Conference Report: Business Responsibility for Environmental Protection in Developing Countries

Report on the International Workshop, Heredia, Costa Rica, 22-24 September 1997

This international workshop discussed the contribution of big business to sustainable development and the conditions and measures needed to promote corporate environmental responsibility in developing countries. The report notes that although large firms in developing countries generally lagged behind those in richer nations in terms of corporate environmental management, stricter environmental standards, cleaner technologies and waste reduction practices were becoming more commonplace. However, it argues that it is dangerous to generalize about corporate behaviour and trends, as practice within firms and sectors can vary widely. The strengths and weaknesses of recent policy and partnership iniatives involving civil regulation and “negotiated agreements” are discussed in some detail, emphasising the need for a continued role for international and governmental regulation.

Publication and ordering details
Pub. Date: 1 May 1998
Pub. Place: Geneva
ISSN: 1020-1092
From: UNRISD