Summary report, 18 December 1995

1995 CSD Year-end Update

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Although the fourth meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) will not take place until April 1996, there have been numerous intersessional meetings and activities since the last session of the CSD. This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin will review CSD-related intersessional activities during the past six months, summarize the results of the General Assembly's consideration of the CSD and the 1997 review of the implementation of Agenda 21, and highlight upcoming events.

This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is published as part of a series of year-end issues intended to summarize the current state of play in the various sustainable development conferences and negotiations reported on by the Bulletin in 1995.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CSD

Agenda 21 called for creation of the CSD to: ensure effective follow-up of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED); enhance international cooperation and rationalize the intergovernmental decision-making capacity; and examine progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 at the national, regional and international levels. In 1992, the 47th session of the UN General Assembly set out, in resolution 47/191, the terms of reference for the Commission, its composition, guidelines for the participation of NGOs, the organization of work, the CSD's relationship with other UN bodies, and the Secretariat.

1993 SESSION

The CSD held its first substantive session at UN Headquarters in New York from 14-25 June 1993. Amb. Razali Ismail (Malaysia) was elected the first Chair of the Commission. During the course of the session, the Commission addressed the following: adoption of a multi-year thematic programme of work; the future work of the Commission; exchange of information on the implementation of Agenda 21 at the national level; progress in the incorporation of recommendations of UNCED in the activities of international organizations and within the UN system; progress in facilitating and promoting the transfer of technology, cooperation and capacity-building; and initial financial commitments, financial flows and arrangements to give effect to UNCED decisions. On 23-24 June 1993, over 50 ministers participated in the High-Level Segment to discuss issues related to the future work of the CSD and implementation of Agenda 21.

1994 SESSION

The second session of the CSD met in New York from 16-27 May 1994. During the course of the session, the Commission, chaired by Klaus Tpfer (Germany), examined the first cluster of issues according to its multi-year thematic programme of work. Delegates discussed the following cross-sectoral chapters of Agenda 21: trade, environment and sustainable development (Chapter 2); consumption patterns (4); major groups (23-32); financial resources and mechanisms (33); transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building (34); institutions (38); and legal instruments (39). On the sectoral side, delegates examined the progress in implementing the following chapters of Agenda 21: health (Chapter 6); human settlements (7); freshwater resources (18); toxic chemicals (19); hazardous wastes (20); solid wastes (21); and radioactive wastes (22).

The Commission also adopted a decision on intersessional work, which called for the establishment of a new ad hoc open-ended intersessional working group to examine the sectoral issues to be addressed by the Commission at its 1995 session (land management, agriculture, desertification, mountains, forests and biodiversity). The session concluded with a High-Level Segment attended by over 40 ministers and high-level officials.

Delegates determined that although some progress was made, until there is an increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and an improvement in the international economic climate, it will be difficult to translate the Rio commitments into action. Likewise, many participants agreed that unless the CSD's format is changed, it will be impossible to shift from rhetoric and speech-making to dialogue and action.

AD HOC OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUPS

The CSD's Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Sectoral Issues met from 27 February - 3 March 1995 in New York, under the chairmanship of Sir Martin Holdgate (UK). Delegates discussed the six reports of the Secretary-General on the following sectoral issues: integrated management of land resources, forests, combating desertification, sustainable mountain development, sustainable agriculture and rural development, and biological diversity. Among the recommendations was a request for the CSD to consider establishing an intergovernmental panel on forests to assess work already done and to propose further action. The Working Group also recommended that the CSD promote: the exchange of views by governments on integrated land management; the development of tools for integrated land management; priority to technology-related issues; the signature, ratification and implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention to Combat Desertification; action for the sustainable development of mountain areas; integration of energy-related issues into efforts for sustainable agriculture and rural development; and future work on the protection of traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant to conservation and sustainable use.

The Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Finance met from 6-9 March 1995 in New York, under the chairmanship of Dr. Lin See-Yan (Malaysia). The Working Group recommended that the CSD: secure the implementation of all financial recommendations in Agenda 21, including meeting the accepted target of 0.7% of GNP for ODA as soon as possible; urge developed countries to take appropriate new measures towards a solution to the external debt problem of developing countries; encourage international financial institutions and development agencies to continue to enhance their efforts in support of sustainable development; promote capacity-building to enhance the use of economic instruments; prepare a detailed feasibility study on an environmental user charge for air transport; encourage interested parties to undertake a pilot scheme on internationally tradeable CO2 permits; examine the concrete modalities and usefulness of establishing environmentally sound technology rights banks; promote a detailed study of the Matrix approach; encourage governments and organizations to launch specific initiatives in support of their work in financing sustainable development; encourage the Working Group to involve private enterprise, research organizations, international financial institutions, development agencies and NGOs; and further promote the use of debt-for-sustainable development swaps, as appropriate.

1995 SESSION

The CSD held its third session from 11-28 April 1995 in New York. The revised format of the Commission, which included numerous panel discussions, enabled the participants to enter into a dialogue. The two days dedicated to the sharing of national experiences in implementing Agenda 21 was a departure from the CSD's previously UN-centered focus. The Day of Local Authorities, combined with the NGO and government-sponsored panels and workshops throughout the session, enabled the CSD to examine the local aspects of implementing Agenda 21.

The Commission under its new Chair, Henrique Cavalcanti (Brazil), examined the second cluster of issues according to its multi-year thematic programme of work. Delegates discussed: trade, environment and sustainable development (Chapter 2); combating poverty (3); consumption patterns (4); demographic dynamics and sustainability (5); integrating environment and development in decision-making (8); major groups (23-32); financial resources and mechanisms (33); transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building (34); science for sustainable development (35); and information for decision-making (40).

The sectoral cluster for 1995 included: an integrated approach to the planning and management of land resources (Chapter 10); combating deforestation (11); combating desertification and drought (12); sustainable mountain development (13); promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development (14); conservation of biological diversity (15); and environmentally sound management of biotechnology (16). The Commission also established the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests to "pursue consensus and formulation of coordinated proposals for action" with regard to the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. The session concluded with a two-and-a-half-day High-Level Segment, attended by over 50 ministers and high-level officials.

INTERSESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

FOURTH MEETING OF THE HIGH-LEVEL ADVISORY BOARD ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The fourth session of the High-Level Advisory Board was held in New York from 30 May -1 June 1995. The Board examined three topics: mobilizing finance for sustainable development, enhancing cooperation and coordination in the UN system and the building of alliances between the UN and non-governmental partners. The Board expressed deep concern over the decline in bilateral and multilateral ODA. This trend will not be reversed by rhetoric or appeal, but only through enlightened political leadership, supported by public opinion in donor states. The Board agreed that a new strategy for ODA should apply clear, internationally accepted criteria. Debt remission and use of the GEF were found to be important but secondary by comparison. The Board emphasized the need to further strengthen the cooperative relationships among United Nations bodies and between the UN and the non-governmental actors. For more information contact Mr. Kenneth Ruffing, Division for Sustainable Development, tel: +1-212-963-4669, fax: +1-212-963-4260, e-mail: ruffing@un.org.

CHANGING CONSUMPTION PATTERNS

WORKSHOP ON POLICY MEASURES FOR CHANGING CONSUMPTION PATTERNS: The Republic of Korea, in collaboration with Australia, the UN Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DPCSD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) hosted an international workshop on Policy Measures for Changing Consumption Patterns in Seoul, from 30 August to 1 September 1995. Sixty representatives of governments, international organizations and major groups participated in the workshop. The workshop focused on policy options and instruments based on case studies of their application in the following policy sectors: end-use energy consumption; use of water resources; waste management; and urban/land use planning. Among the common themes that emerged are:

An appropriate mix of instruments that can include regulatory, social and economic instruments (including subsidy removal and ecological tax reform) are needed in each sector, together with complementary policies;

Movement towards proper pricing for the use of natural resources, and removal of subsidies, will assist in the achievement of more sustainable patterns of consumption;

Decentralization of responsibilities for sustainable resource management, where appropriate, increases the effectiveness of many policies;

Partnerships among government agencies, private sector firms, voluntary organizations and individual communities should be encouraged;

The principle of extended producer responsibility, in the light of life-cycle analysis, could usefully underpin specific policy measures in materials extraction, product design, product information, waste management and energy efficiency programmes; and

Local, national and global resource distribution patterns must be equitable if they are to be sustainable.

For more information, contact Mr. Kenneth Ruffing, Division for Sustainable Development, tel: +1-232-963-4669; fax: +1-212-963-4260; e-mail: ruffing@un.org.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS

CONFERENCES ON FINANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The World Bank hosted a series of meetings in Washington, DC, on the issue of finance. The first, "Servicing Innovative Financing of Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD)," was held from 2-4 October 1995, in cooperation with the Earth Council. The second meeting, on "Effective Financing of Environmentally Sustainable Development," was held from 4-6 October 1995. Other related meetings dealt with ethics and spiritual values, accounting for nature, monitoring environmental progress, and sustainability and self-empowerment.

More than 1,400 people attended the Conferences, including leaders of governments, NGOs, businesses and international institutions, as well as noted scholars, financiers and social and ethical thinkers. On 5 October, four thematic and four regional roundtables were held on effective financing for ESD. The thematic roundtables examined cross-cutting concerns of environment and health, global ESD programmes, private sector participation, and resource conservation, science and policy. The regional roundtables explored area-specific and global issues linking environment and development, including poverty, the effects of debt, community participation and urban pollution.

For more information, contact Ms. Joan Martin Brown at the World Bank, tel: +1-202-473-2310; fax: +1-202-473-3112; e-mail: martinbrown@worldbank.org.

INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING

AFRICAN REGIONAL MEETING OF NATIONAL COUNCILS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The second regional meeting of national sustainable development councils was held in Africa from 26-27 May 1995. The meeting was organized by the Earth Council, hosted by UNEP and co-sponsored by UNDP, UNEP and the DPCSD. The first regional meeting of national councils was held in Costa Rica in October 1994, involving the national councils of the Western hemisphere.

The meeting, jointly chaired by Maurice Strong (Chair, Earth Council) and Arba Diallo (Executive Secretary, Desertification Convention), included representatives from 28 countries and numerous NGOs. The presentations and the subsequent discussions indicated further need to emphasize approaches that build on the existing African experiences rather than adopting a standard national councils formula "imposed by the North." For more information, contact the Earth Council, tel: +506-256-1611; fax: +506- 255-2197; e-mail: ecouncil@igc.apc.org.

ASIAN REGIONAL MEETING OF NATIONAL COUNCILS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The Earth Council and the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development hosted this meeting of National Councils for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific from 18-19 June 1995 in Manila. There were 80 participants from 22 countries and 10 international organizations.

Common concerns included: (a) poverty, rapid population growth, social and economic inequity and poor access to basic needs and services; (b) resource depletion and degradation; (c) weak institutional structures for planning and implementing sustainable development initiatives; and (d) adverse impacts of trade, debt and other global issues on the economies of developing countries.

Participants agreed that multi-stakeholders must be involved in decision-making, planning and implementation of sustainable development activities, particularly planning at the national and local levels. They also agreed to collaborate in the strengthening of a network or even the formation of a federation of national councils for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region to share information, plan projects, identify areas/activities for funding assistance by donor institutions, formulate unified positions and resolve conflicts. For information, contact the Earth Council, tel: +506-256-1611; fax: +506-255-2197; e-mail: ecouncil@igc.apc.org.

INFORMATION FOR DECISION-MAKING

SECOND EXPERT GROUP MEETING ON INDICATORS: The second Expert Group Meeting on sustainable development indicators took place in New York from 25-26 July 1995. The meeting, which was organized by the DPCSD Division for Sustainable Development, brought together experts from UN organizations as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that are active in this field. The meeting produced a joint plan of implementation of the work programme adopted by the CSD in April 1995. The plan includes collaborative efforts to develop "methodology sheets" for each of the indicators identified in the work programme. Other parts of the work plan include: capacity building and training activities at the regional level; development of a roster of indicator experts; testing and monitoring of progress achieved in a few selected countries; and further development of indicators of sustainable development. For more information, contact Mr. Lars Mortenson, DPCSD, tel: +1-212-963-8805; fax: +212-963-1267; e-mail: mortensen@un.org.

SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ON INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: This workshop, co-sponsored by the German Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, UNEP, the European Commission, the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, and the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE), was held in Wuppertal, Germany, from 15-17 November 1995. The workshop built upon a previous SCOPE workshop held in Ghent, Belgium in January 1995. The focus of this workshop shifted from the users' needs to the scientific and academic issues underlying sustainable development indicators. The workshop addressed sustainable development indicators as well as the economic, social, institutional, and environmental systems underlying them. The workshop also examined ongoing and new approaches to aggregation of indicators as well as the issue of data production and availability.

INTERNATIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS

EXPERT GROUP MEETING ON INTERNATIONAL LAW AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Twenty-eight international law experts participated in this meeting, which was sponsored by DPCSD and was held from 26-28 September 1995 in Geneva. The participants identified a set of basic principles, considered possible classifications and assessed their potential practical implications in a legal text. The expert group focused on the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21 and other legal instruments that have been negotiated or have entered into force since 1992.

For more information, contact Barbara Ruis, DPCSD, tel: +1-212-963-2137; fax: +1-212-963-1267; e-mail: ruis@un.org

COMBATING DEFORESTATION

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON FORESTS: The first meeting of the CSD's Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) took place in New York from 11-15 September 1995. At this meeting, delegates elected Sir Martin Holdgate (UK) as Co-Chair from developed countries and Mr. N.R. Krishnan (India) and Dr. Manuel Rodriguez (Colombia) as Co-Chairs from the G-77, with Krishnan serving as Co-Chair for the first two sessions and Rodriguez serving as Co-Chair for the final two sessions. Delegates also adopted the IPF programme of work and attempted to set the dates and venues of future meetings. Several of the issues that have typically divided North and South again proved difficult. Members of the G-77 were resistant to any proposal that could foreseeably lead to a loss of national control over forests and forest products. There was also some concern on the subject of criteria and indicators and whether proposed intersessional workshops should constitute an official part of the Panel process. Developed countries questioned the need to extend the length of meetings of the Panel and expressed serious concerns about the work of the Panel.

For more information see Earth Negotiations Bulletin, Vol. 13 No. 3 or contact Elizabeth Barsk-Rundquist, tel: +1-212-963-3263; fax: +1-212-963-1795; e-mail: barsk-rundquist@un.org.

WORLD COMMISSION ON FORESTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The WCFSD was established by the InterAction Council of former Heads of State and Governments in 1994 and held its first meeting in June 1995. The Commissioners agreed to give high priority to identifying target areas for policy and institutional reform that are of crucial importance to sustainable management and conservation of global forests. As a starting point, the Commission established three Working Panels to cover the following topics: sustainable, equitable use and management of forests; trade and the environment; and financial mechanisms, international agreements and the role of international institutions. The Commission is in the process of establishing an independent Science Council and a Policy Advisory Group and plans to hold regional public hearings. For more information, contact Dr. Kilaparti Ramakrishna, Woods Hole Research Center; tel: +1-508-540-9900; fax: +1-508-540-9700; e-mail: krwhrc@mcimail.com.

SEVENTH MEETING OF THE MONTREAL PROCESS GROUP: The Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests (Montreal Process) held its seventh meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, from 30 October - 4 November 1995. This was the first meeting since the endorsement of the Santiago Declaration and the comprehensive list of criteria and indicators in February 1995.

Montreal Process countries underscored the importance of future cooperation among countries on national level implementation of criteria and indicators, particularly among neighboring countries or those with similar forest conditions. In this regard, it was agreed that each country would report on its approach to data requirements, including collection, and its approach to reporting on each indicator at the next meeting of the Montreal Process. Participants also exchanged views on the relationship between national level criteria and indicators and certification. Montreal Process countries reaffirmed that the criteria and indicators have been developed for the assessment of sustainable forest management at the national level. Australia will host the eighth meeting of the Working Group in June 1996.

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: The second session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity met in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 6-17 November 1995. Some of the key decisions taken by COP-2 include: designation of the permanent location of the Secretariat in Montreal, Canada; agreement to develop a protocol on biosafety; operation of the clearing-house mechanism; adoption of a programme of work to be funded by a larger budget; designation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as the continuing interim institutional structure for the financial mechanism; consideration of its first substantive issue, marine and coastal biodiversity; and agreement to address forests and biodiversity, including the development of a statement from the COP to the IPF. For more information, see Earth Negotiations Bulletin, Vol. 9 No. 39.

OCEANS

WORKSHOP ON CORAL REEFS: This workshop, which took place from 29 May - 1 June 1995 in Dumaguete City, the Philippines, was sponsored by the International Coral Reef Initiative. Representatives from 36 countries, multilateral institutions, NGOs and the private sector attended.

The Workshop produced a "Call for Action," endorsed by the eight country partners of the Initiative, and authored a "Framework for Action" to provide an outline with which stakeholders can coordinate implementation activities. The Initiative is also hosting a series of regional meetings to follow up on the results of this workshop. Three regional meetings have already taken place: the Tropical Americas Regional Meeting in Jamaica from 5-8 July 1995; the South Asian Seas Meeting in the Maldives from 29 November - 3 December 1995; and the Pacific Regional Meeting in Fiji from 27 November - 1 December 1995. Upcoming meetings include the Red Sea/Gulf Regional Meeting in Egypt in January 1996, the West Indian Ocean/East Africa Regional Meeting in the Seychelles and the East Asian Seas Regional Meeting. For more information contact Ms. Susan Drake, Coral Reef Initiative, tel: +1-202-647-0658, fax: +1-202-647-9547.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE TO ADOPT A GLOBAL PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES: Over one hundred countries adopted a Programme of Action aimed at preventing the further degradation of the marine environment at this UNEP-organized Conference, which took place in Washington, DC, from 23 October - 3 November 1995. The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities is designed to assist States in taking practical actions to maintain and improve the productive capacity of the marine environment, to ensure the protection of human health and to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. With nearly 80% of all marine pollution being caused by various human activities on land, the Global Programme of Action not only identifies the problems and ecosystems under particular threat, but also recommends specific practical action at national, regional and international levels to redress it.

Under actions to be taken at the international level, Governments called for specific global measures in two priority areas the development of a global, legally-binding instrument on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and plans to deal with the inadequate treatment of waste water or sewage.

The Programme of Action also states that UNEP should handle the secretariat functions and should specifically promote its implementation in close partnership with UN agencies, multilateral financial institutions, regional development banks, industry and NGOs. A detailed plan is to be submitted by UNEP early next year outlining the secretariat's structure, the modalities of operation, and how it will coordinate with other agencies, act as the clearing-house and mobilize resources. For more information, contact: Makram Gerges, Acting Director, UNEP Oceans and Coastal Areas, tel: +254-2-62-2015; fax: +254-2-62-2788.

CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: The DPCSD, EarthKind International and the Earth Pledge Foundation co-sponsored this Conference in the Dominican Republic from 29 November - 2 December 1995. The Conference explored a number of topics, including building sustainable infrastructures; financing mechanisms to encourage sustainable tourism; balancing tourist satisfaction, community involvement and employee concerns; investor rewards and environmental protection; and sustainable tourism initiatives and future orientations. For more information, contact Mr. Deonanan Oodit, SIDS Unit, Division for Sustainable Development, DPCSD; tel: +1-212-963-4671; fax: +1-212-963-4260; e-mail: oodit@un.org. Information is also available on the Internet at <<http://www.earthpledge.org/>>.

WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, COMPREHENSIVENESS AND CONSISTENCY IN GLOBAL DECISIONS ON OCEANS ISSUES: This workshop, which was co-hosted by the United Kingdom and Brazil, was held in London from 30 November - 2 December 1995. Delegates from approximately 30 governments, 11 intergovernmental organizations and over 30 NGOs participated. Three panel sessions were held during the workshop. Panel One considered the question of "Scientific and Policy Analysis." Panel Two considered the question of "Successful Policy Formulation." Panel Three dealt with "Successful Policy Implementation." The results of these panels were synthesized into a four-page concluding statement. This statement was the subject of much discussion on the last day. Delegates were asked to submit written amendments that would be incorporated into the final draft.

The draft conclusions focus on several key matters, including: international decision-making on environmental issues should be the result of a holistic approach; international decision-making needs to be based on the precautionary and other approaches embodied in the Rio Declaration; best available scientific information that takes into account traditional knowledge should be used; and better interaction between science and policy formulations in understanding and regulating the marine environment is an important objective. The draft conclusions also note that there is general agreement on the need for more effective cooperation and coordination between UN agencies and that it is important to find means for expressing the consensus of national governments on the priorities for global action on the marine environment.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS MEETING ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS: This meeting, which took place in Vancouver, Canada, from 4-8 June 1995, explored the dimensions of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) problem and outlined opportunities for global action. More than 100 people from over 40 countries participated in the meeting, which was co-sponsored by Canada and the Philippines.

Participants highlighted significant concerns posed to human health and the environment by certain POPs; identified and analyzed the technical, institutional, social, economic, financial and management issues inherent to certain POPs; and identified key elements involved in developing effective global management strategies for certain POPs. Participants concluded that there is enough scientific information on the adverse human health and environmental impacts of POPs to warrant coherent action at the national, regional and international levels. This will include bans, phase-outs and provisional restrictions for certain POPs. The evidence of human health and environmental impacts warrants the application of the Precautionary Approach, as described in the Rio Declaration, although in the view of some participants, this should be set in the context of overall risk management. Effective management strategies and solutions require cooperative action by all stakeholders and must include an appropriate mix of voluntary, market-based and regulatory mechanisms. The participants also identified criteria to determine and evaluate practical strategies and mechanisms for effective global action, and stressed the importance of public participation at all levels of decision-making. For further information, contact Helen Anderson, Environment Canada, tel: +1-819-953-8905; fax: +1-819-953-3173.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS

The Second Committee of the 50th United Nations General Assembly began its consideration of Agenda Item 96, "Environment and Sustainable Development," on 30 October 1995. The Committee had before it a report of the Secretary-General on the format, scope and organizational aspects of the 1997 special session of the General Assembly on the overall review and appraisal of Agenda 21 (A/50/453). Other reports before the Committee included: strengthening UNEP, in particular its function as the liaison in Nairobi for the CSD (A/50/171); the report of UNEP's Governing Council on its 18th session, held in Nairobi from 15-26 May 1995 (A/50/25); and the report of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (A/50/218). A number of delegates commented on progress in implementing Agenda 21 in their own countries. However, many developing countries stressed that the lack of financial resources and technology transfer have had a negative impact on their programmes. While not every delegate commented on the special session, those who did stressed the importance of the preparatory process and the need to include major groups in both the preparations and the session itself.

Joke Waller-Hunter, Director of the Division for Sustainable Development, introduced the report of the Secretary-General containing the proposals on the scope, format and organizational aspects of the 1997 special session of the General Assembly on a comprehensive review of Agenda 21 (A/50/453). The report highlights the necessity to determine the critical areas of sustainability for the years to come. This will have to be based on a comprehensive review of the progress achieved at all levels in the implementation of the Rio commitments. The review will not only take stock of progress achieved, but will also identify major concerns, constraints and gaps. The General Assembly may also wish to reflect upon future institutional arrangements for the follow-up to the Rio process. As far as the organizational aspects of the session are concerned, the report states that the session should last five working days, either in the second half of June 1997 or back-to-back to the CSD in 1997, with participation at a high political level. Since the General Assembly does not allow the active participation of major groups in its deliberations, the report proposes a few options that would allow an active dialogue with representatives of major groups.

Dr. Calestous Juma, the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, reported that as of 20 October 1995, 131 Parties have ratified the Convention. A number of meetings have been held in preparation for the Second Conference of Parties. The Ad Hoc Group of Experts on Biosafety met from 24-28 July 1995 in Madrid, and the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) met on 4-8 September 1995 in Paris. At the Madrid meeting, participants agreed on the immediate need for action to develop an international framework on biotechnology safety, consisting of legally-binding instruments, voluntary agreements, bilateral and multilateral agreements and actions. He stressed the importance of the Second COP in jumpstarting the actual implementation of the Convention at the national level.

UNEP: Reuben Olembo, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, reported on the outcome of the 18th session of the UNEP Governing Council (Nairobi, 15-26 May 1995). It was emphasized that environmental monitoring and promotion of international cooperation must be given priority, as should the provision of technical assistance and advice to developing countries. A more integrated approach that addresses the outcomes of major UN Conferences in the social and economic realms was endorsed. Coordination between the various actors working in the field of sustainable development and clarification of their roles is necessary to ensure that the environmental component of this work is strong and efficient. UNEP's role in this is the provision of scientific, technical and policy information and advice. Also endorsed were the strengthening of UNEP's regional offices, and increasing the transparency and efficiency of management and administrative support structures.

THE PHILIPPINES: On behalf of the G-77 and China, Heherson Alvarez expressed concern that the effective implementation of Agenda 21 in developing countries is severely jeopardized by the insufficient transfer of financial and technological resources from developed to developing countries. Although the developing countries are eager to follow through on sustainable development commitments made at UNCED, in the absence of such transfers, they will be unable to do so without sacrificing their priorities of economic and social development and poverty eradication. The G-77 supports the arrangements for improved coordination between UNEP and the CSD, but worries that increased responsibilities imposed upon UNEP as a result of Agenda 21 are not being matched by increased financial contributions to the Programme.

SPAIN: On behalf of the European Union, Miguel Aguirre de Crcer stated that the focus of the 1997 special session of the General Assembly should be a negotiated political declaration that lays out priorities and future actions to promote sustainable development. He expressed hope that the special session would maintain the high political profile that has characterized the CSD. To ensure its successful outcome and public support, active participation by NGOs and other major groups is of the utmost importance.

SRI LANKA: Mahinda Sarmarasinghe stressed his country's commitment to implementing sustainable development. Sri Lanka has established institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the Rio commitments. Despite these commitments, the problems of developing countries have not diminished. There is a need to develop a global multifaceted strategy to address the problems hampering the implementation of Agenda 21. The importance of the 1997 special session cannot be overemphasized.

MARSHALL ISLANDS: Espen Rnneberg emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts and implementing programmes on the regional level to realize the objectives set out in Agenda 21. In reference to the 1997 special session, he noted that the Barbados Programme of Action and sustainable consumption patterns should be priorities. He reiterated that the amount and format of documentation required by the CSD from developing countries should not be excessively onerous.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION: Vladimir Zimianin said high-level involvement in the special session is necessary and the scientific and academic community, as well as the private sector, should be involved. He supported separate organizational meetings to prepare for the session, and welcomed the proposal to hold the session in June 1997.

MEXICO: Gerardo Lozano said that three years after Rio, many of the principles relating to economic and social development have still not been realized. In its national development plans, Mexico seeks to achieve an equilibrium between economic, social and environmental protection objectives in order to avoid environmental degradation.

He took the floor a second time to comment on the special session of the General Assembly. One of the objectives of the session should be to improve the coordination of environment and sustainable development activities within the UN system. The final product should be a substantive political declaration. The objective is simple: to identify the reasons why the implementation of Agenda 21 has not progressed and to formulate solutions to overcome these obstacles.

FIJI: Graham E. Leung commended the decision of the UNEP Governing Council to use an integrated approach to address issues concerning small island developing States. Other UN agencies and bodies have a role to play in the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted at the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States held in Barbados in 1994. DPCSD and UNEP should coordinate their activities in achieving the objectives of the Programme of Action.

CHINA: Cui Tiankai said that although the international community has developed an understanding of the link between sustainable development and related issues, such as population growth, this understanding has yet to be translated into fulfillment of ODA commitments. Regarding the 1997 special session of the General Assembly, he said that, if appropriately held, the session will help maintain the momentum for sustainable development. The session should identify gaps in the implementation of Agenda 21 and address the crucial questions of financial resources, transfer of technology, and trade and environment.

ISRAEL: Amb. Israel Eliashiv stressed the importance of adequate funding mechanisms and technology transfer in realizing the objectives of Agenda 21. Israel hosted a symposium on sustainable water management in arid and semi-arid regions in May 1995 and is planning to host an expert workshop on commitments appearing in the conventions on biodiversity, climate change, desertification, and the Forest Principles.

TURKEY: Levent Murat Burhan said that Turkey intends to establish an environmentally sound technology centre in Turkey to serve the Mediterranean and Black Sea countries. Turkey has formulated a regional Agenda 21 for Central Asia and the Balkan countries. Regarding the special session of the General Assembly, he encouraged member States to provide more input prior to the session in which the critical areas of sustainability for future years would be determined and priorities would be set for future action.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Karel Zebrakovsky said his country has already started to harmonize its environmental laws and standards with those of the EU. The Czech Government has decided to adopt a comprehensive environmental policy similar to those in other developed countries. He announced that the Czech Republic, in cooperation with UNESCO and the DPCSD, will host a workshop on education and public awareness for sustainable development.

BENIN: Rogatien Biaou said that with the help of the Netherlands, Benin has set up a centre for sustainable development. An environmental agency has also been established under the auspices of the ministries of the environment and of housing. Work on a national Agenda 21 continues and its adoption is scheduled for 1996. He expressed hope that the preparatory process for the special session of the General Assembly in 1997 would lead to bold and productive decisions. He supported convening the session in June 1997.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Ha-Yong Moon expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the CSD in monitoring the implementation of decisions and commitments made in Rio. Intersessional activity, which is crucial in maintaining the momentum achieved at UNCED, has been productive. For its part, the Republic of Korea has hosted two workshops, one on policy measures for changing consumption patterns (September 1995) and another on access to and dissemination of environmentally sound technologies (November 1994). Although progress has been made, much work lies ahead, particularly in the provision of new and additional financial resources and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.

INDIA: Sharad Pawar recalled that the global partnership for sustainable development forged in Rio was based on the understanding that economic growth and poverty eradication were overriding priorities in developing countries, and therefore the generation of resources for sustainable development would have to be the responsibility primarily of the developed countries. To tackle environmental problems, it was agreed that developed countries would have to take immediate action to alter their unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. He noted that very little progress has been made toward these ends. One problem is that procedures for project approval at the GEF are extremely time-consuming in many cases taking up to 24 months. He called for the implementation of an effective operational strategy for the GEF, to better enable it to translate the conventions into action.

WORLD BANK: Andrew Steer noted that more and more countries are including environmental concerns into their policies. This is a sign of a "new environmentalism," characterized by the use of market instruments, cost-effectiveness, increased cooperation with the private sector and involvement of the public. In response to the advent of this new environmentalism, the World Bank is providing financial support totaling US$10 billion to environment-specific programmes in 65 countries, focusing on rural environmental challenges, urban and industrial pollution, and the strengthening of environmental institutions. He called for increased cooperation and effective partnerships among international agencies working towards sustainable development, and cited as an example the collaboration of the Bank with UNDP on the formation of a "Global Water alliance." He also expressed concern for the jeopardized status of the International Development Association (IDA).

INDONESIA: Amb. Isslamet Poernomo noted with disappointment that implementation of commitments made in Rio toward sustainable development has been frustrated by inadequate financial contributions and technology transfer. The review of Agenda 21 implementation that will occur at the special session of the General Assembly is an important forum for identifying the constraints and generating commitments to overcome them. Due to the limited membership of the CSD, he proposed that a separate preparatory meeting of the entire General Assembly be convened prior to the special session, to ensure the full and equal participation of all parties, including major groups, in the preparatory process.

UNESCO: Jorge Werthein noted that UNESCO is actively promoting the sustainable development agenda of the CSD through numerous education and scientific programmes. In the field of education, efforts include programmes to enhance environmental and sustainable development programmes, as well as to reinforce basic education. Its work also consists of educational capacity-building in developing countries, and promotion of North-South and South-South cooperation on this front. In the scientific arena, UNESCO is working to advance the development of interdisciplinary sciences for sustainable development, as well as enhancing communication between scientists and policy-makers.

GUYANA: On behalf of the Caribbean Community, George Talbot expressed concern about the slow progress toward achieving the goals and commitments established in Rio. The greatest obstacle has been the deficiency of transfer of environmentally sound technologies and financial resources to developing countries. A special session of the General Assembly is necessary to formulate effective means of furthering these goals. He reinforced the importance of changing consumption and production patterns for advancing sustainable development.

AUSTRALIA: Senator Domenic Foreman noted that to ensure the effectiveness of the 1997 review of Agenda 21, Member States should undertake comprehensive preparation efforts. The current session of the General Assembly should charge the CSD with the preparatory work for the special session. The establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests was one of the most important results of the CSD's third session. Australia will be hosting a conference pertinent to its work programme, on Certification and Labelling of Sustainably Produced Forest Products, in May 1996.

IRAN: Mohammad Jabbary expressed disappointment that although the CSD has made substantial efforts to follow up on the agreements and commitments made in Rio, there has been little action. The developed nations in particular must take the initiative to alter unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and to provide new and additional financial resources. Less than one percent of the financial commitments made by developed countries in Rio has been fulfilled. He affirmed the need for a special session of the General Assembly to review the progress of UNCED implementation.

BULGARIA: Zvetolyub Basmajiev noted that Bulgaria is transforming its economic and social policies, through institutional strengthening and capacity-building, to incorporate environmental concerns, and has developed numerous strategies to this end. Although they have made significant strides, their ability to implement such programmes is hindered by a lack of financial resources. Attendance by ministers of relevant sectors other than the environment at the High-Level Segment of the CSD will ensure that a comprehensive approach is used to enhance the implementation of sustainable development policies.

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Hong Je Ryong called for a revival of the spirit and political will that Member States brought to Rio, in order to strengthen global cooperation on the critical realization of environmentally sound and sustainable development. Of central importance is the urgent need for developed countries to follow through on their commitment to increase ODA.

TUNISIA: Abderrazak Azaiez said that sustainable development requires a balance between human needs and the natural environment. He described one of Tunisia's programmes that encompasses matters relating to energy consumption and the use of alternative energy sources. Action for sustainable development at the national level requires the financial backing of developed countries as well as the transfer of environmentally sound technology to developing countries.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Amb. Utula Samana, on behalf of the South Pacific Forum (Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea), said that South Pacific Forum members have increased their participation in international and regional forums aimed at sound environmental management practices and sustainable development. He expressed regret that the last meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests wasted valuable time and energy on revisiting the agreed mandate and the terms of reference for the Panel. What is needed are concrete sets of activities that will pave the way forward. Noting that the protection of the world's oceans is a major concern for small island developing States, he said that the Forum countries had recently endorsed the "Waigani Convention," which bans the import and transport of radioactive wastes. He also expressed outrage about the French decision to resume nuclear testing in the South Pacific.

SUDAN: Hamid Ali Mohamed Eltinay stressed the connection between poverty and damage to the environment. He reviewed measures taken by Sudan to protect the environment, including a national strategy for the environment. In cooperation with the FAO, and with support from the Netherlands, the Sudan has implemented a programme in agricultural areas. He added that it was regrettable that some view the concept of partnership for development with a limited perspective.

NEPAL: C. P. Mainali reported that Nepal has incorporated environmental protection policies into its constitution and has formed a high-level Environmental Protection Council to coordinate cross-sectoral and inter-ministerial activities relating to the environment. The implementation of Agenda 21 has been hindered by a lack of coordinated efforts to increase ODA, improve market access for exports, transfer environmentally sound technologies, and ensure more equitable terms of trade. Greater coordination of activities between the Bretton Woods institutions and the relevant UN agencies is necessary to achieve the Rio goals.

ETHIOPIA: Berhanu Kebede said that the decentralization and democratization process in Ethiopia has created a favorable environment for the participation of local people in the preparation and implementation of development and environmental protection programmes. National efforts bore fruit when the international community extended support for the establishment of an appropriate institutional structure and promotion of national capacity building.

UKRAINE: Volodymyr Reshetnyak noted that the destruction of the environment continues unabated since Rio. Developing countries need additional resources to implement their environmental programmes. Responsibility for economic and social development, including environmental aspects, remains that of the international community. With regard to the special session of the General Assembly, NGOs, scientific and political bodies and the mass media should be involved in the preparatory process.

JAPAN: Takao Shibata stressed the importance of the special session in critically appraising the progress of Agenda 21, and stated that the outcome should be a negotiated political document formulating a long-term strategy with clear guidelines and priorities for future action. The preparatory process should be characterized by active participation of major groups. To incorporate important developments such as the third COP of the Climate Change Convention, it would be optimal to hold the special session toward the end of the year.

BURKINA FASO: Paul Robert Tiendrebeogo said that progress in implementing the Rio commitments has been made, but developed countries have not done their part. The 1997 special session of the General Assembly will be a decisive turning point in addressing the Rio commitments.

UGANDA: Odyek Agona said the world community is witnessing a weakening of the resolve to implement the agreements reached at Rio and there is a blatant tendency for selective implementation of the Rio undertakings. Concrete actions should support the efforts of developing countries in the areas of resource flows, trade, debt service and technology.

PERU: Italo Acha said he believed that progress has been made on the strengthening of the central role of UNEP as the principal body to stimulate action within the UN system. Countries need to maintain their commitments to its financing.

CANADA: Amb. John A. Fraser stated that Canada will be providing C$130,000 to support the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and to facilitate developing country participation in Panel meetings. Many meetings have been hosted by Canada to further the sustainable development agenda, such as the meeting of the G-7 Environment Ministers in May 1995. Canada and the Philippines co-sponsored the June 1995 International Experts Meeting on Persistent Organic Pollutants in Vancouver. In cooperation with UNEP and Chile, Canada is co-sponsoring a regional training workshop for Latin America and the Caribbean on the economics of biodiversity.

MALTA: Walter Balzan expressed concern about the reduction in UNEP's budget, which seriously compromises its ability to successfully implement Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration. In order to maximize the efficiency of efforts, he called for improved coordination among the many agencies involved in sustainable development work. Malta has expanded its efforts to eliminate the use of ozone-depleting substances by the year 2000.

MYANMAR: U Zaw Wynn reported on the strides made in his country toward implementing the goals of Agenda 21. The National Commission on Environmental Affairs (NCEA), established in 1990, develops environmental policies and sets standards, including the National Environmental Policy, which was adopted last year. The NCEA has commenced the process of ratification of the Climate Change and Biodiversity Conventions, and has developed a framework to implement commitments made in Rio.

ALGERIA: Mourad Ahmia said that multilateral cooperation on the environment requires an intensification of efforts towards sustainable development. With the commitment of developing countries towards reform, the international community should make available substantial additional resources and take steps towards the transfer of environmentally sound technologies.

EGYPT: Abdel-Ghafar Eldeeb said that UNCED was successful in crystallizing a consensus on the need to protect the environment, but financial resources and transfer of environmentally sound technologies are needed. He called on donor countries to implement their ODA commitments. Consumption patterns in developed countries and poverty in developing countries must be tackled. With regard to the special session of the General Assembly, proposals must take into account the outcomes of other development-related conferences. It should concentrate on the issues of financial resources and transfer of technology.

PAKISTAN: Ghulam Qadir Chandio highlighted the paucity of financial contributions and environmentally sound technology transfers, stating that under these circumstances, it is not feasible to expect developing countries to achieve sustainable development. Another obstacle is the lack of concrete measures to address unsustainable production and consumption patterns. The proliferation of intersessional activities is exceeding the developing countries' capacity to participate in meetings or keep up with developments in the follow-up process, and this could result in decisions and outcomes that may not be representative of the interests of all parties.

NORWAY: Amb. Svein Aass said that the special session should be a self-standing event, and should be attended by high-level government representatives. He emphasized the importance of major group involvement in the special session, and suggested the rules for participation be amended to accommodate such participation. He supported the Secretary-General's report on using sustainable consumption and production patterns as an "umbrella" concept to facilitate the integration of environmental and economic factors. It is important to go beyond a simple assessment of what has happened since UNCED.

COSTA RICA: Amb. Jos Manuel Gutirrez, on behalf of the Central American States, described the Central American alliance on environmental matters. The two main objectives of the alliance are equitable economic growth without degrading natural resources and protection of the natural environment for future generations. The special session to review Agenda 21 will be an opportunity to review the work of the CSD.

