UN Conference on Environment and Development PrepCom IV – UNCED

The fourth session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, also known as the Earth Summit) was responsible for preparing for the Earth Summit and negotiating all the agenda items, which included Agenda 21, the programme for action, the Statement on Forest Principles, and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (originally called the Earth Charter). The success of the Earth Summit rested largely on the progress achieved by the PrepCom.

PrepCom I convened in August 1990 in Nairobi. PrepCom II was held in March 1991 in Geneva, and PrepCom III was held in August 1991 in Geneva. The PrepCom had three working groups. Working Group I dealt with the issues of atmosphere, land resources, forests, biodiversity and biotechnology. Working Group II addressed oceans, freshwater, and wastes. Working Group III dealt with legal and institutional issues. PrepCom IV convened for five weeks beginning on March 2, 1992. The PrepCom plenary addressed cross-sectoral issues.