 |
||||
|
IISD Reporting Services -
Linkages |
||||
|
KEY PUBLICATIONS AND ONLINE RESOURCES SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GROWING IN THE GREENHOUSE: POLICIES AND MEASURES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WHILE PROTECTING THE CLIMATE (WRI, December 2005) This report from the World Resources Institute considers how economic development in developing countries can support efforts to mitigate climate change. More information.
HOW TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY – THE CENTRAL ROLE OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS IN MEETING THE MDGS (IIED, 2005) Edited by Tom Bigg and David Satterthwaite, this book includes eight chapters on issues such as land and property rights in sub-Saharan Africa, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in urban areas, and the role of local organizations in farming, environment and people's access to food. A chapter authored by Neema Pathak, Ashish Kothari and Dilys Roe addresses issues of conservation and social justice, and the role of community conserved areas in achieving the MDGs. The book.
MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT: ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN WELL-BEING: HEALTH SYNTHESIS (MA, December 2005) The sixth synthesis report from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) – on "Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Health Synthesis" – was released by the World Health Organization at a press briefing held in conjunction with the Scientific Conference on Asia Pacific Environmental Health. The report finds that, in poor countries and especially in rural areas, the health of human populations is highly dependent on the services of local productive ecosystems for food. Other key findings include that:
The report concludes that, despite net gains, the harm to human health because of ecosystem degradation is already being felt and could worsen significantly over the next 50 years. It identifies two routes to avoiding disease and injury caused by ecosystem disruption. The first is to prevent, limit or manage environmental damage; the second is to take action to protect individuals and populations from the consequences of ecosystem change. MA press release, 9 December 2005 and the report.
THE STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2005 (SOFA 2005) (FAO, 2005) This report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) examines agricultural trade and poverty, seeking to answer whether trade can work for the poor. It suggests that benefits of trade reform may not reach the poor unless urgent complementary policies and investments are made. The report.
WHAT 2005 MEANS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY? (CIVICUS, 12 December 2005) This article by Kumi Naidoo, Secretary-General of CIVICUS (the World Alliance for Citizen Participation) reflects on "the successes and failures of the efforts of civil society during the course of 2005." The article.
INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: PROPOSAL FOR A WAY FORWARD (IISD, December 2005) This paper by László Pintér of the International Institute for Sustainable Development was presentated at the Expert Group Meeting on Indicators of Sustainable Development held in December 2005, in New York. More information.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION TO COMPETITIVENESS (Network of Heads of European Environmental Protection Agencies, 2005) This paper by the Network of Heads of 29 European Environmental Protection Agencies is tabled as a "contribution to the current debate" on the importance of environment policy in a European political climate perceived by some to have marginalized it in favor of narrowly-focused economic growth policies. The paper.
THE ROLE OF BUSINESS AND CSR IN FOSTERING DEVELOPMENT (World Bank, 2005) This resource is the transcript of a speech that Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank Group, gave at the Annual Conference of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) on 4 November 2005 in Washington, DC. The transcript.
THE STATE OF FOOD INSECURITY IN THE WORLD (FAO, 2005) The 2005 edition of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization's annual hunger report focuses on the importance of hunger reduction, the target of the 1996 World Food Summit and the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG 1). The report stresses that hunger reduction is also essential for meeting all other MDGs. The report.
INTERACTIVE EDUCATION FOR RURAL PEOPLE TOOL KIT (FAO, 2005) This "Tool Kit" web site provides education and training materials for rural teachers, instructors, trainers, parents, researchers, and others involved in formal and non-formal education for rural people. FAO prepared it as lead agency, in cooperation with UNESCO, for the global education for rural people initiative, launched in Johannesburg in 2002. The Tool Kit.
CHARTING A WAY AHEAD: THE RESULTS AGENDA (World Bank, 2005) This source provides a transcript of Paul Wolfowitz's first address to the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund as President of the World Bank Group, on 24 September 2005. More information.
