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Definition(s)

In general terms, a policy is “a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual”. As such, a government’s environmental policy comprises a non-binding statement of principles, intensions, values or objectives that serves as a guide for the operations of governmental and private entities in environmental matters and is often developed in consultation with civil society and private sector bodies at international, national or regional level. While environmental policies are not legally binding they can provide the basis for environmental legislation. Outside the domain of government policy, businesses and public sector organizations establish their own environmental policies. These typically consist of statements of intentions and principles with respect to environmental performance, which provide a framework for action and for setting environmental objectives and targets.

Hierarchy

Related concepts from Law and Environment Ontology: