A-21: PREAMBLE







                                             Distr.
                                             GENERAL

                                             A/CONF.151/26 (Vol.I)
                                             12 August 1992

                                             ORIGINAL:  ENGLISH






               REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON 
                       ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992)



                                Chapter 1

                                PREAMBLE*



1.1.  Humanity stands at a defining moment in history.  We are confronted with
a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of
poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration
of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being.  However, integration
of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will
lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all,
better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. 
No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global
partnership for sustainable development.

1.2.  This global partnership must build on the premises of General Assembly
resolution 44/228 of 22 December 1989, which was adopted when the nations of
the world called for the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, and on the acceptance of the need to take a balanced and
integrated approach to environnment and development questions.

1.3.  Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at
preparing the world for the challenges of the next century.  It reflects a
global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development
and environment cooperation.  Its successful implementation is first and
foremost the responsibility of Governments.  National strategies, plans,
policies and processes are crucial in achieving this.  International
cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts.  In this
context, the United Nations system has a key role to play.  Other
international, regional and subregional organizations are also called upon to
contribute to this effort.  The broadest public participation and the active
involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also
be encouraged.

1.4.  The developmental and environmental objectives of Agenda 21 will require
a substantial flow of new and additional financial resources to developing
countries, in order to cover the incremental costs for the actions they have
to undertake to deal with global environmental problems and to accelerate
sustainable development.  Financial resources are also required for
strengthening the capacity of international institutions for the
implementation of Agenda 21.  An indicative order-of-magnitude assessment of
costs is included in each of the programme areas.  This assessment will need 
to be examined and refined by the relevant implementing agencies and
organizations.

1.5.  In the implementation of the relevant programme areas identified in
Agenda 21, special attention should be given to the particular circumstances
facing the economies in transition.  It must also be recognized that these
countries are facing unprecedented challenges in transforming their economies,
in some cases in the midst of considerable social and political tension.

1.6.  The programme areas that constitute Agenda 21 are described in terms of
the basis for action, objectives, activities and means of implementation. 
Agenda 21 is a dynamic programme.  It will be carried out by the various
actors according to the different situations, capacities and priorities of
countries and regions in full respect of all the principles contained in the
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.  It could evolve over time in
the light of changing needs and circumstances.  This process marks the
beginning of a new global partnership for sustainable development.


* * * * *

      *      When the term "Governments" is used, it will be deemed to
include the European Economic Community within its areas of competence. 
Throughout Agenda 21 the term "environmentally sound" means "environmentally
safe and sound", in particular when applied to the terms "energy sources",
"energy supplies", "energy systems" and "technology" or "technologies".



END OF CHAPTER 1
