Issue #1 ENB on the side - WSSD PC-III PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IISD) in cooperation with UNDP Written and Edited by: Tamilla Gaynutdinova Jenny Mandel Kira Schmidt Editor: Kira Schmidt Digital Editors: Andrei Henry Leila Mead Kenneth Tong Managing Director: Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" Issue #1 Tuesday, 26 March 2002 The WWW version of ENB on the side (with photos), can be found at http://enb.iisd.org/2002/pc3/enbots/ Events convened on Monday, 25 March 2002 Title: Earth observation by satellite and global mapping, and geographic information in support of sustainable development Presented by the Japanese delegation in collaboration with the Committee for Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM), the UN Geographical Information Working Group (UNGIWG), the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the US Geological Survey (USGS) Josef Aschbacher, CEOS, outlined instances in which earth observation satellites can further sustainable development, such as early warning systems for disaster management and tracking of climate change. Highlighting cooperation between the 32 countries and 13 UN agencies of CEOS in coordinating their earth observation satellite programmes, Aschbacher noted that CEOS relies on the good will of its members, and called for a stronger mandate to be elaborated through the WSSD process. He described the complementary role played by the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) in representing the needs of earth observation data users and focusing on continuity of data. Tomomi Nio, National Space Development Agency of Japan, presented the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period, a proposed water cycle and extreme weather monitoring system that relies on frequent global rainfall observation to enable improved weather forecasting and establishment of early warning systems. Hiroshi Une, ISCGM, outlined the Global Mapping Project, through which 83 countries cooperate to enhance the use of global mapping. John Kelmelis, USGS, discussed how information infrastructure shapes the use of geospatial data. He noted the need for varied data sets, rapidly accessible data, adherence to standards, and human and technical resources, and stressed that international cooperation for the exchange and reuse of information is critical to mitigate the costs of data collection. On accomplishments to date, Kelmelis highlighted broad-based participation, but noted the need for enhanced national data infrastructures, greater resources for developing nations, and more open access to data within nations. Vladimir Bessarabov, UNGIWG, outlined efforts to coordinate the use of geographic information within the UN system. He described a sophisticated geographic database currently under development to centralize data and make it rapidly and flexibly available throughout the UN system. More information: http://www.ceos.org http://www.igospartners.org http://www.eorc.nasda.go.jp http://www.iscgm.org http://www.usgs.gov Contact: Josef Aschbacher Tomomi Nio Hiroshi Une John Kelmelis Vladimir Bessarabov Title: WSSD Civil society preparations Presented by the South Africa Civil Society Secretariat for the WSSD At this event, participants discussed progress in preparations for the WSSD and the Civil Society Global Forum. Bheki Ntshalintshali, Congress of South African Trade Unions, noted progress in resolving disagreements among civil society groups. He emphasized that the civil society preparation process is politically independent from government, but noted the importance of partnership with government in logistical matters. Neva Mangetla, a representattive of South African civil society, presented proposals for the schedule of the Civil Society Global Forum, and on the regional and sector-based criteria for representation in the International Steering Group (ISG). She said that registration for the Global Forum will be available online, in paper form, and on site beginning on 15 April, and that the fee is US$165. She announced that proposals on the ISG's composition, accreditation and logistics, as well as a concept paper on the WSSD, would be addressed at the ISG meeting on 26 March. Crispian Olver, South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, said the South African Government is striving to ensure the necessary infrastructure to support the multiplicity of events by providing logistical support, covering the costs of renting the Civil Society Global Forum venue, providing transportation infrastructure, creating a publicly-owned logistics company and tourism facilities for use by both civil society and government representatives, and setting up information technology infrastructure. Discussion: Participants emphasized the need to: ensure the confidentiality of civil society representatives' registration; provide proper accommodation and transportation services; promote public participation in NGO events; establish broad outreach activities; and organize translation and smooth coordination of events. They emphasized the importance of presenting a coherent civil society declaration to the WSSD. More Information: http://www.worldsummit.org.za Contact: Solomzi Madikane Bheki Ntshalintshali Neva Mangetla Crispian Olver Title: A common platform for action on access to land Presented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Ling de la Rosa, the Popular Coalition, explained that the Popular Coalition facilitates strategic multi-stakeholder alliances with an emphasis on the role of civil society. She said the Coalition drafted a consultation paper outlining principles on access to land and other productive natural resources, and is preparing a Common Platform that will establish practical actions to improve access to resources by food-insecure households. She then introduced the Land Alliances for National Development (LAND) initiative on increasing the direct participation of the rural poor in decision making and their access to productive assets. Eve Crowley, Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, FAO, stressed that access to land is a critical foundation for sustainable development. She said that a platform for action to be launched during the WSSD must address the need to, inter alia: strengthen multi-stakeholder coalitions for new approaches to land reform; analyze the viability of scaling up civil society experiences into national initiatives; and test emerging land tenure markets. Chief Bisi Ogunleye, Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), highlighted challenges faced by rural African women due to their inability to own, inherit or purchase land, and stressed the importance of addressing ownership when discussing access to land. She underscored the need for changes in land tenure laws and efforts to address rural women's health and food