ABSTRACT
The recognition of the interdependence of the environment and the fact that it is oblivious to political borders has lead to the realization of the need for universal participation in tackling global environmental problems. Involvement of developing countries is essential to ensure the success of international agreements for the protection of globally sensitive natural resources. In view of the fact that trade has reached global proportions, destabilized societies in developing countries would lead to lost investments for companies from the industrialized countries. In the context of the treatment of developing countries in international environmental law, one could also say there is no fine line between contextual and differential norms. Incentives or differential treatment may be necessary to compensate the absence of reciprocal state interest in the proposed regime; in this manner, they represent the "carrot." Economic development agencies could leverage the assistance they offer to developing countries to pressure them to join the environmental treaties.
