The role of environmental law in laying the foundations for sustainable development

Abstract

International developments in environmental protection embody the conceptual framework upon which national environmental legislation is based. Since the 1970s, international law has undergone a qualitative shift, recognizing the environment as a collective interest of humanity, not merely a sovereign resource. This was solidified with the 1972 Stockholm Conference, which linked environmental and development issues and established principles holding states responsible for integrating environmental considerations into their policies, thus establishing a logic of prevention and planning instead of unregulated exploitation. This trajectory was further deepened at the 1992 Rio Conference, which enshrined the concept of sustainable development based on a balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions, and on guaranteeing the rights of future generations. In this context, the importance of studying Libyan legislation becomes clear in order to assess its adaptation to these transformations. Environmental law has become a tool for guiding public policies towards a sustainable development model that seeks to regulate resource exploitation, combat pollution, and strengthen preventive measures, while its effectiveness remains contingent upon achieving integration between development and environmental protection