Sustainable Development and Environment Conservation: A Comparative Study on Protecting Environmental Human Rights

Preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development are essential steps in attaining a strong and balanced global ecosystem. The relationship between these principles and human rights has attracted considerable attention in recent years, influencing both international and state laws. This brief seeks to illustrate the intricate relationship between sustainable economic development, the preservation of the environment, and the protection of human rights. It highlights how these elements may work together to guarantee a fair and thriving future for everyone. Sustainable development means to meet the necessity of the present without compromising the resource of future generations. This concept can be categorised into three main elements: economic expansion, societal involvement, and ecological durability. The concept of environmental human rights is increasingly being associated with sustainable development and environmental preservation, indicating a global tendency to recognise the inherent entitlement to a sound and unpolluted environment. The Escazú Agreement and the Aarhus Convention exemplify this trend by giving precedence to procedural environmental rights, such as the right to access information, engage in public decision-making, and seek legal redress. These rights are crucial for protecting the right to a pristine environment. The Escazú Agreement places particular emphasis on the importance of equality and non-discrimination for marginalised groups, including indigenous peoples and environmental defenders. This establishes a strong connection between the conservation of the environment and broader concerns related to human rights. Hence, the purpose of the inquiry is to assess and compare the effectiveness and approaches of environmental conservation and sustainable development projects in protecting environmental human rights in different areas. The study examines the relationship between sustainable development, environmental protection, and environmental human rights, as highlighted in the Escazú Agreement and the American Convention on Human Rights. This study examines the current legal frameworks in place to safeguard the environment of Bangladesh while promoting economic growth. This study employs a descriptive, thematic, and doctrinal legal research technique, together with an integrated literature analysis, to examine legal mechanisms that promote a harmonious connection between economic development and the protection of environmental human rights.