28 June 2012 presented to the ESDN

Transcription

1 28 June presented to the ESDN Formulation, reiteration and reaffirmation of international commitments in some key thematic areas at the UN conferences on sustainable development (matching provisions from the adopted documents to detect the changing common political will to address the global problems) dr. Tibor Faragó, hon. professor; former representative of Hungary at UN conferences on sustainable development, international environment cooperation and climate change High-level policymakers met at world conferences several times during the last four decades in order to exchange views on global problems of unsustainable processes, to address these problems by the international community and to agree on a common vision on and actions towards sustainable development. Besides many multilateral meetings and agreements dedicated to specific critical issues, the more or less comprehensive approach characterized those world conferences, which were convened under the aegis of the United Nations in 1972, 1992, 1997, 2002 and the most recent one in. These were: the 1972 UN Conference on Human Environment (), the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (), the Special Session of the UN General Assembly in 1997 (UNGASS), the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development () and the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (). The recognition of the increasing level of interdependence of the nations concerning the interrelated environmental and socio-economic processes, as well as, their adverse implications has led to the improvement of multilateral collaboration, formulation of global programmes, strengthening former and establishing new international mechanisms. Those comprehensive programmes could be adopted by consensus provided that the positions of all parties were taken into account and somehow reflected through balanced compromises and negotiating "packages". In spite of such compromises (frequently resulting in inadequate or less ambitious provisions, targets, commitments), in general, the formulation and adoption of a global political vision and programmes could be seen as important achievements from the early 1970s. Seemingly, this positive tendency is gradually slowed down for the recent years. The basic reason for that is the relatively rapid change in the "world order" (i.e. the political and economic power structure). This process includes the diversification of the positions of the countries and country groups of the "third world", increasing role of the "emerging economies", political and economic changes in the CEE region, enlarged and more heterogeneous EU and its recently deepening internal problems, growing international economic competition and "appetite" for various environmental resources etc. As a consequence, while there is some progress in several areas and regions, various reports clearly indicate the unsolved and sometimes even escalating former problems and also reveal new global challenges (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, IPCC AR4, UNSG report on poverty eradication presented at fiftieth session of the Commission for Social Development at recent session of Social Summit, GEO5 etc.). Obviously, the policymakers are aware of this situation: "12. The deep fault line that divides human society between the rich and the poor and the everincreasing gap between the developed and developing worlds pose a major threat to global prosperity, security and stability. 13. The global environment continues to suffer. Loss of biodiversity continues, fish stocks continue to be depleted, desertification claims more and more fertile land, the adverse effects of climate change are already evident, natural disasters are more frequent and more devastating and developing countries more vulnerable, and air, water and marine pollution continue to rob millions of a decent life. 14. Globalization has added a new dimension to these challenges..." (2002, (D))

2 - 2 - "21... We are deeply concerned that one in five people on this planet, or over one billion people, still live in extreme poverty, and that one in seven or 14 percent is undernourished, while public health challenges including pandemics and epidemics remain omnipresent threats" ( ). The global declarations, programmes and agreements clearly reflected the readiness of the industrialized countries to admit their higher historical responsibility for the various global problems, and in turn, to take the lead in combating those problems and also to assist the developing countries. But the interdependence was strengthening (e.g. due to increasing global population and consumption, growing global environmental problems related both to the access/consumption of the finite environmental resources and the environmental pollution) and the contributions by the different countries to these global problems were also changing alike their capabilities to contribute to the effective response policies and measures. In general, the developed countries already expect certain ("decoupling type") commitments also from the side of at least the developing countries with "emerging economies", whereas the group of the developing countries for understandable reasons still claims for adherence of a key principle guiding the international "sustainability" cooperation, namely, the principle on common but differentiated responsibility together with all its implications: "we commit ourselves to undertaking concrete actions and measures at all levels and to enhancing international cooperation, taking into account the Rio principles, including, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as set out in principle 7 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development." (2002 (A)) "15. We reaffirm all the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, including, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, as set out in Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration." ( ) As a consequence of these factors, it has become much more complicated to agree on new concrete international commitments to address the various global problems (as it was clearly revealed during the recent negotiations e.g. on the international trade regime, global climate policies, fulfillment of the ODA-related commitments or on the outcome of the just completed ). These controversial tendencies can be well identified from the provisions and compromises adopted at those world conferences, and the just recently held provides a new opportunity to detect the changes in the global political interests and attitudes. Awareness of the historical background and the consideration of the evolvement of multilateral deliberations on various global issues can help to better understand and evaluate the more recent developments, compromise settings and outcomes. For this purpose we draw some examples from the basic documents adopted at those global conferences primarily focusing on international level (and/or internationally assisted) objectives, commitments and actions. The examples presented in the Annex are taken from the following documents: "Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment" (1972 (D)) and "Recommendations for action at the international level and Identification and Control of Pollution of Broad International Significance" (1972 (A)); Resolution adopted by the General Assembly 2997 (XXVII): "Institutional and financial arrangements for international environmental cooperation" (R); "Rio Declaration on Environment and Development" (1992 (D)) and "Agenda 21" (1992 (A)); "The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development" (2002 (D)) and "Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development" (2002 (A));

