ENB:08:16
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AFTERNOON INFORMAL SESSION
The Chair opened the afternoon session with a reading of of the bracketed text in Chapters I-XIV of the Programme of Action.
I. CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE
Paragraphs 17 and 17 bis: One delegate noted that these paragraphs were alternatives and paragraph 17 was deleted. Paragraph 17 bis was modified to reflect discussion in the ongoing climate change negotiations. The brackets were removed.
III. MANAGEMENT OF WASTES
Paragraph 21: The discussion centered on the reference to the passage of ships carrying toxic and hazardous wastes and chemicals and radioactive materials through the seas of small islands. This sentence remains in brackets.
Paragraph C(iv) and (v): Discussion focused on appropriate reference to conventions and other arrangements dealing with marine pollution, in particular land based sources. The two paragraphs were amended to embrace all processes dealing with these issues.
IV. COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCES
Paragraph C(v): A proposed new text merges the original draft with amendments that specify the outcomes of the 1993 World Coast Conference and make reference to other intergovernmental activities in order to help SIDS develop integrated coastal management plans. Some developing country delegates, however, expressed their unease at taking into account meetings that are yet to take place. The paragraph remains in brackets.
V. FRESHWATER RESOURCES
Paragraph 26: This addresses safeguarding watersheds. One delegate proposed an amendment dealing with over-abstraction from groundwater resources. Although developing country delegates agreed to mention safeguarding groundwater resources, the delegate proposing the amendment insisted on maintaining the concept of over-abstraction. Consultations will continue on this matter. An amendment was proposed that would ensure waterways have a water flow sufficient to maintain ecological processes. As the proposer could not explain what was meant by "waterways," this amendment was dropped.
VII. ENERGY RESOURCES
Chapeau: The term "renewable energy resources" was replaced with "sources of renewable energy".
Paragraph A(ii): The proposed deletion of "appropriate economic instruments" gave rise to a long debate. Many developing countries felt that this language is too specific and that economic instruments are not necessarily the best approach for all SIDS. The provision is still in brackets.
Paragraph C(ii): The reference to the use of double-hulled tankers was accepted and the brackets were removed.
Paragraph C(iii): This paragraph on transfer of energy technology was unacceptable to developed countries. One delegate suggested adding "appropriate" before "the transfer of energy technology." The paragraph remains in brackets.
Paragraph C(iv): Amendments were suggested to indicate that international institutions can only be "encouraged" to take action and that, in this respect, "ensure" is not realistic. Some thought this weakened the provision too much. The paragraph remains in brackets.
XI. REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION
Paragraph 47: The brackets in this paragraph on regional organizations were retained at the request of one donor.
Paragraph B(vii): This paragraph had been incorporated by AOSIS/G-77 in Paragraph B(v). With one amendment that adds "with a view to ensuring a high degree of environmental protection," paragraph B(v) was agreed upon and paragraph B(vii) deleted.
XII. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Paragraph 50: The brackets were removed.
Paragraph C(v): The brackets were retained.
XIII. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Paragraph C(iii): The brackets were removed and the order of reference to the CSD and the CSTD was reversed.
XIV. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Paragraph 57: As expected, the formulation of this paragraph was controversial and it was suggested that the reference to responsible planning of family size be replaced with language drawn from paragraph 3.8(j) of Agenda 21. No agreement was reached and the text is still in brackets.
Paragraph A(ii): Agreement was reached when it was decided that the term "demographic" could be deleted if the brackets were removed from "the dignity and fundamental rights of the human person and of the family."
Paragraph C(ix): This now reads, "Continue to support, and increase where possible, scientific and technical training in order to promote sustainable development."