Daily report for 16 April 1997

CSD-5 delegates completed their first reading of Sections C.3 (Means of Implementation)and B (Assessment of Progress Reached After Rio). Informal consultations were held oninstitutional arrangements, the CSD programme of work and forests. Delegates alsoconducted dialogue sessions with local authorities and farmers.

PLENARY

ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS REACHED AFTER RIO: The G-77/CHINA had not completed consideration of this section and will submit written amendments. Inparagraph 2 (globalization), CANADA noted that developing countries stillrequire international assistance for sustainable development, and the least developed inparticular continue to be heavily dependent on it. In 4 (progress since UNCED),the US modified the text regarding emissions in “the industrialized countries” to “manydeveloped and developing countries as well as in economies in transition” and changedthe text regarding “their” wasteful production and consumption patterns. CANADA andthe EU offered similar amendments. In 7 (major groups), the US addedreferences to sustainable development programmes in addition to Local Agenda 21s. TheEU added references to NGO involvement in increased public awareness. PERU addedreference to the scientific community. In 8 (global agreements), the EU deletedtext noting that GEF funding is still not sufficient. The US changed the text oninsufficient “funding” to an insufficient “amount of approved projects.” MEXICO calledfor coordination between the CSD and implementing agencies and PERU forstrengthened mechanisms for implementation. On 9 (incorporating the RioPrinciples), CANADA proposed deleting a specific reference to the principle of commonbut differentiated responsibilities. On 12 (means of implementation), CANADAadded that tangible progress has been made in activating the means of implementation.On 13 (ODA), the US proposed language noting that most developed countries“have not set aside 0.7% of GNP for ODA nor 0.15% for least developed countries” toreplace text referring to these figures as UN targets. CANADA called for more efforts atthe domestic level to mobilize financial resources and noted that the expansion of privatefinancial flows is an encouraging trend. In 15 (technology transfer), the EUadded that developing countries have not always created favorable conditions to attracttechnology transfer. CANADA said private flows have not kept pace with rapid scientificand technological progress, which may have widened the gap between developed anddeveloping countries.

IMPLEMENTATION IN AREAS REQUIRING URGENT ACTION.Integration of Economic, Social and Environmental Objectives: On 22(health), the G-77/CHINA deleted a reference to “major” infectious diseases and said thelack of information on the health impact of environmental pollution should be addressed.In 23 (sustainable settlements), the G-77/CHINA added references to“economic” stress and both “rural and urban” areas, and called for new and additionalresources to improve infrastructure.

Means of Implementation: In 66 (education and awareness), the USadded text on: life-long learning; interdisciplinary and multicultural education; systemsthinking; and training of educators. CANADA called for full and equal access toeducation for women and girls and, with NORWAY, recommended formulatingsustainable development education plans. PERU recommended strengtheninguniversities. The EDUCATION CAUCUS proposed establishing an Education 21Programme. The YOUTH CAUCUS expressed concern that critical analysis of thecurrent system and of the media is difficult in countries lacking strong education systems.

On 67-69 (international legal instruments), NORWAY highlighted theinterlinkage between human rights and the environment and called for development ofinternational law regarding liability and compensation for victims of environmentaldamage originating extra-jurisdictionally. The G-77/CHINA proposed the deletion of textstating that implementation and compliance require further improvement. The EUreplaced “require further improvement” with “is an urgent priority”. The US redraft notedthat “adequate,” rather than “secure, sustained and predictable,” financial supportpromotes implementation of international instruments. CANADA stressed that science-based decision making enhances implementation of multilateral environmentalagreements.

In 70 (information tools), the US called for identification and prioritization ofgaps in data collection and dissemination. NORWAY added text on environmentalimpact assessments for national and international investment. JAPAN added text onpublic access to global environmental data through information and communicationnetworks. PERU emphasized the need to make scientific and technological databasesavailable on electronic media. CANADA called for “gender-disaggregated data.”

In 71 (indicators), the G-77/CHINA deleted the target year of 2000 for nationaladoption of indicators and introduced text on taking account of national conditions. TheUS preferred to retain the reference to 2000. In 72 (national reporting), the G-77/CHINA replaced a reference to peer reviews with text on exchanging information andexperience. The US, NORWAY and CANADA preferred to retain the peer review.CANADA called for greater emphasis on results and milestones clearly demonstratingcommitment.

DIALOGUES WITH MAJOR GROUPS

LOCAL AUTHORITIES: Panelists in the dialogue session with local authoritiesshared experiences in developing Local Agenda 21s in Dubai, London, Marrakech,Barcelona, Cajamarca (Peru) and Leicester (UK). They highlighted: partnerships betweenlocal authorities internationally; decentralization and local governance; and the progressof the Local Agenda 21 movement. Panelists proposed that the CSD focus on: the humansettlements sector and the Habitat Agenda; application of Agenda 21 principles by TNCs;capacity-building; harmonization of policies between different levels of government;initiatives to improve coordination of agencies; and developing local authority networks.Panelists also called for: a meeting between local authorities and global leaders; a globaltarget for Local Agenda 21s; partnerships on all government levels dealing withfreshwater issues; a study prior to CSD-6 to investigate barriers to local sustainabledevelopment imposed by central authorities; and language pertaining to local authoritiesin the Co-Chairs' text on capacity-building. Presenters also described: green spacesprogrammes; increased public transport; air quality improvements; privatization of waterand sanitation departments; housing programmes; and institutional frameworks forconsensus-building.

