WORLD CHARTER FOR NATURE¹

UN General Assembly Res. 37/7, 10/28/82

The General Assembly,

Reaffirming the fundamental purposes of the United Nations, in particular the maintenance of international peace and security, the development of friendly relations among nations and the achievement of international co-operation in solving international problems . . .

Aware that:

(a) Mankind is a part of nature and life depends on the uninterrupted functioning of natural systems which ensure the supply of energy and nutrients,

(b) Civilization is rooted in nature, which has shaped human culture and influenced all artistic and scientific achievement, and living in harmony with nature gives man the best opportunities for the development of his creativity, and for rest and recreation,

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Convinced that: 

(a) Every form of life is unique, warranting respect regardless of its worth to man, and, to accord other organisms such recognition, man must be guided by a moral code of action,

(b) Man can alter nature and exhaust natural resources by his action or its consequences and, therefore, must fully recognize the urgency of maintaining the stability and quality of nature and of conserving natural resources

Persuaded that:

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(c) Competition for scarce resources creates conflicts, whereas the conservation of nature and natural resources contributes to justice and the maintenance of peace and cannot be achieved until mankind learns to live in peace and to forsake war and armaments.

 I. General Principles

1. Nature shall be respected and its essential processes shall not be impaired.

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5. Nature shall be secured against degradation caused by warfare or other hostile activities.

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III. Implementation

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19. The status of natural processes, ecosystems and species shall be closely monitored to enable early detection of degradation or threat . . .

20. Military activities damaging to nature shall be avoided.

 

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24. Each person has a duty to act in accordance with . . . the present Charter . . .