Daily report for 30 August 1993

Amb. Penelope Wensley convened the Preparatory Committee of theGlobal Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small IslandDeveloping States Monday morning. She said that with only 34 weeksuntil the Conference, the PrepCom meets at a time when expectationsof the UN have never been higher, demands on the system nevergreater, and the world community is struggling to cope with aproliferation of problems. The first challenge is to captureattention and use this PrepCom to raise the level of awareness,knowledge and understanding of the problems of small islanddeveloping States (SIDS). She stressed that this meeting is one ofthe first opportunities for governments to turn the ideas andconcepts of sustainable development into practical, concrete plansand programmes. The aim of the PrepCom should be to provide a modelfor pragmatic, useful actions that can be managed and implementedat the national, regional and international levels. By the end ofthis two-week session, the PrepCom should reach agreement on theConference outcome and produce an outline of a "programme ofaction" for SIDS.

Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination andSustainable Development (DPCSD), said that the PrepCom marked themid-point in the Conference process and preparations to date havehelped clarify the issues. The case for the special considerationof SIDS has emerged clearly from the reports of the technicalmeetings and the vulnerabilities listed warrant internationalsupport and greater regional cooperation. These problems arereadily identifiable and can be alleviated. The success of theConference, therefore, will be a test of the continued commitmentof governments to the Rio process.

After adopting the agenda and the programme of work (PC/5 andCorr.1, as amended by the Bureau), the Chair opened the generaldebate on Agenda Items 2 and 3.

GENERAL DEBATE

DPCSD Director Miles Stoby introduced the three documents that formthe basis for the general debate. A/CONF.167/PC/10, is theSecretary-General's report on the sustainable development of SIDS.Chapter I gives an overview of the special problems of SIDS;Chapter II encapsulates the priority areas; and Chapter IIIdiscusses sectoral policies needed at all levels. A/CONF.167.PC/6is an overview of system-wide activities relevant to theConference. This report indicates that a significant number ofactivities in the UN system and other international organizationsare either directly or indirectly relevant to the sustainabledevelopment of SIDS. He pointed out that a number of gaps exist andnot all agencies contributed to this report. Finally,A/CONF.167/PC/9 addresses activities of the Conference secretariat,including its establishment, preparations by the host government,dates for the Conference (25 April - 6 May 1994); operations of thevoluntary fund, and the Sustainable Development TechnologyExhibition.

COLOMBIA: Alfredo Rey, speaking on behalf of the Group of77, expressed solidarity with and understanding of the particularsituation of SIDS. Economic development of SIDS is limited by densepopulations and their impact on the environment; the small size ofdomestic markets and the difficulty of penetrating internationalmarkets; and the costs of transportation. He called for atriangular model of national, regional and internationalinitiatives.

VANUATU: Amb. Robert van Lierop, speaking on behalf of theAssociation of Small Island States (AOSIS), insisted that theissues to be discussed are so important that this opportunitycannot be squandered. The unique circumstances, vulnerabilities andlimitations of SIDS will be the specific focus throughout theprocess of this Conference. Participants need to address theimplementation of Agenda 21 in relation to SIDS. SIDS are diverseyet share certain characteristics: small size and relativegeographic remoteness, a narrow range of resources, severepopulation stress, sometimes minimal renewable freshwater resourcesand high degrees of endemism. Some believe that SIDS benefit fromimportant overseas development assistance, however, statisticaltools fail to reflect the reality of the situation as their costsare considerably higher due to the lack of economies of scale.

SIDS have much to contribute to the post-UNCED process. Coral reefsare the marine equivalent of tropical rainforests and of equalimportance. SIDS, having contributed very little to the phenomenonof global warming, are the most vulnerable to its adverseconsequences. Project funding is often denied to SIDS on account oftheir small size and perceived lack of global benefit. However, inthe case of SIDS, local benefits have a global impact. Theexclusive economic zones of many SIDS contain important fish stockson which the world is increasingly dependent.

Existing programmes could be enhanced and new measures consideredto implement policies. The powerful forces of the market can beused, but consumers and producers need to have accurate informationand pricing mechanisms. Regional and international organizationshave a crucial role to play in applying international environmentallaw. Protection of coral reefs requires more effective coastal zonemanagement against pollution, erosion and sedimentation. SIDS arethe victim of both a lack of awareness by the internationalcommunity and too much inappropriate attention. SIDS are willing todo more than they expect from others, but ask that their needs andpriorities be taken seriously by all.

BELGIUM: Herman Portocarero spoke on behalf of the EuropeanCommunity and its member States. SIDS benefit from higher levels ofODA than other developing countries. Structural improvements takeplace more quickly and populations include large colonies ofexpatriates who contribute to the economies. Thus, SIDS can assumethe major role in working for their own development. He urged thePrepCom to avoid abstract discussions and address real problems andpossible solutions.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Amb. Lionel Hurst called for avulnerability index to replace the GNP per capita measurement,which distorts the real situation of SIDS, where higher costs percapita are incurred in providing routine services such as safedrinking water and electricity. This index, which would take theenvironment into account when defining development status, wouldprovide SIDS with more equitable access to financial systems.

