Quick Review of the Principle of the Unharmful (Sustainable) Utilization of Territory in International Environmental Law

One of the principles of the international environmental law embodied in the Stockholm Declaration is sustainable utilization of territory. According to this principle, states enjoy sovereignty over their natural resources which is exerted with due regard to their environmental policies. This principle also envisages that activities performed under their jurisdiction or control should not cause any damage to the environment of other states or areas beyond their jurisdiction. This principle is recognized in international documents, arbitration awards and decisions of the International Court of Justice. In this article we study briefly this principle as it has been mentioned under these documents and decisions.