Explain RIO Declaration.

The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, often referred to simply as the Rio Declaration, is a foundational document adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The Rio Declaration consists of 27 principles that outline the fundamental rights, responsibilities, and priorities relating to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Key principles of the Rio Declaration include the recognition that humans are entitled to a healthy and productive environment, the need for states to cooperate in addressing environmental issues that transcend national boundaries, and the principle of intergenerational equity, which emphasizes the responsibility to ensure that future generations can meet their own needs.

The Rio Declaration also highlights the importance of precautionary measures to prevent environmental degradation, the integration of environmental considerations into decision-making processes at all levels, and the participation of affected individuals and communities in environmental decision-making.

Furthermore, the Rio Declaration emphasizes the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, acknowledging that while all countries share responsibility for sustainable development, developed countries bear a greater responsibility due to their historical contributions to environmental degradation and their greater capacity to address environmental challenges.

The Rio Declaration serves as a guiding framework for international efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship. It has influenced subsequent international agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and has informed national policies and strategies aimed at achieving a balance between economic development, social equity, and environmental protection.