/linkages/journal/ Volume 6 Number 3 1 March 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/link0603e.pdf ( The following is the ASCII version of Vol. 6 No. 3 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 the March 2001 issue of Linkages Journal: * media reports and news, including the latest on the date and location of the resumed Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention; * briefings on key meetings held in February 2001, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Working Group II meeting, UNEP Governing Council, and UN Forum on Forests organizational session * details of new journal articles and online reports; * a comprehensive list of upcoming meetings for the year 2001. Note that a high quality printable version is now online at: http://enb.iisd.org/journal ) EDITOR'S NOTE A message from Linkages Journal's Editor GAUGING CLIMATE REPORT, UNEP SUPPORT Climate talks, reports continue to make news Climate change continued to feature prominently in recent weeks. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released and approved the second part of its Third Assessment Report, focusing on the effects of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The report warns of significant possible impacts on water resources, terrestrial ecosystems and human health. It also addresses regional concerns, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities (see page 3). The third and final part of the report – on climate change mitigation – is currently under consideration in Accra (page 14). In other climate news, the date and location for resumed formal negotiations - suspended at The Hague in November - were announced on 28 February following informal consultations held during UNEP's Governing Council meeting and into late February (page 7). UNEP's pre-Valentine's Day rendezvous with donors wins praise …but no promises While climate consultations continued in February, UNEP was using its Governing Council session as an opportunity to demonstrate what some have referred to as its "ongoing revival." Yet although UNEP's work programme and budget were widely endorsed, the pre- Valentine's Day tryst with donors did not generate quite enough passion to elicit any new pledges of funding. The meeting did, however, turn people's attention to the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10). The emerging debate on global environmental governance, and UNEP's possible role, received considerable attention (page 5). February also saw further consultations on revising the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. With talks moving slowly, some observers are suggesting delegates could struggle to meet the FAO Council's November 2001 deadline for concluding their work (page 3). Chris Spence Editor, Linkages Journal RECENT MEETINGS Information on recent conferences, workshops and symposia in the field of environment and development negotiations SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT: The Preparatory Committee for the High-level International Intergovernmental Event on Financing for Development held its second substantive session at UN Headquarters in New York from 12-23 February 2001. The high-level Financing for Development event, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2002, will seek to set an agenda on national, international and systemic issues related to financing for development, with the aim of helping achieve long-term goals such as eradicating poverty. The Preparatory Committee focused primarily on reviewing the inputs to the substantive preparatory process and the High-level Event to date, and also began initial preparation of the outcome of the Event. Participants considered issues raised in a recent report by the Secretary-General on development financing. The report addresses: mobilizing domestic financial resources for development; mobilizing international resources for development; enhancing trade for financing development; increasing international cooperation for development; confronting external debt challenges; and addressing systemic issues, including financial architecture reform. Participants highlighted the need for institution-building, and noted the importance of good governance and market access for developing countries' exports. The pressing need for global as well as national efforts was also stressed. Some participants suggested a new international financial system be developed to meet developing countries' needs. The Committee decided that next year's high-level event should take the form of an International Conference on Financing for Development. The Committee then adopted a draft resolution on this matter, to be taken up by the General Assembly. The draft resolution states that the conference will be at the highest political level, including a segment at the summit level. Mexico has offered to host the conference. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/DEV2291.doc.htm http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/dev2283.doc.htm DELHI SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2001 - POVERTY: THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE FOR GOVERNMENTS, INDUSTRY, SCIENTISTS, AND CIVIL SOCIETY: This meeting took place in New Delhi, India from 7-9 February 2001, and was organized by the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI). The Summit brought together high-level representatives of government, industry, academia, research institutions, civil society and multilateral and bilateral organizations involved in sustainable development issues. The meeting began with a number of keynote address, including presentations by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, UNDP Administrator Mark Malloch Brown, and UN University for Peace President Maurice Strong. Plenary sessions focused on: poverty and sustainable development; science, technology, and enterprise development for the poor; corporate social responsibility and poverty alleviation; effective governance and communications for promoting sustainable development; financing sustainable development; sustainable agriculture, food security, and knowledge for rural development; and "energy for the masses." One theme in discussions related to the ethics, values and underlying philosophy that should drive human actions toward achieving sustainable development. The need for stakeholders to cooperate and coordinate their activities was also stressed. In preparing for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) in 2002, some speakers highlighted the need to take into account social, economic and other changes since 1992. More information is available online at: http://www.teriin.org/dsds/bulletin.htm SECOND SESSION OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES: The Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) was held in New York from 5-9 February 2001. The Third Conference on LDCs will take place in Brussels in May 2001, and will address the concerns of LDCs and review progress since the Second Conference, held in 1990. In its Second Session, the Preparatory Committee engaged in its first formal consideration of a draft programme of action for 2001-2010, which will be adopted at the Conference, and considered national reports on preparations for the Conference. Speakers emphasized debt cancellation, official development assistance, foreign direct investment and access to developed country markets as key issues. The need for agreement on an action-oriented programme with clear targets, deadlines and responsibilities was stressed, as was multi-stakeholder participation. The Preparatory Committee will meet again in April to continue work on the documents for the Conference. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/dev2284.doc.htm SECOND SESSION OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE UN SPECIAL SESSION ON CHILDREN: The Preparatory Committee for the 2001 Special Session of the General Assembly on the Children's World Summit met for its second substantive session in New York from 29 January – 2 February 2001. The Committee focused on two tasks: a preliminary examination of the end-of-decade reviews of implementation of the World Declaration and Plan of Action adopted at the 1990 World Summit for Children; and an initial review of the provisional draft outcome document for the Special Session. Participants discussed progress during the past ten years, while noting that widespread suffering among children remains. Emerging problems, such as the spread of HIV/AIDS, were also highlighted. Delegates stressed the importance of children's participation in the Special Session's preparatory process, as well as the need for the outcome document to be concise and action-oriented. The Committee adopted draft decisions containing recommendations on arrangements for participation of NGOs and other entities in the Special Session, as well as a draft decision on the Session's provisional agenda and organizational aspects. The Special Session, which is scheduled for 19-21 September, aims to review progress made since the 1990 World Summit for Children and encourage a renewed commitment to action during the next decade. The final substantive session of the Preparatory Committee will be held in June 2001. More information is available online at: http://www.unicef.org/specialsession/second.htm and http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/hr4521.doc.htm BIODIVERSITY FIFTH 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: This meeting was held at the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome from 5-10 February 2001. One hundred and fifteen participants from 38 countries, one regional economic integration organization, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting. Delegates continued discussions on Articles 12 (Coverage of the Multilateral System), 17 (Governing Body), 18 (Secretariat), 20 (Amendments of the Undertaking) and 21 (Amendments of Annexes), as well as a proposed article on supporting components of the Multilateral System (MS). Delegates also held a general discussion on the IU's legal basis in relation to the FAO and the CBD. In addition, a technical group was formed to list and define terms used within the text of the IU. The meeting advanced discussion in some procedural areas, while deferring discussion on specific institutional relations regarding the Governing Body and secretariat until the question of the IU's legal basis is resolved. Delegates also debated voting rules and decision-making procedures without resolution. On substantive issues, the Contact Group held extensive discussions on the terms for including ex situ collections held by Centres under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and other international institutions. While the Group did not resolve issues on conditions for material not listed in Annex I (List of Crops covered by the MS), several delegates thought the discussions were valuable in clarifying the range of issues and positions regarding such collections. The overall pace of discussions remains slow, raising concerns among some delegates about meeting the November 2001 deadline recently set by the 119th FAO Council. The next meeting of the Contact Group will take place in Italy from 23-28 April 2001. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/biodiv/iucg5/index.html CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE ipcc WORKING GROUP iI - meeting on the third assessment report: Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) met from 13-16 February 2001 in Geneva to finalize and adopt its part of the IPCC's Third Assessment Report (TAR). More than 160 delegates from 100 countries approved the report, "Climate Change 2001: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability" as well as the summary for policymakers. The full report represents the culmination of more than two years of work by more than 400 authors and contributors. It assesses scientific literature related to the impacts of, and vulnerability to, climate change. The report suggests projected climate changes over the next century could potentially lead to future large-scale and possibly irreversible changes. Addressing a variety of issues, the report considers the effects of climate change on water resources, terrestrial ecosystems and human health. It also examines regional concerns, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities. Key findings include an anticipated decline in future agricultural productivity in large parts of Asia and Africa, water shortages in a number of regions, harsher droughts in southern Europe, and more storm damage and coastal erosion on the eastern coast of the US. The range of infectious diseases such as malaria is likely to increase. Small island states will be most seriously affected, while developing countries will have the most difficulty in adapting to climate change. The report of Working Group I, on the science of climate change, was adopted in January during a meeting in Shanghai, China. The report of Working Group III, assessing options for limiting greenhouse gas emissions and otherwise mitigating climate change, is scheduled to be finalized in Accra, Ghana, from 28 February – 3 March. A full IPCC Plenary meeting to approve all three reports will take place in Nairobi from 4-6 April. For more information on the IPCC Working Group II meeting contact: Renate Christ, IPCC Secretariat, tel: +41-22-730-8574; e-mail: christ_r@gateway.wmo.ch; Internet: http://www.ipcc.ch/press/infnote19-02.htm (IPCC paper) http://www.usgcrp.gov/ipcc/ (IPCC Working Group II website) http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1174000/1174272.stm http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/02/19/un.globalwarming.02/ind ex.html WORKSHOP ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS IN STRATOSPHERIC OZONE PROTECTION AND CLIMATE PROTECTION: This workshop was held in Brussels from 6-8 February 2001. Organized by UNEP, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Defense, it was attended by 160 senior military officers and representatives from environmental authorities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of how to safely halt the use of ozone- depleting substances, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. Although use of ozone-depleting substances by the military generally accounts for less than five percent of national consumption, it is often employed for critical applications relating to national security and peacekeeping. Implementation of the Montreal Protocol is affecting availability of these substances, and many military organizations in developing countries are only now considering these matters. The meeting highlighted the need for greater military-to-military and military-to-civilian cooperation on ozone and climate matters. Participants undertook to engage in a number of follow-up activities, including improving the operational effectiveness of weapons systems by making them more fuel-efficient, coordinating relevant research and development efforts with military and private sector partners, and developing detailed summaries of military applications using ozone-depleting substances. For more information contact: UNEP DTIE OzonAction Unit; e-mail: ozonaction@unep.fr; Internet: www.uneptie.org/ozat/military/home.htm FORESTS UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS ORGANIZATIONAL SESSION AND INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS ON THE MULTI-YEAR PROGRAMME OF WORK: The organizational session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and the informal consultations on the UNFF's multi-year programme of work (MYPOW) took place at UN Headquarters in New York from 12-16 February 2001. The organizational session elected the UNFF Bureau, agreed to the duration of Bureau members' terms, determined the location of the UNFF Secretariat, and addressed progress towards the establishment of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF). The purpose of the informal consultations was to exchange views on the MYPOW in order to facilitate the UNFF Secretariat's preparation of a Secretary-General's document on the MYPOW for consideration at the first substantive session of the UNFF (UNFF- 1), to be held in June 2001. During the informal consultations, delegates exchanged views on the programme elements of the MYPOW relating to: facilitating and promoting implementation; monitoring, assessment and reporting; enhancing cooperation and policy and programme coordination; fostering international and cross-sectoral cooperation; fostering a common understanding of sustainable forest management (SFM) and addressing forest policy issues and emerging areas; and strengthening political commitment. The informal consultations also addressed the review of the international arrangement on forests to be undertaken in five years. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/forestry/unff/org/ HABITAT PREPCOM II FOR THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL SESSION FOR ISTANBUL+5: The second substantive session of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda took place from 19-23 February 2001, at the United Nations Center for Human Settlements (UNCHS) in Nairobi, Kenya. Over 500 government delegates from 98 countries, 200 NGO representatives, 30 representatives of local authorities, 26 representatives from the UN and intergovernmental organizations, and 10 parliamentarians attended. During the PrepCom, delegates met in Plenary sessions for general debate on the draft report on the overall review and appraisal of implementation and the draft declaration on the cities and other human settlements in the new millennium and on further actions and initiatives for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. The draft declaration was then forwarded to the Drafting Committee for negotiations. The Committee of the Whole dealt with issues of procedure and organizational matters relating to the June 2001 special session. At the end of the week, delegates adopted the PrepCom's report, one resolution and six decisions covering various issues relating to the special session, including a proposal on how to structure discussion among the various Habitat Agenda partners, organizational arrangements for the special session, which include the rules of procedure, and a 62-paragraph declaration on cities and other human settlements in the new millennium. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/habitat/istanbul+5/prepcom2/index.html 18TH SESSION OF THE UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: The 18th Session of the Commission on Human Settlements took place in Nairobi from 12-16 February 2001, and was attended by 440 government delegates from both member and non-member States, 18 UN specialized agencies and inter-governmental organizations, 15 local authorities, 11 parliamentarians, 167 NGOs and one private sector representative. The Commission on Human Settlements acts as the governing body of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and is composed of 58 member States. The session aimed to: debate the work programme and budget for the 2002-2003 biennium; assess the progress made in the revitalization of Habitat; review the implementation of the resolutions passed by the Commission at its 17th session; and decide on the theme, agenda and organization of work of the 19th session. During the course of the meeting, participants expressed support for the new full-time Executive Director Anna Tibaijuka to continue the process of organizational revitalization. The Commission passed 12 resolutions addressing a variety of issues, including global campaigns for secure tenure and urban governance. It approved Habitat's work programme and budget of nearly $24 million for the biennium 2002-2003. In addition, it authorized the Executive Director to make additional commitments up to $31.7 million depending on the availability of additional resources. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/hab169.doc.htm INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 21ST SESSION OF THE UNEP GOVERNING COUNCIL AND SECOND GLOBAL MINISTERIAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM: The 21st session of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council and Second Global Ministerial Environment Forum took place from 5-9 February 2001, at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Approximately 900 participants, including ministers and senior government officials from over 100 countries, as well as representatives of UN agencies, international organizations, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business and industry, and youth organizations, attended the week-long gathering. Fifty-four of the fifty-eight member States of the Governing Council were represented. Delegates met in Plenary sessions and a Committee of the Whole (COW) throughout the week. The Plenary considered a range of policy issues, governance, UNEP's contribution to future sessions of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), follow-up to General Assembly resolutions, and linkages among and support to environmental and environment-related conventions. The COW addressed numerous programmatic, administrative and budgetary matters, including UNEP's work programme and budget for the biennium 2002-2003. On the meeting's final two days, a high-level ministerial dialogue was held to discuss implementation of the Nairobi Declaration on the Role and Mandate of UNEP and the Malmö Ministerial Declaration. Topics included energy policy issues, governance, the specific needs of Africa, UNEP's contribution to the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10), the linkages between environment, health and poverty, and environmental vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters. The meeting also included special side events and briefings on new and recent UNEP initiatives and reports on issues ranging from climate change and renewable energy to the loss of the world's indigenous languages and cultures. The Governing Council concluded its work by adopting over 30 decisions on issues including global governance, environmental law, desertification, biosafety, climate and atmosphere, the chemicals agenda, and UNEP's budget for the biennium 2002-2003. With most participants strongly endorsing UNEP's pivotal role and its development of a cost-efficient, effective programme of work, the session provided an occasion to press for some much-needed additional funding and move beyond the reform process into expansion mode. A sign that UNEP is raising its sights far beyond its own restructuring came in the form of discussions on challenges and opportunities, including how to address the growing debate on global governance, as well as discussions linking environmental degradation to poverty, and on the need to enhance support to Africa. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report outlining these discussions in detail can be found at: http://enb.iisd.org/unepgc/21/index.html SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 39TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: The UN Commission for Social Development met in New York for its Thirty- ninth Session from 13-23 February 2001. The Commission is a functional body of the Economic and Social Council, and is made up of 46 members elected for four years. Participants addressed the theme of "Enhancing social protection and reducing vulnerability in a globalizing world." In addition, they considered or reviewed: the role of volunteerism in the promotion of social development; relevant UN plans and programmes of action relating to the situation of social groups; the Commission's multi-year programme of work for 2002-2006; and the UN Research Institute for Social Development. The Commission adopted draft decisions on a number of issues, including on the theme of social protection in a globalizing world, in which it recognizes the need for further analyses, research and sharing of views on social protection, and decides to consider ways to resume consideration of the issue at a future session. In addition, decisions were adopted on preparation for and observance of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the provisional agenda for its next session, and the report of its 39th session. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/soc4569.doc.htm TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT WTO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT: The World Trade Organization's Committee on Trade and Environment met in Geneva from 13-14 February 2001. The Committee considered various issues under its work programme relating to the theme of market access, including trade rules, environmental agreements and disputes, environmental taxes and eco-labelling, transparency of environmental trade actions, and environmental measures and trade liberalization. On environmental measures and trade liberalization, participants considered benefits from liberalization in agriculture, fisheries, energy, non-ferrous metals and environmental services sectors. Regarding fisheries subsidies, several delegates suggested that subsidy reform represented a "win-win-win" outcome for trade, development and the environment. On the relationship between multilateral environmental agreements and the WTO, New Zealand outlined its proposal for an informal consultative mechanism aimed at enhancing information exchange on rules and ensuring clear drafting of environmental agreements in order to address in the most direct way the environmental problem while minimizing/avoiding distortions. The proposal found broad support among Members, although some speakers raised specific questions related to the practicalities of the mechanism. More information is available from BRIDGES Weekly Trade News Digest, 20 February, 2001: http://www.ictsd.org/html/weekly/story2.20-02- 01.htm Fisheries Subsidies Reform Workshop: This workshop was held on 12 February 2001 in Geneva, and was organized by UNEP's Economics and Trade Unit and the WTO. Representatives of 63 governments, six intergovernmental organizations and a number of NGOs attended. Presentations and discussions explored the relationship between fisheries subsidies, overcapacity and overfishing, and the effects of fisheries subsidies within the wider framework of fisheries management regimes. A number of participants noted that the relationship between fisheries subsidies, overcapacity and overfishing is a complex one. Opinions differed on the relative importance of fisheries subsidies as a cause of overcapacity and overfishing. Some participants noted that fisheries subsidies are not a primary cause of unsustainable management of fisheries resources, although it was suggested that subsidies do contribute to overcapacity and depletion of fish stocks, and that stronger action is required for sustainable management of these resources. Participants discussed elements for further analysis to understand better the interaction between subsidies and fisheries management. They considered the value of more workshops to define the problem and challenges more clearly, provision of more data and greater transparency on subsidies. For more information contact Hussein Abaza, UNEP, e- mail: hussein.abaza@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.unep.ch/etu/etp/events/recent/fishery.htm MEDIA REPORTS The latest news from the field of international environment and development negotiations, with links to relevant media coverage and press releases BIODIVERSITY BIOLOGICAL CONVENTIONS SHOULD BE STREAMLINED - TÖPFER Millions of dollars could be saved and channeled into conservation efforts by streamlining international environmental conventions, according to UNEP's Executive Director Klaus Töpfer. In a recent press release, Töpfer noted the proliferation of conventions, agreements and memorandums of understanding on environmental issues, and suggested that streamlining could reduce current costs by up to 40 percent. He suggested that addressing the 30 or so active wildlife-related conventions and agreements would "act as a blueprint for improving the efficiency and delivery of other environmental conventions." In related news, a UNEP project will be launched this year to evaluate how best to harmonize the national reporting of Conventions on Biological Diversity (CBD), Wetlands (Ramsar), Migratory Species (CMS), International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and World Heritage. Findings will be reported during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) in 2002. The World Summit is expected to consider the proliferation of agreements and conventions in the context of talks on the framework for international environmental governance, including UNEP's role. Governance issues were also addressed during the 21st session of UNEP's Governing Council (see page 5). Links to further information UNEP press release, 15 February 2001 http://www.unep.org/Documents/Default.asp?DocumentID=192&ArticleID =2772 CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS SET FOR JULY Formal climate negotiations suspended last November in The Hague will resume in mid-July 2001. The talks will take place in Bonn, Germany, from 16-27 July. The venue will be the Maritim Hotel. The decision was announced on 28 February by Jan Pronk, Environment Minister of the Netherlands and President of the current talks, following consultations with government officials. The two-week meeting will aim to secure agreement on details of the Kyoto Protocol, and will consist of the resumed sixth session of the Conference of the Parties, as well as short, parallel meetings of the Convention's subsidiary bodies. Commenting on the decision, Minister Pronk expressed confidence that the new dates would "give governments the time they need to prepare themselves for the decisions that must be taken." Key issues still unresolved include a package of financial support and technology transfer for developing countries, rules governing the use of carbon "sinks" and the flexibility mechanisms, and a compliance regime. Links to further information UNFCCC Secretariat press release, 28 February 2001 http://www.unfccc.int/ Contact: Michael Williams, UNEP, michael.williams@unep.ch CENSURE AS CLIMATE COMPROMISE URGED Canada's Environment Minister David Anderson has urged the European Union to compromise on key issues in order to secure agreement at formal climate negotiations scheduled for July (see article above). According to news reports, the Minister suggested that earlier talks held in November in The Hague ran aground due to EU inflexibility. He also insisted on Canada's right to use carbon sinks and the clean development mechanism "to the full" in meeting commitments to tackle greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Meanwhile, the new Bush administration in the US has apparently been criticized by some energy-related businesses and environmental groups for a lack of urgency and activity in the lead-up to formal talks. However, reports suggest other observers are calling for the new administration to be given sufficient time to give the issue its serious consideration, rather than being pushed into a hasty decision on its position. Links to further information BBC news report, 13 February 2001 http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1168000/1168016.stm NY Times, 16 February 2001 http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/16/science/16CLIM.html EXPERT SKEPTICAL ON CLIMATE AGREEMENT Upcoming negotiations aimed at finalizing a deal on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are unlikely to succeed, according to a US climate expert. In a recent media interview, Stanford University Professor Tom Heller, who is also a lead author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Third Assessment Report, expressed doubts over the likely success of international negotiations on how to meet commitments under the Kyoto Protocol to the Convention on Climate Change. He suggested that a higher public profile for the issue in Europe than in the US created difficulties, as it affected political positions. However, he added that agreement over the Kyoto Protocol was "not the answer" to climate change, and that long-term progress depended on demonstrating that tackling climate change presented an opportunity to move toward outcomes, such as energy security, that people require in any case. Links to further information BBC news report, 24 February 2001 http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1186000/1186271.stm TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREED FOR LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES The World Trade Organization's Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) has agreed to a proposal to improve implementation of the Integrated Framework for trade-related technical assistance to LDCs. The proposal launches a new Pilot Scheme to assist LDCs that have made a commitment to mainstreaming a trade integration chapter into broader development strategies. The Integrated Framework aims to assist LDCs in enhancing trade opportunities, responding to market demands, and integrating more effectively into the multilateral trading system. Links to further information WTO information, 15 February 2001 http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news01_e/news01_e.htm BRIDGES Weekly Trade News Digest report, 20 February, 2001 http://www.ictsd.org/html/weekly/20-02-01.txt WILDLIFE ORANGUTAN NUMBERS PLUMMETING, WARNS STUDY Orangutan numbers are declining so rapidly that the species might vanish from the wild within a decade, according to research funded by the Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society. The study focuses on an area in northern Sumatra that supports the world's largest orangutan population, suggesting that logging and poaching are causing "alarming" declines in numbers. Links to further information Wild Conservation Society press release, 26 February 2001 http://wcs.org/3422?newsarticle=9604 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 NEW CLIMATE INSTITUTE APPOINTS DIRECTOR Roberto Lenton has been appointed Executive Director of the newly- established International Research Institute for Climate Prediction based at Columbia University. The new Institute will aim to bring together physical and social scientists to help improve the ability of societies to cope with climate fluctuations. Roberto Lenton was Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division at UNDP for six years. His UNDP position will be held by Peter Matlon on an interim basis while a new permanent Director is sought. For more information e-mail: rlenton@iri.ldeo.columbia.edu or peter.matlon@undp.org VACANCIES TRAFFIC ANNOUNCES SENIOR VACANCIES TRAFFIC – a joint WWF-IUCN programme on trade in plants and animals – is seeking to fill two senior positions. TRAFFIC International is seeking a Programme Director to join its head office in Cambridge, UK, while TRAFFIC Europe is looking for a new Executive Director. The closing date for applications for both positions is 16 March. More information is available online at: http://www.traffic.org/help/employment/ UN DESA'S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SEEKS EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Executive and Administrative Office of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is seeking an Executive Officer. This is a D-1 UN position and is based in New York. Applications must be received by 22 March. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/eesa1640.htm UNFPA ADVERTISES FOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking a Director for its Division for Arab States and Europe. This is a D-2 UN position and is based in New York. The deadline for applications is 31 March. More information is available online at: http://www.unfpa.org/about/employment/posts/va-005-01.htm UN WOMEN'S DIVISION SEEKS DEPUTY DIRECTOR The Division for the Advancement of Women of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs is seeking a new Deputy Director. The vacancy is designated a D-1 UN position and is based in New York. Applications must be received by 5 April. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/eesa1687.htm UNEP SEEKS DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR The UN Environment Programme is seeking a Deputy Regional Director for its Division of Regional Cooperation and Representation, Regional Office for North America. This is a P-5 post based in Washington, DC. The closing date for applications is 5 April. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/eunn2038.htm UN DESA ADVERTISES FOR STATISTICS DIVISION SECTION HEADS The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs has announced vacancies for two section Chiefs under its Statistics Division. Both are P-5 positions based in New York. The deadline for applications for Chief of the Commodity Trade Statistics section is 5 April. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/eesa1646.htm The deadline for applications for Chief of the Social and Housing Statistics section is 6 April. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/eesa1669.htm UNCTAD SEEKS TECHNOLOGY, HUMAN RESOURCE CHIEFS The UN Conference on Trade and Development is advertising two senior (P-5) positions based in Geneva. The deadline for both is 7 April. The Resource Management Service has a vacancy for Chief of Information Technology Support. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/400497.htm UNCTAD is also seeking a Chief for its Human Development Resources Section. More information is available online at: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/400498.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 /Biodiversity "The economic valuation of farm animal genetic resources: a survey of available methods." Ecological Economics 36 (1, 2001), pp. 1-18. Noting that 30% of domestic animal breeds are at a risk of extinction because of genetic erosion, Adam Drucker, Veronica Gomez and Simon Anderson consider measure for conservation and sustainable development of animal genetic resources. Drawing attention to the relatively little attention paid to date to environmental economic valuation methodologies to support conservation decisions, the authors provide a survey of methods available for the valuation of animal genetic resources and suggest steps for the practical testing of promising methodologies, They recommend a broad approach to conservation, which would include "adaptive" breeds that thrive in developing countries where agriculture is characterized by low external input. /Climate Change "Equitable cost-benefit analysis of climate change policies." Ecological Economics 36 (1, 2001), pp. 71-85. Richard Tol explores ways to take into account both equity and efficiency in greenhouse gas reduction strategies. He considers three different methods: one that maximizes net present welfare, one in which emissions are reduced so that total costs and benefits of climate change are equalized over all countries and all time periods, and one using non-linear aggregations of welfare in a cooperative setting. "Climate for joint implementation: case studies from Russia, Ukraine, and Poland." Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 5 (4, 2000), pp. 319-336. Meredydd Evans, Susan Legro and Ilya Popov report on their survey of Joint Implementation policies and projects in Russia, the Ukraine and Poland. The focus of the survey is on the effects of domestic institutions, foreign policy and investment trends over the past five years. "Competitive distortions in an international emissions trading market." Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 5 (4, 2000), pp. 337-360. This paper by Edwin Woerdman examines possible conditions under which international differences in domestic permit allocation procedures result in competitive distortions. Woerdman concludes that, under perfectly competitive market conditions, firms/sectors obtaining grandfathered permits do not have a cost advantage over identical auctioned firms/sectors abroad. "Environmental efficiency and regulatory standards: the case of CO2 emissions from OECD industries." Resource and Energy Economics 23 (1, 2001), pp. 63-83. Focusing on OECD countries' manufacturing industries, Jose Zofio and Angel Prieto analyze the empirical implications of Data Envelopment Analysis under different regulatory scenarios for CO2 emissions. "Migration caused by climate change: how vulnerable are people in dryland areas?" Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 5 (4, 2000), pp. 379-406. This paper by Elisabeth Meze- Hausken focuses on a case study from Northern Ethiopia on migration triggered by persistent drought. She highlights the complexity of vulnerability to climate change, as well as the adaptation mechanisms people in marginal areas have developed, which strengthen their ability to handle both slow climatic changes and extreme events. "Rapid changes of glacial climate simulated in a coupled climate model." Nature 409 (6817, 2001), pp. 153-158. Andrey Ganopolski and Stefan Rahmstorf report on their simulation of glacial climate stability, focusing on abrupt changes in climate during the last glacial period (which have not occurred during the Holocene, or last 11,000 years since the most recent glacial period). They find that only one mode of Atlantic Ocean circulation is stable, namely a "cold" mode with deep water formation in the Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland. Temporary transitions with abrupt warm events can, on the other hand, easily be triggered under a "warm" mode of circulation such as that of the present day. Citing instances of abrupt changes, they conclude that their stability analysis provides an explanation of why glacial climate is much more variable than Holocene climate. "Impact of climate fluctuations on mountain environments in the Canadian Rockies." Ambio: A Journal of the Human Environment 29 (7, 2000), pp. 371-380. Brian Luckman and Trudy Kavanagh present examples of environmental changes that have occurred over the past 100 years due to a 1.5 degree Celsius increase in mean annual temperature, including a 25% decrease in glacier cover and upslope advances of the tree-line. They note that winter temperatures have increased over twice as much as spring and summer temperatures, and that the climate of the late 20th Century is exceptional in the context of the last 1000 to 3000 years. They also document varying responses to climate change in vegetation due to species differences and differences in microclimate and site condition. The paper further notes that human impacts compound the changes due to climatic warming, and recommends that monitoring programs focus on vegetation changes over the entire landscape rather than dwelling exclusively on sites considered climate-sensitive. "Costs, benefits and sustainability in decision-making, with special reference to global warming." International Journal of Sustainable Development 3 (4, 2000), pp. 315-333. Paul Ekins presents four models for decision-making beyond cost-benefit analysis, which he argues is not the most appropriate in the case of some environmental problems such as climate change. The models he presents are: cost-oblivious, cost-effective, and cost- sensitive models, as well as strict cost-benefit analysis. The four models give increasing weight to the role of cost in influencing the policy objective. /Desertification "Desertification and climate change: the case for greater convergence." Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 5 (4, 2000), pp. 361-377. Alan Grainger, Mark Smith, Victor Squires and Edward Glenn argue that links and synergies between climate change and desertification should be realized. They highlight the need for convergence between research in the fields to improve knowledge of desertification and climate change studies focusing on mitigation assessment, accounting for land cover change in the carbon budget, land surface-atmosphere interactions, and climate change impact forecasting. /Forests "Economic valuation of special forest products: an assessment of methodological shortcomings." Ecological Economics 36 (1, 2001), pp. 109-117. Soren Gram analyses different methods for calculating the economic importance of forest products used by rural populations, including both timber and non-timber products, and products for the market and for subsistence. Based on a case study in the Amazon in Peru, he highlights the uncertainty of methods used. "Estimating price compensation requirements for eco-certified forestry." Ecological Economics 36 (1, 2001), pp. 149-163. This article by Brian Murray and Robert Art examines the links between adoption of Eco-certified forestry practices and possible shifts in timber supply. Based on a simulation of southeastern US timber supply, they suggest that a large portion of non-industrial private timber suppliers may have limited compensation requirements, but a large premium would be required for the whole sector to adopt Eco-certified forestry practices. /Sustainable Consumption "The environmental impact of changing consumption patterns: a survey." International Journal of Environment and Pollution 15 (2, 2001), pp. 127-145. Inge Ropke challenges the hypothesis that consumption patterns change to become more environmental in terms of their composition of goods and services as incomes increase. Based on the examination of several historical studies, the paper concludes that they provide little evidence of changes in the composition of consumption counterbalancing the environmental effects of growth. "Sustainable household consumption and quality of life: the acceptability of sustainable consumption patterns and consumer policy strategies." International Journal of Environment and Pollution 15 (2, 2001), pp. 200-216. This article by Birgitta Gatersleben highlights a study on how people judge the social sustainability, or quality of life effects, of environmentally- sustainable household consumption patterns and associated policy options. The study, which involved 393 households in the Netherlands, suggests that two-thirds of the households would have to reduce their direct and indirect energy use within the next five years in order to achieve environmentally-sustainable consumption patterns. /Water Management "Making every drop count." Scientific American 284 (2, 2001), pp. 40-55. This issue of Scientific American focuses on freshwater and irrigation issues, with articles by Peter Gleick, Sandra Postel and Diane Martindale on how to overcome current limitations and problems. The article by Peter Gleick and Diane Martindale highlights four strategies for maintaining freshwater supplies: desalination, new technologies for transporting water, reducing demand, and recycling. NEW PUBLICATIONS /Sustainable Development Earth Summit 2002: A New Deal (Earthscan 2000). This book, edited by Felix Dodds, provides an assessment of the implementation of Agenda 21 by major players in the field, including Gro Harlem Brundtland, Nitin Desai and Simon Upton. The contributors offer their perspectives on goals and mechanisms for achieving the targets set in Rio and on how to prepare for new challenges and opportunities. For more information visit: http://www.earthscan.co.uk/ WHAT'S NEW ONLINE /Global Environmental Governance Konrad von Moltke, Senior Fellow of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, has published a new paper entitled The Organization of the Impossible that addresses the growing debate of global environmental governance and the possible creation of a "World Environment Organization." He examines the proposal in the light of two questions: whether a new organization would improve international environmental governance significantly; and whether it would improve international governance in general? He also re-examines assumptions among some observers that existing arrangements have been ineffective, identifying areas where international environmental regimes have been successful. The report is online at: http://www.iisd.org/pdf/trade_organization_of_the_impossible.pdf /Trade, Environment and Sustainability Friends of the Earth International has produced a Citizens' Guide to Trade, Environment and Sustainability. The Guide explains how the world trade system works, including the theory of free trade and process of globalization, as well as the structure and operations of the many institutions involved, including the World Trade Organization, regional free trade agreements, World Bank and International Chamber of Commerce. The Guide critically assesses the world trade system, arguing for systemic reform in order to address environmental and equity concerns. The Guide is online at: http://www.foei.org/activist_guide/tradeweb/ UPCOMING MEETINGS Information on upcoming conferences, workshops and symposia in the field of international environment and development negotiations SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM / LAUNCH OF THE CENTRE ON GLOBALISATION, ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND HEALTH: This Symposium on Globalisation, Environmental Change and Health will take place on 23 March 2001 in Bloomsbury, London, UK. It will serve also as the launch of the newly- established Centre on Globalisation, Environmental Change and Health of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. For more information contact: Phillip Raponi, e-mail: cgech@LSHTM.ac.uk; Internet: http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/centres/cgech/InauguralSymposium.htm Second Annual Global Conference on Environmental Taxation Issues, Experience and Potential: This conference will take place from 1- 3 April 2001 in Vancouver, Canada. The objective of the conference is the exchange of ideas, information and research findings among scholars, executives, tax professionals, non-governmental organizations and policy makers focused on environmental taxation issues. For more information contact: Aida Burgos; tel: +1-604- 453-4018; fax: +1 604-436-0286; e-mail: Aida_Burgos@bcit.ca; Internet: http://www.pembina.org/pubs/2001envirotax_conference/conference_in fo.pdf International Sustainable Development Research Conference 2001: This conference will take place from 5-6 April 2001 in Manchester, UK. Issues to be considered include development, policy perspectives, environmental and social aspects of sustainable development, instruments, country/regional profiles, Agenda 21 initiatives, NGOs and local action. For more information contact: Elaine White, tel: +44-1-274-530408; fax: +44-1-274-530409; e- mail: elaine@erpenv.demon.co.uk; Internet: http://www.erpenvironment.org/cfrence/sd.htm 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 are being 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: Andrey Vasilyev, Division for Sustainable Development; tel: +1-212-963-5949; fax: +1-212-963-4260; e-mail: vasilyev@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd9/csd9_2001.htm# For information for major groups, contact Zehra Aydin-Sipos, Division for Sustainable Development; tel: +1-212-963-8811; fax: +1-212-963- 1267; e-mail: aydin@un.org 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 World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10). For more information contact: Andrey Vasilyev, Division for Sustainable Development; tel: +1-212-963-5949; fax: +1-212- 963-4260; e-mail: vasilyev@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/rio+10/web_pages/first_prepcom.htm 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. 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 and http://www.un.org/events/ldc3/conference/ Europe's 21ST century policies for sustainable technological innovation - The role of higher education in science, technology and society: This conference will be held in Oslo, Norway from 20- 21 May 2001. It is the fourth and final international conference organized as part of the European POSTI project "Policies for Sustainable Technological Innovation in the 21st Century." For more information contact: Grazyna K. Normandbo, Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture, University of Oslo; tel: +47- 22-840-600; e-mail: g.k.normandbo@tik.uio.no; Internet: http://www.esst.uio.no/posti/cfp.html YOUTH CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This meeting will be held in Borgholm, Sweden, from 23-27 May 2001. An official part of the Swedish EU Presidency, the conference will contribute to youth preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) in 2002. For more information contact: Secretariat, Swedish Ministry for the Environment, tel: +46-8-440-8670; e-mail: camilla.funke@lsu.se; Internet: http://www.eu2001.se/eu2001/calendar/ CONFERENCE ON BUILDING BRIDGES WITH TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE: This conference will be held from 28 May to 3 June 2001 in Honolulu, Hawaii. It will address a range of issues involving indigenous peoples, conservation, and sustainable development, including: approaches to economic development within a framework of environmental and cultural conservation; dialogue among groups that have or use traditional knowledge and those involved in research, conservation and development; development of new business based on traditional knowledge; and, conservation priorities, intellectual property rights, education and other issues related to economic development. For more information visit: http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/traditionalknowledge FIRST UNEP/GEF GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL WATERS ASSESSMENT (GIWA) GENERAL ASSEMBLY: This General Assembly of the GIWA project will take place in June 2001. It will be preceded by meetings of the GIWA Methods Peer Review Board on 2 March, and the GIWA Steering Group, from 3-5 March. All meetings will take place in Kalmar, Sweden. For more information contact: GIWA Coordination Office, Kalmar; tel: +46-480-447350; fax: +46-480-447355; Internet: http://www.giwa.net SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON HIV/AIDS: This Special Session to review and address the problem of HIV/AIDS will be held from 25-27 June 2001 at UN Headquarters in New York. The aim of the meeting is to secure a global commitment to enhancing coordination and the intensification of efforts at all levels to combat the epidemic in a comprehensive manner. For more information contact: The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva, Switzerland; tel: +41-22-791-3666; fax: +41-22-791-4187; Internet: http://www.unaids.org/whatsnew/others/un_special/index.htm INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GRASSLAND SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: This conference will be held from 17-20 July 2001 in Inner Mongolia, China. It is being sponsored by the China Association of Agriculture Science Societies (CAASS) and the Chinese Grassland Society. For more information contact: Yan Dongquan, CAASS, Beijing, China; tel: +86-10-6419-4487; fax: +86-10-6419-4449; e- mail: gouhq@cav.net.cn International Seminar on Protected Area Management: This US Department of Agriculture Forest Service seminar, which is being hosted by the University of Montana, will take place from 9-25 August 2001. For more information contact: James Burchfield, e- mail: jburch@forestry.umt.edu; Internet: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/is/ispam/welcome.htm CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY FOR ALL BY 2020: FROM DIALOGUE TO ACTION: This meeting will take place from 4-6 September 2001 in Bonn, Germany. It is being organized by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in collaboration with the German Government. For more information contact: Simone Hill-Lee, IFPRI, Washington DC; fax: +1-202-467- 4439; e-mail: s.hill-lee@cgiar.org; Internet: http://www.ifpri.cgiar.org/2020conference/index.htm INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GLOBALIZATION OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: This meeting will take place in Trieste, Italy, from 11-13 September 2001. It is being co-organized by Harvard University's Center for International Development and Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and the Third World Academy of Sciences. For more information contact Derya Honca, Program Coordinator, Center for International Development, Harvard University; tel: +1-617-495-1923; e-mail: m_derya_honca@harvard.edu; Internet: http://www.cid.harvard.edu/cidbiotech/r&dconf/description.htm CONFERENCE ON REVITALISING COMMUNITIES IN A GLOBALISING WORLD: This conference is scheduled for 20 September 2001 in Southampton, UK. The conference aims to explore how to develop partnerships amongst local communities, entrepreneurs, policy makers and academics to work together in dealing with issues of poverty, improving the quality of life and safeguarding the environment. For more information contact University of Southampton, e-mail: pk2@socsci.soton.ac.uk; Internet: http://www.ciscodev.soton.ac.uk SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON CHILDREN: The Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Children will take place from 19-21 September 2001 at UN Headquarters in New York. This meeting will be held ten years after the World Summit for Children. For more information contact: Secretariat for the Special Session on Children, UNICEF House, 3 UN Plaza, New York NY 10017, USA; Internet: http://www.unicef.org/specialsession/ world Congress on conservation agriculture – a worldwide challenge: This congress will take place on 1-5 October 2001 in Madrid, Spain. It is being organized by FAO and the European Conservation Agriculture Federation. For more information contact: Armando Martinez, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Córdoba, Spain; tel: +34-957-760797; e-mail: conservation.agriculture@ecaf.org; Internet: http://www.ecaf.org/English/englis.htm INTELEC 2001 INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENERGY CONFERENCE: This conference will be held from 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 Sustainable Services & Systems - Transition towards Sustainability: This meeting will be held from 29-30 October 2001 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For more information visit: http://www.cfsd.org.uk/events/tspd6/index.html international conference on freshwater: This conference, hosted by the German Federal Environment Ministry and the German Federal Ministry for Development Cooperation, will be held from 3-7 December 2001 in Bonn, Germany. It will serve as preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) in 2002, and will review Chapter 18 of Agenda 21 focusing on freshwater issues. For more information contact: Angelika Wilcke, Conference Secretariat; tel: +49-228-28046-57; e-mail: info@water-2001.de; Internet: http://www.water-2001.de INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT: The UN International Conference on Financing for Development will be held in February/March 2002. It will bring together high-level representatives from governments, the United Nations, and other leading international trade, finance and development-related organizations. The Preparatory Committee is expected to meet in 2001 in New York from 2-8 May, and in October/November at a date to be decided. For more information contact: Financing for Development Coordinating Secretariat, United Nations Headquarters, New York, Harris Gleckman, tel: +1-212-963-4690; e-mail: gleckman@un.org or Federica Pietracci, tel: +1-212-963-8497; e- mail: pietracci@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd EURO-SUSTAIN CONFERENCE/BROKERAGE EVENT: This event will take place from 2-5 April 2002 on the island of Rhodos, Greece. The EURO-SUSTAIN initiative focuses on technologies and actions that lead toward sustainability. For more information contact: Nicolas Moussiopoulos, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece; tel: +30-31-996011; Internet: http://aix.meng.auth.gr/lhtee/ and http://www3.eureka.be/Home INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT: The fourth UNEP International Children's Conference on the Environment will take place in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, from 22-24 May 2002. The conference is expected to bring together 800 children from 10 to 12 years old from over 115 countries, who will learn about and discuss the state of the environment as well as showcase environmental initiatives by schools. The conference is also expected to produce a statement from children to the world leaders who will meet in 2002 for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10). The town of Ledyard, Connecticut, USA, is expected to host the event in 2003. For more information contact: Theodore Oben, Programme Officer, Children, Youth and Sport Programmes, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya, tel: +254-2-623262; fax: +254-2- 623692, e-mail: theodore.oben@unep.org; Internet: http://www.unep.org/children_youth/ WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (RIO+10): The World Summit on Sustainable Development for the ten-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 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 ANALYZING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY: This workshop will be held in Brussels, Belgium, on 23 March 2001. For more information contact: Laura Buguña, European Centre for Nature Conservation; tel: +31- 13-466-3240; fax: +31-13-466-3250; e-mail: ecnc@ecnc.nl; Internet: http://www.ecnc.nl/doc/projects/agrobiws.html 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 THIRD MEETING OF THE INTERIM COMMISSION ON PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES: ICPM-3 will be held from 2-6 April 2001, in Rome. For more information contact: Robert Griffin, AGPP, FAO; tel: +39-065705- 4812; e-mail: ippc@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpp/PQ/Default.htm SIXTH MEETING OF THE CONTACT GROUP ON THE REVISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNDERTAKING ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: IU-CG6 will be held in Italy from 23-28 April 2001. For more information contact: Clive Stannard, CGRFA, FAO; tel: +39-06570-55480; e-mail: clive.stannard@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa/meetings.htm FIRST MEETING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND GENETIC RESOURCES, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND FOLKLORE: The Committee's First Meeting within the World Intellectual Property Organization will be held from 30 April - 3 May 2001, in Geneva. For more information contact: WIPO Information Center, tel: +41-22-338-8181; e-mail: information.center@wipo.int; Internet: http://www.wipo.org NINTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: CGRFA-9 will meet later in 2001 in Rome at a date yet to be determined. For more information contact: FAO; tel: +39-6- 5705-2287; 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 SEVENTH MEETING OF THE CBD'S SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE: SBSTTA-7 will meet from 12-16 November 2001 in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: CBD Secretariat, 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 contact: CBD Secretariat, 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 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; 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 for 27-29 October 2002 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 FIFTH CONSULTATION ON THE PREVENTION AND DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE AND UNWANTED STOCKS OF PESTICIDES: This meeting is scheduled for 2001 in Rome. 