WORLD ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SURVEY 2005 (UN, 2005) The World Economic and Social Survey 2005 Financing for Development examines the agenda for action that was set out in the Monterrey Consensus and draws attention to action in the financing and trade areas that needs to be undertaken to achieve both the Millennium Development Goals and the broader United Nations Development Agenda. The report.
DANGER NEED NOT SPELL DISASTER, BUT HOW VULNERABLE ARE WE? (UNU, 2005) This research brief reviews "Measuring Vulnerability to Hazards of Natural Origin," a book proposed for publication by the UNU Press in 2006. The book explores the opportunities for adopting a pre-emptive rather than reactive approach to natural disasters. The brief.
(WRI, 2005) This is the fifth edition of the World Resources Institute's (WRI) biennial survey and ranking of business schools for sustainable business education. The report.
AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (FAO, ILO and IUF, 2005) This study was compiled jointly by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF). The study emphasizes the contribution of waged agricultural workers and their trade unions to rural development and sustainable agriculture and suggests how their living and working conditions could be improved. The report.
INFORMATION AS A VEHICLE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA – ESTABLISHING A REGIONAL AGREEMENT IN ASIA (IGES, October 2005) The second in a series of policy briefs from the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), this report considers the importance of access to information as a means of promoting sustainable development. The report is to be presented at the Asia-Europe Environment Forum in Jakarta in late November 2005. The report.
FRESHWATER POVERTY REDUCTION: SERVING PEOPLE, SERVING NATURE (WWF, September 2005) By analyzing several WWF projects around the world, this new report from the global conservation organization shows a strong link between environmental improvement and economic development. It demonstrates improvements in the livelihoods of poor local communities where WWF-supported conservation projects are in place and shows that employment, income, health and education levels can be improve as a direct result of better management of scarce freshwater resources. The report.
MOBILIZING RESOURCES TO HALVE WORLD HUNGER (FAO, September 2005) Issued by the FAO at the time of the 2005 World Summit, this report argues that, to reduce hunger, it is essential that a larger share of new development funding be allocated to agriculture and rural development than in past decades. Pointing to research showing that agricultural growth, especially if focused on small farmers, is the most important engine for the creation of employment and income for the poor, the report stresses that adequate public funding for essential public goods, such as infrastructure, research and capacity building, is a necessary prerequisite for private investment in agriculture. FAO's press release, 14 September 2005 and the report.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF FOOD AND NUTRITION POLICIES (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993) This book from 1993, which was edited by Per Pinstrup-Andersen and was published for the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), is now available for downloading as an entire document or by chapter in PDF. The report.
ENERGY INDICATORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: GUIDELINES AND METHODOLOGIES (IAEA, 2005) This report was prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Energy Agency, Eurostat and European Environment Agency. The purpose of the report is to present one set of energy indicators for sustainable development for consideration and use, particularly at the national level, and to serve as a starting point in the development of a more comprehensive and universally-accepted set of indicators relevant to sustainable development. The report.
(WBCSD, 2005) The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) released this report on the first day of the 2005 World Summit. The paper explores business solutions in support of the Millennium Development Goals, stating that framework conditions are the most important factor affecting business investment, and emphasizing a focus on investment in regulatory and legal frameworks, capacity building for local enterprises, and core infrastructure. More information.
POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (World Bank, 2003/2005) This text was posted on the Poverty-Environment Partnership website in August 2005. Authored by Jan Bojo and Rama Chandra Reddy, the report examines Millennium Development Goal 7: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability. The paper asks: to what extent do Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) define and adopt targets and indicators that align with those of MDG7; to what extent do the available data allow tracking of progress with respect to MDG7; when data are available, what are the trends; and how can the data be effectively utilized to examine the status and trends of countries in relation to MDG7? The report.
MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL WEALTH FOR POVERTY REDUCTION (PEP, 2005) This report from the Poverty-Environment Partnership develops a framework for analyzing the contribution of natural resources to human well-being and sets out an agenda for public investment and policy reform. The report and other PEP papers and additional resources.
