Proposed Outcome of the Special Session
B. Assessment of progress made since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
1. (Agreed) The five years that have elapsed since UNCED have been characterized by the accelerated globalization of interactions among countries in the areas of world trade, foreign direct investment and capital markets. Globalization presents new opportunities and challenges. It is important that national and international environmental and social policies should be implemented and strengthened in order to ensure that globalization trends have a positive impact on sustainable development, especially in developing countries. The impact of recent trends in globalization on developing countries has been uneven. A limited number of developing countries have been able to take advantage of those trends, attracting large inflows of external private capital and experiencing significant export-led growth and acceleration of growth in per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Many other countries, however, in particular African countries and the least developed countries, have shown slow or negative growth and continue to be marginalized. As a result, they have generally experienced stagnating or falling per capita GDP through 1995. In these and in some other developing countries, the problems of poverty, low levels of social development, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of capital, have prevented them from benefitting from globalization. While continuing their efforts to achieve sustainable development and to attract new investments, these countries still require international assistance in their efforts towards sustainable development. In particular the least developed countries continue to be heavily dependent on a declining volume of official development assistance (ODA) for the capacity-building and infrastructure development required to provide for basic needs and more effective participation in the globalizing world economy. In an increasingly interdependent world economy, the responsible conduct of monetary and other macroeconomic policies requires that their potential impact on other countries are taken into account. Since UNCED, the countries with economies in transition have achieved significant progress in implementing the principles of sustainable development. However, the need for full integration of these countries into the world economy remains one of the crucial problems on their way towards sustainable development. The international community should continue to support these countries in their efforts to accelerate the transition to a market economy and to achieve sustainable development.
2. (Agreed) Although economic growth - reinforced by globalization - has allowed some countries to reduce the proportion of people in poverty, marginalization has increased for others; too many countries have seen economic conditions worsen, public services deteriorate; and the total number of people in the world living in poverty has increased. Income inequality has increased among countries and also within them, unemployment has worsened in many countries, and the gap between the least developed countries and other countries has grown rapidly in recent years. On a more positive note, population growth rates have been declining globally, largely as a result of expanded basic education and health care. That trend is projected to lead to a stable world population in the middle of the twenty-first century. There has also been progress in social services, with expanding access to education, declining infant mortality and increasing life expectancy in most countries. However, many people, particularly in the least developed countries, still do not have access to adequate food and basic social services or to clean water and sanitation. Reducing current inequities in the distribution of wealth and access to resources, both within and among countries, is among the most serious challenges facing humankind.
3. (Agreed) Five years after UNCED, the state of global environment has continued to deteriorate, as noted in the Global Environment Outlook of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) [Endnote 1], and significant environmental problems remain deeply embedded in the socio-economic fabric of nations in all regions. Some progress has been made in terms of institutional development, international consensus-building, public participation and private-sector actions, and as a result a number of countries have succeeded in curbing pollution and slowing the rate of resource degradation. Overall, however, trends are worsening. Many polluting emissions, notably of toxic substances, greenhouse gases and waste volumes continue to rise, although in some industrialized countries emissions are decreasing. Marginal progress has been made in addressing unsustainable production and consumption patterns. Insufficient progress has also been identified in the field of environmentally sound management and adequate control of adequate transboundary movements of hazardous and radioactive wastes. Many countries undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization are also experiencing increasing levels of air and water pollution, with accumulating impacts on human health. Acid rain and transboundary air pollution, once considered a problem only in the industrialized countries, are increasingly becoming a problem in many developing regions. In many poorer regions of the world, persistent poverty is contributing to accelerated degradation of natural resources and desertification has spread. In countries seriously affected by drought and or desertification, especially those in Africa, their agricultural productivity, among others, is uncertain and continues to decline, thereby hampering their efforts to achieve sustainable development. Inadequate and unsafe water supplies are affecting an increasing number of people worldwide, aggravating problems of ill health and food insecurity among the poor. Conditions in natural habitats and fragile ecosystems, including mountain ecosystems, are still deteriorating in all regions of the world, resulting in diminishing biological diversity. At the global level, renewable resources, in particular freshwater, forests, topsoil and marine fish stocks continue to be used at rates beyond their viable rates of regeneration; without improved management, this situation is clearly unsustainable.
4. (Agreed) While there has been progress in material and energy efficiency, particularly with reference to non-renewable resources, overall trends remain unsustainable. As a result, increasing levels of pollution threaten to exceed the capacity of the global environment to absorb them, increasing the potential obstacles to economic and social development in developing countries.
5. (Agreed) Since UNCED, extensive efforts have been made by Governments and international organizations to integrate environment and economic and social objectives into decision-making by elaborating new policies and strategies for sustainable development or by adapting existing policies and plans. As many as 150 countries have responded to the commitments established at UNCED through national-level commissions or coordinating mechanisms designed to develop an integrated approach to sustainable development.
6. (Agreed) The major groups have demonstrated what can be achieved by taking committed action, sharing resources and building consensus, reflecting grass-roots concern and involvement. The efforts of local authorities are making Agenda 21 and pursuit of sustainable development a reality at the local level through the implementation of "Local Agenda 21s" and other sustainable development programmes. Non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, the scientific community and the media have increased public awareness and discussion of the relations between environment and development in all countries. The involvement, role and responsibilities of business and industry, including transnational corporations (TNCs), are important. Hundreds of small and large businesses have made "green business" a new operating mode. Workers and trade unions have established partnerships with employers and communities to encourage sustainable development in the workplace. Indigenous people have played an increasing role in addressing issues affecting their interests and particularly concerning their traditional knowledge and practices. Young people and women around the world have played a prominent role in galvanizing communities to recognize their responsibilities to future generations. Nevertheless, more opportunities should be created for women to participate effectively in economic, social and political development as equal partners in all sectors of the economy.
7. (Agreed) Among the achievements that have been made since UNCED are the entry into force of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (A/AC.237/18 (Part II)/Add.1 and Corr.1, annex I), the Convention on Biological Diversity [Endnote 2] and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa (A/49/84/Add.2, annex, appendix II); the conclusion of an agreement on straddling and migratory fish stocks (see A/50/550, p.10); the adoption of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States [Endnote 3]; and the elaboration of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (A/51/166, annex II) and the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) [Endnote 4]. Implementation of these important commitments and of others adopted before UNCED by all the parties to them, however, still remains to be carried out, and in many cases further strengthening of their provisions is required as well as the mechanisms for putting them into effect. The establishment, restructuring, funding, and replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) were a major achievement. However, its levels of funding and replenishment have not been sufficient to fully meet its objectives.
8. (Agreed) Progress has been made in incorporating the principles contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development [Endnote 5], including the principle of common and differentiated responsibilities, which embodies an important concept of, and basis for, international partnership, the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle and the environmental impact assessment principle, in a variety of international and national legal instruments. While some progress has been made in implementing UNCED commitments through a variety of international legal instruments, much still remains to be done to embody the Rio Principles more firmly in law and practice.
9. (Agreed) A number of major United Nations conferences have advanced international commitment for the achievement of long-term goals and objectives towards sustainable development.
10. (Agreed) Organizations and programmes of the United Nations system have played an important role in making progress in the implementation of Agenda 21. The Commission on Sustainable Development, which was established to review progress achieved in the implementation of Agenda 21, forward global dialogue and foster partnerships for sustainable development. The Commission has also catalyzed new action and commitments and has contributed to the deliberation on sustainable development among a wide variety of partners within and outside the United Nations system. Although much remains to be done, progress has also been made at national, regional, and international levels in implementing the UNCED Forest Principles, including through the CSD Intergovernmental Panel on Forests.
11. (Agreed) Provision of adequate and predictable financial resources and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries are critical elements for the implementation of Agenda 21. However, while some progress has been made, much remains to be done to activate the means of implementation set out in Agenda 21, in particular in the areas of finance and technology transfer, technical assistance and capacity building.
12. (Agreed) Most developed countries have still not reached the United Nations target reaffirmed by most countries at UNCED, of committing 0.7 per cent of their gross national product (GNP) to official development assistance (ODA), nor the United Nations target as agreed of committing 0.15 per cent of GNP as ODA to the least developed countries. Regrettably, on average, ODA as a percentage of GNP of developed countries has drastically declined in the post-UNCED period from 0.34 per cent in 1992 to 0.27 per cent in 1995, but ODA has taken more account of the need for an integrated approach to sustainable development.
13. (Agreed) In other areas, results have been encouraging since UNCED; there has been a sizeable expansion of private flows of financial resources from developed to a limited number of developing countries; efforts in support of domestic resource mobilization have also occurred in a number of countries, including the increasing use of economic instruments to promote sustainable development.
14. (Agreed) In many developing countries, the debt situation remains a major constraint to achieving sustainable development. Although the debt situation of some middle-income countries has improved, there is a need to continue to address the debt problems of the heavily indebted poor countries which continue to face unsustainable external debt burdens. The recent World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative could help to address that issue with the cooperation of all creditor countries. Further efforts by the international community are still required to remove debt as an impediment to sustainable development.
15. (Agreed) Similarly, technology transfer and technology-related investment from public and private sources, which are particularly important to developing countries, has not been realized as outlined in Agenda 21. Although increased private flows have led to investments in industry and technology in some developing countries and economies in transition. Many other countries have been left behind; conditions in some of these countries have been less attractive to private sector investment and technological change has been slower, thus limiting their ability to meet their commitments to Agenda 21 and other international agreements. The technology gap between developed countries and, in particular, the least developed countries has widened.
C. Implementation in areas requiring urgent action
16. Agenda 21 and the principles contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development established a comprehensive approach to the achievement of sustainable development. While it is the primary responsibility of national Governments to achieve the economic, social and environmental objectives of Agenda 21, it is essential that international cooperation be reactivated and intensified, recognizing, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as stated in Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration. This requires mobilization of stronger political will and invigoration of a genuine new global partnership, taking into account the special needs and priorities of developing countries. That approach remains as relevant and as urgently needed as ever. It is clear from the assessment above that, although progress has been made in some areas, a major new effort will be required to achieve the goals established at UNCED [particularly][including] in the area of cross-sectoral matters where implementation is yet to be achieved. The proposals set out below outline strategies for accelerating progress towards sustainable development. Sections 1, 2 and 3 are equally important, and they must be considered and implemented in a balanced and integrated way.
1. Integration of economic, social and environmental objectives
17. There is a mutually reinforcing relationship between economic, social and environmental objectives. [Sustained economic growth is essential to the economic and social development of all countries, in particular developing countries. ] Growth can foster development only if its benefits are fully shared. It must therefore also be guided by equity, justice, social and environmental considerations. Development, in turn, must involve measures that improve the human condition and the quality of life itself. [Democracy, respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, transparent and accountable governance in all sectors of the society, as well as the effective participation by civil society, are indispensable foundations for the realization of sustainable development.]
18. (Agreed) Sustainable development strategies are important mechanisms for enhancing and linking national capacity so as to bring together priorities in social, economic and environmental policies. Hence, special attention must be given to the fulfilment of commitments in the following areas, in the framework of an integrated approach towards development, consisting of mutually reinforcing measures to sustain economic growth, as well as to promote social development and environmental protection. Achieving sustainable development cannot be done without greater integration at all policy-making levels, and operational levels, including at the lowest administrative levels possible. Economic sectors, such as industry, agriculture, energy, transport and tourism must take responsibility for the impacts of their activities on human well-being and the physical environment. In the context of good governance, properly constructed strategies can enhance prospects for economic growth and employment and at the same time protect the environment. All sectors of society should be involved in their development and implementation, as follows:
(b) (Agreed) In integrating economic, social and environmental objectives, it is important that a broad package of policy instruments, including regulation, economic instruments, internalization of environmental costs in market prices, environmental and social impact analysis and information, be worked out in the light of country-specific conditions to ensure that integrated approaches are effective and cost-efficient. To this end, a transparent and participatory process should be promoted. This will require the involvement of national Legislative Assemblies, as well as all actors of civil society, including youth and indigenous people[s], to complement the Governments' efforts for sustainable development. In particular, the empowerment, full and equal participation of women in all spheres of society, including participation in the decision-making process, is central to all effort to achieve such development.
[(c) The implementation of policies aiming at sustainable development, including the protection of the environment, may enhance the opportunities for job creation - while protecting basic worker rights - thus helping to achieve the fundamental goal of eradicating poverty.]
