Daily report for 21 April 1995

DRAFTING GROUP A

The Chair, Magns Jhannesson, noted that the compilation text on financial resourcesand mechanisms had been distributed.

COMBATING POVERTY: The discussion was based on the G-77/Chinatext. In paragraph 1 (UN precedents), the EU, Japan and the US includedreference to the Social Summit. Canada noted that the G-77/China text represented aconceptual shift from linking poverty and environment to a general statement onpoverty. The US proposed replacing paragraph 2 (poverty eradication andsustainable development) with paragraph 6 of the WSSD Programme of Action. Indiaobjected. Canada proposed two new paragraphs on economic growth, povertyreduction and sustainable development. In paragraph 3 (economicenvironment), the US and the EU proposed a reference to intellectualproperty rights (IPRs). The G-77/China proposed deleting paragraph 8 ofthe Chair's draft (links between poverty and the environment) because it noted only afew aspects of poverty eradication. Many objected.

DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY: The groupreviewed four new paragraphs in the G-77/China text before examining the Chair'stext. In paragraph 13 of the G-77/China text (empowering women), the EUadded reference to health. Canada said there are relevant aspects of Commitment 5 ofthe Copenhagen Declaration. In paragraph 10 of the Chair's text (CSD andCPD cooperation), the G-77/China said that ECOSOC will address coordination ofconference follow-up. The EU and Japan wanted to give ECOSOC a message oncooperation between the CSD and the Commission on Population and Development(CPD). The EU suggested merging paragraphs 11 and 12(populations at risk) and asking the CPD to take the lead in preparing reports onpopulations at risk. The EU suggested deleting paragraphs 15 (increasedattention to population) and 16 (CSD reporting).

CHANGING PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS:Delegates disagreed over the need to change consumption patterns in all countriesor only in developed countries in paragraphs 2 (need for progress),3 (imbalances in patterns of consumption), and 4 (reducingconsumption). In paragraph 7 (information), the G-77/China noted thatproduct information should not be used as an excuse for protectionist trade measures.In paragraph 9 (producer responsibility), the US and the EU proposeddeleting reference to ecological tax reform. In sub-paragraph 13(b)(impact on LDCs), the US proposed deleting a reference to obstacles created byeco-labeling. In sub-paragraph 13(c) (policy measures), the US and Japanproposed deleting a reference to ecological tax reform.

TRADE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: TheG-77/China proposed two new paragraphs on the implementation of the outcome ofthe Uruguay Round and the work of the WTO Trade and Environment Committee.Paragraph 4 (trade measures in multilateral environment agreements)generated debate over the use of trade measures in environmental agreements. The ECproposed paragraph 4 bis on convergence of environmentalstandards. The US and the G-77 requested deletion of paragraph 9 onIISD's Trade and Sustainable Development Principles. The EC introducedparagraph 12 bis, inviting UNCTAD to study the impact ofinternalizing environmental costs. In paragraph 13 (eco-labeling, packagingand recycling), the G-77/China said that eco-labeling and recycling requirements mustbe transparent and internationally agreed. In paragraph 17 (mitigatingadverse effects), the EC proposed inviting UNEP and UNCTAD to assess theenvironmental impact of trade policies. The EC introduced paragraph 18bis on public and expert involvement in work on trade and environment.The US introduced a new paragraph 19 on laws and programmes tointernalize environmental costs.

DRAFTING GROUP B

Drafting Group B, chaired by Takao Shibata, completed first readings of all the drafttexts and completed a second reading of the Chair's revised draft on technologytransfer.

SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The EU said that allthe activities in the Chapter will be funded within existing resources and amendedparagraphs 2 (proposals for action) and 3(intergovernmental processes), accordingly. In paragraph 7(capacity building), the G-77/China added references to 'sharing of know-how' and anew sub-paragraph 7(3), on additional financial flows. The US reserved.The EU introduced paragraph 7 bis, calling on Parties to thebiodiversity, desertification and climate change conventions to explore scientificcooperation. In paragraph 10(1) (scientific education), Canada and the G-77/China called for recognition of domestic education programmes and nationalpriorities.

INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING: Belarus introduced paragraph 1 bis, proposing aninternational conference on sustainable development and countries with economies intransition. Delegates discussed the possibility of raising this initiative at the High-Level Segment.

INFORMATION BY GOVERNMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS: Therewas general agreement on this text, subject to EU consultations.

INFORMATION FOR DECISION-MAKING: In paragraph 1(information accessibility), Canada suggested that developed countriesfacilitate access for developing countries to sustainable development information. TheEU deleted the reference to national governments ensuring the 'integration ofinformation for sustainable development at the country level.' Iceland objected. Inparagraph 4 (strengthening Earthwatch), the G-77/China requested thatEarthwatch provide 'early warning on the state of the environment.' Inparagraph 6 (common database), the US referred to the increase ofinformation systems for sustainable development at national and regional levels andthe need for greater compatibility.

