NEW YORK – Effective planning is essential to protect people and the planet and advance the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, a UN expert said today.
“Long-term, integrated planning grounded in the best available science and local knowledge, and guided by human rights, can improve environmental protection while enhancing human well-being and allowing economies and societies to thrive,” said Astrid Puentes Riaño, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, presenting her report to the General Assembly.
Addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and toxic pollution is possible, but requires transformative planning that recognises the interdependence of people and nature and respects planetary boundaries.
“Effective planning requires prioritising long-term planetary health, environmental protection and human well-being over short-term economic gains and private interests. It means setting ambitious goals to curb unsustainable resource extraction, protect and restore ecosystems and build resilient economies. Governments should manage land, urban areas, natural resources and the ocean in ways that serve the public interest and safeguard ecosystems.”
“A persistent gap remains between commitments and implementation,” Puentes Riaño said. “Closing this gap requires processes that fully recognise and incorporate the interdependence of humans and nature, aligning with planetary boundaries and the public interest, and aiming to secure a healthy environment for all.”
The Special Rapporteur stressed that effective planning depends on the rule of law, transparency, access to information, public participation and access to justice.
The report calls for planning processes that ensure the meaningful participation of women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, children and youth, persons with disabilities, local and rural communities, LGBT persons, civil society, academia and the private sector. It offers examples of best practices around the world.
“People must meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives, health and environment. Participation is a human right; and it is essential to improving the quality, legitimacy and effectiveness of planning processes,” Puentes Riaño said.
The expert urged Governments to comply with their obligations, establish long-term visions and translate them into concrete actions that deliver measurable improvements for people and the environment, including cleaner air and water, accelerated transitions away from fossil fuels, and stronger protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
She underscored the need for better coordination across sectors and levels of government – both nationally and internationally – through integrated planning and governance frameworks and reporting that promote policy coherence and overcome institutional fragmentation.
“The consequences of failing to plan are already being felt,” the Special Rapporteur warned. “Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, catastrophic storms, wildfires, ocean degradation and ecosystem collapse are affecting millions of people worldwide, driving rising mortality and morbidity, displacement and the loss of invaluable cultural and ancestral knowledge.”
“Planning is an obligation for States backed by international law, and a duty for institutions and businesses. Effective planning, that targets solutions, protects people and the planet and is forward-looking, is a commitment that present and future generation’s need.”