[EU proposed sentence on environment to be added]
[Enabling international economic environment]
19. (Agreed) A mutually supportive balance between international environment and national environment is needed in the pursuit of sustainable development. As a result of globalization, external factors have become critical in determining the success or failure of developing countries in their national efforts. The gap between the developed and developing countries points to the continued need for a dynamic enabling international economic environment supportive of international cooperation, particularly in the fields of finance, technology transfer, debt and trade, if the momentum for global progress towards sustainable development is to be maintained and increased.
20. To foster a dynamic and enabling international economic environment favourable to all countries is in the interest of all countries. And issues, including environmental issues, which bear on the international economic environment can be approached effectively only through a constructive dialogue and genuine partnership on the basis of mutuality of interests and benefits and, [in regard to environmental issues] inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as stated in principle 7 of the Rio Declaration.
21. (Agreed) Noting the severity of poverty, particularly in developing countries, the eradication of poverty is one of the fundamental goals of the international community and the entire United Nations system, as reflected in Commitment 2 of the Copenhagen Declaration, and is essential for sustainable development. Poverty eradication is thus an overriding theme of sustainable development for the coming years. The enormity and complexity of the poverty issue could very well endanger the social fabric, undermine economic development and the environment and threaten political stability in many countries. To achieve poverty eradication, efforts of individual Governments and international cooperation and assistance should be brought together in a complementary way. Eradication of poverty depends on the full integration of people living in poverty into economic, social, and political life. The empowerment of women is a critical factor for eradication of poverty. Policies that promote such integration to combat poverty, in particular policies for providing basic social services and broader socio-economic development are effective as well since enhancing the productive capacity of poor people increases both their well-being and that of their communities and societies, and facilitates their participation in resource conservation and environmental protection. The provision of basic social services and food security in an equitable way is a necessary condition for such integration and empowerment. The 20/20 initiative as referred in the Copenhagen Programme of Action is, among others, a useful means for such integration. However, in the five years since Rio we have witnessed an increase in the number of people living in absolute poverty, particularly in developing countries. In this context, there is an urgent need for the timely and full implementation of all the relevant commitments, agreements and targets already agreed upon since Rio by the international community, including the United Nations system and international financial institutions. Full implementation of the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development [Endnote 6] is essential. Priority actions include:
[(a bis)* Ensuring access of people living in poverty to micro-credit in order to enable them to undertake micro-enterprises, which would in turn generate self-employment and contribute to achieving empowerment, especially of women, and encouraging strengthening and establishment of institutions supportive of micro-lending programmes.]
(* This sub-paragraph was not negotiated, but was included at the request of Bangladesh).
(b) (Agreed) providing universal access to basic social services, including basic education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation;
(c) (Agreed) progressive development, in accordance with the financial and administrative capacities of each society, of social protection systems to support those who cannot support themselves, either temporarily or permanently; the aim of social integration is to create a "society for all";
(d) people living in poverty and their organizations should be empowered by involving them fully in the implementation [,monitoring and assessment] of strategies and programmes for poverty eradication and community development [,and ensuring that these programmes reflect their priorities and perceptions;]
(e) addressing the disproportionate impact of poverty on women, in particular by removing legislative, policy, administrative and customary barriers to women's equal access to productive resources and services, including access to and control over land and other forms of property, credit, including micro-credit, inheritance, education, information, health care and technology. In this regard, full implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action [consistent with the report of the Fourth International Conference on Women] is essential;
(f) (Agreed) interested donors and recipients should work together to allocate increased shares of ODA to poverty eradication. The 20/20 initiative is an important principle in this respect, as it is based on a mutual commitment among donors and recipients to increase resources allocated to basic social services;
(g) (Agreed) intensifying international cooperation to support measures being taken in developing countries to eradicate poverty, to provide basic social protection and services, and to approach poverty eradication efforts in an integral and multidimensional manner.
22. Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, particularly in the industrialized countries, are identified in Agenda 21 as the major cause of continued deterioration of the global environment. [While unsustainable patterns in the industrialized countries continue to aggravate the threats to the environment, particularly excessive pollution from greenhouse gases, there still remain huge difficulties for developing countries in meeting basic needs such as food, health care, shelter and education for people.] [Similar patterns are emerging in the higher income groups in some developing countries.] Consistent with Agenda 21, the development and further elaboration of national policies and strategies, particularly in industrialized countries, are needed to encourage changes in unsustainable consumption and production patterns, while strengthening, as appropriate, international approaches [and policies] that promote sustainable consumption patterns on the basis of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, applying the polluter pays principle, encouraging producer responsibility and greater consumer awareness. Eco-efficiency, cost internalization and product policies are also important tools for making consumption and production patterns more sustainable. Actions in that area should focus on:
(b) [taking] [encouraging] measures aimed at promoting the role of business in shaping more sustainable patterns of consumption [by publishing environmental and social audits on its own activities and] by acting as an agent of change in the market, and by virtue of its role as a major consumer of goods and services;
(c) developing core indicators to monitor critical trends in consumption and production patterns [particularly in the industrialized countries];
(d) (Agreed) identifying best practices through evaluations of policy measures, with respect to their environmental effectiveness, efficiency and implications for social equity, and dissemination of such evaluations;
(e) (Agreed) taking into account the linkages between urbanization, the environmental and developmental effects of consumption and production patterns in cities, thus promoting more sustainable patterns of urbanization;
(f) promoting international and national [targets, goals or action] programmes for energy and material efficiency with timetables for their implementation, as appropriate. In this regard, attention should be given to studies which propose to improve the efficiency of resource use [and consider a ten-fold improvement in resource productivity in the long term.] [As an intermediate step, an increase in resource productivity, for example, by a factor 4 in the next two or three decades seems to be within reach.] Further research is required to study the feasibility of these goals and the practical measures needed for their implementation. Industrialized countries will have a special responsibility and must take the lead in this respect. The CSD should consider this initiative in the coming years to explore the necessary policies and measures to implement eco-efficiency. [, and for this purpose, adopting measures aimed at assisting developing countries to improve energy and material efficiency through the promotion of their endogenous capacity building and economic development with enhanced and effective international support;]
(g) encouraging Governments to take the lead in changing consumption patterns by improving their own environmental performance with action-oriented policies and goals on procurement, the management of public facilities and the further integration of environmental concerns into national policy making. [, with full cooperation of developed countries who are called upon to take the lead in changing consumption patterns;]
(h) encouraging media, advertising and marketing sectors to help shape sustainable consumption [and production] patterns;
(i) (Agreed) improving the quality of information regarding the environmental impact of products and services and, to that end, encouraging the voluntary and transparent use of eco-labelling;
(j) promoting measures favouring eco-efficiency; however, developed countries should pay special attention to the needs of developing countries, in particular encouraging positive impacts, and [seeking to avoid] [avoiding] negative impacts on export opportunities and market access for developing countries [and, as appropriate, for countries with economies in transition;]
(k) (Agreed) encouraging the development and strengthening of educational programmes to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns;
(l) (Agreed) encouraging business and industry to develop and apply environmentally sound technology which should not only aim at increasing competitiveness but also at reducing negative environmental impacts;
(m) (Agreed) giving balanced consideration to both the demand side and the supply side of the economy in matching environmental concerns and economic factors, which could encourage changes in the behaviour of consumers and producers. A number of policy options should be examined and they include regulatory instruments, economic and social incentives and disincentives, facilities and infrastructure, information, education, technology development and dissemination.
Making trade and environment mutually supportive
23. In order to accelerate economic growth, poverty eradication and environmental protection, particularly in developing countries, there is a need to establish macroeconomic conditions in both developed and developing countries that favour the development of instruments and structures enabling all countries, in particular developing countries, to benefit from globalization. International cooperation and support for capacity-building in trade, environment and development should be strengthened through renewed system-wide efforts, and with greater responsiveness to sustainable development objectives, in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Bretton Woods institutions, and by national governments. There should be a balanced and integrated approach to trade and sustainable development, based on a combination of trade liberalization, economic development and environmental protection. Trade obstacles should be removed with a view to contributing to achieving more efficient use of the earth's natural resources in both economic and environmental terms. Trade liberalization should be accompanied by environmental and resource management policies in order to realize its full potential contribution to improved environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable development through more efficient allocation and use of resources. The multilateral trading system should have the capacity to further integrate environmental considerations and enhance its contribution to sustainable development, without undermining its open, equitable and non-discriminatory character. The special and differential treatment for developing countries, especially the least developed countries, and the other commitments of the Uruguay Round should be fully implemented in order to enable these countries to benefit from the international trading system, while conserving the environment. There is a need for continuing the elimination of discriminatory and protectionist practices in international trade relations, [particularly those affecting developing countries and countries with economies in transition.] In order to make trade, environment and development mutually supportive, measures need to be taken to ensure the transparency in the use of trade measures related to the environment, and should address the root causes of environmental degradation so as not to result in disguised barriers to trade. Account should be taken of the fact that environmental standards valid for developed countries may have unwarranted social and economic costs in other countries, in particular developing countries. International cooperation is needed and unilateralism should be avoided.
The following actions are required:
(b) promotion of an open, non-discriminatory, rule-based, equitable, secure, transparent and predictable multilateral trading system. In this context, effective measures are called for to achieve the complete integration of developing countries and countries with economies in transition into the world economy and the new international trading system. In this connection, there is a need to promote the universality of WTO and to facilitate the accession in a mutually beneficial way of applying developing countries and countries with economies in transition to the Organization. Actions should be taken to maximize the opportunities and to minimize the difficulties of developing countries, including the net food-importing ones, especially the least developed countries, and of the countries with economies in transition, in adjusting to the changes introduced by the Uruguay Round. [Sustainable development and trade liberalization should be mutually supportive.] The relationship between multilateral environmental agreements and the WTO rules should be clarified;
(c) (Agreed) implementation of environmental measures should not result in disguised barriers to trade;
(d) (Agreed) within the framework of Agenda 21, trade rules and environmental principles should interact harmoniously;
(e) (Agreed) further analysis of the environmental effects of international transport of goods is warranted;
(f)* cooperation and coordination between UNCTAD, UNIDO, WTO, UNEP and other relevant institutions should be strengthened on various issues including (i) the role of positive measures in multilateral environmental agreements as part of a package of measures including in certain cases, trade measures; (ii) the special conditions and needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in the trade and environment interface, (iii) trade and environment issues at the regional and sub-regional levels, including in the context of regional economic and trade as well as environmental agreements; (iv) environment and sustainable development issues in the context of domestic and foreign direct investment, including a possible multilateral framework on investment; any future agreement on investment liberalization should be consistent with the objectives of sustainable development; (* India and Indonesia, endorsed by the G77+China, reserved their position on this paragraph and wished the fact to be recorded in the final report of the meeting).
[(f bis)* the promotion of effective dialogue with major groups (including NGOs) within the WTO/CTE.]
(* This sentence was not negotiated, but was included at the request of Australia).
(g) (Agreed) national governments should make every effort to ensure policy coordination on trade, environment and development at the national level in support of sustainable development;
[(h) action in the WTO to ensure that trade rules do not prevent or undermine effective and legitimate environmental policies and measures at the international, regional and national levels, including further steps to ensure that WTO rules pay due respect to the decisions of governments acting jointly in negotiating multilateral environmental agreements and that they support the effective implementation of the different measures provided for in the framework of such agreements.]
24. The impact in the relationship between economic growth, poverty, employment, environment and sustainable development has become a major concern. There is a need to recognize the critical linkages between demographic trends and factors and sustainable development. The current decline in population growth rates must be further promoted through national and international policies that promote economic development, social development, environmental protection, poverty eradication, particularly the further expansion of basic education, with full and equal access for girls and women, and health care, including [reproductive health care, which covers [including] both family planning and sexual health, consistent with the report of the International Conference on Population and Development [Endnote 9]] [as well as family and maternal health care].
25. The goals of sustainable development cannot be achieved when a high proportion of the population is afflicted with debilitating illnesses. An overriding goal for the future is to implement the Health for All programme [Endnote 10] and to enable all people, particularly the world's poor, to achieve a higher level of health and well-being, and to improve their economic productivity and social potential. Protecting children from environmental health threats and infectious disease is particularly urgent since children are more susceptible than adults to those threats. Top priority should be attached to supporting the efforts on the part of countries, particularly developing countries, and international organizations, to eradicate the major infectious diseases, especially malaria, which is on the increase, and to the improvement and expansion of basic health and sanitation services and the provision of safe drinking water. It is also important to reduce indigenous cases of vaccine-preventable diseases through the promotion of widespread immunization programs, promote accelerated research and vaccine development and reduce the transmission of other major infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. [Given the devastating and irreparable effects that lead poisoning has on children, it is important to continue an emphasis on eliminating lead from gasoline worldwide.] Strategies at regional, national and local levels for reducing the potential risk due to ambient and indoor air pollution should be developed, bearing in mind their serious impacts on human health, [including strategies to make parents, families and communities aware of the adverse environmental health impacts of tobacco]. The clear linkage between health and environment needs to be emphasized and the lack of information on the impact of environmental pollution on health should be addressed. Health issues should be fully integrated into national and sub-national sustainable development plans, and should be incorporated into project and programme development as a component of environmental impact assessments. Important to efforts at national levels is international cooperation in disease prevention, early warning, surveillance, reporting, training and research, and treatment.
