The purpose of this compendium is to present good practices relating to the use of human rights obligations and commitments to inform, support and strengthen environmental policymaking, especially in the area of environmental protection that were identified through a joint programme between UNEP, the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment (formerly the Independent Expert), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The good practices presented in this compendium provide practical and concrete examples of states and other actors who have successfully and innovatively implemented human rights obligations related to environmental protection and management. Although not all of these practices may always be replicated exactly in every context, it is hoped that they will increase the understanding and awareness of the linkages between human rights and the environment so that others can implement similar practices or create new practices. Moreover, users of this compendium can follow-up with the various actors who are implementing the practices presented here, thus promoting the interaction between various groups and organisations working in the environmental field with groups and organisations working in the human rights field.