a balanced framework that recognizes the centrality of humans without denying the intrinsic value of the natural environment. Principle 2 states that “The natural resources of the earth, including the air, water, land, flora and fauna and especially representative samples of natural ecosystems, must be safeguarded for the benefit of present and future generations.”9 This provision introduces for the first time in international law the concept of intergenerational equity, which would later become one of the theoretical pillars of sustainable development. The idea that present generations have legal obligations toward future ones constitutes a true conceptual revolution, extending the temporal horizon of law beyond the confines of the present. Of particular significance is Principle 21, which establishes a complex balance between state sovereignty and international environmental responsibility10. According to this principle, “States have the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.” This principle forms the basis of the modern concept of international environmental responsibility and the “no harm” rule, which obliges states not to cause transboundary environmental harm through their activities. Principle 22 calls for international cooperation to further develop international law regarding liability and compensation for victims of pollution and other environmental damage11. This anticipates what would become one of the central issues in contemporary environmental law: the definition of mechanisms for assigning liability and repairing environmental harm. The Stockholm Conference produced long-term institutional consequences, the most significant of which was the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)12, established by the UN General Assembly on 15 December 1972. UNEP is the main UN body dedicated to coordinating global environmental policies and has played a crucial role in the development of international environmental law through the promotion of multilateral conventions and the drafting of technical guidelines. 9 Principle 2, Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, cit. 10 Principio 21, Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, cit 11 Principle 22, Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, cit. 12 Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly 2997 (XXVII) of 15 December 1972, “Institutional and financial arrangements for international environmental cooperation”, available at https://undocs.org/en/A/ RES/2997(XXVII) 130 GINEVRA GELSOMINI
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