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PLENARY

The Plenary heard statements from governments, intergovernmental organizations, UN agencies and NGOs.

UNDP: Administrator James Gustave Speth called for the immediate negotiation of a protocol to reduce CO2 emissions. The necessary fossil fuel emission reductions are achievable if the appropriate technologies are disseminated. UNDP will support developing countries in getting these technologies.

South Africa: Dr. F. Hanekom said that although a national monitoring system and database exist, foreign funding will allow South Africa to establish a national monitoring center for GHGs that would benefit the entire region. Ukraine: Yuriy I. Kostenko, Minister for Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety, highlighted the difficulties in the countries with economies in transition. The Ukraine will ratify the Convention when it is able to implement its provisions.

UNIDO: Ms. A. Tcheknavorian-Asenbauer said industries in developing countries must be helped to improve competitiveness through energy efficiency, an area where UNIDO can help. UNESCO: Gisbert Glaser noted that the objectives of the Convention cannot be achieved without science, education, internationally coordinated research and global monitoring efforts. UNESCO can contribute through its programmes on oceans, the earth crust, ecosystems and freshwater resources.

IOC: Dr. Gunnar Kullenberg identified the need to improve knowledge of the role of the oceans in climate change. There are specific areas in the marine environment that need evaluation, including marshes, mangroves, wetlands, shelves, estuaries and coral reefs. Convention to Combat Desertification: Executive- Secretary Hama Arba Diallo noted that 103 countries have signed the CCD and Cape Verde is the first to ratify it. The activities carried out by countries affected by desertification will also achieve the Climate Change Convention's objectives.

ECE: Gianluca Sambucini discussed a ten-country study comparing national policies on energy and CO2 emissions. He highlighted the cooperation between ECE member States and Central and Eastern European States. IEA: Executive-Director Robert Priddle said that the IEA ministers have adopted a new statement on energy goals that features environmental considerations. The adoption of policies for tackling energy intensive consumption, improving end-use energy efficiency, technology collaboration, and joint implementation is crucial.

SPREP: Neville Koop supported the AOSIS protocol. He cited the importance of the precautionary approach in climate negotiations and the need for immediate action by COP-1. Mayor of Kampala, Uganda: Christopher Iga, on behalf of the Second Municipal Leaders' Summit on Climate Change, endorsed the AOSIS Protocol. GHG emissions will continue to grow since urban dwellers will comprise half of the global population by 2005. Cities are vulnerable to climate change as well as the arena for the adoption of ecologically sound practices.

Environment NGOs: Pene Lefale, Climate Action Network (Pacific), said the lack of a clear mandate and absence of industrialized countries' support for the AOSIS protocol is disappointing. He urged delegates to tear down the wall of cynicism at COP-1. Business NGOs: Clement Malan, International Chamber of Commerce, said that it was premature to set new commitments without better scientific understanding. He welcomed the proposal for a business consultative mechanism.

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