ABSTRACT
We in the environmental community have a special interest in the promotion of environmental quality as a human right that is protected by international norms and supported by effective national measures. The United Nations’ review fully acknowledges the fact that the development strategy was launched at a time when the international community as a whole was not fully aware of environmental issues and before relevant principles and measures had been formulated and agreed to. Coincident with the review is the Third World’s demand for the fashioning of a new international economic order based on principles of equity, trade, and price stability, and for the acceptance by all states of the sovereignty of the nations concerned over natural resources and their appropriate management. In the developing countries most of the environmental problems are caused by under-development. In effect, ecodevelopment would ensure the use of local energy sources and technologies and so reduce reliance on energy from commercial sources.
