More than190 countries gathered in Rio de Janeiro during 20–22 June 2012 for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and charted a pathway of expectant hope for the future of people and our planet. During the meetings, representatives from around the world agreed that the recent global crisis shows old-fashioned views about development which are misleading and it is now time to rethink the very foundations of how we consider development, well being and wealth.

Over the past four decades, the world has increasingly realized that our eco-systems and biodiversity are under serious pressure. These concerns are reflected particularly in points 39 and 40 of the outcome document of the Rio de liberations ‘The Future We Want:

‘‘We recognize that planet Earth and its ecosystems are our home and that ‘‘Mother Earth’’ is a common expression in a number of countries and regions, and we note that some countries recognize the rights of nature in the context of the promotion of sustainable development. We are convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature. We call for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development that will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of the earth’s ecosystem.’