3 - 3 - "The future we want" ( ). Besides those areas presented in the Annex, there are many other specific issues which are not dealt with there but discussed to varying extent in those documents, such as desertification, disasters, chemicals, human settlements, mining, oceans, transboundary air pollution, waste, education, corporate responsibility and accountability, major groups etc. Concerning the specific programme areas, there was a great number of global meetings held, international programmes, mechanisms and agreements adopted during these four decades. Quite a few of these were initiated by the above mentioned world conferences and/or were at least endorsed and referred to in their outcome documents with a view to promote their implementation and strengthen the synergy (e.g., GEF, various MEAs, UN Conference on Social Development, UNFF, Non-Legally Binding, Instrument on All Types of Forests, "Financing for Development", Millennium Declaration and the MDGs, Doha Declaration, Monterrey Consensus, IPCC, IPBES etc.). During the also a few innovative proposals have been raised, which operationalization depends on future negotiations (e.g. inviting the Secretary General to present a report on taking into account the needs of future generations; establishing an intergovernmental process to define a set of sustainable development goals). As a general remark, the sentiment of the most holistic statements enclosed in the outcome documents of these UN conferences reflects at least the perception of the global unsustainable processes, the growing interdependence and the willingness of the state leaders to strengthen the international cooperation in order to address those problems. However, the pure fact that the essence of wording in this regard remained almost the same during these four decades can also be seen as a clear indication of the collective unability to cope efficiently with the existing and newer global challenges. Contrary to this "stability" in the collective declarative views on the general situation and objectives, recently the compromises on the necessary actions are much more vague in case of the majority of specific areas. The text pieces referred to in the annex more or less explicitly demonstrate the changing situation of the political negotiations, however, apparently such a comparative sampling cannot replace a deep analysis of the factors and tendencies.

4 - 4 - General (declarative) commitments... 4 Poverty eradication... 6 Consumption and production... 7 Health... 8 Environment, natural resources (general) Biological diversity Climate change Water Forests Economy (general) Energy Agriculture Trade Finance Technology Sustainable development governance Environmental governance Annex General (declarative) commitments (D) 6. A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences. Through ignorance or indifference we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and well being depend... To defend and improve the human environment for present and future generations has become an imperative goal for mankind - a goal to be pursued together with, and in harmony with, the established and fundamental goals of peace and of worldwide economic and social development. (D) 7... A growing class of environmental problems, because they are regional or global in extent or because they affect the common international realm, will require extensive cooperation among nations and action by international organizations in the common interest. The Conference calls upon Governments and peoples to exert common efforts for the preservation and improvement of the human environment, for the benefit of all the people and for their posterity. (A) 1.1. Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development In order to meet the challenges of environment and development, States have decided to establish a new global partnership. This partnership commits all States to engage in a continuous and constructive dialogue, inspired by the need to achieve a more efficient and equitable world economy, keeping in view the increasing interdependence of the community of nations and that sustainable development should become a priority item on the agenda of the international community (D) 7. Recognizing that humankind is at a crossroad, we have united in a common resolve

