National and International Security: An Evolving Concept

Abstract

The present volume serves as an extension of my studies that have dealt with the environmental impact of war, the subject of the first volume in this series of ‘Springer Briefs on Pioneers in Science and Practice’ (Westing 2013).

This Chapter was prepared de novo. The Appendix to this Chapter was prepared by the author while serving as a Consultant to the Eritrean Agency for the Environment, and adopted by the Government of Eritrea in February 1995; it is reproduced from the author’s Entry #282 provided in Chap. 2, with the original title, ‘Eritrean National Code of Conduct for Environmental Security’. It is not copyrighted by the Government of Eritrea; it is used here by permission of Westing Associates in Environment, Security, & Education, the copyright holder, as given on 13 March 2013. The author is pleased to acknowledge highly useful discussions with Naigzy Gebremedhin.

The Eritrean National Code of Conduct for Environmental Security

Cf. this Chapter's unnumbered opening note.

1.1 The Government and Peoples of Eritrea

• Supportive of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,⁴ and affirming the 1981 African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights⁵;

• Recalling the 1972 Declaration on the Human Environment,⁶ and conscious of the 1992 Declaration on Environment and Development;⁷

• In approval of the 1982 World Charter for Nature,⁸ and in sympathy with the 1968 African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,⁹

• Observant of the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,¹⁰ in recognition of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity¹¹ and mindful of the 1944 Convention to Combat Desertification¹²; ,and

• Aware that humankind not only depends upon the biosphere for its survival and well-being, but also that it must share that biosphere with the other living things on earth,

1.2 Herewith Solemnly Proclaim

• 1. A deep respect for all living things, and the natural environment upon which they depend, for each is a link in the chain that supports life on earth.

• 2. A firm endeavour to make use of the environment in such a fashion that no species will disappear as a result of domestic actions; and, in support of this endeavour, to maintain in perpetuity an adequate fraction of both the terrestrial and marine environments in their natural state; and, further, to eschew any trade in species of plants or animals threatened with extinction.

• 3. An unfailing dedication to maintain the national lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air) at levels of purity conducive to a healthy environment.

• 4. A steadfast resolve to utilise the national renewable natural resources sustainably and the non-renewable ones frugally, and also to dispose of all wastes sustainably; and, in support of this resolve, to achieve a national population level that is in balance with available national resources and sink capacities, so that both present and future generations can live in dignity, and especially so that development can be carried out sustainably and with equity.

• 5. A faithful desire to carry out no activity that would harm the environment beyond national boundaries.

• 6. A staunch commitment to cooperate as necessary with neighbouring states, and with the world community of nations, to protect and enhance the regional environment, the environment of regions beyond national jurisdiction, and the global biosphere in general; and, in support of this commitment, a constant devotion to resolve any environmental or other interstate dispute solely by amicable means.

• 7. A thorough acceptance of the need to infuse into all levels of the educational process social and environmental philosophies that would nurture an acceptance of the fundamental rights of both humans and nature.