Liechtenstein participated actively in the Rio process and took part at the ministerial level both in the Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (Earth Summit) and in the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. Together with the entire international community, Liechtenstein pledged at these conferences to implement the idea of sustainable development  – i.e., a comprehensive strategy integrating economic, ecological, and social aspects equally – at the national and international level. Sustainability is a central guiding principle of the policy of the Liechtenstein Government.
In preparation for the World Summit in Johannesburg, Liechtenstein took stock of its national implementation of Agenda 21 – the global program of action for sustainable development – and submitted a report to the UN (Country Profile of Liechtenstein (PDF, 350.87 KB) ).
The protection of the environment and the ecosphere is a precondition for sustainable development. The further development and implementation of international strategies and measures is necessary to solve global environmental problems. Pollution and processes threatening the environment such as global warming do not stop at national borders. An engagement to protect the ecosphere is therefore in the fundamental national interest of Liechtenstein. For reasons of international competitiveness, Liechtenstein has an interest in agreeing on internationally valid environmental standards and liability rules establishing the same framework conditions for everyone. Especially a small country such as Liechtenstein can also gain important synergies through international cooperation.
The focal points of Liechtenstein’s engagement in international environmental and sustainability policy include
- the sustainable development of the mountain regions (PDF, 130.30 KB) , especially through cooperation with the Alpine countries
- the protection and sustainable use of water resources, especially through regional and transregional cooperation to protect and monitor the Rhine
- climate protection (PDF, 130.28 KB) and the implementation of the Climate Convention
Liechtenstein pays particular attention in all these questions to regional cooperation. The country is also aware of its responsibility toward disadvantaged countries, however, and provides both financial support and support by sending experts to promote resource-preserving development in these countries (International Humanitarian Cooperation ).
Environmental agreements ratified and signed by Liechtenstein (PDF, 130.27 KB)
Responsibility for content lies with the Office for Foreign Affairs, 9490 Vaduz, 
| 
