International Council of Environmental Law (ICEL)

In the mid-1980s, the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, in consultation with leading experts from around the world, began to respond to a need later identified by Agenda 21 : the preparation of an integrated framework for international environmental law. It did so by elaborating a draft legally-binding global agreement on environmental conservation and sustainable development, in which both codification of existing rules as well as progressive development of the law play important roles. The result is this draft covenant.

It is not surprising that the issues involved in what is known as the "trade and environment" debate are manifold and complex. What is involved is an intersection of objectives which address economy, development, enviornment and equity. All this in an attempt to find the appropriate balance between free and controlled markets. As the reach of both globalization and environmental policies increase, it becomes ever necessary to fulfil the aim stated in Agenda 21 of ensuring that trade and environment are mutually supportive.

<p>In the mid-1980s, the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, in consultation with leading experts from around the world, began to respond to a need later identified by Agenda 21 : the preparation of an integrated framework for international environmental law. It did so by elaborating a draft legally-binding global agreement on environmental conservation and sustainable development, in which both codification of existing rules as well as progressive development of the law play important roles. The result is this draft covenant.