5 - 5 - to make a determined effort to respond positively to the need to produce a practical and visible plan that should bring about poverty eradication and human development. 1. We, the representatives of the peoples of the world.. reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development. 5. Accordingly, we assume a collective responsibility to advance and strengthen the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development economic development, social development and environmental protection at local, national, regional and global levels we adopted the global programme, Agenda 21, and the Rio Declaration, to which we reaffirm our commitment. The Rio Summit was a significant milestone that set a new agenda for sustainable development Johannesburg also confirmed that significant progress has been made towards achieving a global consensus and partnership amongst all the people of our planet. 36. We commit ourselves to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and to expedite the achievement of the time-bound, socio-economic and environmental targets contained therein we solemnly pledge to the peoples of the world, and the generations that will surely inherit this earth, that we are determined to ensure that our collective hope for sustainable development is realized. (A) 1... We strongly reaffirm our commitment to the Rio principles the full implementation of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21. We also commit ourselves to achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration and in the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and international agreements since we commit ourselves to undertaking concrete actions and measures at all levels We recognize that the twenty years since the Earth Summit in 1992 have seen uneven progress, including in sustainable development and poverty eradication. We emphasize the need to make progress in implementing previous commitments. We also recognize the need to accelerate progress in closing development gaps between developed and developing countries, We acknowledge that since 1992 there have been areas of insufficient progress and setbacks in the integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development, aggravated by multiple financial, economic, food and energy crises, which have threatened the ability of all countries, in particular developing countries, to achieve sustainable development. In this regard, it is critical that we do not backtrack from our commitment to the outcome of the Earth Summit. We also recognize that one of the current major challenges for all countries, particularly for developing countries, is the impact from the multiple crises affecting the world today. 1. We, the heads of State and Government and high level representatives.. renew our commitment to sustainable development, and to ensure the promotion of economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for present and future generations. 3. We therefore acknowledge the need to further mainstream sustainable development at all levels integrating economic, social and environmental aspects and recognizing their interlinkages, so as to achieve sustainable development in all its dimensions. 6. We recognize that people are at the center of sustainable development and in this regard, we strive for a world which is just, equitable and inclusive, and we commit to work together to promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development, environmental protection and thereby to benefit all. 11. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening international cooperation to address the persistent challenges related to sustainable development for all, in particular in developing countries We resolve to take urgent action to achieve sustainable development...

6 - 6 - Poverty eradication (D) 4. In the developing countries most of the environmental problems are caused by under-development. Millions continue to live far below the minimum levels required for a decent human existence, deprived of adequate food and clothing, shelter and education, health and sanitation. Therefore, the developing countries must direct their efforts to development, bearing in mind their priorities and the need to safeguard and improve the environment. For the same purpose, the industrialized countries should make efforts to reduce the gap themselves and the developing countries... (D) Principle 5. All States and all people shall cooperate in the essential task of eradicating poverty as an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, in order to decrease the disparities in standards of living and better meet the needs of the majority of the people of the world. (A) 3.1. Poverty is a complex multidimensional problem with origins in both the national and international domains. No uniform solution can be found for global application. Rather, country-specific programmes to tackle poverty and international efforts supporting national efforts, as well as the parallel process of creating a supportive international environment, are crucial for a solution to this problem. The eradication of poverty and hunger, greater equity in income distribution and human resource development remain major challenges everywhere. The struggle against poverty is the shared responsibility of all countries The United Nations system, through its relevant organs, organizations and bodies, in cooperation with Member States and with appropriate international and non-governmental organizations, should make poverty alleviation a major priority and should:.. f) Promote international cooperation to address the root causes of poverty. The development process will not gather momentum if developing countries are weighted down by external indebtedness, if development finance is inadequate, if barriers restrict access to markets and if commodity prices and the terms of trade in developing countries remain depressed. (D) 11. We recognize that poverty eradication, changing consumption and production patterns, and protecting and managing the natural resource base for economic and social development are overarching objectives of, and essential requirements for sustainable development. 12. The deep fault line that divides human society between the rich and the poor and the ever-increasing gap between the developed and developing worlds pose a major threat to global prosperity, security and stability. 21. We recognize the reality that global society has the means and is endowed with the resources to address the challenges of poverty eradication and sustainable development confronting all humanity. Together we will take extra steps to ensure that these available resources are used to the benefit of humanity. (A) 7. Eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge facing the world today and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, particularly for developing countries... (a) Halve, by the year 2015, the proportion of the world s people whose income is less than 1 dollar a day and the proportion of people who suffer from hunger and, by the same date, to halve the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water; (b) Establish a world solidarity fund to eradicate poverty and to promote social and human development in the developing countries pursuant to modalities to be determined by the General Assembly We reaffirm the importance of supporting developing countries in their efforts to eradicate poverty and promote empowerment of the poor and people in vulnerable situations including removing barriers to opportunity and enhancing productive capacity, developing sustainable agriculture, and promoting full and productive employment and decent work for all, complemented by effective social policies, including social protection floors, with a view to achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs We recognize that, three years from the 2015 target date of the MDGs, while there has