AUSTRALIA: Charles Mott mentioned Australian contributionstoward this process, including the funding of a Secretariat staffmember (with New Zealand) and the contribution of $A200,000 for theparticipation in the PrepCom and Conference of representatives fromSIDS. In the programme of action for the Conference, Australiasupports an effective partnership between SIDS, bilateralcontributors, regional and international organizations, NGOs andmajor groups. He stressed the importance of encouraging SIDS tointegrate sustainable development objectives within their planningprocesses; securing better performances by regional andinternational organizations; and enabling the UN to establish thecapacity to promote sustainable development in SIDS.

BARBADOS: Amb. Besley Maycock said evaluation of sustainabledevelopment of SIDS could prove to be a real life laboratory. Cleardefinition of vulnerabilities and major constraints to sustainabledevelopment are well known to island communities, but not yet thefocus of the international community. In the case of SIDS, there isno difference between coastal management and general developmentplanning. There is no margin of error or second chances. SIDS willsuffer disproportionately from climate change and sea-level riseposes a threat of potential loss of the entire territory. Much workstill needs to be done on the relationship between ecologicalconsiderations and development. Specific concerns of SIDS arepoorly understood and responded to in a fragmented way. TheBarbados Conference will be a first step in an ongoing process.

MARSHALL ISLANDS: Amb. Carl Heine urged the internationalcommunity to respect the SIDS Conference, as this is a matter ofsurvival for many islanders. Island people will not remain silentany more when international issues such as marine dumping andnuclear testing in the Pacific affect their lives.

ITALY: Amb. Francesco Paolo Fulci announced Italy'scontribution of approximately US$100,000 to the voluntary fund. Helisted the following areas in which his delegation is ready andable to contribute: integrated coastal management; cooperation forthe protection of regional seas; preservation of historic sites;exploitation of geothermal power; regional access to remote sensingsystems; and the study and development of low-cost sea-goingvessels;

CANADA: Claude Baillargeon said that environment anddevelopment problems are often magnified in SIDS owing to theirsmall size and limited resources. In this respect, they are amicrocosm of our world. The fragility of island ecosystems compelsus to take their particularities into consideration. Fisheries arean important element for SIDS and the efforts carried out by Canadaon the management of high seas fisheries will, if they succeed,have a positive effect on SIDS.

UNITED STATES: Maureen Walker recommended that other fora,where related issues are being discussed, be used to craft anintegrated approach to the sustainable development of SIDS. Shereferred to the US experience with integrated coastal zonemanagement and the lessons learned that may be applied within thecontext of this Conference.

NEW ZEALAND: Priscilla Williams said that the size,isolation and environmental vulnerability of SIDS are unique andthis Conference offers an opportunity to identify strategies.Rather than finding new aid categories, this Conference shouldattempt to maximize existing levels of assistance. Regionalcoordination is crucial. Everyone involved should exercisetolerance and flexibility. She also clarified New Zealand's variousfinancial contributions to the Conference.

FIJI: Amb. Ratu Manasa K. Seniloli highlighted theconsequences of natural disasters on SIDS and the fact that thefrequency, and possibly the severity, of storms and hurricanes isexpected to increase with climate change. This will have majorimplications for those seeking insurance coverage as many insurancecompanies have already started to pull out of a number of SouthPacific islands and have drastically increased rates in otherregions. He took issue with the report of the Secretary-General(PC/10) as it contains descriptive information and is relativelymodest in its provision of conclusions and recommendations.

JAPAN: Takao Shibata expressed Japan's empathy with theplight of SIDS (Japan being composed of a series of small islands).He drew the PrepCom's attention to the World Conference on NaturalDisaster Reduction to be held in Yokohama City in May 1994 as partof the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY

PLENARY: This morning's meeting is scheduled to begin at10:00 am in the Trusteeship Council Chamber. The first item ofbusiness will be consideration of agenda item 2(d) "Participationof non-governmental organizations in the preparatory process." ThePrepCom will be asked to adopt A/CONF.167/PC/L.4, which lists 68NGOs that have requested accreditation. Following a decision onthis item, the Plenary will return to the general debate.Statements are expected this morning from Israel, Mauritius, China,Micronesia, UNESCO and WHO. In the afternoon, look for statementsfrom Cook Islands, C“te d'Ivoire and Kiribati. If the generaldebate concludes early enough this afternoon, UN agencies maypresent their statements relevant to A/CONF.151/PC/6, "Overview ofsystem-wide activities relevant to General Assembly resolution47/189."

Look for an announcement today from Amb. Wensley about a change inthe Bureau. The new Vice-Chair from Romania will be Jon Barac, asMarian Dinu has been posted to Washington.

IN THE CORRIDORS: Look for activity in the corridors inpreparation for Thursday's expected presentation of a draftprogramme of action. This document is being drafted by a workinggroup composed of AOSIS countries led by Cuba. The draft text islikely to be presented today to the G-77 for its consideration.They hope that this draft will serve as the basis for furtherdiscussion during informal consultations later this week. Look forthis document to propose the establishment of a Small IslandsTechnical Assistance Programme with an office within the UN systemand a series of regional Centres for Sustainable Development.

AT THE HELMSLEY HOTEL: AOSIS invites all Conferenceparticipants (including NGOs) to an "Island Night" reception thisevening from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Knickerbocker Suites at theHelmsley Hotel, 212 E. 42nd Street.