26. (Agreed) Sustainable human settlements development is essential to sustainable development. The need to intensify efforts and cooperation to improve living conditions in the cities, towns, villages and rural areas throughout the world is recognized. Approximately half of the world's population already lives in urban settlements, and by early in the next century the majority - more than 5 billion people - will be urban residents. Urban problems are concerns common to both developed and developing countries, although urbanization is occurring most rapidly in developing countries. Urbanization creates both, challenges and opportunities. Global urbanization is a cross sectoral phenomena which impacts all aspects of sustainable development. Urgent action is needed to implement fully the commitments made at the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) consistent with its report, and in Agenda 21. New and additional financial resources from various sources are necessary to achieve the goals of adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development in an urbanizing world. Transfer of expertise and technology, capacity-building, decentralization of authority through, inter alia, strengthening of local capacity and private-public partnerships to improve the provision and environmentally sound management of infrastructure and social services should be accelerated to achieve more sustainable human settlements development. Local Agenda 21 programmes should also be actively encouraged. Global targets could be established by the CSD to promote local Agenda 21 campaigns, and to deal with obstacles to local Agenda 21 initiatives.
27. (Agreed) The present section identifies a number of specific areas that are of widespread concern since failure to reverse current trends in these areas, notably in resource degradation, will have potentially disastrous effects on social and economic development, on human health and on environmental protection for all countries, particularly in developing countries. All sectors covered by Agenda 21 are equally important and thus deserve attention by the international community on an equal footing. The need for integration is important in all sectors, including in the areas of energy and transport because of the adverse effects that developments in those sectors can have on human health and ecosystems; in the areas of agriculture and water use, where inadequate land-use planning, poor water management and inappropriate technology can result in the degradation of natural resources and human impoverishment; drought and desertification resulting in land degradation and soil loss; and in the area of management of marine resources, where competitive overexploitation can damage the resource base, food supplies and the livelihood of fishing communities, as well as the environment. Recommendations made in each of the sectors take into account the need for international cooperation in support in national efforts, within the context of the principles of the UNCED, including, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. It is likewise understood that these recommendations do not in anyway prejudice the work accomplished under legally-binding Conventions, where they exist, concerning these sectors.
28. (Agreed) Water resources are essential for satisfying basic human needs, health and food production, and the preservation of ecosystems, as well as for economic and social development in general. It is a matter of urgent concern that more than one-fifth of all people still do not have access to safe drinking water and more than one half of humanity lacks adequate sanitation. From the developing countries' perspectives, freshwater is a priority and a basic need, especially taking into account that in many developing countries freshwater is not readily available for all segments of the population, inter alia, due to uncertainties in availability of freshwater, lack of adequate infrastructure and capacity, water scarcity and technical and financial constraints. Moreover, freshwater is also crucial for developing countries to satisfy the basic needs of their population in the areas of agricultural irrigation, industrial development, hydroelectric generation, etc. In view of the growing demands on water, which is a finite resource, water will become a major limiting factor in socio-economic development unless early action is taken. There is growing concern at the increasing stress on water supplies caused by unsustainable use patterns, affecting both water quality and quantity, and the widespread lack of access to safe water supply and suitable sanitation in mantention must also be given to technology needs assessment as a tool for governments in identifying a portfolio for technology transfer projects and capacity-building activities to be undertaken to facilitate and accelerate the development, adoption and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies in particular sectors of the national economy. It is also important for governments to promote the integration of environmental technology assessment with technology needs assessment as an important tool for evaluating environmentally sound technologies and the organizational, managerial and human resource systems related to the proper use of these technologies.
87. (Agreed) There is a need to further explore and enhance the potential of global electronic information and telecommunication networks that would enable countries to choose among the available technological options that are most appropriate to their needs. In this respect, the international community should assist developing countries to enhance their capacities.
88. (Agreed) Renewed commitment and support from the international community is essential to support national efforts for capacity- building in developing countries and economies in transition.
89. (Agreed) The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), inter alia, through its Capacity 21 Programme, should give priority attention to building capacity for the elaboration of sustainable development strategies based on participatory approaches. In this context, developing countries should be assisted particularly in the areas of programmes, projects, designs, implementation and evaluation.
90. (Agreed) Capacity-building efforts should pay particular attention to the needs of women in order to ensure that their skills and experience ary developing countries. Because the commitments of the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade in the 1980s have not been fully met, there is still a need to ensure the optimal use and protection of all freshwater resources, so that the needs, including the availability of safe drinking water and sanitation, of everyone on this planet can be met. This calls for the highest priority to be given to the serious freshwater problems facing many regions, especially in the developing world.
There is an urgent need to:
(b) (Agreed) strengthen regional and international cooperation for technological transfer and the financing of integrated water resources programmes and projects, in particular those designed to increase access to safe water supply and sanitation;
(c) (Agreed) ensure the continued participation of local communities, and women in particular, in the management of water resources development and use;
(d) (Agreed) provide an enabling national and international environment that encourages investments from public and private sources to improve water supply and sanitation services, especially in fast-growing urban and peri- urban areas, as well as in poor rural communities in developing countries. Adopt and implement commitments by the international community to support the efforts to assist developing countries achieve access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all;
(e) (Agreed) recognize water as a social and economic good with a vital role in the satisfaction of basic human needs, food security, poverty alleviation and the protection of ecosystems. Economic valuation of water should be seen within the context of its social and economic implications reflecting the importance of meeting basic needs. Consideration should be given to gradual implementation of pricing policies that are geared towards cost recovery and an equitable and efficient allocation of water, including the promotion of water conservation, in developed countries; such policies could also be considered in developing countries when they reach an appropriate stage in their development, so as to promote the harmonious management and development of scarce water resources and generate financial resources for investment in new water supply and treatment facilities. Such strategies should also include programmes assigned to minimize wasteful consumption of water;
(f) (Agreed) strengthen the capability of Governments and international institutions to collect and manage information, including scientific, social and environmental data, in order to facilitate the integrated assessment and management of water resources, and foster regional and international cooperation for information dissemination and exchange through cooperative approaches among UN institutions, including UNEP and centres for environmental excellence. In this regard, technical assistance to developing countries will continue to be important in this area;
(g) (Agreed) give support by the international community to the efforts and limited resources of developing countries to shift to higher-value, less water-intensive modes of agricultural and industrial production and to develop educational and informational infrastructure necessary to improve the skills of the labour force required for the economic transformation that needs to take place if use of freshwater resources is to be sustainable. International support for the integrated development of water resources in developing countries, appropriate innovative initiatives and approaches at the bilateral and regional levels are also required;
(h) (Agreed) encourage watercourse States to develop international watercourses with the view to attaining sustainable utilization and appropriate protection thereof and benefits therefrom, taking into account the interests of the watercourse States concerned.
29.* (Agreed) Considering the urgent need for action in the field of freshwater, and building on existing principles and instruments, arrangements, programmes of action and customary uses of water, governments call for a dialogue under the aegis of the CSD, beginning at its sixth session, aimed at building a consensus on the necessary actions and in particular, on the means of implementation and tangible results, in order to consider initiating a strategic approach for the implementation of all aspects of the sustainable use of freshwater for social and economic purposes including, inter alia, safe drinking water and sanitation, water for irrigation, recycling, wastewater management and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems. This inter- governmental process will only be fully fruitful if there is a proven commitment by the international community for the provision of new and additional financial resources for the goals of this initiative.
(* Turkey and Cuba reserved their position on this paragraph, and wished the fact to be noted in the final report of the meeting.)
30. (Agreed) Progress has been achieved since UNCED in the negotiation of agreements and voluntary instruments for improving the conservation and management of fishery resources and for the protection of the marine environment. Furthermore, progress has been made in the conservation and management of specific fishery stocks for securing the sustainable utilization of these resources. Despite this, the decline of many fish stocks, high levels of discards, and rising marine pollution continue. Governments should take full advantage of the challenge and opportunity presented by the 1998 International Year of the Ocean. There is a need to continue to improve decision-making at the national, regional and global levels. To address the need for improving global decision-making on the marine environment, there is an urgent need for Governments to implement decision 4/15 of CSD-4 which, inter alia, called for periodic intergovernmental reviews by the CSD of all aspects of the marine environment and its related issues, as described in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, for which the overall legal framework is provided by UNCLOS. There is a need for concerted action by all countries and for improved co-operation to assist developing countries to implement the relevant agreements and instruments in order to participate effectively in the sustainable use, conservation and management of their fishery resources, as provided for in UNCLOS and other international legal instruments and to achieve integrated coastal zone management. In that context, there is an urgent need for:
(b) (Agreed) all Governments to implement United Nations General Assembly resolution A/51/189 adopted on 16 December 1996, including the strengthening of institutional links to be established between the relevant intergovernmental mechanisms involved in the development and implementation of integrated coastal zone management. Following progress on UNCLOS, and bearing in mind Principle 13 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, there is a need to strengthen implementation of existing international and regional agreements on marine pollution, with a view in particular toward better contingency planning, response, and liability and compensation mechanisms;
(c) (Agreed) the better identification of priorities for action at the global level to promote conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment as well as better means for integrating such action;
(d) (Agreed) further international cooperation to support the strengthening, where needed, of regional and subregional agreements for the protection and sustainable use of the oceans and seas;
(e) (Agreed) Governments to prevent or eliminate overfishing and excess fishing capacity through the adoption of management measures and mechanisms to ensure the sustainable management and utilization of fishery resources and to undertake programmes of work to achieve the reduction and elimination of wasteful fishing practices, wherever they may occur, especially in relation to large-scale industrialized fishing. The CSD-4's emphasis on the importance of effective conservation and management of fish stocks, in particular on overcapacity, in order to identify specific steps at national or regional levels to prevent or eliminate excess fishing capacity, will need to be carried forward in all appropriate international fora including, in particular, the FAO's Committee on Fisheries;
(f) (Agreed) Governments to consider the positive and negative impact of subsidies on the conservation and management of fisheries through national, regional and appropriate international organizations and, based on these analyses, to consider appropriate action;
(g) (Agreed) Governments to take actions, individually and through their participation in competent global and regional fora, to improve the quality and quantity of scientific data as a basis for effective decisions related to the protection of the marine environment and the conservation and management of marine living resources; in this regard, greater international cooperation is required to assist developing countries, in particular small island developing States, to operationalize data networks and clearing houses for information-sharing on oceans. In this context, particular emphasis must be placed in the collection of biological and other fisheries-related information and resources for its collation, analysis and dissemination;
31. (Agreed) The management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests is a crucial factor in economic and social development, in environmental protection, and in the Planet's life support system. Forests are one of the major reservoirs of biological diversity and are carbon sinks and reservoirs, are a significant source of renewable energy, particularly in the least developed countries, and are an integral part of sustainable development.
32. (Agreed) Since the adoption of the Forest Principles in Rio, tangible progress has been made in sustainable forest management at national, sub- regional, regional and international levels and in promotion of international cooperation on forests. The proposals for action contained in the IPF report (E/CN.17/1997/12), which were endorsed by the CSD at its Fifth session, represent significant progress and consensus on a wide range of forest issues.
33. (Agreed) To maintain the momentum generated by the IPF process and to facilitate and encourage the holistic, integrated and balanced intergovernmental policy dialogue on all types of forests in the future, which continues to be an open, transparent and participatory process, requires a long term political commitment to sustainable forest management worldwide.
Against this background, there is an urgent need for:
(b) (Agreed) countries to develop national forest programmes in accordance with their respective national conditions, objectives and priorities;
(c) (Agreed) enhanced international cooperation to implement IPF's proposals for action towards management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests, including provision for financial resources, capacity building, research and the transfer of technology;
(d) further clarification of all issues arising from the IPF process, in particular international cooperation in financial assistance and technology transfer, and trade and environment in relation to forest products and services[, as well as traditional forest related knowledge];
(e) (Agreed) international institutions and organizations to continue their work and to undertake further coordination and explore means for collaboration in the informal, high level Interagency Task Force on Forests, focusing on the implementation of the Panel's proposals for action, in accordance with their respective mandates and comparative advantage;
(f) (Agreed) countries to provide consistent guidance to the governing bodies of relevant international institutions and instruments to take efficient and effective measures, as well as to coordinate their forest- related work at all levels, in incorporating the IPF's proposals for action into their work programmes and under existing agreements and arrangements.
