/linkages/journal/ Volume 6 Number 1 1 January 2001 Published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) The PDF (formatted and printable with wall calendar) version is available at http://enb.iisd.org/journal/link0601e.pdf (The following is the ASCII version of Vol. 6 No. 1 of /linkages/journal/ - a monthly snapshot of the Linkages WWW site, available at http://enb.iisd.org. /linkages/journal/ may not be reproduced, reprinted or posted to any system or service without specific permission from the International Institute for Sustainable Development info@iisd.ca. This limitation includes distribution via Usenet News, bulletin board systems, mailing lists, print media and broadcast. For more information, send a message to chris@iisd.org Linkages Journal offers the latest news, information and analysis from international environment and development negotiations. In this issue: * briefings on key meetings in November-December 2000, including the negotiations on climate change, persistent organic pollutants, desertification and the Montreal Protocol, as well as information from the UN General Assembly's 55th Session; * media reports and news; * details of new books, reports and journal articles; and * a comprehensive list of upcoming meetings for the year 2001.) EDITOR'S NOTE A message from Linkages Journal's Editor YEAR ENDs ON HIGHS...AND LOWS Failure at The Hague November and December produced a hectic conclusion to a busy year. The end-of-year's most high-profile meeting finished in failure. Lack of agreement at climate negotiations in The Hague in November, and in subsequent talks held in December, left some observers asking whether compromise will prove possible between the EU and other developed countries such as the US and Japan (see page six). Even if industrialized countries can patch-up their differences, some wonder how developing countries will respond to any such deal, although most commentators seem cautiously optimistic that an agreement is still possible. Success in South Africa If The Hague and its aftermath marked a year's end low point, talks on persistent organic pollutants in Johannesburg provided a pleasant contrast. The final compromises reached by the early hours of Sunday morning, 10 December, produced "robust but flexible" control measures, strong elements of precaution and a realistic financing solution that should serve as a solid starting point on the long road toward eliminating persistent organic pollutants (see page five). Several meetings resulted in neither great success nor disappointing failure. Outcomes were more modest from negotiations relating to the Montreal Protocol (page six) and the Convention to Combat Desertification (page seven) held mid-December, although apparently acceptable to most involved. Linkages Journal hits new high Closer to home, the year 2000 ended on a positive note. The latest statistics show that during the past twelve months the number of e-mail subscriptions to Linkages Journal jumped by an impressive 64%, which we hope reflects our commitment to providing the most informative publication possible. As we enter 2001, we aim to continue introducing improvements to make Linkages Journal more useful than ever to our readers. Our best wishes for a successful year ahead. Chris Spence - Editor, Linkages Journal RECENT MEETINGS Information on recent conferences, workshops and symposia in the field of environment and development negotiations SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY – 55TH SESSION: On 22 December 2000, the 55th Session of the UN General Assembly suspended its work following three and a half months of meetings that began with the UN's "Millennium Summit" in September (see Linkages Journal Vol. 5 No. 9, 1 October 2000, page 8). During these meetings, the plenary and the Assembly's committees addressed 183 agenda items and adopted 281 resolutions. In particular, participants held extensive discussions on follow-up to the Declaration from the Millennium Summit, and also deliberated on implementation of the report of the high-level Panel on United Nations Peace Operations - the "Brahimi report" – as well as on the new scale of assessments, which was considered by the Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary). In addition, the Assembly considered and adopted 34 resolutions and ten decisions recommended by its Second Committee (Economic and Financial). The resolutions and decisions address a variety of topics, including many that relate to environment and sustainable development. The following report highlights key text adopted relating to these issues. Sustainable development and international economic cooperation: The Assembly adopted a series of texts on this topic, one of which specifically highlights the need for coordinated action, calling on organizations of the UN system, including the Bretton Woods institutions, to collaborate with other relevant institutions to continue to conduct analytical activities and provide advice and assistance to countries with economies in transition. Other relevant text decides that a high-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation will be convened for two days immediately before the commencement of the general debate at the Assembly's 56th Session. Another resolution supports intensification of efforts to integrate cultural factors into development programmes. Environment and sustainable development: The Assembly adopted a variety of decisions and resolutions on this topic. In text on international cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, the Assembly welcomes the establishment of the working group on the El Niño/La Niña phenomenon within the framework of the Inter-Agency Task Force of the International Strategy for Disaster reduction. It also adopted a decision on protection of the global climate, expressing regret that negotiations could not be completed at the sixth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at The Hague in November 2000, and urging Parties to intensify political consultations in order to reach agreement at a resumed session. In other text related to environment and sustainable development, the Assembly: invites the international community to support the efforts of developing countries to move toward sustainable patterns of energy production and consumption; requests the Secretary-General to provide the necessary resources from the regular budget of the United Nations to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the biennium 2002-2003; calls on governments, particularly developed countries, to enhance their financial support to the Global Mechanism to enable it to promote the effective implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification; and takes note of the Secretary-General's note transmitting the report on progress made in providing safe water supply and sanitation for all during the 1990s. The Assembly also adopted decisions on the International Year of Mountains in 2002, and proclaimed 2003 the International Year of Freshwater. Global conferences - ten-year review of UNCED: Another matter resolved by the General Assembly was the location of the upcoming UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, scheduled for 2002. This Summit will serve as the venue for the ten-year review of implementation of the UN Conference on Environment and Development ("Rio+10"). The Assembly agreed that the meeting will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Preparations for the Summit will take place under the framework of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. A final high-level preparatory meeting will take place in Indonesia in mid-May 2002. The Summit will take place between June and September 2002, with the exact dates yet to be determined. In other decisions on global conferences, the Assembly decided to convene, within existing resources, the second session of the Intergovernmental Preparatory Committee for the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries from 5-9 February 2001. The Conference itself will convene from 14-20 May 2001 in Brussels. The Assembly also decided that the high-level international intergovernmental event on financing for development should be scheduled for the first quarter of 2002, at a date yet to be agreed. Africa: The General Assembly also adopted three resolutions specifically concerning Africa, addressing the need to promote lasting peace and sustainable development; implement without delay the enhanced programme of debt relief to heavily indebted poor countries and cancel official bilateral debt in the context of poverty eradication; and support the efforts of the Organization of African Unity in urging the donor community and multilateral institutions to meet the agreed target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product for official development assistance. Other decisions/resolutions: Text was also adopted regarding: the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartagena Protocol; cooperation of the mechanisms on the Commission for Science and Technology for Development; and implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006). In addition, the Assembly adopted text emphasizing the need for a new round of global trade negotiations and rule-based, transparent international financial architecture. Other resolutions addressed: the science and technology needs of developing countries; training and research; globalization and interdependence; and the report of the Economic and Social Council. More information on the 55th Session of the General Assembly and its Second Committee is available online at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/ (search for the following press releases – "GA/SM/231" "GA/9851" "ENV/DEV/557" "GA/9849" "GA/9848"). FIRST MEETING OF THE GLOBAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY – RURAL ENERGY: PRIORITIES FOR ACTION: The First Meeting of the Global Forum on Sustainable Energy (GFSE) was held from 11-13 December 2000 at the Headquarters of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg, Austria. The meeting, which addressed the topic of Rural Energy: Priorities for Action, was attended by more than 120 participants representing government agencies, United Nations bodies, business and industry, non-governmental organizations and academia. It was co-sponsored by IIASA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the City of Vienna and the Austrian Government (Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management). Support was also provided by a number of other donors, including the Governments of Norway and Sweden and the Leadership for Environment and Development Foundation (LEAD). The GFSE developed from outreach efforts related to the World Energy Assessment initiative, which was organized by UNDP, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the World Energy Council. It is envisaged that the GFSE will provide a forum for a series of ongoing multi-stakeholder dialogues aimed at facilitating decision-making on energy policy issues in relevant fora. Participants at this meeting convened in a series of plenary sessions to hear presentations and engage in discussions on: linkages between rural energy and sustainable development; enabling frameworks for attracting investment for rural energy; lessons learned; financing issues; challenges and opportunities of regulatory reform; innovation; and the way forward, including a work plan for the GFSE. They also met in parallel break-out sessions to identify regional priorities and opportunities in relation to enabling frameworks, financing and regulatory issues. At its conclusion, participants considered the key messages and actions discussed during the meeting. The GFSE's outcomes will contribute to various negotiations and processes, including energy-related work being undertaken by the UN Commission on Sustainable Development at its ninth session (CSD-9) in April 2001. It is also expected to contribute to sustainable energy discussions at the Third UN Conference of Least Developed Countries taking place in Brussels in May 2001, and at the Ten Year Review of the UN Conference on Environment and Development in 2002. The Sustainable Developments report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/crs/gfse1/ VILLAGE POWER 2000 CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS: The Village Power 2000 conference and workshops took place from 4-7 December 2000 at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. The event was sponsored by Winrock International and the World Bank's Rural and Renewable Energy and Rural Development Thematic Groups, the UNDP/World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, with Astropower, Bergey Windpower Company, Honeywell and ORMAT as corporate partners. The event was attended by 600 participants from 52 countries representing international financing institutions, intergovernmental organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations, and business and industry. The focus of Village Power 2000 was on exploring ways to advance rural transformation by improving access to modern clean energy services for: income generation; community needs in health and education; and home use. During two days of the Village Power 2000 meeting, participants met in plenary and break-out sessions to hear presentations and discuss issues including: a new vision for rural transformation and poverty alleviation; renewable technologies for global markets; the linking of energy and rural development; the scaling- up of rural energy services; traditional fuels and household energy; and methods to ensure equitable benefits from rural energy services. Participants heard keynote speeches by Nicholas Stern, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, the World Bank; Robert Thompson, Director of Rural Development, the World Bank; Richard Truly, Director, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Chair of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, addressed conference participants and inaugurated a solar village set up in the World Bank atrium in conjunction with the Village Power conference. The conference closed on Wednesday, 6 December, after a wrap-up session summarizing the meeting's major issues and themes. Village Power 2000 also incorporated workshops that addressed a variety of issues related to renewable energies and sustainable development, including: micro-enterprise and introduction of technology to indigenous peoples; rural telecommunications and digital technologies; village power models and computer-based analysis for rural energy development; long-term world energy scenarios and the role of renewable technology; gender in energy; small wind energy tutorial; clean water delivery; and energy and poverty. The Sustainable Developments report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/crs/vp2k/ INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS OF LARGE DAMS: This workshop was held from 4-6 December 2000 in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by UNEP and attended by technical experts from many countries, the meeting was intended as a follow-up to the World Commission on Dams (WCD) report, Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making, launched in November. The meeting also aimed to promote the exchange of experiences on assessment, mitigation and financing for ecosystem impacts of large dams in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Participants considered case studies from a number of countries, including Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, China and Croatia. The workshop noted the negative effects large dams can have on river flow, water quality, sedimentation, species number and composition. However, positive impacts were also highlighted, including the role appropriately planned and designed dams can play in supporting ecosystem rehabilitation and helping combat drought and desertification. For more information contact: Takehiro Nakamura, PO Box 30552, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya; tel: +254- 2-623886; fax: +254-2-624249; e-mail: takahiro.nakamura@unep.org 24TH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE: This meeting was held from 27 November – 2 December 2000 in Cairns, Australia. The Intergovernmental World Heritage Committee consists of 21 States Parties elected by the General Assembly of 161 Parties to the World Heritage Convention. During the meeting, Committee members inscribed 61 new cultural and natural sites on the World Heritage List, which now includes 690 sites of "exceptional universal value" in 122 countries. Participants also reviewed the List of World Heritage in Danger. More information on this meeting is available online at: http://www.unesco.org/whc/nwhc/pages/news/main2.htm THE GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY FOUNDING FORUM: The Global Responsibility Founding Forum met from 16-18 November 2000 in Cap D'Ail, France and Monaco. Global Responsibility was recently incorporated as a holding company based in Copenhagen and this was the first of annually scheduled Global Responsibility Forums, which will seek to nurture the emergence of a corporate culture based on transparency and accountability. Over 140 participants, representing business, academia, the media, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from more than 15 countries, attended the three-day Forum. The Forum's theme was "Toward Global Responsibility: Corporate Accountability through Transparency." During the course of the meeting, participants witnessed the official inauguration of Global Responsibility, heard Plenary addresses about the Global Responsibility Communication Platform, attended thematic panel discussions on corporate responsibility, and participated in workshops on sustainability-related issues. The Sustainable Developments report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/crs/GRFF/ BIODIVERSITY FIRST MEETING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY: The first Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (ICCP) was held in Montpellier, France, from 11-15 December 2000. Approximately 575 participants from 83 countries and 131 intergovernmental, non- governmental and industry organizations participated. Delegates met in two working groups to discuss six issues: information- sharing and the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH); capacity building; the roster of experts; decision-making procedures; handling, transport, packaging and identification; and compliance. Delegates expressed their satisfaction with progress made during the meeting in identifying steps necessary to prepare for the Protocol's entry into force. Many hailed the congenial "Montpellier Spirit" of the meeting as a positive force in building confidence and political momentum for the process. The meeting also highlighted the significant hurdles to be overcome, especially in the areas of developing countries' capacity to implement the Protocol and means to make the BCH operational and accessible to all. ICCP-1 concluded with recommendations for inter-sessional activities prior to ICCP-2 (which will be held in Montreal from 1-5 October 2001), along with Chair's summaries of the discussions for each substantive item to be further considered by ICCP-2. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/biodiv/iccp1/ FOURTH INTER-SESSIONAL CONTACT GROUP MEETING ON THE REVISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNDERTAKING ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, IN HARMONY WITH THE CBD: The Fourth Inter- sessional Contact Group Meeting on the revision of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources (IU), in Harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, was held in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, from 12-17 November 2000. Approximately 100 participants from 37 countries, one regional economic integration unit, four intergovernmental and two non-governmental observer organizations attended the meeting. Delegates continued negotiations on the Composite Draft Text, specifically on Articles 12 (Coverage of the Multilateral System), 14 (Benefit-sharing), 16 (Financial Resources), 17 (Governing Body) and Annex V (Conditions For Participation of International Institutions in the Multilateral System and Placing of International Ex Situ Collections in the Multilateral System). Delegates also heard presentations from the World Trade Organization and the Future Harvest Centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. Many delegates noted the slow pace of the meeting, which only dealt with two or three articles in significant depth, despite a much broader initial agenda. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to Article 16, where delegates agreed on most of its provisions. Several delegates thought that discussions on Article 14.2(d)(iv) on benefit-sharing from commercialized plant genetic resources for food and agriculture from the Multilateral System represented a step backward as the tentative understanding reached in Tehran at the third Contact Group meeting was re-opened and left unresolved. Finally, Articles 12 and 17 were addressed only briefly. Such slow progress called into question an extraordinary session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture scheduled for early 2001, which was intended to complete and adopt the revised IU. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/biodiv/iucg4/index.html CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT FIFTH SESSION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL LEGALLY BINDING INSTRUMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING INTERNATIONAL ACTION ON CERTAIN PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS: The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC- 5) for an International Legally Binding Instrument for Implementing International Action on Certain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) met from 4-9 December 2000, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Approximately 525 participants from 122 countries, as well as representatives of international organizations and non- governmental organizations (NGOs), participated in INC-5 to complete preparation of an international legally binding instrument for implementing international action on twelve POPs, grouped into three categories: 1) pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene; 2) industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and 3) unintended byproducts: dioxins and furans. More than four years after the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety ad hoc Working Group recommended the development of an international agreement to eliminate some of the world's most toxic chemicals, and some two and a half years after INC-1 in Montreal, participants gathered in Johannesburg for the fifth and final round of negotiations for a legally binding POPs Convention. The negotiators faced numerous policy divides, brackets and a heavy workload. On a positive note, they had a strong sense of history, and were able to harness the potential of negotiation to overcome fundamental differences. In the final analysis, it was a combination of factors that brought success, including the persistence and hard work of negotiators, skilled chairmanship and the threat of failure. The final compromises reached by the early hours of Sunday morning produced robust but flexible control measures, strong elements of precaution and a realistic financing solution. Together, these serve as a promising start on the long road towards eliminating persistent organic pollutants. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/chemical/pops5/ SEVENTH SESSION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE 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 seventh session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee 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 (INC-7) was held from 30 October - 3 November 2000, in Geneva, Switzerland. Over 230 delegates from more than 100 countries, including representatives of IGOs and NGOs, attended the five-day meeting. Participants at INC-7 gathered to consider a series of transitional issues between the Rotterdam Convention's adoption and its entry into force, including the discontinuation of the interim PIC procedure. In spite of a heavy agenda, a show of new faces and a tendency to seek further advice on complex questions, delegates dispensed with many agenda items ahead of schedule and, in a cooperative spirit, made measured progress on many of the issues at hand. The PIC procedure aims to promote a shared responsibility between exporting and importing countries in protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of certain hazardous chemicals that are traded internationally. The Rotterdam Convention on the PIC Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade was adopted on 10 September 1998. To date, the Convention has been signed by 72 States and one regional economic integration organization, and ratified by 11 States (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Oman, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia and Suriname). It will enter into force once 50 instruments of ratification are deposited. Until the Convention's first Conference of the Parties, the INC will continue to provide guidance regarding the implementation of the PIC procedure during the interim period. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/chemical/pic/pic7/index.html CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE TWELFTH MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL: The Twelfth Meeting of the Parties (MOP-12) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer met from 11-14 December 2000, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The meeting consisted of a preparatory segment from 11-12 December, followed by a high-level segment from 13-14 December. Over 300 participants from 107 countries representing governments, UN agencies, international organizations and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting. During the course of the meeting, MOP-12 adopted decisions on, inter alia: a correction to the Beijing Adjustments; measures to facilitate the transition from chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based metered-dose inhalers (MDIs); data reporting; disposal of controlled substances; essential-use-exemption applications; monitoring of international trade and prevention of illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and ODS-containing mixtures and products; and financial matters. MOP-12 also considered, but did not adopt decisions on, the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in developing countries (Article 5 Parties), process agents and new ODS, specifically information on hexachlorobutadiene. MOP-12 also adopted the Ouagadougou Declaration. MOP-12 was a low key and quiet meeting. The agenda was light and the debates good humored, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of Burkina Faso. The decisions taken were mostly on procedural and "housekeeping" matters, and delegates were able to complete their work quickly and smoothly. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/ozone/mop12/ SIXTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: The Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the resumed thirteenth sessions of the UNFCCC's subsidiary bodies were held in The Hague, the Netherlands, from 13-25 November 2000. Over 7,000 participants from 182 governments, 323 intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and 443 media outlets were in attendance. The meeting aimed to set the operational details for commitments on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and to reach agreement on actions to strengthen implementation of the UNFCCC itself. In attempting to achieve these goals, the meeting was intended to bring to a close more than two years of preparations and negotiations set out in the UNFCCC's 1998 Buenos Aires Plan of Action. During the first week, delegates met in informal contact groups and other negotiating groups mandated by the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies. These meetings aimed to reduce differences on text for decisions on a range of issues related to the Protocol and the UNFCCC, including: the transfer of technology and capacity building to assist developing countries and countries with economies in transition; the adverse effects of climate change and the impact of implementation of response measures; best practices in domestic policies and measures to address greenhouse gas emissions; the mechanisms outlined under the Protocol; a compliance system for the Protocol; and issues relating to the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector. The resumed thirteenth sessions of the subsidiary bodies, which had begun in Lyon in September and reconvened from 13-18 November in The Hague, concluded their work by adopting a number of draft conclusions containing text for decisions by COP-6. However, much of the text transmitted by the subsidiary bodies to the COP lacked complete agreement by delegates and differences on many crucial issues remained. During the second week, COP-6 President Jan Pronk of the Netherlands attempted to facilitate progress on the many disputed political and technical issues by convening high-level informal Plenary sessions to address the key political issues, which he grouped into four "clusters" or "boxes," as follows: (a) capacity building, technology transfer, adverse effects and guidance to the Global Environment Facility (GEF); (b) mechanisms; (c) LULUCF; and, (d) compliance, policies and measures, and accounting, reporting and review under Articles 5 (methodological issues), 7 (communication of information) and 8 (review of information). Ministers and other senior negotiators convened in four groups to negotiate on these clusters in an attempt to reach consensus. However, by Thursday, 23 November, negotiations appeared stalled, and President Pronk distributed a Note containing his proposals on key issues in an attempt to force a breakthrough that would lead to consensus. Ministerial negotiations took place throughout Friday and into Saturday. However, after almost 36 hours of intense talks on the President's proposals, negotiators did not achieve a breakthrough, with supplementarity, compliance and LULUCF proving to be particular sticking points. On Saturday afternoon, 25 November, President Pronk convened a final high- level informal Plenary in which he announced that delegates had failed to reach agreement. Delegates agreed to suspend COP-6, and expressed a willingness to resume their work in 2001. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/climate/cop6/ POST COP-6 NEGOTIATIONS: Following the failure to reach agreement in The Hague, senior officials from the EU, US and other developed countries met in early December 2000 in Ottawa, Canada, for two days of talks aimed at resolving final outstanding issues, with negotiators apparently focusing on the role and extent of the use of carbon sinks in meeting emissions targets. However, the talks failed to resolve remaining differences and according to some observers even re-opened some issues believed to have been dealt with at The Hague. Later in December, EU environment ministers meeting in Brussels decided to invite members of the Umbrella Group – a loose alliance of industrialized countries that includes the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan – to attend a meeting in Oslo, Norway, in a further attempt to reach a deal. However, the invitation was declined, with US Under-secretary for Global Affairs, Frank Loy stating in a fax to the French environment minister Dominique Voynet that: "convening ministers in Oslo, but then failing to reach agreement, would not advance our common goals." It is understood that informal talks may resume during UNEP's Governing Council meeting, set to take place from 5-9 February 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya. More information on these meetings is available online at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1076000/10767 75.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/americas/newsid_1060000/106 0483.stm http://www.cnn.com/2000/NATURE/12/08/climate.talks.reut/index.html EXPERT MEETING ON GLOBAL ACCORDS - LINKAGES BETWEEN THE OZONE AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONVENTIONS: This meeting was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, from 2-3 November 2000, and was organized by UNEP, United Nations University (UNU), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Global Accords Program, and the Alliance for Global Sustainability. The meeting aimed to discuss problems in implementing global accords, specifically linkages between the ozone and climate change conventions, and the potential for their harmonized implementation. Participants considered a number of issues, including the advantages and disadvantages of synergistic implementation; the scientific and policy linkages between the two conventions; institutional implementation at the national level; the roles played by the financial mechanisms intended to support convention implementation; and the "Issue Management Approach," which was highlighted by the UN Secretary-General in his Programme for Reform as a tool to resolve the coordination needs of UN agencies. In addition, participants considered opportunities to contribute to the upcoming ten-year review of the UN Conference on Environment and Development ("Rio+10") in 2002. More information on this meeting is available online at: http://www.unu.edu/hq/rector%5Foffice/press2000/pre%2D33.00.html DESERTIFICATION FOURTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION: The Fourth Conference of the Parties (COP-4) to the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) met from 11-22 December 2000 in Bonn, Germany. Approximately 1000 participants attended the conference, including 111 NGOs, 90 IGOs and 40 UN bodies and specialized organizations. As was the case at COP-3 in Recife in 1999, many left the conference contemplating the missed opportunities, laying blame on time lost to procedural obstacles that hindered progress on substantial issues relating to the review of CCD implementation. They felt that little had changed since COP-3, with many of the same problems relating to procedural issues, loss of institutional memory, a void in leadership, and apparent disinterest in the CCD among some developed countries appearing again. However, COP-4 did have some notable achievements. It adopted the fifth regional annex for Central and Eastern European countries, commenced work on the ad hoc working group to review implementation (AHWG), decided to consider modalities for the establishment of a committee to review implementation of the Convention (CRIC), and adopted a decision relating to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and how to enhance access to that body to assist countries with CCD implementation. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/desert/cop4/index.html FORESTS EIGHT-COUNTRY INITIATIVE ON SHAPING THE WORK PROGRAMME OF THE UN FORUM ON FORESTS: The International Expert Consultation on the Eight-Country Initiative on Shaping the Programme of Work of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) convened from 27 November to 1 December 2000 in Bonn, Germany. The Consultation brought together approximately 100 experts from 32 countries representing governments, NGOs, the private sector, international organizations and UN agencies to consider the functions of the UNFF. Participants sought to assist the international community in developing the concept and basic elements of the UNFF's multiyear programme of work (MYPOW). The Consultation resulted in a report of views exchanged, which will be forwarded to the UN Secretary- General's office to contribute to preparations for the first session of the UNFF. Consultation participants emphasized that the report does not represent consensus views. The Sustainable Developments report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/crs/8ci/ TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT WTO GENERAL COUNCIL: The WTO General Council convened from 7-8 December 2000 to consider a variety of issues, including developments in the global trading system, transparency issues, and dispute settlement reform. In his appraisal of progress made since the failed Seattle negotiations in late 1999, WTO Director- General Mike Moore highlighted a number of key challenges and obstacles, including the need to advance talks on agriculture and services and the importance of encouraging full participation of all members in the process. He suggested that 2000 had been a year of "challenge and consolidation" and expressed optimism for the year 2001, stating that the "hard work we have invested over these last 12 months leaves us well placed to go even further forward next year." In addition to its regular formal meeting, the General Council also met in a Special Session on Implementation on 15 December to continue considering implementation-related issues and concerns raised by developing countries. However, although a decision on implementation matters was adopted, little actual progress was reported, with ongoing Special Sessions set to take up these issues. More information on the General Council's meeting is available at the WTO's website (text from the decision on Implementation): http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news00_e/gc_finaldecision_15dec0 0_e.htm (Director-General Mike Moore's review of the year 2000): http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/spmm_e/spmm46_e.htm For more information, visit Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest (see Volume 4 Numbers 47 & 48): http://www.ictsd.org/html/newsdigest.htm WTO COUNCIL ON TRADE-RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: The World Trade Organization's TRIPS Council met in Geneva from 27 November to 1 December 2000. Delegates considered a variety of issues, including protection of inventions of plant varieties, matters related to least-developed countries, and review of implementation of the TRIPS Agreement. Participants also considered linkages between TRIPS and the UN Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) during informal consultations. Differences were expressed over the interrelationship between the two agreements, with some countries favoring addressing biodiversity issues under TRIPS, while others preferred excluding such issues from TRIPS. More information on this meeting is available from Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest, Volume 4 Number 46: http://www.ictsd.org/html/newsdigest.htm WILDLIFE SUMMARY OF THE CITES TECHNICAL COMMITTEES MEETINGS: Participants in the Second Joint Meeting of the Animals and Plants Committees of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 16th Meeting of the Animals Committee and the 10th Meeting of the Plants Committee gathered from 7-15 December 2000, at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The Joint Meeting of the CITES Animals and Plants Committees convened from 7-9 December 2000. This meeting drew together approximately 150 participants from States, non-governmental organizations and international organizations, including the regional representatives for the Plants and Animals Committees in the Criteria Working Group (CWG) and experts appointed to the CWG. Participants had the task of commenting on the review of the criteria for amendments to Appendices I and II. Appendix I includes all species threatened with extinction, which are or may be affected by trade. Appendix II includes all species, which although not necessarily now threatened with extinction, may become so unless trade in these species is subject to strict regulation. Although participants seemed satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, some criteria proposals by the CWG initially came as a surprise to many. Some commented on a lack of scientific expertise among participants, which might have slowed the review process and made it less efficient. All agreed that the importance of this review should not be underestimated, including consequences for discussions at COP-12 and future Appendix listing. Following the Joint Meeting, the sixteenth Meeting of the Animals Committee convened from 11-15 December and gathered approximately 200 participants, including over 70 NGOs. The Animals Committee addressed, inter alia: the transport of live animals; trade in hard corals; traditional medicines; captive breeding and ranching; conservation of seahorses; labeling of caviar; the status of sharks; tissue samples; and trade in alien species and in freshwater turtles and tortoises. At the conclusion of the meeting, most delegates felt the Committee had managed to tackle all the issues contained in its heavy agenda. Many commented that this would not have been possible without the efficient collaborative work completed in the numerous working groups. The Committee made definite progress on the issues of turtles and surgeon and caviar labeling. Others welcomed enhanced interest in seahorses. Overall, participants said the Committee had accomplished its role of distributing "homework" to Parties to be completed before the next meeting of the Animals Committee. The tenth Meeting of the Plants Committee met in parallel. Approximately 50 participants, including 15 NGO representatives, attended this meeting, which addressed: medicinal plants, orchids, Araucaria araucana, Bigleaf mahogany, Guaiacum sanctum, artificial propagation of timber, identification material, significant trade in plants, and strategic planning and training initiatives. Participants were satisfied with the work achieved in the Plants Committee, and the early conclusion of the meeting was taken as a sign of efficiency. The Committee succeeded in achieving its first and foremost intention to instigate initiatives and cooperation among participants. The launching of a review on orchids and progress in the significant trade review were perceived as accomplishments. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/vol21/enb2117e.html MEDIA REPORTS The latest news from the field of international environment and development negotiations, with links to relevant media coverage and press releases SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ANNAN ANNOUNCES NEW FINANCING PANEL UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has announced the formation of a high-level panel to provide advice on actions to meet the financing needs of developing countries. The panel will be chaired by Ernesto Zedillo, a former President of Mexico. The panel was formed in response to the UN Millennium Declaration, which gave high priority to goals relating to development and poverty eradication. At a press conference held on 15 December, Kofi Annan said the panel would "help build up political momentum, so that the meeting on financing for development in 2002 can mark a real turning point in the fortunes of poor countries, and poor people, all over the world." The panel will report to Kofi Annan by May 2001. Links to further information UN press release, 15 December 2000 http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20001215.sga761.doc.html DAMS COMMISSION PUBLISHES FINAL REPORT The World Commission on Dams has published its final report, providing a review of large dams and their role in development. The release of the report, Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making, concluded two years of consultations, discussions and debate that brought together key stakeholders. The report finds that dams have made a significant contribution to human development, but in too many cases, the social and environmental costs have been unacceptable and often unnecessary. It also highlights the need for a new framework for decision- making that moves beyond simple cost-benefit tradeoffs to introduce an inclusive "rights and risks approach," and stresses the need for development of a set of core values, strategic priorities, and practical criteria and guidelines governing water and energy resources. The Commission's mandate expired with the launch of the publication. The Commission Forum will convene in February 2001 to consider further mechanisms for implementation. Links to further information Commission press release, November 2000 http://www.dams.org/ CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE SCIENTISTS STRESS SUN'S IMPACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE The impact of the Sun in bringing about global warming may have been underestimated, according to scientists at Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland. Weather observations from the observatory, which have been recorded almost daily since 1795, suggest that changes in the Sun – or solar variability - are "at least partially responsible" for global warming over the past two centuries, according to John Butler, the astronomer in charge of the project. The data appears to contradict previous suggestions that the Sun has not been a significant contributor to global warming. Links to further information BBC News report, 28 November 2000 http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1045000/1045327.s tm FORESTS NEW THINKING URGED ON FORESTRY More consideration should be given to forest quality rather than forest quantity, according to a new report from the World Resources Institute. The report, Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems (PAGE): Forest Ecosystems, notes that forest areas in developed countries continue to increase marginally, while in developing countries forests continue to be cleared at the rate of at least 140,000 square kilometers each year. However, the report suggests that change in forest area is only one issue, and highlights changes within forested areas in terms of distribution, density, and tree types and size. The report attempts to analyze the condition of forests based on their capacity to provide a range of goods and services. It argues that commercial forestry still leads to significant changes in the ecology of forests. Links to further information WRI press release, 27 December 2000 http://www.wri.org/press/page_forests_pr.html OCEANS AND COASTS UNEP ESTABLISHES CORAL REEF UNIT The UN Environment Programme has established a new Coral Reef Unit. The new unit will contribute to ongoing international work on coral reefs, and will participate in the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN), an international collaboration of international organizations that aims to reverse the global trend of coral reef degradation. Links to further information UNEP press release, 5 December 2000 http://www.unep.org/Documents/Default.asp?DocumentID=186&ArticleID =2708 COMINGS AND GOINGS Information on key appointments, departures and vacancies at United Nations agencies, international organizations, government departments and non-governmental organizations active in the field of international environment and development negotiations APPOINTMENTS CANADA APPOINTS ENVIRONMENT AMBASSADOR Gilbert Parent has been appointed Canada's Ambassador for the Environment. The post involves engaging the Canadian public, NGOs, indigenous groups, businesses and provincial and territorial governments on international environment and sustainable development issues. It also involves representing the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Environment at international meetings and negotiations. Gilbert Parent has served as Parliamentary Secretary to a number of Ministers, and has been speaker of the House of Commons since 1994. More information is available online at: http://198.103.104.118/minpub/Publication.asp?FileSpec=/Min_Pub_Do cs/103838.htm UN HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS HEAD ANNOUNCED UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has appointed Kenzo Oshima of Japan as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Kenzo Oshima is currently serving as Secretary-General of the Secretariat for International Peace Cooperation Headquarters in the Office of Japan's Prime Minister. In his new position he will succeed Sergio Vieira de Mello. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/News/briefings/ (press release "SG/A/755") NEW DIRECTOR OF ACEEE ANNOUNCED Steve Nadel has been appointed the next Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). He is currently Deputy Director, and will take up his new duties on 1 February 2001, replacing the incumbent Howard Gellar, who is leaving ACEEE after 20 years. More information is available online at: http://www.aceee.org/new/execdir.htm DEPARTURES IUCN DIRECTOR-GENERAL DEPARTS The Director-General of IUCN (The World Conservation Union), Maritta von Bieberstein Koch-Weser, has decided to leave the organization after almost two year's in the post. During her tenure, IUCN developed a new Programme entitled "Stepping into the New Millennium," implemented a number of internal and organizational reforms, and held the World Conservation Congress in Amman, Jordan. From 1 January 2001, Simon Stuart will take up the position of Acting Director General. More information is available online at: http://www.iucn.org/info_and_news/press/dgdeparts.html VACANCIES GREENPEACE SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Greenpeace, the environmental organization, is seeking an International Executive Director. Expressions of interest must be received by 4 January 2001, with the closing date for applications being 11 January. More information is available online at: http://www.greenpeace.org/jobs/ied.html UNCTAD ADVERTISES FOR SENIOR ECONOMIST The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is seeking a Senior Economic Affairs Officer for its Office of the Special Coordinator for Least Developed, Land-locked and Island Developing Countries. This is a P-5 UN position and is based in Geneva. The closing date for applications is 6 January 2001. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/e400423.htm IPCC SEEKS TECHNICAL SUPPORT UNIT CHIEF The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is seeking a Head for its Technical Support Unit for the National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme. The Unit is hosted by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), which is located in Japan. More information is available online at: http://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/Vacancy_Head_TSU_221200.pdf REGIONAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISER SOUGHT The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is seeking a Regional Adviser on Social Development for its Pacific Operations Center. This is an L-5 position based in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2001. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/escepoc2.htm SENIOR VACANCIES AT WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME The World Food Programme is seeking a Chief Information Officer and Director, as well as a new Human Resources Director. These vacancies are designated as D-2 UN positions and are based in Rome. Applications must be received by 31 January 2001. More information is available online at: http://www.wfp.org/vacancies/ DEPUTY DIRECTOR VACANCY AT UN HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICE The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is seeking an Assistant Emergency Relief Coordinator and Director, a D-2 post based in Geneva. The deadline for applications is 18 February 2001. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/cha1500.htm POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT FAO The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has a variety of professional positions available, mostly designated as P-3, P-4 and P-5 level UN positions. Many of these positions are based in Rome. More information is available online at: http://www.fao.org/VA/Employ.htm READINGS New and recent book titles, articles and other literature on environment and development JOURNALS /Biosafety "The 2000 Cartagena Protocol on biosafety: legal and political dimensions." Global Environmental Change 10 (4, 2000), pp. 313- 317. Peter Newell and Ruth Mackenzie highlight some of the key issues central to the negotiations, and examine the divisions between negotiators, as well as the outcome of their deliberations. /Climate Change "Acceleration of global warming due to carbon-cycle feedbacks in a coupled climate model." Nature 408 (6809, 2000), pp. 184-187. In this article, Peter Cox, Richard Betts and Chris Jones present results from a fully coupled, three-dimensional carbon-climate model, which indicates that carbon-cycle feedbacks could significantly accelerate climate change over the twenty-first century. "Climate change and forest sinks: factors affecting the costs of carbon sequestration." Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 40 (3, 2000), pp. 211-235. Richard Newell considers the use of encouraging the growth of forests as a cost-effective method for sequestering carbon dioxide. The article examines the sensitivity of carbon sequestration costs to changes in critical factors, including the nature of management and deforestation regimes, silvicultural species, relative prices, and discount rates. "The long-term requirement for clean development mechanism forestry and economic liability." Journal of Environment & Development 9 (4, 2000), pp. 384-404. Reimund Schwarze and John Niles evaluate CDM-sponsored forest conservation using several types of economic liability schemes. They conclude that seller liability has intrinsic advantages over other types of liability contracts. The authors then propose a modified seller liability contract for CDM forestry that is more profitable to host countries than pure seller liability, while still providing sufficient long-term incentives. "Community forest management in Mexico: carbon mitigation and biodiversity conservation through rural development." Global Environmental Change 10 (4, 2000), pp. 259-272. In this paper, Daniel Klooster and Omar Masera argue that adequately designed and implemented community forestry management projects can help avoid deforestation and restore forest cover and forest density, providing both carbon mitigation and sustainable rural development. They argue for inclusion of these types of projects in the CDM. "The Dyson effect: carbon "offset" forestry and the privatization of the atmosphere." International Journal of Environment and Pollution 15 (1, 2001), pp. 51-78. Larry Lohman examines the view that large tree plantations are a viable way of mitigating climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions. The author argues that this approach to global warming is based on "bad science," enlarges rather than reduces richer societies' ecological footprint, and reinforces "new-colonialist" power structures. "Interaction between environmental policy instruments: carbon emissions trading and integrated pollution prevention and control." International Journal of Environment and Pollution 15 (1, 2001), pp. 22-41. In this article, Adrian Smith and Steve Sorrell analyze how the European Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control might interact with future schemes for carbon emissions trading, given that these two instruments encourage industrial energy efficiency in fundamentally different ways. "Design alternatives for a domestic carbon trading scheme in the United States." Global Environmental Change 10 (4, 2000), pp. 273- 288. K. John Holmes and Robert M. Friedman present two variations on a US domestic carbon trading system: an auction system controlling carbon at the point of energy production and distribution; and a hybrid system allocating permits to large combustors and controlling smaller sources through standards. The paper compares these two options and examines various methods for allocating permits and incorporating standards. "Double exposure: assessing the impacts of climate change within the context of economic globalization." Global Environmental Change, vol. 10, no. 3, October 2000, pp. 221-232. Karen O'Brien and Robin Leichenko introduce the concept of "double exposure" as a framework for examining the simultaneous impacts of climate change and globalization. The authors suggest that certain regions, sectors, ecosystems and social groups will be confronted both by the impacts of climate change and the consequences of globalization. They suggest that, by considering the joint impacts of the two processes, new sets of winners and losers emerge. /Environment and Corporate Policy "Oceans apart? Business responses to global environmental issues in Europe and the United States." Environment, vol. 42, no. 9, November 2000, pp. 8-20. In this article, David L. Levy and Peter Newell consider how companies on either side of the Atlantic adopt attitudes and policies toward the environment, and examine recent studies suggesting that corporate strategies in Europe and the United States are not as polarized as they may at first appear. /Local Agenda 21 "Leicester environment city: learning how to make local agenda 21, partnerships and participation deliver." Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 12 (2), 2000, pp. 9-26. In this article, Ian Roberts outlines experiences of the city of Leicester in the UK in developing its Local Agenda 21. The article describes the strengths and limitations of the specialist working groups that sought to make partnerships work, the information programmes designed to inform the public, and measures to encourage widespread participation. "Local agenda 21 in practice - a Swedish example." Sustainable Development 8 (4, 2000), pp. 201-214. Sofie Adolfsson Jorby analyses a local Agenda 21 project aimed at reducing the nutrient supply into a Swedish Baltic Sea bay. The article focuses on project implementation and efforts to increase public participation, especially that of farmers and owners of single sewage treatment systems. /Inter-Linkages "The case for a world environment organization." Environment, vol. 42, no. 9, November 2000, p.22-31. Frank Biermann's article examines arguments that a centralized international organization is needed to improve the creation and implementation of more effective environmental policies, and to end the fragmentation among existing environment-related agencies and treaties. "Prospects for Rio +10: the need for an inter-linkages approach to global environmental governance." Global Environmental Change 10 (4, 2000), pp. 307-312. In this article, Jerry Velasquez outlines the United Nations University's Inter-linkages Initiative, which aims to explore the potential for a more integrated approach to environmental treaty making and environmental management. /Trade and Environment "Trade and environment after Seattle: a negotiation agenda for the South." Journal of Environment & Development 9 (4, 2000), pp. 405- 425. In this article, Adil Najam argues that developing countries cannot afford to disengage themselves from the discussion, and proposes a proactive and positive strategy for these countries in future international negotiations that seeks to achieve sustainable development through active engagement in the trade and environment discourse. "Mexico's environmental performance under NAFTA: the first five years." Journal of Environment & Development 9 (4, 2000), pp. 370- 383. In this article, Jeanne Lodgson and Bryan Husted examine available evidence for the period 1994-98. Taking into account key economic and political events that influenced environmental policy and practice, the authors suggest that Mexico's environmental policy improved during this period. They also find that: environmental enforcement was initially maintained but may have declined subsequently; and business behavior has improved, although the information on environmental quality is either "mixed or not available for public scrutiny." New Publications /Climate and Atmosphere Beating the Heat: Why and How We Must Combat Global Warming (Berkeley Hills Books, 2000). In this book, John Berger examines the evidence for anthropogenic causes of climate change, arguing that urgent action is needed and that delays in addressing the problem will increase the costs of transforming the world's energy systems to a more climate-safe model. The author suggests that the US could play a leading role in addressing this problem. The book is intended both for specialists such as policymakers, as well as for the general public. More information is available online at: http://www.berkeleyhills.com. WHAT'S NEW ONLINE /Kyoto Protocol A Technical Paper on the Kyoto Protocol has been prepared by Joanna Depledge for the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The paper, "Tracing the Origins of the Kyoto Protocol: An Article-By-Article Textual History," provides an in- depth history of the Kyoto Protocol negotiations, tracing each provision from the original proposals from Parties through to the final authentic language. The paper is intended as a resource for policymakers and students of international environmental negotiations interested in the development of the Protocol text over the two and a half years of negotiations. The paper was recently made available online at: http://www.unfccc.int/resource/docs/tp/tp0200.pdf /Trade and Environment "Regulatory Standards in the WTO: Comparing Intellectual Property Rights with Competition Policy, Environmental Protection, and Core Labor Standards." In this paper, Keith E. Maskus considers the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which he says greatly expands the purview of the World Trade Organization (WTO) into domestic regulatory standards. He notes that the minimum standards required in TRIPS are essentially about production processes, thereby erasing the traditional "product versus process" distinction in the trading rules, and suggests that this evolution raises the question of whether other regulatory and process standards, including competition policy, environmental standards, and worker rights, should be placed onto the WTO agenda. Maskus reviews the logic and evidence for such inclusion based on economic arguments for multilateral management of market externalities, policy coordination problems, and systemic trade issues. He concludes that, conditional upon the protection of intellectual property rights in the WTO, a strong case may be made for including competition