EARTH NEGOTIATIONS BULLETIN PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IISD) WRITTEN AND EDITED BY: Johannah Bernstein Pamela Chasek Peter Doran Virgina Hulme Managing Editor Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" A DAILY REPORT ON THE 1995 SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Vol. 5 No. 37 Monday, 24 April 1995 CSD HIGHLIGHTS FRIDAY, 21 APRIL 1995 DRAFTING GROUP A The Chair, Magnus Johannesson, noted that the compilation text on financial resources and mechanisms had been distributed. COMBATING POVERTY: The discussion was based on the G-77/China text. In paragraph 1 (UN precedents), the EU, Japan and the US included reference to the Social Summit. Canada noted that the G-77/China text represented a conceptual shift from linking poverty and environment to a general statement on poverty. The US proposed replacing paragraph 2 (poverty eradication and sustainable development) with paragraph 6 of the WSSD Programme of Action. India objected. Canada proposed two new paragraphs on economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development. In paragraph 3 (economic environment), the US and the EU proposed a reference to intellectual property rights (IPRs). The G-77/China proposed deleting paragraph 8 of the Chair's draft (links between poverty and the environment) because it noted only a few aspects of poverty eradication. Many objected. DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY: The group reviewed four new paragraphs in the G-77/China text before examining the Chair's text. In paragraph 13 of the G-77/China text (empowering women), the EU added reference to health. Canada said there are relevant aspects of Commitment 5 of the Copenhagen Declaration. In paragraph 10 of the Chair's text (CSD and CPD cooperation), the G-77/China said that ECOSOC will address coordination of conference follow-up. The EU and Japan wanted to give ECOSOC a message on cooperation between the CSD and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). The EU suggested merging paragraphs 11 and 12 (populations at risk) and asking the CPD to take the lead in preparing reports on populations at risk. The EU suggested deleting paragraphs 15 (increased attention to population) and 16 (CSD reporting). CHANGING PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS: Delegates disagreed over the need to change consumption patterns in all countries or only in developed countries in paragraphs 2 (need for progress), 3 (imbalances in patterns of consumption), and 4 (reducing consumption). In paragraph 7 (information), the G-77/China noted that product information should not be used as an excuse for protectionist trade measures. In paragraph 9 (producer responsibility), the US and the EU proposed deleting reference to ecological tax reform. In sub-paragraph 13(b) (impact on LDCs), the US proposed deleting a reference to obstacles created by eco-labeling. In sub-paragraph 13(c) (policy measures), the US and Japan proposed deleting a reference to ecological tax reform. TRADE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The G-77/China proposed two new paragraphs on the implementation of the outcome of the Uruguay Round and the work of the WTO Trade and Environment Committee. Paragraph 4 (trade measures in multilateral environment agreements) generated debate over the use of trade measures in environmental agreements. The EC proposed paragraph 4 bis on convergence of environmental standards. The US and the G-77 requested deletion of paragraph 9 on IISD's Trade and Sustainable Development Principles. The EC introduced paragraph 12 bis, inviting UNCTAD to study the impact of internalizing environmental costs. In paragraph 13 (eco-labeling, packaging and recycling), the G-77/China said that eco-labeling and recycling requirements must be transparent and internationally agreed. In paragraph 17 (mitigating adverse effects), the EC proposed inviting UNEP and UNCTAD to assess the environmental impact of trade policies. The EC introduced paragraph 18 bis on public and expert involvement in work on trade and environment. The US introduced a new paragraph 19 on laws and programmes to internalize environmental costs. DRAFTING GROUP B Drafting Group B, chaired by Takao Shibata, completed first readings of all the draft texts and completed a second reading of the Chair's revised draft on technology transfer. SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The EU said that all the activities in the Chapter will be funded within existing resources and amended paragraphs 2 (proposals for action) and 3 (intergovernmental processes), accordingly. In paragraph 7 (capacity building), the G-77/China added references to "sharing of know-how" and a new sub-paragraph 7(3), on additional financial flows. The US reserved. The EU introduced paragraph 7 bis, calling on Parties to the biodiversity, desertification and climate change conventions to explore scientific cooperation. In paragraph 10(1) (scientific education), Canada and the G-77/China called for recognition of domestic education programmes and national priorities. INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING: Belarus introduced paragraph 1 bis, proposing an international conference on sustainable development and countries with economies in transition. Delegates discussed the possibility of raising this initiative at the High-Level Segment. INFORMATION BY GOVERNMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS: There was general agreement on this text, subject to EU consultations. INFORMATION FOR DECISION-MAKING: In paragraph 1 (information accessibility), Canada suggested that developed countries facilitate access for developing countries to sustainable development information. The EU deleted the reference to national governments ensuring the "integration of information for sustainable development at the country level." Iceland objected. In paragraph 4 (strengthening Earthwatch), the G-77/China requested that Earthwatch provide "early warning on the state of the environment." In paragraph 6 (common database), the US referred to the increase of information systems for sustainable development at national and regional levels and the need for greater compatibility. MAJOR GROUPS: In paragraph 2 (role of other major groups), the EU and Iceland deleted the proposal for the one-day programme of events for the 1996 session focusing on the role and contribution of major groups. The US and Canada objected. In paragraph 3 (major group representation on delegations), the G-77/China deleted the reference to increasing participation of major groups at the international level. In paragraph 4(c) (partnerships), the EU said that major groups should choose their own representatives in national coordinating mechanisms. In paragraph 5 (enhancing participation), Australia requested the Secretariat to prepare a study for the fourth session of the CSD on the procedures