[34. To [help] achieve this and to facilitate and promote the implementation of the proposals for action in the IPF report the following options are proposed:
(a) to continue the intergovernmental policy dialogue on forests through the establishment of an ad-hoc, open-ended Intergovernmental Forum on Forests under the auspices of the UN CSD, with a focused and time limited mandate, charged with, inter-alia, reviewing, monitoring and reporting on progress in the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests, promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Panel's proposals for action, and either:
(i) on that basis, considering and advising on the need for other arrangements and mechanisms, including legal arrangements covering all types of forests, and reporting on these matters to the CSD at the appropriate time in its work programme, which has yet to be defined; and/or
(ii) preparing the basis and building the necessary consensus for a decision to negotiate and elaborate possible elements of a legally binding instrument, and to report on its work on the latter topic to the CSD in the year 1999.
OR
(b) to carry forward intergovernmental policy action on forests through the establishment, as soon as possible, under the authority of the UN General Assembly, of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on a legally binding instrument on all types of forest, with a focused and time limited mandate.
OR
[Alternative Paragraph 34] to continue intergovernmental policy dialogue on forests through the establishment of an ad hoc open-ended Intergovernmental Forum on Forests under the aegis of the UNCSD, with a focused and time limited mandate; charged with promoting and facilitating the implementation of the Panel's proposals for action and reporting on progress in the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests; the consideration of matters left pending by the IPF, in particular, trade in forest products and services and the environment; transfer of technology, and the need for financial resources; as well as to consider the need for, and to identify possible elements of arrangements and mechanisms or a legally binding instrument. The Forum will report on its work to the CSD in 1999 for appropriate action.]
[Note: Terms of Reference for an appropriate intergovernmental process will need to be developed].
35. Energy is essential to economic and social development and improved quality of life. However, sustainable patterns of production, distribution and use of energy are crucial. Fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) will continue to dominate the energy supply situation for many years to come in most developed and developing countries. What is required then is to reduce the environmental impact of their continued development, and to reduce local health hazards and environmental pollution through enhanced international cooperation [notably in the provision of concessional finance for capacity development and transfer of the relevant technology.]
36. (Agreed) In developing countries, sharp increases in energy services are required to improve the standard of living for their growing populations. The increase in the level of energy services would have a beneficial impact on poverty eradication by increasing employment opportunities and improving transportation, health and education. Many developing countries, in particular the least developed, face the urgent need to provide adequate modern energy services, especially to billions of people in rural areas. This requires significant financial, human and technical resources and a broad- based mix of energy sources.
37. (Agreed) The objectives envisaged in this section should reflect the need for equity, adequate energy supplies and increasing energy consumption in developing countries and should take into account consideration of the situations of countries that are highly dependent on income generated from the production, processing and export, and or consumption of fossil fuels for which countries have serious difficulties in switching to alternatives and the situation of countries highly vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change.
38. (Agreed) Advances towards sustainable energy use are taking place, and all parties can benefit from progress made in other countries. It is also necessary to ensure international cooperation for promoting energy conservation and improvement of energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and research, development and dissemination of innovative energy-related technology.
39. Therefore there is a need for:
[(a) a shift towards sustainable patterns of production, distribution and use. This should be taken up by elaborating a common strategy for a sustainable energy future. In this way, governments should commit themselves to develop and promote sustainable energy policies, involving all actors. To advance this work at the intergovernmental level the CSD should devote one of its sessions in the near future to the establishment of such a common strategy. This dedicated session should be thoroughly prepared by an inter- sessional high-level forum of the CSD on environment and energy. The United Nations Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development should be involved.]
OR
[(a) movement towards sustainable patterns of production, distribution and use of energy. To advance this work at the intergovernmental level, the CSD will discuss at its [9th] session, energy issues. Noting the vital role of energy in continuation of sustainable economic growth, especially for developing countries, in particular those countries that play a key role in the world's energy supply, and recognizing the complexities and interdependencies inherent in addressing energy issues within the context of sustainable development, preparations for this meeting should take place over a longer time frame in an open-ended intergovernmental group of experts on energy and sustainable development to be held in conjunction with CSD intersessional meetings. In line with the objectives of Agenda 21, the meeting of the CSD should contribute to a sustainable energy future for all.]
(b) (Agreed) evolving concrete measures to strengthen international cooperation to assist developing countries in their domestic efforts to provide adequate modern energy services, especially electricity to all sections of their population, particularly in the rural areas in an environmentally sound manner;
(c) (Agreed) countries, bearing in mind the specific needs and priorities of developing countries, to promote policies and plans that take into account the economic, social and environmental aspects of production and distribution and use of energy including the use of lower pollutant sources of energy such as natural gas;
(d) evolving [time-bound commitments for] transfer of relevant technology to developing countries and economies in transition so as to enable them to increase the use of renewable energy sources and cleaner fossil fuels and to improve efficiency in energy production, distribution and use; and countries to systematically increase the use of renewable energy sources according to their specific social, economic, natural, geographical and climatic conditions and cleaner fuel technologies, including fossil fuel technologies, and to improve efficiency in energy production, distribution and use and in other industrial production processes that are intensive users of energy;
(e) (Agreed) promoting efforts in research, development and use of renewable energy technologies at the international and national levels;
(f) in the context of fossil fuels, encouraging further research, development, application and transfer of technology, [preferably] of a cleaner and more efficient nature, through effective international support;
[(g) Governments and the private sector be encouraged to move towards energy pricing that better reflects economic, social and environmental costs and benefits; including the reduction, and the gradual elimination, of subsidies for energy production and consumption that inhibit sustainable development. Such policies should take fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries [, while respecting the agreed special and differentiated treatment of developing countries, particularly least developing countries, in WTO, on the question of subsidies];]
[(h) development of a reference framework for better coordination of energy-related activities within the United Nations system.]
40. (Agreed) The transport sector and mobility in general have an essential and positive role to play in economic and social development, and transportation needs will undoubtedly increase. Over the next 20 years, transportation is expected to be the major driving force behind growing world demand for energy. The transport sector is the largest end-user of energy in developed countries and the fastest growing one in most developing countries. Current patterns of transportation with their dominant patterns of energy use are not sustainable and on present trends may compound environmental problems the world is facing and health impacts referred to in para. 25. There is a need for:
(b) (Agreed) integration of land use and urban, peri-urban and rural transport planning, taking into account the need to protect ecosystems;
(c) (Agreed) adopt and promote, as appropriate, measures to mitigate the negative impact of transportation on the environment, including measures to improve efficiency in the transportation sector;
(d) (Agreed) use of a broad spectrum of policy instruments to improve energy efficiency and efficiency standards in transportation and related sectors;
[(e) an initiative to prepare, at the international level, a tax on aviation fuel;]
[(f) accelerating the phasing out of the use of leaded gasoline as soon as possible, in pursuit of the objectives of reducing the severe impacts of human exposure to lead as stated in the Report of the Second Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, 1994, para. 169, and to that end explore ways in which developing countries might be given technological and economic assistance to make the necessary transition;]
[(g) promotion of guidelines for environmentally friendly transport, and actions for reducing vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, as soon as possible, preferably within the next ten years;]
(h) (Agreed) partnerships at the national level, involving Governments, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, for strengthening transport infrastructures and developing innovative mass transport schemes.
41. Ensuring that the global climate and atmosphere is not further damaged with irreversible consequences for future generations requires political will and concerted efforts by the international community in accordance with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC has taken some first steps to deal with the global problem of climate change. Despite the adoption of the UNFCCC, emission and concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) continue to rise, even as scientific evidence assembled by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other relevant bodies continues to diminish the uncertainties and points ever more strongly to the severe risk of global climate change. [So far, insufficient progress has been made by developed countries in meeting their [aim to return GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000]]. It is recognized in the Berlin Mandate [Endnote 11] that the [commitments under Article 4.2 a and b of the UNFCCC] [UNFCCC's commitments] are inadequate to meet the objectives of the Convention, and therefore there is a need to strengthen these commitments. It is most important that the third meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention (COP3), to be held at Kyoto, Japan, later in 1997, adopt a protocol or other legal instrument that fully encompasses the Berlin Mandate. The Geneva Ministerial Declaration which was noted, without formal adoption, but which received majority support among ministers and other heads of delegation attending the second Conference of the Parties, also called, inter alia, for acceleration of negotiations on the text of a legally binding protocol or another legal instrument.
[42. Member States are urged to agree on a satisfactory result of these negotiations at the third session of the Conference of the Parties, scheduled to be held in Kyoto in December 1997;]
OR
[42. At COP3, Member States are urged to adopt the strongest possible agreement, including legally binding budgets or targets for developed nations; maximum flexibility in reaching such budgets or targets; and participation of all countries in taking meaningful actions to address the problem;]
OR
[42. COP3 should call upon the industrialized world, reaffirming the Berlin Mandate and the COP2 Ministerial Declaration, to agree on quantified, legally-binding objectives for emission limitation and significant overall reduction of GHGs within specified time frames such as 2005, 2010 and 2020, with respect to their anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of GHGs not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, and to agree to elaborate policies and measures.]
OR
[42. At COP3, a legally binding commitment for a 15% reduction of the emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O together below the 1990 level by the year 2010 must be agreed upon, as well as mandatory and recommended policies and measures, including harmonized ones, to ensure that this target is achieved.]
OR
[42. The Third Conference of the Parties should call upon the industrialized world to agree on a legally binding commitment for a 20% reduction of the emissions of CO2 below the 1990 level by the year 2005. Other greenhouse gas emissions will also be covered by this instrument as well as coordinated policies and measures to ensure that this target is achieved.]
43. (Agreed) International cooperation in the implementation of Chapter 9 of Agenda 21, in particular, in transfer of technology and capacity-building in developing countries, is also essential to promote the effective implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
44. (Agreed) There is also a need to strengthen systematic observational networks to identify the possible onset and distribution of climate change and assess potential impacts particularly at the regional level.
45. (Agreed) The ozone layer continues to be severely depleted and the Montreal Protocol [Endnote 12] needs to be strengthened. The Copenhagen amendments need to be ratified. The recent successful conclusion of the replenishment negotiations of the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund is welcomed and open funds for, among other things, earlier phase out of ozone depleting substances, including methyl bromide, in developing countries. Future replenishment should also be adequate to ensure timely implementation of the Montreal Protocol. An increased focus on capacity building programmes in developing countries within the multilateral funds is also needed, as well as the implementation of effective measures against illegal trade in ozone depleting substances.
46. (Agreed) Rising levels of transboundary air pollution should be countered, including through appropriate regional cooperation to reduce pollution levels.
47. (Agreed) The sound management of chemicals is essential to sustainable development and is a fundamental underpinning human health and environmental protection. All those responsible for chemicals, throughout their life cycle, bear responsibility for achieving this. Substantial progress on the sound management of chemicals has been made since UNCED, in particular through the establishment of the Inter-Governmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) and the Inter- Organizational Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC). In addition, domestic regulations have been complemented by the code of Ethics on the international trade in chemicals and voluntary industry initiatives, such as Responsible Care. Despite substantial progress, a number of chemicals continue to pose significant threats to local, regional and global ecosystems and to human health. Since UNCED, there has been an increased understanding of the serious damage that certain toxic chemicals can cause to human health and the environment. Much remains to be done and the environmentally sound management of chemicals should continue to be an important issue well beyond 2000. Particular attention should also be given to cooperation in the development and transfer of technology of safe substitutes and in the development of capacity for the production of these substitutes. The decision of the nineteenth session of the UNEP Governing Council on the sound management of chemicals should be implemented in accordance with the agreed timetables for negotiations on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Conventions. It is noted that inorganic chemicals possess roles and behaviour that are distinct from organic chemicals.
48. (Agreed) Substantial progress has been made with the implementation of the Basel [Endnote 13], Bamako [Endnote 14], Lome IV and other regional Conventions, although more remains to be done. There are important initiatives aimed at promoting the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes under the Basel Convention including, inter alia, (a) activities undertaken to prevent the illegal traffic in hazardous wastes, (b) the establishment of regional centres for training and technology transfer regarding hazardous waste minimization and management, and (c) treatment and disposal of hazardous waste as close as possible to its source of origin. These initiatives should be further developed. It is also important and urgent that work under the Basel Convention is completed to define which hazardous wastes are controlled under the Convention and to negotiate, adopt and implement a protocol on liability and compensation for damage resulting from transboundary movements and disposal of hazardous wastes. Land contaminated by disposal of hazardous wastes needs to be identified and remedial actions put in hand. Integrated management solutions are also required to minimize urban and industrial waste generation and to promote recycling and reuse.