7 - 7 - been progress in reducing poverty in some regions, this progress has been uneven We also emphasize the need to accord the highest priority to poverty eradication within the United Nations development agenda, addressing the root causes and challenges of poverty through integrated, coordinated and coherent strategies at all levels. Consumption and production (D) 4. In the developing countries most of the environmental problems are caused by underdevelopment. Millions continue to live far below the minimum levels required for a decent human existence, deprived of adequate food and clothing, shelter and education, health and sanitation. Therefore, the developing countries must direct their efforts to development, bearing in mind their priorities and the need to safeguard and improve the environment. For the same purpose, the industrialized countries should make efforts to reduce the gap themselves and the developing countries. In the industrialized countries, environmental problems are generally related to industrialization and technological development Along with social progress and the advance of production, science and technology, the capability of man to improve the environment increases with each passing day. (!) (A) 106. It is recommended:.. (b) That Governments of the developing countries consider fully the new opportunities that may be offered to them to establish industries and/or expand existing industries in which they may have comparative advantages because of environmental considerations, and that special care be taken to apply the appropriate international standards on environment in order to avoid the creation of pollution problems in developing countries;.. (D) Principle 8. To achieve sustainable development and a higher quality of life for all people, States should reduce and eliminate unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and promote appropriate demographic policies. (A) the major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, particularly in industrialized countries, which is a matter of grave concern, aggravating poverty and imbalances Special attention should be paid to the demand for natural resources generated by unsustainable consumption a) All countries should strive to promote sustainable consumption patterns; b) Developed countries should take the lead in achieving sustainable consumption patterns; c) Developing countries should seek to achieve sustainable consumption patterns in their development process, guaranteeing the provision of basic needs for the poor, while avoiding those unsustainable patterns, particularly in industrialized countries, generally recognized as unduly hazardous to the environment, inefficient and wasteful, in their development processes In the follow-up of the implementation of Agenda 21, reviewing the role and impact of unsustainable production and consumption patterns and lifestyles and their relation to sustainable development should be given high priority In the years ahead, Governments, working with appropriate organizations, should strive to meet the following broad objectives:.. b) To develop a domestic policy framework that will encourage a shift to more sustainable patterns of production and consumption; c) To reinforce both values that encourage sustainable production and consumption patterns and policies that encourage the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries Reducing the amount of energy and materials used per unit in the production of goods and services can contribute both to the alleviation of environmental stress and to greater economic and industrial productivity and competitiveness At the same time, society needs to develop effective ways of dealing with the problem of disposing of mounting levels of waste products and materials Governments and international organizations, together with the private sector, should

