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CSD 1996Commission on Sustainable Development: Report on the Fourth Session Download as TXT file (280 KB) or ZIP file (73 KB) CONTENTS I. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OR BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION C. Matters brought to the attention of the Council Decision 4/1. Trade, environment and sustainable development Decision 4/2. Combating poverty Decision 4/3. Demographic dynamics and sustainability Decision 4/4. Integrating environment and development in decision-making Decision 4/5. Information for decision-making Decision 4/6. International legal instruments and mechanisms Decision 4/7. International institutional arrangements Decision 4/8. Information provided by Governments and organizations Decision 4/10. Transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building Decision 4/11. Promoting education, public awareness and training Decision 4/13. Changing production and consumption patterns Decision 4/14. Financial resources and mechanisms Decision 4/15. Protection of the atmosphere and protection of the oceans and all kinds of seas Decision 4/17. Matters relating to the inter-sessional work of the Commission Decision 4/18. Proposals for the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001 III. CROSS-SECTORAL ISSUES, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF SUSTAINABILITY IV. FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS V. REVIEW OF CROSS-SECTORAL CLUSTERS VI. REVIEW OF SECTORAL CLUSTERS X. PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION XI. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON ITS FOURTH SESSION Annexes LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE COMMISSION AT ITS FOURTH SESSION PROGRAMME BUDGET IMPLICATIONS OF DRAFT DECISION I
MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL OR BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development recommends to the Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft resolution: (* For the discussion, see chapter VI below.) The Economic and Social Council Recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the following draft resolution: The General Assembly, Recalling the relevant provisions of Agenda 21, 1/ in particular chapters 17, 33, 34, 38 and other related chapters, and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 2/ Recalling further its resolution 50/110 of 20 December 1995 on the report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme, in which it endorsed, inter alia, Governing Council decision 18/31 on the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities, Noting the successful conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt a Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, which was held in Washington, D.C. from 23 October to 3 November 1995, Having considered the Washington Declaration and the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, as well as the proposal of the United Nations Environment Programme on institutional arrangements and implementation of the Global Programme of Action and relevant recommendations of the Commission on Sustainable Development, 1. Endorses the Washington Declaration 3/ and the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities; 4/ 2. Stresses the need for States to take the necessary measures for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action at the national and, as appropriate, regional and international levels; 3. Also stresses the need for States to take action for the formal endorsement by each competent international organization of those parts of the Global Programme of Action which are relevant to their mandates and to accord appropriate priority to the implementation of the Global Programme of Action in the work programme of each organization; 4. Further stresses the need for States to take such action at the next meetings of the governing bodies of the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and in the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the relevant bodies of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as well as in other competent international and regional organizations within and outside the United Nations system; 5. Finally stresses the need for international cooperation, as outlined in sections IV.A and B of the Global Programme of Action, in capacity-building, technology transfer and cooperation, and the mobilization of financial resources, including support, in particular, for developing countries, especially the least developed countries, countries with economies in transition and small island developing States, and to this end calls upon bilateral donors and international, regional and subregional financial institutions and mechanisms, including the Global Environment Facility, and other competent development and financial institutions to: (a) Ensure that their programmes give appropriate priority for country-driven projects aimed at the implementation of the Global Programme of Action; (b) Assist with capacity-building in the preparation and implementation of national programmes and in identifying ways and means of funding them; (c) Improve their coordination so as to enhance the delivery of financial and other support; 6. Invites non-governmental organizations and major groups to initiate and strengthen their actions to facilitate and support the effective implementation of the Global Programme of Action; 7. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to prepare, for the consideration of the Governing Council at its nineteenth session, specific proposals on: (a) The role of the United Nations Environment Programme in the implementation of the Global Programme of Action, including the relevant role of its Regional Seas Programme and Water Unit; (b) Arrangements for secretariat support to the Global Programme of Action; (c) Modalities for periodic intergovernmental review of progress in implementing the Global Programme of Action; 8. Calls upon the United Nations Environment Programme, within its available resources, and with the aid of voluntary contributions from States for this purpose, to take expeditious action to provide for the establishment and implementation of the clearing-house mechanism referred to in the Global Programme of Action, and requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to prepare and submit to the Governing Council at its nineteenth session specific proposals on, inter alia: (a) The establishment of an inter-organizational group to develop the basic design and structure of the clearing-house data directory and its linkages to information delivery mechanisms; (b) The means of linking the inter-organizational group to ongoing work within the United Nations system on the identification of and access to relevant databases and the comparability of data; (c) The outline of a pilot project on the development of the clearing-house's source category component on sewage, to be implemented in partnership with the World Health Organization; 9. Calls upon States, in relation to the clearing-house mechanism, to take action in the governing bodies of relevant intergovernmental organizations and programmes so as to ensure that these organizations and programmes take the lead in coordinating the development of the clearing-house mechanism with respect to the following source categories, which are not listed in order of priority: (a) Sewage - the World Health Organization; (b) Persistent organic pollutants - Inter-organizational Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals, the International Programme on Chemical Safety and Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety; (c) Heavy metals - the United Nations Environment Programme in cooperation with the Inter-organizational Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals; (d) Radioactive substances - the International Atomic Energy Agency; (e) Nutrients and sediment mobilization - the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; (f) Oils (hydrocarbons) and litter - the International Maritime Organization; (g) Physical alterations, including habitat modification and destruction of areas of concern - the United Nations Environment Programme; 10. Decides to determine, at its special session to be held in June 1997 in accordance with its resolution 50/113 of 20 December 1995, specific arrangements for integrating the outcomes of periodic intergovernmental reviews, as envisaged in paragraph 7 (c) above, in the future work of the Commission on Sustainable Development related to the monitoring of the implementation of and follow-up to Agenda 21, in particular chapter 17. 2. The Commission on Sustainable Development recommends to the Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft decisions: DRAFT DECISION I : Matters relating to the third and fourth sessions of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests* (* For the discussion, see chapter VI below.) The Economic and Social Council approves: (a) The request of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests to hold its third session at Geneva from 9 to 20 September 1996 and its fourth session in New York for a period of two weeks in 1997; (b) The Panel's request that provision be made so that the two sessional working groups it intends to establish during its third and fourth sessions, as originally envisaged at its first session, can meet simultaneously. Report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on its fourth session and provisional agenda for the fifth session of the Commission The Economic and Social Council takes note of the report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on its fourth session and approves the provisional agenda for the fifth session of the Commission set out below. PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 1. Election of officers. 2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters. 3. Report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests. 4. Preparations for the special session of the General Assembly for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21. 5. Other matters. 6. Provisional agenda for the sixth session of the Commission. 7. Adoption of the report of the Commission on its fifth session. C. Matters brought to the attention of the Council 3. The attention of the Council is drawn to the following decisions adopted by the Commission: Decision 4/1. Trade, environment and sustainable development* (* Chapter II of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter III below. Recommendations with respect to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) should bear in mind the outcome of the ninth session of UNCTAD, which is being held concurrently with the present session of the Commission. ) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on trade, environment and sustainable development (E/CN.17/1996/8 and Add.1) and welcomes with appreciation the analysis contained therein. 2. The Commission reiterates all the decisions made at its second and third sessions on issues related to trade, environment and sustainable development. 3. As to trade measures in multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), the Commission: (a) Calls on Governments to ensure appropriate coordination between trade and environment officials at the national level and to take appropriate steps at the national and international levels in order to ensure the mutual supportiveness of trade and environment policies in support of sustainable development, and looks to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the relationship between WTO provisions and trade measures for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to multilateral environment agreements; (b) Recognizes that positive measures, such as improved market access, capacity-building, improved access to finance, and access to and transfer of technology, taking into account the relationship between trade-related agreements and technology, are effective instruments for assisting developing countries in meeting multilaterally agreed targets in keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities; (c) Notes that trade measures can, in certain cases, play a role in achieving the objectives of MEAs, while safeguarding a non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system, and that positive measures should be employed, as appropriate, to reduce or obviate the necessity for trade measures to secure compliance with MEAs, and also stresses that the use of trade measures should not deter the consideration of other options that may be more effective. All measures should uphold principles 7, 11 and 12 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; 2/ (d) Recognizes that the different trade provisions in MEAs may have different objectives and that they may involve broader economic and developmental issues, and invites the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), jointly and in cooperation with WTO, in accordance with their respective mandates and competencies, to undertake further analysis on the issue of trade and environment, including policy instruments in MEAs, in particular positive measures, taking into account the specific context of each MEA, with a view to promoting sustainable development; (e) Recalls its invitation at its third session to UNCTAD and UNEP, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), international financial institutions, and other relevant bodies, programmes and organizations, to examine the effects of trade measures in MEAs on the achievement of environmental goals and on trade and competitiveness of developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and to consider how positive measures could assist those countries in meeting their obligations under the MEAs. 4. As to environmental policies and competitiveness, the Commission: (a) Recognizes that the link between environmental policies and competitiveness is a complex one, and notes that there is no available evidence to suggest that environmental policy generally has a significant detrimental impact on competitiveness. Efforts could be made to identify "win-win" opportunities in the design and implementation of environmental policies, which could improve resource efficiency, competitiveness, employment and market access; (b) Firmly rejects the use of "green countervailing duties" or other protectionist or trade measures inconsistent with WTO to compensate for the negative competitiveness effects, whether real or perceived, of environmental policies; (c) Stresses that it would be inappropriate to relax environmental laws, regulations and standards or their enforcement in order to encourage foreign direct investment or to promote exports; (d) Considering that complying with the environmental requirements of importing countries may raise particular competitiveness concerns for developing countries and countries with economies in transition, recommends that Governments of developed countries facilitate continued market access for developing countries by ensuring greater transparency and providing them with technical and financial assistance in the area of environmental capacity- building in accordance with the provisions of relevant chapters of Agenda 21; (e) Encourages UNCTAD to propose positive measures at the national and international levels for supporting developing countries in their efforts to achieve the objectives of sustainable development, focusing on capacity- building and support for national efforts to internalize environmental costs; (f) Takes note of the progress report submitted by UNCTAD on the analytical study of the relationship of environmental protection to international competitiveness, job creation and development, and invites UNCTAD to further elaborate the study, with input from Governments and regional economic integration organizations, as well as the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant regional and international organizations, and to submit the results of the study to future sessions of the Commission, as appropriate. 5. The Commission recognizes that eco-labelling can have an impact on trade. The Commission invites Governments to ensure adequate transparency of eco-labelling, inter alia, by considering inputs from interested parties, including consumer and environmental groups, domestic and foreign producers, at an appropriately early stage in the design of the measures, and to encourage private bodies involved in eco-labelling to do the same. The Commission also calls upon national Governments and private bodies involved in eco-labelling to explore the scope for mutual recognition of procedures and approaches on the basis of equivalency at appropriately high levels of environmental protection, taking into account differing environmental and developmental conditions in different countries. The Commission also invites UNCTAD, UNEP, WTO and, as appropriate, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to give the fullest consideration to such concepts in future work on environmental labelling in the best interests of transparency. 6. The Commission supports the promotion of balanced public awareness and educational programmes on issues related to eco-friendly classification to assist both producers and consumers in making environmentally sound decisions. 7. As to trade liberalization and the environment, the Commission: (a) Recalls the recommendation made in paragraph 67 of the report on its third session, 5/ in which it invited the UNEP/UNCTAD programme to carry out further work and report on the development of a framework to facilitate the assessment of the environmental impact of trade policies, taking into account the special needs of developing countries and countries with economies in transition; (b) Recognizes the usefulness of UNEP and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations continuing to examine the environmental effects on importing countries of the export of goods prohibited for sale on environmental grounds in the exporting countries; (c) Invites UNCTAD, in cooperation with UNEP and other relevant organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), taking into account work already under way at WTO, to examine how further trade liberalization, such as through the reduction or elimination of tariff escalation, export taxes or restriction, trade- distortive subsidies and the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, can result in environmental benefits and contribute to sustainable development, including by examining recent analyses on such topics; (d) Reaffirms the importance of efforts aimed at internalizing environmental costs in order to promote the positive and avoid the negative environmental effects of trade liberalization. 8. As to sustainable development of the commodity sector, the Commission: (a) Invites UNCTAD, in cooperation with UNEP, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and other relevant organizations, to assist developing countries in implementing pilot projects in export-oriented production and processing activities aimed at internalizing environmental costs; (b) Encourages international organizations, Governments and the business community to intensify the search for pragmatic methods for increasing cooperation between exporters and importers with a view to facilitating developing countries' efforts to internalize environmental costs in their development process and to assess the scope for the establishment of sectoral round tables and other formal or informal arrangements for identifying efficient and cost-effective approaches. 9. As to biological diversity and trade issues, the Commission welcomes the BIOTRADE initiative of UNCTAD as a collaborative effort, with the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, interested United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, local communities and academic institutions, aimed at strengthening capacity-building, and encourages further consultations in that area. 10. The Commission invites UNCTAD, UNDP, the International Trade Centre, UNEP and other relevant United Nations bodies to strengthen cooperation in the implementation of a programme of technical assistance for capacity-building in accordance with the mandates and expertise of each agency, inter alia, with a view to assisting developing countries and countries with economies in transition in participating effectively in international deliberations on trade and environment, international trade negotiations and international environmental negotiations. 11. The Commission takes note of the preliminary background paper prepared by UNCTAD on research into trade, environment and sustainable development linkages carried out by international organizations, as well as academic institutions and non-governmental organizations in developed and developing countries; encourages additional research in particular areas where gaps exist; and recommends that international and bilateral aid agencies support research activities in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in particular in these areas. 12. The Commission: (a) Takes note of the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, looks forward to a substantive report on the results of its deliberations, including further progress in making trade and environmental policies mutually supportive in order to promote sustainable development, and invites ministers to consider all items listed in the Marrakesh Decision on Trade and Environment of 15 April 1994, taking into account the objectives of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and to give due consideration to the results of the deliberations of the Commission at the present session; (b) Looks to the WTO ministerial meeting in Singapore to continue the important work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment; (c) Invites UNCTAD and UNEP to transmit the results of their activities in the area of trade, environment and sustainable development to the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment for consideration at the WTO ministerial meeting in Singapore; (d) Requests UNCTAD, in accordance with operative paragraph 27 of General Assembly resolution 50/95 of 20 December 1995, to continue its special role in the field of trade and environment, and invites UNCTAD at its ninth session to consider appropriate arrangements for carrying out intergovernmental activities, taking into account its mandate and competence, as well as the need for continued cooperation and complementarity in the work of UNCTAD, UNEP and WTO; (e) Invites UNEP to continue its work on trade and environment in accordance with its mandate; (f) Invites the regional commissions, within their mandates and taking into account the specific context of each region, and OECD, in close cooperation with the competent international organizations, such as UNCTAD, UNEP and WTO, to organize meetings, as necessary, for the purpose of enhancing coordination on trade and environment; (g) Recalls General Assembly resolution 50/95 of 20 December 1995, in which the Assembly requested UNCTAD and invited WTO, in accordance with their respective mandates and competence and in close cooperation with other competent United Nations bodies and the regional commissions, to address trade and environment matters comprehensively, and to report, through the Commission, to the Economic and Social Council and to the Assembly at its special session in 1997 on the concrete progress achieved on the issue of trade and environment; (h) Invites UNCTAD and UNEP to continue their joint programme of work on trade, environment and sustainable development, in accordance with chapter I, paragraph 59 of the report on its third session 5/ and paragraph 14 of Assembly resolution 50/95 of 20 December 1995; (i) Takes note of the ongoing analytical work being conducted by OECD on trade and environment, especially that of the Joint Session of Trade and Environment Experts, including its report to the OECD Council at the ministerial level in May 1995, and encourages OECD to make available to the Commission the results of that work. Decision 4/2. Combating poverty* (* Chapter 3 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter III below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on combating poverty (E/CN.17/1996/9). 2. The Commission reiterates all the decisions made at its third session on the issue of combating poverty. 3. In accordance with commitment 2 of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development 6/ adopted by the World Summit for Social Development, the Commission urges Governments to formulate or strengthen, as a matter of urgency and preferably by the end of the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty (1996), national strategies to eradicate absolute poverty and reduce overall poverty. Such strategies should be comprehensive in order to address all aspects of poverty and integrate gender perspectives, and should also be geared towards substantially and sustainably reducing overall poverty in the shortest possible time, reducing inequalities, and eradicating absolute poverty by a target date to be specified by each country in its national context. In addition, the Commission recommends that Governments integrate environmental issues in such strategies and ensure that they are related to national sustainable development strategies, while recognizing that economic growth is a fundamental element of sustainable development. Such strategies should be supported by the international community, which should assist developing countries, including through international organizations, in their efforts to achieve the overall goal of eradicating poverty and ensuring basic social protection. 4. The Commission recognizes that meeting the basic human needs of all and eradicating absolute poverty is an objective of the highest priority that has been regarded as such in all the recent United Nations conferences convened since the World Summit for Children in 1990. In addition to the relevant conferences and conventions mentioned in the report on its third session, 5/ the Commission welcomes the Beijing Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women. 7/ The Commission notes, in particular, the important role played by women in poverty eradication strategies and the particularly difficult situations that they face, as described in chapter IV.A of the Platform, as well as the importance of integrating gender perspectives in policies and programmes. The Commission welcomes the preparatory work for the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), which emphasizes the importance of achieving the eradication of absolute poverty, the reduction of overall poverty and the creation of sustainable human settlements for ensuring sustainable development. 5. Since the general problem of poverty in developing countries, particularly in the least developed countries, is related to political, economic and social marginalization, all efforts to eradicate absolute poverty and reduce overall poverty within the context of sustainable development must be accompanied by mechanisms that would effectively address those issues. 6. The Commission suggests to the Economic and Social Council that in its future work the Commission focus its attention on the interlinkages between poverty and the environment, taking into account the fact that poverty is a complex multidimensional problem with origins in both the national and international domains, and recognizing that economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development. Decision 4/3. Demographic dynamics and sustainability* (* Chapter 5 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter III below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on demographic dynamics and sustainability (E/CN.17/1996/10 and Corr.1 and Add.1), which includes information on a broad range of factors that have been shown to have a significant impact on demographic variables and on population and sustainable development policies in general, taking into account the outcome of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). 8/ The Commission acknowledges the importance of actions taken by Governments in support of the formulation and implementation of national population policies and programmes. The Commission notes with satisfaction that greater importance is being attached to population questions and to the need to integrate population factors into environment and development planning, according to information obtained from field offices by the Task Force on ICPD Implementation of the United Nations Population Fund. The Commission also welcomes the activities and measures undertaken by non-governmental organizations and organizations of the United Nations system as a follow-up to chapter 5 of Agenda 21 and chapter III of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. 9/ 2. In view of the continuing relevance of the proposals made at its third session, the Commission reaffirmed the decisions made at that session on the further implementation of chapter 5 of Agenda 21 and chapter III of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. 3. The Commission encourages Governments, regional and international organizations and non-governmental organizations to continue to develop, conduct or support research studies on gender-sensitive analysis and the linkages between population, poverty, consumption and production, environment and natural resources, education and health as a guide to effective sustainable development. 4. In order to give greater visibility to the critical linkages between population issues and developmental and environmental issues, and to increase people's understanding of such linkages, the Commission encourages Governments and non-governmental organizations, and the relevant organizations of the United Nations system, to formulate and implement effective information, education and communication strategies that take into account such linkages, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the rapid achievement of the goals of Agenda 21 and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. 5. The Commission stresses the importance of the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of sustainable development planning and programmes, as called for in the Beijing Platform for Action, 7/ and emphasizes the need for Governments to integrate women, on an equal basis with men, in decision-making regarding sustainable resource management and the development of policies and programmes for population and sustainable development. The Commission urges Governments, United Nations system organizations and non-governmental organizations to mainstream a gender perspective, including gender-sensitive analysis, inter alia, as an essential step in the development and monitoring of sustainable development policies. 6. The Commission suggests to the Economic and Social Council that it examine the division of labour between the Commission on Population and Development and the Commission on Sustainable Development in the future consideration of the issue of population and sustainable development, taking into account the link between chapter 5 of Agenda 21 and chapter III of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. Decision 4/4. Integrating environment and development in decision-making* (* Chapter 8 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development, having examined the report of the Secretary-General on integrating environment and development in decision- making (E/CN.17/1996/11 and Add.1), notes the progress made at the national level in providing a framework that integrates economic, social and environmental policies. 2. The Commission recognizes that responsibility for bringing about changes aiming at integrating environment and development in decision-making lies with national Governments, and encourages Governments to establish national mechanisms, where appropriate, and to develop an integrated approach and participatory strategies for sustainable development, including economic, social and environmental aspects of growth. 3. The Commission requests organizations of the United Nations system and other relevant organizations to support the efforts of Governments to integrate environment and development in decision-making by, inter alia, strengthening coordination and exchange of information on "best practices" relating to sustainable development strategies. 4. The Commission calls on organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, in cooperation with Governments and, as appropriate, major group organizations, to place a high priority on actions aimed at supporting national coordination and planning activities related to the implementation of Agenda 21; consistent guidelines for national execution of projects and programmes should be provided to support this process. 5. The Commission calls on Governments to review, as appropriate, their national legislation in the light of the integrated nature of sustainable development and the need to implement international legal agreements and conventions. It requests the international community to continue and strengthen support for developing the capacities of developing countries for this purpose. 6. The Commission, having noted the work on integrated environmental and economic accounting being undertaken by the Statistics Division of the United Nations Secretariat, organizations of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations, and calls upon them, inter alia, to continue the work in this area, particularly with regard to methodological development and technical cooperation. 7. The Commission recalls the importance of integrated environmental and economic accounting for sustainable development, and encourages Governments to undertaken further national activities in this area. Decision 4/5. Information for decision-making (* Chapter 40 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development, having taken note of the report of the Secretary-General on information for decision-making (E/CN.17/1996/18 and Add.1), welcomes the measures taken by Governments to make information more accessible to decision makers at the national level. 2. The Commission expresses its appreciation of the meetings held during the inter-sessional period to further the work and understanding of issues addressed in chapter 40 of Agenda 21, particularly as they relate to indicators of sustainable development, Earthwatch, Development Watch, the establishment of common and compatible systems of access to data, and common core data sets. 3. The Commission takes note of the progress made in the implementation of the work programme on indicators of sustainable development, approved at its third session, and welcomes that progress, particularly with regard to the preparation of methodology sheets for the various indicators. 4. The Commission invites Governments to test, develop and use the indicators of sustainable development based, inter alia, on the work done to date, as appropriate, on identifying the indicators and preparing the corresponding methodology sheets. In this regard, Governments are encouraged, as appropriate, to adopt indicators at the national level and to consider the advantages of working in partnership with other countries in the testing, further development and use of the indicators. For example, twinning between countries with more and less experience in using indicators could prove beneficial to both. 5. The Commission expresses its appreciation of the conclusions of the meeting on common and compatible systems of access to data, and requests the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the Secretariat, in cooperation with other organizations of the United Nations system, and within available resources, to establish a sustainable development home page on the World Wide Web, with "hot links" to relevant databases throughout the United Nations system, as a means to facilitate access by countries to sources of information relevant to sustainable development. 6. The Commission requests the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Open- Ended Working Group on the Need to Harmonize and Improve United Nations Information Systems (for Optimal Utilization and Accessibility by States) to give particular attention to devising a means of facilitating the access of States Members of the United Nations to environmental databases throughout the United Nations system, within available resources. Decision 4/6. International legal instruments and mechanisms* (* Chapter 39 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development, having examined the report of the Secretary-General on international legal instruments and mechanisms (E/CN.17/1996/17 and Add.1), welcomes the progress made in reflecting the integrated nature of sustainable development in international legal instruments and in the further development of international law related to the implementation of Agenda 21. 2. The Commission takes note of the report of the Expert Group on the Identification of Principles of International Law for Sustainable Development, which was made available to the Commission as a background document, and expresses its appreciation of the work of the Expert Group, which was convened by the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the Secretariat. 3. The Commission recalls that at its second session it requested the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to study further the concept, requirements and implications of sustainable development and international law; welcomed the adoption by the Governing Council of UNEP of decision 18/9 on the further development of international environmental law aiming at sustainable development; 10/ and noted with appreciation the steps undertaken by UNEP towards the review of the Montevideo Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law scheduled for 1997 as an important contribution to achieving the tasks set out in Agenda 21. 4. The Commission recognizes the potential value of identifying generally recognized principles of international law as they pertain to sustainable development and decides to keep this issue under review at its session in 1997 with a view to its further consideration by the General Assembly at its special session, and to take into account the results of the review of the Montevideo Programme, as appropriate. 5. The Commission calls upon Governments to consider, as appropriate, the work of the Expert Group in the development of both national legislation and national policies for sustainable development, and requests Governments to provide information on their experiences in this regard. 6. The Commission considers flexible approaches as important in international law-making, as they allow international consensus to develop, especially under new scientific and technical information, and recognizes the positive role of framework conventions and of non-legally binding instruments as steps in the evolution of international rule-making related to sustainable development. 7. The Commission emphasizes the necessity, as recognized in UNEP Governing Council decision 18/9, of further exploring, in the interest of sustainable development, mechanisms for dispute settlement or avoidance and, with the aim of preventing international disputes, for facilitating the implementation of international environmental instruments by assisting and encouraging parties to fulfil their obligations and commitments, and notes that, in the case of several international environmental instruments, such mechanisms have either become operative, have been established, or are at present under discussion. In this context, the Commission notes the importance of compliance and monitoring mechanisms of international agreements, including reporting requirements, and stresses the importance of national and local capacity- building aimed at improving compliance, monitoring, inspection and enforcement of international obligations. 8. The Commission urges the international community to continue to develop procedures and mechanisms that promote informed decisions, mutual understanding and confidence-building with a view to avoiding or resolving disputes. 9. The Commission recommends the exploration of more effective participation of major groups in the elaboration of international legal instruments and mechanisms in the field of sustainable development. 10. The Commission recognizes the administrative burden imposed, particularly on the developing countries, by the implementation of international agreements, and recognizes the need for consolidation and integration of procedures, and for cooperation among the secretariats of different conventions to this end. Decision 4/7. International institutional arrangements* (* Chapter 38 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development: (a) Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on institutional arrangements to follow up the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (E/CN.17/1996/16) as well as the more detailed background paper on the subject. The Commission notes that the institutional arrangements put in place in follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development at various levels have served the international community well over the past four years; (b) Notes the new and innovative elements introduced into the work of the Commission on Sustainable Development and considers that these functional considerations, including the working methods and multi-year programme of work of the Commission, will be an important element of the 1997 review process; (c) Welcomes General Assembly resolution 50/113 of 20 December 1995, in particular paragraph 13, in which the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to prepare, for the consideration of the Commission at its fifth session, a comprehensive report containing an overall assessment of the progress achieved since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in the implementation of Agenda 21 at all levels, and in the implementation of related outcomes, as well as recommendations for future actions and priorities; (d) Also welcomes the system-wide cooperation and coordination efforts undertaken by the Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development, through its system of task managers, in implementing Agenda 21; (e) Reaffirms the importance placed by the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 1995 on the coordinated follow-up of international conferences and the need to coordinate the multi-year programmes of all relevant functional commissions and the division of labour among them; (f) Welcomes the proposed review by the Economic and Social Council of the regional commissions, with a view, inter alia, to strengthening, as appropriate, their participation relating to the implementation of the results of major United Nations international conferences; (g) Recognizes the major steps made by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in accordance with its mandate and in implementation of Agenda 21, to provide effective support to the work of the Commission, inter alia, through the provision of scientific, technical and legal information and policy advice on the environment. In this context, the Commission welcomes decisions adopted by the Governing Council of UNEP at its eighteenth session, 10/ in which the Governing Council of UNEP specified ways in which UNEP could support the Commission and encouraged closer cooperation and collaboration between UNEP and other organizations; (h) Welcomes initiatives taken by bilateral, regional, intergovernmental and United Nations system organizations, as well as financial institutions, that integrate sustainable development as a central focus into their policies and programmes to facilitate Agenda 21 implementation. 2. The Commission therefore: (a) Encourages national Governments to ensure that their countries' institutional arrangements further promote the implementation of Agenda 21, while ensuring the broad participation of all stakeholders; (b) Emphasizes the need for the Commission to continue providing guidance on key sustainable development issues and playing a leading role in providing the forum for reviewing national, regional and international efforts, including, as appropriate, the role of major groups, in the pursuit of sustainable development; (c) Stresses the need for all relevant bodies of the United Nations system to make further efforts to make sustainable development a central focus of their programmes and policies; (d) Recommends that ever-closer links be established, particularly through the bureaux of the organizations concerned, between the work of the Commission and other relevant subsidiary bodies of the Economic and Social Council so as to ensure that the Commission can contribute to and/or draw on the relevant output of other bodies in a timely manner and to avoid duplication of work. The multi-year programmes of work of the commissions, to be coordinated by the Council, should be seen as an important instrument for facilitating the linkage among those commissions; (e) Encourages the Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development to continue to enhance inter-agency coordination, inter alia, by promoting a more focused approach to coordination and close collaboration aimed at elaborating action-oriented recommendations on main policy and cooperation issues. The Commission has requested the Committee to continue its work aimed at ensuring complementarity of efforts and avoidance of duplication and overlap in United Nations system activities to implement Agenda 21 and to keep the Commission informed of its activities through the Administrative Committee on Coordination; (f) Recommends that the 1997 review give special attention also to post-United Nations Conference on Environment and Development institutional arrangements in order to ensure their continued relevance and increased effectiveness in the years to come. In this regard, possible results of the ongoing negotiations on the further measures for the restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, on an agenda for development and on other related reform processes, such as the High-level Working Group on the Strengthening of the United Nations System, will be taken into account to promote better coordination among various United Nations bodies; (g) Recommends that the preparatory work for the special session of the General Assembly should examine the institutional implications for forging new alliances for sustainable development between the United Nations and other major organizations relevant for sustainable development, in particular the Global Environment Facility, the Bretton Woods institutions, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Trade Organization, as well as between Governments and civil society. Decision 4/8. Information provided by Governments and organizations* (* For the discussion, see chapter III below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development notes with appreciation the receipt of information from 74 States and 11 organizations. It welcomes the country presentations on coastal area management and national sustainable development strategies. 2. The Commission welcomes the efforts of the Secretariat in trying to simplify the guidelines for the 1996 session which had facilitated the provision of information on national and other relevant experience in implementing Agenda 21, and the summary report on that information. 3. The Commission requests relevant organizations within and outside the United Nations system, as well as donors, to consider favourably requests for the provision of technical and financial assistance to help developing countries with the preparation of national strategies for sustainable development, national Agenda 21 action plans and periodic communications and reports on these activities for the Commission. The Commission notes with appreciation the intention of several donors and organizations to favourably consider such requests. 4. The Commission welcomes and supports the preparation of country profiles by the Secretariat for the 1997 special session of the General Assembly, as envisaged in Assembly resolution 50/113. The country profiles, to be prepared in close cooperation with the Governments concerned, and based on voluntary information submitted by these Governments, will provide a concise presentation of progress made and constraints encountered in implementing Agenda 21 at the national level. In this context, the Commission appeals to countries to provide information and to cooperate with the Secretariat on this matter. 5. The Commission requests the Secretariat to consult members at an appropriate time on proposals for reporting to future sessions, taking into account, among other elements, the work on indicators for sustainable development. 6. The Commission notes that, in the period following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, States have been confronted with a growing number of reporting requirements in the field of sustainable development. In order to reduce duplication of work, the Commission requests the Secretary-General, in cooperation with interested States, to provide the Commission at its fifth session with proposals for streamlining national reporting in the field of sustainable development. The country profiles could be the initial step towards streamlining reporting requirements. Decision 4/9. Major groups* (* Chapters 23-32 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development: (a) Welcomes the contributions of major groups to its fourth session and their continued participation in Agenda 21 follow-up at the local, national, regional and international levels. Their commitment to sustainable development objectives strengthens the Commission's work and efforts in this direction throughout the world; (b) Also welcomes the work of the major group sectors in preparing the Day of the Workplace and the youth panel/exhibition for the fourth session of the Commission. The Commission also welcomes the financial and other support provided by Governments and international organizations to these special events and calls on Governments, international organizations and the private sector to continue assisting through these activities in the preparations for future events; (c) Stresses the positive experience gained from the special events focusing on particular major groups and recognizes that the success of these events was due in part to the partnerships catalysed among the major group partners and their networks; (d) Welcomes General Assembly resolution 50/113 of 20 December 1995, in which the Assembly recognized the important role played by major groups at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and in the implementation of its recommendations and recognized the need for their active involvement in preparations for the special session, as well as the need to ensure appropriate arrangements for their contribution during the special session; (e) Recognizing the important contribution by all major groups on issues related to sustainable development, invites their active participation during the preparations for and at both the 1997 session of the Commission on Sustainable Development and the 1997 special session of the General Assembly for the five-year comprehensive review of Agenda 21; (f) Welcomes the initiative of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, together with the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the United Nations Secretariat, to assess the state of local Agenda 21 initiatives through a worldwide survey, and invites Governments and the national sustainable development coordination institutions to give their full support in gathering this valuable information for the 1997 review process; (g) Emphasizes the need to preserve and expand major group participation, as appropriate, in the Commission on Sustainable Development and in relevant international organizations whose work is an essential part of the Agenda 21 follow-up process; (h) Recognizing the efforts of major groups organizations, in particular non-governmental organizations, in mobilizing technical and financial assistance to support the sustainable development initiatives of developing countries, encourages further action in this regard, particularly by those organizations that are able to effect such action. 2. The Commission therefore: (a) Encourages all parties to uphold the objective of partnership in their collaboration with major groups at all levels and in preparation for the special events that may be organized in the context of the 1997 review; (b) Encourages Governments and international organizations to actively support the initiatives of major groups aiming to make contributions to the 1997 review; (c) Encourages Governments to involve major group representatives in the preparations for the 1997 review process at the national level and to favourably consider including major group representatives in national delegations to the fifth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, and, as appropriate, to the special session of the General Assembly in June 1997; (d) Supports the recommendations agreed to at the second session 11/ and the third session 12/ of the Commission and endorsed by the Economic and Social Council in its decisions 1994/300 and 1995/235 concerning the accreditation of non-governmental organizations to the Commission, and recommends that the Council, at its substantive session of 1996, decide to keep those non-governmental organizations accredited to the Commission by Council decision 1993/220 on the Roster, as envisaged in Council decision 1993/215; (e) Invites the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, to ensure, in conformity with Assembly resolution 50/113, appropriate arrangements for the most effective contribution to and active involvement of major groups, including non-governmental organizations, in the special session of the Assembly in 1997; (f) Requests United Nations organizations to foster the emerging trends towards greater openness and transparency with respect to major groups, and calls upon them, as appropriate, to broaden the scope of their cooperation with major groups; (g) Requests major groups to report to the Commission on Sustainable Development on positive examples of recent international meetings, conferences and panels where innovative approaches to major group participation have been taken; (h) Emphasizes the need to achieve comprehensive reporting as well as independent assessments as prepared by major groups, and requests the secretariat of the Commission as well as other United Nations bodies to maintain continuous collaboration with major groups; (i) Requests further efforts by Governments, United Nations organizations and other bodies to develop simple and accessible information materials related to Agenda 21 so as to assist people at the local level in taking a more active role both in assessing social, economic and environmental conditions, and in participating in decision-making processes for sustainable development at the local level. Decision 4/10. Transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building* (* Chapter 34 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building (E/CN.17/1996/13 and Add.1), which provides an overview of the policies and initiatives taken and the results achieved in the implementation of the work programme on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) approved by the Commission at its third session. 2. The Commission welcomes the initiatives taken by countries and organizations to organize inter-sessional meetings on specific elements of the work programme, and notes that the above-mentioned report made use of those meetings. 3. The Commission reaffirms the relevance of the work programme and urges Governments, relevant organizations of the United Nations system, other intergovernmental organizations, the secretariats of the various international conventions, and major groups, particularly business and industry, to further implement the work programme. 4. The Commission recognizes that new and efficient technologies will be essential to increase the capabilities of countries, in particular developing countries, to achieve sustainable development, sustain the world's economy, protect the environment and alleviate poverty. 5. The Commission also recognizes that the level of technology transfer and technological transformation required to accelerate progress towards cleaner, more efficient systems of production in many developing countries and countries with economies in transition can be realized through financial support and partnership arrangements with donor countries and agencies, as well as with the encouragement of private-sector initiatives and investments. 6. The Commission reaffirms the need for Governments and regional and international bodies to take measures to ensure that women have equal access to and equal opportunity to participate in educational, scientific and technological activities, particularly as participants in and beneficiaries of technology innovation, transfer and dissemination. 7. The Commission urges Governments of developed and developing countries and countries with economies in transition to adopt appropriate environmental legislation that will enhance the successful dissemination of ESTs in their own countries. They are also encouraged to develop and implement an appropriate mix of policy measures, including regulations and economic instruments and incentives aimed at stimulating the adoption of cleaner production technologies and improved, more efficient systems of production that emphasize pollution prevention and waste minimization and recycling, with particular attention to the adoption of such systems by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 8. The Commission encourages Governments, the private sector and industry to promote, facilitate and finance, as appropriate, the access to and transfer of ESTs and corresponding know-how, in particular to developing countries, on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed, as well as technological cooperation, taking into account the need to protect intellectual property rights as well as the special needs of developing countries for the implementation of Agenda 21. 