Radioactive wastes* (* The Russian Federation reserved its position on this section, and wished the fact to be noted in the final report of the meeting.)
49. Radioactive wastes can have very serious environmental and human health impacts over long periods of time. It is essential that they are managed in a safe and responsible way. Each country has a responsibility to ensure that radioactive wastes which fall within its jurisdiction are managed properly in accordance with internationally accepted principles. The international community should make all efforts to prohibit the export of radioactive wastes to those countries which do not have appropriate waste treatment and storage facilities. The storage, transportation, transboundary movements and disposal of radioactive wastes should be guided by the principles of the Rio Declaration [, with particular attention to principles 2 and 19, and the principle that States should pursue to store and dispose of radioactive wastes in the State in which they are generated,][Governments shall also continue to undertake disposal activities in accordance with the proximity principle. Where such activities are likely to cause significant adverse transboundary environmental effect, States shall provide prior notification, relevant information and consult, at an early stage, with States that could be impacted by such activities] and Agenda 21 and undertaken in a manner consistent with the provisions of internationally accepted standards as well as international and relevant regional conventions. It is important to intensify efforts to promote safety measures with regard to nuclear wastes. Storage or disposal of radioactive waste should not take place near the marine environment [and other sensitive ecological areas] unless States determine that scientific evidence, consistent with the applicable internationally agreed principles and guidelines shows that this does not pose an unacceptable risk to people and the environment. In the process of consideration of that evidence, appropriate application of the of principle of the precautionary approach should be made. Further action is needed by the international community to address the need for enhancing awareness of the importance of safe management of radioactive wastes, and to ensure the prevention of incidents and accidents involving the uncontrolled release of such wastes.
50.* (Agreed) One of the main recommendations of Agenda 21 and the second session of CSD in this area was to support the ongoing efforts of the IAEA, IMO and other relevant international organizations. The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management currently being negotiated under the auspices of the IAEA is now close to completion. It will provide a comprehensive codification of international law and a guide to best practice in this area. It will rightly be based on all the principles of best practice for this subject that have evolved in the international community, including the principle that, in general, it is best for radioactive wastes to be disposed of in the State in which it was generated as far as is compatible with the safety of the management of such material. Governments should finalize this text and are urged to ratify and implement it as soon as possible so as to further improve practice and strengthen safety in this area. Transportation of irradiated nuclear fuel, high level waste by sea should be guided by the INF-Code, which should be considered for development into a mandatory instrument. The issue of potential transboundary environmental effects of activities related to the management [Endnote 15] of radioactive wastes and the question of prior notification, relevant information and consultation with States that could potentially be affected by such effects, should be further addressed within the appropriate fora.
(* The Ukraine reserved its position on this paragraph, and wished the fact to be noted in the final report of the meeting).
51. Increased global and regional cooperation, including exchange of information, experience and transfer of appropriate technologies, is needed to improve the management of radioactive wastes. There is a need to support the clean-up of contaminated sites left from [military activities using nuclear materials as well as those arising from uranium mining and] nuclear activities. Technical assistance should be provided to developing countries in order to enable them to develop or improve procedures for the management and safety disposal of radioactive wastes deriving from the use of radionuclides in medicine, research and industry [and recognizing the special needs of SIDS and coastal states relating to the risk of environmental impact from those activities].
Land and sustainable agriculture
52. Land degradation and soil loss threaten the livelihood of millions of people and future food security, with implications for water resources and the conservation of biodiversity. There is an urgent need to define ways to combat or reverse the worldwide accelerating trend of soil degradation, using an ecosystem approach, and taking into account the needs of populations living in mountain ecosystems and recognizing the multiple functions of agriculture. The greatest challenge for humanity is to protect and sustainably manage the natural resource base on which food and fibre production depend, while feeding and housing a population which is still growing. The international community has recognized the need for an integrated approach to the protection and sustainable management of land and soil resources, as stated in decision III/11 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, including identification of land degradation, that involves all interested parties at local as well as national levels, including farmers, small-scale food producers, indigenous people[s] and non-governmental organizations and in particular women, who have a vital role in rural communities. This should include action to ensure secure land tenure and access to land, credits and training as well as the removal of obstacles that inhibit farmers, especially small scale farmers and peasants, from investment in and improvement of their lands and farms.
53. It remains essential to continue efforts for the eradication of poverty through, inter alia, capacity-building to reinforce local food systems, improving food security and providing adequate nutrition for the more than 800 million undernourished people in the world, located mainly in developing countries. Governments should formulate policies that promote sustainable agriculture as well as productivity and profitability. Comprehensive rural policies are required to improve access to land, combat poverty, create employment and reduce rural emigration. [At the same time, sustainable food security among both urban and rural poor should be a policy priority.] [Developed countries and the international community should provide adequate resources and technical assistance to developing countries to this end.] To meet those objectives, Governments should attach high priority to implementing the commitments of the Rome Declaration on World Food Security and World Food Summit Plan of Action, as adopted in the report of the World Food Summit (Rome, 13-17 November 1996), especially the call for a minimum target of halving the number of undernourished people in the world by the year 2015. Governments and international organizations are encouraged to implement the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources as adopted in the report of the Leipzig Conference. [At the CSD of 1998 the issues of sustainable agriculture and land use should be considered in relation to freshwater.] The challenge for agricultural research is to increase yields on all farmlands while protecting and conserving the natural resource base. The international community and governments must continue or increase investments in agricultural research because it can take years or decades to develop new lines of research and bring those research findings into sustainable practice on the land. Developing countries, particularly those with high population densities, will need international cooperation to gain access to the results of such research and to technology aimed at improving agricultural productivity in limited spaces. More generally, international co- operation continues to be needed to assist developing countries in many other aspects of basic requirements of agriculture. [There is also a need to continue work in the World Trade Organization to liberalize international trade in agriculture and, to pursue food and overall trade policies that will encourage producers and consumers to utilize available resources in an economically sound and sustainable manner taking account of the special and differential treatment for developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, and net food importers.] OR [ There is also a need for further empirical work and analysis in discussions on the benefits of removing trade restrictions.] OR [There is a need to effectively implement the agricultural agreement of the World Trade Organization.]
54. (Agreed) Governments are urged to conclude, by signing and ratifying, accepting, approving and/or acceding to, and to implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa, which entered into force on 26 December 1996, as soon as possible, and to support and actively participate in the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, which will be held in Rome in September 1997.
55. The international community is urged to recognize the importance and necessity of international cooperation and partnership in combatting desertification and mitigating the effects of drought. [The international community, in particular developed countries, should also therefore support the global mechanism that would indeed have the capacity to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of, and ensure new and additional financial resources for, advancing the implementation of the Convention and its annexes, and to contribute to the eradication of poverty which is one of the principal consequences of desertification and drought in the majority of affected countries.]
OR
[The international community, in particular developed countries, should also support the global mechanism in its work to facilitate the mobilization of adequate financial resources for advancing the implementation of the Convention and its regional annexes.] [The transfer of environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable technologies to developing countries relevant to combatting desertification and/or mitigating the effects of drought, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas, should be undertaken without delay.]
56. (Agreed) There remains an urgent need for the conservation, sustainable use of biological diversity and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of components of genetic resources. The threats to biodiversity stems mainly from habitat destruction, over harvesting, pollution and the inappropriate introduction of foreign plants and animals. There is an urgent need for governments and the international community, with the support of relevant international institutions, as appropriate to:
(b) (Agreed) ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity and implement it fully and effectively together with the decisions by the COP, including recommendations on agricultural biological diversity, the Jakarta Mandate on Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity, and to pursue urgently other tasks identified by the COP3 work programme on terrestrial biological diversity within the context of the ecosystems approach adopted by the Convention;
(c) (Agreed) undertake concrete actions for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, consistent with Convention provisions and its decisions on, inter alia, access to genetic resources and handling of biotechnology and its benefits,
(d) (Agreed) pay further attention to the provision of new and additional financial resources for the implementation of the Convention;
(e) (Agreed) facilitate transfer of technologies including biotechnology to developing countries, consistent with the provision of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
(f) (Agreed) respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyle and encourage equitable sharing of the benefits arising from traditional knowledge so that they are adequately protected and rewarded, consistent with the provision of the Convention on Biological Diversity, in accordance with the decisions of the COPs;
(g) (Agreed) complete rapidly the biosafety protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the understanding that the UNEP International Guidelines for Safety in Biotechnology may be used as an interim mechanism during its development, and to complement it after its conclusion, including the recommendations on capacity-building related to biosafety;
(h) (Agreed) stress the importance of the establishment of a clearing-house mechanism by Parties consistent with Convention decisions;
(I) (Agreed) recognize the role of women in the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources;
(j) (Agreed) provide the necessary support to integrate conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its resources into national development plans;
(k) (Agreed) promote international cooperation to develop and strengthen national capacity-building, including human resource development and institution building; and
(l) (Agreed) provide incentive measures at national, regional and international level to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and to consider means to enhance developing countries' capabilities to compete in the emerging market for biological resources, while improving the functioning of this market.
57. (Agreed) The tourism sector is now one of the world's largest industries and the fastest growing economic sectors. The expected growth in the tourism sector and the increasing reliance of many developing countries, including SIDS, on this sector as a major employer and contributor to local, national, sub-regional and regional economies, highlights the need for special attention to the relationship between environmental conservation and protection and sustainable tourism. In this regard, efforts of developing countries to broaden the traditional concept of tourism to include cultural and eco-tourism merit special consideration, and the assistance from the international community, including the international financial institutions.
58. (Agreed) There is need to consider further the importance of tourism in the context of Agenda 21. Tourism, like other sectors, uses resources and generates wastes, and creates environmental, cultural and social costs and benefits in the process. For sustainable patterns of consumption and production in the tourism sector it is essential to strengthen national policy development and enhance capacity in the areas of physical planning, impact assessments, the use of economic and regulatory instruments and in the areas of information, education and marketing. A particular concern is the degradation of biodiversity and fragile eco-systems, such as coral reefs, mountains, coastal areas and wetlands.
59. (Agreed) Policy development and implementation should take place in cooperation with all interested parties, especially the private sector, local and indigenous communities. The Commission should develop an action-oriented international programme of work on sustainable tourism, to be defined in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UNEP, the COP of the Convention on Biological Diversity and other relevant bodies.
60. (Agreed) The sustainable development of tourism is of importance for all countries, in particular for small island developing States. International cooperation is needed to facilitate tourism development in developing countries, including the development and marketing of eco-tourism, bearing in mind the importance of conservation policies required to secure long-term benefits from development in this sector, and in particular in small island developing States, in the context of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.
Small Island Developing States
61. (Agreed) The international community reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The Commission on Sustainable Development carried out a mid-term review of selected programme areas of the Programme of Action at its fourth session, in 1996. In 1998 at its sixth session the CSD will undertake the review of all the outstanding chapters and issues of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. A full and comprehensive review of the Programme of Action consistent with the review of other United Nations Global Conferences is scheduled for 1999. The Commission at its fifth session adopted Decision No. [to be confirmed] on modalities for the full review of the Programme of Action including the holding of a two-day special session of the General Assembly immediately preceding the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly for an in-depth assessment and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted by the United Nations Global Conference for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in Barbados. The full implementation of Decision No. [to be confirmed] of CSD-5 would represent a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Barbados Conference.
62. (Agreed) Considerable efforts are being made at the national and regional levels to implement the Programme of Action. Those efforts need to be supplemented by effective financial support from the international community. External assistance for the building of requisite infrastructure, national capacity building, including human and institutional capacity, and for facilitating access to information on sustainable development practices and transfer of environmentally sound technologies in accordance with Paragraph 34.14 (b) of Chapter 34 of Agenda 21 is crucial for small island developing States to effectively attain the goals of the Programme of Action. To assist national capacity building, the small island developing States information network and small island developing States technical assistance programme should be operationalized as soon as possible, with support to existing regional and sub-regional institutions.