8 Health 1972 develop criteria and methodologies for the assessment of environmental impacts and resource requirements throughout the full life cycle of products and processes Governments themselves also play a role in consumption, particularly in countries where the public sector plays a large role in the economy and can have a considerable influence on both corporate decisions and public perceptions. They should therefore review the purchasing policies of their agencies and departments so that they may improve, where possible, the environmental content of government procurement policies, without prejudice to international trade principles. (A) 14. Fundamental changes in the way societies produce and consume are indispensable for achieving global sustainable development. All countries should promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, with the developed countries taking the lead Encourage and promote the development of a 10 -year framework of programmes in support of regional and national initiatives to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production to promote social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems by addressing and, where appropriate, delinking economic growth and environmental degradation through improving efficiency and sustainability in the us e of resources and production processes and reducing resource degradation, pollution and waste. All countries should take action, with developed countries taking the lead Increase investment in cleaner production and eco-efficiency in all countries Integrate the issue of production and consumption patterns into sustainable development policies, programmes and strategies, including, where applicable, into poverty reduction strategies. 18. Enhance corporate environmental and social responsibility and accountability We recognize that urgent action on unsustainable patterns of production and consumption where they occur remains fundamental in addressing environmental sustainability, and promoting conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems, regeneration of natural resources, and the promotion of sustained, inclusive and equitable global growth We recognize that fundamental changes in the way societies consume and produce are indispensable for achieving global sustainable development We adopt the 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) as contained in document A/CONF/XX and highlight that the programmes included in the 10YFP are voluntary. We invite the UN General Assembly at its 67th Session to designate a UN Member State body to take any necessary steps to fully operationalize the framework. (A) 74. It is, recommended that the Secretary-General, drawing on the resources of the entire United Nations system, and with tile active support of Governments and appropriate scientific and other international bodies: (a) Increase the capability of the United Nations system to provide awareness and advance warning of deleterious effects to human health and well being from man-made pollutants; 76. It is recommended: (a) That a major effort be undertaken to develop monitoring and both epidemiological and experimental research programmes providing data for early warning and prevention of the deleterious effects of the various environmental agents, acting singly or in collaboration, to which man is increasingly exposed, directly or indirectly, and for the assessment of their potential risks to human health, with particular regard to the risks of mutagenicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenicity It is recommended that internationally coordinated programmes of research and monitoring of food contamination by chemical and biological agent be established and developed.. and that the results of monitoring be expeditiously assembled, evaluated and made available so as to provide early information on rising trends of contamination and on levels that may be considered undesirable or may lead to unsafe human intakes.

9 It is recommended that the World Health Organization, together with the international organizations concerned, continue to study, and establish, primary standards for the protection of the human organism, especially from pollutants that are common to air, water and food, as a basis for the establishment of derived working limits. (A) 6.1. Action items under Agenda 21 must address the primary health needs of the world's population, since they are integral to the achievement of the goals of sustainable development and primary environmental care. The linkage of health, environmental and socio-economic improvements requires intersectoral efforts... Particularly relevant is the inclusion of prevention programmes rather than relying solely on remediation and treatment Within the overall strategy to achieve health for all by the year 2000, the objectives are to meet the basic health needs of rural, peri-urban and urban populations; to provide the necessary specialized environmental health services; and to coordinate the involvement of citizens, the health sector, the health-related sectors and relevant non-health sectors (business, social, educational and religious institutions) in solutions to health problems. As a matter of priority, health service coverage should be achieved for population groups in greatest need, particularly those living in rural areas National Governments and local authorities, with the support of relevant nongovernmental organizations and international organizations, in the light of countries' specific conditions and needs, should strengthen their health sector programmes Each national Government, in accordance with national plans for public health, priorities and objectives, should consider developing a national health action plan with appropriate international assistance and support, The general objectives of protecting vulnerable groups are to ensure that all such individuals should be allowed to develop to their full potential Specific major goals for child survival, development and protection were agreed upon at the World Summit for Children.. (A) 7... (f) Deliver basic health services for all and reduce environmental health threats, taking into account the special needs of children and the linkages between poverty, health and environment, with provision of financial resources, technical assistance and knowledge transfer to developing countries and countries with economies in transition; There is an urgent need to address the causes of ill health, including environmental causes, and their impact on development, Strengthen the capacity of health-care systems to deliver basic health services to all in an efficient, accessible and affordable manner aimed at preventing, controlling and treating diseases, and to reduce environmental health threats, in conformity with human rights and fundamental freedoms.. (a) Integrate the health concerns, including those of the most vulnerable populations, into strategies, policies and programmes for poverty eradication and sustainable development; (b) Promote equitable and improved access to affordable and efficient healthcare services, including prevention, at all levels of the health system, essential and safe drugs at affordable prices, immunization services and safe vaccines and medical technology; (c) Provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to implement the Health for All Strategy,.. (f) Develop programmes and initiatives to reduce, by the year 2015, mortality rates for infants and children under 5 by two thirds, and maternal mortality rates by three quarters, of the prevailing rate in 2000, and reduce disparities between and within developed and developing countries as quickly as possible We recognize that health is a precondition for, an outcome of, and an indicator of all three dimensions of sustainable development... We are convinced that action on the social and environmental determinants of health, both for the poor and the vulnerable and the entire population, is important to create inclusive, equitable, economically productive and healthy societies We also recognize the importance of universal health coverage to enhancing health,

10 social cohesion and sustainable human and economic development. We pledge to strengthen health systems towards the provision of equitable universal coverage We call for further collaboration and cooperation at national and international levels to strengthen health systems through increased health financing, recruitment, development, training and retention of the health work force, improved distribution and access to safe, affordable, effective and quality medicines, vaccines and medical technologies, and through improving health infrastructure We commit to reduce maternal and child mortality, and to improve the health of women, men, youth and children... Environment, natural resources (general) 1972 (D) 2. The protection and improvement of the human environment is a major issue, which affects the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world; it is the urgent desire of the peoples of the whole world and the duty of all Governments In our time, man's capability to transform his surroundings, if used wisely, can bring to all peoples the benefits of development and the opportunity to enhance the quality of life. Wrongly or heedlessly applied, the same power can do incalculable harm to human beings and the human environment. We see around us growing evidence of man-made harm in many regions of the earth: dangerous levels of pollution in water, air, earth and living beings; major and undesirable disturbances to the ecological balance of the biosphere; destruction and depletion of irreplaceable resources; and gross deficiencies, harmful to the physical, mental and social health of man, in the man-made environment, particularly in the living and working environment. 5. The natural growth of population continuously presents problems for the preservation of the environment, and adequate policies and measures should be adopted, as appropriate, to face these problems A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences. Through ignorance or indifference we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and well being depend. Conversely, through fuller knowledge and wiser action, we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in an environment more in keeping with human needs and hopes... To defend and improve the human environment for present and future generations has become an imperative goal for mankind - a goal to be pursued together with, and in harmony with, the established and fundamental goals of peace and of worldwide economic and social development (D) Principle 7. States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities... (A) integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. (A) Section II. Conservation and management of resources for development: (A) 24. Human activities are having an increasing impact on the integrity of ecosystems that provide essential resources and services for human well-being and economic activities. Managing the natural resources base in a sustainable and integrated manner is essential for sustainable development. In this regard, to reverse the current trend in natural resource degradation as soon as possible, it is necessary to implement strategies which should include targets adopted at the national and, where appropriate, regional levels to protect ecosystems and to achieve integrated management of land, water and living resources, We are convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social

11 and environment needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature. 40. We call for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development which will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. 60. We acknowledge that green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication will enhance our ability to manage natural resources sustainably and with lower negative environmental impacts, increase resource efficiency and reduce waste. Biological diversity (A) Recommendation 29. It is recommended that the Secretary-General ensure that the effect of pollutants upon wildlife shall be considered, where appropriate, within environmental monitoring systems. Particular attention should be paid to those species of wildlife that may serve as indicators for future wide environmental disturbances, and an ultimate impact upon human populations. Recommendation 32. It is recommended that Governments give attention to the need to enact international conventions and treaties to protect species inhabiting international waters or those, which migrate from one country to another:.. Recommendation 33. It is recommended that Governments agree to strengthen the International Whaling Commission, to increase international research efforts, and as a matter of urgency to call for an international agreement, under the auspices of the International Whaling Commission and involving all Governments concerned, for a 10-year moratorium on commercial whaling. Recommendation 38. It is recommended that Governments take steps to set aside areas representing ecosystems of international significance for protection under international agreement. Recommendation 39. It is recommended that Governments.. agree to an international programme to preserve the world's genetic resources.. Recommendation 43. It is recommended that Governments..: 1. Recognize that conservation is a most crucial part of any genetic resources programme... Recommendation 46. It is recommended that Governments.. take steps to support recent guidelines, recommendations and programmes of the various international fishing organizations... (e) Special programmes and recommendations for management of stocks of fish and other aquatic animals proposed by the existing international fishery bodies... (A) Despite mounting efforts over the past 20 years, the loss of the world's biological diversity, mainly from habitat destruction, over-harvesting, pollution and the inappropriate introduction of foreign plants and animals, has continued. Biological resources constitute a capital asset with great potential for yielding sustainable benefits. Urgent and decisive action is needed to conserve and maintain genes, species and ecosystems, with a view to the sustainable management and use of biological resources... it is particularly important in this context to stress that States have the sovereign right to exploit their own biological resources pursuant to their environmental policies, as well as the responsibility to conserve their biodiversity and use their biological resources sustainably, and to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the biological diversity of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction Governments at the appropriate level, with the cooperation of the relevant United Nations bodies.. should:.. b) Develop national strategies for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources;.. d) Take appropriate measures for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from research and development and use of biological and genetic resources, including biotechnology, between the sources of those resources and those who use them;.. i) Promote broader international and regional

