See the Earth Charter Benchmark Draft issued at the closing session of the Rio+7 in March 1997, Rio de Janeiro. This draft was built on the 1992 efforts, it collects consultations held in the following years, the Rio+5 deliberations and the dialogue of the Earth Charter Commission. Subsequently it was circulated to obtain comments and contributions.

This document represents the proceedings of the Inaugural Australian National Earth Earth Charter Forum, organised by the Australian National Committee for the Earth Charter Inc. carried out from 5-6 February 1999 in Canberra.