POVERTY AND CONSERVATION: LANDSCAPES, PEOPLE AND POWER (IUCN, 2005) Authored by R.J. Fisher, Stewart Maginnis, W.J. Jackson, Edmund Barrow and Sally Jeanrenaud, this book focuses on conservation's potential to contribute actively to poverty reduction and long-term sustainable development. The authors argue that attempts to reconcile development and conservation needs have failed in the past not because they are irreconcilable but because integration has been limited both institutionally and in terms of geographic scale. The book highlights several arguments in favor of linking poverty reduction with conservation, and discusses some strategies for achieving this, including: focusing on removing constraints (particularly institutional limitations) and building opportunities; identifying causes of environmental degradation and poverty beyond the site level and addressing problems at the appropriate geographical and institutional level; and using landscape-level solutions as well as site-based solutions, and seeking ways to meet objectives in different parts of the wider landscape rather than trying to address them all in a single site, such as a protected area. The book.
WORLD RESOURCES 2005: THE WEALTH OF THE POOR: MANAGING ECOSYSTEMS TO FIGHT POVERTY (WRI/UN, 2005) This is the 11th in a series of biennial reports on global environment and governance issues published jointly by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the environmental think tank World Resources Institute (WRI). The thesis of this report is that income from ecosystems can act as a fundamental stepping stone in the economic empowerment of the rural poor. The report stresses the urgent need to look beyond aid projects, debt relief and trade reform and focus on local natural resources to address the crisis of poverty in all parts of the world. It finds that, in the past, environmental organizations have not addressed poverty, and development groups have not considered the environment enough. The report.
GREEN CITIES: A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (Harmony Foundation, 2005) This report is an official document of United Nation's World Environment Day 2005 and the San Francisco Urban Environmental Accords, and was created to promote community development initiatives that are environmentally sound and socially just. More information.
REPORT ON THE WORLD SOCIAL SITUATION 2005: THE INEQUALITY PREDICAMENT (UN DESA, 2005) This report focuses on the international aspects of inequality, following the assumption that issues of equity and inequality have acquired such importance that it renders a difficult task to strengthen the development agenda without first addressing the segmentation of society that levels of inequality have contributed to producing. More information.
PILOT ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL ECOSYSTEMS (PAGE): AGROECOSYSTEMS DATASET (IFPRI and WRI, 2005) The Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems (PAGE): Agroecosystems was undertaken as a precursor to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. This study identified linkages between crop production systems and environmental services such as food, soil resources, water, biodiversity, and carbon cycling, and the report included a series of 24 maps that provided a detailed spatial perspective on agroecosystems and agroecosystem services. The PAGE: Agroecosystems Dataset offers the nine geospatial datasets used to build these maps.
IFPRI STRATEGY: TOWARD FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY (IFPRI, 2005) This paper sets the International Food Policy Research Institute's (IFPRI) strategy for the next decade, a timely submission in part because the agenda built on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) calls for IFPRI's contribution. The report.
MAKING TOURISM MORE SUSTAINABLE: A GUIDE FOR POLICY MAKERS (WTO and UNEP, 2005) This guide, prepared by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), is designed to be a basic reference book and provide a blueprint for governments to formulate and implement sustainable tourism policies. Ordering information and an excerpt.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2005: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AT A CROSSROADS: AID, TRADE AND SECURITY IN AN UNEQUAL WORLD (UNDP, 2005) This year's Human Development Report takes stock of human development, including progress towards the MDGs. The report highlights the human impacts of not achieving the MDGs, and identifies extreme inequality between and within countries as one of the main barriers to human development. The report.
(UNEP, 2005) The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) published this document for the second international expert meeting on sustainable consumption and production in early September 2005. The compendium of 16 innovative public campaigns to change attitudes and lifestyle choices to protect the environment identifies: what works and what does not work in sustainable development communications; how to develop a communications plan; key obstacles to government communications; recommendations for seeking expert guidance; and additional resources. More information.
REGIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY WEBSITE LAUNCHED A new website has been launched to support renewable energy development in 27 countries within the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's area of operations. The project is receiving financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). More information.
MEASURING POLICY COHERENCE AMONG THE MEAS (IISD, June 2005) This paper by Anantha K. Duraiappah and Asmita Bhardwaj of the International Institute for Sustainable Development considers some tools to define and measure policy coherence among the many multilateral agreements that relate to the environment. The paper.
CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LOCAL NGOS: A GUIDANCE MANUAL FOR GOOD PRACTICE (CIIR/ICD, 2005) This "self-help" manual for local non-governmental organizations was developed by the Catholic Institute for International Relations (CIIR) and International Cooperation for Development (ICDO. The manual online.
MCGILL INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LAW AND POLICY (McGill University, 2005) The Faculty of Law at McGill University has launched a journal focused on the linkages between law and policy in sustainable development. The McGill International Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (JSDLP) is to be a peer-reviewed, student-run journal. The issue due out in late 2005 will focus on climate change. More information.
INFLUENCING POWER: REVIEWING THE CONDUCT AND CONTENT OF CORPORATE LOBBYING (SustainAbility, 2005) This report contains the results of a SustainAbility and WWF research project on how 100 of the world's largest companies report on their lobbying practices. The report.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER QUICK GUIDE (SciDev.Net, 2005) This new website introduces issues relevant to technology transfer through links to: an introduction to technology transfer, key documents, definitions, events and other links. The website.
NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL RECYCLING ZONES IN ASIA (IGES, June 2005) The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies has published a policy paper on Networking International Recycling Zones in Asia – Towards Improvement of Resource Efficiency and Solutions for Environmental Problems in Developing Countries. This is the first policy brief of its kind from IGES, which plans to produce similar papers several times a year on "timely topics" relating to issues such as climate policy, forest conservation, urban environmental management, freshwater resources management, and industry and sustainable society. More information.
EMERGING ISSUES IN THE INTERFACE BETWEEN TRADE, CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY (ICTSD, May 2005) This discussion paper by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) considers the interface between trade, climate change and sustainable energy. Authors Malena Sell, Bernice Law and Matthew Walls argue that the aims of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol can in most cases be aligned with those of the WTO. However, it also advocates win-win opportunities in a number of areas, including negotiations on agriculture subsidies. The report.
THE FAMILY FARM IN A GLOBALIZING WORLD: THE ROLE OF CROP SCIENCE IN ALLEVIATING POVERTY (IFPRI, 2005) In this paper, author Michael Lipton argues for a greater focus on pro-smallholder crop science as a key means of increasing productivity and income. The report.
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS EXPERIENCE (WBCSD, 2005) This online video gallery produced by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) showcases the views of business leaders on sustainable livelihoods business and how they are implementing this approach in their companies, as well as examples of sustainable livelihoods businesses in the field. The website.
VOICES OF THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS THROUGH A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP (UNDP, 2005) This report aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by the least developed countries of Asia and the Pacific, seeking the support required to ensure that all countries in the region attain their Millennium Development Goals. The report's recommendations were endorsed at the inter-governmental level at the Seventh Session of the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries, Bangkok, from 10-11 May 2005. The report.
FOURTH MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT (MEA, July 2005) The fourth Millennium Ecosystem report, entitled "Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Opportunities and Challenges for Business and Industry," has been released. The report summarizes key trends in ecosystems and their services, particularly ecosystem trends of importance to business, and then reviews how the Millennium Assessment findings affect businesses' bottom line. The report argues that companies using the Earth's natural resources more wisely are likely to see bigger profits and enjoy greater long-term stability. The report.
(WBCSD, June 2005) This report by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) examines how companies can obtain value by understanding the relationship between accountability and sustainability and their core business strategy. The report.
STATE-BUILDING - GOVERNANCE & WORLD ORDER IN THE 21ST CENTURY (IFPRI, May 2005) This link accesses an audio recording of the presentation by Francis Fukuyama, based on his recent book of the same title, at an International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Policy Seminar on May 17, 2005: The presentation.
EUROPE 2005 – THE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT (WWF, June 2005) This WWF report examines Europe's Ecological Footprint and concludes that the 25 countries of the European Union are currently consuming more resources than their own environmental capacity would normally allow. The report.
(UNEP, June 2005) The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) launched this new atlas on World Environment Day 2005. The atlas compares satellite images of the past few decades with contemporary ones, and highlights the 2005 World Environment Day theme, "Green CitiesPlan for the Planet!" with photos showing the explosive growth and changes around major cities of the world.
(23 May 2005) This new essay by Michel Gelobter, Michael Dorsey, Tom Goldtooth, Richard Moore and others seeks to respond to a controversial article published several months earlier, entitled "Death of Environmentalism." The earlier article, which focused on climate change politics, questioned how effective the environmental community in the United States has been, arguing that the environmental movement has lost its way. In "The Soul of Environmentalism," the authors argue that environmentalism is far from dead. They suggest instead that it is time for the green movement to stop "playing defense against the plunder-the-earth corporate elites" and to begin to focus more on achieving long-term "deep change" in societal attitudes and behavior.
NEXTBILLION.NET – DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ENTERPRISE (WRI, 2005) This hyper-interactive online blog, which was launched on 26 May 2005, seeks to offer a bottom-up educational resource and threaded-discussion tool, with the overriding theme being that there are four billion poor people at the "bottom of the pyramid" who represent purchasing power for an immense undeveloped marketplace.
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT FOR WATER AND SANITATION IN URBAN AREAS (WSSCC, 2005) This study is the result of collaboration between the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and the Human Settlements Programme at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Written by David Satterthwaite with Gordon McGranahan and Diana Mitlin, the study focuses on the Millennium Development Goal targets. It contains chapters on: securing community-driven improvements in provision; developing alternative means to support improvements in water and sanitation provision; financing water and sanitation improvements through loans and subsidies; engaging with small-scale private water and sanitation providers; and tools and methods that support community-driven improvements for water and sanitation. The report.
THE ROUGH GUIDE TO A BETTER WORLD (Rough Guides, 2005) This guide on global development explains how individuals can help in the fight against world poverty. It is published by Rough Guides, which publishes international travel guides, with support from the UK's Department for International Development. The guide.
BENCHMARK FOR THE 5-YEAR REVIEW OF THE MILLENNIUM SUMMIT (Social Watch, 2005) This paper offers decision-makers recommendations for consideration during the five-year review of the Millennium Declaration. The paper.
STRENGTHENING THE UN THROUGH DEEPENED COOPERATION WITH NGOS, PRIVATE SECTOR AND PARLIAMENT (German Development Institute, 2005) This briefing paper examines recommendations proposed by the Cardoso Panel on UN-Civil Society relations. The paper.
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS: AN ISSUES PAPER (Friedrich Ebert Foundation, 2005) This 52-page paper authored by Gert Rosenthal, President of ECOSOC in 2003, outlines a reform proposal for ECOSOC.
INITIAL NGO RESPONSES TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S REPORT "IN LARGER FREEDOM" (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Friedrich Ebert Foundation, 2005) A number of non-governmental organizations have delivered statements in response to the Secretary-General's report, "In Larger Freedom." These include responses from the following: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
REPORT OF THE INFORMAL MEETING ON INTEROPERABILITY AMONG THE THREE RIO AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONVENTIONS (CBD Secretariat, March 2005) The report of the informal meeting on interoperability among the three Rio and other environmental conventions, held from 2-3 November 2004, in Montreal, Canada, is available online. The report.
THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE CITY (International Review for Environmental Strategies, Vol.5 No.2, 2005) The latest issue of this publication focuses on the environmentally sustainable city, presenting perspectives on urban issues such as air, solid waste, water, and ways to manage and foster cooperation among different stakeholders. More information.
2004 TOP NEWS ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN ASIA (IGES, 2005) The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) has released a report outlining the top news on environmental issues and policy trends in 19 countries Asia and the Pacific in 2004. The publication covers issues ranging from climate change to chemicals managements. The report.
SANITATION AND HYGIENE PROMOTION - PROGRAMMING GUIDANCE (WSSCC, 2005) The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council released this publication during the thirteenth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development in April 2005. The report addresses: general principles and the basics of sanitation and hygiene promotion; starting the programming process; creating the enabling environment (policies, financing, monitoring and evaluation); working with communities and households; programming for better implementation; and selecting and marketing technologies.
