Thesis – Kim, Rak-Hyun – Principles of Sustainable Development in Korean Environmental Law: Towards the Earth Charter Principles

Abstract:

“This research explores the Earth Charter and the principal Korean environmental laws, and identifies how the concept of sustainable development is approached by Korea. More specifically, this paper observes ethics and principles upon which Korean environmental law is based, tests these against those of the Earth Charter, and proposes some changes to be made for Korea to meet the Earth Charter benchmark. In so doing, the Resource Management Act 1991 of New Zealand is used as an example of an advanced environmental legislation that carries ethics of sustainability. The paper also discusses some barriers to and opportunities in building an ecologically sustainable society within the Korean socio-cultural context.”