The Draft Covenant is a blueprint for an international framework (or umbrella) agreement consolidating and developing existing legal principles related to environment and development. Since the publication of the second edition in 2000, there have been important developments in the field of international environmental law. This revised edition takes account of these changes, following a review of important new treaties and soft law documents, including the Johannesburg Declaration and Plan of Implementation. This publication serves as an authoritative reference and checklist for legislators, civil servants and other stakeholders worldwide when drafting new, or updating, existing policies and law.
Covenant was launched at the United Nations Congress on Public International Law, New York, 13-17 March 1995. Revised text presented on the occasion of the closing of the UN Decade of International Law, 54th session of the UN General Assembly, 17 November 1999. 3rd ed. presented on the occasion of the 59th Session of the UN General Assembly. Fourth edition was conveyed to the UN Member States on occasion of the High Level Event on Biodiversity on 22 September 2010 during the 65th UN General Assembly. Includes bibliographic references.