UNITED STATES: Bisa Williams-Manigault said the outcome of the special session may be more useful if it is prepared as a factual report or assessment in the form of a Chair's summary as opposed to a negotiated political document. The CSD should maintain its focus on its three essential functions: promoting the concept of sustainable development; addressing special or new and emerging issues; and promoting UN agency coordination and cooperation on sustainable development. To promote sustainable development, the CSD can continue to: bring national sustainable development agencies together to share their strategies and experiences; promote voluntary national reporting; encourage countries to develop national sustainable development plans; and agree on key indicators that provide a good measure of the progress made toward sustainable development.

LEBANON: Hicham Hamdan noted that Lebanon has established a Ministry of Environment and has incorporated environmental considerations into the national agenda for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Lebanon faces difficult challenges associated with protecting the long-term potential of its natural resources.

MALAYSIA: Amb. V. Yoogalingam stated that the greatest obstacle to implementing Agenda 21 is the lack of financial resources. He mentioned numerous proposals for innovative financial mechanisms, such as modest levies on global air travel and a tax on arms trade. These proposals should receive priority attention due to their capacity to augment financial resources. He cautioned that the transition to sustainable development should not be used as an opportunity for outside parties to dictate development policies in developing countries, nor should protectionist policies be employed against developing countries under the guise of environmental protection measures.

BRAZIL: The representative said that it is too early to define a format for the special session of the General Assembly. Nevertheless, there are some themes that are in the forefront of concern, including financial cooperation, transfer of technology and patterns of production and consumption. The special session has to give priority consideration to the implementation of major UN conventions and examine the role of the CSD. The participation of major groups, especially NGOs, must be assured. The Regional Commissions should also be actively involved.

Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development, took the floor on 7 November 1995 to respond to questions raised in the debate about preparation for the 1997 special session. He noted that the challenge of the special session is to chart a new path, since UNCED is the first of the major conferences subject to a five-year review. He noted that the 5th session of the CSD will be a preparatory meeting for the special session, but many would prefer that the preparatory process start at the end of the 4th session and the Secretariat welcomes this idea. The Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development has already started work on how all entities in the system will work together during the preparatory process to ensure an effective review. The review will also have to take into account activities outside of the CSD, including the global conferences that have taken place since 1992, the conventions, and how Agenda 21 has been internalized in other organs of the UN system. There is a need to ensure NGO participation in the preparatory process and the special session so that their contribution to Rio, the follow-up and the CSD are reflected. Another question is how non-governmental activities, such as the 3000 local authorities that have produced their own Agenda 21s, can be reflected in the process. It is not the Secretariat's desire or intention to repeat the Rio Conference. The review is not a UN global conference, but it should be considered almost as important.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS

A draft resolution on the "Special session for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21" (A/C.2/50/L.23), was first introduced by the Philippines, on behalf of the G-77 and China, on 17 November 1995. During informal consultations, some of the issues that delegates discussed included: how to ensure the participation of major groups in the special session; the contents of the Secretary-General's report assessing progress achieved since Rio; other contributions to the special session; and funding to assist developing countries in participating in the special session and its preparatory process.

The revised draft resolution (A/C.2/50/L.78), adopted on 12 December 1995, decides to convene the special session envisaged in resolution 47/190 for a duration of one week during the month of June 1997 at the highest possible level of participation. It encourages participants at the High-Level Segment of the CSD in 1996 to address matters related to the special session and invites the CSD to devote its Ad Hoc Open-ended Intersessional Working Group meeting, to be held in February 1997, to assisting the Commission in undertaking the review for the special session. The 1997 session of the CSD which will be open-ended to allow for the full participation of all States will also be devoted to preparations for the special session.

The resolution invites Governments and relevant regional and subregional organizations to consider undertaking reviews of progress achieved since UNCED. It also welcomes the contributions of: hemispheric, regional and subregional conferences on sustainable development; relevant organizations and bodies of the United Nations system; and the Conferences of the Parties or other regulatory bodies of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention to Combat Desertification, as well as the regulatory bodies of other relevant instruments and the GEF.

In recognition of the important role played by major groups, including NGOs, at UNCED and in the implementation of its recommendations, the resolution acknowledges "the need for their active involvement in preparations for the special session as well as the need to ensure appropriate arrangements for their contribution during the special session."

The resolution also invites Governments to assist the developing countries, in particular the least developed among them, in participating fully and effectively in the special session and its preparatory process, and invites them to contribute to the Trust Fund to Support the Work of the CSD.

The Secretary-General is requested to prepare a comprehensive report containing an overall assessment of the progress achieved since UNCED in the implementation of Agenda 21 and related outcomes at all levels, as well as recommendations for future actions and priorities. This report will be considered by the CSD at its 1997 session. The report should include:

Concise reports containing an assessment of the progress achieved in specific sectoral and cross-sectoral areas;

Country profiles providing a concise presentation of progress made and constraints encountered in implementing Agenda 21 at the national level, compiled on the basis of national information received and in close cooperation with the Governments concerned;

Major and emerging trends and issues within the framework of Agenda 21 and related outcomes of the Conference in the area of sustainable development, including the environmental impact of activities that are gravely hazardous to the environment, taking into account the views of States; and

Recommendations on the future role of the Commission in the follow-up to the outcome of the Conference and related outcomes, building on experience gained since 1992.

Finally, the resolution requests the Secretary-General to mount a public information programme to raise global awareness for both the special session and the work undertaken by the UN in the follow-up to the Conference.

UNCED FOLLOW-UP

Concise reports containing an assessment of the progress achieved in specific sectoral and cross-sectoral areas;

Country profiles providing a concise presentation of progress made and constraints encountered in implementing Agenda 21 at the national level, compiled on the basis of national information received and in close cooperation with the Governments concerned;

Major and emerging trends and issues within the framework of Agenda 21 and related outcomes of the Conference in the area of sustainable development, including the environmental impact of activities that are gravely hazardous to the environment, taking into account the views of States; and

Recommendations on the future role of the Commission in the follow-up to the outcome of the Conference and related outcomes, building on experience gained since 1992.

RELATED RESOLUTIONS

The Second Committee also adopted a number of other resolutions related to UNCED follow-up. These include:

Convention on Biological Diversity (A/C.2/50/L.45): This resolution takes note of the work of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice. It calls upon those States that have not yet ratified the Convention to do so and invites the Executive Secretary of the Convention to report on the results of the second meeting of the COP to the General Assembly at its 51st session and to make this report available to the CSD.

Implementation of the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (A/C.2/50/L.47): This resolution requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Unit of the DPCSD include in its work programme provision for the development and compilation of a vulnerability index for SIDS, to be prepared in collaboration with UNCTAD and other relevant organizations. It also requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its 53rd session a report on the plans, programmes and projects for the sustainable development of SIDS that have been implemented in response to the Programme of Action, as well as those that are under implementation and those that are envisaged for implementation within five years of the date of the report.

Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (A/C.2/50/L.69): This resolution endorses the report of the UNEP Governing Council on its 18th session. The Governing Council is requested to prepare a report on UNEP's role and activities in implementing Agenda 21 and to submit that report to the General Assembly at its special session on the overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21. It also calls on Governments to make contributions in a timely fashion in order to allow for the full and effective implementation of UNEP's work.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN 1996

AD HOC OPEN-ENDED INTERSESSIONAL WORKING GROUPS: At its third session, the CSD agreed to continue the work of the ad hoc open-ended intersessional working group on sectoral issues and finance. The Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Sectoral Issues will focus on the oceans and atmosphere chapters of Agenda 21 and will meet from 26 February - 1 March 1996. The Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Finance and Consumption and Production Patterns will meet from 4-8 March 1996. Both meetings will be at UN Headquarters in New York. For more information, contact Andrey Vasilyev, Division for Sustainable Development, tel: +1-212-963-5949; fax: +1-212-963-4260; e-mail: dpcsd@igc.apc.org.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON FORESTS: The second session of the IPF will meet from 11-22 March 1996 in Geneva. Substantive focus will be on Cluster I (items I.2 causes of deforestation, I.4 afforestation, reforestation and restoration, and I.5 needs and requirements of countries with low forest cover); Cluster II international cooperation in financial assistance and technology transfer; and Cluster III (item III.1 assessment, scientific knowledge and valuation). There will also be an initial discussion on the rest of the work programme elements. For more information, contact Elizabeth Barsk-Rundquist, tel: +1-212-963-3263; fax: +1-212-963-1795; e-mail: barsk-rundquist@un.org.

FOURTH SESSION OF THE CSD: The fourth session of the CSD is scheduled to meet from 18 April - 3 May 1996 at UN Headquarters in New York. The proposed schedule is to open the session with a presentation of the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests, to be followed by a discussion on cross-sectoral issues not dealt with by the ad hoc working groups (technology transfer, education, capacity building, trade, poverty, population, decision-making, major groups and national reporting). During the week of 22-26 April, the CSD will begin with a presentation of the report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Finance and Consumption and Production Patterns, followed by a panel and discussion. On Tuesday, there will be a presentation on the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Sectoral Issues, followed by a panel and discussion. During the rest of the week, the CSD will examine implementation of the SIDS Programme of Action and exchanges of national experiences on coastal zone management and sustainable development strategies. The drafting groups will begin their work on Thursday and conclude the following Tuesday. The High-Level Segment will take place from Wednesday through Friday, 1-3 May.

CSD-RELATED INTERSESSIONAL MEETINGS

AFRICAN REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY-SOUND TECHNOLOGIES: This meeting, which is jointly organized by the African Regional Centre for Technology, DPCSD and the Economic Commission for Africa, will take place from 17-19 January 1995 in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, contact Dirk Pilari, DPCSD, tel: +1-212-963-6757; fax: +1-212-963-1267; e-mail: pilari@un.org.

MEETING ON TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGIES AND EN-TECHMART 96: This meeting, which will take place from 22-25 January 1996 in New Delhi, India, is organized by the Asian Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) of ESCAP, in cooperation with the Small Industry Development Bank of India. For more information, Contract Vadim Kotelnikov, APCTT, tel: (91-11) 685-6276; fax: (91-11) 685-6274; e-mail: apctt@sir-netd.ernet.in.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS MEETING ON ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGICAL NEEDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: This meeting, which will be held from 5-7 February 1996 in The Hague, The Netherlands, is jointly organized by the Governments of the Netherlands and Switzerland. For more information, contact, Ms. Petra Loeff, Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment, The Netherlands, tel: (31-70) 339-4080; fax: (31-70) 339-1304.

FAO TECHNICAL CONSULTATION OF SOUTH PACIFIC SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: This consultation will be held in Western Samoa from 26-29 March 1996.

CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATING ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING IN ISLANDS AND SMALL STATES: This Conference will be held in Malta from 14-16 March 1996.

UNCTAD IX: The ninth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development will take place in Midrand, South Africa from 26 April - 11 May 1996. The theme of the session is "Promoting growth and sustainable development in a liberalizing and globalizing world economy." Particular focus will be given to policies and actions, required at both national and international levels, to allow developing countries to benefit from the processes of globalization and liberalization of the world economy while ensuring that poorer nations will not be marginalized from the mainstream of the world economy.

CSD MEETINGS

CSD-RELATED INTERSESSIONAL MEETINGS

CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATING ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING IN ISLANDS AND SMALL STATES: This Conference will be held in Malta from 14-16 March 1996.

Further information

This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (c) <enb@igc.apc.org> is written and edited by Pamela Chasek <pchasek@pipeline.com>, Carolyn Schmidt <cjs28@columbia.edu> and Richard Jordan. The Managing Editor is Langston James Goree VI 'Kimo' <kimo@iisd.org>. Specific funding for this issue has been provided by the Netherlands Ministry for Development Cooperation. The sustaining donors of the Bulletin are the International Institute for Sustainable Development <iisd@web.apc.org>, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Pew Charitable Trusts through the Pew Global Stewardship Initiative. General support for the Bulletin during 1995 has been provided by the United Kingdom, Switzerland, GTZ, FAO and the World Bank. The authors can be contacted at their e-mail addresses and by phone at +1-212-644-0204 and fax at +1-212-644-0206. IISD can be contacted at 161 Portage Ave. East, Sixth Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0Y4, Canada. The opinions expressed in the Earth Negotiations Bulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD and other funders. Excerpts from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin may be used in other publications with appropriate citation. Electronic versions of the Bulletin are automatically sent to e-mail distribution lists (ASCII and PDF format) and can be found on the gopher at <gopher.igc.apc.org> and in hypertext through the Linkages WWW-server at <http://enb.iisd.org/> on the Internet. For further information on ways to access, support or contact the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, send e-mail to <enb@igc.apc.org>. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin may not be reproduced, reprinted or posted to any system or service outside of the APC networks and the ENB listserver, without specific permission from the International Institute for Sustainable Development. This limitation includes distribution via Usenet News, bulletin board systems, mailing lists, print media and broadcast. For more information, send a message to <enb@igc.apc.org>.

Participants

National governments: Algeria; Australia; Benin; Brazil; Bulgaria; Burkina Faso; Canada; China; Costa Rica; Czech Republic; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Egypt; Ethiopia; Fiji; Guinea; Guyana; India; Indonesia; Iran; Israel; Japan; Lebanon; Malaysia; Malta; Marshall Islands; Mexico; Myanmar; Nepal; Norway; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Philippines; Republic of Korea; Russian Federation; Spain; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Tunisia; Turkey; Uganda; Ukraine; UK; US
Negotiating blocs: African Union; Caribbean Community; European Union; Group of 77 and China; Small Island Developing States
Non-state coalitions: Local Authorities; NGOs