63. (Agreed) Natural disasters have disproportionate consequences for developing countries, in particular small island developing States and countries with extremely fragile ecosystems. Programmes for sustainable development should give higher priority to implementation of the commitments made at the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction (Yokohama, Japan, 23-27 May 1994) (see A/CONF.172/9 and Add.1). There is a particular need for capacity-building for disaster planning and management and for the promotion and facilitation of the transfer of early-warning technologies to countries prone to disasters, in particular to developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
64. (Agreed) Acknowledging that further work is needed throughout the world, there is a special need for further assistance to developing countries with:
(b) (Agreed) improving access to relevant technology and training with hazard and risk assessment and early warning systems, and to assist with protection from environmental disasters, consistent with national, sub-regional and regional strategies;
(c) (Agreed) the provision and facilitation of technical, scientific and financial support for disaster preparedness and response in the context of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.
65. [Technological and man-made disasters] [Similar disasters with an adverse impact on the environment] become a substantial obstacle in the way of achieving the goals of sustainable development in many countries. The international community should intensify cooperation on prevention and reduction of [technological and man-made disasters] [similar disasters with an adverse impact on the environment], disaster relief and post-disaster rehabilitation in order to enhance the capabilities of affected countries to cope with such situations.
Financial resources and mechanisms
66. Financial resources and mechanisms play a key role in the implementation of Agenda 21. In general, the financing for the implementation of Agenda 21 will come from a country's own public and private sectors. For developing countries, ODA is a main source of external funding, and substantial new and additional funding for sustainable development and implementation of Agenda 21 will be required. Hence, all financial commitments [and objectives] of Agenda 21, particularly those contained in Chapter 33, and [including those] [the objectives] related to the provision of new and additional resources that are both adequate and predictable, need to be urgently fulfilled. Renewed efforts are essential to ensure that all sources of funding contribute to economic growth, social development, and environmental protection in the context of sustainable development and the implementation of Agenda 21.
67. [For developing countries, particularly in Africa and the least developed countries, official development assistance (ODA) remains a main source of external funding, and is essential for their prompt [full] and effective implementation of Agenda 21. [At this stage,] ODA cannot generally be replaced by private capital flows] Developed countries should therefore fulfill the commitments undertaken to reach the accepted United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of GNP as soon as possible. In this context the present downward trend in the ratio of ODA to GNP causes concern. Intensified efforts should be made to reverse this trend, taking into account the need for improving the quality and effectiveness of ODA. In the spirit of global partnership, the underlying factors that have led to this decrease should be addressed by all countries. Strategies should be worked out for increasing donor support to aid programmes and revitalizing the commitments that donors made at UNCED. Some countries already meet or exceed the 0.7 per cent agreed target. Official financial flows to developing countries, particularly least developed countries, remain an essential element of the partnership embodied in Agenda 21. ODA plays a significant role, inter alia, in capacity-building, infrastructure, combating poverty and environmental protection in developing countries, and a crucial role in the least developed countries. [Official financial flows [ODA] may also play an important catalytic role in encouraging, where appropriate, country-driven policy reform efforts [and leveraging private investment]].
68. (Agreed) The funding by multilateral financial institutions through their concessional mechanisms is also essential to developing countries in their efforts to fully implement the sustainable development objectives as contained in Agenda 21. Such institutions should continue to respond to the development needs and priorities of developing countries. Developed countries should urgently meet their commitments under the eleventh replenishment of the IDA.
69.* (Agreed) Continued and full donor commitments to adequate, sustained and predictable funding for GEF operations is important for developing countries so that global environmental benefits can be further achieved. Donor countries are urged to engage in providing new and additional resources, with a view to an equitable burden sharing, through a satisfactory replenishment of the GEF, which makes available grant and concessional funding designed to achieve global environmental benefits and therefore will promote sustainable development. Consideration should be given to further exploring the flexibility of the GEF's existing mandate in supporting activities to achieve global environmental benefits. With regard to the project cycle, further efforts should be made to continue to the streamlining of the decision-making process in order to maintain an effective and efficient, as well as transparent, participatory and democratic framework. The GEF, when acting as the operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Climate Change and Biodiversity Conventions, should continue to operate in conformity with those Conventions and promote their implementation. The GEF implementing agencies, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank should strengthen, as appropriate and in accordance with their respective mandates, their cooperation at all levels, including at the field level.
(* The Philippines reserved its position on this paragraph, and wished the fact to be noted in the final report of the meeting).
[70. There is also a need for the effective use of an increased level of resources of UN funds and programmes, in order to support the efforts of developing countries in implementing Agenda 21. Regional and subregional organizations with designated roles should also be strengthened to enable them to effectively support their efforts.] [(GA Res. 50/120, para. 9) There is a need for a substantial increase in resources for operational activities for development on a predictable, continuous and assured basis, commensurate with the increasing needs of developing countries.]
71. [Agreed] Private capital is a major tool of economic growth in a growing number of developing countries. Higher levels of foreign private investment should be mobilized given its mounting importance. To stimulate higher levels of private investment, governments should aim to ensure macroeconomic stability, open trade and investment policies, and well-functioning legal and financial systems. Further studies should be undertaken, including on the design of an appropriate environment, both at national and international levels, for facilitating foreign private investment, in particular FDI flows to developing countries, and enhancing its contribution to sustainable development. To ensure that such investments are supportive of sustainable development objectives, it is essential that the national governments of both investor and recipient countries provide appropriate regulatory frameworks and incentives for private investment. Therefore, further work should be undertaken on the design of appropriate policies and measures aimed at promoting long- term investment flows to developing countries in activities which increase their productive capability, and reducing the volatility of these flows. ODA donors and multilateral development banks (MDBs) are encouraged to strengthen their commitments to support investment in developing countries in a manner that jointly promotes economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
72. (Agreed) The external debt problem continues to hamper the efforts of developing countries to achieve sustainable development. To resolve the remaining debt problems of the heavily indebted poor countries, creditor and debtor countries and international financial institutions should continue their efforts to find effective, equitable, development-oriented and durable solutions to the debt problem, including debt relief in the form of debt rescheduling, debt reduction, debt swaps and, as appropriate, debt cancellation as well as grants and concessional flows that will help restore creditworthiness. The joint World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative supported by the Paris Club creditor countries is an important development to reduce the multilateral debt problem. The implementation of the HIPC Debt Initiative requires additional financial resources from both bilateral and multilateral creditors without affecting the support required for development activities of developing countries.
73. There is a need for a fuller understanding of the impact of indebtedness on the pursuit of sustainable development by developing countries. [To this end, the World Bank and IMF [should] [could] collaborate with UNCTAD and the United Nations Secretariat in further considering the inter-relationship between indebtedness and sustainable development for developing countries.]
[74. [In general,] Financing for the implementation of Agenda 21 will come from countries' own public and private sectors. Policies for promoting domestic resource mobilization, including credit, could include sound macroeconomic reforms, including fiscal and monetary policy reforms, a review and reform of existing subsidies, the promotion of personal savings and access to credit, especially micro- credit, in particular for women. Such policies should be decided by each country, taking into account its own characteristics and capabilities and different levels of development, especially as reflected in national sustainable development strategies where they exist.]
75. There is a need for making existing subsidies more transparent in order to increase public awareness of their actual economic, social and environmental impact and to reform or, where pertinent, remove them. Further national and international research in that area should be promoted in order to assist Governments in identifying and considering phasing out subsidies that have market distorting, socially and environmentally damaging impacts. [Bearing in mind the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,] subsidy reductions should take full account of the specific conditions of individual countries and should consider potentially regressive impacts. In addition, it would be desirable to use international cooperation and coordination to promote reduction of subsidies where these have important implications for competitiveness.
76. In order to reduce the barriers to an expanded use of economic instruments, Governments and international organizations should collect and share information on the use of economic instruments and introduce pilot schemes that would, inter alia, demonstrate how to make the best use of such instruments while seeking to avoid any adverse effects [particularly on developing countries] [on terms of trade and trade competitiveness of developing countries]. When introducing economic instruments that raise the cost of economic activities for households and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), governments should consider gradual phase-ins, public education programmes and targeted technical assistance as strategies for reducing distributional impacts. [Various studies and practical experiences in a number of countries indicate that the use of economic instruments can generate win-win possibilities by shifting consumer and producer behaviors to more sustainable directions, while generating financial resources for sustainable development or reducing taxes elsewhere.]
77. (Agreed) Innovative financial mechanisms are currently under discussion in international and national fora but are not yet fully evolved conceptually. The UN Secretary-General is due to submit a report on innovative financing mechanisms to the forthcoming substantive session of ECOSOC. In view of the widespread interest in them, appropriate organizations, including UNCTAD, the World Bank and IMF, are invited to consider conducting forward-looking studies into concerted action on such mechanisms and to share them with the CSD and other relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. In this regard, innovative funding should complement and not replace ODA. New initiatives for cooperative implementation of environment and development objectives under mutually beneficial incentive structures should be further explored.]
[77 (bis)* In the context of its future work programme, the CSD acknowledges and encourages contributions from Member States, non- governmental organizations and business, UN bodies and other intergovernmental organizations. In particular, the recommendations of the fourth expert group meeting on financial issues of Agenda 21, hosted by the Government of Chile in January 1977, represent an important basis for the follow-up work in the CSD. Recognizing the important work of such expert group meetings, member countries and relevant international organizations are invited to support the convening of such meetings in the future with a view to providing further recommendations and input to the CSD, in particular, to its session in the year 2000.]
(* This paragraph was not negotiated, but was included at the request of Norway).
OR
[77 (bis)* An appropriate intergovernmental process should be established to (i) consider practical policy responses to the recommendations of the Expert Group Meetings on Financial Issues of Agenda 21; (ii) articulate possible strategies for implementation; and (iii) clarify the roles of ODA, public and private investment and innovative financing mechanisms in sustainable development. The process should report to the CSD at its session in the year 2000.]
(* This amendment to the Norwegian paragraph (77 bis) was not negotiated, but was included at the request of the USA).
Transfer of environmentally sound technologies
78. The availability of scientific and technological information and access to and transfer of environmentally sound technology are essential requirements for sustainable development. There is an urgent need for developing countries to acquire greater access to environmentally sound technology if they are to meet the obligations agreed at UNCED and in the relevant international conventions. The ability of developing countries to participate in, benefit from and contribute to the rapid advances in science and technology can significantly influence their development. This calls for an urgent fulfilment of all the [commitments] [objectives] as contained in Chapter 34 of Agenda 21. The international community should promote, facilitate and finance, as appropriate, the access to and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies and corresponding know-how, in particular to developing countries, on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed, taking into account the need to protect intellectual property rights as well as the special needs of developing countries for the implementation of Agenda 21. Current forms of cooperation involving the public and private sectors of developing and developed countries should be built upon and expanded. In this context, it is important to identify barriers and restrictions to the transfer of publicly and privately owned environmentally sound technologies, with a view to reducing such constraints while creating specific incentives, fiscal and otherwise, for the transfer of such technologies. The progress of [commitments] [objectives] contained in Agenda 21, in this regard, should be regularly reviewed as part of the multi-year work programme of the Commission on Sustainable Development.
79. Technology transfer and the development of the human and institutional capacity to adapt, absorb and diffuse technologies, as well as to generate technical knowledge and innovations, are part of the same process and must be given equal importance. [Considering that technology transfer to developing countries cannot be confined to market forces alone, governments have an important role to play in providing R&D institutions with incentives to promote and to contribute to the development of the institutional and human capacities for effective technology transfer, subject to the need to protect intellectual property rights.]
80. (Agreed) Much of the most advanced environmentally sound technology is developed and held by the private sector. Creation of an enabling environment, on the part of both developed and developing countries, including supportive economic and fiscal measures, as well as a practical system of environmental regulations and compliance mechanisms, can help to stimulate private-sector investment in and transfer of environmentally sound technology to developing countries. New ways of financial intermediation for the financing of environmentally sound technologies, such as "green credit lines", should be examined. Further efforts should be made by Governments and international development institutions to facilitate the transfer of privately owned technology on concessional terms, as mutually agreed, to developing countries, especially least developed countries.
81. (Agreed) A proportion of technology is held or owned by Governments and public institutions or results from publicly funded research and development activities. The Government's control and influence over the technological knowledge produced in publicly funded research and development institutions opens up a potential for the generation of publicly owned technologies that could be made accessible to developing countries, and could be an important means for Governments to catalyze private sector technology transfer. Proposals for further study of the options in this area of those technologies and publicly funded research and development activities are to be welcomed.