rules. The case is weaker for environmental regulation and quite weak for labor rights. The report is available online at: http://www.wtowatch.org/library/admin/uploadedfiles/ Regulatory_Standards_in_the_WTO_Comparing_I_2.htm /Codex Alimentarius "A Forced Evolution? The Codex Alimentarius Commission, Scientific Uncertainty and the Precautionary Principle" is a new working paper produced by the International Institute for Sustainable Development. This paper examines how scientific uncertainty is forcing a crisis in the Codex—the international food safety standard setter—and proposes an organizational evolution based on some of the key elements of the precautionary principle. The paper is available online at: http://www.iisd.org/trade/pubs.htm UPCOMING MEETINGS Information on upcoming conferences, workshops and symposia in the field of international environment and development negotiations SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WORLD CONGRESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: This congress will be held from 8-12 January 2001, in San José, Costa Rica. For more information contact: Ramón Ojeda, Secretario General, CIACA; tel/fax: +34-943-278-888; Internet: http://www.greenchannel.com/iceac E-CONFERENCE ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - EXPLORING THE LINKS: This E-conference will begins on 9 January 2000 and run for a period of four weeks. The conference aims to inform the direction of new aid policies, and is being organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development. For more information, visit: http://www.iisd.org/pe/pov_sd/e_conference.htm WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING: The 2001 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos, Switzerland from 25-30 January 2001. The theme of the meeting is "Bridging the Divides: Creating a Roadmap for the Global Future." For more information contact: Maude Lichtenstern, World Economic Forum; tel: +41-22-869-1210; e-mail maude.lichtenstern@weforum.org; Internet: http://weforum.org/ or http://www.ac.com/ideas/wef/Davos_2001.html THIRD INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF ECONOMISTS ON GLOBALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES: This meeting will be held in Havana, Cuba, from 29 January – 2 February 2001. For more information contact: Asociacón Nacional de Economistas de Cuba, Calle 22 No. 901 esq.9a, Miramar, Playa Ciudad de la Habana, CP 11300, Cuba; tel: +53-7-249-461; Internet: http://www.unchs.org/unchs/english/calendar/ GLOBAL CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: This regional conference will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 17- 19 February 2001. For more information contact: Connie Chiang, SARCS Secretariat, Bangkok, Thailand; tel: +662-218-8126; fax: +662-255-4967; Internet: http://www.icsea.or.id/sarcs2001/ WORKSHOP ON INTERLINKAGES, SYNERGIES AND COORDINATION AMONG MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS: This workshop will meet from 26-27 February 2001, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information contact: Motoyuki Suzuki, the United Nations University; tel: +81-3-3499-2811; fax: +81-3-3499-2828; Internet: http://www.unu.edu/capacitybuilding/index.htm WORLD SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DAY 2001: This meeting will be held from 28 February – 2 March 2001 in Wels, Austria. For more information contact: Christine Oehlinger, O.Oe. Energiesparverband; tel: +43- 732-6584-4861; fax: +43-732-6584-4383; e-mail: christine.oehlinger@esv.or.at; Internet: http://www.esv.or.at CSD-9: The Ninth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development will be held in New York from 16-27 April 2001. This session will focus on: atmosphere; energy/transport; information for decision making and participation; and international cooperation for an enabling environment. The topic of the multi- stakeholder dialogue segment will be energy and transport. Prior to CSD-9, intersessional meetings will be held from 26 February – 2 March (Energy Expert Group), 6-9 March (Working Group on transport and atmosphere) and 12-16 March (Working Group on information for decision-making and participation and on international cooperation for an enabling environment). For more information contact: Zehra Aydin-Sipos, Major Groups Focal Point, Division for Sustainable Development; tel: +1-212-963-8811; e- mail: aydin@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd9/csd9_2001.htm# GLOBAL AGRICULTURE 2020: WHICH WAY FORWARD?: This conference will be held from 18-20 April 2001, in Norwich, UK. For more information contact: Agric 2020 Conference Secretariat, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK; tel: +44-1603-450-581; e-mail: agric.2020@bbsrc.ac.uk; Internet: http://www.jic.bbsrc.ac.uk/events/agric2020 CSD-10 (PREPCOM): The Tenth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development is expected to convene for a meeting in New York from 30 April – 2 May 2001 to serve as the Preparatory Committee for the Ten-year Review of UNCED. For more information contact: Zehra Aydin-Sipos, Major Groups Focal Point, Division for Sustainable Development; tel: +1-212-963-8811; e-mail: aydin@un.org ECO-INFORMA 2001: ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS & THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY - STRATEGIES FOR MEETING THE CHALLENGES: This meeting will take place from 14-18 May 2001, in Argonne, Illinois, USA. For more information contact: Alvin Young, US Department of Energy, Center for Risk Excellence, Argonne, Illinois, USA; tel: +1-630-252-2503; fax: +1-630-252-2654; Internet: http://eco-informa.ead.anl.gov/ THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES: This meeting will be held from 14-20 May 2001 in Brussels, Belgium. An Intergovernmental PrepCom for the event will be held from 5-9 February 2001. For more information contact: Office of the Special Coordinator for Least Developed, Landlocked and Island Developing Countries, UNCTAD, Geneva, Switzerland; tel: +41-22-907-5893; fax: +41-22-907-0046; Internet: http://www.unctad.org/en/subsites/ldcs/document.htm PARTNERSHIPS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE NEW ECONOMY: This conference will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark from 27-29 June 2001. It will bring together government officials, businesses, NGOs, academics and other parties engaged in the field of partnerships and social cohesion. For more information contact: Niels Hojensgard, The Copenhagen Centre; tel: +45 3392 9245; e-mail: dpnih@sm.dk INTELEC 2001 INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENERGY CONFERENCE: This conference will be held on 14-18 October 2001 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, UK. For more information contact: Simon Edwards, tel: +44 20-2709-2000; e-mail: intelec@iee.org.uk 18TH WORLD ENERGY CONGRESS: This meeting will take place from 21- 25 October 2001 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For more information contact: World Energy Council, United Kingdom; tel: +44-20-7734- 5996; fax: +44-20-7734-5926; Internet: http://www.mbendi.co.za/wec/contact.htm WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (RIO+10): This UN Summit for the 10-year review of progress in implementing the outcome of the UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio in 1992, will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002. The exact dates are yet to be determined. The Summit will aim to reinvigorate the global commitment to sustainable development at the highest level. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/rio%2b10/ BIODIVERSITY CBD LIAISON GROUP ON AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY AND THE ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION GROUP: These groups will meet from 24-26 January 2001, in Rome. For more information contact the CBD Secretariat; tel: +1-514-288-2220; e-mail: secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org FAO/WHO EXPERT CONSULTATION ON EVALUATING FOOD SAFETY: SCIENCE AND ETHICS: This consultation will be held from 29-31 January 2001, in Rome. For more information contact: FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-2753; fax: +39-6-5705-6347; Internet: http://www.fao.org FIFTH INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONTACT GROUP OF THE COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: This meeting will take place from 5-10 February 2001, in Rome. For more information, contact: FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-2287; Internet: http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/FAOINFO/AGRICULT/cgrfa/docscg5.htm ERADICATION OF ISLAND INVASIVES - PRACTICAL ACTIONS AND RESULTS ACHIEVED: This international conference will be held from 19-23 February 2001 in Auckland, New Zealand, and is being organized by the Invasive Species Specialist Group of IUCN. For more information contact: Dick Veitch, 48 Manse Road, Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand; tel/fax: +64-9-298-5775; Internet: http://www.issg.org/index.html#Conference INTRODUCTION TO BIOSAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: This meeting will be held from 5-9 March 2001, in Trieste, Italy. For more information contact: Giovanni Ferraiolo, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; tel: +39-40-3757364; fax: +39-40-226555; e-mail: ferraiol@icgeb.trieste.it INFORMAL CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION: This consultation will be held on 11 March 2001, in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: the CBD Secretariat; tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org SIXTH MEETING OF THE CBD'S SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE: SBSTTA-6 will meet from 12-16 March 2001, in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: the CBD Secretariat; tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e- mail: secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org/sbstta6/ PANEL OF EXPERTS ON ACCESS AND BENEFIT SHARING: This panel will meet from 19-22 March 2001, in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: the CBD Secretariat; tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org 16TH SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE: The COAG will hold its 16th Session from 26-30 March 2001, in Rome, Italy. For more information contact: FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-2287; fax: +39-6-5705- 3369; Internet: http://www.fao.org ADVANCED RESEARCH AND RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASE OF GMOS: This meeting will be held from 2-6 April 2001, in Florence, Italy. For more information contact: Giovanni Ferraiolo, Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology; tel: +39-40-3757364; fax: +39-40-226555; e-mail: ferraiol@icgeb.trieste.it NINTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: CGRFA-9 will meet from 23-27 April 2001, in Rome. For more information, contact: FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-2287; fax: +39-6- 5705-3369; Internet: http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/FAOINFO/AGRICULT/cgrfa/meetings.htm INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON BIODIVERSITY AS A SOURCE OF NEW MEDICINES: This symposium will be held from 16-19 August 2001 in Cali, Colombia. For more information contact: Ligia Pabon de Majid; tel/fax: +57-2-330-2461; Internet: http://www.biofarmacongress.com SECOND MEETING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL: This meeting will take place in Montreal, Canada, from 1-5 October 2001. For more information contact: CBD Secretariat, Montreal, Canada: tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514- 288-6588; e-mail: secretariat@biodiv.org CBD SBSTTA-7: The Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice of the Convention on Biological Diversity will meet from 12-16 November 2001 in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: CBD Secretariat, Montreal, Canada; tel: +1- 514-288-2220; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org/ MEETING OF THE AD HOC INTERSESSIONAL WORKING GROUP ON ARTICLE 8(J) OF THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY: This meeting is scheduled to take place from 4-8 February 2002 in Montreal, Canada. For more information about this and other upcoming CBD meetings contact: CBD Secretariat, Montreal, Canada; tel: +1-514-288-2220; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org/ SIXTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON BIODIVERSITY/CARTAGENA PROTOCOL MOP-1: CBD COP-6 will take place in The Hague, the Netherlands, from 8-26 April 2002. This gathering is also expected to serve as the First Meeting of the Parties (MOP-1) to the Cartagena Protocol. For more information contact: CBD Secretariat, Montreal, Canada; tel: +1-514-288-2220; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org/ CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT FIFTH CONSULTATION ON THE PREVENTION AND DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE AND UNWANTED STOCKS OF PESTICIDES: This meeting is scheduled for 2001 in Rome, Italy. Participants will consider new provisions for the prevention and disposal of obsolete stocks and update/prepare various technical guidelines in support of the FAO Code of Conduct. For more information contact: Ale Wodageneh, FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-5192; fax: +39-6-5705-6347; e-mail: A.Wodageneh@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/waicent/FaoInfo/Agricult/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/Even ts/c.htm MEETING OF THE INTERIM CHEMICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ICRC) OF THE ROTTERDAM CONVENTION: ICRC-2 will meet from 19-23 March 2001, in Rome. For more information contact: Gerold Wyrwal, FAO; tel: +39- 6-5705-2753; e-mail: gerold.wyrwal@fao.org; or Jim Willis, UNEP Chemicals, Geneva; tel: +41-22-917-8111; e-mail: chemicals@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.pic.int/ DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (DIPCON): The diplomatic conference for the signing of the POPs convention is scheduled to take place from 21-23 May 2001, in Stockholm, Sweden. For more information contact: Jim Willis, UNEP; tel: +41- 22-917-8111; fax: +41-22-797-3460; e-mail: chemicals@unep.ch; Internet: http://irptc.unep.ch/pops/ PANEL OF EXPERTS ON PESTICIDE SPECIFICATIONS, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, APPLICATION STANDARDS AND PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT: The 18th Session of the Panel is expected to meet in Bangkok, Thailand from 17-19 June 2001. Participants will consider new provisions of the Code of Conduct and update various guidelines in support of the Code. The 19th Session is scheduled to be held from 27-29 October 2002 in Rome. The 20th session is tentatively planned for May 2003 in Rome. For more information contact: Gero Vaagt, FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-5757; e-mail: Gero.Vaagt@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/waicent/FaoInfo/Agricult/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/Even ts/c.htm JOINT FAO-WHO MEETING ON PESTICIDE RESIDUES: The 26th Session of the Joint Meeting of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and the Environment and the WHO Expert Group on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) will take place from 10-28 September 2001, in Geneva. The 27th Session is scheduled for 20-29 September 2002 in Rome. These meetings are expected to produce reports and monographs summarizing the assessments of certain pesticides. For more information contact: Amelia Tejada, FAO; tel: +39-6-5705- 4010; fax: +39-6-5705-6347; Internet: http://www.fao.org/waicent/FaoInfo/Agricult/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/even ts/c.htm EIGHTH PIC-INC MEETING: The eighth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Preparation of the Conference of Parties of the Rotterdam Convention for the Application of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (INC-8) will be held from 8-12 October 2001, in Rome. For more information contact: Niek van der Graaff, FAO; tel: +39-6-5705- 3441; e-mail: Niek.VanderGraaff@fao.org; or Jim Willis, UNEP Chemicals; tel: +41-22-917-8111; e-mail: chemicals@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.pic.int/ GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON UPDATING THE FAO CODE OF CONDUCT ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF PESTICIDES: This consultation is tentatively scheduled for October 2001 in Rome, and will consider the draft revised FAO International Code of Conduct on Distribution and Use of Pesticides. For more information contact: Niek Van der Graaff, FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-3441; e-mail: Niek.VanderGraaff@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/waicent/FaoInfo/Agricult/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/Even ts/c.htm FOURTH SESSION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM ON CHEMICAL SAFETY (IFCS): FORUM IV is scheduled to be held in Thailand in 2003, with FORUM V taking place in Hungary in late 2005 or 2006. For more information contact: the IFCS Executive Secretary; tel: +41-22- 791-3650; e-mail: ifcs@who.ch; Internet: http://www.who.int/ifcs CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE EECO 2000: ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY CONFERENCE - BUSINESS STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH: This conference will be held from 29-30 January 2001 in Toronto, Canada. For more information contact: Globe Foundation of Canada, Vancouver, BC: tel: 1-800- 274-6097 (in Canada or the US); fax: +1-604-666-8123; Internet: http://www.eeco2000.com IMPORTANCE OF THE MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS IN STRATOSPHERIC OZONE PROTECTION AND CLIMATE PROTECTION: This meeting will be held in Brussels, from 6-8 February 2001. For more information contact: James Curlin, tel. +331-44-37-14-74; fax: +331-44-37-14-74; Internet: http://www.uneptie.org/ozat/military/home.htm HARVESTED WOOD PRODUCTS WORKSHOP: This workshop will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand from 12-16 February 2001. The purpose of the workshop is to facilitate discussion and evaluation of the methods for accounting for harvested wood products and associated policies, in order to assist and inform the preparation of country submissions due by 15 March 2001 to the UNFCCC Secretariat, and to facilitate the SBSTA process. For more information contact: Jhonna Dunlop; tel: +64-7-347-2751; fax: +64-7-347-2816; e-mail: hwpworkshop@maf.govt.nz CIRCUMPOLAR CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT AND EXPOSITION: This event will take place from 19-21 March 2001 in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. It is being hosted by the Northern Climate Exchange, and will address the theme "Uncertain Future, Deliberate Action." For more information contact: Wanda Leaf, Summit Logistics Coordinator, tel: +1-867-633-5269; e-mail: leaf@yknet.yk.ca; Internet: http://www.taiga.net/nce SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOLAR ENERGY AND APPLIED PHOTOCHEMISTRY: This meeting will be held from 3-8 April 2001 in Cairo, Egypt. Lectures and workshops will help scientists to communicate and share experiences on solar energy issues. For more information contact: Sabry Ab-del-Mottaleb, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; e-mail: solar@photoenergy.org; Internet: http://www.photoenergy.org/solar2001.html 12TH GLOBAL WARMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPO - KYOTO COMPLIANCE REVIEW: This meeting will be held in Cambridge, UK, from 8-11 April 2001. For more information contact: Sinyan Shen, The Global Warming International Center Headquarters, Naperville, Illinois, USA; tel: +1-630-910-1551; fax: +1-630-910-1561; Internet: http://www2.msstate.edu/~krreddy/glowar/gw12c.html 14TH SESSIONS OF THE UNFCCC SUBSIDIARY BODIES/RESUMED COP-6: The 14th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place from 21 May – 1 June 2001, in Bonn, Germany. This meeting may also serve as the resumed COP-6 (as outlined under COP-6 decision FCCC/CP/2000/L.3). For more information, contact: the UNFCCC Secretariat; tel: +49-228- 815-1000; fax: +49-228-815-1999; e-mail: secretariat@unfccc.int; Internet: http://www.unfccc.int INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY IN NORTHERN EUROPE: This meeting will be held in Turku, Finland, from 6-8 June 2001. For more information contact: Mia Rönkä, University of Turku, Finland; tel: +358-2-333-6009; fax: +358-2-333-5730; Internet: http://figare.utu.fi/notice.html 21ST SESSION OF THE OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP OF THE PARTIES TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL: This meeting is provisionally scheduled to be held from 25-29 June 2001, in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: Ozone Secretariat; tel: +254-2-62-1234 or 62- 3851; fax: +254-2-62-3601 or 62-3913; e-mail: ozoneinfo@unep.org; Internet: http://www.unep.org/ozone 13TH MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL: MOP-13 will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 15-19 October 2001. For more information contact: Ozone Secretariat; tel: +254-2-62-1234 or 62- 3851; fax: +254-2-62-3601 or 62-3913; Internet: http://www.unep.org/ozone UNFCCC COP-7: This meeting is scheduled to take place from 29 October - 9 November 2001, in Marrakech, Morocco. For more information contact: the UNFCCC Secretariat; tel: +49-228-815- 1000; e-mail: secretariat@unfccc.int; Internet: http://www.unfccc.int/ DESERTIFICATION INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE ROLE OF DROUGHT IN AQUATIC SYSTEMS: This symposium will be held in Albury, Australia, from 12-14 February 2001. For more information contact: Rhonda Sinclair, Scientific Liaison Officer, tel: +61-2-6058-2300; fax: +61-2-6043- 1626; Internet: http://enterprise.canberra.edu.au/WWW/www-crcfe.nsf WORKSHOP ON INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL, METEOROLOGICAL, AND HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF GLOBAL DESERTIFICATION: This Dahlem Workshop will take place from 10-15 June 2001, in Berlin, Germany, and will address key questions and issues related to land degradation in arid and semi-arid regions. For more information contact: James Reynolds, e-mail: james.f.reynolds@duke.edu; Internet: http://www.fu-berlin.de/dahlem/Future20Meetings.htm. FIFTH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UN CONFERENCE TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION: COP-5 is scheduled to meet from 17-28 September 2001 in Bonn, Germany. For more information contact: UNCCD Secretariat; tel: +49-228-815-2800; fax: +49-228- 815-2898/99; e-mail: secretariat@unccd.int; Internet: http://www.unccd.int ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION: This traveling event will be held 8-20 April 2002, in Cape Town, South Africa, various rural communities, and Gobabeb, Namibia. The aim of this combined international symposium, rural community interaction and workshop is to connect community action with science and common sense. For more information, contact: Mary Seely, Desert Research Foundation of Namibia, P.O. Box 20232, Windhoek, Namibia; tel: +264-61-229- 855; fax: +264-61-230-172; e-mail: mseely@drfn.org.na INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FOR DRY AREAS FOR THE SECOND MILLENNIUM: This conference will be held from 15-19 September 2002, in Shijiazhuang, China. For more information, contact: Catherine Vachon, Lethbridge Research Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; tel: +1-403-317-2257; fax: +1-403-382-3156; Internet: http://res2.agr.ca/lethbridge/hebei/confindex.htm FORESTS INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP OF EXPERTS ON FINANCING SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT: This Government-led initiative in support of the IPF/IFF/UNFF processes will be held from 22-25 January 2001 in Oslo, Norway. For more information contact: Secretariat, Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, Division of Sustainable Development, UN DESA, New York; tel: +1-212-963-6208; e-mail: joshi@un.org UN FORUM ON FORESTS - ORGANIZATIONAL SESSION: This meeting will be held on 12 February 2001 in New York. It will be followed by informal consultations on 13-16 February 2001, also in New York. For more information contact: Secretariat, Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, Division of Sustainable Development, UN DESA, New York; tel: +1-212-963-6208; e-mail: barsk-rundquist@un.org MEETING ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE PAN- EUROPEAN INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTS MANAGEMENT (MCPFE): This meeting will be held from 19-20 or 26-27 March 2001 in Liechtenstein. This meeting is convened by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE). For more information contact: Peter Mayer, Liaison Unit Vienna, Austria; tel: +43-1-710-7702; fax: +43-1-710-77-02-13; Internet: http://www.minconf-forests.net 16TH COMMONWEALTH FORESTRY CONFERENCE - FORESTS IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE: This Conference will meet from 18-25 April 2001 in Fremantle, Western Australia. For more information contact: Libby Jones, Standing Committee on Commonwealth Forestry, Edinburgh, UK; tel: +44-131-314-6137; fax: +44-131-334-0442; e-mail: libby.jones@forestry.gov.uk TECHNICAL EXPERTS GROUP ON FORESTS: The meeting will convene in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 23-27 April 2001 (tentative). For more information contact: Frida Velarde, Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat; tel: +1-514-287-7001; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail: frida.velarde@biodiv.org; Internet: http://www.biodiv.org/conv/events/events.asp?cbd MCPFE ROUND TABLE MEETING: This meeting will be held from 14-15 May 2001 in Brussels, Belgium. This meeting is convened by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE). For more information contact: Peter Mayer, Liaison Unit Vienna, tel: +43-1-710-7702; Internet: http://www.minconf-forests.net FORESTRY IMPACTS OF CHINA'S REFORMS - LESSONS FOR CHINA AND THE WORLD: This symposium on the forestry impacts of China's rural, industrial, and financial reforms since 1978 will meet in Beijing in May 2001. The symposium is organized and co-hosted by the Center for International Forestry Research, China State Forestry Administration, the Research Center for Ecological and Environmental Economics under Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Chinese Academy of Forestry, and the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy under Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science. For more information contact: L.Dachang@cgiar.org or T.Suhartini@cgiar.org. 30TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER COUNCIL: The 30th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council is scheduled from 28 May - 2 June 2001 in Yaounde, Cameroon. For more information contact: the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Yokohama, Japan; tel: +81-45-223-1110; fax: +81-45-223-1111; Internet: http://www.itto.or.jp/ FIRST SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE UN FORUM ON FORESTS: This meeting is expected to be held in mid- to late-June 2001 in New York, USA. For more information contact: Secretariat, Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, Division of Sustainable Development, UN DESA, New York; tel: +1-212-963-6208; e-mail: barsk-rundquist@un.org INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIETAL ASPECTS OF TRANSGENIC FOREST PLANTATIONS: This symposium will be held from 23-24 July 2001 in Stevenson, Washington State, USA. For more information contact: http://www.fsl.orst.edu/tgerc/iufro2001/eco_symp_iufro.htmb HABITAT 18TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: This meeting will take place from 12-16 February 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information contact: UNCHS, P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya; tel: +254-2-62-1234; fax: +254-2-62-4266/67; Internet: http://www.unchs.org/ "ISTANBUL+5" - SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR AN OVERALL REVIEW AND APPRAISAL OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HABITAT AGENDA: This Special Session of the UN General Assembly will be held in June 2001. It will review and appraise progress made on the implementation of the outcome of the second UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), which was held in Istanbul, Turkey in 1996. The 18th Session of the Commission on Human Settlements will meet in Nairobi, Kenya from 12-16 February 2001. The 2nd Session of the PrepCom for Istanbul+5 will follow this meeting, from 19-23 February 2001. For more information contact: Axumite Gebre-Egziabher, Coordinator, Istanbul+ 5, UN Centre for Human Settlements, Nairobi, Kenya; tel: +254-2-623-831; e-mail: Axumite.Gebre-Egziabher@unchs.org; Internet: http://www.istanbul5.org/meetings/ SIXTH SYMPOSIUM ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN PLANNING: This Symposium will take place from 14-16 February 2001 in Vienna. Conference languages are German and English. For more information contact: Manfred Schrenk; e-mail: schrenk@multimediaplan.at; Internet: http://www.corp.at/ INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 21ST SESSION OF THE UNEP GOVERNING COUNCIL: This meeting will be held from 5-9 February 2001, in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information contact: B.A. Miller, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya; tel: +254- 2-62-3411; fax: +254-2-62-3748; Internet: http://www.unep.org OECD ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS MEETING AND ANNUAL OECD COUNCIL MEETING AT MINISTERIAL LEVEL: These meetings will take place from 16-18 May 2001 in Paris, France. For more information contact: Media Relations, OECD, Paris, France; tel: +33-1-4524-8200; fax: +33-1- 4524-1950; Internet: http://www.oecd.org/media/upcoming.htm FAO GOVERNING BODIES: Sessions of the FAO Council are scheduled for 18-23 June, 30 October – 1 November and 14 November 2001. The 31st FAO Conference is tentatively scheduled for 2-13 November 2001. For more information on specific meetings, visit: http://www.fao.org/events/index.asp OCEANS AND COASTS SIXTH INDO-PACIFIC FISH CONFERENCE: This conference will be held from 20-25 May 2001 in Durban, South Africa. It will address various aspects of the ichthyology of Indo-Pacific fishes, including evolution, genetics, systematics, ecology, biology, behavior and biogeography. For more information contact: IPFC 2001, Oceanographic Research Institute, P O Box 10712, Marine Parade, Durban 4056, South Africa; tel: +27-31-337-3536; fax: +27- 31-337-2132; Internet: http://www.seaworld.org.za POPULATION UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT: The Commission's 34th Session will take place from 2-6 April 2001 in New York. The theme for the meeting will be "Population, environment and development." The special theme for the 35th Session, to be held in 2002, will be "Reproductive rights and reproductive health, with special reference to HIV/AIDS," while the 36th Session in 2003 will focus on "Population education and development." For more information contact: Population Division; fax: +1-212-963-2147; Internet: http://www.undp.org/popin/unpopcom.htm SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 39TH SESSION OF THE UN COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: This meeting will take place from 13-23 February 2001 in New York. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/csd/2001.htm WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE: This conference will be held from 31 August - 7 September 2001 in South Africa. A preparatory meeting is scheduled to take place in May 2001 in Geneva. For more information contact: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights World Conference Secretariat, Geneva, tel: +41-22-917-9290; e-mail: husbands@un.org; Internet: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/racism.htm TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT WTO GENERAL COUNCIL: The WTO's General Council will meet several times in 2001: 8-9 February, 7-8 May, 18-19 July, 10-11 October, and 12-14 December. For more information contact: WTO, tel: +41- 22-739-5111; e-mail: enquiries@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/meets.doc WTO COUNCIL FOR TRADE-RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS: During 2001, the TRIPS Council will meet from 2-6 April, 18-22 June, 20-21 September and 26-29 November, in Geneva. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information contact: Peter Ungphakorn, WTO, tel: +41-22-739-5412; e-mail: peter.ungphakorn@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/trips_e.htm WTO SUB-COMMITTEE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES: During 2001, this sub-committee will meet from 12-13 February, 17-18 April, and 27- 28 November. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on these and other WTO meetings contact: WTO; e-mail: enquiries@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/meets.doc WTO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT: During 2001, this committee is scheduled to meet from 13-14 February, 27-28 June, and 30-31 October. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on these and other WTO meetings contact: WTO; e-mail: enquiries@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_e.htm WTO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT: During 2001, this committee is scheduled to meet on 22 May and 19 October. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information contact: WTO; e- mail: enquiries@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/meets.doc WTO COMMITTEE ON SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES: During 2001, this committee is scheduled to meet from 14-15 March, 10-11 July, and 31 October – 1 November. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information contact: WTO; e-mail: enquiries@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_e.htm WETLANDS WETLANDS AND REMEDIATION - SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: This conference will take place from 5-6 September 2001 in Burlington, Vermont, USA. For more information contact: Carol Young, Conference Coordinator; tel: +1-614-424-7604; e-mail: youngc@battelle.org; Internet: http://www.battelle.org/environment/er/wetlandsconf/wetlandsconf/h tml RAMSAR CONVENTION ON WETLANDS COP8: COP8 is scheduled to convene in Valencia, Spain, from 18-26 November 2002. For more information contact: Ramsar Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland; tel: +41-22-999- 0170; e-mail: ramsar@ramsar.org; Internet: http://www.ramsar.org WILDLIFE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE LAW CONFERENCE: The Sixth International Wildlife Law Conference will take place at the end of March 2001 in Washington DC. For more information, contact: Wil Burns, American Society of International Law - Wildlife Interest Group; tel: +1-650-703-3280; fax: +1-801-838-4710; Internet: http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife CITES STANDING COMMITTEE: The Standing Committee will meet in Paris in June 2001. For more information contact: CITES Secretariat, tel: +41-22-917-8139; fax: +41-22-797-3417; e-mail: cites@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.cites.org SEVENTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES: CMS COP-7 is scheduled to take place from 1-15 September 2002 in Bonn, Germany. The Second Meeting of the Parties to the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA MOP-2) will also be held at this time. For more information on this meeting and others relating to the Convention on Migratory Species contact: CMS Secretariat, United Nations Premises in Bonn, Martin-Luther-King- Str. 8, D-53175 Bonn, Germany; tel: +49-228-815-2401/2; fax: +49- 228-815-2449; Internet: http://www.wcmc.org.uk/cms/events.htm WOMEN MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN: A number of meetings are being held in 2001, all at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The 24th Session of the Committee will be held from 15 January - 2 February 2001. The Pre- Session Working Group for the 25th Session will be held from 5-9 February 2001. The 25th Session will meet from 4-22 June 2001. The Pre-Session Working Group for the 26th Session will be held from 25-29 June 2001. For more information contact: Women's Rights Unit, Division for the Advancement of Women, Room DC2-1226, UN, New York, NY 10017, USA; fax: +1-212-963-3463; e-mail: connorsj@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/calendar.htm 45TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: This meeting will be held from 5-16 March 2001 at UNHQ in New York. For more information contact: DAW, UN, New York; fax: +1-212-963-3463; e-mail: erturk@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/ STAFF Editor: Chris Spence chris@iisd.org Managing Editor: Langston James "Kimo" Goree VI kimo@iisd.org Assistant Editor: Malena Sell malena@iisd.org Submissions, corrections, requests for subscription information and correspondence should be sent to the editors at chris@iisd.org. The opinions expressed in /linkages/journal/ are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD and our funders. 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