Overview
The Rio Earth Summit 1992, also called the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was a landmark global conference focusing on sustainable development and environmental protection.
Background and Participation
- The Rio Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 3–14, 1992.
- 172 governments participated, with 116 heads of state or government attending.
- Over 2,400 NGO representatives and 17,000 people attended the parallel NGO "Global Forum".
Major Agreements and Outcomes
- The Climate Change Convention was agreed upon, leading later to the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
- An agreement was made to avoid activities on indigenous lands that could cause environmental harm or cultural issues.
Key Documents Developed
- Rio Declaration on Environment and Development: Outlined 27 guiding principles for sustainable development.
- Agenda 21: A non-binding global action plan for sustainable development.
- Forest Principles: A non-binding statement giving recommendations for sustainable forestry.
Legally Binding Conventions (Rio Convention)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD): Focused on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
- Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Addressed climate change issues globally.
- Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): Aimed to prevent land degradation and desertification.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sustainable Development — Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
- Agenda 21 — A voluntary plan of action for sustainable development practices globally.
- Rio Declaration — A set of 27 principles guiding sustainable development policy.
- NGO — Non-governmental organization working independently from governments.
- UNCBD — United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
- UNFCCC — United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- UNCCD — United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the 27 principles of the Rio Declaration.
- Read summary sections on Agenda 21 and Forest Principles.
- Understand the objectives of UNCBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD.