Daily report for 24 April 1995

DRAFTING GROUP A

FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS: In paragraph1 (recommendations and commitments), the EU, the US and Australia proposed areference to domestic financing for Agenda 21. In paragraph 5 (CSDmonitoring of implementation), the G-77/China proposed deleting the bracketed phrase'by those countries that have accepted it,' referring to the target of 0.7% GNP forODA. The US objected. The G-77/China re-submitted sub-paragraph 5(e)on international awareness and increase in real terms for IDA programmes. Inparagraph 11 (increasing financial flows from IFIs), the G-77/China deletedthe reference to sustainable development indicators. In paragraph 13 (GEF),the EU and Japan objected to the reference to increasing GEF resources since the CSDshould not impose decisions on an independent body. The G-77/China objected. Inparagraph 16 (strengthening the use of economic instruments), the G-77preferred 'environmentally unfriendly practices' to 'subsidies.'

In paragraph 19 (innovative mechanisms), the G-77/China deletedreferences to joint implementation and debt-for-sustainable development swaps. Therewas no agreement in paragraph 20 (user charge on air transport) on whetherair transport 'may be' (G-77/China) or 'is' (EU) a source of environmentallydamaging emissions. In paragraph 21 (tradeable CO2 permits), the EUdeleted the reference to developing countries with economies dependent on fossil fuelexports. The US supported the EU, arguing that the Climate Change Conventionrecognizes other categories of countries that should not be disregarded. The G-77/China and the US changed 'joint implementation' to 'activities that areimplemented jointly' to reflect the decisions of the first COP of the Climate ChangeConvention. Discussion on the bracketed paragraph 23 (COP to theBiodiversity Convention) was deferred pending the outcome of Drafting Group C. Inparagraph 25 (financing of ESTs), the G-77/China deleted the bracketsaround the reference to EST rights banks. The EU wanted the phrase deleted. Inparagraph 27 (biosafety proposals), the US and the EU retained the bracketsaround the various proposed studies, arguing that they had not been fully discussed.The G-77/China objected. No agreement was reached on retaining paragraph 32(summary of key proposals).

DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY: Inparagraph 2 (links between population, poverty, production andconsumption), delegates agreed to add references to health, education and technology.In paragraph 5 (research on the linkages), delegates agreed to Cairolanguage on the role of governments, IGOs and NGOs in researching the linkagesbetween population, poverty, consumption and production, environment, naturalresources and human health. No agreement was reached in paragraph 12(ICPD implementation), on the term 'sustained economic growth in the contextof sustainable development.'

COMBATING POVERTY: The G-77/China proposed changing the title toPoverty Eradication. The EU disagreed. In paragraph 2 (poverty eradicationand sustainable development), the US and Australia proposed deleting the statementthat people in poverty do not threaten the global environment. In paragraph 3(poverty reduction), the G-77/China proposed replacing 'poverty reduction' with'poverty eradication.' In paragraph 4 (integrated approaches to povertyreduction), the G-77/China replaced 'targeting poverty' with 'eradicating' poverty,and 'poverty- reducing projects' with 'projects aimed at eradicating poverty.'

In paragraph 5 (social and cultural rights), the US objected to a G-77/Chinaamendment on the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and theDeclaration on the Right to Development. In paragraph 6 (internationalenvironment), India reserved on a New Zealand proposal to emphasize links betweenpoverty reduction and sustainability. The EU and the US objected to a G-77/China amendment calling for private sector accountability. In the chapeauof paragraph 9 (ECOSOC), the G-77/China proposed that the CSDadopt a holistic focus on poverty and sustainable development and delete sub-paragraphs 9(a)-(g). It was bracketed.

TRADE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AG-77/China reference to sustained economic growth in paragraph 1(linkages) is bracketed. In paragraph 3 (trade liberalization), a G-77/China call for 'integrated' dispute settlement and a US amendment on'discouraging' unilateral actions outside international trade rules are also bracketed.In paragraph 5 (positive measures), the G-77/China added a reference totransfer of technology. Paragraph 6 (trade measures) was bracketed. Inparagraph 7 (regulations and standards), the G-77/China added a referenceto economic costs. In paragraph 8 (product-specific policies), the G-77/China and Malaysia questioned the reference to life-cycle approaches. Thediscussion continued into the night.

DRAFTING GROUP B

The drafting group met in the afternoon to conduct its second reading of the draftdecisions.

SCIENCE: In paragraph 8 (indigenous knowledge), the US notedthat in accordance with Agenda 21, the term indigenous people (rather than peoples)should be used. The US, Poland and the EU deleted sub-paragraph 10(3)(financial resources), because it duplicated paragraph 13 (financial supportfor scientific capacity-building activities). The G-77/China objected. If the paragraph isretained, the EU and the US suggested 'adequate funding' instead of 'additionalfunding.' The reference to 'additional' funding in paragraph 13 was bracketed.

INFORMATION FOR DECISION-MAKING: In paragraph 4(international cooperation), the US added reference to the Global Learning andObservations to Benefit the Environment programme (GLOBE). In paragraph 6bis (indicators), the G-77/China added a reference to the need for studieson indicators to be conducted in accordance with national conditions.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENTS ANDORGANIZATIONS: The EU proposed paragraph 1 bis,noting interest in the presentations on national experiences, and 4 bis,requesting the Secretariat to prepare guidelines for the 1997 reports.

INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING: The G-77/China, the EU and the US preferred the first version ofparagraph 2 (IACSD), which highlights the scope of assistance needed toimplement national strategies. There was a lengthy discussion about the Belarusproposal to host a conference on sustainable development in countries with economiesin transition in paragraph 2 bis. The Chair suggested that theproposal be considered by the High-Level Segment. The US objected to the conveningof any more UN conferences on sustainable development. Bulgaria requested thatparagraph 2 bis reflect that it will be hosting the third Ministerial Conference onthe Environment in Sofia in 1995.

DRAFTING GROUP C

The group completed its first reading of the draft decisions on implementation andforests, and began its second reading of the decisions on land management,desertification and biotechnology.

PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS BY THESECOND SESSION OF THE CSD: The EU said the draft failed to reflect theentire agenda of the second session. The G-77/China introduced amendments in:paragraph 1 (follow-up), detailed consideration of follow-up efforts;paragraph 2 (health-environment concerns), an 'internationally' legally-binding instrument on chemical control; and paragraph 4 (lead in gasoline),preferential access to ESTs. Belarus added new paragraphs on sharing experiences, aninternational conference to promote sustainable development in countries witheconomies in transition, and a review of regional initiatives.

COMBATING DEFORESTATION: Canada, the G-77/China and the EUamended paragraph 21 (progress in forestry) to note the government-sponsored initiatives on forests. In paragraph 23 (finance), China proposedreference to the transfer of ESTs. The US proposed paragraph 23 bison continued study of certification and labeling schemes. In paragraph 24(global and regional initiatives), Australia added reference to the participation ofindigenous people's organizations.

ANNEX I: Delegates then discussed the Chair's Draft on theIntergovernmental Panel on Forests.

1. Objective: The EU said paragraph 1 (the Panel) should refer tothe negotiated formulations and objectives for the Panel.

2. Programme of Work for Priority Action: Japan suggested thetitle: 'Issues for Priority Action.' The G-77/China proposed a regrouping of the fiveissues into three categories. Poland added regional issues and national accounting.China inserted 'consumption patterns' in category I (national implementation andimpacts). The EU reformulated category III: 'National implementation and linksbetween forests and other sectors.'

3. Proposed Terms of Reference: The EU was concerned that some of thetopics are considered elsewhere. In paragraphs I.1 - I.5 (nationalimplementation), issues included: involvement of major groups; 'the fair andequitable sharing of benefits' rather than 'adequate compensation' for thecommercial use of traditional knowledge; consideration of traditional knowledge; andaddressing restoration of forest ecosystems in Central and Eastern Europe.

Many questioned the need for paragraph II.1 (national sovereignty). The G-77/China supported it. Among the amendments to paragraphs III.1 (need forother instruments) and III.2 (work carried out by international organizations),the EU proposed that the Panel examine the need for a legally-binding instrument. TheUS and others agreed that this should be discussed at the conclusion of the Panel'swork. In paragraph IV.2 (criteria and indicators), the US and Canada agreedthat the Panel could study the feasibility of further developing internationally-agreedcriteria and indicators. The EU disagreed. In paragraph V (trade in forestproducts), the G-77/China proposed removing boycotts 'on the use and trade in forestproducts.' The EU wanted to delete trade distorting practices and major factorsaffecting the value of forest products. The EU called for preparation of a framework ofinternational understanding on timber certification.

4. Panel Composition, Organization and Conduct of Work: The G-77/China said that the Panel should function in accordance with the CSD rules ofprocedure. The US and Canada stressed that IGOs and major groups should'participate fully' as observers in the Panel and its subsidiary bodies. There was littlesupport for an organizational session. Many did not support a dual chairmanship.

5. Secretariat and Financial Support to the Panel: The G-77/China andthe EU said that the role of FAO as task manager for forests should be highlighted.The EU wanted to delete the reference to the direct hiring of new staff. The USthought that a direct hire on a temporary base would bring neutrality to the unit.

The Global Forest Policy Project said that the Panel should: encourage theparticipation of major groups; conduct an independent assessment of existinginstruments; address the underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation;avoid discussing a global set of criteria and indicators; and prevent trade-related issuesfrom dominating discussion.

INTEGRATED LAND MANAGEMENT: There was no agreement on acall for additional financial resources and EST transfers in paragraphs 15(time-frame) and sub-paragraph 18(e) (ESTs and resources).In paragraph 4 (know-how and EST transfers), the G-77/China objected toan Australian proposal for EST transfers, 'where mutually agreed.' In sub-paragraph 18(c) (land and water conflicts), delegations offered alternativelanguage on land and water conflicts within and between cities.

COMBATING DESERTIFICATION: After some minor changes, delegatesreached agreement on this chapter.

BIOTECHNOLOGY: In paragraph 1 (future reports), the EUcalled for more emphasis on 'ethical' considerations with particular reference to'genetic engineering, when human genetic material is involved.' The US and the EUobjected to the monitoring and assessment role advocated in paragraph 2(contribution of biotechnology). In paragraph 3 (geneticallymodified organisms), the EU wanted to remove brackets from language on aninternationally-agreed biotechnology regulatory framework. The US disagreed. The USobjected to the precautionary principle in paragraphs 1 and 3. The G-77/Chinaobjected to an EU proposal to delete the bracketed language on national and regionallegislation in paragraph 5(e).

THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY

DRAFTING GROUP A: This group is scheduled to meet in ConferenceRoom 1 at 10:00 and 6:00 pm to consider the second revised text on financialresources and mechanisms and other outstanding decisions.

DRAFTING GROUP B: This group will meet at 3:00 pm in ConferenceRoom 1 to consider the second reading of the draft decisions on major groups andtechnology transfer.

DRAFTING GROUP C: This group will meet at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm inConference Room 2 to complete its second readings of the draft decisions on forests,mountains, sustainable agriculture and rural development, biodiversity andbiotechnology.