10.9.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L 242/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) DECISION No 1600/2002/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu- nity, and in particular Article 175(3) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (°), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (%), in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 1 May 2002, Whereas: (1) A clean and healthy environment is essential for the well-being and prosperity of society, yet continued growth at a global level will lead to continuing pressures on the environment. 2)  The Community's fifth environmental action programme ‘Towards Sustainability’ ended on 31 December 2000 having delivered a number of important improvements. (3)  Continued effort is required in order to meet the envir- onmental objectives and targets already established by the Community and there is a need for the Sixth Envir- onmental Action Programme (the ‘Programme’) set out in this Decision. (4) A number of serious environmental problems persist and new ones are emerging which require further action. () OJ C 154 E, 29.5.2001, p. 218. () O] € 221, 7.8.2001, p. 80. () O] C 357, 14.12.2001, p. 44. (*) Opinion of the European Parliament of 31 May 2001 (O] C 47 E, 21.2.2002, p. 113), Council Common Position of 27 September 2001 (O] C 4, 7.1.2002, p. 52) and Decision of the European Parlia- ment of 17 January 2002 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Decision of the European Parliament of 30 May 2002 and Decision of the Council of 11 June 2002. () (10) Greater focus on prevention and the implementation of the precautionary principle is required in developing an approach to protect human health and the environment. A prudent use of natural resources and the protection of the global eco-system together with economic prosperity and a balanced social development are a condition for sustainable development. The Programme aims at a high level of protection of the environment and human health and at a general improvement in the environment and quality of life, indicates priorities for the environmental dimension of the Sustainable Development Strategy and should be taken into account when bringing forward actions under the Strategy. The Programme aims to achieve a decoupling between environmental pressures and economic growth whilst being consistent with the principle of subsidiarity and respecting the diversity of conditions across the various regions of the European Union. The Programme establishes environmental priorities for a Community response focusing in particular on climate change, nature and biodiversity, environment and health and quality of life, and natural resources and wastes. For each of these areas key objectives and certain targets are indicated and a number of actions are identified with a view to achieving the said targets. These objectives and targets constitute performance levels or achievements to be aimed at. The objectives, priorities and actions of the Programme should contribute to sustainable development in the candidate countries and endeavour to ensure the protec- tion of the natural assets of these countries. Legislation remains central to meeting environmental challenges and full and correct implementation of the existing legislation is a priority. Other options for achieving environmental objectives should also be considered.