The Stockholm Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, was a innovative international event that took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 5 to 16, 1972. It was the first major conference to special attention on environmental issues and served as a catalyst for global environmental awareness and action.
The conference was organized by the United Nations (UN) and brought together representatives from 113 countries, as well as various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and spectator. The primary objective of the Stockholm Conference was to address the increasing environmental concerns and analysis to achieve sustainable development.
During the conference, debate covered a wide range of topics related to the environment and its impact on human well-being. These included air and water pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, the exhaustion of natural resources, and the social and economic consequences of environmental degradation.
One of the key outcomes of the Stockholm Conference was the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration, a non-binding document that outlined fundamental principles for environmental protection and sustainable development. The declaration recognized the interdependence of humans and the environment, emphasizing the need for responsible protection of natural resources and the importance of environmental education and public participation.
Principles of the Stockholm declaration
- Human rights must be asserted, apartheid and colonialism condemned.
- Natural resources must be safeguarded.
- The Earth’s capacity to produce renewable resources must be maintained.
- Wildlife must be safeguarded.
- Non-renewable resources must be shared and not exhausted.
- Pollution must not exceed the environment’s capacity to clean itself.
- Damaging oceanic pollution must be prevented.
- Social and Economical development.
- Application of Science.
- Environmental Policy.
- Education in Environmental matters.
- Ban on nuclear weapons.
The Stockholm Conference also led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a global authority on environmental issues. UNEP, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, acts as a catalyst, advocate, and coordinator for environmental activities within the UN system and collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development worldwide.
In conclusion, the Stockholm Conference played a pivotal role in elevating environmental issues on the global agenda and fostering international cooperation for sustainable development. Its outcomes and the resulting initiatives continue to shape environmental policies and actions around the world, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental protection with social and economic progress.