/linkages/journal/ January 1998 edition Editor: Chad Carpenter, LL.M. http://enb.iisd.org/chad/chad.html Editorial assistance provided by: Kira Schmidt and Pamela Chasek Managing Editor: Langston James "Kimo" Goree VI http:/enb.iisd.org/linkages/kimo/kimo.html TABLE OF CONTENTS 1) TOPIC - UN REFORM Daniel J. Shepard, Managing Editor of the International Diplomatic Observer, discusses the current state-of-play of the UN's environmental efforts in "Linkages Between Environment, Development and UN Reform." 2) UPDATES Reports on recent international meetings covering sustainable development, trade and environment, climate change, biodiversity, forests, chemical management, desertification, oceans and other topics. 3) UPCOMING An extensive list of over 230 upcoming meetings, workshops, symposia and seminars for 1998. 4) READINGS A roster of recent noteworthy publications, compiled by Peter Doran, University of Ulster, Derry, Northern Ireland 5) ON THE WEB A new feature, "On the Web," which highlights new web sites and recent postings of interest to the sustainable development community. This edition, as well as previous editions, is available at http://enb.iisd.org/journal/. If you have any problems with the file or any other questions or suggestions, send a message to . Thank you for your interest Chad Carpenter Editor _______________________________________________________ Linkages Journal (link0301e.txt) TOPIC "Linkages Between Environment, Development and UN Reform" Daniel J. Shepard, International Diplomatic Observer Ever so slowly, United Nations reform is underway, and if it is successful, it could have a major impact on worldwide programs to protect the environment. After setting the global agenda for the environment at the Earth Summit, the United Nations, beset by financial crises and bureaucratic stagnation, has found itself increasingly marginalized in efforts to implement Agenda 21, the Earth Summit's blueprint for sustainable development. Compounding the problem are the growing disagreements among the 185 members of the UN over the nature of international cooperation in the environmental field. Countries barely managed to agree to re-endorse the outcome of the Earth Summit when they met at the UN last June for a five-year review of the Rio conference, and have since disagreed entirely over the priority that should be given to the concept of sustainable development. Increasingly, there is a growing realization that environmental policy is being set by new organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is charged with promoting free trade. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have largely superceded the UN in the field of development. As one African official said at a World Bank meeting, "the UN writes very nice programs of action, but it has no money." The present plan to reform the UN, proposed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan last July, makes a concerted effort to streamline the organization's bureaucracy, and to emphasize the areas in which UN has a particular advantage. Such areas include peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and development. Developing countries have demanded that development issues be placed at the center of the UN's activities. Although they acknowledge the role of the World Bank, it is only at the UN that they have any semblance of real political power. At the UN, all countries have one vote, but at other international organizations, such as the Bretton Woods institutions, power is concentrated with the richest countries. Broad policy concerns have framed the debate over UN reform thus far. The United States has let it be known that it wants a smaller, more efficient organization, a position that has been endorsed to varying degrees by other developed countries. Developing countries, however, have been jealously guarding programs that are in their interests, and this has generally meant opposing staff reductions or the elimination of programs. Annan's reform proposal heavily emphasizes the need for sustainable development, but developing countries, elaborating on a dispute that has been simmering ever since Rio, now adamantly demand that the emphasis be put on economic development. While leaving the chairmanship of the Group of 77, which represents 132 developing countries at the UN, Jakaya M. Kikwete, foreign minister of Tanzania, rejected the idea that the notion of "sustained economic growth" could be substituted by sustainable development. "Our group has always maintained that the notion of sustainable development as emphasized by our developed partners is restrictive. Furthermore, the group stresses that for any development to be meaningful in developing countries, economic growth, which is sustainable over a period of time, is critical and crucial." While virtually every UN program has some environmental consideration, the organization's main institutional machinery for dealing with the environment consists of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), which is the intergovernmental forum charged with monitoring and facilitating implementation of Agenda 21, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is based in Nairobi. There are also secretariats for all of the major en- vironmental treaties, such as climate change, biodiversity, desertification and ozone reduction. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) deals with issues concerning forests and fisheries, and the basis for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is the idea of "sustainable human development." Part of the problem for the UN's environment agenda is that the organization's machinery is fragmented, incoherent and uncoordinated. Annan's reform proposal places a strong emphasis on better coordination, a theme he stressed after the General Assembly ratified Klaus Topfer, once Germany's environment minister, and once chair of the CSD, as Executive Director of UNEP. Annan said "he comes to us with considerable experience, and I expect that, with his presence, we will re-energize the UN's activities in the environmental area." He added that one of the things he hopes Topfer will do is to work on coordinating all the UN's environmental efforts. "We have all these centers" he said, citing the climate change convention secretariat in Bonn and the biodiversity treaty secretariat in Montreal as examples, " and we really need to get them working together as a system and as a team. I would hope that, as we move forward in the next year or so, that will become clearer." For years UNEP has seen its reputation decline, with a corresponding loss of donor confidence in the organization. A report issued last October by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services, found that "the basic issue facing UNEP concerns its role following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. It is not clear to staff or to stakeholders what that role should be." But Topfer is resolved to turn things around. He said it was "not very helpful" to look back and to ask for the reasons for UNEP's decline. "I really believe there is an interrelation between the financial administration, political and intellectual development. You have to cut this vicious circle. That is the most important thing to do." He added, "I am convinced that the United Nations can and must exercise political leadership in global environmental diplomacy. I intend to form UNEP into an organization that can provide that leadership. UNEP needs more concentration on key strategic fields and on coordination of environmental policy, and to use the synergies from its organization and programs. Therefore, I am to the utmost convinced that the decision to do it in very close cooperation with the other institutions linked with the environment is very useful." "I believe that economic instruments must be used to harmonize the globalization of the market with the globalization of environmental policy. Being an economist by profession, I really believe it is a very good precondition to use those market instruments to overcome bottlenecks of environmental policy. We are looking for win-win strategies wherever possible to integrate industry and the economic development urgently needed for the developing coun- tries." Although Germany championed the creation of a World Environment Organization during the General Assembly's five-year review of the Earth Summit last June--an idea that was heavily criticized by developing countries, Topfer said he has no intention to push for moving UNEP to Bonn or to create a new organization. He said, "I am absolutely convinced that there is intensive need to stabilize one location in Nairobi. That is the only United Nations location in Africa. Africa needs urgently this signal that it is integrated in the United Nations family, so I want to do my utmost to stabilize this position and this location. As a matter of fact, the preconditions right now are not so very, very good, looking at the financial situation, so there is a lot to do, but not to move." Nevertheless, there are some in the UN who still believe that there needs to be an international environmental organization that could provide a balance to the WTO. While the German proposal for a World Environment Organization was shot down, when German Chancellor Helmut Kohl spoke at the Rio + 5 meeting, he said, "global environment protection and sustainable development need a clearly-audible voice at the UN. Therefore, in the short term, I think it is important that cooperation among the various environmental organizations be significantly improved. In the medium term this should lead to the creation of a global umbrella organization for environmental issues, with UNEP as a major pillar." Annan still has yet to name a replacement to head the Division on Sustainable Development, the position formerly filled by Joke Waller-Hunter of the Netherlands, who departed to head to OECD's environment office. In his reform proposals, Annan said that support and servicing of the CSD would be enhanced. He also proposed that two committees operating under the Economic and Social Council--the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and Energy for Development, and the Committee on Natural Resources--be consolidated with the CSD. However, this proposal has run into considerable opposition from developing countries. In particular, insofar as the energy committee is concerned, oil producing developing states are eager to keep the committee outside the rubric of the CSD because they fear it could end up binding them to environmental conditionalities. The other reform proposal with distinct environmental ramifications was to use the moribund Trusteeship Council as a trusteeship for the "global commons" such as the oceans. Since the last UN trusteeship territory--Palau--gained its independence two years ago, the functions of the Council have been frozen, but countries could not agree on a plan to eliminate it completely. In the debate on the Trusteeship Council, a number of countries urged caution. In a statement that echoed many others, Pakistan said, "we should not take a decision in haste. It cannot be said that its work is over. There are still areas where people are asking for independence." Secretariat officials acknowledge that the idea has very limited support and they do not see the idea advancing. It also remains to be seen how the CSD will develop after the Rio review. Although it has been wildly successful in attracting interest and support from nongovernmental organizations, there is still a perception that the CSD deals mainly with environmental issues and not with the broader issues of development. This perception is amplified by the fact that most developed countries send their environment ministers to attend the CSD sessions. Prior to leaving her post, Waller-Hunter said, in an interview, that the Rio +5 session was not actually as bad as it seemed, although she acknowledged that from a public relation standpoint, "it was not a good session. It was rather disappointing." Part of the problem, she said, was that the time for negotiating was too short. "Rio was a two year process. Here, we had six months." There was also not enough political momentum, she said, and "we didn't have a lot on the table when negotiations started." She added that the proposals that were made, on water and on energy, came rather late, all while the attention of delegates was focused on the ne- gotiations for the Agenda for Development and on UN reform. "All the attention was what the UN was going to do in terms of reform, not in terms of sustainable development." Nevertheless, she is still optimistic that implementation of Agenda 21 was going forward, despite perceived setbacks at the Rio + 5 session. "Five years is kind of short," she said. "It takes one year to have the document land in the capitals and have it digested. Then the infrastructure for implementation has to be in place. That takes another year." But she says that the institutional structures have been changing, especially at the local level. She is "quite pleased" about the shift the world has made in environmental issues since Rio, especially in attracting the attention of world leaders. She said agencies such as FAO had tremendously expanded their work on forests to include forest management, and that the World Bank was also shifting toward incorporating the sustainable development message. Although the reforms may result in more efficiencies and better coordination, there are still some fundamental obstacles that the UN must surmount before it can be an effective juggernaut to promote sustainable development. At best, a solid reform effort could make the organization more attractive for fundraising. When all is said and done, it will require a major tour-de-force to turn UNEP into a major environmental player, given its history, and its location in Nairobi, where it has become increasingly difficult to attract quality employees. The UN's efforts will continue to be hampered in all fields, including the environment, due to the financial crisis caused in large part by the failure of the United States to pay its dues. The lack of available resources reduces the need of developing countries to look to the UN for guidance on environment issues. The resource issue also puts the UN's intellectual efforts in a straightjacket-without funding on the international level, sustainable development becomes little more than a remote philosophy. Finally, the countries themselves have to truly commit to something-the current situation is probably a true reflection of present priorities. Daniel J. Shepard is the Managing Editor of the International Diplomatic Observer, a newspaper covering the United Nations and international affairs. He has reported extensively on the series of United Nations conferences held this decade for the Earth Times. He is also a regular contributor to the publication UN Observer and World Report. He lives in Bayside, NY, with his wife and two children. UPDATES SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FIFTY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY: On Thursday, 18 December 1997, the 52nd General Assembly formally adopted a series of resolutions on environment and development-related matters submitted by the Second Committee. The following are summaries of selected resolutions on environment and development issues. Resolution 52/188 -- Population and Development: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.43 was approved without a vote by the Second Committee on 5 December 1997. It is based on informal consulta- tions on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.15 submitted by the G-77 and China on 4 November 1997. In the resolution, the General Assembly decides to convene a three-day special session from 30 June to 2 July 1999 to review and appraise the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, September 1994). The Commission on Population and Development, which is currently scheduled to appraise the im- plementation of the Programme of Action at its 32nd session, will serve as the preparatory body for the final preparations for the special session, reporting through the Economic and Social Council. The 32nd session of the Commission on Population and Development will be open-ended to allow the full participation of all States. Non-United Nations Member States, which are members of specialized agencies are invited to participate in the special session as observers, as are representatives of civil society, NGOs and all other relevant organizations and bodies of the UN system. Resolution 52/189 -- International Migration and Development: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.35 was approved without a vote by the Second Committee on 2 December 1997. It is based on informal consultations on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.14 submitted by the G-77 and China on 4 November 1997. This resolution urges Member States and the UN system to strengthen international cooperation in the area of international migration and development in order to address the root causes of migration. The General Assembly calls upon the international community to make the option of remaining in one's country viable for all people by ensuring a better economic balance between developed and developing countries. It also calls on the United Nations system and other organizations to address the issue of international migration and development and to support inter-regional, regional and subregional processes and activities on international migration and development. The Secretary-General is requested to submit a report on international migration and development to the 54th session of the General Assembly where the issue of convening a United Nations conference on international migration and development will be discussed. Resolution 52/190 -- Implementation of the Outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II): Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.53 was adopted by the Second Commit- tee on 5 December 1997. It is based on informal consultations on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.18 submitted by the G-77 and China on 12 November 1997.This resolution requests the Secretary-General to address urgently the serious management and financial situation at the UN Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS), in accordance with Commission on Human Settlements resolution 16/8. The Executive Director of the UNCHS is urged to take further action towards the reform of the administrative and financial management of the Centre. In addition to urging all Governments and other actors involved with human settlements and urban management issues to implement fully and effectively the Habitat Agenda, the resolution decides to hold a special session of the General Assembly in the year 2001 for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of Habitat II. The modalities for this special session will be determined at the 53rd session of the General Assembly. ECOSOC is also invited to consider devoting one high-level segment before the year 2001 to human settlements and the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. Resolution 52/191 -- Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000: Draft resolution 16/1 was submitted by the 16th session of the Commission on Human Settlements and was adopted by the Second Committee on 5 December 1997. The resolution adopts the Plan of Action for the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 for the biennium 1998-1999, and urges governments, relevant United Nations and private sector organizations and intergovernmental and non- governmental organizations to prepare and implement their specific plans of action. Governments are also urged, in implementing their national plans of action, to strengthen integrated national shelter strategies based on sustainable development. Organizations of the United Nations system, particularly UNDP, and other multilateral agencies would be urged to provide increased financial and other support to governments for achieving the objective of adequate shelter for all. Resolution 52/192 -- Follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the future role of the Commission on Human Settlements: Draft resolution 16/2 was submitted by the 16th session of the Commission on Human Settlements and was adopted by the Second Committee on 5 December 1997. In part I of the six-part draft resolution, the General Assembly reaffirms that the Commission on Human Settlements, as a standing committee of ECOSOC, should have a central role in monitoring, within the United Nations system, the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and advising the Council thereon. It invites the active involvement of the Bretton Woods institutions in the follow-up to Habitat II and encourages non-governmental organizations, local authorities, the private sector and research organizations to participate in the work of the Commission. In part II on terms of reference, the General Assembly decides that the Commission, in fulfilling its mandate, shall assist ECOSOC in monitoring, reviewing and assessing the progress made in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, among other measures, through the analysis of relevant inputs from governments, local authorities and their associations, relevant non-governmental organizations and the private sector, and identify issues concerning the improvement and promotion of system-wide coordination. Part III addresses the structure of the agenda and work programme of the Commission. The General Assembly urges the Commission to adopt a multi-year work programme for a focused and thematic approach to the follow-up of Habitat II to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, culminating in an overall review and appraisal of the Habitat Agenda in the year 2001. Part IV calls for all United Nations documentation be kept concise, clear, analytical and timely, and that to the greatest extent possible, use be made of integrated reporting. Part V calls for a revitalization of the work of the Commission to improve its profile and attract high-level political participation. Part VI, on the secretariat, urges the Secretary-General to ensure the effective functioning of the Centre for Human Settlements and requests the Executive Director of the Centre to submit to the Commission on Human Settlements at a future session a detailed report on the activities of regional offices, paying special attention to the status of implementation of the Habitat Agenda in each region. Resolution 52/198 -- Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.57 was adopted by the Second Committee on 9 December and is based on informal consultations held on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.22, which was submitted by the G-77 and China on 17 November 1997. The resolution approves the institutional linkage between the secretariat of the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) and the United Nations and requests the Secretary-General to review the functioning of the institutional linkage, including the financing arrangements, not later than 31 December 2000. The General Assembly also requests the Secretary-General to authorize the Convention's interim secretariat to act as the secretariat for the transition period following the first session of the Conference of the Parties until the permanent secretariat begins operating in Bonn, by 1 January 1999. The Secretary-General is also requested to maintain the arrangements within the current programme budget for the interim secretariat to support the Convention until the permanent one begins operating and to maintain the arrangements relating to extrabudgetary funds. The Secretary-General is requested to close, on 31 December 1998, the Trust Fund and the Special Voluntary Fund established under the provisions of General Assembly resolution 47/188 and to transfer any amounts remaining in those funds as of 31 December 1998, respectively, to the supplementary fund and to the special fund to be established in accordance with the financial rules. The General Assembly calls on all countries, particularly developed countries, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to contribute generously to the trust funds (general, supplementary and special funds) to be established by the Secretary-General on 1 January 1999, to facilitate activities under the Convention and to support the participation of representatives of developing and, in particular, least developed country parties affected by desertification and/or drought, particularly those in Africa. The resolution also calls on governments of affected countries to accelerate the processes of elaboration of national, subregional and regional action programmes. The international community, particularly the developed countries, and the United Nations system, the multilateral financial institutions and all other interested actors, are called on to support the efforts of affected developing countries in those processes by providing financial resources and other forms of assistance, in accordance with the relevant articles of the Convention and the decisions of the Conference of the Parties. The resolution also welcomes the offer of the Government of Senegal to host the second session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention in Dakar from 30 November to 11 December 1998. On 9 December in the Second Committee, the United States requested a vote on operative paragraph 17, which reads as follows: "Decides to include in the calendar of conferences and meetings for 1998-1999 the sessions of the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies envisaged for that biennium, taking into account the request of the Conference of the Parties." The US said that he could not support the current resolution authorizing continued United Nations regular budget funding for conference servicing beyond the life of the interim secretariat of the Convention. It was appropriate for the United Nations to fund the activities of interim secretariats of those conventions as they move through the transition period and into full operational status. Once those conventions have passed through that phase, the costs associated with their operation must be borne by the parties to the conventions themselves. A number of delegates, including Tanzania, on behalf of the G-77 and China, Canada and Benin expressed disappointment in the US position. After the lunch break, the Committee approved the paragraph by a recorded vote of 145 in favor to 1 against (United States), with one abstention (Israel). The Committee then approved the draft resolution as a whole without a vote. Resolution 52/199 -- Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.55 was adopted by the Second Committee on 5 December and is based on informal consultations held on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.21, which was submitted by the G-77 and China on 17 November 1997. The resolution decides to maintain the arrangements regarding personnel and financial matters established in regard to the provisions of administrative support to the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, for the biennium 1998-1999, taking into account the review of the functioning of the institutional linkage between the secretariat and the United Nations. It also decides to include in the calendar of conferences and meetings for the biennium 1998- 1999 the sessions of the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies, entailing eight weeks of conference-servicing facilities envisaged for that biennium. Resolution 52/200 -- International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.37 was adopted by the Second Committee on 4 December and is based on informal consultations held on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.20, which was submitted by the G-77 and China, and Mexico, on 17 November 1997. The resolution calls upon States, relevant intergovernmental bodies and all others involved in the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction to participate actively in the financial and technical support for Decade activities, including those related to international cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon. The General Assembly requests the Secretary- General to facilitate an internationally concerted and comprehensive strategy towards the integration of the prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation of the damages caused by El Niño, including the development of long-term strategies. The organizations and bodies of the UN system are called upon to contribute further to a comprehensive approach and study of El Niño and to intensify their cooperation with the regions affected by the phenomenon. The Secretary-General is also requested to promote an intergovernmental meeting of experts, including representatives of academic and scientific institutions devoted to the study and analysis of El Niño, to facilitate the exchange of information and national experiences. The resolution also calls for increased international coordination of early-warning systems and long-term public awareness and information programmes. Resolution 52/201 -- Convention on Biological Diversity: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.56 was adopted by the Second Committee on 9 December and is based on informal consultations held on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.25, which was submitted by the G-77 and China on 17 November 1997. The resolution encourages those States that have not yet ratified the Convention to do so as soon as possible. The General Assembly also calls on the States parties to the Convention to urgently settle their arrears and to pay their contributions in full and in a timely manner, in accordance with the decision of the Conference of the Parties regarding the contributions required for the trust fund for the Convention to ensure continuity in the cash flow required to finance the ongoing work of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, its subsidiary bodies and its secretariat. Noting that the first national reports of the States parties to the Convention were due to be submitted to its secretariat no later than 1 January 1998, the General Assembly also calls upon Member States that are parties to the Convention to meet that requirement as soon as possible. It would also invite the international community to assist developing countries in fulfilling that commitment. Resolution 52/202 -- Implementation of the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States: Draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.42 was adopted by the Second Committee on 4 December and is based on informal consultations held on draft resolution A/C.2/52/L.19, which was submitted by the G-77 and China on 12 November 1997. Canada later asked to be a co-sponsor of this resolution. The resolution welcomes the action of the Secretary-General to restructure and strengthen the Small Island Developing States Unit in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The General Assembly reaffirms the decision taken at its 19th special session to convene a two-day special session, preceding its 54th session, for the review and appraisal of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The General Assembly requests the Secretary-General to ensure that UNCTAD has the capacity to carry out the research and analysis necessary to complement the work of the DESA regarding the implementation of the Programme of Action of the Global Conference. The bilateral and multilateral donor communities are called on to mobilize adequate financial resources to supplement efforts by small island developing States in implementing the Technical Assistance Programme and the information network for those countries. The General Assembly takes note of the progress in the development and compilation of a vulnerability index for small island developing States and invites all relevant actors to support the DESA on work to refine the index. It requests the secretariat of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, in cooperation with the international community, to strengthen national and regional partnerships for a disaster reduction strategy for the twenty-first century, including requirements for effective disaster reduction and prevention capacities and measures for small island developing States. Draft Decisions: The General Assembly also adopted two draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee under Agenda item 98(g): Special Session for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21. The first draft decision is called "Implementation and follow-up to the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, including the outcome of the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal for the implementation of Agenda 21." The decision takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the outcome of the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly and includes in the provisional agenda of its 53rd session, under the item "Environment and sustainable development" a sub-item with the same title as this draft decision. The second draft decision is called "Progress in the implementation of conventions related to sustainable development." In the decision, the General Assembly decides to continue to review the progress made in implementing the conventions signed at UNCED or established as a result of the Conference, as well as other conventions relating to sustainable development and requests the Secretary-General to submit to it at its 53rd session a report on ways and means of undertaking this review. The General Assembly also invites, beginning in the year 2000, the conferences of the parties to the conventions signed at UNCED or established as a result of the Conference, as well as other conventions relating to sustainable development, to take all appropriate measures to avoid convening their sessions and those of their subsidiary bodies during the sessions of the General Assembly. These two draft decisions were a result of the withdrawal of the draft text contained in document A/C.2/52/L.29, which had been introduced by the G-77 and China on 19 November. During negotiations over the draft resolutions there were difficulties in accepting the introduction of several issues that had been agreed upon at Rio. Important issues regarding the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests and freshwater were not resolved during the special session, and the G-77 thought they could be addressed in the draft resolution. The resolutions will be available at: gopher://gopher.un.org:70/11/ga/recs/52. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY: The international conference "Environment And Society: Education And Public Awareness For Sustainability" was held in Thessaloniki, Greece from 8-12 December 1997 and resulted in the Declaration Of Thessaloniki. The meeting, which was attended by participants from governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and civil society from 83 countries, was organized in Thessaloniki by UNESCO and the Government of Greece. In the Declaration of Thessaloniki, participants reaffirmed that in order to achieve sustainability, an enormous co-ordination and integration of efforts is required in a number of crucial sectors. Rapid and radical change of behaviors and lifestyles, including changing consumption and production patterns, is also needed. Appropriate education and public awareness should be recognized as one of the pillars of sustainability together with legislation, economy and technology. They reaffirmed that: poverty reduction is an essential goal and indispensable condition for sustainability; the reorientation of education as a whole towards sustainability involves all levels of formal, non-formal and informal education in all countries; and sustainability is a moral and ethical imperative in which cultural diversity and traditional knowledge need to be respected. Participants recommended, inter alia, that: action plans for formal education for environment and sustainability with concrete targets and strategies for non-formal and informal education be elaborated at national and local levels; national councils for sustainable development and other relevant bodies give education a central role for action; and all actors reinvest a portion of the savings from the greening process into strengthening of environmental education. They also recommended that the media be sensitized and invited to mobilize its know-how and distribution channels to diffuse the key messages, while helping to translate the complexity of the issues into meaningful and understandable information to the public. Participants recommended that: all actors contribute to the implementation of Chapter 36 of Agenda 21, and in particular to the work programme on education, public awareness and training of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development; a Thessaloniki International Award under the auspices of UNESCO be established for exemplary educational projects for environment and sustainability; and the Government of Greece should transmit the outcome of the meeting to CSD-6 in April 1998. For information contact the Secretariat; e-mail: mio-ee- env@ath.forthnet.gr. AFRICAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT: African governments represented at the seventh session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment set a goal of $11 million over the next five years for a Trust Fund for the Environment. Meeting from 24 to 28 November 1997 in Dakar, Senegal, representatives of 40 governments agreed on contribution quotas that will ensure adequate and predictable financial resources for the region's environmental agenda. Once the Fund has reached $11 million, it is estimated that it will generate an annual interest of $1.2 million to support the programmes of the Conference and its secretariat. The Fund has already reached almost $1 million, with contributions from seven countries. Agreement was reached on a draft constitution and rules of procedure that give the Conference legal status to provide more effective leadership on environmental matters in the region. That new status pinpoints its work in environment and sustainable development in three main areas: harmonization and coordination of policy, in collaboration with governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector; facilitating awareness- raising, consensus-building and common positions; and enhancing Africa's participation in global dialogue and environmental action. The Conference also discussed environment and sustainable agriculture. As Africa strives to increase agricultural production and improve food security, the linkages between agriculture, population and environment should be reflected in national action plans. The Conference called on those countries that have not yet done so to ratify the various international conventions and protocols dealing with the ozone layer, hazardous wastes, biological diversity, endangered species and wildlife and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Conference aims to raise public awareness on the conventions and promote their implementation. Ministers said the UN Convention to Combat Desertification is major concern to Africa and noted that although many countries in the region have signed it, implementation of the decisions of its first Conference of the Parties has been slow. The Conference called for renewed efforts by governments to implement those decisions, including the elaboration of national, sub-regional and regional action plans. The Conference added sustainable development and the equitable management and use of freshwater resources to its list of pri- orities in its programme for the next biennium. For more information contact: James Kamara, Programme Officer, UNEP/Regional Office for Africa, Nairobi; tel: +254-2-624288; fax: +254- 2- 623928 or Richard Lumbe, Information Officer, UNEP/Regional Office for Africa, Nairobi; tel: +254-2-623181; fax: +254-2-623928. FORUM '97 - NEW LINKAGES IN CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT: The "Forum '97: New Linkages in Conservation and Development" conference took place from 16-21 November 1997 in Istanbul, Turkey. The conference was sponsored by the Conservation & Development Forum, with a grant from the Ford Foundation and additional assistance from the Tropical Conservation and Development Program of the University of Florida, the Municipality of Sisli, Istanbul, and the Swedish Institute for Development Assistance. Approximately 400 individuals from 41 countries attended the Forum, representing universities and research institutes, government agencies, development and conservation NGOs, community groups, private foundations and international organizations. Forum '97 was designed to review experiments in conservation and development over the past decade, highlight the most pressing practical problems in the field, and encourage open dialogue on the agenda for future research and action. Specifically, the objectives of Forum '97 were to: enhance cross-cultural understandings of conservation and development; develop a network of stakeholders, scholars, and practitioners who will collectively identify priorities for future research and action; identify key sites and institutions that offer valuable lessons for the field of conservation and development and ensure their representation in this dialogue; forge new partnerships for constructive collaborations at the regional and local levels; and identify problematic areas of conservation and development where opportunities exist for new advances. The Forum had five overriding themes: Engaging Communities in Conservation and Development; Culture and Ethics in Conservation and Development; Conservation and Development in War and Peace; Business as a Partner in Environmental Action; and Institutional Pathways to Sustainability. Participants attended Plenary sessions and several conference sessions on each of these themes. In addition to the Plenaries and conference sessions, Forum partici- pants attended a number of more informal workshops, as well as theater and dance performances and a film and video series addressing the linkages in conservation and development. The Sustainable Developments report of the meeting is available at http://enb.iisd.org/crs/forum97/forum97.html. SYMPOSIUM ON THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY: This symposium, held from 14-15 November 1997 at UN Headquarters in New York, and was organized by the United Nations University (UNU) in cooperation with UNEP. The meeting, which was attended by over 100 participants from academia, NGOs, UN representatives and national officials, used a series of panels to discuss policy issues and produce recommendations. Regarding international organizations, there was general agreement among presenters that the UN institutional framework developed over the past 25 years, while basically sound, still required significant improvements to meet the environmental challenges of the future. Participants considered a number of options. One option was to streamline UNEP in order to enhance its capacity to devote the bulk of its resources to serving a largely coordinating and catalytic role. Another would be to radically restructure the organization with a view to enabling it to steer the international agenda and broker agreements among weakly coordinated actors. Yet another option would be to empower UNEP to cumulate these functions together with the additional capacity to produce authoritative collective decisions and to provide compliance procedures broadly conceived. Whatever option was selected, UNEP should be put on a more secure financial basis either by turning it into a specialized agency or, more simply and politically more realistic, by negotiating a legal agreement making members' contributions legally binding. Participants also noted that the Commission for Sustainable Development had succeeded in a short time span, in establishing itself as an essential part of the process of reviewing the implementation of Agenda 21. As one participant noted, it also had made significant progress in mobilizing the international community, governments, and major groups to advance the sustainable development agenda. Nevertheless, its effectiveness could be enhanced considerably if it focused its agenda on multi-sectoral areas that do not fall under the jurisdiction of a single UN body and if national reporting was strengthened. One participant also noted that the World Bank was unquestionably much better prepared to work on environmental issues today than it was a decade ago or so. Nevertheless, a number of institutional issues still need to be worked through and resolved. Thus, some fundamental changes in the working knowledge about the capacity of borrowers to appraise appropriately the "trickle down effect" of Bank-financed projects were necessary. Improvements should be made to remedy the lack of mechanisms to deal with transboundary regional issues. Solid environmental assessment methodologies should be developed to improve environmental assessment for program lending. Somewhat uneasy about the role of market forces, all speakers offered widely varying assessments and prescriptions. Drawing on the experience of the Philippines and selected Asian countries, some participants were circumspect about the contributions of the market. Focusing on food production, they argued that although there has been recent progress in agricultural production technology, most developing countries still suffered acute food insecurity. International pressures on liberalization of domestic agricultural markets had imposed unbearable constraints on sustainable food production systems. Domestic conditions, such as poverty and illiteracy, environmental stress, institutional and political distortions, and political barriers, had also taken a heavy toll. New strategies should be devised for sustainable food production, distribution and consumption that would include, among other things, new partnerships and close cooperation between government and non- governmental agencies that would promote an empowering process for the rural populations. One participant proposed an approach wherein a wide range of both market and non-market solutions existed for many problems of misallocated or misused water. But insufficient attention had been paid to the proper application of these solutions. In the past, inade- quate attention to the role of markets had caused significant misallocations and misuses of water. At the same time, the application of market approaches in situations where non- economic values are high or where certain types of water needs or uses cannot be quantified also failed to resolve problems, and may have created new ones. Others argued that in order to secure energy sustainability, long term objectives for energy supply and demand should be defined. International norms and values related to energy use should be altered. Energy-related institutions and infrastructure should be overhauled. Finally, there should be effective monitoring of progress toward sustainable energy. Some participants noted that in this process, knowledge becomes a crucial variable since it can harness the power of the market by socializing ideas and practices of sustainability. Generating new knowledge on energy supply and demand, disseminating widely sustainable energy knowledge through the formation of epistemic communities, and applying such knowledge to market-related public and private sectors should constitute an integral part of new strategies for global energy sustainability. While recognizing that new partnerships should be developed with civil society, all paper presenters underscored the fact that it was essential to understand its components and their interactions in policy processes. Of particular importance in this regard is the elucidation of the role of NGOs. One presenter noted that NGOs undertake a range of strategies to advance environmental protection concentrating on three types of governance mechanisms: states forms of power, economic forms of power, and social power. In this context, he stressed that it was important to keep in mind that NGOs do not necessarily represent the public interest. Notwithstanding frequent assertions that they are committed to working for the well being of the environment, NGOs' understanding of environmental protection was not necessarily above the fray of political life. Drawing on the experience of development and environmental NGOs in Asia, another participant suggested that NGOs have managed to establish themselves as social agents with deep roots in the lowest levels of society. They have succeeded in creating a public space that is not and cannot be filled by other societal institutions, whether they are governments, international aid agencies or the private sector. In her view, under the impact of continued moderniza- tion, NGOs will continue to create new social linkages and help to establish bridges between the general public and other social institutions. Other participants argued that the international activities of environmental NGOs are mainly aimed at maintaining the balance of power between states and civil society. Environmental NGOs have not fundamentally changed this power relationship in their own favor. Nevertheless, they have contributed to spreading new world views about the value and use of environmental goods and services. They have increasingly participated in the programmatic activities of international organizations and the implementation of environmental treaties. The relationship between NGOs and status quo-oriented economic actors interested in preventing the enactment of measures for pollution control or the presentation of environmental goods is fraught with conflict, if not hostility. Nevertheless, a growing industry with environmentally like-minded interests is open to building coalitions and to providing financial support to pragmatic NGOs. Finally, NGOs may have realized that they will be taken seriously as participants in policymaking only if they can rely on pro- fessional staff input. However, there is a clear divide between the large and well-financed NGOs and smaller and less well-endowed NGOs. There was a convergence of views among the speakers as to the need to recognize the fundamental nature of the role to be played by public authorities in the management and resolution of environmental issues. They differed, however, as to the desirable mix of state responsibilities and free market forces. One participant stated that present patterns of energy use and consumption are simply unsustainable. He argued that it is the responsibility of governments to create incentives to stimulate alternative modes of energy production and conservation. Coupled with technological "leapfrogging," such policies could lead to a more sustainable future. After considering the shortcomings of state-led energy systems in China and India, one presenter reviewed domestic and international pressures for wider private sector participation. She found, on balance, that evidence that private sector participation might assure efficiency, broad access or, over the long term, environmental responsiveness, is not conclusive. States may therefore need to play an important role in fulfilling the latter mandate, with active participation by representatives of private market forces and the average energy user. On the basis of case study material of an urban environment in Brazil, one presenter argued that under certain conditions, state and society may come together in a productive and mutually supportive synthesis in the provision of infrastructure, transportation, sewers and water, and pollution control. In his view, a "state-society synergy" perspective is a particularly appropriate way of looking at problems of sustainability and degradation in urban contexts. Specifically, state-society synergy involves combining complementary public and private activities to allow the production of collective goods that neither public nor private sectors could produce themselves. It also involves uncovering shared interests in the creation of collective goods. Ultimately, though his analysis led him to conclude that the contribution of local public institutions is irreplaceable in the striving for more liveable Third World environments, it is important to preserve the capacity and defend the legitimacy of the general system of public authority that is rooted in the idea of the state. One presenter viewed the UN as the main forum concerned with global environmental questions. In this context, the role of regional arrangements is limited largely to bridging global programs and national action plans and matters of representation, coordination, facil- itation, monitoring and reporting. In matters where the environmental concern is region- specific or if a global convention is not yet in place, then, subject to the support of member states, regional institutions may play a leading role in addressing such concerns. Some of the specific tasks that may be undertaken by regional institutions include: the formulation of regional goals, agreements or conventions; the facilitation of their implementation by member states; the operational management of regional schemes such as the management of large eco-systems, inland seas, coastal and marine systems, and international rivers; and the harmonization and coordination of national policies in such areas as energy and disposal of hazardous waste. The presenter noted that obstacles confronting regional institutions are numerous, ranging from a lack of political consensus and will among their members, competing national priorities, and limited expertise, financial resources, and institutional capacity. In light of such difficulties, their roles vary widely and their records are generally poor. Another presenter mapped the initiatives on energy cooperation in APEC as well as in the sub-regions of Northeast and Southeast Asia. She concluded that because of investments, the next ten to fifteen years present a crucial window of opportunity to lay the foundation for more environmentally sustainable energy use in Asia. In the short term, the most important step is to coalesce around a common regional vision and long term policy objectives. For more information contact: United Nations University, Office in North America, United Nations, DC2-1462, New York, NY 10017; tel: +1 (212) 963-6387; fax: +1 (212) 371-9454; e- mail: unuona@igc.apc.org; Internet: http://www.unu.edu. JOINT DECLARATION OF UNESCO'S FIVE SCIENCE PROGRAMMES: On 8 November 1997 in Paris, the Chairs of UNESCO's five science programmes presented a joint declaration at the meeting of the Exact, Natural and Social Science Commission (Commission III) of UNESCO's General Conference. The Declaration -- issued by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC); the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB); the International Hydrological Programme (IHP); the International Geological Correlation Programme (IGCP), a joint programme of UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences; and the Programme for the Management of Social Transformation (MOST) -- emphasizes UNESCO's responsibilities in matters of environment and development. It states that in order to safeguard the environment and sustain its resources for future generations, governments collectively need adequate knowledge and information. UNESCO should promote its natural and social science undertakings with this goal in mind and encourage its Member States to divert resources towards environmental security and towards the use of science in a culture of peace. Stressing the urgency of increasing public awareness of science so that scientific facts be allowed to impact policy making, the Chairs urged that UNESCO use its social and natural science programmes, in concert with its other sectors and programmes to address the issues of environment and sustainable development. Noting the need for inter-agency co-operation within the UN system, the Chairs "deplored" that there is at present a distinct lack of political will to move towards sustainable development. In the five years since UNCED, the global environment has actually deteriorated and sustainable development has made very little progress. The Chairs called for "a fresh commitment to further implementation of actions under Agenda 21 to ensure that, by the end of the next five-year period, some measurable progress will have been made," and declared as imperative "a shift in emphasis from a situation of crisis management to a proactive, adaptive management regime." The Chairs stated that the complexity of problems makes interdisciplinarity and integrated approaches an important methodological tool and that the natural sciences are going to have to move beyond traditional research paradigms if they are to understand complex regional and global natural systems and the functioning of the Earth as a single system. The interaction between development and the environment necessarily involves both the natural and social sciences." In its conclusions and recommendations, the Declaration highlights areas of concern to be addressed through continued co-operation among the five science programmes and other UNESCO departments, notably: freshwater; oceans; cities; coastal zones and; biological diversity. It also urges enhanced training and scientific institution building, particularly in developing countries, while endorsing the efforts to establish UNESCO Chairs on sustainable development and related subjects. The Declaration also calls for enhanced co-operation on the national and sub-regional levels. For more information try: http://www.unesco.org. FIFTH WORLD BANK CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTALLY AND SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This meeting, held from 6-11 October 1997 in Washington, DC, was attended by scientists, government ministers, economists, lawyers and environmentalists. In addition to taking stock of immediate environmental concerns, participants addressed the need for closer ties between the world's scientific, economic and legal communities. Few signatories to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) have so far carried out their legal obligations, and lack of shared interests between international scientists, economists and lawyers may be a key reason for this slow progress. By inviting many of the world's leading authorities on the environment to Washington, the World Bank hoped to resolve many of the issues that prevent countries from living up to their existing legal obligations and clear the way for new environmental treaties. In his opening address, World Bank Group President, James D. Wolfensohn, warned that unless the world moves more aggressively to safeguard its environment, and merges social, environmental, and economic concerns together in charting a sustainable global future, the lives of its children would suffer. Wolfensohn said the World Bank's efforts to help the poor and the disadvantaged of the world were intimately connected with environmental efforts to protect the global environment. The recipe for a better tomorrow, he said, is through partnership. The conference held a series of related meetings on the current state-of-health of the global environment, covering, for example, the mounting evidence of climate change, the steady destruction of the world's coral reefs, and the threat posed to forests and farmland by poor environmental practices. With the ravaging effects of El Niño and the dangers of climate change dominating the world's attention, the World Bank conference heard from Robert Watson, Director of the Bank's Environment Department, that the global treaty to protect the ozone layer is an example of how a successful agreement is stopping the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer by chlorine- and bromine-containing chemicals. Watson, who is also the new chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said there were clear lessons to be learned from the treaty's success. A special drought seminar on 8 October, "El Niño: An Impetus for Strategic Management of Drought," was sponsored by the Water Policy Reform Program of the World Bank's Economic Development Institute (EDI) in collaboration with the Bank's Environment Department and the International START Secretariat. The seminar provided an opportunity for the public, policymakers, and influential members of society to learn how long-term planning can reduce the impact of drought. El Niño, the weather pattern that has been dubbed "the climate event of the century," may produce severe drought in many parts of the world this year, but with long-term planning, many of future El Niño's worst effects could be avoided, according to the World Bank. Participants at the seminar learned that the adoption of long-term water resource management policies are instrumental in alleviating the crises brought on by drought. Over the past few decades, demand for water has increased, its quality has deteriorated, and the costs of developing new water sources have risen dramatically. More than eighty countries, with forty percent of the world's population, are already facing water shortages, a critical situation expected to worsen as population grows. The added strain of drought induced by the current El Niño event could potentially lead to catastrophic water shortages in many of the world's drought-prone areas. For more information on the seminar and long-term strategies for water resource management, contact Francois-Marie Patorni at the Water Policy Reform Program of the World Bank's Economic Development Institute; tel: +1 (202) 473-6265; e-mail: fmpatorni@worldbank.org. For more information on the overall conference try http://www.worldbank.org. TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT OECD HIGH-LEVEL ADVISORY GROUP ON THE ENVIRONMENT: On 25 November 1997, the OECD High-level Advisory Group on the Environment presented its recommendations to the Secretary-General of the OECD, "Guiding the Transition to Sustainable Development: A Critical Role for the OECD." The Executive Summary to the recommendations notes that the OECD now faces an analytical and policy challenge as urgent, difficult, and far reaching in its implications as any in history. All major global ecosystems are in decline amid rapid population growth and continuously rising real incomes and increasing global economic activity. Yet government policies dealing with the economy, with the environment, and with equity remain badly disconnected and often in direct conflict. The Group's overarching recommendation is that the OECD, given its unique ability through systematic analysis and peer review to develop a shared framework of strategic policy, should become the lead international organization in harmonizing those policies. It should begin this process by formally reinterpreting Article 1 of its original Convention to redefine its commitment to "sustainable economic growth" to mean growth that sustains human and environmental, as well as economic capital. This would be its first step towards adopting sustainable development as an overarching strategic priority. The Group's mandate requested advice on ways that the OECD could can best serve its Member countries and the broader community of nations, in the field of the environment, to the year 2000 and beyond. The Group responded that the OECD should, as a matter of urgency, develop into the key intergovernmental organization providing the industrialized nations with the analytic and comparative framework of policy necessary for their economies to make the tran- sition to sustainable development. It should assist Member countries to take the lead in the transition to global sustainable development and to set compelling examples for the developing countries in integrating market and environmental concerns. It should also develop a comprehensive set of robust indicators of progress towards making economic, environmental and social policies mutually reinforcing and should build the use of such indicators into the existing fabric of country reviews and outlook reports. The Group also noted that given the slow progress towards sustainability since Rio, both of governments and their multilateral organizations, the OECD should use its convening power to create two new forums for the development of effective policies to promote sustainable development: a consultative committee for business and industry, trade unions, and civil society groups; and a consultative parliamentary committee. Regarding specific tasks, the Group was to discuss the OECD's comparative advantage in the field of environment and sustainable development, given the other regional and global institutions active in the field, as well as bilateral programmes. The Group agreed that the OECD's comparative advantage is its unique ability through systematic analysis, comparison, and peer review to develop a shared framework of strategic policy for making the transition to sustainable development. No other global or regional institution has the capacity to build the crosscutting teams of policy-makers necessary for the successful integration of economic, environmental, and social policy that is the basis of sustainable development. The effective methods used by the OECD to develop a shared framework for economic development should now be used to develop an equally vigorous framework for progress towards sustainable development. The Group also recommended that these comparative advantages should be used in pursuit of strategic objectives. Regarding near- and medium-term priorities for environmental issues and sustainable development, the Group said that the OECD should begin placing as much emphasis on improving resource efficiency as it has traditionally put on improving labor productivity. This would promote eco-efficiency in the broadest meaning of the term. The OECD should also accelerate efforts to shift some of the burden of taxation from employment and savings to resources and pollution, to decrease the use of perverse and environmentally damaging subsidies, and to integrate more closely environmental with trade and investment rules. The OECD should also work with governments to improve and develop systems of environmental governance to enable more effective co-ordination of environmental, economic and sectoral policies necessary for the transition to sustainable development. This would help in the task of removing obstacles to the greater employment of economic instruments, the preparation of national budgets that more properly reflect sustainable development priorities, and the more effective use of government decision-making processes and procure- ment to support sustainability. Regarding external linkages, the Group said the OECD should be even more open to inviting appropriate international organizations, such as the WTO, the World Bank and the secretariats of UN conventions, to participate in its work. The OECD should make its work more available to international organizations, especially regional economic organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) and the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR). In its cooperation with non-Member countries, particularly the "Big Five" (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and Russia), the OECD should work with these nations to define what sustainable development means in terms of national goals, in terms of articulating those goals, and in terms of avoiding the unsustainable development patterns of the industrial nations. The Group also called upon the Secretary-General to convene a stakeholder forum to undertake an external review of reports to governments suggested for coming years. When asked how OECD could strengthen its influence on environmental policy making at the national and international levels, the Group said the OECD must accept a mission to explain both the need for and the means to a rapid transition to sustainable development. This can be accomplished through a more aggressive and modern communications and publishing programme, expanded engagement with relevant constituencies, and by dialogue with audiences through its convening power. The OECD must also engage the finance and trade ministers in efforts to make the economy and the environment mutually reinforcing and should organize a meeting of Heads of State/Government to endorse a report on the overarching theme of sustainable development. When asked what type of internal OECD structure/arrangements will be required, the Group said the Secretary-General must act as the chief sustainable development officer of the OECD, chair a Management Committee on Sustainable Development, which includes all of the directors and heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), and establish a small unit to support him and his Management Committee in the substantive and administrative aspects of OECD's work on sustainable development. Each OECD Directorate and Committee should review its mandate and the strategic directions of its work programme to ensure that they reflect the goals of sustainable development. For information contact: OECD, 2 rue André Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France; tel: + 33 (0)1 45 24 81 19; fax: +33 (0)1 45 24 80 07; e-mail: news.contact@oecd.org. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT: At its meeting on 24-25 Novem- ber 1997, the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) addressed services and the environment (Item 9 of its Work Programme) and relations with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (Item 10). The US introduced a new paper on how trade liberalization in the services sector could yield environmental benefits (WT/CTE/W/70). The US paper examines the potential benefits of liberalizing trade in "environmental services" and was intended to represent a first step towards examining the relationship between improved market access for services to trade and the environment. The paper states that environmental services is a unique sector given that the relationship between such services and the environment is direct and quite obvious on its face. Similarly, this link between trade issues and environmental quality is also present with respect to environmental goods. The US paper describes environmental services as those which generate revenue by fees for a service related to a project which benefits the environment. The environmental services industry supplies pollution control, reduction, clean-up and waste handling services, and a growing range of other environmental services. Building on this definition, the environmental goods industry produces a range of products related to: water pollution and effluent treatment; remediation/clean-up; air pollution control; waste management and recy- cling; noise reduction; environmental assessment and monitoring; scientific, research and laboratory equipment; natural resource conservation/protection and urban amenities; energy efficiency and renewable energy, etc. The paper also discusses the environmental industry structure and growth outlook and notes that private sector surveys have estimated the environment industry will grow from the current US$420 billion to US$600 billion by the year 2010 and continue to grow at an un- precedented rate through the 21st century. Some sources have predicted slightly higher rates of growth for the environmental services subsector. The paper also considers key barriers to the development of the environmental goods and services industry. Its notes that in most countries, the majority of the demand for environmental services has traditionally been derived from public expenditures and public procurement and that national and international environmental regulation has been the engine of growth for the environment industry. The biggest obstacle to the growth of a strong domestic environmental services industry in some areas has been the relative lack of environmental regulation, and/or uncertainty and inconsistent application of environmental regulations and standards. In discussing the effects of trade liberalization on trade and the environment, the paper states that improved market access for the environment industry increases availability of services and goods while lowering their cost. Increased competition, a product of increased market access, can spur innovation which can produce even better environmental services and goods, which lead to improved environmental quality. Trade liberalization in the environment industry would encourage technology flows that can help countries build the domestic capacity they need to better achieve a wide range of environmental goals. Also at its November meeting, the CTE adopted its 1997 Report to the WTO General Council. The 1997 Report notes that at its first meeting, the CTE adopted a schedule of meetings and programme of work for 1997 and all Items of the work programme set out in the Ministerial Decision on Trade and Environment were on the agenda of the CTE. In order to broaden and deepen the discussions, a thematic approach was followed so as to allow all Items to be addressed in a systematic manner. The CTE held three meetings in 1997. The focus of the meeting held on 21-22 May 1997 was the work programme Items related to market access. At the 22-24 September meeting, the CTE addressed those Items that are relevant to the linkages between the multilateral environment and trade agendas. A Symposium with NGOs was organized by the Secretariat on 20-21 May 1997. Approximately 70 NGOs participated in the Symposium representing a wide spectrum of environment, development, consumer and industry interests and research organizations from developing and developed countries. The Symposium continued the ongoing and valuable exchange of views with NGOs on matters related to WTO work on trade, environment and sustainable development (The Sustainable Developments report of the Symposium is available at http://enb.iisd.org/sd ). The CTE's report also notes that in order to contribute to the discussions on the linkages between the environmental and trade agendas, an information session with representatives from the Secretariats of seven multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and two environmental financial mechanisms was held on 22 September 1997. The report states that the information gained from the presentations and the background papers prepared by the MEA Secretariats was useful and further sessions were encouraged. The report also notes that the CTE extended observer status to the following international intergovernmental organizations in 1997: the UN Framework Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), and the Latin American Economic System (SELA). For information contact the WTO Secretariat, Environment Division: tel. + 41-22-739-5091; fax: + 41-22-739-5620; e-mail: webmaster@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org. ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION FORUM (APEC): The Fifth Annual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) was held in Vancouver, British Columbia from 24-25 November 1997 and attended by leaders from APEC's 18 Member Economies from around the Pacific Rim. The meeting resulted in the "APEC Economic Leaders Declaration: Connecting the APEC Community." In the Declaration, APEC's Economic Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to meet the challenge of sustaining regional prosperity and stability and underlined their resolve to achieve sustainable growth and equitable development and to unlock the full potential of the people. In addressing shared challenges they noted that their economies and the international community as a whole have a strong interest in seeing a quick and enduring restoration of financial stability and healthy and sustainable growth and said they were convinced that open markets bring significant benefits and would continue to pursue trade and investment liberalization that fosters further growth. Prudent and transparent policies, particularly sound macroeconomic and structural policies, human resource development strategies, and effective financial sector regulation are key to restoring financial stability and realizing this growth potential. They also noted the critical importance of moving quickly to enhance the capacity of the international system to prevent or, if necessary, to respond to financial crises. On a global level, the role of the IMF remains central and the Leaders welcomed and strongly en- dorsed the framework agreed to in Manila as a constructive step to enhance cooperation to promote: financial stability; enhanced regional surveillance; intensified economic and technical cooperation to improve domestic financial systems and regulatory capacities; adoption of new IMF mechanisms on appropriate terms in support of strong adjustment programs; and a cooperative financing arrangement to supplement, when necessary, IMF resources. APEC Leaders also detailed their vision for the 21st Century, in which they noted the need for further connections. Regarding the connection of APEC instruments -- liberalization, facilitation and economic and technical cooperation -- the Leaders noted that intense growth in the economies of the Asia-Pacific over the past decade has had far reaching impacts on their societies and noted that positive outcomes have been accompanied by structural and environmental pressures. The Leaders applauded the efforts made this year to integrate APEC's instruments in addressing emerging challenges. Regarding the connecting of their economies, their discussions focussed on regional infrastructure requirements in support of economic and social development. They endorsed the work that has been carried out this year on infrastructure applications to make city life more sustainable, in particular the Sustainable Cities Program of Action. They also noted that rapid growth of urban centres poses daunting challenges such as bottlenecks, supply constraints, as well as health and environmental concerns, and governments must strive to ensure adequate access to infrastructure for people in all walks of life, urban or rural. They also noted that infrastructure is inextricably linked to the questions of financial stability and said that in addressing regional infrastructure decisions, governments and business must work together to ensure that long-term financial sustainability is adequately considered. They noted that cooperation with business and international financial institutions and development banks can be critical to achieving optimal project planning. Leaders also noted the need to connect APEC's issues, noting that sustainable development remains at the heart of APEC's mandate. They noted their commitment to advance sustainable development across the entire scope of their workplan. They also urged the connecting of efforts on climate change and affirmed that this issue is of vital significance, and requires cooperative efforts by the international community, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. They recognized the legitimate needs of developing economies to promote their sustainable development in furthering the objectives of the FCCC and, in this respect, the importance of enhancing the availability of beneficial technologies. The Leaders also emphasized the need to connect emergency responses and reinforce the role of women in economic development. The Leaders also agreed to the Vancouver Framework for Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Development. In the Framework, the Leaders reaffirmed the Voluntary Principles for Facilitating Private Sector Participation in Infrastructure Developed by Finance Ministers, namely: (i) establish and maintain a sound macroeconomic environment; (ii) establish stable and transparent legal frameworks and regulatory systems to provide a high level of investor protection; (iii) adopt sectoral policies that promote, where applicable, competitive and efficient provision of infrastructure services; (iv) increase the availability of long-term capital required for infrastructure investments by accelerating efforts to broaden and deepen domestic financial and capital markets. The Leaders also reaffirmed Finance Ministers' call on multilateral financial institutions to catalyze and support member economies' own efforts in infrastructure development, including by promoting sound framework policies through technical assistance, facilitating flows of private capital while continuing to provide direct financial support for infrastructure development, and developing innovative financing mechanisms to address the long-term financing requirements of infrastructure projects. They also encouraged Finance Ministers to continue to implement the specific initiatives launched in Cebu to facilitate, in collaboration with multilateral financial institutions and the private sector, the development of domestic financial and capital markets and wel- comed the mutual cooperation Protocol signed by participating Export Credit Agencies and Export Financing Institutions to enhance, on a project-by-project basis, the attractiveness of infrastructure investment for private sector participants. The Leaders also addressed the need to improve capacities and the importance of information in supporting the participation of the private sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in infrastructure projects. To meet these goals, the Leaders called on Ministers to: improve the availability of information to support participation in infrastructure investment by the widest possible range of companies, including by small and medium-sized enterprises, both on a solicited and unsolicited basis; and foster effective consultations to ensure that planned infrastructure meets communities' needs. For more information try Canada's APEC Website at http://www.apec97.gc.ca or the APEC Homepage at: http://www.apecsec.org.sg. UNEP AND ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY ORGANIZATION (APO) JOINT WORKSHOP ON GREEN PRODUCTIVITY AND CLEANER PRODUCTION: This workshop was organized by UNEP and the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in Bangkok, Thailand from 10-11 November 1997. The central message emerging from the meeting was that better environmental performance need not cost companies money. Business enterprises can save money and reduce their pollution by cutting back on waste, making better use of energy and raw materials, and tapping human ingenuity in the search for more efficient and cleaner operations. The meeting was convened to get more companies and organizations of all types committed to preventive environmental protection approaches. The approach was to build national capacities through training, undertaking convincing demonstration projects, providing information on better practices and technologies, and influencing government policies. The workshop brought together 50 experts from over 30 countries, including those from National Productivity Organizations, National Cleaner Production Centres, government officials, and technologists for discussions, sharing of experiences and joint planning. The workshop was organized with the help of the Thailand Environment Institute and the Thailand Productivity Institute. It was the first of a number of joint activities planned between APO and UNEP to promote improved environmental management in Asia. The hope is to establish centres-of-excellence in more Asian countries, modeled on the successful UNIDO-UNEP National Cleaner Production Centres now operating in 10 countries around the world. For additional information contact: the Asian Productivity Organization, 4-14, Akasaka 8-Chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107, Japan; tel: +81-3-3408-7222; fax: +81-3-3408-7220 or UNEP Industry and En- vironment, 39-43, quai Andre Citroen, 75739 Paris Cedex 15, France; tel: +33-1-4437-1450; fax: +33-1-4437-1474; e-mail: unepie@unep.fr THAMMASAT RESOLUTION ON SUI GENERIS RIGHTS: The "Thammasat Resolution" was adopted at an international seminar on Sui Generis rights held on the Thammasat campus outside Bangkok, Thailand from 1-6 December 1997. At the meeting, attended by 45 representatives of indigenous, peasant, non-governmental, academic and governmental organizations from 19 countries, participants studied, assessed and developed a response to the increasing privatization of biodiversity and local knowledge. In particular, they focused on the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and resulting legislation at the regional and national levels. Participants focused in particular on the sui generis rights option for intellectual property over plant varieties as imposed on all WTO member states by the TRIPS Agreement, as well as on other international agreements related to biodiversity such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD.). As one participant noted, the Seminar resulted in a clear message to the WTO and the international community at large about the need to allow for the exclusion of life forms from patentability and other IPR systems, and the need to recognize true sui generis rights that help indigenous peoples and local communities to conserve and further develop biodiversity and the livelihood systems on which they depend. The Seminar also produced an Action Plan with follow up action to achieve the goals set in the Resolution. The Resolution notes that indigenous peoples, farmers and local communities have, over millennia, nurtured and developed the biodiversity on which humanity now depends, and that such community systems are being destroyed by economic development under the guise of free trade, "Green Revolution" agriculture, new biotechnology and globalization. They are also being destroyed by the rampant pirating and monopolization of biodiversity and related knowledge through the extension of intellectual property rights (IPR) to life forms. The Resolution also notes that the WTO TRIPS Agreement obliges developing countries to provide some form of IPR on plant varieties by the year 2000. This may be done by patents or by some sui generis rights system - meaning, in Latin, a system "of its own kind." In 1999, one year before implementation in the developing countries, this provision will be reviewed. Participants reaffirmed their total opposition to the extension of intellectual property rights to life forms, be it on humans, animals, plants, microorganisms, or their genes, cells and other parts. They stated they were also adamantly against bio-piracy and the monopolization of biodiversity-related knowledge through such IPR. Regarding their understanding of sui generis rights in TRIPS, they stated that the overall implication of TRIPS, and for that matter the whole of the WTO, is highly detrimental to peoples' economies, cultures and livelihoods. The sui generis provision of TRIPs gives WTO member states room to develop their own kind of IPR protection for plant varieties, and many nations are now changing their national IPR laws. The resolution states that while some people view the sui generis option in TRIPS as a window through which other forms of rights over biodiversity can be articulated in legislation, the participants believe that such rights will be linked to IPR and will result in new and further monopoly rights over plant varieties. The same is true of any sui generis rights option that could be developed and proposed under the TRIPS Agreement for local and indigenous knowledge. In the Resolution, participants reaffirmed their sui generis rights and recognized that their sui generis rights exist independently of the IPR-based sui generis systems promoted by the TRIPS Agreement. The Resolution states that these rights are inalienable and existed long before IPR regimes were established. As legal, political, economic, social and cultural rights, they are part of peoples' sovereignty and therefore part of human rights. As community/collective rights, they are indivisible and intergenerational, include Farmers' Rights and apply to Indigenous Peoples, peasant and family farmers, fisherfolk and other local communities that derive their livelihoods from biodiversity. Participants agreed that the rights they are struggling to develop and defend should never be misinterpreted as, or denatured into, intellectual property rights. Because peoples' rights are under tremendous threat, they see the promotion of such rights also as a tool for resistance against, and the rolling back of, the forces of monopoly. Under the resolution, they state that they will actively engage their societies from the village level through to governments in the capitals to take part in the struggle for their sui generis rights, and on to the international level to oppose IPR on all forms of life. This implies a whole range of information, research, campaign and coalition building activities over the long term. Some of the immediate tasks at hand are to: demand the revision of TRIPS in order to allow countries to exclude life forms and biodiversity-related knowledge from IPR monopolies under the jurisdiction of WTO; reinforce the defense mechanisms of local communities who are highly vulnerable to unbridled bio-prospecting and to the introduction of genetically engineered organisms; support any calls by local communities for a moratorium on bio- prospecting; and demand an immediate moratorium on the research, development, release, and transboundary movement of genetically engineered organisms. Participants also agreed to: assert the primacy of international agreements on biodiversity, such as the CBD and FAO instruments, over TRIPS and other trade regimes, for the resolution of these issues; reaffirm the original intent of the CBD for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and prevent the CBD from becoming a mechanism for transnational corporations to trade in biodiversity in the name of "access" and "benefit- sharing;" and mobilize a strong global movement engaging environmental, trade, agriculture, consumer, labor, health, food security, women's, and human rights and all people's organizations in these campaigns. For more information contact: Henk Hobbelink, Genetic Resources Action International; e-mail: Henk.Hobbelink@igc.org. CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: The Third Conference of the Parties (COP-3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) was held from 1 - 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. Over 10,000 participants, including representatives from governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and the press, attended the Conference. After a one-day resumed session of the AGBM on 30 November 1997, COP-3 officially opened on 1 December at the Kyoto International Conference Hall in Kyoto, Japan. During the course of the ten-day meeting that featured round-the-clock negotiating sessions, delegates met both in plenary and in a a sessional Committee of the Whole (COW) to consider Agenda Item 5, the adoption of a protocol or another legal instrument, as well as issues related to methodologies to estimate emission sources and sinks. On 8-9 December, the COP held a high- level segment attended by ministers and heads of delegation. Statements were made by over 125 ministers while the COW continued informal deliberations. The final marathon session of the COW began at 1:00 am on Thursday, 11 December, when delegates began an article-by- article review of the text, discussing the provisions related to QELROs, emissions trading and voluntary non-Annex I commitments at length. The final COP-3 Plenary convened at approximately 1:00 pm to adopt the Kyoto Protocol (FCCC/1997/L.7/Add.1). In the Kyoto Protocol, Parties in Annex I of the FCCC agreed to commitments with a view to reducing their overall emissions of six greenhouse gases (GHGs) by at least 5% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The protocol also establishes emissions trading, joint implementation between developed countries, and a "clean development mechanism" to encourage joint emissions reduction projects between developed and developing countries. A full text of the protocol is available at http://www.unfccc.de. The full Earth Negotiations Bulletin report on COP-3, available at http://enb.iisd.org/climate/climate.html, contains an article-by-article review of the Kyoto protocol negotiations. The following is the Earth Negotiations Bulletin analysis of COP-3: Zen and the Art of Planetary Maintenance "Falling into the Moon's reflection From a single petal Rings of waves Blown by the breeze Touching each life." (A Japanese poem or waka by Mahoroba Kaoru selected for this analysis by FCCC Executive Secretary Michael Zammit Cutajar. An accompanying interpretation states that each of our individual actions will together reshape the world.) Parties to the UNFCCC adopted a Protocol with the unprecedented, legally enforced ambition of limiting and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that have accompanied the rise and rise of the industrial era. Appropriately, they did so in Kyoto, Japan's capital city of Zen - a traditional Buddhist practice associated with mindfulness. During the COP, Executive Secretary Michael Zammit-Cutajar explained that the Zen path to enlightenment requires a practitioner to break through mental boundaries imposed by established ways of looking at the world. The Kyoto Protocol will become a 21st century koan, a Zen- like riddle or challenge to break through boundaries imposed by political, economic, technical and cultural practices deeply embedded in the Annex I capitals of a development model whose leading export to the rest of the world is an unsustainable state of mind. The most immediate constraints on thought lingering in Kyoto were hangovers from the original FCCC process. They took the familiar form of hesitations when Parties were confronted with the prospect of adopting a legally binding agreement. They remained through the AGBM process that concluded the Sunday before COP-3, when delegates stuck fast to their established negotiating positions. And they help to explain the gaps between the FCCC's stated goal and actual impact. Parties readily acknowledge the ineffectiveness of their commitments to alter energy and economic patterns and thus prevent harmful changes in the climate system. The Kyoto Protocol will, inevitably, be described as a first step. Another first step. In the absence of more ambitious reduction and limitation targets it can be no more. Moreover, while the question of equity struggles to find a place in the calculations of negotiators, the ambition to universalize the imperative of reducing global GHG trends through expanded participation by developing countries remains several steps down the road. In the meantime, the ethical question is condemned to caricature in exchanges within and with the G-77 and China. The Executive Secretary's challenge permits a wide range of interpretations and, like Zen itself, can offer few conclusive answers before inquirers embark on their own quest. This analysis will limit itself to three aspects of what was an intense, intricate negotiating experience: The strategic paths and influences of the key players; The utility of a negotiating paradox; and The question of whether a return to the marketplace can both serve and reconcile the higher purposes of equity, climate change protection, and a credible protocol that sends a strong and clear signal to the stakeholders about the virtuous path of sustainable energy production and consumption. The Zen of Strategy Throughout the negotiating process the EU, the US and Japan were in constant communication both within the precincts of the Kyoto International Conference Hall and by telephone. Meanwhile, the US, including Vice President Al Gore during his high profile visit to the COP, maintained high-level contact with key developing country partners. As Zammit Cutajar suggested, Kyoto was a conference of the hammer and the hotline. He might have added hype. While the EU provided the ambition that drove the numerical targets of the agreed Protocol, the US played an influential role in shaping the institutional approach to implementation, notably with emissions trading. With the latitude provided by an ecologically literate constituency, the EU targeted US reticence and championed NGO concerns about proliferating loopholes, including those associated with sinks and trading. In doing so, the EU was also targeting the flexibility with which the US and other JUSSCANZ countries sought to reduce the domestic impact of the limitation and reductions targets. Celebrated by NGOs for its role, the EU stumbled a little over its own institutional clumsiness. The US perception of the EU approach to the negotiation was this: "They were having more fun being green than in being practical. We had to convince everyone else." Some tensions emerged when members of the larger EU group (Germany in particular) resisted giving the lead negotiators in the Troika - the UK, Netherlands and Luxembourg - the flexibility they needed to respond rapidly to new positions and red herrings, notably those of the US. There were also tensions over issues such as emissions trading, with countries such as the UK more culturally receptive to adopting market-oriented mechanisms than some others. The EU gained inclusion of policies and measures according to "national circumstances" and permission to form a bubble, relenting on expressed resistance to six gases, sinks, emissions trading, and broader differentiation of targets. The G-77/China - or rather the key players who skillfully swing the bloc - played an effective role in defeating an article on voluntary commitments for developing countries, but left observers wondering whether they would go on to a broader victory. In a clever play, India and China led off a debate on emissions trading, ambushing the US and JUSSCANZ and succeeding in delaying the pace at which trading will come into effect. In doing so in the closing hours of the negotiations, they signaled decisive opposition to the article on voluntary commitments and exhausted all proponents. As a result, the article on voluntary commitments was dropped. The complex, ambiguous and virtual world of G-77/China "interests" was demonstrated by Brazil's role in brokering a Clean Development Fund. With US sponsorship, this idea became the clean development mechanism - a hybrid institution which brings together credited joint implementation and emissions trading, all with "certified" voluntary developing country participation. US negotiators attracted other Latin American supporters who, in the words of one observer, "had their national interests explained to them." The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) became the focus of the biggest trade-off of the negotiations, according to one observer. Even in the face of China and India's continued resistance, the US and its allies gained considerable ground with the CDM and declarations supporting voluntary participation by Mexico, the Republic of Korea and others. Brazil and the US led development of the CDM. Originally presented by Brazil as a means of financing projects through penalties for non-compliance, the CDM, as established, will facilitate emission reduction projects in developing countries financed by developed countries. The developed countries, after the projects and their emissions are certified, can use those emissions as credits against their own reduction objectives, a form of joint implementation with credit the US and others have long argued for. The idea gained unstoppable momentum as the US recognized it as a politically correct avenue for getting some key developing countries on board. It may also become a contentious source of off-shore tradable emissions credits for Annex I countries. Just who stands to gain most from the CDM will only become clear when outstanding questions are answered: will the GEF or the World Bank control the new Mechanism and where will the new institution be located? Overall, developing countries helped push higher targets by supporting an emissions reduction position close to that of the EU. Developing countries vetoed the broad inclusion of voluntary commitments and a stigmatized form of joint implementation, and helped craft the CDM, eventually accepting the flexibility and differentiation approach to QELROs that they had earlier resisted. Led by the eloquent Ambassador Slade from Samoa, AOSIS continued to provide the formative conscience of the Convention and the Protocol process. AOSIS maintained its moral voice, although the group's influence within the G-77 was often muted by those allied to OPEC interests. NGOs and members of the "fourth estate" - the media - played a pivotal role that paralleled the remote negotiations going on between presidents and prime ministers. Their experts provided back-up information and analyses to delegations ready to listen, their communication experts produced press releases in Kyoto and at home within hours of developments, and their traditional activists staged colorful and thought provoking actions ranging from a Friends of the Earth award for the top dirty industries and penguins sculptured in ice, to a procession which raised the specter of the environmental martyrs of the Ogoni people in Nigeria to link human rights to climate change politics. NGOs played a pivotal role in identifying and advising receptive delegations on loopholes in the proposals, notably in emissions trading and sinks. At a meeting with NGOs, Vice President Gore also proved receptive to advice on moderating the content of his Plenary speech on the need for developing country commitments. The Utility of Negotiating Paradox A paradox emerged as major factions in the negotiations struggled towards higher targets through contrary approaches. The EU and other supporters of an ambitious target, such as the G-77/CHINA and AOSIS, decided to hold out until the US signaled willingness to improve on its offer of stabilization at 1990 levels. The EU resisted conceding to the US and JUSSCANZ members on flexibility in implementation, notably on emissions trading and sinks criteria. The US and JUSSCANZ required commitments on these very issues to run the numbers and fix realizable targets. The standoff was compounded by the late - but long anticipated - agreement to adopt a differentiation formula as opposed to a flat rate, together with the traditional negotiating strategy of taking the process to the wire. The latter strategy raises the ante and can serve trade negotiators well, however, it does little to raise the quality of complex institutional arrangements in the context of climate change politics. The conceptual model adopted, the so-called "Big Bubble" approach originally suggested by Russia, provided some scope for groups pursuing both approaches to targets - the ambitious and the nervous. It allowed Parties to suggest a global reduction number that was essentially the product of each Party's calculation of what the policy pieces would permit them to achieve individually. Each calculation produced a range of figures which became the zone of tolerance to be negotiated between those who stood at each end. Top of the range was the EU. At the bottom were those countries seeking to actually increase emissions above 1990 levels. The EU had always made it clear that their 15% negotiating figure was never intended as a unilateral offer. But differentiation left the group somewhat high and dry - struggling to develop a fall back position. Where differentiated targets had been based on complex formulae of social and economic criteria, the Big Bubble reduced differentiation to a purely political formulation and the negotiating process to something which, at times, had the appearance of a bargain basement- auction. A Russian delegate recalled how he had been approached by COW Chair Estrada with an offer, to which he replied: "Not yet. Never." Others compared the process to a shell game, with frequent second guessing and back tracking once countries discovered what other Parties had to offer. Within hours of the close of the conference the US discovered that Japan had agreed on a lower target than Washington anticipated - sending one lead negotiator hurtling down the aisle towards Estrada to demand an explanation from the man who was largely responsible for cajoling the Annex I Parties into going as far as they did. Under differentiation the main criterion became each country's relative willingness to declare a target level of emissions related to 1990. From the deeply contemplated center of each delegation's emissions projections, a lack of consistent political will emerged as a collective political non-decision - as if out of nothingness or, in fact, what one NGO observer described as Estrada's "black box." In finest Zen tradition, the agreement forms itself. Return to the Market Place If there are precedents for the scope and nature of the Kyoto Protocol they are not encouraging. One observer suggested that we look to the IMF's now best forgotten attempt to regulate global money flows, ambitious commodity agreements run by now rusting institutions like the Tin Council, and those lofty plans associated with the New International Economic Order. The business of America is business, however, recalled a US negotiator at the close of the Kyoto deal. So business and the markets will be key to implementation, via emissions trading and the CDM. The private sector is also the key target group for the political signals from Kyoto that business as usual is no longer an option. Therein lies the second paradox. It is the economic engine rooms of the world - the US, Japan and Europe - who have built their power-bases upon unsustainable technologies and who must now lead the way in reversing the trends they have led. Moreover, the diplomats who are responsible for translating the signal into political reality at home are also among the vanguard of the cosmopolitan lifestyles. Another inconsistency in the market-based approach built into the Protocol, according to another observer, is the US insistence on flexibility while championing the role of the market. Clear signals to markets will demand minimum uncertainty. Tradable permits will be akin to commodities in a market where some certainty will be important. With low emissions reductions targets and high flexibility, great difficulties are anticipated in regulating and determining compliance. Questions arise as to the value of the new commodities. A participant at the heart of UN climate change politics, commenting on the Protocol, feared that it would not go far enough to ensure that emissions reductions would be achieved, for the most part, at home. Instead, there would be a drift towards off-shore fulfillment of commitments. So a central concern with the market-driven approach is the tendency of the market to facilitate an externalization of the costs or burden. Interestingly, a US representative conceded to this up to a point. While it was agreed that the classic General Equilibrium Model can accompany an externalization of costs, this is viewed by the US negotiators as a short- to medium-term phenomenon. Believers in the General Equilibrium Model argue that in a trading regime, particularly with an advance signal that the market is about to be launched, people will exercise their external options early and internal options later. If the classic model is right, then by 2008-2012 (the first budget period), the US negotiators believe, they might be undertaking some 60-90% of their emissions reductions efforts domestically - because the costs will be lower. Coincidentally, that would also imply that both the current and prospective Democratic administrations can look forward to minimal or only incremental pressure to adapt to climate change protection at home. Asked if Vice President Gore and the Clinton administration were in the business of buying time, the US representative insisted that they were buying time for the world. Optimists and those with an interest in talking down the prospect of a greater emphasis on a regulatory regime take the view that the political signal already emerging from Kyoto will be sufficient. An electric utilities lobbyist said it was too soon to calculate all the im- plications of the Protocol - notably the inclusion of SF6 - however one thing was immediately clear: the impact on his clients would amount to the equivalent of a 37% budget reduction. Asked if the signal coming out of Kyoto would be sufficient to force his clients to step up their work in sinks enhancement and high efficiency gas turbines, he replied: "Any more of a signal and we would not be standing here." Conclusion: The man who has not slept for 14 years Asked for thoughts after the grueling all-night meeting of the Committee of the Whole at the close of the negotiations, an Indian delegate told the story of a man who has been awake for 14 years. Like any good Zen koan, the story appears to says little about the original question: how did Kyoto affect climate change policy? The consensus among the world's scientific community is that the climate is "out of kilter" and the human species is, in all probability, largely responsible. Such is the political process, however, that it is unlikely that political leaders have even begun to formulate the most salient questions, let alone formulate appropriate answers. The politics of climate change - as demonstrated by the Kyoto Protocol process - raises dilemmas and paradoxes for politicians whose careers are framed by the demands of attending to a development model that must now come under scrutiny. There is more than the weather out of kilter. And for more than one reason, the Kyoto Pro- tocol text will have the quality of a riddle - designed to raise more questions rather than provide comfortable solutions. Fortunately, there are two main schools of thought in the Zen tradition. One holds that the breakthrough to enlightenment comes in a flash of inspiration. A second, more applicable approach, advocates an incremental journey of trial and error. And on the journey the important thing is to tread lightly upon the earth. BIODIVERSITY LONDON WORKSHOP ON THE REVIEW OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: An informal meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom, was held in London from 5 - 7 January 1998 to discuss the key issues in the review of the operations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and facilitate preparations for the COP's consideration of the issue. There were 35 participants from Parties to the Convention, international organizations, NGOs and the private sector. The significant progress that has been made in the operations of the Convention was acknowledged. However, participants thought that improvements could be considered in a number of areas. Regarding strategic considerations, the Chair's conclusions state that the Convention's broad scope results in its overlapping with the subject matter of a number of instruments. For this reason, the Convention needs to work closely with those instruments. Potential con- tributions that this Convention can make to the work of those instruments are in the areas of policy guidance and financial support. Potential areas for policy guidance include: the ecosystem approach; the establishment of measurable goals and targets; and the development of global and national indicators. The meeting saw the merit of securing the positive and meaningful participation of other instruments and processes in the work of the CBD, with a focus on implementation at the national level, including joint initiatives. There was broad support for the preparation and regular updating of a handbook incorporating the CBD text and the COP decisions. Regarding the relationship with other conventions, institutions and processes, the participants stated the prioritization of relationships is needed. Key priorities include: the harmonization of reporting; coordination of meetings with other processes and referral of appropriate issues; developing cooperation with other secretariats, particularly those of other relevant conventions; focusing on core relationships that have proven to be productive; developing regional level cooperation; exploring scientific cooperation; and adopting the revised International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources. Regarding cooperation on science and technology, participants noted that It is generally recognized that the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) has an advisory role as opposed to being a purely scientific body. Accordingly, there was a need to ensure structured scientific input into SBSTTA either through arrangements similar to those of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or through a number of small issue-based panels, which should include members of the academic and business communities. SBSTTA should not present its results without giving clear recommendations to the COP. Participants also noted that effective implementation of the Convention needs the active involvement of civil society and it is important to foster better linkages between the CBD and civil society. In order to harness to the full the range of knowledge, skills and other resources available, there is a need to involve civil society both in policy-making and implementation under the Convention. On institutional issues, participants agreed that the CBD is relatively young and much of its work so far has been of a preparatory nature. It is apparent, however, that the functioning of its organs could be improved. The first priority is to improve the operation of existing structures. It is considered that the decision-making process, in particular the drawing up of draft decisions, could be improved to assist in the preparations for the meetings of the COP. Views differed as to whether this required a new institution or could be accommodated within the existing structure. The decision-making process should be well- structured and well-defined. Agendas and documents should separate decision items from information items, and items under development from those ready for specific recommendations. Regarding the Work programme and operations, the Chair's conclusions state that consideration should be given to the Convention working under a rolling 10-year Long Term Programme of Work. Such a programme would be more than simply an agenda for the COP. The Programme should take into account work done within other fora, in particular the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), as well as the priorities and needs of individual parties identified in national reports. For more information contact the CBD Secretariat, World Trade Centre, 393 St. Jacques Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9; tel: +1-514-288- 2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: chm@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org. REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF COASTAL AND MARINE BIODIVERSITY: At this workshop, held from 1-3 December 1997 at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) headquarters, participants discussed problems based on real data for the gradual formulation of future regulations, rather than reach definite conclusions or specific recommendations. On the topic of the supply of fishery resources as an integral aspect of fish production and aquaculture, the workshop focused on achieving sustainability through the full use of harvested resources, with particular emphasis on the development of food and pharmaceutical products. Further research into marine pharmaceutical products and food supplements was encouraged in view of the positive results obtained with products such as shark fins, fish oil and oyster powder in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and other ailments, and the advantages they afford in reducing waste from fisheries and creating new job opportunities. Some effects of pollution and residue assimilation were described and attention was drawn to the economic and financial implications of protecting the marine environment from the effects of land-based activities, and some experiments in restoration and clean-up were mentioned. With respect to the use of coastal and marine areas as public goods capable of generating direct profit (scenic beauty, recreation, tourism), participants reported on eco- tourism in such areas, on the implications of such ventures for sustainable development and on considerations regarding privatization of services in protected marine coastal areas. Participants agreed that tourism development in coastal areas does not inevitably imply real estate growth. Integrated policies should be structured so as to promote strategies for rural development that combine agriculture and tourism and encourage the participation of local communities. Certificates of quality should be established for tourism projects to indicate their degree of environmental sustainability and their contribution to the economic (economic development), social (equity) and ecological (environmental sustainability) conditions of the area in which they are located. Factors linked to the problem of red tides, proliferation of toxic algae and other phenomena of this kind should be taken into account. With respect to the maintenance of biodiversity (as an intrinsic value), participants examined some environmental interrelationships, including an evaluation of the damage caused by natural disasters and the El Niño phenomenon. They agreed it should be determined whether there is in fact a connection between the El Niño phenomenon and global climate change, since the intensity of meteorological indicators associated with the current manifestation of El Niño does not necessarily imply a direct relationship between the two phenomena. The heavy impact of this El Niño occurrence could be due to a combination of factors, such as desertification, or a lack of contingency and emergency programmes and strategies in the re- gion to limit the social and environmental effects of natural phenomena. El Niño and other natural coastal disasters should be factored in among the uncertain variables associated with management of the coastal and marine environment and the various related economic activities should therefore incorporate strategies for disaster preparedness and emergency action. For the full report of the meeting try http://www.eclac.org THIRD MEETING OF THE OPEN-ENDED AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON BIOSAFETY: The third session of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety (BSWG-3) met from 13 - 17 October 1997 in Montreal. Delegates produced a consolidated draft text that will serve as the basis for negotiations for a biosafety protocol at the next session. Chair Veit Koester (Denmark) stated that the entire text should be viewed in "mental brackets," explaining that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed." The meeting established two Sub-Working Groups to address the core articles of the protocol. Delegates also created a contact group on institutional matters and final clauses, and extended the mandate of the existing contact group on definitions established at BSWG-2 to address annexes. In Plenary, delegates identified elements to be included in draft articles on the following outstanding issues: socio-economic considerations; liability and compensation; illegal traffic; non-discrimination; trade with non-Parties; as well as objec- tives, general obligations, title and preamble for the protocol. Delegates decided to carry forward of the structure of work adopted at this meeting to BSWG- 4. In addition to agreeing to hold their next meeting from 8-19 February 1998 in Montreal, delegates agreed, subject to approval at the fourth meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP-4) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), that two additional BSWG meetings be held and an extraordinary meeting of the COP be convened for the adoption of the protocol in December 1998. Thus, BSWG-3 succeeded in establishing a definitive structure in order to facilitate the process toward adopting a protocol, provided governments demonstrate both the necessary political will and intellectual discipline to meet their deadlines. The full Earth Negotiations Bulletin report of BSWG-3 can be found at http://enb.iisd.org/. The following is a brief analysis of the meeting: Introduction: Chair Veit Koester opened the third session of Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety (BSWG) by outlining the extensive amount of work the group must accomplish if it is to fulfill its mandate to produce a protocol by the end of 1998. He underscored the need to prepare draft text in legal terms, signaling that, except on the so-called "outstanding issues," such as socio-economic considerations and liability and compensation, the process had moved beyond issue definition and element identification, which characterized the two previous meetings of the BSWG. Throughout the session, delegates were reminded that their task was not to negotiate, but to produce a consolidated text upon which future negotiations would be based. In the course of consolidating the voluminous government submissions, areas of divergence and convergence among country positions were further distilled, thereby accentuating some of the major obstacles to negotiating an effective protocol. Group Dynamics: One of the obstacles relates to group dynamics and especially the fact that opinions on biosafety do not necessarily vary along North-South lines. This had an impact both on the negotiation dynamics within the two Sub-Working Groups as well as within regional groups. The two Sub-Working Groups presented a study in contrasts, as one group established a drafting group composed of regional representatives, while the other withstood pressure to follow suit, instead maintaining full and open representation throughout its working ses- sions. Some participants privately noted that SWG-1's drafting group floundered in procedural issues and, perhaps more importantly, unnecessarily alienated some delegations by deciding to deny speaking rights. However, some participants felt the regional repre- sentation process itself should not be faulted, only its implementation, since such a system, in theory, provided a voice for their concerns at the drafting table. Although SWG-2 enjoyed acclaim for its "workman-like" progress on text consolidation, one delegate ex- pressed frustration over not being able to make further progress in a smaller drafting group. Others maintained that comparison of the two groups was unrealistic, given the contentiousness of Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) provisions addressed by SWG-1, and the availability of working text provided by the Chair for SWG-2 issues. In any event, it is crucial that SWG-1 develop an effective modus operandi, especially since, as many believe, the issues under its care will ultimately make or break the protocol. Others postulated that SWG-1's difficulties may have stemmed more from splits in regional groups than procedural flaws. The split within the G-77/China, and particularly the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), witnessed at previous meetings of the BSWG was paralleled only by divisions within the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG), and particularly JUSSCANNZ (Japan, US, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Norway and New Zealand), at this meeting. The latter group's overt resistance to regional representation was not simply of matter of principle or procedure; it reflected substantive and substantial differences within the group. Such differences led one observer to quip that the number of positions in the group is roughly equal to the number of its members. From Consolidation to Negotiation: A second obstacle that emerged at this session was the transition from consolidation to negotiation. If BSWG-2 provided a platform for governments to present their respective positions, BSWG-3 offered an opportunity to consolidate them, thereby allowing for a better identification of areas of divergence and convergence. However, the line between consolidation and negotiation was not clearly drawn at this meeting, a reflection of the fact that the process of identifying and reducing options that will serve as a basis for negotiation is an intensely political exercise. Several participants observed that the work of this meeting only required governments to ensure that their preferred options remained fully represented in the draft text and that the difficult negotiations had yet to be embraced. Nevertheless, some participants took full advantage of the opportunity to safeguard their positions by bracketing seemingly minute nuances in every arena, effectively increasing rather than consolidating the draft options in some cases. It was acknowledged that the hesitation of some nations, in particular those with nascent biotechnology industries, to embrace definite positions is a reflection of the cutting-edge nature of the issue-area itself: some countries are cautious about committing to international rules which may preclude future possibilities. Although Chair Koester admonished participants to restrain themselves from further embellishments on the agreed text, delegates continued to seek assurances until the closing minutes of BSWG-3 that their preferred options were indeed available. While flexibility within the negotiation process is essential to ensure that a biosafety protocol is adopted and ratified by as many Parties as possible, continued expansion of the options in the draft text will certainly hamper BSWG's ability to negotiate a protocol by the end of 1998. Obstacles to an Effective Protocol: While many delegates are optimistic about the prospect for completing a biosafety protocol on schedule, many reserve judgment as to whether it will be an effective protocol. Such concerns can be evidenced from repeated calls for reassurance that the outstanding issues on which no substantive draft text has been prepared will receive equal treatment before completion of the protocol. It is feared that the protocol's effectiveness will be hampered if future negotiations do not provide the opportunity for a full airing of the issues. One industry representative maintained that the "excessive expectations" of some G-77 countries reflects a failure to conduct a sound cost-benefit analysis of biotechnology. Developing country demands for provisions regarding socio-economic considerations and liability and compensation are tantamount to applying a disproportionately high entry fee to biotechnology. Such concerns were expressed by several developed countries, particularly about the prospect that the protocol would serve as a new pretext for protectionist measures. In a statement to Plenary, the representative of the EU framed the challenge to BSWG as it enters the next phase of its work: the advantages of joining the protocol must outweigh the disadvantages. The development of a biosafety protocol represents a critical attempt to operationalize one of the key and most contentious elements of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Whether the biosafety protocol follows in the steps of the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, by becoming more important than its parent convention, remains to be seen. However, unless some of the obstacles currently facing the negotiations are overcome, the successful completion of the biosafety protocol will be of greater concern than its potential fame. COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: The Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-Ex4) was held at FAO Headquarters in Rome from 1-5 December 1997. During the weeklong meeting, delegates continued negotiations on the revision of the International Undertaking (IU) on Plant Genetic Resources in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity. The work was divided between an ad hoc working group and an ad hoc contact group. The Working Group addressed the revision and consolidation of IU text on: objectives; relationship of the IU with other international agreements; conservation, exploration, collection, characterization, evaluation and documentation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA); sustainable use of PGRFA; the Global Plan of Action; global information systems on PGRFA; international cooperation; the international network of PGRFA; and Farmers' Rights. The Working Group was able to produce consolidated text on all of these issues, moving negotiations on the IU beyond discussion of the controversial agenda items on Farmers' Rights and scope and access. Concurrently, the Contact Group continued discussions on issues related to access and benefit sharing. Unlike previous sessions, which were, for all intents and purposes, exploratory exercises, many delegates left this meeting with a clearer vision of the revised IU, particularly on access. The full Earth Negotiations Bulletin report of CGRFA-Ex4 can be found at http://enb.iisd.org/biodiv.html. The following is a brief analysis of the meeting: While CGRFA-7 marked the beginning of negotiations to revise the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the majority of delegates characterized this session as the start of serious, substantive negotiations that moved beyond political posturing. Unlike previous sessions, which for all intents and purposes were exploratory exercises, some delegates left this meeting with a clearer vision, particularly on access. One observer noted that the IU process is beginning to mature and "bear fruit." The issues on which difficulties are likely to arise have crystallized, providing a gauge for the outcome of future negotiations. While the most significant progress was achieved on the consolidation of text for less con- troversial articles, the provisions that had been the subject of the two working groups at CGRFA-7 remain the most controversial: scope, access and Farmers' Rights. The difficult issue of financial arrangements has still not been discussed due to lack of time, but will need to be tackled soon. The difficulties encountered by the negotiators are all too familiar and can be likened to those encountered in other efforts to codify non-legally binding texts in international legal instruments. The negotiations on an International Legally Binding Instrument for the Application of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, which were last held at the FAO a little more than a month ago, ran into the same obstacles and, in both cases, one is left to wonder whether the negotiators are keen to achieve a new regime or if they are satisfied with the status quo. In the CGRFA, however, the mood is slowly shifting and delegates appear to be more willing to tackle real questions with real solutions in a more honest and open way. The Contact Group on access issues, assisted by a strong Chair, helped unlock the debate on access and an apparent breakthrough has resulted. A multilateral system to facilitate access to PGRFA through a list of major crops yet to be determined is taking shape. On a smaller scale, the first exchange of views on benefit sharing was revealing and showed good will from all participants to continue to clarify this sensitive issue. The Contact Group acknowledged the complexity associated with tackling the private/public sector interface and balancing IPR interests with a multilateral system. Furthermore, the introduction of the concept of an International Fund to facilitate benefit sharing marked a willingness to consider innovative approaches. Some delegations appear to be willing to compromise and this was exemplified in the course of the debate on Farmers' Rights when a number of members of the European region appeared to support strong language from the African region. Consensus of this issue, however, is still far from being achieved. One of the main remaining problems is that some of the regional group positions remain quite polarized. The commitments on the part of the negotiating Parties have remained limited and, after agreement is reached on the less controversial issues (such as the ones that were negotiated by the Working Group before it took on the issue of Farmers' Rights), more flexibility will be required if agreement is to be reached. Ironically, all the IU negotiations so far have been on the consolidation of negotiating text and the Chairs are in the position of asking delegates to accept bracketed text, knowing full well that in a few months they will ask them to remove the brackets. Many other negotiations that have taken place in the wake of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) have taken a more direct approach, negotiating directly from texts submitted by the respective Chairs or Secretariats, based on submissions from countries and regional groups. The approach taken by CGRFA differs since the various regional groups submitted parallel and concurrent versions of the texts that they would like to see discussed. While this approach has the merit of ensuring that all points of view are taken into account on most of the issues, it has also added considerably to the length of the negotiation process. This, however, may well be a necessary step in light of the fact that the process is already constrained by its aims to adapt a pre-existing text. The negotiations are also complicated by uncertainty as to the relationship between the new IU and the CBD. The CBD, like other treaties dealing with natural resource management issues, is partly self-implementing and partly a framework convention. It can thus be the subject of protocols and other implementing agreements, and the new IU will need to fit within the evolution of this important international legal instrument. The negotiation tactics appear to have evolved since the last session, and this is in part attributable to the new strategy adopted by the Secretariat. The delegates had expressed some skepticism about the lack of progress achieved when the two working groups had tackled some of the most difficult issues (scope and access on the one hand and Farmers' Rights on the other) at CGRFA-7. In this session, to the contrary, the Working Group was devoted to the less controversial issues, resulting in visible progress. It was significant, however, that representatives of the African region intervened to add Farmers' Rights to the agenda of the Working Group. This intervention embodied the urgency attached to this issue. While the progress achieved on the topic was limited, the shift in the schedule indicated the realization by some of the dangers of postponing the more controversial issues. The Secretariat and the Chairs of the two groups showed great flexibility with the agenda, although some delegations opposed it, and it marked an interesting compromise between the need to achieve significant progress on some points and the need to address the more burning issues. The African countries may have felt that some of the delegations dragging their feet in the Contact Group were content not to address Farmers' Rights. If the same approach is taken at the next round of negotiations, regional groups should ensure before the agenda is adopted that specific time limits will be assigned to each issue, to ensure that all the issues of interest are discussed. A final element that may have influenced the level of progress achieved was the concurrent holding of the third Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change in Kyoto. By the admission of some of the delegates, it was clear that some of most senior diplomats who normally deal with plant genetic resources issues were in Kyoto and not available able to assist in the process. It remains unclear whether the IU negotiations will be concluded as scheduled by the end of 1998. At this point, two more negotiating sessions are planned for next year, and the delegates are required to finish their work by May 1999. In the closing Plenary the Chairs, the Secretariat, and a number of delegates reiterated their commitment to the process, which bodes well for the final outcome. WORKSHOP ON TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: The Workshop on Traditional Knowledge and Biological Diversity convened in Madrid, Spain, from 24-28 November 1997. Approximately 330 individuals representing 62 governments and 148 indigenous and local community groups and NGOs attended the Workshop. Participants first met in a Committee of the Whole to consider a background document on traditional knowledge and biodiversity prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Two Working Groups then produced reports that provide advice to the Convention's Conference of the Parties on the possibility of developing a workplan on Article 8(j) of the Convention and examine the need to establish an open-ended intersessional working group or a subsidiary body to address the role of traditional knowledge. The Workshop produced a report to advise the Conference of Parties on how it might proceed to further the implementation of Article 8(j). The report, however, consisted of a long and often contradictory list of non-negotiated options and proposals that reflected considerable differences among participants on the specific scope, nature and objectives of the Workshop, and highlighted the striking contrast between indigenous and governmental perspectives on the nature of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. On the other hand, the Workshop provided a unique opportunity for indigenous peoples and governments to engage in a dialogue on equal terms and under relatively open and flexible circumstances, and laid the groundwork for meaningful dialogue and future collaboration between Parties and indigenous and local communities. The full Earth Negotiations Bulletin report of the meeting is available at http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/linkages/biodiv.html. The following is a brief analysis of the meeting: At first glance, the outcome of this unconventional process appears to be a smorgasbord of ideas and proposals without much consistency and with questionable utility in advising the COP. While the outcome reflected considerable differences among participants on the specific scope, nature and objectives of the Workshop, such divergence could have been expected, as this was the first opportunity under the CBD for governments and indigenous and local commu- nities to voice their positions on relatively equal terms. For those hoping for a concrete, clear and negotiated outcome, the Workshop may have seemed a waste of precious time, but to others it involved not only a learning experience for all groups, but was also unprecedented in its flexibility. Whether the Workshop represented a lost opportunity or a significant first step forward remains to be seen as delegates return home and begin their preparations for COP-4, where they will consider this and other tough political decisions on a wide range of issues. Many observers considered the Workshop to be a notable precedent within the CBD process regarding the participation of indigenous and local communities. Not only were many of these groups coming together for the first time to discuss biodiversity issues, but they participated on an equal footing with governments, unlike in the more formalized and restrictive formats of the COP and SBSTTA where government discussion dominates and participation of observers is limited. Of particular note was the nomination of indigenous representatives as Working Group Chairs and their participation in Bureau discussions. One indigenous delegate noted a sense of empowerment regarding the level to which indigenous groups had become a recognized part of the process. While deliberating on the success of the Workshop and the tasks ahead, many indigenous peoples remarked positively on the Workshop as an opportunity to network, strengthen ties between organizations and explore wider indigenous viewpoints. Similarly, the Workshop provided them with an opportunity to become more familiar and comfortable with the UN style of negotiation and to test the waters in identifying the political, institutional and logistical obstacles in their path. On the other hand, governments gained a better appreciation for the problems and priorities of indigenous peoples and local communities. The discussions throughout the week, however, brought into focus the striking contrast between indigenous peoples' and governments' perspectives on the nature of traditional knowledge and the use of biodiversity. Statements by indigenous peoples reflected strong convictions regarding deep historical, cultural and spiritual connections to nature, a holistic worldview, and the interlinkages between traditional knowledge, human rights and rights to resources, land and intellectual property. This approach stood in marked contrast to the considerations of many Northern governments regarding sober political realities and the tendency to compartmentalize topics into specific issue areas to be addressed separately and within the appropriate international fora. This revealed to many participants a fundamental difference in approaches to biodiversity and future progress on the issues, one addressing holistically the spiritual, cultural and moral imperative of relating biodiversity and rights, and another focusing separately on the distinct individual legal and topical issues. Many governments expressed disappointment with the political nature of the dialogue and the lack of substantive exchange on key issue areas and experiences, such as linkages to other relevant institutions (e.g., UNCHR, WTO, WIPO), identification of gaps, and consideration of access and property rights regimes. In contrast, some indigenous representatives stressed that a guarantee for a body with a strong mandate is a necessary precondition for deeper discussion on specific issues. It was felt that dissecting and debating issues at this forum would have diluted their unified position for a strong process, thereby amounting to another intergovernmental talkshop with little means to ensure concrete action. These differences came into focus not only in the general tone and content of interventions, but also in the Workshop's output and the process by which it was achieved. A number of governments repeatedly noted that the Workshop was not an established body with rules of procedure or a mandate to negotiate a consensus, but an open forum for dialogue and exchange of views that could provide advice to the COP. Some participants thought that pasting together each and every proposal and affixing a chapeau stipulating a non-consensus document revealed a failure to even attempt to work together to bridge differences and reach common ground. The "wish list," as some participants referred to the final outcome, contains options stemming from such divergent viewpoints that it may preclude broad political acceptance by the COP, and fails to lay out any clear path forward. Proposals ranging from case studies on determining species utilization (e.g., the best grasses for basket-making) to calls for a moratorium on access to genetic resources reveal the considerable political divides to be overcome. The long list of unprioritized options headed to COP-4 for consideration and the absence of more than 100 Parties from the Workshop (including many with large numbers of indigenous and local communities) suggests that the most difficult political struggles lie ahead. Many observers expressed concern that an extended list of options presents numerous difficulties, as governments may select the self-same proposals they introduced, or, worse yet, view the options as so politically intractable that they might dismiss the Report outright. Furthermore, negotiations at COP-4 will revert back to negotiations between States Parties with little expectation for comparable levels of input and influence that indigenous and local community groups enjoyed in Madrid. Yet many delegates did see the Workshop Report as containing a rich array of ideas and options for consideration. It was noted positively that the Report contained many highly contentious issues that otherwise would never have found their way into an official UN doc- ument headed for a COP. One government delegation noted that the text does in fact contain a number of options on which a middle ground could foreseeably be reached. With time and further debate, workable options could emerge, the wish list could narrow and become more manageable, and Parties could be better equipped to proceed with the implementation of 8(j). While the Workshop clarified the uphill battle that lies ahead on the road to Bratislava, it also laid the groundwork for meaningful dialogue and future progress. Governments and indigenous peoples engaged in a constructive exercise and took the first steps toward finding a common ground on which to better integrate traditional knowledge and the concerns of indigenous and local communities into the implementation of the CBD. FORESTS XI WORLD FORESTRY CONGRESS: The XI World Forestry Congress took place from 13-22 October 1997 in Antalya, Turkey. The general theme of the Congress was "Forestry for Sustainable Development: Towards the 21st Century." More than 4,400 participants from 145 countries attended the Congress, representing the scientific community, governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector. During the nine-day conference delegates attended eight Plenary sessions and 43 technical sessions. The technical sessions were organized around eight main programme areas: Forest and Tree Resources; Forests, Biological Diversity and Maintenance of Natural Heritage; Protective and Environmental Functions of Forests; Productive Functions of Forests; Economic Contribution of Forestry to Sustainable Development; Social Dimensions of Forestry's Contribution to Sustainable Development; Policies, Institutions and Means for Sustainable Forestry Development; and Eco-regional Review. In addition to these sessions, three pre-Congress satellite meetings, an informal ministerial meeting and approximately 30 side meetings and other special events took place in connection with the XI World Forestry Congress (XI WFC). The Congress produced recommendations and conclusions from each technical session and programme area and the Antalya Declaration of the XI World Forestry Congress. The general theme of the XI WFC, "Forestry for Sustainable Development: Towards the 21st Century" was established in view of the opportunity to undertake initiatives in the follow- up to discussions of global forest issues at the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and the nineteenth Special Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGASS). The Congress aimed to provide a forum for the forestry sector to discuss technical responses, to identify actions to be taken and to take stock of the state of forestry at inter- regional, regional and national levels, to respond to challenges and to consider new directions in orienting forestry towards sustainable development in the 21st century. The Antalya Declaration contains seven preambular paragraphs and seventeen recommendations. In the preamble, XI WFC participants: underscore that all types of forests provide crucial social, economic and environmental goods and services and that their sustainable management is essential for sustainable development; recall the Forest Principles and forest-related chapters of Agenda 21 adopted at UNCED; recognize the progress made since UNCED to assess the state of the world's forests and to better understand and advance SFM, but also recognize the need for further action within and outside the forest sector; emphasize that reversing the rapid rate of forest loss and degradation in many regions and achieving SFM depends on increased political will by all countries; note the IPF's proposals for action; welcome the decision by UNGASS to establish the IFF to promote implementation of the IPF's action proposals and continue the international dialogue; and acknowledge the informal meeting of forestry ministers on 13 October. The Declaration calls on: • countries to demonstrate increased political will to overcome obstacles to sustainable forest management (SFM); • forestry professionals to take the lead in adjusting education curricula, promoting participatory forest planning and decision-making processes, and enhancing training of forestry professionals, with particular attention to the role of women and youth; • countries, international organizations and major groups to cooperate to implement the IPF's action proposals and ensure that further international forest policy dialogue is open and transparent; • countries and the international donor community to more effectively contribute to and enhance the mobilization of domestic and international financial resources and environmentally sound and appropriate technology transfer, on preferential terms as mutually agreed, to build capacity in developing countries and economies in transition to better inventory, assess, monitor and manage forests for multiple benefits, including through the use of joint implementation programmes; • countries and international organizations to adopt a cross-sectoral approach to national policies; • countries, international organizations and forestry professionals to work in open and participatory partnership with all interested parties; • countries and international organizations to further develop methodologies and mechanisms for valuation of forest goods and services and for facilitating the integration of non- traded forest benefits into markets and public decision-making processes; • countries and research organizations to identify and undertake priority research activities in response to society's needs and to widely disseminate the results; • countries to develop and apply national-level criteria and indicators (C&I) for SFM; • countries, international organizations, major groups, the private sector and other interested parties to promote greater public awareness of the roles and problems of forests and the work needed to improve their management; • countries, international organizations and NGOs to foster community forestry and agroforestry programmes and enhance extension services to forest owners and users; • countries and international organizations to recognize that, in many regions of the world, fast-growing tree plantations can contribute to SFM by meeting subsistence needs and can complement, and/or reduce pressure on, natural forests through increased supply of forest goods and services; • countries to develop, implement and review policies, plans and management practices aimed at minimizing the destructive nature and extent of major wildfires on forest lands; • countries to prepare and implement national forest programmes; • countries and the international donor community to give increased attention to the rehabilitation of degraded forest land through elaboration and implementation of national plans for combating desertification; • international organizations, academic institutions and forestry professionals to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity, including conserving, enhancing and sustainably utilizing forest-related genetic resources; and • forest industries to adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct to contribute to SFM. The full Sustainable Developments report on the World Forestry Congress can be found at http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/linkages/sd/sd_antalya.html. DESERTIFICATION FIRST CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION: The First Con- ference of the Parties (COP-1) to the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) met in Rome, Italy, from 29 September to 10 October 1997. Monday, 29 September, was used for regional consultations, so the COP opened officially on 30 September. The Committee on Science and Technology (CST) held its first session simultaneously on 2 - 3 October. Additional parallel events included an NGO Forum, an international forum for mayors, a seminar for the media and an exhibit of comic strips. One hundred and two States submitted their instruments of ratification by the requisite date and participated as Parties to the Convention. As of 30 September 1997, 113 countries had submitted instruments of ratification. The COP-1 and CST-1 agendas contained primarily organizational matters. Delegates selected Bonn, Germany, as the location for the Permanent Secretariat and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) as the organization to administer the Global Mechanism. At the CST's recommendation, the COP established an ad hoc panel to oversee the continuation of the process of surveying benchmarks and indicators, and decided that CST-2 would consider linkages between traditional knowledge and modern technology. Five Plenary meetings were devoted to a High-Level Segment and one to a dialogue between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and delegates on building partnerships for the CCD. Argentina's proposal that Plenary meetings at future COPs be devoted to similar NGO dialogues was also adopted. While most delegates were pleased with the two-week session, they looked forward to COP-2, which will take place in Dakar, Senegal, to delve into more substantive issues related to combatting desertification. The full Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary of CCD COP-1 can be found at http://enb.iisd.org/ The following is a brief analysis of the meeting: Introduction: Participants arrived at COP-1 with fairly realistic expectations and, despite evident, recurring tensions between the regions, were generally pleased with its results. Since the agenda focused on the organizational aspects of the Convention, the substance will only catch up with the rhetoric at COP-2. Nevertheless, some key discussions and decisions, including the Bureau election, the meeting of the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) and the Global Mechanism debate highlighted key expectations of delegates and will serve as the framework for matters to be considered at future COPs. ACCOMPLISHMENTS From Politics to Practice: Many participants described the First Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification (COP-1) as a milestone. Finally, some delegates sighed, the process of combatting desertification has reached its most important phase: implementation. Despite useful interim activities such as the urgent action for Africa, governments have focused on the negotiations and their national ratification processes. Now that the CCD has entered into force and an "infrastructure" for the implementation phase has been established at COP-1, no obstacles remain to prevent countries from carrying out real action in the field. CST off to a good start: Delegates to the CST were frustrated by the postponement of their meeting for two days due to the problems with the election of the Bureau and the manner in which the CST Chair was chosen. Some said the election process for the CST Chair was anything but transparent. For instance, delegates were not provided with the candidate's CV when requested. Some also hinted that there was not adequate consultation with other regional groups on the decision. Tension eased when the first two-day meeting of the CST finally started. Delegates were, in fact, pleasantly surprised by the outcome and were content with how speedily the CST had been guided through its agenda. Despite this generally positive impression, some felt that the Committee had failed to make itself a unique institution and to determine the kind of work it should carry out based on that uniqueness. They expressed a fear that the CST may in the future be dominated by politically oriented members and never get down to "scientific business," as has been the case with the Convention on Biological Diversity's Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, whose meetings initially turned into mini-COPs where political considerations were prioritized over substantive scientific issues. Some questioned the wisdom of running the CST and COP meetings concurrently and the approach to government- endorsed nomination of experts. Since CST meetings will only take place once a year, it could take several years before the real impacts of these INCD provisions are determined. NGO participation: Delegates and NGOs alike hailed the COP-1 breakthrough that found, for the first time ever, a Plenary meeting dedicated to NGO dialogue. The afternoon Plenary of Thursday, 9 October, was organized by the NGO community and was co-chaired by COW Chair Mahmoud Ould El-Ghaouth (Mauritania) and NGO Edit Tuboly (Netherlands) of BothEnds. Many of the delegates and observers who participated said it was a useful forum and that it sets a precedent for incorporating practitioners into intergovernmental processes. It enabled governments and NGOs to define concepts such as partnerships and to jointly define what they would like to achieve. This forum could mark the beginning of a process that actively embraces the ideas of other interest groups as an integral part of intergovernmental negotiations. While COP-1 decided that the arrangement should continue in the future, some noted the need for caution as the precedent whereby government initiatives to realize justice on behalf of the international community could be undermined by interest and lobby groups with conflicting goals. PROCEDURAL ASPECTS "Bonn! C'est bon!" delegates exclaimed as the result of the vote on the location of the Permanent Secretariat was announced on Friday, 3 October. Reasons for Bonn's victory were believed to be its financially generous offer, long-standing cooperation between Germany and some African countries, and proximity to the Climate Change Convention Secretariat. The election of Bonn demonstrated broad support for the German city and many delegates complemented those responsible for the smooth selection process. Participants also believed that the negotiation process on other difficult issues, such as the informal consultations on the programme and budget and some aspects of the Global Mechanism, enabled tough issues to be dealt with in a manner that did not dampen the Spirit of Rio. By contrast, the selection process for the host of the Global Mechanism frustrated and even infuriated delegates. There was no clear consensus within or between regional groups. A minority thought this impasse should be resolved through a vote, but this was ruled out because the Global Mechanism is linked to the financial rules, for which the decision-making process is still not agreed and, by default, must be made through consensus. Some thought the decision of the African Group should guide the selection, but that Group also did not agree on one institution, despite having voted by secret ballot. Ironically, delegates had labored to develop criteria for selecting the institution, but in the end these were completely disregarded. Although some delegates suggested that UNDP met the criteria, there seemed to be no consensus in any of the regional groups. Furthermore, some delegates were upset by the lobbying of the bidding institutions, which have been established to service the governments. In the face of no consensus after drawn out regional consultations that had caused the suspension of several formal sessions of the COW, during the final Plenary COW Chair El-Ghaouth proposed that he indicate one institution, and if 53 States Parties spoke against it, the proposal would not stand. This suggestion amounted to voting by another name. The Chair's proposal of IFAD to host the Mechanism and UNDP to select the Mechanism's head came as a surprise to the majority in the closing Plenary, including the institutions themselves. While some delegates seemed content with IFAD as the host, others noted that, although the negotiated criteria to determine the host institution were thorough, the