The developments of the regional process on Principle 10 and its links with the 2030 Agenda are reported at the Forum of Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development

At the Forum of Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development being held in Mexico City, from 26 to 28 April 2017, the Vice-Minister of Environment of Costa Rica, Patricia Madrigal, presented the developments of the negotiation process and highlighted its impacts on environmental governance and the protection of human rights.

“There is a shared conviction that public participation in government decision-making contributes to the achievement of significant impacts, as well as to generate creditability of the decision-making process and its results”, underscored the Vice-Minister. “Principle 10 redefines the traditional concept of development due to its inclusive, transparent and participatory nature.”

In her statement, the Vice-Minister also made reference to the link with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. In this regard, she highlighted that Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration offers a clear vision on transparency, environmental justice and access to information as a basis for the strengthening of democracy and the correction of asymmetries. In addition, she said that participation and inclusion are fundamental for the prevention of socio-environmental conflicts. “We cannot aim for sustainable development without sustainable peace, political stability, respect of human rights and good governance,” she stated.

The co-chair of the process recognized the efforts of the countries to reach a regional agreement in 2017 and concluded that its adoption was an imperative for tackling the challenges of the 21st century.