Daily report for 19 May 1994

EDUCATION, SCIENCE, TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUNDTECHNOLOGIES, COOPERATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING: Savitri Kunadiopened consideration of Item 5, noting: the "Report of theIntersessional ad hoc open-ended working group on technologytransfer and cooperation" (E/CN.17/1994/11); theSecretary-General's report on "Transfer of environmentally soundtechnology, cooperation and capacity building"(E/CN.17/ISWG1/1994/2); and the Task Manager's "Report on thetransfer of technology." The Secretariat called the delegates'attention to Section 3 of the overview report, which covered thetransfer of environmentally sound technologies (EST). The Chair ofthe intersessional Working Group on technology transfer andcooperation reported on the February 1994 meeting. The grouprecommended: conducting case studies on instances of successfultechnology transfer; focusing on operationalizing existing datarather than generating new data; conducting national needsassessments; and examining possible financial arrangements.Colombia and the US reported on their co-hosted workshop, whichaddressed EST's for liquid waste and energy production and use.Norway reported on the workshop co-sponsored with UNCTAD. Theparticipants noted that technology transfer cannot take placewithout appropriate training.

Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies: The G-77 andChina requested facilitation of finance, access to and transfer ofEST's and training on favorable terms. They believed undue emphasishas been placed on national policy adjustment, and suggested afocus on: case studies, clearing houses, information systems, ESTcentres and biotechnology. Germany stated that general discussionon this issue has come to a dead-end and further progress can bemade only in the context of addressing specific sectors. TheNordics recognized the importance of medium- and small-sizedenterprises in developing countries. Egypt concurred, and suggestedthat international organizations assist these industries. Polandnoted that technology transfer is an acute problem for countrieswith economies in transition. Morocco underscored the uniqueconstraints on African countries. Austria said that the task of CSDis to make policy and not look at individual projects. The ThirdWorld Network called attention to the implications of intellectualproperty rights on access to technology. The G-77 and Chinasupported the continuation of the ad hoc working group ontechnology transfer, whereas many developed countries disagreed.

Mechanisms for Diffusion: The US believed the role of theprivate sector is critical for EST diffusion, and distributed theGreen Pages -- a listing of US firms that supply EST -- andsuggested a global equivalent. The G-77 and China requestedtransfer of publicly owned EST. Korea suggested tax reductions tofacilitate the transfer of privately owned ESTs. Germany statedthat the private sector should accept more responsibility in ESTtransfer, but also stated that sound national policies in recipientnations are important. Switzerland also emphasized the importanceof market conditions and regulatory frameworks. Japan highlightedthe role for cooperation between business and government. Morocconoted possibilities for the diffusion of ESTs through modalitiessuch as capital risk funds.

"Software" and Capacity-Building: The Czech Republicsuggested that public money be used to build domestic capacity.Germany stated that capacity building and institutional developmentis important. Malaysia called for cooperation between governments,NGOs and industry. The ICC noted that it has placed a priority onbusiness-to- business cooperation. India stated that developingcountries need to assess and adapt management techniques in ESTs.Hungary noted that the UN system can play a role in this area byproviding joint ventures and EST banks. The UK discussed itstechnology partnership initiative for small- and medium-sizedenterprises in developing countries.

Information Systems: The EU called for an assessment ofexisting information systems, and the US added that it willdistribute a proposal for such an assessment. Germany noted generalproblems in access and availability of information. The CzechRepublic proposed establishing a task force of experts tofacilitate the implementation of an INTERNET-based informationsystem about ESTs. Switzerland suggested using existing informationrather than creating new systems. The OECD called attention totheir energy and technology databases.

Other Proposals: The G-77 and China recommended theestablishment of a venture capital fund, development of BOT(build-operate-transfer), and EST Rights Bank. Australia alsocalled for a venture capital fund for some types of technology andBOT. Canada said that the proposal for an EST Rights Bank is notcurrently feasible. The EU suggested highlighting successfulinitiatives that promote EST transfer or build capacity. TheNordics suggested needs assessments and case studies at thenational level and also proposed the concept of teaming. Egyptidentified the need to establish a high-level panel of experts onfinance and technology transfer to operate a venture capital fund.

Cooperation Examples: The EU informed the delegates aboutthe EU-Singapore Regional Institute of Environmental Technology.Germany discussed their Information and Advisory Service onAppropriate Technology. The Russian Federation mentioned nationalactivities and international collaboration. Malaysia discussedrelated ASEAN activities. ICSU discussed its START programme thatcreates regional networks to mobilize human and institutionalresources. Switzerland and Pakistan cooperate on selected sectorneeds.