blatant disregard for these criteria does not augur well for the host institution, in particular its ability to garner the support needed to enable it to become the lead Mechanism to mobilize resources for the Convention. At the end of COP-1, two delegates tellingly commented: "what goes around, comes around" and "it is not over yet!" TENSIONS AND CHALLENGES Particularity versus Universality: The tensions that kept surfacing at critical stages of the INCD negotiations between and within regional groups, continued to appear at COP-1. At issue is the CCD's emphasis of the particularity of Africa, which the region has used to get exceptional treatment. The crises in selecting the Bureau and representatives to the ad hoc panel of the CST, determining the number of presentations at the COP-2 CST meetings, and electing the organization to host the Global Mechanism all manifested this tension. Africa wanted three seats on the Bureau and the ad hoc panel to the other region's two seats and two presentations at the CST-2's consideration of traditional knowledge to the other region's one presentation. The other regions chose to go by the G-77 and China's preference for the Global Mechanism host, which they expected would be determined by Africa's choice. Each of these debates created crises that manifested this tension. These difficulties were foreseen by INCD Chair Bo Kjellén, who repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, pushed for the selection of the Bureau members at the resumed session of INCD-10. Solutions were found at COP-1 regarding the Bureau and composition of the ad hoc panels thanks to the fact that only one Eastern European State had ratified the CCD and no names from the region had been submitted to the roster of experts. This resulted in a "vacant" Eastern European seat, which many regional groups were eager to fill. However, the matter promises to recur at COP-2 and possibly assume greater proportions if a second ratification is forthcoming from Eastern Europe. While certain delegates stated that the composition did not establish a precedent for the future, they went on to announce that the number of seats they had obtained should be the same next year. Some even began jockeying for the position of CST-2 Chair. Before a solution was found at COP-1, some delegates had suggested creating an ex officio position of the COW Chair on the Bureau to provide Africa with the third seat. However, this option was ruled out for COP-2 because it is against standard procedures for a region to hold both the Presidency and COW Chair. Some delegates warned that providing exceptions creates precedents for others to argue for exceptional status on other issues. Equality Between the Sister Conventions: Since the CCD negotiations began, developing countries have stressed that the Convention must be equal to its sister conventions on climate change (FCCC) and biological diversity (CBD). At every obstacle, precedents from FCCC negotiations, in particular, have been invoked. Despite these professions of equality, divergent views were expressed about the relationship between the three Conventions. Some considered the CCD the superior of the three. The CCD is very innovative, more participatory and deals with the two fundamental concerns of humankind: survival and freedom. It is a grassroots Convention. Implemented as negotiated, it can amass great political momentum to address the long-standing problem of land that pervades every form of human conflict. Its importance is manifested in the number of ratifications by COP-1, twice as many as the other two conventions. The Convention is as much about democratization and good governance as it is about development and combatting poverty. Other delegates, however, commented that although the Convention is headed in the right direction, it is not yet on par with the FCCC, with which it now has similar institutional arrangements. First, the Global Mechanism must have moral and financial authority to mobilize the required resources to implement the CCD. Second, Africa must relinquish the desire to have a global yet African Convention. Pressing for particularity undermines the CCD's ability to enjoy the same status as the FCCC and CBD. But here again, the FCCC is invoked: pressing for particularity is no different from the exceptional status enjoyed by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) within the FCCC. Still, the biggest concern is that three important powers, Japan, Russia and the United States, have yet to ratify the Convention, thus making it truly global. Women and Desertification: The role of women in preventing dryland degradation has been stressed over and over again by ministers and delegates during the negotiation process. That the women farmers should be the greatest beneficiaries of the CCD has been stressed at countless workshops, throughout the INCD process and even at COP-1. However, the fact that only two women were selected to serve in official capacities, as Vice President in the Bureau and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology, and only two of the 10 members of the CST ad hoc panel on indicators are women, suggests that it is only politically correct rhetoric. In fact, during the negotiations on the establishment of the roster of experts, two delegates implied that if more women were to be included in order to observe the recommended gender balance, the quality of expertise in the roster would decline. To translate the intentions into action, regional and women's groups, in particular from developing countries, must take deliberate steps to identify and include qualified women, especially in the work of the CST. Coordination and Cooperation: Participation and coordination are the two issues most cited by field practitioners and Convention negotiators as critical elements to effect change on the ground. But several delegates began expressing apprehension that the problem of coordination is far from resolved. The Secretariat's proposed budget perplexed many. Some felt the proposed sum for implementation would make the Secretariat yet another implementing agency, amidst the myriad of specialized intergovernmental agencies already involved in dryland issues, and result in the inefficient use of resources. Unlike the FCCC and CBD, the Secretariat will be involved in some field implementation. The decision that specified the amount of funds that the Secretariat would allocate to the Mechanism was a relief as a lack of specification was considered to be a potential area of conflict between the two institutions. The host institution would have had to negotiate with the Secretariat the contribution it would receive from the programme budget. The Secretariat had proposed close to US$500,000 but the Plenary increased the amount to US$1 million. Many delegates stressed the need to discuss the types of activities the Secretariat should undertake and not leave the Secretariat to negotiate with other intergovernmental agencies also working on dryland issues. Conclusion: There was broad agreement by those at COP-1 that although process issues are crucial, the shelf life of the Convention is of greater importance. The credibility of the Convention hinges on the process used to develop the national action programmes. The ability to develop credible national action programmes and mobilize resources in both developed and developing countries depends on the political will and support accorded the national action programme process and desertification as an issue. These are policy issues that must be addressed at the country level, and for which affected developing countries, in particular those in Africa, must lead the way. Considering the skepticism expressed in Rio at the idea of a global desertification convention, the progress made thus far bodes well for the future. One hundred thirteen countries have ratified the Convention and more are expected. A large number of developing countries participated in the INCD process. New ground has been broken in NGO participation in intergovernmental negotiations. All of these achievements demonstrate a political will that was lacking two decades ago following the adoption of the 1977 Plan of Action to Combat Desertification. The CCD is a major accomplishment for Africa and for the world, but the real success will be determined by whether it changes the lives of those living in the drylands. CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT FOURTH SESSION OF THE INC FOR AN INTERNATIONAL LEGALLY BINDING INSTRUMENT FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURE FOR CERTAIN HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND PESTICIDES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) for an International Legally Binding Instrument for the Application of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade was held from 20-24 October 1997 in Rome. Delegates considered the revised text of draft articles for the instrument, as well as proposals by the US and the European Community, in Plenary, a Technical Working Group and a Legal Drafting Group. Additional negotiating sessions every evening and a number of contact groups were also convened. Delegates at INC-4 encountered problems similar to those of previous negotiating sessions. Despite some useful contact during the intersessional period, there had not been much change in the positions of the main protagonists since the last meeting. This means that the mandate of the UNEP Governing Council to conclude negotiations by the end of 1997 cannot be fulfilled. An additional negotiating session will be held in early 1998 and the diplomatic conference to adopt the instrument is now scheduled for March or April 1998. The progress on some "secondary" issues in Rome means that the smaller number of difficult issues still to be resolved present a significant, but not insurmountable, challenge. The full Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary of PIC-4, available at http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/linkages/chemical/pic.html, contains an article-by-article review of the text currently under negotiation. Also included is the following brief analysis of the meeting: Introduction: As was perhaps to be expected, delegates at INC-4 encountered problems similar to those encountered at previous negotiating sessions. According to at least one participant, despite useful contact during the intersessional period between some of the major players, there had not been much change in the positions of the main protagonists since INC-3 last May. This means that the mandate of the UNEP Governing Council to conclude negotiations by the end of 1997 will not be met. With the addition of a negotiating session in early 1998 and the diplomatic conference now scheduled for March or April, negotiators appear to have adopted a two-track approach: attempting to remove brackets from the least contentious provisions, while reserving their final positions on the most difficult issues. The result of this dual approach is that the degree of progress remains unclear. However, without agreement on fundamental issues, such as the requirements for export notification, financial resources and mechanisms, and the definition of "acutely hazardous pesticide formulations," achievement of a balanced, implementable and effective Convention is not yet assured. As one observer noted, leaving so many substantial issues until the "endgame" runs the risk that the clock will run out before final agreement is reached. Round and Round: With time constraints and the slow pace of negotiations looming ever larger in the efforts to produce a Convention early next year, several disagreements from previous sessions resurfaced in Rome. Most prominent was the question of the scope of the Convention and the debate on whether the new PIC procedure should apply only to "acutely" hazardous chemicals and pesticides. In that regard, the debate appeared at times to pitch the interests of the developed countries against those of the developing States, more so than in earlier meetings, thereby running the risk of becoming even more divisive. At least one delegate suggested that the entire purpose of the negotiations -- to make the notification and information requirements of the PIC procedure legally binding at the international level -- was often lost in debates over the concerns of exporting countries to avoid administrative obligations. The proposed rules of procedure were also problematic as some States do not want to be bound by an instrument where new chemicals may be added to the PIC procedure without their consent. This is in part an issue of national sovereignty, which some countries seem reluctant to relinquish. Second, the "inexperience effect" also slowed progress once again. In an attempt to overcome the problem of delegates new to the PIC negotiations, the Secretariat held a briefing session where they presented a flow-chart outlining all the obligations and procedures of the proposed Convention. While clearly a helpful exercise, it perhaps could have been carried out earlier, as some of the delegates were not necessarily well-versed in all the subtleties of hazardous chemical transport and management and did not always understand all the technicalities that can constrain otherwise well-intentioned political undertakings. Third, the question of the relationship between WTO obligations and the Convention became even more complicated at this session. In addition to Article 19bis, the "GATT- saving clause," additional references were made to placing similar conditions on imported and domestically produced chemicals (Article 9(7)) and proposed wording to ensure that the Convention's provisions are in "accordance with WTO obligations" (Article 4(5)). Many delegates expressed surprise and concern that the wording could allow international trade rules to override the provisions of the Convention, while others simply suggested that some delegations had not been properly briefed on the trade implications of a legally binding PIC procedure. Either way, and with a certain confusion on the relationship between the proposed Convention and other international legal obligations, such an important matter deserves serious consideration during the intersessional period. New and Additional: In addition to these continuing challenges, several other difficult issues were prominent at INC-4. For example, some participants appeared less than sympathetic to those delegations that anticipated difficulties with amending national legislation to accommodate the requirements of the Convention. Symptomatic of this debate is the question of confidential business information (CBI). Some delegations argued that, due to their national laws, they cannot reveal information to importers that would be considered privileged commercial information. While this may be construed as a valid point, importers also point out that if some chemicals are classified as hazardous in the country of origin, it is the exporter's duty to provide the importer with as much information as may be necessary to avoid health and environmental hazards. Moreover, it was noted that the meeting's purpose was to achieve an internationally agreed instrument, not one subject to exemptions by individual countries. A failure in the next, and final, stage of these negotiations would be a clear indication that despite pressure from consumers, importing developing countries and growing environmental threats, some delegations might still be content with practices that ultimately remain within the realm of national sovereignty. Discussions in Rome were also marked by a clear sense of caution. One delegate noted that "nobody wants to give away the store." Of course, such caution runs the risk of crashing headlong into the time constraint of one remaining negotiating session. Often such reticence is moved forward by the presence of vocal environmental NGOs (ENGOs). However, such presence is minimal at the PIC negotiations, and, as admitted by one ENGO observer, is actually de- creasing. In addition, the issue of financial resources and mechanisms, only introduced at INC-3, was not formally discussed at this meeting. Likewise, a growing number of representatives have voiced their concerns on the lack of sufficient mechanisms to assist developing countries in meeting their obligations under the new Convention. These concerns may not have been adequately addressed and could well resurface shortly. Failure to address such traditionally contentious topics will undoubtedly place further strain on the already crowded agenda for INC-5. To Brussels and Beyond: The present difficulties faced by the negotiators are, of course, common in international environmental negotiations: Parties may face a common threat, but concepts of responsibility and equity remain fuzzy. In this case, as in others, the new obligations imposed on both importers and exporters will represent gains for one set of Parties at the expense of the other. Therein lies the difficulty of codifying accepted, but not legally binding, practices. One should not forget, however, that the negotiators are able to draw from two very solid texts -- the FAO Code of Conduct and the London Guidelines -- and benefit from the technical expertise of the FAO and UNEP. Such expertise on the part of the FAO has proved to be invaluable in international fisheries negotiations and may well be crucial to the successful completion of these negotiations. Despite remaining problems, delegates at the end of this session could perhaps see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. What is clearer now are the small number of difficult issues on which a lot of work is still needed. Delegates can return to their capitals and make a case to their respective governments for flexibility and the need to give in on some issues in order to gain overall through the adoption of a strong, legally binding instrument. Such a precedent would bode well for negotiations on other chemical- related issues, particularly those regarding persistent organic pollutants, which will likely provoke greater interest on the part of NGOs and governments alike. OCEANS AND COASTS GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION ON OCEANS AND THE LAW OF THE SEA: The Fifty-second Session of the General Assembly adopted a resolution on oceans and the Law of the Sea (A/52/L.26) on 19 November 1997. In the resolution, the General Assembly, inter alia: recalled its resolution on the International Year of the Ocean (1998), recalled the establishment of the Interna- tional Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ("the Tribunal") as a new means for the settlement of disputes concerning the Convention and the Agreement, and welcomed the establishment of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ("the Commission") during the Sixth Meeting of the States parties to the Convention. In the resolution, the General Assembly: called upon all States that have not done so, in order to achieve the goal of universal participation, to become parties to the Convention and the Agreement; called upon States to harmonize their national legislation with the provisions of the Convention and to withdraw any of their declarations or statements that are not in conformity; and noted with satisfaction the progress in the work of the International Seabed Authority, in particular the approval of seven plans of work for ex- ploration in the Area, and the progress being made by the Legal and Technical Commission towards the formulation of a draft Mining Code. The General Assembly also noted: the adoption of the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Tribunal; the progress made towards the conclusion of a Headquarters Agreement between the Tribunal and Germany; the adoption by the Tribunal of the Rules of the Tribunal; and the resolution on Internal Judicial Practice and the Guidelines for the Preparation and Presentation of Cases Before the Tribunal. The Assembly also encouraged States parties to the Convention to consider making a written declaration choosing from the means set out in Article 287 of the Convention for the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention and the Agreement. The General Assembly also: reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the uniform and consistent application of the Convention and a coordinated approach to its overall implementation; invited Member States to contribute to the further development of the Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe Memorial Fellowship Programme on the Law of the Sea; and called upon States to implement General Assembly resolution 51/189 of 16 December 1996 and to strengthen the implementation of existing international and regional agreements on marine pollution. For more information contact the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs; e-mail: doalos@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/Depts/los/. HABITAT AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS WORKSHOP ON URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT: UNEP's Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) and its Human Health and Well-Being Unit (HH&W- B) held a Regional Workshop on Urban Waste Management in West Asia in Bahrain from 23 to 27 November 1997. The workshop was attended by 27 experts from 10 West Asian countries. Representatives from UNEP/IETC and UNDP/Habitat, Dubai, also attended. The workshop was organized to promote integrated, efficient and environmentally sound waste management in urban areas in the West Asia region; promote exchange of information between professionals engaged in planning and implementation of waste management activities; and promoting the introduction of environmentally sound and appropriate technologies to treat solid and liquid wastes. Presentations were given in the fields of collection, recycling, composting and various treatment methodologies including environmentally sound technologies to dispose of urban waste. The need for sound waste management, including the integrated approach and public awareness-building were highlighted by facilitators and country experts. For more information contact the UNEP Regional Office for Africa (ROA), PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya, tel.: +254 (2) 624283/4284; fax: +254 (2) 623928; e-mail: roainfo@unep.org; Internet: http://www.unep.org/regoffs/roa/home.htm. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERT WORKSHOP ON WAYS AND MEANS TO ENHANCE SOCIAL PROTECTION AND REDUCE VULNERABILITY: In preparing for the 36th session of the Commission for Social Development, the UN Secretariat organized an expert workshop on ways and means to enhance social protection and reduce vulnerability, held at UN Headquarters from 10 - 14 November 1997. The workshop brought together experts from all world regions as well as observers from the United Nations system and from civil society. Participants in the workshop noted that vulnerability can be linked to specific stages in the life span, involving risks intrinsic to different periods of life. The concept of risk that is associated with vulnerability implies susceptibility by an individual to biological, psychological and social factors, and a high probability that these will cause problems in different life circumstances. This vulnerability, if not counteracted, could hinder personal development and lead to the creation of disadvantage for the individual with regard to his or her current environment and future prospects. Participants discussed causes and consequences, as well as policies and programmes related to diversity and universality. On strategic principles, participants discussed the human rights approach and a values framework. They considered principles for community-level coping strategies, an integrated or comprehensive approach, entrenched vulnerable ethnic groups, the role of civil society or the "third sector," prevention and promotional measures, family and community-based approaches; network and referral systems; and in- tegration and mainstreaming. Members of the expert workshop also provided examples from their experience of policies or programmes that serve to reduce vulnerability. These examples were illustrative of the kinds of actions governments may consider and address. Regarding tools and priorities for follow-up, the experts agreed that development needs to be pursued by a mix of social, cultural and economic policies. Broad participation by all the actors in society to formulate and implement these policies is necessary. They also stated that there is an urgent need for countries to formulate policies and implement programmes that recognize and redress the existence of vulnerability in different social, economic and political relationships. This can be done through actions such as: assessing the nature and extent of vulnerability in each country; ensuring that a primary concern of legislation, criminal justice systems and social services is to reduce the incidence of violence against people and groups who are disadvantaged or at risk; creating an environment in which cooperative and other people's organizations can be created and ensuring the support system that can strengthen the capacity of such organizations to adopt wider developmental roles; and promoting the establishment of democratic, transparent and accountable organizations at community level. Participants agreed that an enabling environment to reduce vulnerability should recognize and value spiritual aspects of development. Policies and programmes should not seek to improve material conditions alone, but should also allow for spiritual development. The group addressed the adoption a long-term strategic approach, increasing empathy and mechanisms for partnership. They said the Commission for Social Development should consider establishing and promoting an international network of organizations, experts and individuals who participated in different aspects of the process of the World Summit for Social Development and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, in order to provide a permanent, informal mechanism for the exchange of information and experiences and encouraging involvement in the further implementation of strategic actions leading up to Copenhagen 95+5. For information contact the Secretariat; UN Plaza, Room DC2- 1370, New York, NY 10017 USA; tel: + 1 (212) 963 6763; fax: + 1 (212) 963 3062; e-mail: Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/dspd/social.html. Documents for the 36th session can be found at gopher://gopher.un.org/11/esc/cn5/1997-98. EXPERT WORKSHOP ON PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: The Heads of State and Government at the World Summit for Social Development stated that the goal of integration should be "a society for all" in which all people have the right and the ability to participate in decisions affecting their lives. The purpose of this expert workshop, held at Regent's College, London from 29 September - 3 October 1997, was to review experience in different areas to determine how participation might be encouraged so that social integration can be promoted. To date, much has been written and analyzed about participation in development projects and at the grassroots in communities. There has been little attempt to review how that experience relates to larger processes of social integration, equality and social justice. This workshop considered areas in society where participation might be encouraged and developed, such as legal, political, economic and administrative areas, in addition to more traditional areas such as provision of social services, development of non-governmental organizations and access to information. The workshop's report discusses the importance of participation, and notes, inter alia, that development requires investment in social capital, enhancing social relationships and networks, building consensus and generating individual, organizational and institutional capabilities. Participation has been defined in many different ways, with different theoretical, methodological and practical implications. What is certain is that consideration of these differences is crucial in order to clarify the ways different actors (organizations of civil society, the private sector, governments and international orga- nizations) understand the concept. As a goal, participation supposes building capacities in people so that the gains they make are sustained. The goal is for previously marginalized people to take a more active part in society and to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Participation offers a new approach to the governance of societies. The experts agreed that participation is not simply about access to government, but about people being an important element in the process of governance. The experts also discussed national political processes, noting that social integration is hindered by the weakness and in some cases, breakdown of democratic systems. The experts also noted that in recent decades, especially during the periods of structural adjustment, politics as the means by which a society decides what type of development it will have has been replaced by economics. In many developing countries, the balance of power in negotiations has shifted from elected authorities to professional and technocrats, especial- ly the representatives of international financial and business institutions. The experts agreed that all levels of government have an interest in establishing a decentralized form of government, and decentralization involves shifts of power from the top to the bottom of tiers and hierarchies of governance. "The people" should not be made re- sponsible for making a system of government participatory on their own. The success of decentralization, where real powers and resources are turned over to the meso and local levels, depends to a great extent on the consolidation of these new experiences of partic- ipatory democracy. Crucial to successful decentralization is a clear delineation of the functions, fiscal domain, other resources and decision making responsibilities of each tier of government. Experts also discussed: creating the space for civil society; participation in economic policy; access to work, means of livelihood; income and social services; information, education and the media; justice systems; corruption; and international initiatives. The report includes some suggestions for responding to a number of specific concerns that are best handled through international cooperation. They note that international travel and tourism can bring numerous benefits but also can impose readily identifiable human costs, sex tourism being among the worst examples. Any tax on tourists could only be imposed multilaterally. An international fund accruing from the imposition of a tax on tourism could be allocated to destination countries, ideally in proportion to their share of tourists, or in accordance with some other acceptable formula. The experts also noted that there are centers of production of small arms in the world that require ethnic strife to fill their order books. They said it is vital that the world's supply of small arms of the kind used in insurgency and counter-insurgency operations (which are quite distinct from conventional military weapons) be scaled down within the framework of a global treaty. Regarding corrupt practices that are a concomitant of (legal) international flows of goods or capital, in the form of kickbacks and commissions on large purchases to influential decision-makers in the purchasing countries, the problem inherently requires a multilateral treaty involving all banking centers to be effective. Moves should be made towards a multilateral banking information treaty. While it is important to discuss and strengthen mechanisms for enhanced participation at the national level, it is also imperative to strive to strengthen the international framework in support of good governance and participation, in part through improving the functioning of the UN system. It is absolutely appropriate that participatory systems of democracy, which are deemed essential at the national level, should also exist internationally. The experts agreed that the international level is key to setting standards, priorities and ways and means of interaction, which can influence the way nations run their economic and social policies. All countries and multinational corporations have a responsibility to set standards of accountability and abide by principles that uphold justice and equality, thereby contributing to greater participation and improved governance, both nationally and internationally. The final paragraph of the report notes that the fundamental concern of social development must be to empower people to have greater control over decisions affecting their lives. The goal of social integration, expressed at the Social Summit, is to create a society for all based on tolerance and respect for diversity. The approach for both is to create inner capacities and tap innate resources through greater participation and a concern for learning and growth in all social, economic and political interactions. Models of development based on privilege and power create societies characterized by vast and undemocratic disparities that are unsustainable both physically and ethically. The report states that they must evolve to become more inclusive and cooperative. Political change may occur very rapidly; economic reform can take effect relatively quickly; but social change is a long-term process. Yet if the next century is to offer more opportunity to all the people of the world to live lives of dignity than the current century has delivered, the process must be start- ed. For information contact the Secretariat; UN Plaza, Room DC2-1370, New York, New York 10017 USA; tel: + 1 (212) 963 6763; fax: + 1 (212) 963 3062; e-mail: Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/dspd/social.htm. Documents for the session can be found at gopher://gopher.un.org/11/esc/cn5/1997-98. INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY COUNCIL MEETING: The Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) met from 4-6 November 1997 in Washington, DC. Statements were made to the Council by Calestous Juma, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Michael Zammit Cutajar, Executive Secretary, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Regarding the second GEF Replenishment Process, the Council approved a number of decisions. On the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP), the Council noted with appreciation STAP's contributions to the GEF. The Council stated that UNEP, as it proceeds with the reconstitution of STAP, should follow the guidelines set out in the Terms of Reference for STAP approved by the GEF Council in October 1995. UNEP should also provide advance information to the Council on the proposed composition of the "new" STAP before its final submission at the April Council meeting. On the Work Program, the Council approved the proposed work program subject to comments made during the Council meeting. Representatives offered comments noting that: the Council empha- sized the importance of the principle of incremental costs to the GEF while recognizing the difficulties that continue to be encountered in its application; the Implementing Agencies should involve recipient countries in negotiations on the incremental costs of their proposed GEF projects; and the Secretariat should prepare a policy note on innovative modalities for GEF financing of projects. On relations with conventions, the Council welcomed the collaboration between the GEF and Conventions secretariats, and encouraged the GEF secretariat and Implementing Agencies to continue their efforts towards active dialogue with the Parties to the Conventions at the appropriate convention meetings. The Council took note of the initiatives of the Secretariat and Implementing Agencies to respond to the additional guidance received from the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and requested them to continue their efforts to develop project activities consistent with such guidance. The Council also took note of the reviews being undertaken by the Conventions of their financial mechanisms, and invited all GEF Participant states, in their capacity as Parties to the Conventions, to contribute to the review process. The Council also reviewed a paper on the issues concerning incremental costs and welcomed further work on the paper by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Implementing Agencies and the secretariats of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Conventions, taking into account Council comments, in order to clarify definitions and to further facilitate application. The paper should also include operational criteria and paradigm cases for different types of GEF activities and projects and should be submitted for Council consideration at its meeting in November 1998. For more information contact the GEF Secretariat; tel: +1-202-473-1128; fax: +1-202-522-3240; Internet: http://www.worldbank.org/html/gef ENVIRONMENTAL LAW WORKSHOP ON INDUSTRIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN AFRICA: The UNEP/UNDP/Government of the Netherlands Joint Project on environmental law and institutions in Africa convened a workshop for industrialists from 28 November - 1 December 1997 at Kisumu in Kenya. The workshop aimed at building partnership with industries and manufacturers on the strategies for the promotion of compliance with and enforcement of environmental law. Participants discussed the structure and content of modern environmental law, the economic values that industry can derive from compliance with environmental law and how they can be partners with those whose responsibility is the enforcement of environmental law. Among the themes covered were: the impact of industries on the environment; environmental law and sustainable industrial development; promoting business responsibility for environmental management in developing countries: what role for self-regulatory policy instruments; environmental law - a strategic issue for industry; and the role of bankers in the promotion of compliance with environmental law by industries. At the end of the workshop, participants recommended principles and regulatory frameworks to enhance industry compliance and good environmental stewardship. The participants at the workshop were drawn from industry as well as Governments and were from Burkina Faso, Malawi, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, the Republic of South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Guinea and Gabon. For more information contact the UNEP Regional Office for Africa (ROA), PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya, tel.: +254 (2) 624283/4284; fax: +254 (2) 623928; e- mail: roainfo@unep.org; Internet: http://www.unep.org/unep/regoffs/roa/ THIRD UNEP GLOBAL TRAINING PROGRAMME IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY: UNEP's Third Global Training Programme in Environmental Law and Policy (GTP3) was held in Nairobi from 22 September - 9 October 1997. Using funds provided by the Government of the Netherlands, GTP3 supported the participation of government lawyers and policy makers from the following countries: Barbados, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Indonesia, Kenya, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Malawi, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestinian Authority, Romania, Seychelles, South Africa, Ukraine, Uruguay, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Participants were chosen from approximately 140 government nominations to ensure a training group that was gender-balanced, geographically representative and diverse in terms of legal training and substantive expertise. GTP3 exposed participants to a wide range of environmental law issues and provided a unique forum within which they could share their respective experiences. Emphasis was placed on the practical application of environmental law concepts and principles. This process was aided by the use of case studies, including two field trips that explored the environmental concerns related to human settlements, industrial growth and agricultural development in Kenya. In total, participants benefited from the expertise of over 50 resource persons from: UNEP's substantive and regional offices (e.g., covering atmosphere, water, land, biodiversity, economics/trade, environmental assessment, environmental information, Latin Amer- ica/Caribbean and Asia/Pacific); environmental convention secretariats (e.g., the Secretariat for the Basel Convention, the Ozone Secretariat, the Climate Change Secretariat and the Secretariat for the Convention on Migratory Species); the UN Centre for Human Settlements; international, national and local non-governmental organizations; representatives from the private sector; and government officials from the District and Municipality of Thika, Kenya as well as the Kenya Wildlife Service. Following recommendations made by participants in earlier global training programmes, GTP3 emphasized the linkages between (1) science and policy, (2) economic development and environmental protection and (3) law regimes at the international, regional and national levels. A variety of training methods (e.g. presentations, group discussions, small group exercises and audiovisual tools) were used to assist participants in acquiring new or improved knowledge and skills in the area of environmental law and policy. Participants urged UNEP to organize additional global training programmes and to consider involving representatives from developed countries as well. Participants' evaluations showed GTP3 was relevant, useful and effective. As a result of GTP3, participants said they now feel more prepared to contribute to the identification and resolution of environmental issues in their respective countries. For more information contact the UNEP Regional Office for Africa (ROA), PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya, tel.: +254 (2) 624283/4284; fax: +254 (2) 623928; e- mail: roainfo@unep.org; Internet: http://www.unep.org/regoffs/roa/home.htm UPCOMING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE BARENTS EURO-ARCTIC COUNCIL: The fifth Ministerial meeting of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council will be held in Luleå, northern Sweden from 19 - 20 January 1998. The Council is made up of the five Nordic countries and Russia and also includes the European Commission. The objectiveis to attain a sustainable development in the Barents region. For information contact Viveka Bohn, Swedish Foreign Ministry; e-mail: viveka.bohn@foreign.ministry.se. WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TEACHING AND RESEARCH NEEDS IN CANADA: This meeting will be held from 29 - 31 January 1998 at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Natural Resource Institute of the University of Manitoba and IISD will sponsor the meeting. Participants from the Canadian Consortium for Sustainable Development Research will be also participate. Brain Emmett, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainable Development, will present the keynote address. For more information contact Juanita Ama Huletey, (IISD); tel.: +1 (204) 958-7738; fax: +1 (204) 958- 7710; e-mail: jhuletey@iisd.ca; Internet: http://iisd.ca. EXPERT GROUP MEETING ON STRATEGIC APPROACHES TO FRESHWATER MANAGEMENT: In preparation for the 6th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, the Government of Zimbabwe and the DESA will host this meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe from 27 - 30 January 1998. The meeting is sponsored by the Governments of Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the European Commission. For more information contact Johan Kuylenstierna, Project Coordinator, UNDESA, New York, NY 10017, US; tel.: +1 (212) 963 3794; fax: +1 (212) 963 1795; e-mail: kuylenstierna@un.org. INTER-REGIONAL EXPERT GROUP ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: The process of extending the UN Guidelines on Consumer Protection into the area of Sustainable Consumption will begin with the meeting "Inter-Regional Expert Group on Consumer Protection and Sustainable Consumption: New Guidelines for the Global Consumer." The meeting will develop policy recommendations for the Ad-Hoc Inter-Sessional Working Group of the CSD. The experts will meet in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 28 - 30 January 1998. The meeting is being organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and hosted by the Environment Secretariat of the State of Sao Paulo and the Latin American Parliament. For information contact: Maria Elena Hurtado, Consumers International; tel.: +44 (0) 171 226 6663, ext. 205; fax: +44 (0) 171 354 0607; http://www.consumersinternational.org. MEASURING CHANGES IN CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS: This workshop will be held in New York at UN Headquarters from 2 - 3 March 1998. The objective of the Workshop is to identify a provisional core set of indicators to measure changes in consumption and production patterns. The workshop is undertaken in the context of both the International Work Programme on Changing Consumption and Production Patterns, and the Work Programme on Indicators of Sustainable Development (WPCSD) of the CSD. A background paper for the meeting is currently being drafted by the Secretariat of the CSD. The paper draws on previous discussions with experts, who were asked to comment on an earlier version of the paper, and to propose indicators reflecting key elements related to changing consumption and production patterns. For more information: contact Erik Brandsma (tel.: +1 (212) 963 0013); Catherine Rubbens (tel.: +1 (212) 963 52 43), or Lars Mortensen (tel.: +1 (212) 963 2137); Division for Sustainable Development, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs; fax +1 (212) 963 42 60; or email: rubbens@un.org. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS: The Second In- ternational Conference of the European Society for Ecological Economics will be held at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, from 5 - 6 March 1998. The topic is "Ecological Economics and Development." For information contact: Roderick Lawrence, Centre Universitaire d'Ecologie Humaine, University of Geneva, 102 Bld Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; fax: +41 22 705 81 73; e-mail: lawrence@uni2a.unige.ch WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION ASIAN CONFERENCE (WEFTEC ASIA '98): This conference will be held from 7 - 11 March 1998 in Singapore at the Raffles City Convention Center. The Conference is co-sponsored by the Water Environment Federation and the Environmental Engineering Society of Singapore. For information contact: the Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1994 US; tel.: +1 (703) 684-2400; fax: +1 (703) 684- 2492; e-mail: webfeedback@wef.org; Internet: http://www.wef.org. Also try Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS), 1 Maritime Square 09-43, World Trade Centre, Singapore 099253; e-mail: confinfo@wef.org; Internet: http://www.wef.org/docs/weftecasia.html INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This conference will take place in Paris from 19 - 21 March 1998 and is sponsored by the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment. The main goal of the Paris Conference is to take part in the implementation of strategies aimed at improving water management, being in rural areas or in urban ones, to guarantee a better supply in drinking water, sanitation and irrigation. For information contact Anne Perrin, at S-Eau s/c GRET, 211-213 rue La Fayette 75010 Paris, France; tel.: +33 (0) 1 40 05 61 30; fax: +33 (0) 1 40 05 61 10/11; e-mail: anne.perrin@gret.org 34TH WORLD CONGRESS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES (IULA): This meeting will be held from 21 - 25 March 1999 at the Barcelona Conference Centre in Barcelona, Spain. The Theme will be "Local Government Uniting in a Global Mission. Democratization, Decentralization and Cooperation." For more information contact: Alfred Bosch, IULA Congress, Departament de Relacions Internacionals, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Pl. Sant Jaume s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; tel.: +3 43 402 78 82; fax +3 43 402 78 77; e-mail: tdalmau@mail.bcn.es. INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE: This meeting will be held from 3 - 4 April 1998 in Leeds, UK. For more information contact ERP Environment; tel.: +44 0 1274- 530408; fax: +44 0 1274-530409. WORKSHOP ON PARTICIPATORY NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: This meeting will be held from 6 - 7 April in Oxford, UK. For more information contact Bhaskar Vira, Oxford; tel: +44 - 1865 - 2846; fax: +44 - 1865 - 2708; e-mail Bhaskar.vira@mansfield.oxford.ac.uk. SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT: The conference, "Sustainability and the Role of Impact Assessment in the Global Economy: Excellence, Innovation and Adaptability" will be held from 19 - 24 April 1998 in Christchurch, New Zealand. For more information contact the IAIA Executive Office; e-mail: iaia@ndsuext.nodak.edu. COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Intersessional will be held from 23 February - 6 March 1998 at UN Headquarters in New York. The Intersessional will deal with Industry and Sustainable Development and Freshwater. Both groups will include focused consideration of matters of technology transfer as they relate to the theme under discussion as well as provide for an integrated consideration of other relevant means of implementation, particularly finance. Each will also take consideration of the two overarching issues of poverty and changing consumption and production patterns. The CSD will hold its sixth session (CSD-6) in New York from 20 April - 1 May 1998. For more information contact the Division for Sustainable Development; United Nations Plaza, Room DC2-2270, New York, NY 10017 USA; telephone: +1 (212) 963 3170; fax: + 1 (212) 963 4260; Internet; http://www.un.org/dpcsd; e-mail: dpcsd@un.org. ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This meeting will be held in Tunis, Tunisia from 24 - 26 March 1998. The conference's primary objective is to exchange ideas in the fields of assessing the costs of pollution, analyzing the constraints, opportunities and international experiences in applying economic instruments in environmental protection. For more information contact: CITET; tel.: + (216)-1-770 285; fax: + (216)-1-772 255. WORLD INFORMATION TRANSFER'S ANNUAL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: World Information Transfer will hold its annual Health and Environment: Conference, "Global Partners for Global Solutions" at UN headquarters in New York from 16 - 17 April 1998. This year's topic is: the Trauma of Environmental Disaster The co-sponsoring UN Member State is Bangladesh. For more information contact: World Information Transfer, 444 Park Ave South, Suite 1202, New York, NY 10021. tel: +1 (212) 686-1996, option 3. fax: +1 (212) 686-2172; email: wit@igc.apc.org SECOND SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS: The Second Summit of the Americas will be held from 18 - 19 April in Santiago, Chile. For more information contact: Organization of American States, Foreign Trade Information System - SICE, 1889 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20006, USA; tel.: +1 (202)458-3725; fax: +1 (202) 458-3907; e-mail: forum_m@sice.oas.org; Internet: http://www.sice.oas.org/ CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ROLE OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: This meeting will be held from 19 - 24 April 1998 in Christchurch, New Zealand. For more information contact: IAIA, e-mail: iaia@ndsuext.nodak.edu. CONFERENCE ON WATERSHED MANAGEMENT: MOVING FROM THEORY TO IMPLEMENTATION: This meeting will be held from 3 - 6 May 1998 in Denver, Colorado, US. For more information contact: Water Environment Federation; tel.: +1 (703) 684-2400 INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: This meeting will be held from 10 - 14 May 1998 in Washington, DC. For more information contact Christopher D. Gerrard, World Bank/EDI, Room G 5-141, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20433; fax: + 1 (202) 676-0977; e-mail: cgerrard1@worldbank.org; Internet: http://www.worldbank.org/html/edi/conatrem/index.htm. CONFERENCE ON THE DILEMMA OF ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT: This meeting will take place from 19 - 25 May 1998 in Florence, Italy. For more information Borsi Zeide, University of Arkansas; tel.: +1 (870) 460-1648; e-mail: zeide@uamont.edu. ECWATECH 98 -WATER: ECOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY: This meeting will be held in Moscow, Russia from 25 - 30 May 1998. Maximum emphasis will be focused on practical, specific, technical, technological and managerial problems that trouble managers, experts and administrators. For information contact the Secretariat; tel: (+7-095) 207 63 60; fax: (+7-095) 207 64 75; e- mail: ecwatech@sibico.msk.ru; Internet: http://www.relcom.ru/ecwatech/. WORLD CONFERENCE ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF CITIES AND CITIZENS FOR CULTIVATING ECO- SOCIETY: This meeting, "Eco-Partnership Tokyo," will be held from 26 - 29 May 1998 and organized jointly by the UN and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The Conference will focus on the following three major themes: establishing regional recycling systems; international cooperation toward the realization of an eco-society; and the civilization of an eco-society towards new patterns of consumption and production. For information contact: Juxia Yan, DGPAF/DESA; tel: +1 (212) 963-6052; fax: +1 (212) 963-2916 or Shin Yamamoto or Masanori Sugitani, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163- 01, Japan; tel.: +81-3-5388-3090, 3097 or 3155; fax: +81-3-5388-1329; e-mail: ccc- info@Tokyo-teleport.co.jp; Internet: http://www.tokyo-teleport.co.jp/world-ccc/. MIRAMICHI INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE: This meeting will be held from 27 - 29 May 1998 in Miramichi, New Brunswick. For more information contact Mr. R. Augustine, 1773 Water Street, Miramichi, NB, Canada E1N 1B2; tel.: + 1 (506) 627-4633; fax: +1 (506) 622-7492; e- mail: Raugustine@igs.net. ETHICS AND THE CULTURE OF DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY: This international conference will be held in Havana, Cuba from 31 May - 5 June, 1998 and is presented by UNESCO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, the American Friends Service Committee, and the Centro Felix Varela. The task of the conference is to develop comprehensive guidelines for building a sustainable economy. Working group and plenary sessions will address topics such as socially responsible markets and enterprise, the science and technology of sustainability, and the fundamental ethical and spiritual dimensions of how culture, education, human rights, and our notions of social order and civilization are at play in the challenge of building a just and sustainable economic order. For more information contact: the Cuba Conference Staff, American Friends Service Committee, Latin America and Caribbean Desk, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; tel.: +215.241.7296; fax: 215.241.7026; e-mail: idlac@afsc.org; Internet: http://www.afsc.org/cubahome.htm. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WORLD WATER RESOURCES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 21ST CENTURY: This conference, "Water: A Looming Crisis?" will be held at UNESCO in Paris from 3 - 6 June 1998. The conference will be convened by UNESCO, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) and the World Water Council (WWC). The meeting intends to: take stock of the present knowledge of water resources of the world taking into account both the quantitative and qualitative aspects; identify water problems to be faced in the next century due to the increased demand for water for human consumption and use, irrigation and industry; and recommend strategies to the international scientific community for dealing with these chal- lenges for the future. For more information contact: UNESCO, Division of Water Sciences, 1 Rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cédex 15, France; fax: +33 1 45 68 58 11; Internet: http://www.pangea.org/orgs/unesco/Flash.html SIXTH FORUM ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND PASTORALISM: This meeting will be held in Luhacovice, in the south-east of the Czech Republic, from 6 - 10 June 1998. The proposed theme for the conference is "Managing high nature conservation value farmland: policies, processes and practices" and the meeting should focus on practical lessons to be learned from experiences in both the EU and central Europe. For information contact Dr Davy McCracken, Environmental Sciences Department, Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr KA6 5HW, UK; fax: +44 (0)1292 525 333; e-mail: D.McCracken@au.sac.ac.uk. INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT: This symposium will be held from 8 - 12 June 1998 in Tromsø, Norway. The theme is "Information for Sustainability," focusing on the use of Earth observation satellites in understanding and managing the environment. For information contact the Norwegian Space Centre, PO Box 113 Skoyen, N-0212 Oslo, Norway; fax: +47 22 51 18 01; e-mail: isrse@spacecentre.no; Internet: http://www.spacecentre.no INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES: This meeting will be held from 8 - 12 June 1998 in Rovaniemi, Finland. For more information contact "Resource Technology 98;" P.O.Box 16, FIN-96301, Rovaniemi, Finland; fax: +358-16- 3364640; e-mail: rt98sec@roi.metla.fi; Internet: http://www.metla.fi/event/rt98/. FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF WAR: LEGAL, ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES: This meeting will be held from 10 - 12 June in Washington, DC. For information contact: Carl Bruch, Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036; tel.: +1 (202) 939-3240; fax: +1 (202) 939-3868; e-mail: bruch@eli.org; Internet: http://www.eli.org/ecw/home.htm. IIASA/SSRC MEETING: An Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Committee will be held in Laxenburg, Austria from 12 - 14 June 1998. For more information contact IIASA; A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria, tel: +43-2236-807-0; fax: +43-2236-71313; e-mail: inf@iiasa.ac.at; Internet: http://www.iiasa.ac.at/ TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN WATER RESOURCES: This meeting will be held in Crete, Greece from 15 - 19 June 1998 at the Institute of Chemical Engineering and High Temperature Chemical Processes and the Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (ICE/HT-FORTH). For information contact: Dr. Vasilis N. Burganos, ICE/HT- FORTH, Stadiou St., Platani, GR26500, Patras, Greece or Dr. George P. Karatzas, RCGRD, 215 Votey Bldg., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; http://www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/cmwr98/. INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: The Kriton Curi International Symposium on Environmental Management in the Mediterranean will be held from 18 - 20 June 1998 in Antalya, Turkey. For more information contact: Prof. Gunay Kocasoy, Bogazici University; tel.: +90-212-263-150, ext. 1276; fax: +90-212-265-1800; e-mail: Envsymp@boun.edu.tr. INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON ECOLOGY: The Congress will be held in Florence, Italy from 19 - 25 July 1998. For more information contact Almo Farina, INTECOL, Secretariat VII International Congress of Ecology, c/o Lunigiana della Brunella, 54011 Aulla, Italy; tel.: +39-187-400252, fax: +39-187-420727; e-mail: afarina@tamnet.it; Internet: http://www.tamnet.it/intecol.98 CONGRESS ON SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES: The First International Factor 4+ Congress and Trade Fair will be held in Klagenfurt, Austria from 17 - 21 June 1998. This congress on sustainable production technologies, products and services is organized by the Carinthian Trade Fair, Austria and the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Germa- ny. For information contact Jan-Dirk Seiler; tel.: +49 202 2492 102; fax: + 49 202 2492 108; e-mail: jan_dirk_seiler@wupperinst.org; Internet: http://www.ktn- messen.co.at/messe/english.htm INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ENVIRONMENTAL GEOTECHNOLOGY AND GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This meeting will be held from 9 - 12 August in Boston, MA, US. For information contact: Dr. Vincent Ogunro; tel.: +1 (508) 934-3185; fax: 1 (508) 934-4014; e-mail: ogunrov@woods.uml.edu. IEP '98: Issues in Environmental Pollution (IEP'98), the first in a new series of international symposia, will take place from 23 - 26 August 1998 in Denver, Colorado, US. The symposium will focus on the state and use of science and predictive models. The main scientific issues in environmental pollution--persistent organic chemicals; metals and radioactivity; ozone and acidic deposition; particulates and global climate change--will be linked with the use of science and predictive models. For more information contact Lyn Quirke at the Conference Secretariat; tel.: +44-0-1235-868380; fax: +44-0-1235-868420; e- mail: lynquirke@compuserve.com. Also try http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/iep98 34th INTERNATIONAL PLANNING CONGRESS ON LAND AND WATER: The 1998 World Planning Congress in Azores, Portugal will be held from 26 September - 2 October 1998. The theme of the Congress is the exploration of the inescapable correlation between the (spatial) planning for human settlements and the natural environment on the one hand and the planning and management of the earth's water resources on the other. For information contact: the ISoCaRP Secretariat; tel.: +(31-70) 346 2654; fax: + (31-70) 361 7909; e-mail: isocarp@bart.nl; Internet: http://www.soc.titech.ac.jp/isocarp ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT '98: The conference "Environmental Engineering and Management '98" will be held in Barcelona, Spain from 30 September - 2 October 1998. For information from Liz Kerr, ENVMAN 98; tel.: +44 (0) 1703 293223; fax: + 44 (0) 1703 292853; e-mail: liz@wessex.ac.uk. FIFTH INTERNATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION CONGRESS: This Congress, scheduled from 14 - 18 September 1998 in Kirstenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, will have the theme" Plants, People and Planet Earth - the role of botanic gardens in sustainable living." The Congress will be hosted by the National Botanical Institute of South Africa and organized by Botanic Gardens Conservation International. For further information contact Prof. Brian J. Huntley, National Botanical Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; tel: +27 21 762 1166; fax: +27 21 761 4687; e-mail: bgci98@nbict.nbi.ac.za; or Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Descanso House, 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW 3BW, UK; tel.: +44 181 3325953/4/5; fax: +44 181 3325956; e-mail: bgci@rbgkew.org.uk. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE: This conference will be held in Aalborg, Denmark from 23-25 September 1998. The themes to be discussed are: environmental management; environmentally sound product development; self-regulation versus public regulation; cleaner technology and prevention; and stakeholder management. For further information contact the Secretariat at the Aalborg Congress & Culture Centre, tel.: +45 9935 5555, fax: +45 9935 5580, e-mail: euro@akkc.dk; Internet: http://www.akkc.dk/uk/euro/envire/index.htm 71ST ANNUAL WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION: This meeting will be held from 3 - 7 October 1998 and the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida US. The meeting is North America's largest water quality and pollution control conference and exposition is expected to attract more than 14,000 of the world's leading water quality experts and over 700 exhibiting companies for five days of technical education, information exchange, and networking opportunities. For more information contact: the Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1994 US; tel.: +1 (703) 684-2400; fax: 1 (703) 684-2492; e-mail: webfeedback@wef.org; Internet: http://www.wef.org. PARTNERS FOR DEVELOPMENT: "Partners for Development" will be hosted by the city of Lyon and organized by UNCTAD from 9 - 12 November 1998. The summit will bring together repre- sentatives from governments, NGOs, the private sector, academia, the media, and international organizations to launch joint projects where market forces serve the cause of development. There will be no negotiated texts or official statements, but the conclusion of operational partnerships bringing tangible benefits for developing countries. For information contact: Partners for Development, UNCTAD, Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10 - Switzerland, tel: + 41 22 907 55 55; fax: + 41 22 907 00 22; e-mail: alessandra vellucci@unctad.org; Internet: http://www.unicc.org/unctad/en/special/tb44his5.htm. SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE GREENING OF INDUSTRY NETWORK: This conference, "Building Alliances for a Sustainable Future," will be held in Rome, Italy from 15-18 November 1998. The focus of this conference will be the engagement of partners in the transition of society towards sustainability. The conferences of the Greening of Industry Network are a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, experiences and to develop relationships, visions and practices for sustainability. For information contact: Ellis Brand, University of Twente; tel: +31 53 489 3203; fax: +31 53 489 4850; e- mail: M.L.Brand@CSTM.utwente.nl. FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT: This meeting will be held from 16 - 20 November in Monterey, CA, USA. For more information contact: Cheryl Wasserman, US-EPA; fax: +1 (202) 260-0129. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE - GLOBAL MEETING OF GENERATIONS: This meeting will be held from 13 - 15 January 1999 in Washington, DC, US. For more information contact: International Development Conference; tel.: +1 (202) 884-8580, fax: 1 (202) 884-8499; e- mail: idc@idc.org. US NATIONAL SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The US National Summit on Sustainable Development will be held in Detroit, MI from 2 - 5 May 1999. The Summit intends to introduce a national dialogue about sustainable development to the US public, showcase and celebrate sustainable development efforts already underway across the country, and spark a greater movement toward a sustainable development path for American business, government, environmental, and social service community. For more information contact Patricia Sinicropi, PCSD; +1 (202) 408-5445. TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT ASIA PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION: The conference "Energy Security in APEC: Fuel Supplies for the Power Industry" will be held from 3 - 4 February 1998 in Honolulu, Hawaii, US. The APEC R&D Leaders Forum will be held from 11 - 15 March in Taipei. The Third APEC Energy Ministers' Meeting will be held from 9 - 10 October in Okinawa, Japan. The Tenth APEC Ministerial Meeting will be held from 14 - 15 November 1998 and the Sixth 6th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will meet from 16 - 18 November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Eleventh APEC Ministerial Meeting will be held from 10 - 11 September and the Seventh APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held on 13 September in Auckland, New Zealand. For information contact the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat, 438 Alexandra Road, #14-00, Alexandra Point, Singapore 119958; tel : +(65) 276-1880; fax: +(65) 276-1775; e-mail: info@mail.apecsec.org.sg; Internet: http://www.apecsec.org.sg/ NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT-COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION: The NAFTA-CEC Transboundary Environmental Assessment Meeting will be held from 3 - 5 February 1998 in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: Maria Garcia, NAFTA-CEC, tel: +1 (514) 350- 4366, e-mail: mgarcia@ccemtl.org. The NAFTA-CEC Working Group on Environmental Enforcement and Compliance will be held from 9 - 11 February 1998 in Montreal. The NAFTA-CEC Compliance Indicators Meeting will be held from 4 - 6 April 1998 in Mexico City, Mexico. For more information on both meetings contact: Linda Duncan, NAFTA-CEC, tel: +1 (514) 350-4334; e- mail: lduncan@ccemtl.org. OECD: The Meeting of the Agricultural Committee at Ministerial level will be held from 5 - 6 March 1998. A meeting on Education and Sustainable Consumption, organized by the Environment Directorate, will be held from 11 - 12 March 1998. The Meeting of the Environment Committee at Ministerial level will be held from 2 - 3 April 1998. The High-Level Meeting of the Development Assistance Committee will be held from 8 - 9 April 1998. The OECD Council at Ministerial level will be held from 27 - 28 April 1998. For information contact: OECD, 2 rue André Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France; tel: + 33 (0)1 45 24 81 19; fax: +33 (0)1 45 24 80 07; e-mail: news.contact@oecd.org. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION: From 17 - 18 March 1998, the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) will convene a second NGO Symposium in Geneva: Strengthening Com- plementarities between Trade, Environment and Sustainable Development (for coverage of the first WTO NGO Symposium, held in March 1997, see http://enb.iisd.org/sd). Participants and speakers have been invited from the private sector, research and academic institutes, environment and development NGOs. The Symposium will address three broad themes: identifying institutional links in the trade-environment-sustainable development nexus; deepening understanding of the economic links between trade liberalization and the environment; and examining the issue of legal compatibility between international trade and environmental policies. For further information contact Scott Vaughan at the WTO Secretariat, Environment Division: tel. + 41-22-739-5091; fax: + 41-22-739-5620; e-mail: webmaster@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org. ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN (ECLAC): ECLAC will hold its twenty- seventh session in Aruba from 11 - 16 May 1998. The chief topic of debate at the session will be the issue of fiscal management in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information try http://www.eclac.cl/index1.html. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP): ESCAP will hold its fifty- fourth session in Bangkok, Thailand in March/April 1998. For more information contact ESCAP, Rajdamnern Ave., Bangkok 10200, Thailand; e-mail: unisbkk.unescap@un.org; Internet: http://www.unescap.org/ ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE: The UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) will hold its fifty-third session will be held in Geneva from 20 - 23 April 1998. For more information contact the ECE Information Office, Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; tel: +41 22 917 2893; fax:+41 22 917 0036; e-mail:info.ece@unece.org; Internet: http://www.unicc.org/unece/. ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN WORLD TRADE: The British Council in London, UK, will hold this conference from 6 - 9 September 1998. The conference will provide senior figures in government, business and civil society with an update on prospects for environmentally responsible international trade, and will consider what policies and practices may be introduced to exploit these. For information contact the British Council; tel: +44 (0) 1865 316636; fax: +44 (0) 1865 557368; e-mail: international.seminars@britcoun.org; Internet: http://www.britcoun.org/seminars/. FIFTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS: This meeting, Beyond Growth: Institutions and Policies for Sustainability," will be held from 15 - 19 November 1998 in Santiago, Chile. For more information contact Osvaldo Sunkel; Organizing Committee, International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE), Universidad de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 265, Torre 15, of. 1303, Santiago, Chile; tel.: +56 2 678 2308 - 56 2 678 2272; fax: +56 2 678 2581; e-mail: ISEEconf@abello.dic.uchile.cl; Internet: http://www.uchile.cl/facultades/ISEE3.html. CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE POST KYOTO CONFERENCE: This conference, entitled "Post-Kyoto and Beyond: Implications, Impacts, and Issues for States and Localities" from 21 - 22 January 1998 in Baltimore, Maryland at the Hotel Marriott. The meeting is sponsored by the Center for Clean Air Policy, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), the State and Territorial air Pollution Program Administrators (STAPPA)/Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO), and the EPA. For more information, contact Mary-Bittle Koenick or Ellina Levina; +1 (202) 408-9260, e-mail: general@ccap.org. CLIMATE AFTER KYOTO: This meeting, "Climate After Kyoto: Implications for Energy," will be held in London, UK from 5 - 6 February 1998. "Climate After Kyoto" will focus upon the out- come and implications of Kyoto for the world's environment and energy industries, and upon the likely follow-up steps. The conference is expected to attract several hundred leading government, industrial and non-governmental participants. For information contact: the Royal Institute of International Affairs; tel.: + (41) 171-957 5700; fax: +(41) 171-321 2045; e- mail; contact@riia.org; Internet: http://www.riia.org/. MONTREAL PROTOCOL: The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel will meet from 23 - 28 February 1998 in Sri Lanka and from 9 - 17 August 1998 in Hawaii, USA. The Halon Technical Options Committee will meet from 24 - 27 February 1998 at the UNESCO in Paris, France. The Aviation and the Global Atmosphere Committee will meet in March 1998 in Virginia, USA. The Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund will meet from 23 - 27 March 1998 in Montreal, Canada. The Scientific Assessment Panel Meeting will be held from 1 - 5 June 1998 in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. The Ad Hoc Working Group of Legal and Technical Experts on Non- Compliance will be held from 1 - 3 July 1998 at the International Conference Centre, Geneva, Switzerland. The Implementation Committee under the Non-Compliance Procedure for the Montreal Protocol will meet on 6 July 1998 at the International Conference Centre, Geneva, Switzerland. The Bureau of the 9th Meeting of the Montreal Protocol will be held on 6 July 1998 and the 17th Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol will be held from 7 - 10 July 1998 in Geneva. The Ad Hoc Working Group of the Legal and Technical Experts on Non-Compliance will meet from 11 - 13 November 1998 in Cairo, Egypt. The Tenth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer will be held from 17 - 27 November 1998 in Cairo, Egypt. For more information contact the Secretariat for the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in Nairobi, Kenya; tel: +(254-2) 62-1234/62-3851; fax: +(254-2) 52-1930 /62-3913; Internet: http://www.unep.ch/ozone. US CLIMATE CHANGE REGIONAL WORKSHOPS: The Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regional workshop will be held at Utah State University in Salt Lake City, UT from 16-18 February by the DOI. The Gulf Coast workshop will be held at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA from 25 - 27 February by the EPA. The Southwest Border workshop will be held at the University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, TX from March 2 - 4 and will be coordinated by NASA. The workshop for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, HI from 3 - 6 March and organized by FEMA, NOAA, and DOI. The California workshop will be held at University of California, Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA from 9 - 11 March. The Metropolitan East Coast workshop will be held at Columbia University in New York City, NY from 23 - 24 March. The Southern Great Plains workshop will be held from Texas A&M University at a date TBD in late March. The Upper Great Lakes workshop will be held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI from 5 - 7 May 1998. The Appalachian workshop will be held at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV from 26 - 29 May 1998. For information contact: Melissa Taylor; National Assessment Coordination Office of the US Global Change Research Program; tel: +1 (202) 314-2239; fax: +1 (202) 488-8681; e-mail: mtaylor@usgcrp.gov; Internet: http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/news/calendar.html. TASK XV GREENHOUSE GAS BALANCES OF BIOENERGY SYSTEMS WORKSHOP: This workshop, entitled "Ef- fects of the Kyoto Protocol on forestry and bioenergy projects for mitigation of net carbon emissions," will be held from 9 - 13 March 1998 in Rotorua, New Zealand. The meeting is organized by the New Zealand Forest Research Institute (NZFRI) and Joanneum Research of Austria. This workshop is organized within IEA Bioenergy Task XV ("Greenhouse Gas Balances of Bioenergy Systems") and is part of a series of meetings taking place every 6 to 12 months. For further information: Joanneum Research (attn. Reinhard Madlener); tel: +43-316- 876 (1) 340; fax: +43-316-876 (1)320; e-mail: reinhard.madlener@joanneum.ac.at; Internet: http://www.joanneum.ac.at/IEA-Bioenergy-TaskXV. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT RESULTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS AND RESPONSES: This meeting will be held in San Jose, Costa Rica from 25 - 28 March 1998. This conference will enable analysts to present results of climate change impacts and adaptation assessments on coastal resources, agriculture, water resources, forests, human health, biodiversity, and other sec- tors to the IPCC, GEF, UNFCCC, governments, and researchers. For more information contact Sandra Guill, US Country Studies Program, Forrestal Building, (PO-6), 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20585 USA, fax: +1 (202) 586-3485; e-mail: sguill@igc.apc.org FCCC MEETINGS: The FCCC subsidiary bodies will meet from 2 - 12 June 1998 in Bonn, Germany. The subsequent subsidiary bodies meetings will coincide with the Fourth Conference of the Parties in Buenos Aires, Argentina, scheduled from 2 - 13 November 1997. For more information contact the UNFCCC secretariat in Bonn, Germany; tel: +49-228-815-1000; fax:+49- 228-815-1999; e-mail: secretariat@unfccc.de. Also try the FCCC home page at http://www.unfccc.de and UNEP's Information Unit for Conventions at http://www.unep.ch/iuc/. GLOBAL WARMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO: This meeting will be held from 8 - 11 June 1998 in Hong Kong, China. For information contact the GW9 International Program Committee, c/o GWIC (Global Warming International Center, USA); P.O. Box 5275, Woodridge, IL, 60517- 0275 US; fax: 1 (630) 910-1561. FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES (GHGT-4): This conference will be held from 30 August - 2 September 1998 in Interlaken, Switzerland. For information contact: Dr. Baldur Eliasson, Head, Energy and Global Change, ABB Corporate Re- search Ltd., Baden-Dättwil , Switzerland.; tel: + 41-56-486 80 31; fax: + 41-56-493 45 69 e- mail: baldur.eliasson@chcrc.abb.ch. CONGRESS OF THE WORLD ENERGY COUNCIL: This meeting will be held from 13 - 17 September 1998 in Houston, Texas, US. For more information contact: The Houston Congress; tel.: +1 (202) 331-0415; fax: +1 (202) 331-0418; Internet: http://www.wec98congress.org/ ELEVENTH WORLD CLEAN AIR & ENVIRONMENT CONGRESS (& EXPO): The Congress is schedule from 13 - 18 September 1998 in Durban, South Africa. For information contact: Conference Secretariat, PO Box 36782, Menlo Park 0102, South Africa; fax: +27 12 460 170 e-mail: wissing@iafrica.com. SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MODELING, MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF AIR POLLUTION (Air Pollution '98): This meeting will be held from 28 - 30 September 1998 in Genova, Italy. The meeting will be organized by the Wessex Institute of Technology (UK) and the Universita di Genova, Italy. The objective of this meeting is to bring together scientists working in industry, research organizations, government and academia who are working on monitoring, simulation and management of air pollution problems. For information contact: Sally Radford, Conference Secretariat, Air Pollution 98, WIT; tel: +44 (0) 1703 293223; fax: +44 (0)1703 292853; e-mail: sradford@wessex.ac.uk INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TROPICAL FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: This meeting will be held from 19-22 October 1998, Manila, the Philippines. For more information contact the Conference Secretariat, Environmental Forestry Program, UPLB College of Forestry, 4031 College, Laguna, the Philippines; tel.: + 63-49-536-2342; fax: +63-49-536-2341; e-mail: Rdl@mudspring.uplb.edu.ph. BIODIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DIVERSITY AS A RESOURCE: This meeting will be held from 2 - 5 February 1998 in Rome and will be hosted by COBASE. For information contact Anna Borioni; tel: +39-6-333-0078/8552; fax:+39-6-333-0081; e-mail: Anna.borioni@inet.it. BIOSAFETY: The next meeting of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety will be held in Montreal from 5 - 13 February 1998. At its third meeting, the Working Group established a mechanism to enable governments to develop consolidated text upon which future negotiations would be based. In the report of the third meeting, the Working Group adopted in Annex I to the Report a 'Consolidated Text of Draft Articles. Documents pertaining to the negotiations can be downloaded from http://www.biodiv.org INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICINAL PLANTS CONSERVATION, UTILIZATION, TRADE AND BIOCULTURES: This meeting is scheduled from 16 - 20 February 1998 at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India. The meeting will focus on the issue of medicinal plants for survival. For further information, contact the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), No. 50, 2nd Stage, MSHLayout, Anandnagar, Bangalore 560 024, India; tel.: +91 80 333 6909/0348; fax:+91 80 333 4167; e-mail: root@frlht.ernet.in. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS 2000: An international conference on agricultural statistics will be held in Washington, D.C. from 18-20 March 1998. The Conference is sponsored by the Inter- national Statistical Institute (ISI) and hosted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA/NASS), Agricultural Statistics 2000, which will focus on current and future needs for agricultural statistics in developed, emerging market and developing countries, as well as the requirements for statistical and technological development to meet those needs. For information, contact program chair: Fred Vogel, USDA/NASS, Room 5801 South Building, 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-2000; e-mail: fvogel@nass.usda.gov; tel: +1 (202) 720-3896; fax: +1 (202) 690-1311. COP-4 PREPARATORY MEETINGS: The Economies in Transition Regional Preparatory Meeting for COP-4 will be held from 23 - 26 March 1998 in Almaty, Kazakstan. The Asian Regional Preparatory Meeting for Asia (China), the Latin American and Caribbean Regional Preparatory Meeting (Mexico) and the African Regional Preparatory Meeting (location TBA) are tentatively scheduled for March 1998. The CHM Workshop African Region is scheduled for March 1998 (tentative) in a location to be determined. For more information contact the CBD Secretariat, World Trade Centre, 393 St. Jacques Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9; tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: chm@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org. UNEP (ROE)/COUNCIL OF EUROPE - PAN-EUROPEAN BIOLOGICAL AND LANDSCAPE DIVERSITY STRATEGY: The Third Meeting of the Executive Bureau for the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy will be held in Geneva from 7 - 8 April 1998. e-mail: iuc@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.unep.ch/. WORKSHOP ON BIODIVERSITY AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT: IUCN is coordinating a workshop on Biodiversity and Impact Assessment at the 18th annual IAIA meeting in Christchurch, NZ from 22 - 23April 1998. The workshop will examine how impact assessment can be used as a tool for biodiversity and how biodiversity issues are addressed through impact assessment. A statement from the workshop will be taken to the 4th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. For more information contact: Andrea Bagri, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, Economic Services Unit, Rue Mauverney 28, Gland 1196 Switzerland, esu@indaba.iucn.org. More information on the workshop and subject can be found at http://iucn.org/themes/economics. WEST ASIAN/NORTH AFRICAN REGIONAL MEETING ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES: This meeting will be held in Spring '98 in Aleppo, Syria and is organized by FAO/IPGRI/ICARDA. The first Global Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was formally adopted during the fourth International Conference on Plant Genetic Resources in Leipzig, Germany in 1996. This meeting will discuss the implementation of the Global Plan of Action in the West Asian and North African Region. For information contact; IPGRI-WANA/CA; Regional Office, c/o ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466; Aleppo, Syria; e-mail: g.ayad@cgnet.com. TENTH SESSION OF THE GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FORUM: IUCN is co-hosting the 10th session of the Global Biodiversity Forum in Bratislava, Slovakia from 1 - 3 May 1998, immediately prior to the 4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The focus of GBF 10 is tentatively on: benefits-sharing partnerships; traditional knowledge; integrating biodiversity into sectoral planning; clearing-house mechanism; sustainable use; financial mechanisms and the CBD; and inland water biodiversity. For more information contact: Caroline Martinet, IUCN-The World Conservation Union, Biodiversity Policy Coordination Division, Rue Mauverney 28, Gland 1196 Switzerland, ccm@hq.iucn.org. More information on the workshop and subject can be found at http://www.wri.org. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: The event will be held in conjunction with COP-4 to the Convention on Biological Diversity from 4 - 15 May 1998, Bratislava, Slovakia. For information contact Ing. Stefan Petkanic, INCHEBA,Viedenska cesta 7, 852 51 Bratislava, Slovakia; tel.: +(4217) 802-210/802-051; fax: +(4217) 847-982; 581-5811665. WORLD MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: This roundtable will be held from 4 - 5 May 1998, Bratislava, Slovakia. For information contact: H.E. Mr. Jozef Zlocha, Minister of Environment, Ministry of Environment, Namestie L. Stura 1, Bratislava, 812 35, Slovakia. Tel. +421-7-516 2455/2460; Fax +421-7-516 2557 or Zuzana; Guziova, National Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity, Ministry of Environment, Hanulova 5/d, 841 02 Bratislava, Slovakia. tel: +421-7-786 581/568; E-mail: zuzana_g@ba.gef.sanec.sk. FOURTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: COP-4 is scheduled for 4 - 15 May 1998 in Bratislava, Slovakia. For more information contact the CBD Secretariat, World Trade Centre, 393 St. Jacques Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9; tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: chm@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org. MEETINGS UNDER THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY: A Liaison Group of Experts on Agro- Biodiversity meeting is tentatively scheduled for October/November 1998. A meeting on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Inland Waters is tentatively scheduled for November. For more information contact the CBD Secretariat, World Trade Centre, 393 St. Jacques Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9; tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: chm@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org. STRATEGIES AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONSERVATION OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY IN WEST ASIA AND NORTH AFRICA LANDSCAPES: This meeting will be held from 7 - 12 November 1998 in Marsa Matrouh, Egypt. This international workshop is organized to focus on strategies and technologies for conserving and for sustainable use of biological diversity in plant communities in the Middle East. In addition, "hands on" training in the use of latest GIS software for plant genetic resources and ecosystem assessment, monitoring, managing and restoring plant resources and communities in the Middle East. For information contact: IPGRI-WANA/CA; Regional Office, c/o ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466; Aleppo, Syria; e-mail: g.ayad@cgnet.com. SECOND ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY: This meeting will be held from 23 - 27 November 1998 in Perth, Western Australia (WA). This conference will provide a blend of papers on basic scientific and conservation issues and the application of new biotechnologies to these. For more information contact Biodiversity, Biotechnology & Biobusiness, Congress West Pty Ltd. PO Box 1248, West Perth WA 6872, Australia; fax. +61 8 9322 1734l; e-mail: biodiversity@science.murdoch.edu.au EIGHTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: The next session of the CGFRA will take place during the second half of April 1999. The fifth and sixth extraordinary sessions of the Commission are tentatively scheduled to be held in Rome in June and September 1998. For more information, contact FAO: Viale delle Terme di Ca- racalla, 00100 Rome, Italy; tel: +39-6-52251; +39-6-52253152. Also try http://www.fao.org or http://web.icppgr.fao.org. FORESTS FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Trade Fair will be held in London at the Commonwealth Institute on 28 January 1998. The purpose of the Fair is to show the wide range of companies involved with FSC-approved wood, and to foster business links within the wood-using industry. Exhibitors include manufacturers and traders of FSC certified wooden products and FSC certified forests from a number of countries, and all five FSC accredited certification bodies. For more information contact Vanessa Sequeira at WWF- UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR. Tel: 01483 426444, Fax: 01483 426409, Email: vsequeira@wwfnet.org. WWF 1995+ GROUP ANNUAL CONFERENCE: The WWF 1995+ Group is holding its annual conference in London at the Commonwealth Institute on 29 January 1998.The Conference will focus on the developments made by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the demand for FSC approved products by industry and governmental bodies in the UK. For information contact Vanessa Sequeira at WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR; tel: +01483 426444, fax: +01483 426409, e-mail: vsequeira@wwfnet.org SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PRIVATE FORESTS: This meeting will be held from 1 - 2 May 1998 in Penha Longa, Sintra, Portugal. For more information contact the Conference Secretariat; Av. Do Colégio Militar, Lote 1786, 1500 Lisboa, Portugal; tel.: +351-1-710- 0000; +351-1-716-6122. FIRST EUROPEAN FORUM ON URBAN FORESTRY: This meeting will be held from 4 - 8 May 1998 in Wuppertal, Germany. For more information contact: Prof. Dr. Max Krott, Institut für Forstpolitik, Forstgeschichte und Naturschutz, Büsgenweg 5, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany; tel.: +49-551-393 412; fax: +49-551-392 415; email: mkrott@gwdg.de HISTORY AND FOREST RESOURCES: This meeting, "History and Forest Resources - Changing Economies and Changing Forests," will be held from 18 - 23 May 1998 in Florence, Italy. For more information contact Dr. Mauro Agnoletti, Istituto di Assestamento e Tecnologia Forestale, Università di Firenze, Via San Bonaventura 13, 50145, Firenze, Italy; tel.: +39- 55-302 3140, 302 31276; fax: +39-55-319 179; e-mail: agnoletti@cesit1.unifi.it. THIRD MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON THE PROTECTION OF FORESTS IN EUROPE: This meeting will be held in June in Lisbon, Portugal. For information contact: Liaiosn Unit, Direcção Geraldas Florestas, Av. João Crisóstomo, 26-28, 1000 Lisboa, Portugal; tel.: + 351-1312-4807; + 351- 1312-4992; e-mail: Meeting@ip.pt. SEMINAR ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH FOR TEACHING AND EVERYDAY LIFE IN FORESTRY: This meeting will be held from 21-24 June 1998 in Praha, Czech Republic and organized by the IUFRO and the Forestry and Game Management Research Institute of the Czech Republic. For more information contact Vancura Karel, VÚLHM Jiloviste, Strnady 136, 156 04 Praha; Zrbaslav, Czech Republic; tel.: +420-2-5792 1643,1286; fax: +420-2-5792 1444, email: forinst@ms.anet.cz or vancura@vulhm.cz , Internet: http://www.vulhm.cz LAW AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION IN EASTERN EUROPE: This meeting will be held from 24 - 27 June 1998 in Ossiach, Austria. For more information contact: Peter Herbst, Wulfenstrasse 15, A-9500 Villach, Austria; tel: +43-4242-52471; fax: +43-4242-264048; e-mail: hp@net4you.co.at. XXI IUFRO WORLD CONGRESS: This meeting of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) will be held from 7 - 12 August 2000 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information contact the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Forest Research Institute, Kepong, 52109 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; fax: +603-636-7753; e-mail: Iufroxxi@frim.gov.my; Internet:http://161.142.143.3/iufro.html/ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE INVENTORY AND MONITORING OF FORESTED ECOSYSTEMS: This meeting will be held in Boise, Idaho, US from 16 - 20 August 1998. The meeting will provide a forum for the exchange of information and new technologies pertaining to inventory, monitoring, and modeling of forested ecosystems. For more information contact: Mark Hansen, USDA Forest Service, 1992 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108; fax: +1 (612) 649-5285; e-mail: hanse034@maroon.tc.umn.edu; Internet: http://dendron.fr.umn.edu/burk/boise/ CONTRIBUTION OF GENETICS TO THE SUSTAINED MANAGEMENT OF GLOBAL FOREST RESOURCES: IUFRO and FAO will sponsor this meeting, which will be held from 22 - 28 August 1998 in Beijing, China. The aim of the conference is to discuss accomplishments, trends and future developments, redefine the role of forest genetics and breeding in contemporary forestry and set priorities for future research and development. For more information contact: Prof. Hong Jusheng, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Wan Shou Shan, Beijing 100091, China; fax: +86-10- 62884229; e-mail: zhangbp@caf.forestry.ac.cn. INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM ON FORESTS: The Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF) will hold its first substantive meeting From 24 August - 4 September in 1998 Geneva. The second session will be held in February/March 1999 in Geneva. The third session will be held in February/March in a venue to be determined. For more information contact the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, Two United Nations Plaza, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10017 USA; tel: +1 (212) 963-6208; fax: + 1 (212) 963-3463; Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/dsd/iff.htm. INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE: The Task Force on Sustainable Forest Management will sponsor this meeting, which will be held from 24 - 28 August 1998 in Heidelberg Victoria, Australia. For more information contact: David W Flinn, Centre for Forest Tree Technology, PO Box 137, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australial; tel.: +60-3-94508 666, fax: +60-394508 644, email: d.flinn@dce.vic.gov.au. GLOBAL CONCERNS FOR FOREST UTILIZATION: SUSTAINABLE USE AND MANAGEMENT: This meeting will be held from 5 - 8 October 1998 in Miyazaki, Japan. For more information contact: Kiyoshi Yukutake, Miyazaki University, Faculty of Agriculture & Forest Economics, 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-21 Japan; tel.: +81-985-582 811; fax: +81-985-582 884; website: http://www.miyazaki-u.ac.jp/FORESEA FOREST ECOSYSTEM AND LAND USE IN THE MOUNTAIN AREAS: This meeting will be held from 12 - 17 October in Seoul, Korea. For more information contact: Don Lee, Seoul National University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Forest Resources, 103 Seodoondong, Suwon 441-744 Korea; tel.: +82-331-2902327; fax: +82-331-2931797; email: leedk@agri.snu.ac.kr. ENVIRONMENTAL FOREST SCIENCE CONFERENCE: This meeting will be held from 19 - 23 October 1998 at Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. For more information contact: IUFRO8, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611, Japan; tel.:+81-774-384110, 384111, fax: +81-774-384300, +81-774-325597; e- mail: iufro8-sec@bio.mie-u.ac.jp or L-NEWS@landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Internet: http://www.bio.mie-u.ac.jp/iufro8/bulletin2.html. CONTRIBUTIONS OF SCIENCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOREST POLICIES: This meeting will be held from 7 - 15 January 1999 in Pretoria, South Africa. For more information contact: Perry J. Brown, Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station, School of Forestry, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, US; tel.: +1 (406) 243-5522; fax: +1 (406) 243-4845, e- mail: pbrown@selway.umt.edu. NEW APPROACHES TO INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FORESTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: This meeting is scheduled for September 1999 in Belém, Pará, Brazil and is organized by CATIE/WWF/CIFOR. For more information contact: Dr. Natalino Silva; Brazilian Agricultural Research Corp., CP 48, CEP 66240 Belém, Pará, Brazil; tel: +55-91-2266622; fax: +55-91-2269845; e-mail: natalino@cpatu.embrapa.br, natalino@amazon.com.br. ECOLOGICAL HISTORY - METHODS AND APPLICATIONS, A LABORATORY OF ECOLOGICAL HISTORY TOWARD THE YEAR 2000: This meeting will be held in Sardinia, Italy in September 1999. For more information contact: Prof. Alessandra Zanzi Sulli; Istituto di Selvicoltura, Via San Bonaventura 13, I-50145 Firenze, Italy; tel.: +39-55-3023 1248, fax: +39-55-307 263, e-mail: zanzi@cesit1.unifi.it CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT FOURTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES OF THE BASEL CONVENTION: COP-4 of the Basel Convention will be held in Kuching, Malaysia from 23 - 27 February 1998. Official documents for COP-4 can be found at http://www.unep.ch/basel/index.html. The Secretariat of the Basel Convention (SBC) can be reached at the Geneva Executive Center, 15 chemin des Anémones, Building D 1219 Châtelaine (Geneva), Switzerland; telephone: (41 22) 979 9111; fax: (41 22) 797 3454 PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT: The fifth session of the INC for the preparation of an international legally binding instrument for the application of a prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals in international trade (INC-5) is scheduled for 9 - 14 March in Brussels, Belgium at the European Parliament facility. A diplomatic conference with a short preparatory INC session is envisaged in Rotterdam, the Netherlands for March or April 1998, but pending the outcome of INC-5, may be delayed until June. For more information contact: UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC); tel: +41 (22) 979-9111; fax: +41 (22) 797-3460; e-mail: IRPTC@unep.ch; Internet:http://irptc.unep.ch/. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PESTICIDE USE OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES - IMPACT ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: This meeting, scheduled from 23 February - 1 March 1998 in San Jose, Costa Rica, will discuss and exchange knowledge about pesticides concerning their impact on the environment, impact on health, economic issues, regulations, policies and clean technology in developing countries. For information contact Yamileth Astorga, PPUNA, Universidad Nacional, Apdo. 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica; tel: +506-277-3584; fax: +506- 277-3583; e- mail: ppuna@irazu.una.ac.cr INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM ON CHEMICAL SAFETY: Japan offered to host ISG-3 in Tokyo in late 1998. Brazil will forward its decision to host FORUM III, scheduled for late 2000, to the IFCS as soon as possible. The Plenary also agreed tentatively to hold ISG-4 in 2002. Mexico will host a working group meeting in 1997 for developing countries to discuss the sound man- agement of chemicals. For information on these meetings, contact the IFCS Secretariat, World Health Organization, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland; tel: +41 (22) 791 3588; fax: +41 (22) 791 4848; e-mail: ifcs@who.ch. PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS: The First Session of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is tentatively scheduled for 28 June - 3 July 1998 in Geneva. Pending the progress of other meetings, the venue for this meeting may change to Arhus, Denmark, and the date may change as well. The Second Session is tentatively scheduled for 7-12 February 1999 in Geneva. For more information contact: UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC); tel: +41 (22) 979-9111; fax: +41 (22) 797-3460; e-mail: IRPTC@unep.ch; Internet:http://irptc.unep.ch/. OCEANS AND COASTS SYMPOSIUM ON THE SEA OF JAPAN: This meeting, "Green Earth, Clean Seas" will be held on 30 January 1998 and organized by Friends of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Prefecture of Ishikawa of Japan. For information contact: Noel J. Brown, President, Friends of the United Nations, USA; tel: +1 (203) 966 7842; Fax: +1 (203) 966 2305. EXPO '98: The 1998 Lisbon World Exposition (EXPO '98) will be held from 22 May - 30 September 1998 in Lisbon, with the theme "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future." For information contact the Secretariat: e-mail: info@expo98.pt; Internet: http://www.expo98.pt/pt/default.html FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON THE ROLE OF OCEAN SCIENCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This meeting will be held from 2 - 7 February 1998 in Okinawa, Japan. For information contact: Prof. M. Terazaki, Center for International Cooperation, Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, 1-15-1 Minimidai, Nakono, Tokyo 164, Japan; tel: + (81 3) 5351 6528; fax: + (81 3) 5351 6530; e-mail: terazaki@ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp. 1998 OCEAN SCIENCES MEETING: This meeting will be held from 9 - 13 February 1998, San Diego, CA, USA. For more information contact the AGU Meetings Department, 1998 Canadian Hydrographic Conference, 2000 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009; tel: +1 (202) 462- 6900 or 1-800-966-2481 (in N. America); fax: +1 (202) 328 0566; e-mail: meetinginfo@kosmos.agu.org; Internet: http://www.agu.org/meetings CONFERENCE TO NEGOTIATE A FINAL PROTOCOL FOR THE WIDER CARIBBEAN CONCERNING POLLUTION FROM LAND-BASED SOURCES AND ACTIVITIES: This meeting will be held in February 1998 in Kingston, Jamaica. For more information contact: UNEP-RCU, tel: 1-876-922-9267, fax: 1-876-922-9292, e-mail: uneprcuja@toj.com. SEAVIEWS: MARINE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT - OBLIGATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES: This meeting will be held from 11 - 13 February 1998, Wellington, New Zealand. The conference will explore the nature of ecosystem approaches to managing human impacts on the marine environment, and in a participatory framework, will get people discussing their preferred futures for the sea, and how to get there. For more contact: Cath Wallace, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Economics, School of Business & Public Management, Victoria, University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand; tel: +(64 4) 495 5233x8552; fax: +(64 4) 495 5084; e-mail: Cath.Wallace@vuw.ac.nz. OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 98 - THE GLOBAL OCEAN (EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE): This conference will be held from 10 - 13 March 1998 in Brighton, UK and is sponsored by: Society for Underwater Technology. For information contact: Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd, Ocean House, 50 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3LZ, UK; tel: + (44 0181) 949 9222; fax: +(44 0181) 949 8186/8168; e-mail: OI98@spearhead.co.uk; Internet: http://www.spearhead.co.uk. ASIL REGIONAL MEETING ON THE LAW OF THE SEA: The American Society of International Law (ASIL) regional meeting, "Building New Regimes and Institutions for the Sea," will be held in Coral Gables, Florida, USA from 30 - 31 March 1998. The meeting is sponsored by the Law of the Sea Institute and the University of Miami Inter-American Law Review. For information contact Jennifer Leyva, +1 (305) 284-2468; e-mail: losi@law.miami.edu. INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT TRAINING WORKSHOP: This workshop will be held from 20 March - 9 April 1998 at the Prince of Songkhla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand. For more information contact: Coastal Resources Institute (CORIN); Prince of Songkhla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; tel: +(66 74) 212800, 212752, fax: +(66 74) 212782; e-mail: corin@ratree.psu.ac.th; Internet: http://ratree.psu.ac.th/~corin. INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT: This meeting will be held from 25-29 March 1998 in Antalya, Turkey. For more information contact: International Association for Impact Assessment; e-mail: isocarp@bart.nl; Internet: http://www.orl.arch.ethz.ch/CAMSeminar/ OCEAN ISSUES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: This meeting will be held from 30 March - 1 April 1998. For more information contact Virginia Crowe, Associate Director, Wilton Park; tel: + (44 1903) 817 769; fax: + (44 1903) 815 931 and G. Kullenberg, IOC/UNESCO; e-mail: g.kullenberg@unesco.org. APEC WORKSHOP ON REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES: The US will host a Workshop on Regional Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Sources (GPA) as approved by the APEC Working Group on Marine Resource Conservation (MRC) at their May 1997 meeting. The Workshop will be held at the Sheraton Townsville Hotel & Casino in Townsville, Australia from 14 - 16 April 1998. For further information contact: Susan Ware, Office of International Affairs, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 14th and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230; tel: +1 (202) 482-6196; fax: +1 (202) 482-4307; e-mail: susan.ware@noaa.gov. The full text of the GPA can be found at: http://www.unchs.unon.org/unep/gpa/gpapol2.htm. IMO WORKSHOP ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND MARINE POLLUTION PREVENTION IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA: This meeting will be held in April 1998 in Cape Town, South Africa. For more information contact International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7 SR, UK; fax: +(44 171) 587 3210; e-mail: info@imo.org. CARIBBEAN REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE GLOBAL PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES: This meeting is scheduled for May in Kingston, Jamaica. For more information: UNEP-RCU, tel: +1-876-922-9267; fax: +1-876-922- 9292; e-mail: uneprcuja@toj.com. UN CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA: The Eighth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea - (SPLOS) will be held from 18 - 22 May 1998. The Third Session of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf - (CLCS) will be held from 4-15 May and the Fourth Session will be held from 31 August - 4 September 1998. The International Seabed Authority - (ISBA) - Assembly will hold its fourth session from 16 - 27 March 1998 (first part) and 17-28 August 1998 (second part). The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea - (ITLOS) will hold its fourth meeting from 6-31 October 1998. For more information contact the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs; e-mail: doalos@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/Depts/los/. 1998 OCEAN CIRCULATION AND CLIMATE: The 1998 WOCE Conference will be held from 24 - 29 May 1998 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information contact John Gould, WOCE IPO, Southampton Oceanography Centre, Room 256/18, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK; tel: + (44 1703) 596 789; fax: +(44 1703) 596 204; e-mail: woceipo@soc.soton.ac.uk; Internet: http://www.soc.soton.ac.uk/OTHERS/woceipo/wconf/index.html. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN INTEGRATED COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT (ICAM) - The Mediterranean Prospect: This conference will be held from 25-29 May 1998 in Genoa, Italy by the International Centre for Coastal and Ocean Policy Studies (ICCOPS). For information contact: ICCOPS Secretariat - c/o University of Genoa, Department Polis Stradone di S. Agostino 37, 16123 Genoa, Italy; tel/fax: (39 10) 209 5840; e-mail: iccops@polis.unige.it; Internet: http://www.polis.unige.it/1998education/. CONFERENCE ON COASTAL AND MARGINAL SEAS: This conference on 1 - 4 June 1998 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The Oceanography Society (TOS) and IOC will organize this meeting. For more information contact Judi Rhodes, TOS, 4052 Timber Ridge Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23544, USA; tel: +1 (757) 464 0131; fax: +1 (757) 464 1759; e-mail: rhodesj@exis.net; Internet: http://www.tos.org. SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARINE POLLUTION AND ECOTOXICOLOGY: This meeting will be held from 10 - 14 June 1998 in Hong Kong and is sponsored by the City University of Hong Kong and the IOC. For information contact: Prof. Rudolph Wu, City University of Hong Kong; tel: + (852) 2788 7404; fax: +(852) 2788 7406. THIRD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CLEAN OCEAN CONFERENCE: This conference will be held in Hawaii, USA from 12 - 14 June 1998 and intends to celebrate Oceans Day in the USA and Hawaii. For more information try http://planet-hawaii.com/sos/clean_oceans.html. INTERGOVERNMENTAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION: The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee will hold its 41st session from 30 March - 3 April 1998 in London. The IMO Council will hold its eightieth session in London from 15-19 June 1998. For more information contact the IMO, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR; tel: +0171-735 7611; fax: +0171 587 3210; e-mail: rkohn@imo.org; Internet: http://www.imo.org. PACON 98: The Conference on the 8th Pacific Congress (PACON) on Marine Science and Technology, "Towards the 21st Century-The Pacific Era," will be held from 16 - 20 June 1998 in Seoul, Korea. For more information contact: PACON International, PO Box 11568, Honolulu, Hawaii 96828-0568; tel: +1 (808) 956 6163; fax +1 (808) 956 2580; e-mail: pacon@wiliki.eng.hawaii.edu. INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON COASTAL MEGA-CITIES: This conference will be held mid-1998 in Shanghai, China and is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Science and Technology Commission, and the State Oceanic Administration of China, as well as the Shanghai Municipality. For information contact: Li Haiqing, IOC, UNESCO; tel: +(33 1) 45 68 39 94; e-mail: h.li@unesco.org PAN-AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (PACSICOM): This conference will be held in June-July 1998 in Maputo, Mozambique. The meeting Organized by: UNESCO and the Government of Mozambique. For information contact: Robin Harger, IOC, UNESCO; e-mail: r.harger@unesco.org or Miguel Clusener-Godt, MAB, UNESCO; http://www.unesco.org/ioc/pacsicom/pacsicom.htm. FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: This meeting will be held from 6 - 8 July 1998 in Udine, Italy. This meeting is organized by the Wessex Institute of Technology, UK, and University of Udine, Italy. For information contact: Sue Owen, GIS 98 Conference Secretariat; tel: + (44 1703) 293 223; fax: + (44 1703) 292 853; e-mail: sue@wessex.ac.uk. INDEPENDENT WORLD COMMISSION ON THE OCEANS: The Independent Commission on Oceans will hold its sixth session in Lisbon, Portugal in July 1998, in conjunction with EXPO'98. "The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future." The Commission seeks to draw attention to the issues of ocean development and encourage the further development of the ocean regime evolving from UNCLOS. For information contact the Secretariat in Geneva; tel: + 41-22-710-0711; fax: +41- 22-710-0722; e-mail: secretariat@world-oceans.org. EUROMAT'98: The EUROMAT'98 Conference on Materials in Oceanic Environment will be held from 22 - 24 July 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal. The meeting is organized by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Materials on behalf of the Federation of European Materials Societies. For information contact: Prof. Luciano Faria; tel: +(351 1) 841 77 46; fax: + (351 1) 841 79 15. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SATELLITES, OCEANOGRAPHY AND SOCIETY (ICSOS): This conference will be held from 17 - 21 August 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal. ESA, EXPO '98, IGBP, IOC, NASA, NOAA, SCOR and WCRP will sponsor the meeting. For more information contact Dr. David Halp- ern, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MS 300-323, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA; e-mail: halpern@pacific.jpl.nasa.gov. INTERNATIONAL OIL SPILL CONFERENCE (SPILLCON'98): This meeting will be held from 17 - 21 August 1998 at the International Conference Centre, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. For information contact Australian maritime Safety Authority; e-mail: michael.julian@amsa.gov.au or j.morrison@meetingplanners.com.au. SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PALEOCEANOGRAPHY (ICP-VI): This meeting will be held from 23-28 August 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal. This meeting is sponsored by EXPO'98, Instituto Geológico e Mineiro (IGM), the European Commission and IOC. For information contact Dr. Fátima Abrantes, IGM, Associaçao Portuguesa de Paleoceanografia; tel: 346 39 15; fax: 342 46 09. COASTAL ZONE CANADA '98 (CZC'98): This meeting will be held over five days at the end of August 1998. It is the third of a series of biennial conferences on integrated coastal zone management. For information contact 2WE Associates, Victoria, BC; tel: +1 (250) 472-2254; fax: +1 (250) 472-9475; email: wilson@bc.sympatico.ca THE ATLANTIC - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: This meeting will be held from 30 August - 2 September 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal and will be organized by the International Geographic Union. For information contact Prof. Carminda Cavaco, Centro de Estudos Geographicos (CEG); tel: + (351 1) 796 5469 / 794 0218; fax +(351 1) 793 8690; e-mail: ceg@mail.telepac.pt; Internet: http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/2510/index.html AQUACULTURE EUROPE '98: This conference will be held from 5 - 9 June 1998 in Bordeaux, France. For more information contact the EAS Secretariat, Slijkensesteenweg 4, B-8400 Oostende, Belgium; tel.: +(059) 32 38 59; fax: +(059) 32 10 05; e-mail: eas@unicall.be. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SATELLITES, OCEANOGRAPHY AND SOCIETY: This meeting will be held form 17 - 21 August 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal. For more information contact: Dr. David Halpern, Cal Tech; fax: +1 (818) 393-6720;e-mail: halpern@pacific.jpl.nasa.gov FIFTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON REMOTE SENSING FOR MARINE AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS: This meeting will be held from 5 - 7 October 1998, San Diego, California, USA. This conference will cover various aspects of remote sensing of the marine environment and will highlight remote sensing applications focusing on solving real-world problems in marine and coastal environments. For information contact: ERIM Conferences; tel.: +1 (313) 994 1200, ext. 3234; fax +1 (313) 994 5123; e-mail: wallman@erim.org; Internet: http://www.erim.org/CONF/conf.html. SYMPOSIUM ON MARINE POLLUTION: This Symposium will be held from 5 - 9 October 1998 in Monaco. It will be organized by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and co-sponsored by the IOC, UNEP and IMO, in cooperation with: CIESM and the Marine Environment Laboratory (MEL). For information contact the Conference Secretariat, Vienna International Centre, Wagramerstrasse 5, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria; tel: +(43 1) 2060 21312/21311; fax +(43 1) 20607, e-mail: Official.mail@IAEA.ORG. COASTAL ENVIRONMENT 98: The Second International Conference (Coastal Environment '98), entitled "Environmental Problems in Coastal Regions," will be held in Cancun, Mexico from 8 - 10 September 1998. The meeting will be organized by the Wessex Institute of Technology (WIT), Southampton, UK. For information contact Liz Kerr, WIT; tel: + 44 (0) 1 703 293223; fax: + 44 (0) 1 703 292853; e-mail: liz@wessex.ac.uk. INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN OCEANOGRAPHY: This Symposium (ITO'98) will be held from 12 - 16 October 1998 in Goa, India. For information contact: Shri. Vishwas Chavan, Organizing Secretary, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; fax: +(91 832) 223 340/229 102; e-mail: ito98@csnio.ren.nic.in; Internet: http://www.nio.org/ito98/ CONFRONTING UNCERTAINTY IN THE EVALUATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: This meeting is scheduled for 16 - 19 November 1998 in Cape Town, South Africa. This meeting is organized by ICES and co-sponsored by FAO and ICLARM. For information contact Dr T.K. Stokes, CEFAS, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, England, UK; e-mail: kevinstokes@compuserve.com; t.k.stokes@cefas.co.uk. OCEAN COMMUNITY CONFERENCE '98: This conference is scheduled from 16 - 19 November 1998 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA and organized by the Marine Technology Society (MTS). For information contact ITCMS; tel. in US & Canada: +1 (800) 810 4333; tel. outside US & Canada: +1 (732) 562 6826; fax: +1 (732) 981 1203; e-mail: mts-occ98@ieee.org; Internet: http://www.noaa.gov/public-affairs/MTS98.html. CLIVAR SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE - WORLD CLIMATE RESEARCH PROGRAMME: This conference is sched- uled from 1 - 3 December 1998 and will be co-sponsored by IOC, WMO and ICSU. For more information contact: Art Alexiou, IOC/UNESCO; e-mail: a.alexiou@unesco.org or Dr. Andreas Villwock, International CLIVAR Project Office c/o Max-Planck-Institut fur Meteorologie, Bundeststr. 55, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany; tel: + (49) 40 41173 414; fax: (49) 40 41173 413; e-mail: andreas.villwock@clivar.dkrz.de; Internet: http://www.drkz.de/clivar/hp.html. DESERTIFICATION INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ARID LAND CROPS (IPALAC): The IPALAC 1998 Calendar of Events include: a course on Propagation of Woody Species in Kenya in February 1998; a course in French on Date Palm Cultivation in Israel in June 1998; a workshop on Zizyphus mauritiana in Zimbabwe in June 1998; a course on Rainfed Farming Systems in Semi Arid Regions in Rajasthan, India, in September 1998; a symposium: "Silk - An Economic Opportunity for Semi- Arid Africa" in Dakar, Senegal, in October 1998; and an international conference: "Plant- Based Solutions for Combating Desertification" in Beer Sheva, Israel, from 2-5 November 1998. Contact: Mr. Arnie Schlissel, Administrative Coordinator, International Program for Arid Land Crops, c/o Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva, Israel 84105; tel: +972 7 646 1905, 646 1972; fax: +972 7 647 2984; e-mail: ipalac@bgumail.bgu.ac.il SECOND CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES: COP-2 will be held in Dakar, Senegal. The suggested dates are from 24 August - 4 September, but are subject to change. Contact: CCD Secretariat, Geneva Executive Center, 11/13 Chemin des Anémones, CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland; tel: +(41 22) 979-9419; fax: +(41 22) 979-9030/31; e-mail:Secretariat@unccd.ch. WETLANDS RAMSAR: The 7th Ramsar COP is scheduled for San José, Costa Rica from 10 - 18 May 1999, and will mark the first time that a Ramsar COP has been convened in a developing country. Also for the first time, the 7th COP will focus on the interrelations between human societies and wetland habitats. The general theme will be "People and Wetlands - The Vital Link." Information can be found at http://w3.iprolink.ch/iucnlib/themes/ramsar/index_cop7.htm. For more information contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ramsar@hq.iucn.org; Internet: http://w3.iprolink.ch/iucnlib/themes/ramsar/. WILDLIFE CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES: The Convention on Migratory Species Standing Committee will hold its seventeenth meeting in Bonn from 3 - 4 February 1998. The Animals Committee will meet in April. Second Meeting of the Parties to the European Bats Agreement under the Convention on Migratory Species will be held from 1 - 3 July in Bonn. For information contact the UNEP/CMS Secretariat; UN Premises in Bonn; Martin-Luther-King-Str. 8, D-53175 Bonn, Germany; tel: +(49 228) 815 2401/2; fax: +(49 228) 815 2449; e-mail: cms@unep.de; Internet: http://www.wcmc.org.uk/cms/. CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES (CITES): The CITES Standing Commit- tee will hold its fortieth meeting in London from 3 - 6 March 1998. For more information contact the CITES Secretariat, C.P. 456, Geneva Executive Centre, 1219 Châtelaine (Geneva), Switzerland; telephone: +(41-22) 979 9139/40; Internet: http://www.wcmc.org.uk/CITES/english/index.html. THIRD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE LAW CONFERENCE: This meeting will be held on 31 March in Washington, DC. Greenlife Society, North American Chapter, 52o8 Claremont Ave. - Suite B, Oakland, CA 94716 USA tel: +1 (510) 658-4380, Fax: +1 (510) 658-5946, e-mail: greenlifesociety@msn.com. HABITAT AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS HABITAT AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS MEETINGS: The Second Global Forum of Parliamentarians on Habitat will be held in Cancun Mexico and organized by the Global Parliamentarians on Habitat from 27 - 30 January. "Cities and Cybernautics: Cyber Futures in Cities" will be held in Calcutta, India from 6 - 8 February 1998. The International Symposium on City, Space and Globalization will be held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA and is sponsored by the University of Michigan from 26 - 28 February 1998. The International Conference on Quality of Life in Cities will be held in Singapore from 4 - 6 March. The World Conference on International Cooperation of Cities and Citizens will be held from 26-29 May in Tokyo. The First World Conference of Health and the Urban Environment will be held in Madrid from 6 - 10 July 1998. For information contact UN Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya; tel: +(254-2) 624328; fax: +(254-2) 624266/624267; e-mail: infohabitat@igc.apc.org; Internet: http://www.unhabitat.org URBANIZATION OBSERVED - WORKSHOP ON EUROPEAN RESEARCH IN THE SOUTH: This meeting will be held from 12 - 14 February 1998 in Berlin. For more information contact Klaus Teschner, Habitat Unit, Department of Architecture, Technical University of Berlin; tel: +49 30 31421905/6; fax: +49 30 31421907; e-mail: tesc0831@mailszrz.zrz.tu-berlin.de; Internet: http://obelix.polito.it/forum/n-aerus/docs/berlin_conference.htm. FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON URBAN TRANSPORT AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: This meeting will be held from 31 August - 2 September 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal in conjunction with the Sixth International Conference on Computer Aided Design, Manufacture and Operation in the Railway and other Advanced Mass Transit Systems. For information contact Paula Doughty-Young, Conference Secretariat UT 98, Wessex Institute of Technology, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 7AA, UK; tel: + 44 (0) 1703 293223; fax : + 44 (0) 1703 292853; e-mail paula@wessex.ac.uk. 1998 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR BEST PRACTICES IN IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT: The United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the Municipality of Dubai, U.A.E. have announced the global call for submissions for the 1998 Dubai International Award. The award intends to recognize and raise awareness of Best Practices: outstanding and sustainable achievements in improving the quality of life in a rapidly urbanizing and changing world. The Award is open to all organizations and individuals from the public and private sectors and from civil society whose initiatives meet the criteria for a Best Practice. The deadline for submissions is 30 April 1998. For more information contact: Dubai Municipality, tel: +(971 4) 215555; fax: +(971 4) 246666; e-mail: dm@emirates.net.ae; Internet: http://www.dm.gov.ae; or UNCHS (Habitat); tel: +(254 2) 624328/623029/623799; fax: +(254 2) 623080/624266/624267; e-mail:bestpractices@unchs.org; Internet: http://habitat/unchs.org/home.htm (Habitat home-page) or http://www.bestpractices.org (Best Practices database). INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY: The GEF Council meeting will be from 30 - 31 March. The GEF Assembly will be from 1 - 3 April. The NGO consultations will be on 29 March. All meeting will be held in New Dehli. The Council will also meet from 4 - 6 November 1998 in Washington, DC. Each meeting will be preceded by NGO Consultations. For more information contact Marie Morgan at the GEF Secretariat; tel: +1-202-473-1128; fax: +1-202-522-3240; Internet: http://www.gefweb.com. UNEP: The Second Meeting of High Level Committee of Ministers and Officials will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from 2 - 4 March 1998. High on the agenda will be the issue of UNEP reform in the context of the on-going wider reform of the United Nations. Other issues on the provisional agenda include freshwater, the future financing of UNEP. For more information contact the Governing Council Secretariat; tel: +254-2-623411, fax: +254-2-623929, e-mail: beverly.miller@unep.org. WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION: The WMO Executive Council will hold its fiftieth session in Geneva from 16 - 26 June 1998. For information contact the Secretariat at 41, avenue Giuseppe-Motta, 1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland; tel: +(41 22) 730 8314/15; fax: +(41 22) 733 2829; e-mail: ipa@www.wmo.ch; Internet: http://www.wmo.ch/. INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD): The IFAD Governing Council will meet in Rome in February 1998. The IFAD Executive Board will meet in Rome in April 1998. For information contact the Secretariat; e-mail: w.admin@ifad.org; Internet: http://www.ifad.org. UNDP/UNFPA: The UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board will hold its first regular session in New York from 19 - 23 January 1998, its second regular session from 20 - 24 April 1998, and its annual session from 8 - 19 June 1998. For more information contact UNFPA, 220 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017, USA; tel: +1 (212) 297-5020; fax: + 1 (212) 557-6416; e-mail: ryanw@unfpa.org; Internet: http://www.unfpa.org/. COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT: The Commission on Population and Development will hold its thirty-first session in New York from 23 - 27 February 1998; The General Assembly will convene a three-day special session from 30 June - 2 July 1999 to review and appraise the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, September 1994). The Commission on Population and Development, which is currently scheduled to appraise the implementation of the Programme of Action at its 32nd session, will serve as the preparatory body for the special session. COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: The Commission for Social Development will hold its thirty-sixth session in New York from 10-20 February 1998. For information contact the Secretariat; UN Plaza, Room DC2-1370, New York, New York 10017 USA; tel: + 1 (212) 963 6763; fax: + 1 (212) 963 3062; e-mail: Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/dspd/social.htm. Docu- ments for the session can be found at gopher://gopher.un.org/11/esc/cn5/1997-98. COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: The Commission on the Status of Women will hold its forty-second session in New York from 2 - 13 March 1998. The Commission will monitor the implementation of the following critical areas of concern of the Beijing Platform for Action. For more information contact the Secretariat; e-mail: daw@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/daw/csw.htm. COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS: Commission on Human Rights will hold its fifty-fourth session in Geneva from 16 March - 24 April 1998. The Commission on Human Rights Working Group on Arbitrary Detention will convene its twenty-first session in Geneva from 11 - 15 May 1998. The Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, will hold its fifty-fourth session in New York from 11-15 May 1998. For information try http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/2/chr.htm HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE: The Human Rights Committee will hold its sixty-second session in New York from 23 March - 9 April 1998. For information try http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/hrc.htm. COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES: The Committee on Natural Resources will hold its fourth session in New York from 10 - 19 March 1998. For more information contact the Secretariat of the Committee on Natural Resources; UN Plaza, Room DC1-0818, New York, New York 10017 USA; fax: + 1 212/963 4340; Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/dsd/natural.htm. COMMITTEE ON NEW AND RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY AND ON ENERGY FOR DEVELOPMENT: The Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development will hold its third session in New York from 23 March - 3 April 1998. For information contact the Secretariat of the Committee on New and Resources of Energy, UN Plaza, Room DC2-2220, New York, New York 10017, USA; fax: + 1 (212) 963 1795; Internet: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/dsd/energy.htm. UNESCO: The UNESCO Executive Board will hold its one hundred fifty-third session in Paris in April 1998. For more information contact UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris, France; +33 1 45 68 10 00; international: +33 1 45 67 16 90; Internet: http://www.unesco.org. UNCTAD: The Expert Meeting of the Commission on Enterprise, Business Facilitation and Development will be held from 2 - 4 March, 20 - 22 April and 29 June-1 July 1998 in Geneva. The third session of the Commission on Enterprise, Business Facilitation and Development will be held from 23 - 27 November 1998 in Geneva. The Trade and Development Board will hold its seventeenth executive session in March (one day) its eighteenth executive session in June and its High Level Mid-Term Review from 5 - 16 October. The Expert Meeting on Existing Regional and Multilateral Investment Agreements and their Development Dimensions will be held from 1 - 3 April 1998 in Geneva. The Expert Meeting of the Commission on Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities will convene from 4 - 6 May, 3 - 5 June and 13 - 15 July 1998. The Commission on Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities will hold its third session 21 - 25 September 1998 in Geneva. The third session of the Commission on Investment, Technology and Related Financial Issues will be held from 14 - 18 September 1998 in Geneva. For information contact: the Office of the Secretary of the Board; tel: + 41 22 907 50 07; fax: + 41 22 907 00 56; e-mail: Awni.Behnam@unctad.org. INTERNATIONAL LAW AND POLICY COLLOQUIUM ON COMPARATIVE APPROACHES TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS: The Colloquium on Comparative Approaches to the Enforcement of Environmental Regulations will be held in New York on 6 March 1998. For more information contact: Ms. Joanna Askey, Colloquium Editor, New York University Environmental Law Journal, 110 West Third Street, New York, NY 10012-1074, tel: +1-212-998-6560, fax: +1-212-995-4032. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION: The International Studies Association (ISA) will hold its Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA from 17 - 21 March 1998. For information contact: ISA Headquarters, University of Arizona; tel: + 1 (520) 621-7715; fax: +1 (520) 621-5780; Internet: http://www.isanet.org. FOURTH INTERNATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT: This meeting will be held in Washington DC, USA from 7 - 10 July 1998. The conference is motivated by the increasing need to combine ideas and research findings from different disciplines to enhance our understanding of the interactions between the natural environment and human institutions. For information contact: Kevin Hickey; tel: +1 (508) 767-7557/7296; fax: +1 (508) 767-7382; (508) 767-7382; e-mail: khickey @eve.assumption.edu; Internet: http://www.assumption.edu/html/academic/conf/iicecall.html READINGS Compiled by Peter Doran, University of Ulster, Derry, Northern Ireland; tel and fax: +44 1504 268403. e-mail: pfdoran@ecology.u-net.com SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT "UNGASS has run out of steam." International Affairs, 1997, Vol. 73, No. 4, pp.641-654. R. Sandbrook notes that the UN has made sustainable development one of its major objectives. But the way in which this is being pursued is likely to result in the UN system becoming increasingly marginalized in the process. Sandbrook suggests that far too much attention is given to international debates rather than to national and regional processes. The results of the UN Special Session (UNGASS) in 1997 were poor debate, in public at least, and a return to the traditional North-South divide. Yet in many countries the enthusiasm for the findings of the Earth Summit (UNCED 1992) and its follow-up is clear. What is argued here is that governments need to sort out much more clearly what can and should be addressed at the international level. Many of the major environmental issues, such as forest and biodiversity loss, are basically national or local concerns. The development agenda and poverty have to be addressed locally. Only when it is clear that individual countries and regions cannot cope without international intervention, as happens in the case of climate change and the international trade regime, should the matter be of concern to the UN at the center. The UN could do more to foster this sense of subsidiarity in its affairs. "Consumption: Challenge to sustainable development...or distraction ?" Science, 1997, Vol. 276, No. 5309, p.53. JR. Vincent and T. Panayotou (US) contribute this editorial on environmental quality and economic growth. "Local politics in a global era: Thinking locally, acting globally." Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 1997, Vol. 551, pp.28-43. SE. Clarke and GL. Gaile (US) believe that it is important, given the contested meanings of the local global context, to see local political processes as more than a matter of new interests or claims prompted by globalization or even new institutions such as public-private partnerships. They argue that local politics in a global era are best understood in terms of the ideas, institutions, and interests shaping local policy processes. They are shaped by the causal stories that different groups and organizations use to politicize issues linking the local and the global, to seek new institutional venues, and to promote some solutions over others. They draw on national surveys in 1989 and 1996 of large and medium-sized American cities to examine these causal stories about globalization and localism and the policy choices they privilege. Five local strategies are especially salient: classic locational approaches, the world-class community orientation, the entrepreneurial mercantilism strategy, asset-based human capital strategies, and the sustainable development orientation. "Engaging sustainable development: Some observations on progress." Progress in Human Geography, 1997, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp.147-163. R. Munton (UK) believes that continuing criticism of the term 'sustainable development' deflects attention from the political project that has to underpin shifts in human behavior. It is more important to redefine roles and functions of private and public institutions in ways that legitimate sustainable actions in the belief that latent public support for environmental protection can be converted into a widening of new but customary behaviors. A brief review of the UK Government's response to the Rio declaration demonstrates faltering purpose, reinforcing and reflecting public distrust of government and those commercial interests that benefit from the status quo. Only very modest comfort can be taken from its limited initiatives which range from the greater dissemination of information to the setting of some environmental targets. The unwillingness of government to promote major fiscal or financial reforms or, significantly, to decentralize power and initiative, or to recognize the limitations to scientific knowledge when seeking the bases to 'rational' decision-making in the face of uncertainty, reveal for the author the inadequacy of the steps taken so far. "A Compass for sustainable development." International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology." 1997, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp.79-92. KH. Robert, H. Daly, H. Hawken, and J. Holmberg (Sweden and US) note that the enlargement of complexity and effects of environmental problems has increased the need for a 'compass' to point us in the direction of sustainability. The four principles - System Conditions - which the authors have earlier described, along with a step-by-step approach to meet them, is advocated. The System Conditions are described as first order principles for sustainability: they do not cover the whole area of sustainability; they are complementary i.e. they do not overlap; they are all necessary; they are applicable at different scales and activities. The compass provides a model that not only implies restrictions to business and policy-making but also suggests opportunities from a self-interested point of view. The model makes it possible to foresee changes regarding demands and costs on the future market. A number of business corporations and municipalities already apply the compass as a guiding tool to the future market, asking a set of strategic questions: Does this measure decrease our dependence on lithospheric metals, fuels and other minerals - primarily when waste from such materials are already accumulating in the atmosphere ? Does this measure decrease our dependence on persistent unnatural substances, primarily when such substances are already accumulating in the ecosphere ? Does this measure decrease our dependence on activities which encroach on productive parts of Nature e.g. long distance transport or other exploitation of green surfaces, over- fishing, etc. ? Does this measure decrease our dependence on using an unnecessary large amount of resources in relation to added human value ? "The realities of incorporating sustainable development into local-level planning: a case study of Davidson, North Carolina." Cities, 1997, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp.219-226. DSK. Thomas and OJ. Furuseth use a case study to illustrate some issues and challenges that occur when trying to use sustainable development as a goal when creating a local land-use plan, and in particular the different ways in which sustainability can be interpreted. It is concluded that the meaning of sustainable-based planning and development must be guided by locally framed community based needs and visions. "Material flows vs. natural capital - What makes an economy sustainable ?" Ecological Economics, 1997, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp.1-14. F. Hinterberger, F. Luks, and F. Schmidtbleek (Germany) note that in the discourse about sustainable development, 'constant natural capi- tal' is frequently referred to as a criterion for ecological sustainability. They ask: "What is natural capital ?" The concept is analyzed by presenting arguments in favor of using the term and different versions of sustainability (strong and weak). Subsequently, a critique of the 'natural capital' concept is brought forward, from an ecological as well as from an economic perspective. Following this critique, the use of material inputs and the material input per unit of service (MIPS) as a measure for the environmental impact potential is suggested. Dematerialization is understood to be an alternative management rule for sustainability. In conclusion, a change of perspective is proposed. Due to the conceptual and measurement problems associated with the 'constant natural capital' criterion (which refers to a stock), it seems more reasonable from a scientific as well as from a practical perspective to add flows (ie. Material inputs) to a decision criterion for whether a development is sustainable or not. "Development and infinity." World Development, 1997, Vol. 25, No. 9, pp.1421-1430. M. Pretes (US) examines the links between development and the infinite, suggesting that the idea of sustainable development is simply a means of extending the idea of development indefinitely. Western society is viewed as operating under the "prime" symbol or "imaginary social signification" of infinity and infinite development. The article then proposes an interpretation of perception through the use of metaphor, arguing that metaphors shape interpretations of development, and that contemporary ecological projects such as sustainable development are largely metaphorical. The conclusions note that the mainstream concept of sustainable development is inherently conservative and adds little to a clearer understanding of nature-society relations and development policy. "The ghost in the machine: Agency in "poststructural" critiques of development." Anthropological Quarterly, 1997, Vol. 70, No. 3, pp.137-151. M. Everett (US) challenges anthropologists inspired by the works of Michel Foucault who have described development as a discourse imposed on the Third World by powerful western institutions. "The community office: a logical extension of the electronic library." Electronic Library, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 6, pp.463-468. An account of the Crickhowell Innovations Forum attempt to develop the concept of the Community Office as an intelligent human interface to encourage personal, business and domestic telematic acumen of the individual, set against the background of the sustainable development of local communities within the context of Local Agenda 21. BIODIVERSITY "Buried epistemologies: The politics of nature in (Post)colonial British Columbia." Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 1997, Vol. 87, No. 1, pp.3-31. B. WillemsBraun (US) notes that postcolonial theory has asserted the need to carefully consider how present day social and cultural practices are marked by histories of colonialism. The article explores representations of the 'rainforest' and 'nature' in British Columbia, Canada, and traces a series of 'buried epistemologies' through which neocolonial relations are asserted in the region. The author is concerned to show that amid the current popularity of notions like sustainable development, biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration, and so on - which risk abstracting natural 'systems' apart from their cultural surrounding - it is es- sential to recognize the colonial histories and neocolonial rhetorics that continue to infuse 'commonsense' categories and identities like 'nature' and 'resources.' "Inter-organizational collaboration and the preservation of global biodiversity." Organization Science, 1997, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp.381-403. F. Westley and H. Vredenburg (Canada) use grounded theory development research methods to examine collaborative processes in the domain of global biodiversity preservation. The processes examined are those initiated and convened by a subgroup of the Swiss-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature known as the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission. The global collaborative initiatives of the group suggest that extant theory on collaboration may not adequately explain collaborative processes in so complex a domain as global biodiversity preservation. Specifically, the authors suggest that in highly complex domains, effective structuring of collaborative initiatives may take different forms. Propositions about structuring of collaborations in complex domains are derived. "Investing in biodiversity: an economic perspective on global priority setting." Biodiversity and Conservation, 1997, Vol. 6, No. 9, pp.1219-1243. D. Moran, D. Pearce, and A. Wendelaar (Malaysia & England) note that biodiversity investment priorities are a major concern for funding agencies and Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity. They present a cost-effectiveness index designed to rank global biodiversity investments addressing weaknesses identified in several existing procedures. "Biodiversity totalitarianism - IPRs as seed monopolies." Economic and Political Weekly, 1997, Vol. 32, No. 41, pp.2582-2585. V. Shiva contributes this editorial which begins with the observation that farmers are still the major suppliers of seeds in India's agricultural system. She argues that the real basis of farmers' rights is in the recognition of the collective innovation by farming communities embodied in farmers' varieties, and evolving a jurisprudence that protects and rewards this collective wisdom. "Biodiversity, intellectual property rights and the GATT agreement - How to address the conflicts." Economic and Political Weekly, 1997, Vol. 32, No. 43, pp.2814-2820. A. Kothari and RV. Anuradha examine the impact of IPRs on biodiversity in general and specifically on the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It also addresses the broader issue of the relationship between the GATT/WTO Agreement and the CBD. It concludes with a reflection on the choices available to ensure that the objectives of the CBD are not undermined. FORESTS "The value of forests to world food security." Human Ecology, 1997, No. 1, pp.91-120. D. Pimentel, M.McNair, L.Duck, M. Pimentel, and J.Kamil (US) assembled information on the contribution and value of forests to world food security and assessed the role of forests and non-timber products in the food system of developing countries. They estimated that upwards of 300 million people annually earn part or all of their livelihood and food from forests. A total of about $90 billion in non-timber products are also harvested each year. Forests also help to protect land, water and biological resources, and they play an important role in maintaining the productivity of agricultural and environmental systems. "Valuing a global environmental good: US residents' willingness to pay to protect tropical rain forests." Land Economics, 1997, Vol. 73, No. 2, pp.196-210. RA. Kramer and DE. Mercer argue that although contingent valuation is the most common technique for valuing non-market environmental resources, rarely has it been applied to global environmental goods. The study uses CV in a national survey to assess the value U.S. residents place on tropical rain forest protection. "'Voodoo science' and common sense: Ways of knowing old-growth forests." Journal of Anthropological Research, 1997, Vol. 53, No. 4, pp.443-459. TT. Satterfield (US) explores loggers' and environmentalists' conflicts over old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest by analyzing the alternative meanings behind invocations of 'science'. The appropriation of science by environmental activists ensures that not all debates about public understanding of science are lay versus expert ones. Understanding, instead, involves clashes between lay groups each of which has ambivalent relationships to expert knowledge. Public knowledge thus involves a triangular model of social progress where understanding is negotiated dialectically among lay groups in response to expert knowledge. Competing ties to identity are central to this process and can be analyzed as opportunities for social critique. Broadly stated, grassroots timber advocates invoke their 'common sense' observations to champion their roles as farmers of the forest, while environmentalists invoke a conception of the forest as a complex system to promote a protective rather than productive approach. "The sources of deforestation in tropical developing countries." Environmental Management, 1998, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp.19-33. L. Tole (UK) investigates key causes of tropical deforestation using cross-sectional data for 90 developing countries for the period 1981- 1990. Regression results reveal that deforestation is associated with both development and scarcity. Deforestation accelerates with expanding infrastructure, trade, debt, investment in the human capital base, and resource-based economic expansion. On the other hand, absolute and relative scarcities - manifested by growing population pressures, food and land shortages, fuel wood dependency, and inequalities in access to land - are also key factors in explaining forest loss. Thus, results point to a fundamental environmental conundrum: Development is required if countries are to alleviate scarcity but is itself a major cause of deforestation. Can countries balance development goals with forest protection ? Setting aside the issue of its practical realization, the paper concludes that forest sustainable development cannot be achieved by implementing simple technical improvements in land-use practices alone. Securing the foundations for the sustainability of the forest base will require that countries address the underlying social processes driving tropical forest loss as well. OCEANS "The new frontiers of American fisheries governance." Ecological Economics, 1997, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp.221-233. SS. Hanna (US) recalls that throughout history, America has viewed its oceans as vast fishery frontiers. These frontiers are suffering depletion as large amounts of fishing power combined with significant oceanographic changes are straining the limits of sustainability. The new ocean frontier is not the promise of undeveloped resources but rather the challenge of undeveloped sustainable governance systems. The paper discusses the institutional transformation necessary to achieve sustainable governance. The first part provides an historical overview of the American use of resources as frontiers. The second part characterizes the frontier as an extreme form of resource use, contrasting it to its opposite ideal, the commons. The third part outlines behavioral differences between the users of frontiers and commons, the pioneers and shareholders. Building on the attributes of resource management under the two ideals, the fourth part of the discussion focuses on the necessary conditions and major challenges to developing the institutional capital required for sustainable US fishery management. FRESHWATER "Sustaining Water, Easing Scarcity: a Second Update," by Tom Gardner-Outlaw and Robert Engelman of Population Action International (PAI). This publication-which includes revised estimates and projections of the amount of fresh water available to each person in most countries from 1950 to 2050. By the year 2050, at least one in four of the world's people is likely to live in countries blighted by chronic or recurring shortages of fresh water. While population growth is slowing, the number of people living under water stressed conditions is still expected to increase at least four-fold, to nearly 2 billion people, by the middle of the next century. PAI's new Update uses the most recent UN population projections to arrive at revised estimates of future shortages of renewable fresh water worldwide. For more information contact: Andrea Calise, Population Action International; 1120 19th Street, NW # 550, Washington, DC 20036; tel.: +202-659-1833, Ext. 141; e-mail: acalise@popact.org. OZONE PROTECTION UNEP Publications on Ozone Layer Protection: The Industry and Environment office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP IE) has developed two new case studies. The first collection of case studies, "Identifying Alternative Solvents", presents 21 case studies documenting actual elimination of CFC-113 and 1,1,1-trichloroethane from industrial solvent applications in companies from nine countries. The second case study collection, "Case Studies from the Japanese Experience," documents the experience of 19 companies and industry associations in converting to non-ODS technologies. For more information, contact: UNEP IE OzonAction Programme, Tour Mirabeau, 39-43 quai Andre Citroen, Paris 75739 cedex 15, France; tel: +(33.1) 44.37.14.50;+ fax: +(33.1) 44.37.14.74, e-mail:ozonaction@unep.fr; Internet: http://www.unepie.org/ozonaction.html. ON THE WEB STUDY ON GEF'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE: On 31 December 1997, an Executive Summary of the Study of GEF's Overall Performance was posted to the GEF Home Page at http://www.gefweb.com/MONITOR/execsum.doc. The report presents the findings and recommendations of the study, as requested by the GEF Council at its October 1996 meeting. The study does not evaluate the performance of the GEF in terms of the impact of GEF projects on the global environment, but is directed toward a set of issues related to institutions, procedures and policies. Regarding the provision of resources for the global environment, the report discusses, inter alia, the leveraging of additional resources, particularly the private sector. Regarding country-level issues, the report elaborates on the focal point system in recipient countries, the requirement for projects to be country-driven and the contribution of GEF to awareness of the global environment. The Study also addresses institutional issues, such as the mainstreaming of the global environment by the Implementing Agencies, Cooperation be- tween GEF and the conventions. Issues also considered are the GEF Project Cycle Procedures and programming issues. The Study concludes with priority recommendations on, inter alia, increasing private sector funding, strengthening the focal point system and the GEF communications strategy UN SYSTEM-WIDE WEB SITE: The Division for Sustainabl Development of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs launched a UN System-Wide Web Site: http://www.unsystem.org/agenda21/. This Web Site contains country- and issue-specific information on sustainable development worldwide, with hyperlinks to relevant web sites throughout the United Nations System, the Secretariats of Conventions and official web sites of national Governments. For information contact: Mary Pat Silveira, Division for Sustainable Development; tel. +1 (212) 963-8428; fax. +1 (212) 963-1267; e-mail: silveira@un.org. 1998 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE OCEAN WWW SERVER: The IOC 1998 IYO webserver provides up-to- date information on 1998 IYO activities around the world and can be found at http://www.unesco.org/ioc/iyo/iyohome.htm. The IOC invites readers to send information on activities planned for the International Year of the Ocean. For information contact: Iouri Oliounine; UNESCO-IOC 1, rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cedex 15, FRANCE; tel: + (33 1) 45 68 39 63; fax: + (33 1) 45 68 58 12; e-mail: i.oliounine@unesco.org. WTO TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: The Trade and Development Centre at http://www.itd.org/ was created to provide information to the community of Internet users who have a specific need for information on trade as it relates to social and economic development. This site is a joint initiative of the WTO and the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank. Though designed primarily for use by individuals from developing countries, the site welcomes any with an interest in its subject matter. OECD INFORMATION ON THE MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON INVESTMENT: The OECD, at http://www.oecd.org/daf/cmis/mai/environ.htm#7, presents "Foreign Direct Investment and the Environment: An Overview of the Literature." The OECD prepared this paper for the Negotiating Group on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. The paper addresses, inter alia: environmental effects of FDI and other financial flows; environmental effects of FDI- based technology development and diffusion; impact of environmental standards on investment decisions by the firm; and the environmental effects of international competition for FDI. TIEMPO CLIMATE CYBERLIBRARY: The Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary published the December 1997 issue of Tiempo, at http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/tiempo/floor0/recent/. The edition includes articles on: environmental degradation in Somalia; priorities for the South Pacific islands; fog collection; and immediate reaction to the Kyoto Protocol. DEVELOPING IDEAS: The latest issue of "Developing Ideas Digest" on flooding is available on the International Institute for Sustainable Development's IISDnet at http://www.iisd.org/didigest/. The edition includes articles on: Natural Disasters - How Natural?; Flood Risk Culture; Guaranteed Floods?; Flood Compensation: Perverse Subsidy?; and Integrating River Basins. The issue also features: WordWatch, InDepth, Virtual Ideas, LitScan and TrendWatch. LINKAGES JOURNAL STAFF Editor: Chad Carpenter, LL.M. http://enb.iisd.org/chad/chad.html Editorial assistance provided by: Kira Schmidt Pamela Chasek Managing Editor: Langston James "Kimo" Goree VI http:/enb.iisd.org/linkages/kimo/kimo.html Advisory Panel: Wagaki Mwangi (Econews Africa) John Waugh (IUCN) Peter Haas, Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts at Amherst) Kilaparti Ramakrishna Ph.D.(Woods Hole Research Center) Submissions, corrections, request for subscription information and correspondence should be sent to the editors at . The opinions expressed in /linkages/journal/ are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD and our funders. Excerpts from /linkages/journal/ may be used in other publications with appropriate academic citation. /linkages/journal/ may not be reproduced, reprinted or posted to any system or service without specific permission from the International Institute for Sustainable Development . 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