12 cooperation in furthering scientific and economic understanding of the importance of biodiversity and its functions in ecosystems; Governments.. should:.. c) Promote technical and scientific cooperation in the field of conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological and genetic resources... e) Promote cooperation between the parties to relevant international conventions and action plans with the aim of strengthening and coordinating efforts to conserve biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources;.. (A) 44. Biodiversity, which plays a critical role in overall sustainable development and poverty eradication, is essential to our planet, human well-being and to the livelihood and cultural integrity of people. However, biodiversity is currently being lost at unprecedented rates due to human activities.. The Convention (on Biological Diversity) is the key instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from use of genetic resources. A more efficient and coherent implementation of the three objectives of the Convention and the achievement by 2010 of a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biological diversity will require the provision of new and additional financial and technical resources to developing countries,.. (o) Negotiate within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, bearing in mind the Bonn Guidelines, an international regime to promote and safeguard the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources;.. (q) Promote practicable measures for access to the results and benefits arising from biotechnologies based upon genetic resources We reaffirm the intrinsic value of biological diversity, as well as the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its critical role in maintaining ecosystems that provide essential services, which are critical foundations for sustainable development and human well-being We reiterate our commitment to the achievement of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and call for urgent actions that effectively reduce the rate of, halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. In this context, we affirm the importance of implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity , and achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets adopted at the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention We note the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization,.. We acknowledge the role of access and benefit-sharing arising from the utilization of genetic resources in contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, poverty eradication and environmental sustainability. Climate change (A) 70. It is recommended that Governments be mindful of activities in which there is an appreciable risk of effects on climate.. (A) 9.6. Concern about climate change and climate variability, air pollution and ozone depletion has created new demands for scientific, economic and social information to reduce the remaining uncertainties in these fields. Better understanding and prediction of the various properties of the atmosphere and of the affected ecosystems, as well as health impacts and their interactions with socioeconomic factors, are needed Governments at the appropriate level, with the cooperation of the relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, should:.. d) Cooperate in research to develop methodologies and identify threshold levels of atmospheric pollutants, as well as atmospheric levels of greenhouse gas concentrations, that would cause dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system and the environment as a whole, and the associated rates of change

