Editorial Note

The World Charter for Nature (adopted by a vote of 111 in favour, 1 against (USA) and 18 abstentions) seeks to have its guiding principles given effect through national legislation and international practice (Articles 14 and 22). These principles include: respect for nature (Article 1); safeguarding of habitats necessary to maintain sufficient population levels for the survival of all life forms (Article 2); protection of unique areas, representative samples of all ecosystems, and of habitats of rare or endangered species (Article 3); and the utilisation of man's environment so as to maintain ‘optimal sustainable productivity’ while maintaining the integrity of all ecosystems and species (Article 4).

In order to realise these principles, the Charter sets out several specific requirements, including, taking into account the effects of economic development on natural resources and the environment (Article 6–9); not wasting natural resources (Article 10); controlling activities which risk harming nature by using ‘best available technologies’, avoiding high risk activity, and restoring degraded areas (Article 11); and avoiding discharging pollutants (Article 12). To further implement the Charter's objectives, States are also required to take the following action: disseminate information on nature (Article 15); encourage public consultation and participation in all planning decisions (Article 16); provide funding for the conservation of nature (Article 17); and make available remedies for harm to a person's environment (Article 23).