MAJOR GROUPS: In paragraph 2 (role of other major groups),the EU and Iceland deleted the proposal for the one-day programme of events for the1996 session focusing on the role and contribution of major groups. The USand Canada objected. In paragraph 3 (major group representation ondelegations), the G-77/China deleted the reference to increasing participation of majorgroups at the international level. In paragraph 4(c) (partnerships), the EUsaid that major groups should choose their own representatives in national coordinatingmechanisms. In paragraph 5 (enhancing participation), Australia requestedthe Secretariat to prepare a study for the fourth session of the CSD on the proceduresfor NGO access to intersessional activities and other relevant meetings. Inparagraph 6 (funding), the G-77/China requested a reference to new andadditional funding. The EU added new paragraphs on: strengthening the role of majorgroups at national and local levels; the role of youth; and calling on the BeijingConference to address the role of sustainable development. The US proposed languageto highlight the voluntary nature of funding.

In paragraph 7 (information exchange between major groups andgovernments), Canada introduced two paragraphs. The first calls for the ECOSOCreview to ensure that major groups are provided with the opportunity to participate inthe work of the CSD and to increase the opportunities for national NGOs. The secondrecommends that the implementation of Resolution 1194 does not interfere with thework of the NGOs in the CSD and that roster status should be extended.

TRANSFER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY,COOPERATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING: During the second reading,delegates agreed to a new reference to Agenda 21 provisions on favorable access toESTs in paragraph 4 (EST transfer). The US added a reference to South-South cooperation. A new paragraph 5 refers to the social, cultural,environmental and economic dimensions of ESTs and advocates internationalcooperation. In new paragraph 6 (national implementation and ESTs), theEU said that implementation of Agenda 21 'should be enhanced through the'development and transfer of ESTs, which the G-77/China qualified according tocountry priorities. No agreement was reached on paragraph 7 bis(role of private sector). There was prolonged debate on the reformulated sub-paragraphs 9(1) to 9(2) (work programme).

A new sub-paragraph 9(4) calls for reports to the CSD on the experienceson the impact and effectiveness of all sectors. In paragraph 10 (ESTmeasures), Canada proposed a new sub-paragraph on partnerships between privatesector interests in developed and developing countries. The G-77/China objected to'facilitate business operations' in the reference to the role of EST Centers, in sub-paragraph 1. They argued that other sectors, such as farmers, should be able to benefitfrom EST centers. Delegates agreed to the EU reference to 'strengthening' instead of'establishing' the Technology Triangle in sub-paragraph 5. In paragraph11, a compromise was found to 'provide encouragement including providing newand additional financial resources.' Paragraphs 5 bis (global andregional funds)and 6 (role of financial sector) were merged. The first bullet(assessment of the potential impact and benefits of ESTs) was merged with thechapeau of the original paragraph 6.

DRAFTING GROUP C

The Chair, Henry Aryamanya-Mugisha, noted the draft terms of reference for theforest panel had been circulated.

SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT: Switzerland amendedparagraph 37 (human resources) to better reflect the socio-economicconditions in mountain ecosystems. The G-77/China proposed a new paragraph38 bis on new and additional financial resources and technicalcooperation. In paragraph 39 (mountain development programmes), the EUadded language about the need to maintain stable forest cover and the importance ofstrengthening the knowledge base. Several delegates questioned the negotiation ofagreements on mountains, as proposed in paragraph 41.

The US expressed concern about calling for another major international conference inparagraph 44 (awareness raising). Switzerland, the EU and New Zealandsuggested 'possibly a wider international meeting.'

CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: The US noted thatsome of the language re-opens controversial issues covered by the BiodiversityConvention. The EU said the text was too long and deleted numerous paragraphs.Many amendments stressed the work of the Biodiversity COP. The EU proposedparagraph 67 bis on the relationship between forests andbiodiversity. In paragraph 68 (IPRs), Japan proposed including the TRIPSAgreement and Switzerland added reference to WIPO and other 'relevant'organizations. The US and the EU questioned the 'realization' of Farmers' Rights.The EU urged that the chapeau to paragraph 71 (actions to be taken) notethat these activities must be implemented through the Biodiversity Convention. Mostof the amendments to these sub-paragraphs were aimed at ensuring that the actions arein line with the Convention.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY: In paragraph 73 (reports), the G-77/Chinaadded references to information on ecological, ethical, safety and socio-economiceffects of genetic engineering. Canada added a reference to the effects on health. Inparagraph 74 (management of biotechnology), Canada urged UN agenciesto assess the viability of biotechnical engineering. In paragraph 75(regulation), the US and the EU proposed deleting reference to indigenous knowledge.Australia added a reference to a system for assessing the impact of biotechnology. Insub-paragraph 77(a) (actions), the G-77/China added references to IPR,capacity building and biosafety research. In sub-paragraph 77(b)(integrating biotechnology concerns into policies), the G-77/China added a reference toresource development and capacity building in developing countries. The US objectedto the reference to lack of IPRs for biotechnology. The G-77/China proposed deletingsub-paragraph 77(e) (international voluntary guidelines). The G-77/Chinaalso proposed adding a paragraph on indigenous knowledge.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY

DRAFTING GROUP A: This group is expected to meet at 11:00 am todiscuss the revised text on financial resources and mechanisms. This text should bedistributed at 9:00 am. The group, which will also meet in the afternoon, will thendiscuss the revised drafts of the other decisions.

DRAFTING GROUP C: This group is expected to meet in the morning andthe afternoon to complete the first reading of the draft on forests, the terms ofreference for the forest panel and the draft on the implementation of decisions taken atthe second session of the CSD. The group may also begin its second reading of thedraft on sectoral issues.

EVENING SESSIONS: It is likely that Drafting Group B and one othergroup will meet in the evening, although the exact schedule will only be determined during the day today.