9. The Commission encourages the greater use of partnership arrangements in and between the private and public sectors, including through voluntary agreements, as a means to achieve commonly agreed environmental goals and objectives and to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits that can accrue through the application of cleaner production technologies and methods and eco-efficiency concepts. 10. The Commission urges countries, international and business organizations to share information on the use and effectiveness of policy measures adopted by Governments and the private sector to promote, develop or create greater demand for technology and technological innovations aimed at changing methods of production, including improving efficiency in the use of energy and natural resources and in reducing pollution and waste. 11. The Commission urges Governments of developed and developing countries and countries with economies in transition, with the assistance of regional institutions and international organizations, to strengthen the role of technology centres, where necessary, including cleaner production centres and information clearing-houses, as intermediaries and facilitators for the transfer of ESTs, inter alia, to SMEs. In this regard, innovative partnerships between and sharing of experience by and among such centres should be promoted to increase interaction and to benefit from methods that have proved successful in other contexts. 12. The Commission encourages Governments and national research and technology centres to conduct national technology needs assessment pilot projects in priority areas of development and environment, as appropriate. In identifying priority areas, national environmental action plans or sustainable development strategies, where existing, may be used. Governments may wish to include business associations and other stakeholders in national technology needs assessment exercises. The private sector, in particular, would be in a position to pursue investment opportunities that are generated through national technology needs assessment and to thereby enhance technology cooperation. 13. The Commission calls upon Governments of developing countries and countries with economies in transition to strengthen, with the assistance of donors, where necessary, EST support structures, including technical advisory or consultancy services, marketing support, legal advice, research and development and laboratory facilities and services with the aim of facilitating the successful transfer and development of ESTs. Assistance in project formulation, negotiation and technology sourcing and matchmaking may be needed. In this regard, the private sector could also play an important role. 14. The Commission invites the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to continue its work to develop an EST information system network so as to increase compatibility and cooperation among information systems and sources related to ESTs, and to keep the Commission informed of its progress. In this context, UNEP is invited to consider developing and maintaining a catalogue of EST-related information systems, and to eventually make such a catalogue publicly available in printed form or on diskette and through global networks, such as the Internet. 15. The Commission takes note of the further development of the International Organization for Standardization standard ISO 14000 and other environmental management standards, such as eco-audit standards and schemes, and invites countries to share information and experiences on the impact of such standards on the demand for and wider application of ESTs and cleaner production methods. 16. The Commission urges Governments, in cooperation with business and industry, to apply appropriate measures that would assist local companies, in particular SMEs, in accessing financial markets to facilitate technological cooperation and technology transfer. In this context, priority may be given to improving the overall availability of finance to SMEs through appropriate measures that stimulate investments. 17. The Commission invites business and industry, including transnational corporations, to take steps aimed at (a) facilitating the access of SMEs to financial markets and ESTs and (b) promoting capacity-building, in particular in developing countries. Decision 4/11. Promoting education, public awareness and training* (* Chapter 36 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development: (a) Welcomes the many initiatives undertaken to promote education, public awareness and training for sustainable development, as noted in the report of the Secretary-General thereon (E/CN.17/1996/14 and Add.1) and notes the progress made in cooperative initiatives such as the International Environmental Education Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); (b) Reaffirms that education, public awareness and training are critical for promoting sustainable development and increasing the capacity to address environment and development issues, and that therefore the implementation of chapter 36 of Agenda 21 will influence progress in the implementation of all the other chapters of Agenda 21; (c) Notes that recommendations concerning education appear in the action plans of all the major United Nations conferences and in the conventions adopted after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development; (d) Also notes the series of international meetings and studies that had taken place since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development to discuss the status and future directions of environment and development education, and expresses its appreciation to the Czech Republic for having organized the inter-sessional workshop on "Education and public awareness for sustainable development" (Prague, 28 November-1 December 1995), which put forward to the Commission recommendations for use in preparing a work programme. The Commission also recognized the work of UNESCO's International Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century; (e) Recognizes that education for sustainable development needs to be understood as part of a broad new vision of education as a lifelong process. This will require restructuring and reform of formal education, as well as the utilization of all non-formal channels, including distance education; (** Formal education refers to education in schools, and non-formal education to all other types of education.) (f) Draws attention to the need to further refine the concept of education for sustainable development and to identify the key messages; (g) Reiterates the importance of basic education for all and of lifelong learning about environment and development. Traditional knowledge should be valued and not submerged in this process; (h) Recognizes the potential of technical and vocational education and training in the promotion of sustainable development in key economic sectors; (i) Stresses the need to give greater emphasis to the role of education for sustainable development, including environmental economics, as well as public awareness in changing unsustainable production and consumption patterns and lifestyles; (j) Emphasizes the important role that the media and the advertising industry can play in raising public awareness about sustainable development, including changes in unsustainable patterns of production and consumption; (k) Recognizes the need to give increasing emphasis to raising awareness and taking action in implementing Agenda 21 at the community and municipality levels, as well as to targeting households as a key point of entry; (l) Stresses the need to broaden cooperation at the international level, building on past experience, in particular that of the UNESCO/UNEP International Environmental Education Programme, and involving all relevant bodies of the United Nations system, Governments and major groups, in particular non-governmental organizations, business and industry, youth and the educational community. A new cooperative arrangement should be developed that is bold and imaginative and concentrates on a limited number of key undertakings during the next four or five years. 2. The Commission, taking into account relevant linkages with the programme of work on changing production and consumption patterns adopted at its third session, therefore agrees to initiate a programme of work in the context of which it: (a) Urges UNESCO as task manager for chapter 36 to actively pursue, in partnership with UNEP, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other key institutions, international initiatives that lead towards a broad alliance for education for sustainable development taking into account the experience of the UNESCO/UNEP International Environmental Education Programme and other relevant programmes, and to promote networks on education and training for sustainable development at all levels, particularly at the grass-roots level; (b) Urges the United Nations system, Governments and major groups to implement in an integrated manner the recommendations concerning education, public awareness and training contained in the action plans of all the major United Nations conferences and in the conventions adopted after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development; (c) Invites UNESCO, working in close cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the educational and scientific communities, to advise on how education and training for sustainable development can be integrated into national educational policies; (d) Calls upon UNESCO to refine the concept and key messages of education for sustainable development, taking into account the experience of environmental education and integrating considerations pertaining to population, health, economics, social and human development, and peace and security; (e) Urges Governments to advance education and training for sustainable development, with assistance as appropriate from the United Nations system and other relevant international bodies. The Commission encourages the involvement of the educational community, the sharing of experience (including among the youth themselves) and the highlighting of best practices, in particular within local communities, in the preparation and implementation of action plans to this effect; (f) Calls upon developed countries, international organizations and the private sector to assist in promoting education, public awareness and training in developing countries, through the provision of financial and technical support; (g) Encourages the development of new partnership arrangements among educators, scientists, Governments, non-governmental organizations, business and industry, youth, the media and other major groups, to communicate the key messages of sustainable development through both formal and non-formal channels. The new communications technologies should be exploited for this purpose. Education and training for sustainable development should be based on a broad participatory approach, taking into account local needs and values; (h) Encourages Governments and all relevant stakeholders to work in partnership with youth to strengthen tools for youth empowerment and to provide skills and training to prepare youth for decision-making roles and sustainable livelihoods; (i) Urges the Bretton Woods institutions to analyse their current investments in education, with respect to the needs of promoting education for sustainable development; (j) Requests the Secretary-General to take the preliminary results of this work programme into account in the context of the 1997 review of education, public awareness and training. Decision 4/12. National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries* (* Chapter 37 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter V below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development: (a) Having examined the report of the Secretary-General on capacity- building for sustainable development (E/CN.17/1996/15 and Add.1), notes the enhanced understanding and recognition in the international community of capacity-building issues, which has led to a greater focus on strengthening national capacities for designing national plans and strategies for sustainable development; (b) Welcomes the efforts of those countries that have taken significant steps towards capacity-building by formulating national Agenda 21 strategies, conservation strategies and environmental action plans, expresses its appreciation to those organizations, notably the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which have provided assistance to those efforts and encourages the continuation of such support; (c) Notes the existence of long-standing institutional and other constraints in many developing countries and countries with economies in transition that need to be overcome when implementing national strategies and affirms, in this connection, that the sharing of experiences and insights from diverse capacity-building situations and measures constitutes the basis for a collaborative learning process, noting, in this context, that the African High-Level Meeting on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme in 1995, led to the adoption of a plan of action on EIA for African countries; (d) Emphasizes the importance of donor collaboration and coordination, highlights, in this context, the relevant role of capacity-building while promoting a more participatory approach, recognizes that there is a greater role for information technology in capacity-building and notes the planned Workshop on Capacity-Building for the Environment, to be held in November 1996 under the sponsorship of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. 2. The Commission therefore: (a) Stresses the need to keep capacity-building as one of the central objectives in the promotion of development projects and programmes in developing countries in accordance with their national priorities and stresses, in this context, the need for a long-term commitment and systematic focus in pursuing capacity-building efforts; (b) Urges Governments and international organizations to share experiences in capacity-building and assist the developing countries through strengthened international cooperation programmes for sustainable development; (c) Calls upon Governments and international organizations to enhance coordinated efforts to assist developing countries in their own capacity- building efforts and to encourage the active involvement of non-state actors, including non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other major groups, in the capacity-building of developing countries; (d) Encourages United Nations programmes and funds, including UNDP, and other relevant organizations, to continue to assist developing countries in strengthening their capacities in planning and policy-making for sustainable development through consultative processes and requests UNDP to further disseminate the results of programmes and evaluations of Capacity 21 projects undertaken at the country level; (e) Encourages further work in carrying out action- and problem-oriented research on capacity-building issues in specific priority areas at the national level by concerned international, bilateral and non-governmental organizations. Decision 4/13. Changing production and consumption patterns* (* Chapter 4 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter III below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development: (a) Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on changing consumption and production patterns (E/CN.17/1996/5 and Add.1) presenting an overview of progress with regard to policy developments, and welcomes the progress reported therein in the implementation of the international work programme. In addition the Commission noted the contributions of Member States, non-governmental organizations and business and international organizations, in particular the Workshop on Policy Measures for Changing Consumption Patterns, hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Rosendal Workshop on Consumption and Production Patterns: Clarifying the Concepts, organized by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Government of Norway, and the international conference on sustainable industrial development hosted by the Government of the Netherlands; (b) Takes note of the report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance and Changing Consumption and Production Patterns (E/CN.17/1996/7); (c) Reaffirms the relevance of the programme of work and urges Governments, relevant organizations of the United Nations system, other intergovernmental organizations, the secretariats of the various international conventions, and major groups, particularly business and industry, to further implement the work programme and remain seized of the subject; (d) Notes that the work programme adopted at the third session of the Commission is mainly research oriented, and also notes that the 1997 review of the implementation of Agenda 21 will provide an opportunity for further directing the work programme towards a more action-oriented approach. In this respect, the Commission requests the Secretariat to consider specific proposals for action in the reports to be presented under the work programme; (e) Stresses that there must be an appropriate balance in the attention given to both the supply side and the demand side in the context of changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns. Changes in end use and consumer lifestyles are needed, particularly in the industrialized countries, while increased eco-efficiency will yield benefits to business and to industry, as well as to the government sector in all countries. A balanced approach to more sustainable production and consumption requires both good management and appropriate technology; (f) Notes that the concept of eco-efficiency should not be a substitute for changes in unsustainable lifestyles of consumers, and also notes that the pursuit of eco-efficiency also requires enhanced efforts to assist developing countries in their efforts to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, by improving access to financial resources and environmentally sound technologies; (g) Reiterates all the decisions taken on issues relating to changing consumption and production patterns at its second and third sessions; (h) Notes an important linkage between the issues of changing consumption and production patterns and financial issues of Agenda 21: at the macroeconomic level, savings are generated as a function of income and consumption. These savings are among the national and international resources available for financing sustainable development which includes economic and social development and environmental protection. At the same time, such savings in many developing countries are limited in view of their already low levels of income; (i) Reaffirms that the major cause of continued degradation of the global environment is the unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, particularly in industrialized countries; (j) Reiterates that measures to be undertaken at the international level for the protection and enhancement of the environment must take fully into account the current imbalances in the global patterns of consumption and production, and that changing consumption patterns will require a multipronged strategy focusing on demand, meeting the basic needs of the poor, and reducing wastage and the use of finite resources in the production process; (k) Notes that changes in consumption and production patterns could result in the sustainable utilization of natural resources, through their transformation into products and services for the equitable benefit of all countries, as well as in the prevention and mitigation of the environmental, health and social cost of pollution; (l) Stresses the need for more efficiency in energy use and measures to promote the use of renewable energy, and for enhanced international cooperation to support national actions in this regard; (m) Emphasizes that efforts to change patterns of consumption and production should take into account developing countries' sustainable development strategies, including economic, social and environmental aspects of growth; (n) Notes the trend towards a global consensus on the importance of changing consumption and production patterns, in the context of common but differentiated responsibilities, and also notes that many countries - developed countries, developing countries and countries with economies in transition - have reported on national initiatives to make consumption and production patterns more sustainable; (o) Recommends that measures for changing consumption and production patterns worldwide should take into account, as appropriate, the need for improved market access, particularly for developing countries and countries with economies in transition, for more sustainably produced goods and services; (p) Welcomes efforts undertaken by various countries in making use of policy instruments proposed by the Commission and recommends that the exchange of experiences in that field continue; (q) Acknowledging the progress made by various countries in the development of national policies intended to change consumption and production patterns, reaffirms the need for additional substantial efforts to be undertaken and real progress to be achieved by countries, in particular the developed countries, in changing their unsustainable consumption and production patterns and in assisting to redress the present imbalances between industrialized and developing countries and within themselves. The Commission recognizes that the industrialized countries should be taking the lead (as some already are) in these efforts, and that such countries have a responsibility to demonstrate that resource-efficient, low-pollution consumption and production patterns and sustainable lifestyles are feasible, desirable, and essential for progress in achieving sustainable development; and renews its call on all countries to strive to promote sustainable consumption patterns, and on developed countries to continue to take the lead in promoting and achieving more sustainable consumption patterns; (r) Considers that designing and implementing eco-efficiency as well as product-related strategies could be useful in reducing the energy and materials intensities of production and consumption, and that such concepts as energy and materials intensity, carrying capacity, eco-space and ecological footprints should be analysed for further development and use; (s) Recognizes that Governments at all levels can influence other stakeholders in society, inter alia, through the setting of environmental regulations and through their purchasing and investment policies. Procurement policies can address the issue of the purchase and maintenance of goods and services of hospital and school equipment and vehicle fleets, and that of the use of environmentally sound products; (t) Recognizes the potential for using economic instruments that can both generate revenue for financing sustainable development and send signals to the market to help change unsustainable consumption and production patterns; (u) Stresses the importance of the contribution made by major groups and the private sector towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production worldwide; (v) Also stresses that the issues specified in paragraphs 2 to 4 of the present decision are relevant to all stakeholders, and calls on Governments, international organizations, business and industry, trade unions and non-governmental organizations to bring forward the findings and results of their work for consideration by the Commission at its fifth session as regards inclusion in the review at the 1997 special session of the General Assembly; (w) Requests the Secretariat to compile information on measures taken by Governments, the private sector, trade unions and non-governmental organizations in response to the priorities set out in chapter 4 of Agenda 21, and decides to review this information at future sessions of the Commission, as appropriate. 2. The Commission urges Governments: (a) To continue their efforts aimed at achieving more sustainable patterns of production and consumption, taking into account the particular needs and conditions of the developing countries. The Commission reaffirms the need for additional and substantial efforts and real progress by all countries, and renews its call on developed countries to continue to take the lead in promoting and achieving more sustainable production and consumption patterns; (b) To effectively continue efforts to reduce pollution and the generation of waste and to increase efforts to promote continuous improvements in the energy and materials intensities of production and consumption, and encourages Governments to share information on their experience with such policies, and to ensure the full participation of major groups; (c) To explore the implications of eco-efficiency for policy development and implementation, in particular in combination with priority identification and goal-setting; (d) To give more attention, in conjunction with major groups, business and industry, to the role that media, advertising and marketing play in shaping consumption and production patterns, and to report findings and national experiences to the Commission at its fifth session, in 1997; (e) To analyse and implement optimal mixes of regulatory, voluntary, economic and social instruments and measures, based on close collaboration between the public and private sectors, to make production and consumption patterns more sustainable, taking due account of the potential roles of domestic measures, such as education, procurement policies, eco-labelling, extended and shared producer responsibility, environmental auditing and accounting, environmental taxes, other market-based instruments, and the reduction and removal of environmentally damaging subsidies; (f) To bear in mind, in this regard, that such instruments should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade; and that the design and implementation of such instruments should be transparent and would need to include careful assessment and consultation so as to reflect the concerns of all countries involved. The Commission emphasizes that eco-labelling needs to be approached in a manner that takes into account the special situation and needs of developing countries and the specific requirements of countries with economies in transition. In this context, the Commission notes that domestic eco- labelling, adopted at national discretion within countries and on a voluntary basis, remains an important strategy for promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns; (g) To establish and implement policies for the procurement of environmentally sound and otherwise sustainable products and services for use within Governments, and invites Governments to report to the Commission at its fifth session on their experiences in this regard with a view to their inclusion in the review to be conducted at the 1997 special session of the General Assembly. The Commission also notes with satisfaction that in February 1996 OECD Governments agreed to strive to achieve the highest standards of environmental performance in their facilities and operations, the Commission has asked them to report to it at future sessions, as appropriate, on progress achieved; (h) To foster a dialogue with relevant non-governmental organizations, for example national consumer organizations, and the business community, pursuant to paragraph 45.D in chapter I of the report of the Commission on its third session; 13/ (i) To facilitate the participation of major groups, in particular non-governmental organizations, women, youth and trade unions, in developing and implementing policies for promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. 3. The Commission calls upon international organizations: (a) To strengthen their work in support of national initiatives by undertaking sound analyses on (i) projected trends in consumption and production patterns and their policy implications, (ii) the implications of eco-efficiency for policy development and (iii) the merits and drawbacks of the different types of instruments available to achieve changes in consumption and production patterns; (b) In particular the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and OECD, to consider undertaking, within existing resources, policy-relevant studies of the possible impacts for developing countries of changes in consumption and production patterns in developed countries. The focus of this work should be on two aspects: (i) assisting Governments in identifying impacts and options for the mitigation of adverse environmental, social and economic impacts and (ii) identifying and stimulating new trade and investment opportunities; (c) Including relevant United Nations organizations, the Bretton Woods institutions, OECD and other intergovernmental organizations, with good data and knowledge of policy development and implementation, to establish or contribute to an information clearing-house on new and innovative policies for more sustainable consumption and production patterns, including the use of economic instruments, voluntary measures and education. In this context, the Commission invites these organizations, in particular UNEP, the World Bank and the regional development banks, to undertake joint efforts aimed at helping all countries, particularly developing countries and countries with economies in transition, to benefit mutually from existing experiences with sustainable industrial development approaches and to adapt these approaches to domestic circumstances; (d) To support Governments in initiatives to improve their environmental performance, with regard to materials and energy efficiency, waste management and pollution prevention, procurement and investment policies, and the continued integration of environmental policy with economic and other policies. In addition, the Commission calls upon international organizations to use high environmental performance standards in the day-to-day management of their own facilities and operations. 4. The Commission encourages major groups: (a) To cooperate with Governments in the design and implementation of new and innovative policies, and mixes of instruments, to achieve changes in consumption and production patterns; (b) In particular Consumers International, to assist the United Nations and its member Governments in the early revision of the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, 14/ to include aspects of more sustainable consumption and production patterns; (c) And calls specifically on business and industry: (i) To continue exercising environmental responsibility, inter alia, by developing and implementing the concept of eco-efficiency, and in particular to assess its potentials and limitations in terms of achieving sustainable development, without reducing profitability; (ii) To help design optimal mixes of instruments for achieving more sustainable patterns. Special attention could be given to the obstacles and opportunities, and the costs and benefits, of implementing voluntary initiatives, partnerships and agreements, incorporating extended and shared producer responsibility (for example, the consideration of life-cycle impacts at the design stage of production and producer take-back requirements), and adopting environmental management systems such as the International Organization for Standardization series, ISO 14000. Decision 4/14. Financial resources and mechanisms* (* Chapter 33 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter IV below.) 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development welcomes the report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance and Changing Consumption and Production Patterns (E/CN.17/1996/7) and the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Financial resources and mechanisms for sustainable developments: overview of current issues and developments (E/CN.17/1996/4 and Add.1), and reiterates all decisions made at its second and third sessions on issues related to financial resources and mechanisms. 2. Having reviewed the financing of sustainable development, the Commission reaffirms that the commitments made at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development on new and additional resources remain a key element of financial resources and mechanisms. The Commission also reaffirms that chapter 33 of Agenda 21 provides the framework and guidance for the discussion of various current and emerging issues, and that that framework is clear enough to take into consideration new developments, including the decline in official development assistance (ODA) relative to gross national product (GNP) and the increase of private flows to some developing countries. The Commission further reaffirms that, in general, financing for the implementation of Agenda 21 will come from countries' own public and private sectors. 3. As to mobilizing external financial resources for sustainable development, the Commission recognizes that ODA has a special role to play in promoting sustainable development in developing countries, particularly in the least developed countries. The Commission underlines the urgent need to fulfil all financial commitments of Agenda 21, especially those contained in chapter 33, and attaches importance to its decision at its third session to promote, inter alia, new approaches to enhancing the effectiveness of ODA and increasing it within relevant bilateral and multilateral mechanisms with the objective of achieving the United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of GNP, as reaffirmed in paragraph 33.13 of Agenda 21, as soon as possible. The Commission stresses that it is important that donor countries promote greater public awareness of commitments concerning ODA as set forth in chapter 33 of Agenda 21. 4. The Commission emphasizes the need to improve the effectiveness of ODA by various means, including the leveraging of private-sector investments from national and external sources. Furthermore, where it is not already the case, the effectiveness of ODA could also be enhanced by tailoring it to the specific needs and circumstances of developing countries. ODA flows should be further examined on a continuing basis, particularly with respect to their overall levels and allocation among the interlinked components of sustainable development. 5. The Commission acknowledges the positive aspects of the expansion of external private capital flows to some developing countries, and emphasizes the importance of their contribution to economic growth and sustainable development of those countries. However, it stresses its concern at the volatility of such flows, which has a negative bearing on the efforts of developing countries to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, both developed and developing countries should examine initiatives conducive to a stable and more favourable environment for enhancing the stability of external private capital flows. 6. The Commission also acknowledges that the expansion of external private capital flows has been limited to some developing countries, and that therefore the great majority of developing countries are not benefiting from the expansion of such flows. The Commission recognizes that the further increase and more widespread distribution of external private capital flows should be encouraged through appropriate national economic, environmental and social policies and laws or regulations, as well as through a conducive international environment, including non-discriminatory trade and open investment. 7. The Commission, having examined the issue of external capital flows and their impacts, notes that foreign investors, in particular transnational corporations, should be encouraged to consider the goals of sustainable development and environmental responsibility in their investment projects, and also recognizes the importance of host countries adopting appropriate sustainable development policies. 8. The Commission welcomes the progress made in discussions on the debt problem of heavily indebted poor countries held at the meeting of the Development Committee of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., on 23 April 1996. Consideration should be given to comprehensive approaches to assisting low-income countries with substantial multilateral debt problems through the flexible implementation of existing instruments and new mechanisms, where necessary. The Commission also recognizes that effective, equitable, development-oriented and durable solutions to the external debt and debt-service problems of developing countries, in particular the poorest and heavily indebted countries, can contribute substantially to the strengthening of the global economy and to the efforts of developing countries to achieve economic development, social development and environmental protection as interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development. 9. As to mobilizing national financial resources for sustainable development, the Commission emphasizes the importance of the participation of the private sector in sustainable development, in particular through increased investments. Sound and predictable macroeconomic and sustainable development policies at the national and international levels are important for promoting private-sector investment consistent with sustainable development objectives. Trade liberalization, an appropriate legal framework that protects private and intellectual property rights, and the development of appropriate domestic financial markets are also required. 10. To further promote private-sector participation, the Commission calls for greater use of innovative mechanisms, such as build-operate-transfer and similar mechanisms for financing infrastructure projects for sustainable development. The privatization of public enterprises and contracting-out of services should be encouraged, as appropriate, taking into consideration the different conditions and circumstances of countries. 11. The Commission encourages Governments to consider further studies and, on a voluntary basis, the gradual implementation of economic instruments, further examining the costs and benefits associated with the use of such instruments. The Commission also notes that in practice the application of economic instruments in a number of countries generally yields satisfactory results. 12. The Commission recommends that pollution abatement funds should improve their performance by greater use of project evaluation techniques. Governments are encouraged to consider measures for enhancing the effectiveness and reach of such funds. 