Non-Aligned Movement has strongly stood for the protection of environment. It recognises that Earth and its ecosystems are home to humanity and, as such, the movement has undertaken measures to raise awareness about this issue. In this context, NAM has called for establishing an ethical relationship between humanity and Mother Earth.

NAM has expressed concerns about documented environmental degradation, the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and the negative impact on nature resulting from human activity, and recognizing the need to strengthen scientific knowledge on the effects of human activities on the Earth ecosystems, with the aim of promoting and ensuring an equitable, balanced and sustainable relationship with the Earth
NAM highlights the significance of UN General Assembly Resolution 67/214 of December 2012. The Resolution states that planet Earth and its ecosystems are our home and that “Mother Earth” is a common expression in a number of countries and regions, and that some countries recognize the rights of nature in the context of the promotion of sustainable development. NAM is convinced that, in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature.

The Resolution calls for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development that will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of the Earth’s ecosystems. NAM fully supports the contents of the Resolution.

In conformity with the Resolution, NAM recognises that many ancient civilizations and indigenous cultures have a rich history of understanding the symbiotic connection between human beings and nature that fosters a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Movement has recommended the work undertaken by civil society, academia and scientists, particularly in developing countries, with regard to signalling the precariousness of life on Earth, as well as their efforts to devise more sustainable models for production and consumption.

NAM has welcomed the designation by the UN General Assembly of April 22 as the International Day of Mother Earth. The General Assembly, in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth, and noting that Earth Day is observed each year in many countries, decided to designate 22 April as International Mother Earth Day through resolution A/RES/63/278, adopted in 2009.

In accordance with this, NAM has called on Member States, the organizations of the United Nations system, international, regional and sub regional organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations and relevant stakeholders to observe and raise awareness of International Mother Earth Day, as appropriate.

Member States of NAM consider Mother Earth the source of all life and nourishment, and that Mother Earth and humankind is an indivisible, living community of interrelated and interdependent beings.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day 2018, remarked that that development can be environment friendly and may not come at the cost of green assets and asserted that India’s traditions have long stressed the importance of living in harmony with nature.

Noting that India is the fastest growing economy in the world today, he said, “We are committed to raising the standards of living of our people” and “to ensure that we do so in a way that is sustainable and green”.

NAM has also called for building up a knowledge network in order to advance a holistic conceptualization to identify different economic approaches that reflect the drivers and values of living in harmony with nature, relying on current scientific information to achieve sustainable development, and to facilitate the support and recognition of the fundamental interconnections between humanity and nature.