FARMERS: The dialogue session on farmers included representatives from theUS, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Burkina Faso, Nicaragua, India and the RussianFederation. Panelists discussed: farm management techniques and voluntary programmes;partnerships; farmers’ organizations; and priorities and strategies. Discussantshighlighted: farming as an economic activity; environmentally-friendly productionmeasures; the impact of agriculture on water use and conservation; industrialencroachment into prime farmland; poverty among small-scale farmers, especiallywomen; the public image of farmers; the role of organic farming; the definition of“sustainable agriculture;” and local product distribution.

Discussants also noted: the implications of international trade and private sectorinvestments on production; long-term land tenure as an incentive for sustainablepractices; and the role of the WTO. Some discussants noted problems with equitabledistribution of food as opposed to its production. Others underscored: farmers as acomponent of rural communities; IPR-related problems; low net income for farmersleading to short-term survival plantings; and “irresponsible” feed technologies. Oneparticipant noted that the Co-Chairs’ text does not refer to the Leipzig meeting on plantgenetic resources, the FAO International Undertaking or the upcoming biosafety protocolunder the CBD. Panelists also highlighted the need for: increased farmers’ income;agricultural research, including biotechnology; strengthened farmers' rights; completionof the biosafety protocol; elimination of TRIPs from agriculture; a moratorium on bio-prospecting; and an international convention on food security.

INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS

CSD PROGRAMME OF WORK: Several delegates offered initial comments onthe proposed CSD programme of work. Many expressed general agreement with theSecretariat’s draft, which lists sectoral, cross-sectoral and economic themes to beconsidered during the next five years. Among delegates’ comments were calls for: afocused work programme and linkages between the issues considered each year;consideration of freshwater and oceans and seas issues; focusing oceans and seasconsideration, for example on pollution control issues; and a mechanism for follow-up onfinancial and technology transfer issues.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: Delegates considered text on greatercoherence in intergovernmental organizations and processes, the role of relevant UNorganizations and institutions and the future role of the CSD. Proposed amendmentsincluded: how and if to reference the ongoing UN reform process; enhancing the role ofregional organizations; co-location of Rio Convention Secretariats; CSD promotion ofincreased regional implementation; strengthening the role of resident coordinators;predictable and secure funding for UNEP; FCCC and CBD COP designation of the GEFas the permanent financial mechanism; CSD attention to effects of globalization onenvironment; and CSD attention to areas that do not attract attention in other fora.

FORESTS: A new draft text containing three preambular paragraphs and eightoperational subparagraphs was circulated and used as a basis for discussion. Proposedamendments to the preamble were: making the text consistent with language from theForest Principles; noting the economic and social functions of forests; and a restructuringof the text on continuing the international policy dialogue. One delegate suggested thatnational forest programmes be in accordance with national sovereignty, specific countryconditions and national legislation. Delegates proposed amendments to a subparagraph onclarifying issues related to international trade in forest products, including: stressing themutually supportive role of trade and environment; emphasizing trade-related measuresand the potential role of enhanced trade in promoting SFM; and specifying issues arisingout of the IPF. Pending the G-77/CHINA's consideration of the new draft, consultationsare expected to continue Friday.

IN THE CORRIDORS

With more than the usual time to hang out in the corridors Wednesday due tounscheduled adjournments, delegates and NGOs marked the CSD-5’s half-way point withthe now obligatory speculation on the pace of negotiations and likely quality of theoutcome. In a telling admission, at least one developing country delegate indicated he hasnot yet made up his mind on whether to recommend that his Head of State would find itworthwhile to attend the Special Session, given the continued absence of movement onresourcing Rio commitments. This has sparked fears that a downgraded, not-so-"Special"Session could be the price developed countries will pay for their record on funding Riocommitments over the past five years. Others have voiced growing frustration at thedeveloping countries’ “prolific” demands for financial commitments. Meanwhile, withconcerns that the sheer volume of text to negotiate (latest estimate: 60 pages) could resultin an inconclusive CSD session, members of the Bureau have been quashing “rumors”that extra negotiating time has been penciled in for the week before the Special Session.Observers note that such denials are also becoming a tradition at some UN meetings.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY

PLENARY: The Plenary will begin discussion on the compilation text inConference Room 2.

INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS: Informal consultations are expected on thework programme in the morning and on institutional arrangements in the afternoon.Consultations may also be held on forests.

DIALOGUES: The dialogue session with business and industry will take placein Conference Room 1 during the morning. A summary session on all the dialogues willtake place during the afternoon.