13. As to financing the transfer of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs), the Commission emphasizes that financing for ESTs should come from national and external resources and innovative mechanisms in accordance with chapters 33 and 34 of Agenda 21. In pursuance of chapter 34 of Agenda 21, technology transfer efforts should be enhanced within a stable, predictable national and international economic and regulatory environment that will ensure the identification and development of markets for ESTs. 14. As to the development of innovative mechanisms for the financing of sustainable development, the Commission welcomes the decision of the Economic and Social Council to include an item entitled "New and innovative ideas for generating funds" in the provisional agenda for its substantive session of 1996 (Council decision 1996/210), and recommends that the report of the Third Expert Group Meeting on Financial Issues of Agenda 21 be made available to the Council under that item. The Commission also emphasizes that the scope of the examination of such mechanisms should encompass all aspects - economic, social and environmental - of sustainable development. 15. As to policy options and financial instruments in the matrix approach, the Commission recognizes that economic instruments need to be tailored to reflect individual countries' circumstances, and reiterates the decision contained in chapter I, section B, paragraphs 137-139 of the report on its third session. 13/ Furthermore, the Commission stresses that that approach should not divert attention from the commitments contained in chapter 33 of Agenda 21. The Commission also recommends that the coverage of the matrix be broadened by including such issues as benefits to the traditional holders of indigenous knowledge. The Commission encourages wider dissemination of information on the use of such instruments and the costs and benefits associated with their use so as to enable further work on the matrix approach. 16. The Commission recognizes the relevant role to be played by major groups, including in financing the activities set out in Agenda 21, in particular the transfer of technology, and emphasizes that that contribution should be carried out in compliance with the policies and strategies of recipient countries. 17. In its discussion of practical steps towards resolving the above-mentioned issues, the Commission calls attention to the need for further studies, the desirability of strengthening cooperation and the necessity of improving the exchange of information. As to further studies, which should complement the work being carried out in other forums, the Commission emphasized that: (a) ODA flows should be further examined on a continuing basis, particularly with respect to their overall levels and allocation among the interlinked components of sustainable development; (b) There is a need to conduct an in-depth analysis of external capital flows to developing countries in order to better understand their social, distributional, economic and environmental impacts on sustainable development. In addition, a detailed analysis of the options for a regulatory framework for improving the impact of such flows on sustainable development is required; (c) A study of trends in capital flows, especially towards developing countries, including the connection between private foreign investments and the objectives of sustainable development, should be carried out in order to facilitate a comprehensive debate on that issue; (d) Further studies of the effects, costs and benefits of economic instruments should be undertaken. In addition, further studies on the impact of subsidies on sustainable development should be promoted to provide a better basis for policy makers to identify and gradually abolish subsidies that have clear negative impacts on sustainable development. Such studies should assess the economic, social and distributional impacts of subsidy reduction, as well as the transfer of resources to more sustainable and efficient activities, taking into account the specific circumstances and economic, social and ecological conditions of countries. Such studies should also examine the viability of ecological tax reform, its impact on international competitiveness and the modalities that could facilitate such reforms; (e) A detailed cross-country performance review should be undertaken to identify how conservation trust funds can be made more cost-effective mechanisms for environmental conservation. Such a review should also aim to simplify the administrative framework of such funds and to improve strategies for leveraging their financial resources with other sources of financing; (f) As to innovative mechanisms for financing sustainable development, it is important to study the feasibility of various innovative mechanisms, while continuing to pursue efforts to increase ODA, secure the adequate replenishment of the Global Environment Facility and encourage private-sector investment. The Commission stresses the importance of exploring other innovative mechanisms, as well as of continuing studies on the possible roles for insurance companies and alternative banking in facilitating the financing of sustainable development; (g) As stated in chapter I, section B, paragraph 131 of the report on its third session, 13/ the need for and effectiveness of environmentally sound technology rights banks and the practical feasibility of establishing such banks should be further studied, and action in that area is called for; (h) The use of economic instruments in different countries and sectoral strategies and programmes should be studied and the results reported to the Commission. 18. As to the desirability of strengthening cooperation, the Commission emphasizes that: (a) Bilateral aid agencies, United Nations organizations, funds and programmes, the Bretton Woods institutions and other multilateral financial institutions should become more responsive to national priorities and sustainable development strategies, and should enhance their cooperation and coordination efforts for greater effectiveness in meeting the objectives of Agenda 21, particularly the mobilization of financial resources. In structural adjustment programmes, more consideration should be given to economic, social and environmental impacts, taking into account commitment 8 of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development; 15/ (b) Cooperation on developing innovative financial mechanisms is important, and the Commission would welcome an involvement of the World Bank, IMF, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organization and other institutions in making further progress towards understanding the prospects and requirements for the practical implementation of such mechanisms; (c) In the context of promoting the transfer of ESTs, bilateral aid agencies, international organizations and financial institutions should cooperate with Governments to formulate and implement an enabling policy environment. In addition, the importance of the provisions of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights of the World Trade Organization is recalled. 19. As to the necessity of improving the exchange of information, the Commission emphasizes that: (a) The United Nations Environment Programme should further disseminate its two recent statements on the banking and insurance services industries, noting that the financial services industry is taking a strong interest in improving the environmental management practices of its business clients; (b) The sharing of national experiences in the use of economic instruments should be promoted, and countries are invited to report to the Commission on their experiences concerning the implementation of various financial mechanisms and the use of economic instruments. The Commission should explore ways and means of enhancing the sharing of experiences in consultation with all interested parties; (c) In the context of promoting the transfer of ESTs, international organizations, in particular financial institutions, should assist Governments in developing and implementing appropriate technical assistance programmes that help buyers and sellers of technology to identify each other, reducing pre-investment costs by providing technical, financial and legal expertise, and identifying and supporting projects that demonstrate and commercialize ESTs in specific sectors. Decision 4/15. Protection of the atmosphere and protection of the oceans and all kinds of seas* (* Chapters 9 and 17 of Agenda 21. For the discussion, see chapter VI below). A. Interlinkages 1. The Commission notes that a number of issues are common to both chapters under review - chapter 9 (Protection of the atmosphere) and chapter 17 (Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources). It also notes that both these chapters have interlinkages with several other chapters of Agenda 21. Indeed, the broad-based nature of chapters 9 and 17 can be seen to encompass all important aspects of sustainable development. 2. The Commission stresses the close interrelationship between protection of oceans and all kinds of seas and protection of the atmosphere, in view of the exchange of matter and energy that takes place between the atmosphere and oceans and their influence on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It therefore calls for the integration of protective measures in order to address effectively the problems of adverse impacts of human activity on the atmosphere and the oceans. To this end, in particular, the Commission considers that there is a need to further strengthen coordination mechanisms between regions and subregions for better exchange of information and experience gained. B. Protection of the atmosphere 3. The Commission welcomes, with reservations, the proposals contained in the report of the Secretary-General on protection of the atmosphere (E/CN.17/1996/22 and Add.1). It stresses the need for broad international action to address global atmospheric problems, taking into full account principle 7, 16/ of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and paragraph 4.3, 17/ of chapter 4 of Agenda 21 (Changing consumption patterns) in developing measures to protect the atmosphere on a global scale. It furthermore stresses that atmospheric protection measures to reduce air pollution, combat climate change and prevent ozone layer depletion should be undertaken at the national, subregional, regional and international levels. 4. The Commission notes the risk of exacerbating other environmental, as well as socio-economic, problems through actions to address an individual issue, and stresses the need to address atmosphere-related problems in an integrated and comprehensive way. It emphasizes that an essential component of measures to protect the atmosphere, environment and human health is the reduction of local emissions - especially urban air pollution - which must be dealt with at the local, regional and international levels on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities. In addition, it stresses the importance of combating all kinds of land degradation, deforestation, forest degradation and desertification, which have adverse impacts on human health and the environment, and the importance of improved land use management. In this context, the Commission refers to principle 15, 18/ of the Rio Declaration and principle 3, 19/ of article 3 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (A/AC.237/18 (Part II)/Add.1, annex I), which reflect the precautionary principle approach. The Commission recommends the application of this approach, taking into account related uncertainties and risks. 5. The Commission stresses the importance of a sound scientific and socio-economic knowledge base upon which appropriate responses to atmospheric pollution can be formulated, and encourages national participation in, and support for, international programmes of relevant scientific, technical and socio-economic research, monitoring and assessment, taking into account the precautionary principle referred to in paragraph 4 above. The Commission welcomes the Second Assessment Report (SAR) adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in December 1995 as the most comprehensive assessment of climate change issues to date. The report states, among other conclusions, and in the full context of the report, that the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate. 20/ The report emphasizes that the scientific and technical expertise required by the developing countries and by countries with economies in transition to protect the atmosphere needs further strengthening and, to this end, requires the financial and technical support of the international community. It supports the initiative of a number of international organizations to establish an integrated international framework for climate-related programmes. 6. The Commission urges countries that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with special emphasis on the successful conclusion of the Berlin Mandate process; the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, its Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments and adjustments; and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa, and fully implement their commitments therein. 7. The Commission encourages parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, as well as those countries in the process of ratification, to coordinate activities with those undertaken under relevant international agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the work of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests. 8. The Commission asserts that the production, conversion and use of energy has been and will continue to be one of the fundamental requirements for economic growth and social improvement. Non-sustainable development and use in the energy and other sectors is linked to environmental and societal problems, including air and water pollution, health impacts and global warming. 9. The Commission welcomes the outcome of the Seminar on Decentralized Electrification of Rural Areas (Marrakesh, Morocco, 13-17 November 1995) and calls upon Governments as well as international organizations and non-governmental organizations to consider supporting, as appropriate, the recommendations of the Seminar. 10. The Commission calls on Governments to consider the broad spectrum of cost-effective policy instruments - economic and fiscal, regulatory and voluntary - available to them, including environmental cost internalization and removal of environmentally damaging subsidies, to improve energy efficiency and efficiency standards and to promote the use of sustainable and environmentally sound renewable energy sources, as well as the use of energy sources with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in all relevant sectors; and encourages Governments and relevant institutions and organizations to cooperate, as appropriate, in the implementation of policy and economic instruments aimed at minimizing adverse effects on international competitiveness and at optimizing the allocation of resources, and to cooperate in minimizing the possible adverse economic impacts on developing countries resulting from the implementation of those policies and measures. 11. The Commission urges Governments and relevant institutions and organizations to utilize education and training, information dissemination, enhancement of knowledge and voluntary agreements to improve efficiency in the production, distribution and use of energy and other natural resources. 12. The Commission urges multilateral financial institutions to use their investment strategies, in cooperation with interested recipient countries, for the development and dissemination of environmentally sound technologies, provided that such considerations do not constitute new barriers and conditions to accessing financial resources. 13. With regard to international cooperation, the Commission refers to paragraph 2 of its decision on financial resources and mechanisms (decision 4/14). 14. The Commission urges Governments and the private sector to increase their research into energy and material efficiency and more environmentally sound production technologies, including improved GHG sequestration technologies, and to actively participate in technology transfer and capacity- building in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. It also urges the industrial sector to take full account of concerns related to the protection of atmosphere and the use of cost-effective environmentally sound technologies in their investment strategies. 15. The Commission notes the rapid growth in the transport sector resulting in a concomitant increase in energy requirements in both industrialized and developing countries. It urges Governments to consider appropriate options, such as the different measures mentioned in paragraph 64 of the report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral Issues (E/CN.17/1996/6). The Commission notes that a Conference on Environment and Transport will be held in 1997 under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), as suggested in paragraph 9.15 (f) of chapter 9 of Agenda 21 (Protection of the atmosphere). 16. The Commission recommends that Governments and organizations actively support the Montreal Protocol and the efforts of its parties to eliminate the illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances; continue, within existing financial mechanisms, to provide adequate financial and technical support to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, to assist them in phasing out production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, in accordance with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol; consider the total environmental impact of alternatives to ozone-depleting substances; and give priority to solutions that provide the greatest overall benefit in terms of both ozone protection and prevention of global warming. This will be consistent with an integrated approach to the protection of the atmosphere. The Commission expresses concern about the financial state of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol, and calls upon States to make contributions thereto. 17. The Commission urges Governments and organizations, in considering transboundary air pollution issues, to take measures to reduce emissions of acidifying substances with the aim of not exceeding critical loads and levels and to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds; and urges developed countries to enhance programmes that share management expertise, scientific expertise and information on technical mitigation options with developing countries and countries with economies in transition. 18. The Commission encourages Governments to address the growing problem of transboundary air pollution and, in particular, risks caused by persistent organic pollutants. The Commission notes, in particular, the pollution affecting the Arctic. In this respect the Commission reaffirms the need for effective transboundary air pollution agreements such as the ECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and its protocols in all affected regions. It urges Governments, as appropriate, to develop and implement policies and programmes, in a cooperative manner, to control emissions and prevent transboundary air pollution in their regions, through, inter alia, increased technology transfer and shared technical information. The Commission stresses the need for research and evaluation of endocrine disrupting chemicals. 19. The Commission requests the Secretary-General to prepare a report for consideration by the Commission at its fifth session, in 1997, covering an inventory of ongoing energy-oriented programmes and activities within the United Nations system, as well as proposals for arrangements as appropriate, that might be needed to foster the linkage between energy and sustainable development within the United Nations system. C. Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources 20. The Commission takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources (E/CN.17/1996/3 and Add.1). 21. The Commission reaffirms the common aim of promoting the sustainable development, conservation and management of the coastal and marine environment. It stresses that action at the national, subregional and regional levels must play the prime role, but that effective arrangements are needed within global institutions for establishing their coherent priorities for action. It affirms that decisions on questions affecting the marine environment must be the result of an integrated approach taking into account all relevant environmental, social and economic factors, including the special requirements of developing countries, and the best available scientific evidence. To this end, it supports collaboration between the holders of such information and those concerned with the formulation of policies including national policy makers. Such collaboration should reflect a precautionary approach taking into account the uncertainties in the information available and the related risks for people and resources. The Commission therefore states that international arrangements for decision-making must recognize the importance of financial resources, transfer of environmentally sound technology, capacity-building, resource ownership and management, and the exchange of information as well as know-how, among developing and developed countries and countries with economies in transition. 22. The Commission welcomes the considerable progress in recent intergovernmental negotiations related to oceans and seas. The entry into force in 1994 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 21/ was a fundamental achievement and provides the framework for the protection of the marine environment. Other recent successes include, inter alia, the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Vessels Fishing in the High Seas; 22/ the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982; 23/ the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks; 24/ the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; 25/ and the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (UNEP, November 1995) (A/51/116, annex II). The immediate need is for the Governments concerned to participate in and implement these agreements. 23. The Commission also welcomes the Jakarta initiative entitled "Conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity" (decision II/10 of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity), adopted in November 1995, 26/ and the Kyoto Declaration and Plan of Action, adopted in December 1995 by the International Conference on the Sustainable Contribution of Fisheries to Food Security. 24. The Commission recognizes the importance of coral reefs and other related ecosystems as a life-support system of many countries, particularly small island developing States, and as a rich source of biodiversity. The Commission emphasizes the need for development and implementation of integrated coastal and marine area management plans to deal with issues relating to the coastal and marine environment. To this end the Commission welcomes the Call to Action of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) of June 1995 as a means to address threats to coral reefs and related ecosystems and the inauguration of the 1997 International Year of the Reefs (IYR). The Commission likewise acknowledges that other marine ecosystems such as mangroves, estuaries and seagrass beds gather a broad variety of biodiversity and productivity and also deserve special attention. The Commission requests organizations of the United Nations system to contribute to public education on coral reefs and other coastal marine ecosystems. It urges the international community to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms and knowledge bases in these areas. The Commission further urges concerned Governments, entities within the United Nations systems, multilateral development banks, donor institutions, local communities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the scientific community to support the implementation of the ICRI Call to Action, launching local or national coral reef initiatives as part of their plans for integrated coastal development and management. 25. The Commission encourages States, individually and through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other relevant United Nations organizations and programmes, to continue taking measures to address the environmental effects of shipping. 26. The Commission takes note that with regard to offshore oil and gas activities, IMO conclusions on harmonized environmental regulations have been and are being developed in specific regional programmes. The Commission also notes that IMO supported this approach and encouraged its wider adoption, and concludes that there is no compelling need at this time to further develop globally applicable environmental regulations in respect of the exploitation and exploration aspects of offshore oil and gas activities. 27. The Commission encourages States to continue relevant national and regional reviews of the need for additional measures to address the issue of degradation of the marine environment, as called for in paragraph 17.30 of Agenda 21, taking into account the relevant expertise of IMO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations Secretariat. To this end, it calls for partnership, within specific regions, between Governments and the private sector. 28. The Commission encourages relevant and competent international and regional bodies to make available appropriate inputs to expert meetings to be held in the Netherlands on offshore oil and gas activities, in which national and regional experiences could be exchanged, and invites the Netherlands and Brazil, where a regional meeting recently took place on this subject, to make available to Commission members and other interested States the outcome of these expert meetings. 29. The Commission urges countries that have not yet done so to sign, ratify and implement the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft (London Convention) (1972) and the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989). 30. The Commission calls on States to adopt, according to their national policies and priorities and with appropriate financial and technical support, appropriate measures to ensure that the management of their watercourses, inland waters and the related catchments are consistent with the aims of their integrated coastal area management. It also calls for account to be taken of the potential impact of decisions on freshwater management systems upon the coastal seas into which relevant rivers drain. It requests States and entities within the United Nations system to promote programmes to guide management and corrective actions to control pollution in the larger coastal urban settlements, and requests the World Bank and regional development banks to continue developing effective means for their implementation. 31. The Commission welcomes the successful outcome of the Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt a Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, held in Washington, D.C., in 1995, and decides to submit to the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 1996 a draft resolution to be considered by the General Assembly at its fifty-first session on the institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action (see chap. I, sect. A). 32. The Commission endorses the request contained in the Washington Declaration on the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, adopted by the Intergovernmental Conference, for the Executive Director of UNEP, in close partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other relevant organizations, to prepare proposals for a plan to address the global nature of the problem of inadequate management and treatment of waste water and its consequences for human health and the environment, and to promote the transfer of appropriate and affordable technology drawn from the best available techniques, and referred to in the Global Programme of Action. Such proposals are to be considered by the Governing Council of UNEP at its nineteenth session. 33. The Commission further recognizes the intention of the Governments participating in the Washington Intergovernmental Conference to take action to develop, in accordance with the provisions of the Global Programme of Action, a global, legally binding instrument for the reduction and/or elimination of emissions, discharges and, where appropriate, the elimination of the manufacture and use of the persistent organic pollutants identified in decision 18/32 adopted by the Governing Council of UNEP at its eighteenth session (see A/50/25, annex). The nature of the obligations undertaken must be developed, recognizing the special circumstances of countries in need of assistance. Particular attention should be devoted to the potential need for the continued use of certain persistent organic pollutants to safeguard human health, sustain food production and alleviate poverty in the absence of alternatives and the difficulty of acquiring substitutes and transferring technology for the development and/or production of those substitutes. 34. The Commission urges, as mentioned in paragraph 113 (d) of the Global Programme of Action, consideration by all Governments and international organizations that have expertise in the field of clean-up and disposal of radioactive contaminants to giving appropriate assistance as may be requested for remedial purposes in adversely affected areas. 35. The Commission stresses the fact that the insufficiency of research capacity and information systems is particularly noticeable in the developing world and in small island developing States. It expresses its support for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization/Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC), and notes the initiative to develop the EuroGOOS system. 1. Implementation of international fishery instruments 36. The Commission on Sustainable Development notes with concern that significant fish stocks are depleted or overexploited, and considers that urgent corrective action is needed to rebuild depleted fish stocks and to ensure the sustainable use of all fish stocks. The Commission therefore welcomes the major steps that have been made towards fulfilling the goals of Agenda 21 as a result of the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in November 1994 and the adoption of two agreements: (a) The Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Vessels Fishing in the High Seas (1993); (b) The Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (1995); and the voluntary instrument: (c) The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (1995). 37. The Commission also welcomes the successful adoption, in 1995, of the following: (a) The Rome Consensus on World Fisheries of the FAO Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries (Rome, March); (b) The Jakarta Mandate on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity (decision II/10 of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity), adopted in November; (c) General Assembly resolutions 50/23, 50/24 and 50/25 relating to the law of the sea and the sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources, adopted on 5 December; (d) The Kyoto Declaration and Plan of Action on the Sustainable Contribution of Fisheries to Food Security (Kyoto, December). 38. The Commission recalls Agenda 21, according to which the ability of developing countries to fulfil the objectives of chapter 17, programme area D is dependent upon their capabilities, including the financial, scientific and technological means at their disposal. Adequate financial, scientific and technological cooperation should be provided to support actions by them to implement these objectives, as well as the provisions of the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (1995) and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995). 39. The Commission agrees that sustainable world fisheries, including aquaculture, contribute significantly to the food supply and to achieving social, economic and development goals. The Commission stresses the importance of effective conservation and management of fish stocks and to this end recommends implementing the recently adopted international instruments in order to: (a) Prevent or eliminate overfishing and excess fishing capacity; (b) Apply the precautionary approach as referred to in the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; (c) Rebuild fish stocks throughout their entire range of distribution and protect vital habitats; (d) Strengthen/create regional and subregional fisheries management organizations and arrangements in accordance with the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; (e) Strengthen fishery research and increase cooperation in this field; (f) Promote environmentally sound fisheries technologies, prohibiting dynamiting, poisoning and other comparable destructive fishing practices; (g) Minimize waste, discards, catch by lost or abandoned gear, catch of non-target species, both fish and non-fish species, and impacts on associated or dependent species, in particular endangered species, in accordance with the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; (h) Protect fisheries from harmful sea- and land-based activities; (i) Deter, in accordance with the instruments referred to in paragraph 36 above and international law, the activities of vessels flying the flag of non-members or non-participants which engage in activities which undermine the effectiveness of subregional or regional conservation and management measures; (j) Increase efforts to ensure full compliance with applicable conservation and management measures; (k) Increase consultations among all local parties affected by fishery management decisions; (l) Avoid adverse impacts on small-scale and artisanal fisheries consistent with the sustainable management of fish stocks, while protecting the rights of fishers, including subsistence, small-scale and artisanal fishers. 40. The Commission notes that the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, in paragraph 6.14, states that international trade in fish and fishery products should be conducted in accordance with the principles, rights and obligations established in the World Trade Organization Agreement and other relevant international agreements. States should ensure that their policies, programmes and practices related to trade in fish and fishery products do not result in obstacles to this trade, environmental degradation or negative social, including nutritional, impacts. 41. The Commission recommends that in the preparations for the World Food Summit, the crucial contribution of sustainably managed fisheries should be taken into consideration. 42. The Commission further recommends that States and entities that have not yet done so should be called upon to sign/ratify/implement and promote awareness and understanding of the instruments referred to in paragraph 36 (a) to (c) above. 43. The Commission also recommends that FAO, as the competent specialized agency for fisheries, should be invited to prepare a report, based on information provided by its member States, on the actions listed above and, more generally, on progress made in improving the sustainability of fisheries, for consideration by the FAO Committee on Fisheries and for submission to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Such a report would be relevant to the review of ocean issues recommended by the Commission in subsection 2 below. 2. International cooperation and coordination 44. The Commission on Sustainable Development, in order to enhance implementation of the commitment set forth in section F of chapter 17 of Agenda 21 to promote regular intergovernmental review and consideration, within the United Nations system, of general marine and coastal issues, including environment and development matters, agrees on the need: (a) To better identify priorities for action at the global level to promote conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment; (b) For better coordination among the relevant United Nations organizations and intergovernmental financial institutions; (c) To ensure sound scientific, environmental, economic and social advice on these issues. 45. The Commission therefore recommends that the Economic and Social Council approve the following conclusions as regards addressing these issues, subject to the outcome of the special session of the General Assembly in 1997 at which the Assembly will, inter alia, decide on the future work programme of the Commission: (a) There should be a periodic overall review by the Commission of all aspects of the marine environment and its related issues, as described in chapter 17 of Agenda 21, and for which the overall legal framework is provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 21/ This review should cover other chapters and provisions of Agenda 21 directly related to the marine environment. This review should draw upon reports of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and those of other relevant United Nations bodies and international organizations in their respective fields, coordinated by the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas. Other modalities for the review should be decided by the Commission on Sustainable Development. The results of such reviews should be considered by the General Assembly under an agenda item entitled "Oceans and the law of the sea"; (b) In order to address the need for improved coordination, the Secretary-General should be invited to review the working of the ACC Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas, with a view to improving its status and effectiveness, including the need for closer inter-agency links between, inter alia, the secretariat of the Subcommittee and UNEP; (c) The Secretary-General and the executive heads of the agencies and organizations of the United Nations system sponsoring the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) should be invited to review the Group's terms of reference, composition and methods of work, with a view to improving its effectiveness and comprehensiveness while maintaining its status as a source of agreed, independent scientific advice. Decision 4/16. Review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States* (* For the discussion, see chapter VII below.) A. Overall considerations 1. The Commission recalls that the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, held in 1994, adopted the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States to promote concrete action at the national, regional and international levels in 15 priority areas, with provisions for an initial review in 1996. The Commission notes that its recommendations are complementary to those contained in the Programme of Action. In the context of the special session of the General Assembly, to be convened in 1997 to review the overall implementation of Agenda 21, specific modalities will be recommended by the Commission for the full review of the Programme of Action in 1999. 