WORKING GROUP I

EDUCATION, SCIENCE, TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUNDTECHNOLOGIES, COOPERATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING: Savitri Kunadiopened consideration of Item 5, noting: the "Report of theIntersessional ad hoc open-ended working group on technologytransfer and cooperation" (E/CN.17/1994/11); theSecretary-General's report on "Transfer of environmentally soundtechnology, cooperation and capacity building"(E/CN.17/ISWG1/1994/2); and the Task Manager's "Report on thetransfer of technology." The Secretariat called the delegates'attention to Section 3 of the overview report, which covered thetransfer of environmentally sound technologies (EST). The Chair ofthe intersessional Working Group on technology transfer andcooperation reported on the February 1994 meeting. The grouprecommended: conducting case studies on instances of successfultechnology transfer; focusing on operationalizing existing datarather than generating new data; conducting national needsassessments; and examining possible financial arrangements.Colombia and the US reported on their co-hosted workshop, whichaddressed EST's for liquid waste and energy production and use.Norway reported on the workshop co-sponsored with UNCTAD. Theparticipants noted that technology transfer cannot take placewithout appropriate training.

Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies: The G-77 andChina requested facilitation of finance, access to and transfer ofEST's and training on favorable terms. They believed undue emphasishas been placed on national policy adjustment, and suggested afocus on: case studies, clearing houses, information systems, ESTcentres and biotechnology. Germany stated that general discussionon this issue has come to a dead-end and further progress can bemade only in the context of addressing specific sectors. TheNordics recognized the importance of medium- and small-sizedenterprises in developing countries. Egypt concurred, and suggestedthat international organizations assist these industries. Polandnoted that technology transfer is an acute problem for countrieswith economies in transition. Morocco underscored the uniqueconstraints on African countries. Austria said that the task of CSDis to make policy and not look at individual projects. The ThirdWorld Network called attention to the implications of intellectualproperty rights on access to technology. The G-77 and Chinasupported the continuation of the ad hoc working group ontechnology transfer, whereas many developed countries disagreed.

Mechanisms for Diffusion: The US believed the role of theprivate sector is critical for EST diffusion, and distributed theGreen Pages -- a listing of US firms that supply EST -- andsuggested a global equivalent. The G-77 and China requestedtransfer of publicly owned EST. Korea suggested tax reductions tofacilitate the transfer of privately owned ESTs. Germany statedthat the private sector should accept more responsibility in ESTtransfer, but also stated that sound national policies in recipientnations are important. Switzerland also emphasized the importanceof market conditions and regulatory frameworks. Japan highlightedthe role for cooperation between business and government. Morocconoted possibilities for the diffusion of ESTs through modalitiessuch as capital risk funds.

"Software" and Capacity-Building: The Czech Republicsuggested that public money be used to build domestic capacity.Germany stated that capacity building and institutional developmentis important. Malaysia called for cooperation between governments,NGOs and industry. The ICC noted that it has placed a priority onbusiness-to- business cooperation. India stated that developingcountries need to assess and adapt management techniques in ESTs.Hungary noted that the UN system can play a role in this area byproviding joint ventures and EST banks. The UK discussed itstechnology partnership initiative for small- and medium-sizedenterprises in developing countries.

Information Systems: The EU called for an assessment ofexisting information systems, and the US added that it willdistribute a proposal for such an assessment. Germany noted generalproblems in access and availability of information. The CzechRepublic proposed establishing a task force of experts tofacilitate the implementation of an INTERNET-based informationsystem about ESTs. Switzerland suggested using existing informationrather than creating new systems. The OECD called attention totheir energy and technology databases.

Other Proposals: The G-77 and China recommended theestablishment of a venture capital fund, development of BOT(build-operate-transfer), and EST Rights Bank. Australia alsocalled for a venture capital fund for some types of technology andBOT. Canada said that the proposal for an EST Rights Bank is notcurrently feasible. The EU suggested highlighting successfulinitiatives that promote EST transfer or build capacity. TheNordics suggested needs assessments and case studies at thenational level and also proposed the concept of teaming. Egyptidentified the need to establish a high-level panel of experts onfinance and technology transfer to operate a venture capital fund.

Cooperation Examples: The EU informed the delegates aboutthe EU-Singapore Regional Institute of Environmental Technology.Germany discussed their Information and Advisory Service onAppropriate Technology. The Russian Federation mentioned nationalactivities and international collaboration. Malaysia discussedrelated ASEAN activities. ICSU discussed its START programme thatcreates regional networks to mobilize human and institutionalresources. Switzerland and Pakistan cooperate on selected sectorneeds.

WORKING GROUP II

Working Group II finished its discussion of freshwater resources.Discussion then began on Agenda item 6(b), "Toxic chemicals andhazardous wastes."

FRESHWATER RESOURCES: Most speakers supported the results ofthe Noordwijk Conference. China, Malaysia, Morocco and Japanstressed the need for cooperative research, information andtechnology exchange, and capacity building. Mexico stressed greatercoordination of activities between international organizations.Senegal and Hungary raised the issue of transboundary waterpollution and joint management of transboundary water resources.Algeria called for information exchange on predicting and assessingwater resources and Canada called for a global water assessment.

Japan mentioned that water used in the agricultural and industrialsectors can be recycled and described its bilateral assistanceprogrammes in this area. The US stressed the need for a greaterfocus on pollution prevention and sound pricing policies.

India mentioned the need to discuss the digging of wells, thedrilling of tubewells and the building of canals and called forwater and moisture conservation programmes to deal with fallingwater tables. Belgium said that groundwater deterioration due topesticides and nitrates is growing.

The Netherlands supported greater focus on partnerships between thepublic and private sectors. INSTRAW, Norway and Senegal stressedthe role of women in the planning and management of waterresources.

TOXIC CHEMICALS: Elisabeth Barsk-Rundquist presented thereport of the Secretary-General on toxic chemicals(E/CN.17/1994/6), noting that 13 million chemicals have beenidentified and up to 1000 new chemicals enter the market each year.Jan Huismans from UNEP presented the Task Manager's report citingtwo major concerns: a fundamental lack of knowledge of the risksassociated with chemicals and a serious lack of capacity to managethis risk, particularly in developing countries. Delegates praisedthese reports.

Sweden recalled the International Conference on Chemical Safety andasked the Commission to welcome the intergovernmental Forum itestablished and to endorse its recommendations, particularlyrelating to the development of a legally-binding agreement on theprimary informed consent (PIC) procedure. Switzerland, the EU,Canada, the US and Australia supported the establishment of theForum. The US offered to host its next meeting. Australia suggestedrotating meetings regionally and offered to be one of the hosts.Germany, the US, Egypt, Korea, Japan, Canada, the EU andSwitzerland supported the strengthening of the PIC procedure.

Many countries suggested placing more emphasis on preventiveaction: Sri Lanka suggested providing incentives and adoptingregulatory measures that advance cleaner technologies; Pakistan andGermany supported the concept of prevention and Pakistan urgedusing the precautionary principle; and Switzerland suggested thepromotion of safer substitutes.

Australia called for the refinement, prioritization of, andallocation of resources to the six areas outlined in Chapter 19 ofAgenda 21.

Lead was singled out for special attention. The US, NRDC and Swedenrequested that priority attention be given to addressing leadpollution, beginning with phasing out leaded gasoline.

HAZARDOUS WASTES: Barsk-Rundquist presented the report ofthe Secretary-General on hazardous wastes (E/CN.17/1994/7), notingthat adverse impacts of hazardous wastes have led to a variety ofconflicts between communities and waste producers. JacquelineAloisi de Larderel presented the Task Manager's report coordinatedby UNEP, noting that 66 States have ratified and implemented theBasel Convention. Again there was substantial praise for thesereports.

Many countries supported the Basel Convention and Canada andAustralia urged all non-parties to ratify the Convention. Brazilnoted that the recent Decision adopted at the Second Conference ofthe Parties to ban dumping from OECD to non-OECD countries hasgiven the Convention greater standing within the internationalcommunity. Japan, China, Malaysia, Brazil, the Nordic countries andIndonesia supported the ban. Many States requested more focus onillegal dumping and trafficking. Malaysia supported a protocol onliability that contains punitive measures. Indonesia noted thatisland States are more vulnerable to illegal dumping and Benincommented that many developing countries still feel vulnerableregarding this issue.

Several countries called for the establishment of priorities andfor the CSD to continue its close cooperation with otherorganizations. Sweden and the Philippines mentioned the need toaddress the military's disposal of hazardous wastes.

RADIOACTIVE WASTES: The Secretariat presented the report ofthe Secretary-General on radioactive wastes (E/CN.17/1994/15) andthe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presented the TaskManager's report. Many States commented that theSecretary-General's report was distributed late resulting ininsufficient time for analysis. Several States also noted thatparts were incorrect and information had been omitted. The Chairrequested that these corrections be submitted in writing and thereport will be revised.

Sweden noted two points that need to be addressed: thedecommissioning of nuclear power plants and military wastes thatare outside the mandate of national safety agencies. Australiasupported the ban on dumping at sea under the London DumpingConvention and called for greater cooperation and informationexchange between countries in the development of international andregional policies.

IN THE CORRIDORS

While formal work continued in the conference rooms, delegates werealso discussing a number of proposals and initiatives in thecorridors. Some were discussing Amb. Razali's proposal on CSDbureau elections. Apparently, the "transfer of power" from Malaysiato Germany has not been particularly smooth and many delegatesagree with Razali that the next bureau should be elected earlier --either at the conclusion of the CSD session or during the ECOSOCorganizational session -- so it has adequate preparation time.

There have also been informal consultations on: intersessionalworking groups; the establishment of a high-level steeringcommittee on finance; consumption and production patterns; finance;and trade and environment. There was some indication that the G-77may be preparing its own draft decisions on some of these issues,particularly if there is dissatisfaction with the Chair's drafttexts.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY

WORKING GROUP I: Discussion should be more specific today asdelegates begin to address the draft texts circulated by the Chairon Thursday afternoon. This morning's meeting will not begin until10:30 to allow the G-77 time to meet. The Chair's draft text onfinance is expected to be discussed first, followed by the drafttexts on major groups and decision- making structures. Look fordraft texts on trade and environment, production and consumptionpatterns and technology transfer.

WORKING GROUP II: Working Group II will begin discussionthis morning with the Chair's draft text on human health andsustainable human settlements. The Chair of Working Group II askeddelegates to identify weak points in the text so that it can berevised. Look for the draft texts on freshwater resources, toxicchemicals and hazardous wastes.