82. (Agreed) Governments should create a legal and policy framework that is conducive to technology-related private sector investments and long-term sustainable development objectives. Governments and international development institutions should continue to play a key role in establishing public-private partnerships, within and between developed and developing countries and economies in transition. Such partnerships are essential for linking the advantages of the private sector - access to finance and technology, managerial efficiency, entrepreneurial experiences and engineering expertise - with the capacity of Governments to create a policy environment that is conducive to technology-related private-sector investments and long-term sustainable development objectives.
83. (Agreed) The creation of centres for transfer of technology at various levels including at the regional level, could greatly contribute to achieving the objective of transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries. For this purpose, the existing United Nations bodies and mechanisms including, as appropriate, TCDC, ECDC, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, UNCTAD, UNIDO, UNEP and the regional commissions should cooperate.
84. (Agreed) Governments and international development institutions can also play an important role in bringing together companies from developed and developing countries and economies in transition so that they can create sustainable and mutually beneficial business linkages. Incentives should be given to stimulate the building of joint ventures between small and medium-sized enterprises of developed and developing countries and economies in transition, and cleaner production programmes in public and private companies should be supported.
85. (Agreed) Governments of developing countries should take appropriate measures to strengthen South-South cooperation for technology transfer and capacity-building. Such measures could include the networking of existing national information systems and sources on environmentally sound technologies, and the networking of national cleaner production centres, as well as the establishment of sector-specific regional centres for technology transfer and capacity-building. Interested donor countries and international organizations should further assist developing countries in those efforts through, inter alia, supporting trilateral arrangements and contributing to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for South- South Cooperation.
86. (Agreed) Ate fully used in decision-making at all levels. The special needs, culture and traditions and expertise of indigenous people must be recognized. International financial institutions should continue to give high priority to their funding of capacity- building for sustainable development in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Special attention should also be given to strengthening the ability of developing countries to absorb and generate technologies. International cooperation needs to be strengthened to promote the developing countries' endogenous capacities to utilize scientific and technological developments from abroad, and to adapt them to local conditions. The role of the private sector in capacity-building should be further promoted and enhanced. South-South cooperation in capacity-building should be further supported through "triangular" cooperative arrangements. Both developed and developing countries, in cooperation with relevant international institutions, need to strengthen their efforts to develop and implement strategies for more effective sharing of environmental expertise and data.
91. (Agreed) Public and private investment in science, education and training, and in research and development should be increased significantly with emphasis on the need to ensure equal access to opportunities for girls and women in this regard.
92. (Agreed) International consensus-building is facilitated by the availability of authoritative scientific evidence. There is a need for further scientific cooperation, especially across disciplines, in order to verify and strengthen scientific evidence and make it accessible to developing countries. This evidence is important for assessing environmental conditions and changes. Steps should also be taken by governments, academia, and scientific institutions to improve access to scientific information related to the environment and sustainable development. Promotion of existing regional and global networks may be useful for this purpose.
93. (Agreed) Increasing efforts to build and strengthen scientific and technological capacity in developing countries is an extremely important objective. Multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and Governments, as well as specific funding mechanisms, should continue to enhance their support to developing countries. Attention should also be given to countries with economies in transition.
94. (Agreed) The international community should also actively promote collaboration for innovations in information and communication technologies with a purpose to lower environmental impact through inter alia user-need based approaches to technology transfer and cooperation.
95. (Agreed) Education increases human welfare, and is a decisive factor in enabling people to become productive and responsible members of the society. A fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development is an adequately financed and effective educational system at all levels, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, accessible to all, that augments both human capacity and well-being. The core themes of education for sustainability include lifelong learning, interdisciplinary education, partnerships, multi-cultural education, and empowerment. Priority should be given to ensuring women's and girls' full and equal access to all levels of education and training. Special attention should also be paid to the training of teachers, youth leaders and other educators. Education should also be seen as a means of empowering youth and vulnerable and marginalized groups, including those in the rural areas through inter-generational partnerships and peer education. Even in nations with strong education systems, there is a need to reorient education, awareness and training to increase widespread public understanding, critical analysis and support for sustainable development. Education for a sustainable future should engage a wide spectrum of institutions and sectors, including but not limited to business/industry, international organizations, youth, professional organizations, NGOs, higher education, government, educators, and foundations, to address the concepts and issues of sustainable development, as embodied throughout Agenda 21 and includes the preparation of sustainable development education plans and programs and further emphasized in the Commission's work programme on the subject adopted in 1996; the concept of education for a sustainable future will be further developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in cooperation with others.
96. (Agreed) It is necessary to support and strengthen universities and other academic centres in promoting cooperation among them, particularly between those from developing and developed countries.
International legal instruments and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
97. (Agreed) The implementation and application of the principles contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development should be the subject of regular assessment and reporting to the CSD by the Secretariat in collaboration with, in particular, UNEP.
[98. Access to information, public participation and the right to complaint are hallmarks of environmental democracy. There should be wider access to relevant court systems to pursue environmental protection. Access should be provided to effective judicial and administrative channels for affected individuals and groups so that they can challenge or seek redress from decisions and actions that are socially and environmentally harmful or violate human rights including legal mechanisms to ensure that all authorities, both national and local, and other civil organizations remain accountable for their actions in accordance with their social, environmental and human rights obligations, and within national legislation.]
[99. The progressive development and codification of international law on sustainable development is advisable thus, contributing to the coordination between the CSD and other bodies of the United Nations system where these tasks are being undertaken.]
NOTE: The text of paragraphs 100 to 107 which follows reflects the compilation of amendments but was not negotiated during the meeting.
100. [G-77+China: (Strike-out) Implementation of and compliance with international treaties in the field of sustainable development (end of strike-out)] [+ EU/Norway: (Strike-out) needs further improvement (end of strike-out) is an urgent priority]. [Norway/Japan: This work needs to be coordinated to ensure synergies in implementation and reporting requirements, and to avoid duplication and overlap.] [Canada/Norway: Similarly, science based decision making enhances the development and implementation of multilateral environment agreements.] [USA: (Strike- out) Secure, sustained and predictable financial support, sufficient institutional capacity and human resources, and adequate access to technology may (end of strike-out) [G-77+China: will] (Strike-out) promote the implementation of international legal instruments. (end of strike-out) Adequate financial support and access to technology, as well as sufficient institutional capacity and human resources, will promote implementation of international legal instruments] [USA, EU: (Strike-out) Full implementation of international commitments can eliminate (end of strike-out) [G-77+China: may reduce] (Strike-out) potential sources of conflict, and the development of cooperative, non-judicial and transparent mechanisms for implementation should be pursued. (end of strike-out)] [USA: Cooperation between States, including full implementation of international commitments, can reduce potential sources of conflict between States.] [EU/Norway: By improving compliance with international obligations, implementation and compliance procedures can contribute considerably to preventing international disputes. Of overriding importance remains the need for further improvement in reporting and data collection systems and the further development of compliance regimes and procedures to help and encourage States to fulfill their obligations under multilateral environmental agreements by simple, cooperative, non-judicial and transparent means. In this context, UNEP's Montevideo Programme of Action is welcomed.]
101. [Norway: Cooperate to develop further international law regarding liability and compensation for victims of pollution and other environmental damage caused by activities within the jurisdiction or control of States to areas beyond national jurisdiction.]
Information and tools to measure progress
102. The further development of cost-effective tools to collect and disseminate information for decision makers at all levels, through strengthened data collection [Canada: including gender disaggregated data], compilation and analysis, is urgently needed. [Peru: In this context, it shall be emphasized in the electronic media, particularly through large scientific and technological data centers.] [USA: It is important that the objective of data collection, compilation, and analysis should progress in a strategic manner so that any gaps in data can be more efficiently addressed on a priority basis.]
[103. Japan: In order to enhance common awareness of global environmental issues among the people around the world, and to promote their understanding and participation, an environment is necessary to be established in which the general public can easily access information on global environmental issues through active utilization of info-communication networks, such as the Internet. High-tech info- communications infrastructure related to the global environment, using various tools such as geographic information system and video transmission technology, including global mapping, should be also established with the collaboration of States as well as the United Nations.]
104. [Norway: Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are an important tool for sustainable development. EIAs must be performed and be made available early enough in the planning cycle to reach decision makers in time. Where important environmental values could be at stake, decisions should not be made before complete EIAs are available. EIA should be gradually refined and applied to any national or international investment programme.]
105. The Commission's work programme on indicators for sustainable development should result in [New Zealand: (Strike-out) an adequate (end of strike-out) a] set of indicators, including a limited number of aggregated indicators, to be used at the national level [G-77+China: (Strike-out) by the year 2000 (end of strike-out) as appropriate taking into account specific national issues]. Indicators [EU: of sustainable development, including sector specific ones] should play an important role in monitoring progress towards sustainable development and in facilitating national reporting, as appropriate.
[106. Efforts should be intensified to develop indicators of sustainable development in order to give more complete and accurate information for decision-making, and to contribute to the "greening" of national budgets.]
NOTE: Para. 107 is covered under Section D. International Institutional Arrangements, para. 89 (b) and (c).
107. National reports provided on the implementation of Agenda 21 [Australia: over a five-year-period] have proven to be a valuable means of sharing information at the international and regional levels, and even more importantly, of providing a focus for the coordination of issues [Egypt: for the use of domestic resources and transfer of international financial resources and technology] related to sustainable development within individual countries. National [Canada: (Strike-out) reporting (end of strike-out) reports should continue (Strike-out) and should reflect all aspects of Agenda 21, including domestic action and international commitments (end of strike-out), but with a greater emphasis on results and milestones that clearly demonstrate progress on Agenda 21 and global commitments. (Strike-out) The reporting system could be completed by peer reviews organized at the regional level (end of strike-out). Implementation of peer reviews of national reports should be given serious consideration with a view to increasing accountability for results, progress and good practices.]
OR
[replace last sentence with] ... The reporting system could be complemented by [G77+China: (Strike-out) peer reviews (end of strike- out) exchange of information and experiences at the regional level], [USA: Norway: including peer reviews], [Norway: , building on the positive experiences of OECD and the ECE reviews.]
D. International institutional arrangements
108. (Agreed) The achievement of sustainable development requires continued support from international institutions. The institutional framework outlined in chapter 38 of Agenda 21 and determined by the General Assembly in its resolution 47/191 and other relevant resolutions, including the specific functions and roles of various organs, programmes and organizations within and outside the United Nations system, will continue to be fully relevant in the period after the special session. In light of the ongoing discussions on reform within the United Nations, international institutional arrangements in the area of sustainable development are intended to contribute to the goal of strengthening the entire UN system. Within this context, the strengthening of the institutions for sustainable development, as well as the achievement of the goals and objectives set out below would be particularly important.
1. Greater coherence in various intergovernmental organizations and processes
109. (Agreed) Given the increasing number of decision-making bodies concerned with various aspects of sustainable development, including international conventions, there is an ever greater need for better policy coordination at the intergovernmental level, as well as for continued and more concerted efforts to enhance collaboration among the secretariats of these decision making-bodies. Under the guidance of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council should play a strengthened role in coordinating the activities of the United Nations system in the economic, social and other related fields.
110. (Agreed) The Conferences of Parties of Conventions signed at Rio or as a result of it, as well as other conventions related to sustainable development, should cooperate in exploring ways and means of collaborative work among them to advance the effective implementation of these conventions. There is also need for environmental Conventions to continue to pursue sustainable development objectives consistent with their terms and be fully responsive to Agenda 21. To this end, inter alia, the Conferences of Parties or governing bodies of the Conventions signed at Rio, or as a result of it, and of other relevant conventions and agreements should, if appropriate, give consideration to co-location of secretariats; to improving the scheduling of meetings; integrating national reporting requirements; improving the balance between meetings of the Conferences of the Parties and meetings of their subsidiary bodies; as well as encouraging and facilitating participation in these meetings by Governments at an appropriate level.
111. (Agreed) Institutional arrangements for the convention secretariats should provide effective support and efficient services, while ensuring that in order for them to be efficient, at their respective locations, appropriate autonomy is necessary. At the international and national level there is a need for, inter alia, better scientific assessment of ecological linkages between the conventions; identification of programmes that have multiple benefits; and enhanced public awareness raising for the conventions. Such tasks should be undertaken by UNEP in accordance with the relevant decisions of its Governing Council and in full cooperation with the Conferences of the Parties and governing bodies of relevant Conventions. Efforts of convention secretariats, in response to requests from their Conferences of the Parties, to explore, where appropriate, modalities for suitable liaison arrangements in Geneva and/or New York for the purpose of enhancing linkages with delegations and organizations at those UN centers are welcomed and fully supported.