security. Tom Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network, described the outcomes of a recent indigenous conference in British Columbia, Canada, which called on governments to, inter alia, unconditionally support the UN's adoption of the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and take steps to ensure that indigenous peoples can freely access their lands and protect habitats in which their traditional knowledge and foods are based. Thomas Forster, International Partners for Sustainable Agriculture, highlighted the importance of governments in strategic alliances on access to land and the need to determine criteria for constructive partnerships. More information: http://www.ifad.org/popular http://www.ienearth.org http://www.wedo.org Contact: Ling de la Rosa Eve Crowley Bisi Ogunleye Tom Goldtooth Thomas Forster Title: Oceans, coasts and islands Presented by UNEP/GPA, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea Office of Legal Affairs, and the International Coastal and Ocean Organization This event addressed key issues to strengthen Type I outcomes in the Chairman's Paper to ensure that oceans, coasts and islands receive ample attention at the WSSD. Tom Laughlin, US, outlined the outcomes of a recent meeting in Bremen, Germany on marine scientific assessment. Participants agreed that a new mechanism for global marine assessment is needed, which could, inter alia: synthesize regional assessments; identify gaps in existing assessment processes; ensure data quality; and establish an implementation timeframe and framework. The IOC, UNEP, and the Group of Experts on Environmental Aspects of Marine Resource Protection (GESAMP) were identified as candidates to host the mechanism, and a WSSD decision calling for a time-bound process to produce such a mechanism was supported. Pep Fuller, Oceana, emphasized that overcapacity is at the core of overfishing and puts food security at risk, and underscored the importance of addressing illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and overcapacity in the Chairman's Paper. Veerle Vanderweerd, UNEP/GPA, stressed the need to introduce time- bound measures into the Chairman's Paper, particularly regarding: further integration of coastal zone management with river basin management; water supply and sanitation; mainstreaming of GPA objectives into national development programmes; strengthening of regional seas conventions and programmes; and development of innovative and alternative financial mechanisms to address priority sources of land-based pollution. Stephen Olsen, University of Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Center, stressed that references to coasts must be reinstated in the Chairman's Paper, and called for, inter alia: establishing targets for management of all coastlines; focusing on challenges faced by small island developing States; codifying good practices for integrated coastal management (ICM) and formulating codes of conduct for responsible investment in coastal development; and forming regional ICM networks. Paula Caballero, Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea (ACOPS), described the African Process for the Development and Protection of the Marine and Coastal Environment in Sub-Saharan Africa, an innovative mechanism that is developing costed projects to address constraints to sustainable development along Africa's coastline. More information: http://www.gpa.unep.org http://www.oceana.org http://www.crc.uri.edu http://www.acops.org Contact: Tom Laughlin Pep Fuller Veerle Vanderweerd Stephen Olsen Paula Caballero Title: Successful practices for educating for sustainability Presented by the Conference of Non-governmental Organizations (CONGO) Education Committee Members of the CONGO Education Committee reported on progress in incorporating education for sustainable development as a priority for the WSSD, and presented best practices from experiences in this area. Carol Zinn, Global Education Associates (GEA), described the discussion of education in Chapter 36 of Agenda 21, highlighting its three goals of reorienting education toward sustainable development, increasing public awareness, and promoting training. She said concrete educational practices that address sustainable development are difficult to find, and many existing materials focus exclusively on environmental issues. Sylvan Barnet, Rotary International, described a programme entitled "Preserve Planet Earth" that includes global workshops on environmental problems, primary and secondary school curriculum development, establishment of a youth corps, and public outreach. Sylvia Gordon, International Baccalaureate Organization, highlighted the empowering nature of education and noted the need for expanded informal educational programmes for those lacking access to classroom education. She stressed the need for global awareness and a moral commitment to help solve global problems, as education policy is established by a privileged few. Zinn outlined the philosophy and practice of GEA's "Education for Global Citizenship" programme. She described the three phases of its workshops: an "ecological leg" in which the consciousness of social organizations is raised, a "systems leg" in which large- scale interactions such as economics and global resource use are discussed, and an “issues leg” in which participants seek connections between the challenges within their societies. She stressed the importance of "local education with a global mindset." Discussion: Participants highlighted several issues, including: the importance of extending education to women and girls; both the rich informational resource and vulnerability of indigenous peoples; social equity, empowerment and governance; the use of communications technologies to enable educational programmes in remote areas; and difficulties in scaling educational programmes to reach large audiences. More information: http://www.ngo.org/CONGO.html http://www.globaleduc.org Contact: Carol Zinn Sylvan Barnet <112213.3535@compuserve.com> Sylvia Gordon The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) on the Side is a special publication of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Editor of ENB on the Side is Kira Schmidt . This issue has been written by Tamilla Gaynutdinova , Jenny Mandel , and Kira Schmidt . The Digital Editors are Andrei Henry , Leila Mead , Diego Noguera and Kenneth Tong . Funding for publication of ENB on the Side at PCIII is provided by UNDP. The opinions expressed in ENB on the Side are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD and funders. Excerpts from ENB on the Side may be used in non-commercial publications only and only with appropriate academic citation. For permission to use this material in commercial publications, contact the Managing Editor at . Electronic versions of issues of ENB on the Side from PC-III can be found on the Linkages WWW server at http://enb.iisd.org/2002/pc3/.