AFRICAN WATER LAWS: PLURAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS FOR RURAL WATER MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA (IWMI, NRI et al., 2005) This website contains links to 33 presentations and the Statement developed at an international workshop co-organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich, the Faculty of Law of the University of Dar-es-Salaam, and the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The workshop convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26-28 January 2005 and discussed research on community-based arrangements for developing and managing water for small-scale domestic and productive uses in rural Africa and the impacts of recent statutory water reform. Participants also compared African experiences with those in Asia and Latin America.
MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT (MA) SYNTHESIS REPORT (MA and WRI, 30 March 2005) This report presents the fruits of a four-year study conducted by approximately 1300 experts from 95 countries. The study was designed by the UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme, World Bank, World Resources Institute, Global Environment Facility and others. Governments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, academic institutions and the private sector also contributed their expertise. The report states that, although evidence remains incomplete, there is enough to warn that the ongoing degradation of 15 of the 24 ecosystem services examined is increasing the likelihood of potentially abrupt changes that will seriously affect human well-being, including the emergence of new diseases, sudden changes in water quality, creation of "dead zones" along the coasts, the collapse of fisheries and shifts in regional climate. The report also states that the ongoing degradation of ecosystem services is a road block to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Synthesis Report. More information.
USER-FRIENDLY MATRIX OF THE CHAIR'S IPM SUMMARY (DSD, 2005) This matrix was designed to assist those attending the 13th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development in April 2005. The 16-page table identifies "Policy Options" and "Practical Measures (what/how)" that are included in the Chair's Summary from the Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting, along with "Examples" and "Key implementation actors (+partners)" related to each policy option.
(Chatham House/RIIA, February 2005) The objectives of this report, authored by Fanny Calder and Malaika Culverwell, are to identify a wide range of policy options that governments could adopt in following up the WSSD Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments at the international level and to assess the viability and potential effectiveness of each. The analysis in this report is based on consultations with key stakeholders.
2005 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY INDEX (ESI): BENCHMARKING NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP (Yale Centre for Environmental Law and Policy, January 2005) The 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index was formally released in Davos, Switzerland, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. It establishes indicators that allow for a comparison across the following five components of sustainability: Environmental Systems; Environmental Stresses; Human Vulnerability to Environmental Stresses; Societal Capacity to Respond to Environmental Challenges; and Global Stewardship.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a website on transforming UNEP into a UN Environment Organization (UNEO), a French foreign policy position announced by President Chirac to the UN General Assembly in September 2003. The site includes information on: the concept of an UNEO, an informal intergovernmental working groups launched in 2004, and studies on global environmental governance. The site states that the aim of France's foreign policy is to get the issue on the United Nations' agenda.
(Earthscan, March 2005) Authored by Lester Brown, this book addresses food security with regards to agricultural and water productivity, energy policies and climate stabilization, and humane population policies that balance food and population needs. The book concludes by examining the need to redefine food security.
MAKING TOURISM WORK FOR SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (World Tourism Organization, January 2005) This report summarizes the current status of tourism in small island developing States (SIDS), providing evidence of the importance it has for the sustainable development of many islands and for the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The report addresses key issues that need to be considered by small island nations as they seek to develop and manage tourism in a sustainable manner.
ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: RURAL INVESTMENT AND ENABLING POLICY (IFAD, January 2005) This discussion paper by Jean-Philippe Audinet and Sappho Haralambous argues that poverty and hunger can be cut in half over the coming decade in countries committed to the Millennium Development Goals, assuming the political will exists and focused, concerted action is taken. The authors review the rural dimension of poverty and the centrality of pro-poor agricultural growth, and identify areas and approaches for more pro-poor investment.
(Calabash Project, February 2005) This handbook contains lessons learned from the Calabash Project's research into six case studies on environmental assessment and public participation in Southern Africa. Among other aims, the Calabash Project seeks to increase the effectiveness and ability of civil society to participate in environmental decision-making. The handbook examines the process of public participation from the perspective of regulators, industry, practitioners and civil society – the key stakeholders of any public participation process. Calabash has also produced a report containing a Model of Best Practice for Public Participation and Environmental Assessment and case analyses of the six projects.