112. (Agreed) It is necessary to strengthen the ACC Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development and its system of task managers, with a view to further enhancing system-wide inter-sectoral cooperation and coordination for the implementation of Agenda 21 and for the promotion of a coordinated follow-up to the major United Nations conferences in the area of sustainable development.
113. (Agreed) The Commission on Sustainable Development should promote increased regional implementation of Agenda 21 in cooperation with relevant regional and sub-regional organizations and the UN regional commissions, in accordance with the results of their priority setting efforts with a view to enhancing the role such bodies play in the achievement of sustainable development objectives agreed at the international level. The UN regional commissions could lend appropriate support consistent with their work programmes to regional meetings of experts related to the implementation of Agenda 21.
2. Role of relevant organizations and institutions of the United Nations system
114. (Agreed) In order to facilitate the national implementation of Agenda 21, all organizations and programmes of the United Nations system, within their respective areas of expertise and mandates, should strengthen, individually and jointly, the support for national efforts to implement Agenda 21 and make their efforts and actions consistent with national plans, policies and priorities of member States. Coordination of UN activities at the field level should be further enhanced through the resident coordinator system in full consultation with national governments.
115. (Agreed) The role of UNEP, as the principal United Nations body in the field of environment, should be further enhanced. Taking into account its catalytic role and in conformity with Agenda 21 and the Nairobi Declaration on the Role and Mandate of UNEP, adopted on 7 February 1997 [Endnote 16], UNEP is to be the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. In this context the 4 April 1997 decision of the Governing Council on governance and other related decisions of UNEP's Governing Council are relevant. The role of UNEP in the further development of international environmental law should be strengthened, including the development of coherent inter-linkages among relevant environmental conventions in cooperation with their respective Conferences of the Parties or governing bodies. In performing its functions related to Conventions signed at Rio or as a result of it and other relevant conventions, UNEP should strive to promote the effective implementation of these conventions in a manner consistent with their provisions of the respective conventions and the decisions of their respective Conferences of Parties.
116. (Agreed) UNEP, in performance of its role, should focus on environmental issues taking into account the development perspective. A revitalized UNEP should be supported by adequate, stable and predictable funding. UNEP should continue providing effective support to the Commission on Sustainable Development, inter alia, in the form of scientific, technical and policy information, analysis and advice on global environmental issues.
117. (Agreed) UNDP should continue to strengthen its contribution to and programmes in sustainable development and the implementation of Agenda 21 at all levels particularly in the area of promoting capacity-building (including through its Capacity 21 programme) in cooperation with other organizations, as well as in the field of poverty eradication.
118. (Agreed) UNCTAD, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 51/167 and relevant decisions of the Trade and Development Board on the work programme, should continue to play a key role in the implementation of Agenda 21 through the integrated examination of linkages among trade, investment, technology, finance and sustainable development.
119. (Agreed) The WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, UNCTAD and UNEP should advance their coordinated work on trade and environment, involving other appropriate international and regional organizations in their cooperation and coordination. In coordination with WTO, UNCTAD and UNEP should continue to support efforts to promote the integration of trade, environment and development. The Commission on Sustainable Development should continue to play its important role in the deliberations on trade and environment to facilitate an integrated consideration of all factors relevant for achieving sustainable development.
120. The implementation of the commitment by the international financial institutions to sustainable development should continue to be strengthened. The World Bank has a significant role to play, bearing in mind its expertise and the overall volume of resources that it commands. [Adequate replenishment, by the donor community of twelfth International Development Association (IDA) is indispensable for its future work. Donor countries are urged to engage in providing new and additional resources, with a view to an equitable burden- sharing, through a satisfactory replenishment of the GEF, which makes available grant and concessional funding designed to achieve global environmental benefits and therefore will promote sustainable development. The designation of the GEF as the permanent entity entrusted with the operation of their financial mechanisms of the FCCC and the CBD, to be considered by the respective COPs, is also indispensable to the future work of the GEF. However, in keeping with the commitments made at UNCED, increased availability of new and additional funding for sustainable development is necessary from all sources.] [In keeping with the commitments, made at UNCED, funding for Agenda 21 and other outcomes of the Conference should be provided in a way that maximizes the availability of new and additional resources and uses all available funding sources and mechanisms.]
121. (Agreed) Operationalization of the global mechanism of the CCD is also essential.
3. Future role and programme of work of the Commission on Sustainable Development
122. (Agreed) The Commission on Sustainable Development, within its mandate, as specified in General Assembly resolution 47/191, will continue to provide a central forum for reviewing progress and for urging further implementation of Agenda 21 and other commitments made at UNCED or as a result of it; for conducting high-level policy debate aimed at consensus-building on sustainable development and for catalyzing action and long-term commitment to sustainable development at all levels. It should continue to undertake these tasks in complementing and providing interlinkages to the work of other United Nations agencies and bodies acting in the field of sustainable development. The CSD has a role to play in assessing the challenges of globalization on sustainable development. The Commission should perform its functions in coordination with other subsidiary bodies of the Economic and Social Council and other related organizations and institutions, including making recommendations, within its mandate, to ECOSOC bearing in mind the interrelated outcomes of recent UN conferences.
123. (Agreed) The Commission should focus on issues that are crucial to achieving the goals of sustainable development. The CSD should promote policies that integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability and should provide for integrated consideration of linkages, both among sectors and between sectoral and cross-sectoral aspects of Agenda 21. In this connection, the CSD should carry out its work in such a manner that would avoid unnecessary duplication and repetition of work undertaken by other relevant fora.
124. (Agreed) In the light of the above, it is recommended that the Commission on Sustainable Development adopts the multi-year programme of work for the period 1998 - 2002 (as annexed).
4. Methods of work of the Commission on Sustainable Development
125. (Agreed) Based on the experience gained in the period 1993-1997, the Commission, under the guidance of the Economic and Social Council, should:
(b) (Agreed) continue to provide a forum for the exchanges of national experiences and best practices in the area of sustainable development, including through voluntary national communications or reports. Consideration should be given to the results of ongoing work aimed at streamlining requests for national information and reporting and the results of the "pilot phase" on indicators of sustainable development. In this context, the Commission should consider more effective modalities for further implementation of commitments made in Agenda 21, with an appropriate emphasis on means of implementation. Countries may wish to submit, on a voluntary basis, information to the CSD regarding their efforts to incorporate the relevant recommendations of other UN conferences in national sustainable development strategies;
(c) (Agreed) the Commission should take into account regional developments related to the implementation of the outcomes of UNCED. It should provide a forum for exchanges of experiences on regional and sub-regional initiatives and regional collaborations for sustainable development. This could include the promotion of voluntary regional exchanges of national experiences on the implementation of Agenda 21 and, inter alia, the possible development of modalities for reviews by and among those countries, which voluntarily agree to do so, within regions. In this context, the CSD should encourage the availability of funding for the implementation of initiatives related to such reviews;
(d) (Agreed) establish closer interaction with international financial, development and trade institutions, as well as other relevant bodies within and outside the UN system, including World Bank, GEF, UNDP, WTO, UNCTAD and UNEP and which, in turn, are invited to take full account of and to integrate the results of policy deliberations in the Commission in their own work programmes and activities;
(e) (Agreed) to strengthen its interaction with representatives of major groups including through greater and better use of focussed dialogue sessions and roundtables. These groups are important resources in operationalizing, managing and promoting sustainable development and contribute to the implementation of Agenda 21. The major groups are encouraged to adopt arrangements for coordination and interaction in providing inputs to the Commission. Taking into account CSD's Programme of Work, this could include inputs from:
(i) the scientific community and research institutions on greater understanding of the interactions between human activity and natural ecosystems and on how to manage global systems sustainably;
(ii) women, children and youth, indigenous people and their communities, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, workers and their trade unions and farmers on the elaboration, promotion and sharing of effective strategies, policies, practices and processes to promote sustainable development;
(iii) business and industry groups in the elaboration, promotion and sharing of sustainable development practices and their promotion of corporate responsibility and accountability;
(f) (Agreed) organize the implementation of its next multi-year programme of work in the most effective and productive way, including through shortening its annual meeting to two weeks. The intersessional ad hoc working groups should help to focus the CSD meetings by identifying key elements to be discussed and important problems to be addressed within specific items of the CSD's Work Programme. Government-hosted, and funded, expert meetings will continue to provide inputs to the work of the CSD;
126. (Agreed) The Secretary-General is invited to review the functioning of the High-Level Advisory Board and present proposals on ways to promote more direct interaction between the Board and the Commission, with a view to ensure that the Board contributes to the deliberations on specific themes considered by the CSD in accordance with its Programme of Work.
127. (Agreed) The work of the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development and the Committee on Natural Resources should be more compatible and supportive to the work programme of the Commission. ECOSOC, in carrying out its functions related to the implementation of GA resolution 50/227, should consider, at its 1997 substantive session, the most effective means of bringing this about.
128. (Agreed) Arrangements for the election of the Bureau should be changed in order to allow the same Bureau to provide guidance for the preparation for and lead work during the annual sessions of the Commission. The Commission would benefit from such a change, and the Economic and Social Council should take the necessary action at its substantive 1997 session to ensure that these new arrangements take effect.
129. (Agreed) The next comprehensive review of progress achieved in the implementation of Agenda 21 by the General Assembly will take place in the year 2002. The modalities of this review should be determined at a later stage.
ENDNOTES
[1] Oxford University Press, 1997
[2] See United Nations Environment Programme, Convention on Biological Diversity (Environmental Law and Institution Programme Activity Centre), June 1992.
[3] Report of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, Bridgetown, Barbados, 25 April-6 June 1994 (United Nations publication, Sales No. 94.I.18 and Corrigendum), chap. I, resolution 1, annex II.
[4] United Nations publication, Sales No. E.83.V.5.
[5] Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, ..., annex I.
[6] Report of the World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen, 6-12 March 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.96. IV.8), chap. I, resolution I, annex II.
[7] See The Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations: The Legal Texts (Geneva, GATT secretariat, 1994).
[8] Adopted by the WTO Ministerial Meeting at Singapore, December 1996.
[9] Report of the International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 5-13 September 1994 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.95.XIII.18), chap. I, resolution I, annex I.
[10] See Report of the International Conference on Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata, Kazakstan, 6-12 September 1978 (Geneva, WHO, 1978).
[11] Berlin Mandate: Review of the adequacy of article 4, paragraph 2 (a) and (b) of the Convention, including proposals related to a protocol and decisions on follow-up (FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1, decision 1/CP.1).
[12] Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, International Legal Materials, vol. 26, No. 6 (November 1987), p. 1550.
[13] Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (UNEP/WG/190/4) (forthcoming United Nations publication, Treaty Series, vol. 1673, No. 28911.
[14] Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa of All Forms of Hazardous Wastes and the Control of their Transboundary Movements within Africa, International Legal Materials, vol. 30, No. 3 (May 1991), p. 775, and vol. 32, No. 1 (January 1992), p. 164.
[15] Management of radioactive wastes is defined as handling, treatment, storage, transportation and final disposal.
[16] See UNEP Governing Council decision 19/1 of 7 February 1997.
1998 Session
[Overriding issues: poverty, consumption & production patterns]
| Sectoral theme: | Cross-sectoral theme: | Economic Sector/ major group: |
|
[Integrated Freshwater Management] Review of outstanding chapters of SIDS Programme of Action(1) |
Transfer of Technology/ Capacity-building/ Education/ Science/ Awareness-Raising | Industry |
|
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23-32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 40. |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 6, 16, 23-32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40. |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 4, 6, 9, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23-32, 33, 34, 35, 40 |
| Comprehensive review of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States | ||
| Sectoral theme: | Cross-sectoral theme: | Economic Sector: |
| Oceans and Seas | Consumption and Production Patterns | Tourism |
|
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 5, 6, 7, 9, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23-32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40. |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23-32, 34, 35, 36, 40. |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 17, 23-32, 33, 36. |
| Sectoral theme: | Cross-sectoral theme: | Economic sector/major group: |
| Integrated Planning and Management of Land Resources | Financial Resources/ Trade & Investment/ Economic Growth |
Agriculture (2) Day of Indigenous People |
|
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23-32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40. |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 23-32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 40. |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme: Agenda 21 chapters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10-16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23-32, 33, 34, 37, 40. |
| Sectoral theme: | Cross-sectoral theme: | Economic sector/major group: |
| [Atmosphere] [Energy] |
Information for Decision-making and Participation [International Cooperation for Enabling Environment] |
Energy; Transport |
|
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme:
Agenda 21 chapters: |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme:
Agenda 21 chapters: |
Main issues for an integrated discussion under the above theme:
Agenda 21 chapters: |