Guiding Principles of Green Economy: An Empirical Review

Abstract

This paper provided a critical discussion of guiding principles for green economy particularly as they shape the transformation towards a green economy in developing countries. Different green economy definitions were discussed. The approach chosen was qualitative and desktop-based content analysis and desk research, where a wide range of available secondary literature including journal articles, reports of international organizations such as the UN Division for Sustainable Development (UNDESA) were consulted. The paper showed there were eight published sets of green economy principles or characteristics befo re the Rio+20. Additional green economy principles extracted from the Rio+20 outcome documents were discussed. Paper conclusions affirmed that these principles could contribute to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. Policy recommendations and future direction for the green national development agenda have been presented.