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 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. For more information contact: Amelia Tejada, FAO; tel: +39-6-5705-4010; 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. It 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 IPCC meetings on the Third Assessment Report (TAR): The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has approved the reports of Working Group I (on climate change science) in January 2001 and Working Group II (impacts and adaptation) in February 2001. Working Group III (climate change mitigation) is taking place from 28 February – 3 March in Accra. The IPCC plenary will meet in Nairobi from 4–6 April to approve all three reports. For more information contact: Michael Williams, UNEP; tel: +41-22- 9178-242; e-mail: michael.williams@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.ipcc.ch/activity/master-sch.html CIRCUMPOLAR CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT AND EXPOSITION: This event will take place from 19-21 March 2001 in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. 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 APEC 21ST CENTURY RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE PRIVATE SECTOR FORUM: This meeting will take place on 26-27 March 2001 in Portland, Oregon, USA. For more information contact: the Organizing Committee and APEC Sustainable Development Network, Portland, Oregon, tel: +1-503-279-9565; fax: +1-503-279-9381; Internet: http://www.apecnetwork.org/ INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON CARBON ACCOUNTING, EMISSIONS TRADING AND COP-6 NEGOTIATIONS RELATED TO BIOENERGY, WOOD PRODUCTS AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION: This workshop will convene in Canberra, Australia, from 26-30 March 2001. For more information contact: Kimberly Robertson; tel: +43-316-876-1330; e-mail: kimberly.robertson@joanneum.ac.at; Internet: http://www.joanneum.ac.at/iea-bioenergy-task25/announcement.doc SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOLAR ENERGY AND APPLIED PHOTOCHEMISTRY: This meeting will be held from 3-8 April 2001 in Cairo, Egypt. For more information contact: Sabry Abdel-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, USA; tel: +1-630-910-1551; Internet: http://www2.msstate.edu/~krreddy/glowar/gw12c.html CONFERENCE ON EQUITY AND GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: This international conference will take place from 17-18 April 2001 in Washington, DC. It is being organized by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. The meeting will consider "fair and reasonable" actions for all countries in addressing climate change, as well as how issues of competitiveness, economic growth and ethics relate to this debate. For more information contact: Christie Jorge Santelises; tel: +1-703-516-4146; e-mail: jorgec@pewclimate.org; Internet: http://pewclimate.org/events SECOND International Combined Heat and Power Symposium: This meeting will take place from 9-10 May 2001 in Amsterdam. For more information contact: Quirine Boellaard, tel: +31-20-549-1212; e- mail: q.heerkens@rai.nl; Internet: http://www.2ndCHPsymposium.com KYOTO MECHANISMS: EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: This forum, which will be held from 10-11 May 2001 in Hong Kong, examines the business opportunities and risks as countries work towards a final agreement under the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties. Several companies will outline emissions trading market structures and provide insights on global corporate initiatives in promoting emissions trading. Government officials from India and China will discuss investment opportunities available under the Kyoto mechanisms. Case studies on Malaysian and Indonesian CDM projects will examine legal, auditing and finance issues. For more information contact: Centre for Management Technology, Christina Lu Jialing; tel: +65-346-9132; e-mail: christina@cmtsp.com.sg; Internet: http://www.cmtevents.com 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 RESUMED COP-6/14TH SESSIONS OF THE UNFCCC SUBSIDIARY BODIES: The resumed COP-6 (as outlined under COP-6 decision FCCC/CP/2000/L.3) and the 14th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held from 16-27 July 2001 in Bonn. 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 21ST SESSION OF THE OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP OF THE PARTIES TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL: This meeting is scheduled to be held from 24-26 July 2001, in Montreal, Canada. For more information contact: Ozone Secretariat; tel: +254-2-62-1234; fax: +254-2-62-3601; 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; fax: +254-2-62-3601; Internet: http://www.unep.org/ozone SEVENTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: COP-7 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 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. For more information contact: 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 FAO COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY: The FAO Committee on Forestry will convene from 12-16 March 2001, in Rome, Italy. For more information contact: Forestry Department, FAO, Rome; tel: +39-6- 57054778; e-mail: Forestry-www@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/forestry INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE ON FORESTS: The Inter-Agency Task Force on Forests will meet from 19-20 March 2001, in Rome. For more information contact: Forestry Department, FAO, Rome; tel: +39-6- 57054778; e-mail: Forestry-www@fao.org; Internet: http://www.fao.org/forestry INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL-SCALE FORESTRY: This symposium will convene from 20-26 March 2001, in Joensuu, Finland. For more information contact: Anssi Niskanen or Johanna Väyrynen, European Forest Institute, Joensuu, Finland; tel: +358-13-252-020; e-mail: anssi.niskanen@efi.fi or johanna.vayrynen@efi.fi; Internet: http://www.efi.fi/events/2001/iufro3.08.00/Info.htm GLOBAL INITIATIVES AND PUBLIC POLICIES: FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PRIVATE FORESTRY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: This conference will convene in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, from 25-27 March 2001. For more information contact: Larry Teeter, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University; tel: +1-334- 844-1045; e-mail: fpc@auburn.edu; Internet: http://www.forestry.auburn.edu/forestpolicycenter/news.htm MCPFE WORKSHOPS ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF PAN-EUROPEAN INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT: Two workshops are being held on this issue in 2001: in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein from 26-27 March; and in Copenhagen from 24-25 September. The workshops are being convened by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE). For more information contact: Ewald Rametsteiner, Liaison Unit, Vienna, Austria; tel: +43-1-710-7702; e-mail: liaison.unit@lu-vienna.at; 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 MCPFE ROUND TABLE MEETING: This meeting will be held from 14-15 May 2001 in Brussels to consider future directions of the MCPFE and next steps to be taken. For more information contact: Peter Mayer, Liaison Unit Vienna; tel: +43-1-710-7702; e-mail: liaison.unit@lu-vienna.at; Internet: http://www.minconf-forests.net 30TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER COUNCIL: This meeting will take place from 28 May - 2 June 2001 in Yaounde, Cameroon. For more information contact: the International Tropical Timber Organization; Yokohama, Japan; tel: +81-45-223-1110; e- mail: itto@itto.or.jp; Internet: http://www.itto.or.jp FIRST SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE UN FORUM ON FORESTS: This meeting is scheduled for 11-22 June 2001, at UN Headquarters in New York. For more information, contact: Secretariat, Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, tel: +1-212-963-6208; fax: +1-212-963-3463; e- mail: vahanen@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/unff_2001_fsm.htm 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 be held from 20- 23 June 2001, in Sichuan Province, China. The meeting is organized and co-hosted by the Center for International Forestry Research, China State Forestry Administration, and the Research Center for Ecological and Environmental Economics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Chinese Academy of Forestry, and the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science. For more information contact: L.Dachang@cgiar.org and T.Suhartini@cgiar.org INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIETAL ASPECTS OF TRANSGENIC FOREST PLANTATIONS: This symposium will be held from 22-24 July 2001 in Stevenson, Washington State, USA. For more information visit: http://www.fsl.orst.edu/tgerc/iufro2001/eco_symp_iufro.htm 17th International Seminar on Forest and Natural Resources Administration and Management: This US Department of Agriculture Forest Service seminar will be held on 26 August – 13 September 2001 at Colorado State University's College of Natural Resources, USA. The focus will be on strategies and methods to develop, manage, and conserve natural resources for the sustained delivery of goods and services to meet the full range of human needs. For more information contact: Ann Keith, tel: +1-970-490-2449; e-mail: IFS@cnr.colostate.edu; Internet: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/is/isfam/welcome.htm INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON FORESTS AND FORESTRY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES - THE TRANSITION PROCESS AND CHALLENGES AHEAD: This workshop will be held from 12-14 September 2001 in Debe, Poland. It is being jointly organized by the government of Poland, MCPFE and UN-ECE/FAO. For more information contact: Alexander Buck, Liaison Unit Vienna; tel: +43-1-710-77-02; e-mail: liaison.unit@lu-vienna.at; Internet: http://www.minconf- forests.net THIRD INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON REMOTE SENSING AND FOREST FIRES: This workshop will convene in Paris from 17-18 September 2001. For more information contact: Emilio Chuvieco, Department of Geography, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Hernares, Spain; e- mail: emilio.chuvieco@uah.es; Internet: http://www.geogra.alcala.es/EARSeL/EARSeL.htm MCPFE EXPERT LEVEL MEETING: This meeting will be held from 22-23 October 2001 in Vienna, Austria. It is open to participants and observers of the MCPFE. The meeting will discuss next steps towards the Fourth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (May/June 2003, Vienna). For more information contact: Peter Mayer, Liaison Unit Vienna; tel: +43-1-710-77-02; e-mail: liaison.unit@lu-vienna.at; Internet: http://www.minconf- forests.net XII WORLD FORESTRY CONGRESS: This meeting will take place from 21- 28 September 2003 in Québec City, Québec, Canada. For more information visit: http://www.wfc2003.org/ HABITAT HOUSING FINANCE SEMINAR: This seminar, which is being jointly organized by UNCHS (Habitat) and the Swedish Ministry of Finance, will be held in Gävle, Sweden, on 28 March 2001. The meeting will address lessons learned from housing finance operations experiences in both developed and developing countries and implications for realizing the goal of adequate shelter for all. For more information contact: Ebba Vallgarda, Ministry of Finance, Sweden; e-mail: ebba.vallgarda@finance.ministry.se; and Don Okpala, UNCHS; e-mail: Don.Okpala@unchs.org; Internet: http://www.unchs.org/seminar.htm SECOnd International Conference - "Business & Municipality: New Partnerships for the 21st Century": This meeting will take place from April 4-7 2001 in Bremen, Germany. The conference will draw on experiences from regional meetings and focus on business and municipalities partnering in urban management processes. For more information contact: The Bremen Initiative; tel: +49-0-421-230011- 0; fax: +49-0-421-230011-18; e-mail: info@bremen-initiative.de; Internet: http://www.bremen-initiative.de/conferences/ IULA-FMCU UNITY CONGRESS: "THE COMMUNITY AGENDA": This conference will be held from 3-6 May 2001, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is being organized by the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA), the World Federation of United Cities, the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro and UNCHS (Habitat) Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information contact: Roberto Ottolenghi; e-mail: ro.habitat@rio.rj.gov.br; Internet: http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/iula-fmcu "ISTANBUL+5" - SPECIAL SESSION OF THE 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 from 6-8 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. For more information contact: Axumite Gebre- Egziabher, UN Centre for Human Settlements, Nairobi, tel: +254-2- 623-831; e-mail: Axumite.Gebre-Egziabher@unchs.org; Internet: http://www.istanbul5.org/ INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS OECD ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS MEETING AND ANNUAL OECD COUNCIL MEETING AT MINISTERIAL LEVEL: These meetings will take place from 16-18 May 2001 in Paris. For more information contact: Media Relations, OECD, Paris; 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, Durban, South Africa; tel: +27-31-337-3536; Internet: http://www.seaworld.org.za INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING ON PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES: The First Intergovernmental Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) will take place in Montreal, Canada from 19-23 November 2001. For more information visit: http://www.gpa.unep.org 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 CONFERENCE ON PARTNERSHIPS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE NEW ECONOMY: This conference will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark from 27-29 June 2001. For more information contact: Niels Hojensgard, The Copenhagen Centre; tel: +45-3392-9245; e-mail: dpnih@sm.dk WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE: This conference will be held from 31 August - 7 September 2001 in Durban, South Africa. A preparatory meeting is scheduled for May 2001 in Geneva. For more information contact: Conference Secretariat, tel: +41-22-917-9290; Internet: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/racism/racism.htm SECOND WORLD ASSEMBLY ON AGEING: This UN conference will be held in Madrid, Spain from 8-12 April 2002, 20 years after the Vienna World Assembly on Ageing. The meeting will review the outcome of the first World Assembly, and will adopt a revised plan of action and long-term strategy on ageing. The UN Commission for Social Development is acting as the Preparatory Committee for the conference. For more information contact: Alexandre Sidorenko, UN Programme on Ageing; e-mail: sidorenko@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT – BRIDGING GAPS AND MOVING FORWARD: This conference will take place from 8-9 March 2001, in Geneva. For more information contact: Monica Araya, Global Environment and Trade Study; tel: +1-203-432-5216; e-mail: monica.araya@yale.edu; Internet: http://www.gets.org/Geneva2001.htm 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. For more information contact: WTO; e- mail: enquiries@wto.org; Internet: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_e.htm Ministerial Meeting On Environment, Sustainable Development And Trade: This meeting will be held on 20-22 March 2001 in Berlin, Germany, and will be hosted by the German Ministry for the Environment and UNEP. For more information contact: Sophie Forster Carbonnier; tel: +41-22-917-8620; e-mail: sophie.forster@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.unep.ch/etu/etp/events/upcming/berlin.htm FAO INTERIM COMMISSION ON PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES: The Commission's Third Session will be held from 2-6 April 2001 in Rome. For more information contact: R. Griffin, FAO, Rome; tel: +39-065-7051; fax: +39-065705-3152. 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. For more information contact: Peter Ungphakorn; 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: This sub-committee will meet twice more during 2001: from 17-18 April and 27-28 November. 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 GENERAL COUNCIL: The WTO's General Council will meet several times during the remainder of 2001: 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 COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT: During 2001, this committee is scheduled to meet on 22 May and 19 October. 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 COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT: During 2001, this committee is scheduled to meet from 27-28 June and 30-31 October. 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 fourth ministerial meeting: The World Trade Organization fourth ministerial meeting will be held in Qatar from 9-13 November 2001. 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 WETLANDS ASIAN WETLAND SYMPOSIUM 2001: This meeting will be held in Penang, Malaysia, from 27-29 August 2001. For more information contact: Reiko Nakamua, Ramsar Center Japan; tel: +81-3-3758-7926; e-mail: ramsarcj.nakamura@nifty.ne.jp SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WETLANDS AND REMEDIATION: 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 on 31 March 2001 in Washington DC. The focus will be the Seas and International Law. For more information contact: Wil Burns, American Society of International Law; tel: +1-650-703-3280; Internet: http://www.eelink.net/~asilwildlife CITES STANDING COMMITTEE: The Standing Committee will meet in Paris from 18-22 June 2001. For more information contact: CITES Secretariat, Geneva; tel: +41-22-917-8139; 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 will also be held at this time. For more information contact: CMS Secretariat, UN Premises in Bonn, Germany; tel: +49-228-815-2401/2; fax: +49-228-815-2449; Internet: http://www.wcmc.org.uk/cms/events.htm WOMEN 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: Division for the Advancement of Women, UN Headquarters, New York; fax: +1-212-963-3463; e-mail: erturk@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/45sess.htm BUILDING CAPACITIES FOR MAINSTREAMING GENDER IN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN LDCS: This workshop will be held from 21-23 March 2001, in Cape Town, South Africa. Organized by UNCTAD and the South African Government, the workshop is part of the preparatory process for the Third UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), to be held in Brussels in May 2001. The workshop will highlight the links between gender, poverty reduction and development and emphasize the need to mainstream gender in LDCs' national policies and programmes. For more information contact: Massi Sahami-Malmberg, UNCTAD; tel: +41-22-907-5537; e-mail: gender@unctad.org; Internet: http://www.unctad.org/en/subsites/ldcs/ldc3preconf/gender.en.htm COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN: The Committee's 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. Both meetings will take place at UN Headquarters in New York. For more information contact: Women's Rights Unit, DAW, United Nations, New York; fax: +1-212-963-3463; e-mail: connorsj@un.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/news/calendar/ 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. Excerpts from /linkages/journal/ may be used in other publications with appropriate academic citation. /linkages/journal/ may not be reproduced, reprinted or posted to any system or service without specific permission from the International Institute for Sustainable Development 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 The Sustaining Donors of IISD Reporting Services publications, including Earth Negotiations Bulletin and /linkages/journal/, are the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Canada (through CIDA), the United States (through USAID), the Swiss Agency for Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL), the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), and the European Commission (DG-ENV). General Support for the Bulletin during 2001 is provided by the German Federal Ministry of Environment (BMU) and the German Federal Ministry of Development Cooperation (BMZ), the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment of Norway, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment of Finland, the Government of Australia, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (through the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies – IGES).