in excess of their natural capacity for
regeneration; (b) the productivity of soils shall be maintained or enhanced through measures
which safeguard their long-term fertility and the process of organic decomposition, and prevent erosion and all other forms of degradation;
(c) resources, including water, which are not consumed as they are used shall be reused or recycled;
(d) non-renewable resources which are consumed as they are used shall be exploited with restraint, taking into account their abundance, the rational
their exploitation with the functioning of natural systems.