13 Water 1972 that would not allow ecosystems to adapt naturally; The basic and ultimate objective of this programme area is to reduce adverse effects on the atmosphere from the energy sector by promoting policies or programmes, as appropriate, to increase the contribution of environmentally sound and cost-effective energy systems, particularly new and renewable ones, through less polluting and more efficient energy production, transmission, distribution and use... (A) 38. Change in the Earth s climate and its adverse effects are a common concern of humankind. We remain deeply concerned that all countries, particularly developing countries, including the least developed countries and small island developing States, face increased risks of negative impacts of climate change.. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the key instrument for addressing climate change, a global concern, and we reaffirm our commitment to achieving its ultimate objective of stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner, in accordance with our common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Recalling the United Nations Millennium Declaration, in which heads of State and Government resolved to make every effort to ensure the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.. and to embark on the required reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases,.. Actions at all levels are required to: (a) Meet all the commitments and obligations under the Unite d Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change;.. (i) Support initiatives to assess the consequences of climate change We acknowledge that climate change is a cross-cutting and persistent crisis and express our concern that the scale and gravity of the negative impacts of climate change affect all countries and undermine the ability of all countries, in particular, developing countries, to achieve sustainable development and the MDGs and threaten the viability and survival of nations. Therefore we underscore that combatting climate change requires urgent and ambitious action, in accordance with the principles and provisions of the UNFCCC We reaffirm that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and we express profound alarm that emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise globally. We are deeply concerned that all countries, particularly developing countries, are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change... In this regard we emphasize that adaptation to climate change represents an immediate and urgent global priority We underscore that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, with a view to accelerating the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions... We recognize the importance of mobilizing funding from a variety of sources,.. to support nationally appropriate mitigation actions, adaptation measures, technology development and transfer and capacity building in developing countries We urge Parties to the UNFCCC and Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to fully implement their commitments, as well as decisions adopted under those agreements. In this regard, we will build upon the progress achieved including at the most recent COP-17/CMP 7 in Durban. (A) Recommendation 9. It is recommended that the World Health Organization increase its efforts to support Governments in planning for improving water supply and sewerage services through Its community water supply programme, taking account, as far as possible, of the framework of total environment programmes for communities. Recommendation 10. It is recommended that development assistance agencies should give

14 higher priority, where justified in the light of the social benefits, to supporting Governments in financing and setting up services for water supply, disposal of water from all sources, and liquid-waste and solid waste disposal and treatment as part of the objectives of the Second United Nations Development Decade. Recommendation 51. It is recommended that Governments concerned consider the creation of river-basin commissions or other appropriate machinery for cooperation between interested States for water resources common to more than one jurisdiction... Recommendation 53. It is recommended that the Secretary-General take steps to ensure that the United Nations system is prepared to provide technical and financial assistance to Governments when requested in the different functions of water resources management:.. (A) The extent to which water resources development contributes to economic productivity and social well-being is not usually appreciated, although all social and economic activities rely heavily on the supply and quality of freshwater. As populations and economic activities grow, many countries are rapidly reaching conditions of water scarcity or facing limits to economic development. Water demands are increasing rapidly, The overall objective is to satisfy the freshwater needs of all countries for their sustainable development Integrated water resources management is based on the perception of water as an integral part of the ecosystem, a natural resource and a social and economic good, whose quantity and quality determine the nature of its utilization. To this end, water resources have to be protected, taking into account the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and the perenniality of the resource, in order to satisfy and reconcile needs for water in human activities. In developing and using water resources, priority has to be given to the satisfaction of basic needs and the safeguarding of ecosystems. Beyond these requirements, however, water users should be charged appropriately In the case of transboundary water resources, there is a need for riparian States to formulate water resources strategies, prepare water resources action programmes and consider, where appropriate, the harmonization of those strategies and action programmes All States.. could set the following targets: a) By the year 2000: i. To have designed and initiated costed and targeted national action programmes, and to have put in place appropriate institutional structures and legal instruments; ii. To have established efficient water-use programmes to attain sustainable resource utilization patterns; b) By the year 2025: i. To have achieved subsectoral targets of all freshwater programme areas. It is understood that the fulfilment of the targets quantified in (i) and (ii) above will depend upon new and additional financial resources that will be made available to developing countries in accordance with the relevant provisions of General Assembly resolution 44/ All States.. could implement the following activities to improve integrated water resources management: a) Formulation of costed and targeted national action plans and investment programmes;.. f) Flood and drought management, including risk analysis and environmental and social impact assessment; All States.. could set the following targets: a) To identify the surface and groundwater resources that could be developed for use on a sustainable basis and other major developable water-dependent resources and, simultaneously, to initiate programmes for the protection, conservation and rational use of these resources on a sustainable basis;.. e) To reduce the prevalence of water-associated diseases.. f) To establish, according to capacities and needs, biological, health, physical and chemical quality criteria for all water bodies (surface and groundwater), with a view to an ongoing improvement of water quality; g) To adopt an integrated approach to environmentally sustainable management of water resources, including the protection of aquatic ecosystems and freshwater living resources; h) To put in place strategies for the environmentally sound management of freshwaters and related coastal ecosystems, including consideration of fisheries, aquaculture, animal grazing, agricultural activities and biodiversity.