FINAL REPORT OF THE REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND INDICATORS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ARAB REGION (UNDESA, 2005) This report presents the proceedings from the 12-14 December 2004 Workshop on National Sustainable Development Strategies (NSDS) and Indicators of Sustainable Development, which was organized to support countries from the Arab region in their efforts to develop NSDS and indicators. The meeting convened in Cairo, Egypt. The report; presentations from the workshop.
(UNEP, February 2005) Prepared in response to a UNEP Governing Council decision adopted in 2003, the annual Global Environment Outlook (GEO) Year Book highlights significant environmental events and achievements, and aims to raise awareness of emerging issues. In addition to tracking issues at the global and regional levels, the 2005 Year Book flags two emerging environmental challenges: the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases and their links to environmental change; and abrupt climate change, its effects on ocean salinity and potential impacts on ocean circulation. The feature focus of the 2004/2005 Year Book spotlights the links between gender, poverty and environment. The book also dedicates a chapter on indicators to reflect the trends for major global and regional environmental issues addressed under the GEO reporting process, including atmosphere, disasters, forests, biodiversity, coastal and marine areas, urban areas and freshwater. The Year Book was launched at the 23rd session of the UNEP Governing Council held in Nairobi in February.
AFTER THE TSUNAMI: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (UNEP, February 2005) Prepared by UNEP's Asian Tsunami Task Force, this report summarizes the interim findings from ongoing environmental assessments in some of the tsunami-affected countries, including India, Indonesia, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Yemen. In addition to the environmental assessments, the report offers recommendations for reconstruction and restoration measures designed to ensure long-term sustainability. It stresses that mainstreaming environmental concerns is a prerequisite for sustainable reconstruction, and that environmental management should take as its point of departure the need to involve and engage the affected population.
The Helsinki Process on Globalization and Democracy released reports from its three Track Groups at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, and World Social Forum in Porto Alegre. The Helsinki Process, established by Finland and Tanzania in December 2002, aims to promote democracy and equality in international relations by promoting the involvement of Southern perspectives and civil society in forming global policies. The three reports released in January contain a wide range of proposals and recommendations as to how governments and institutions that shape international affairs can do so in a way that makes globalization more equitable. Report of the Track on: Global Economic Agenda; Human Security; and New Approaches to Global Problem Solving.
WORLD BANK: FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY 2004(World Bank, February 2005) This report is the first sustainability review released by the World Bank. It describes the Bank's activities in support of the environment, social development, and good governance. The report is organized in three parts, the first providing an overview of the Bank's operations and governance structure and how environmental and social issues fit into the broader context of the Bank's work. The second part highlights the Bank's corporate environmental and social footprint, followed by an outline of the Bank's operational and corporate commitments for the near future.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LAW: PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND PROSPECTS
THE PLAIN LANGUAGE GUIDE TO THE WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Earthscan, January 2005) Written by Rosalie Callway, Jan McHarry, Janet Strachan and Georgina Ayre, this book seeks to help promote public understanding of the agreements arising from the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and to make the decisions contained in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation as comprehensible to as wide an audience as possible.
EVALUATING
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
EARTHSCAN LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
WATER AND ENERGY – PRECIOUS RESOURCES (Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, 2004) This publication presents six case studies that involved a combined approach to water and energy. Each case study reviews the related technology, sustainability, financial issues, obstacles and replicability, with the intention of promoting the particular approaches used.
PACIFIC, CARIBBEAN, AND ATLANTIC AND
INDIAN OCEAN (UNEP, January 2005) UNEP launched three new environment outlook reports for the Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the recent Mauritius SIDS International Meeting. These reports illustrate the state of the environment in the SIDS, indicating trends of national, regional and global significance. The reports also provide policy guidance and early warning information on environmental trends. The reports.
STATE OF THE WORLD 2005: REDEFINING GLOBAL SECURITY
|
|||
up to top