for NGO access to intersessional activities and other relevant meetings. In paragraph 6 (funding), the G-77/China requested a reference to new and additional funding. The EU added new paragraphs on: strengthening the role of major groups at national and local levels; the role of youth; and calling on the Beijing Conference to address the role of sustainable development. The US proposed language to highlight the voluntary nature of funding. In paragraph 7 (information exchange between major groups and governments), Canada introduced two paragraphs. The first calls for the ECOSOC review to ensure that major groups are provided with the opportunity to participate in the work of the CSD and to increase the opportunities for national NGOs. The second recommends that the implementation of Resolution 1194 does not interfere with the work of the NGOs in the CSD and that roster status should be extended. TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING: During the second reading, delegates agreed to a new reference to Agenda 21 provisions on favorable access to ESTs in paragraph 4 (EST transfer). The US added a reference to South-South cooperation. A new paragraph 5 refers to the social, cultural, environmental and economic dimensions of ESTs and advocates international cooperation. In new paragraph 6 (national implementation and ESTs), the EU said that implementation of Agenda 21 "should be enhanced through the" development and transfer of ESTs, which the G-77/China qualified according to country priorities. No agreement was reached on paragraph 7 bis (role of private sector). There was prolonged debate on the reformulated sub-paragraphs 9(1) to 9(2) (work programme). A new sub-paragraph 9(4) calls for reports to the CSD on the experiences on the impact and effectiveness of all sectors. In paragraph 10 (EST measures), Canada proposed a new sub-paragraph on partnerships between private sector interests in developed and developing countries. The G-77/China objected to "facilitate business operations" in the reference to the role of EST Centers, in sub-paragraph 1. They argued that other sectors, such as farmers, should be able to benefit from EST centers. Delegates agreed to the EU reference to "strengthening" instead of "establishing" the Technology Triangle in sub-paragraph 5. In paragraph 11, a compromise was found to "provide encouragement including providing new and additional financial resources." Paragraphs 5 bis (global and regional funds)and 6 (role of financial sector) were merged. The first bullet (assessment of the potential impact and benefits of ESTs) was merged with the chapeau of the original paragraph 6. DRAFTING GROUP C The Chair, Henry Aryamanya-Mugisha, noted the draft terms of reference for the forest panel had been circulated. SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT: Switzerland amended paragraph 37 (human resources) to better reflect the socio-economic conditions in mountain ecosystems. The G-77/China proposed a new paragraph 38 bis on new and additional financial resources and technical cooperation. In paragraph 39 (mountain development programmes), the EU added language about the need to maintain stable forest cover and the importance of strengthening the knowledge base. Several delegates questioned the negotiation of agreements on mountains, as proposed in paragraph 41. The US expressed concern about calling for another major international conference in paragraph 44 (awareness raising). Switzerland, the EU and New Zealand suggested "possibly a wider international meeting." CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: The US noted that some of the language re-opens controversial issues covered by the Biodiversity Convention. The EU said the text was too long and deleted numerous paragraphs. Many amendments stressed the work of the Biodiversity COP. The EU proposed paragraph 67 bis on the relationship between forests and biodiversity. In paragraph 68 (IPRs), Japan proposed including the TRIPS Agreement and Switzerland added reference to WIPO and other "relevant" organizations. The US and the EU questioned the "realization" of Farmers' Rights. The EU urged that the chapeau to paragraph 71 (actions to be taken) note that these activities must be implemented through the Biodiversity Convention. Most of the amendments to these sub-paragraphs were aimed at ensuring that the actions are in line with the Convention. ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY: In paragraph 73 (reports), the G-77/China added references to information on ecological, ethical, safety and socio-economic effects of genetic engineering. Canada added a reference to the effects on health. In paragraph 74 (management of biotechnology), Canada urged UN agencies to assess the viability of biotechnical engineering. In paragraph 75 (regulation), the US and the EU proposed deleting reference to indigenous knowledge. Australia added a reference to a system for assessing the impact of biotechnology. In sub-paragraph 77(a) (actions), the G-77/China added references to IPR, capacity building and biosafety research. In sub-paragraph 77(b) (integrating biotechnology concerns into policies), the G-77/China added a reference to resource development and capacity building in developing countries. The US objected to the reference to lack of IPRs for biotechnology. The G-77/China proposed deleting sub-paragraph 77(e) (international voluntary guidelines). The G-77/China also proposed adding a paragraph on indigenous knowledge. THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY DRAFTING GROUP A: This group is expected to meet at 11:00 am to discuss the revised text on financial resources and mechanisms. This text should be distributed at 9:00 am. The group, which will also meet in the afternoon, will then discuss the revised drafts of the other decisions. DRAFTING GROUP C: This group is expected to meet in the morning and the afternoon to complete the first reading of the draft on forests, the terms of reference for the forest panel and the draft on the implementation of decisions taken at the second session of the CSD. The group may also begin its second reading of the draft on sectoral issues. EVENING SESSIONS: It is likely that Drafting Group B and one other group will meet in the evening, although the exact schedule will only be determined during the day today. =========================================================== This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (c) is written and edited by Johannah Bernstein, Pamela Chasek , Peter Doran and Virgina Hulme. The Managing Editor is Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" . The sustaining donors of the Bulletin are the International Institute for Sustainable Development , the United Nations Environment Programme and the Pew Charitable Trusts through the Pew Global Stewardship Initiative. 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