2. The Commission, having examined the report of the Secretary-General on the sustainable development of coastal areas, tourism, energy resources, air transport, maritime transport, telecommunications, and management of environmental and natural disasters in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20 and Add.1-7), the report of the Secretary-General on current donor activities in support of sustainable development in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/21) and the report of the High-level Panel Meeting on Island Developing Countries (E/CN.17/1996/IDC/3-UNCTAD/LLDC/IDC/3), and having the benefit of the views expressed, notes the action taken by small island developing States at the national and regional levels to implement the Programme of Action. 3. The Commission notes the support of the international community, and the plans and programmes of organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to assist in the implementation of the Programme of Action and in the coordination and monitoring of its implementation. The Commission welcomes the support given by other relevant intergovernmental organizations. 4. The Commission recognizes the importance of SIDSTAP and SIDSNET in the overall implementation of the Programme of Action, and encourages the United Nations Development Programme to continue, in cooperation with Governments, its action to operationalize the two mechanisms. 5. The Commission stresses the importance of coordination in the area of strategy and policy formulation and recognizes the importance of consultation and interaction at the national, regional and international levels. In this context, the Commission emphasizes the role played by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Caribbean Community. 6. The Commission expresses concern at the overall trend of declining levels of flows of official development assistance to small island developing States (SIDS), but notes the need for better information on flows. The Commission emphasizes that it is imperative that the domestic efforts of SIDS to mobilize financial resources for the effective implementation of the Programme of Action are adequately supported by the international community, as envisaged in the provisions of the Programme of Action, in particular those contained in paragraph 66. Recognizing that small island developing States are among the most environmentally vulnerable, the Commission urges the international community to give special priority to their situations and needs, including through access to grants and other concessional resources. 7. The Commission notes that a vulnerability index that takes into account the constraints arising from small size and environmental fragility, as well as the incidence of natural disasters on a national scale, and the consequent relationship of these constraints to economic vulnerability, should bring greater clarity to the development challenges and needs of SIDS. The Commission notes the slow progress on the index to date and encourages the relevant bodies of the United Nations system to accord priority to the development of the index, in keeping with the provisions of the Programme of Action and General Assembly resolution 50/116. The Commission notes with appreciation the offer by the Government of Malta to host the centre for the computation of the index on an ongoing basis. 8. The Commission notes that current trends of trade liberalization and globalization are bringing new challenges as well as possible opportunities to SIDS. It recommends that to meet the new challenges and take advantage of the new opportunities SIDS need to undertake necessary institutional reforms; develop responsive economic policy frameworks and human resources in order to enhance their competitiveness and their ability to diversify quickly into new activities; explore cooperative approaches for sharing information and experience and building human and institutional capacity. The Commission urges the international community to recognize the inherent weaknesses of SIDS and recommends that it provide adequate support to SIDS to meet their adjustment costs and their information, human development and technology needs to enable them to sustain the development of their exports, while maintaining the integrity of their natural resource base. 9. Recognizing the coordinating role of the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development in implementing the Programme of Action, the Commission recommends that the Secretary-General: (a) Take into account the need to continue to provide substantive secretariat support to intergovernmental and inter-agency processes related to the monitoring, review and coordination of the implementation of the Programme of Action; (b) Ensure that the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development continues to act as a liaison and focal point for agencies of the United Nations system, as well as other relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, on matters related to the follow-up and implementation of the Programme of Action; (c) Request the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the United Nations Secretariat, in its coordinating role, to look into the appropriate modalities for mobilizing resources for effective implementation of the Programme of Action. 10. The Commission stresses the important role the private sector can play in investment for sustainable development in SIDS, particularly in the infrastructure and tourism sectors. This should be based on a sustainable development strategy that integrates economic, social and environmental policies and regulatory frameworks to promote appropriate private investment. B. Climate change and sealevel rise 11. The Commission recalls that SIDS are particularly vulnerable to global climate change and sealevel rise. Potential effects of global climate change and sealevel rise are increased strength and frequency of tropical storms and inundation of some islands with loss of exclusive economic zones, economic infrastructure, human settlements and culture. 12. The Commission welcomes the growing number of ratifications of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the decision that commitments contained in article 4, paragraph 2 (a) and (b), were inadequate to meet the ultimate objective of the Convention. 13. The Commission also calls upon the international community to support SIDS in their efforts to adapt to the sealevel rise that will be experienced as a result of the impact of greenhouse gases that have already been emitted into the atmosphere. C. Natural and environmental disasters 14. The Commission noted that this issue was being considered following a two-year period in which SIDS experienced several major natural disasters that brought catastrophes of national proportions to these countries because of their small size and fragile ecosystems. 15. The Commission recognizes that the most effective strategy for responding to natural disasters is formulated through regional cooperation as an integral part of sustainable development frameworks, with international support. In support of this objective the Commission: (a) Encourages the Governments of the small island developing States to further increase their efforts towards subregional, regional and interregional cooperation; (b) Supports the implementation of the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action 27/ with particular regard to improved education and training in disaster reduction, including the creation of interdisciplinary scientific and technical networking at all levels, for the purpose of capacity-building and human resource development in SIDS; (c) Calls upon all Governments to support the facilitation of an effective synergy between the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action; (d) Invites Governments to consider establishing an informal open-ended working group within the existing International Framework of Action for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, with the membership of concerned States, as well as of all relevant sectors in disaster reduction, with a view to ensuring full integration and participation of SIDS in the mapping of a concerted strategy for disaster reduction into the twenty-first century. 16. The Commission also calls on the international community to support the efforts of SIDS directed towards: (a) Mobilizing additional resources to address urgent disaster reduction requirements in SIDS; (b) Improving access to disaster and warning information in order to enhance the capability of SIDS with respect to disaster management; (c) Providing technical, financial and expert support for the establishment of a mechanism for interregional cooperation and the exchange of information among small island States on disaster reduction, in particular with respect to training, institutional development and disaster mitigation programming; (d) Targeting research and further development of knowledge in the following thematic areas for building risk-reduction capacities in small island States: (i) Insurance as a preventive and mitigating tool for disaster reduction; (ii) Telecommunications and information systems as a tool for disaster reduction; (iii) Limits and opportunities for the establishment of national disaster emergency funds and emergency administrative procedures; (iv) Evaluation of constraints in the access of small island States to reliable data, disaster-specific knowledge, and technology means; (v) A review of the linkages between disasters, development and environment, including the development of methods for the systematic appraisal of developments in relation to disaster risks; (vi) An analysis of the linkage between global climate change and the characteristics and occurrence of natural hazards in small island States. D. Coastal and marine resources 17. The Commission stresses the fact that for SIDS, effective coastal zone management is a prerequisite for sustainable development. In addition, the marine areas play an important role in meeting some essential needs. The importance of these areas in the sustainable development of SIDS were recognized in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea itself and in the 1995 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (A/50/550, annex I), as well as in the International Coral Reef Initiative (convened in the Philippines in June 1995) and the 1995 Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. 18. The Commission also recognizes the importance of decision II/10 of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in the context of the protection and conservation of coastal and marine resources of SIDS. 19. The Commission recommends that in developing integrated national coastal area management strategies and plans, Governments should ensure that all steps are undertaken with the active participation of the private sector and local communities. Mechanisms for institutional coordination should also be established. 20. Within the context of integrated coastal area management (ICAM) for SIDS, the activities, planned or under way, by international organizations should be implemented in a coordinated and cost-effective manner. These activities should include, as one of the priorities, the protection and management of marine and coastal areas through ICAM, including a number of demonstration or pilot projects in integrated "island" management, in which marine and coastal resource issues are incorporated into the development planning process of selected SIDS. 21. To assist national authorities in their tasks of designing and implementing ICAM plans, guidelines for specific subsectors such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture and forestry, which are among the main users of resources in the coastal areas of SIDS, should be further developed. The experience gained by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in these areas should be used in the process. Such guidelines can be of assistance to planners and users in these subsectors. E. Energy resources 22. The Commission notes that SIDS continue to be heavily dependent on conventional sources of energy, although as a group the total consumed was a small percentage of world consumption. The Commission also notes that due to the small quantities involved the cost per capita was relatively high and use was generally inefficient. 23. The Commission calls upon the international community, including the Global Environment Facility, within the framework of its operational strategy, to support commercial energy development in SIDS based on those environmentally sound renewable sources with demonstrated viability, to support improvement of the efficiency of existing technologies and end-use equipment based on conventional energy sources, and to assist with the financing of investments necessary to expand energy supplies beyond urban areas. 24. The Commission notes that many SIDS continue to depend on biomass fuels. It encourages the implementation of projects that will ensure a sustainable fuelwood industry. F. Tourism resources 25. The Commission recognizes the continued importance of tourism as one of only a few development options for many SIDS, both as a dynamic sector and as one that can stimulate growth in others. 26. The Commission encourages SIDS to pursue policies of sustainable tourism development by: (a) Diversifying the tourism product, enhancing its quality and increasingly targeting the upper segment of the tourist market; (b) Strengthening linkages of other economic sectors with tourism so that domestic production can viably provide for the consumer needs of tourists to the maximum extent possible; (c) Investing adequately in the collection of data on all relevant indicators of benefits and costs necessary for cost-benefit analysis in order to be able to carry out systematic evaluations of the contribution of the tourism sector to the domestic economy in relation to other sectors and in relation to social and environmental costs; (d) Developing a multidisciplinary approach for the rigorous vetting of tourism development proposals, taking into account prospective cumulative impacts of tourism development, and establishing environmental standards for the approval of projects. 27. The Commission calls upon the international community to provide appropriate assistance for the improvement and development of basic physical infrastructures in SIDS, such as airports and harbours, roads, telecommunications systems and freshwater systems. 28. The Commission notes the importance of regional cooperation in tourism and proposes that consideration be given to the development of common policy guidelines and standards at the regional level for the mutual benefit of SIDS. The Commission calls upon the international community to support the efforts of regional tourism organizations to improve their effectiveness. G. Transport and communications 29. Bearing in mind the resource constraint for expansion and modernization of the telecommunications network in SIDS, the high per capita cost of infrastructure due to small market size and the lack of economies of scale, the Commission encourages SIDS to continue their telecommunications development and to improve facilities and availability. The Commission also encourages SIDS to maintain and strengthen communications and business links, on a regional and subregional basis, with larger neighbours in the continental shelf, as well as with development partners. 30. The Commission calls upon the international community to assist SIDS in identifying the most feasible ways and means of securing financial assistance from different sources, and invites the World Bank and the regional development banks, where appropriate, to systematically finance telecommunications development, particularly where most urgently needed. 31. The Commission takes note of developments in air transport since the 1994 Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and proposes a study of the impact on SIDS of changes taking place in the regulation of air transport. The Commission also proposes that more regional cooperation with regard to the regulatory aspects of air transport, such as joint negotiation of air transport agreements, should be pursued. 32. The Commission calls upon the international community, where appropriate, to facilitate and support new and existing initiatives taken at the regional level to improve air transport for the benefit of SIDS. 33. The Commission notes that with respect to the economies of SIDS which are open, maritime transport continues to represent an important lifeline to other markets. The Commission is convinced that improved maritime transport, which responds to the peculiar circumstances of SIDS and includes reduced overall costs, would be supportive of sustainable development goals. 34. The Commission encourages the modernization of fleets through appropriate investment incentives and innovative measures. It invites SIDS to consider becoming parties to relevant international legal instruments to promote maritime safety and environmental protection, and standardization in shipping. Regional initiatives are also encouraged to support these goals, expand maritime capabilities of regions, and provide an improved intraregional sea transportation service with the support of the international community. 35. In view of the large investments involved in the development of infrastructure and acquisition of the means of maritime transport, the Commission calls upon the international community, where appropriate, to support the efforts of SIDS at the national and regional levels. Decision 4/17. Matters relating to the inter-sessional work of the Commission* (* See chapter VIII below.) The Commission on Sustainable Development decides, pursuant to paragraph 3 of General Assembly resolution 50/113 of 20 December 1995, entitled "Special session for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21", to devote its Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group meeting, to be held from 24 February to 7 March 1997, in New York, to assisting the Commission in undertaking the review for the special session of the Assembly. Decision 4/18. Proposals for the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001* (** See chapter VIII below.) The Commission takes note of the note by the Secretary-General containing proposals for the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001 (E/CN.17/1996/37) and requests relevant intergovernmental bodies, when considering proposals for subprogramme 4 (Sustainable development) of programme 5 (Policy coordination and sustainable development), to take into account decisions of the Commission on Sustainable Development, as well as the outcome of the 1997 special session of the General Assembly, convened for the purpose of carrying out an overall review and appraisal of progress achieved in the implementation of Agenda 21 pursuant to Assembly resolution 50/113 of 20 December 1995. Notes 1/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted by the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigendum), resolution 1, annex II. 2/ Ibid., annex I. 3/ A/51/116, annex I, appendix II. 4/ Ibid., annex II. 5/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement No. 12 (E/1995/32). 6/ Report of the World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen, 6-12 March 1995 (A/CONF.166/9), chap. I, resolution 1, annex I. 7/ Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 4-15 September 1995 (A/CONF.177/20), chap. I, resolution 1, annex II. 8/ See Report of the International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 5-13 September 1994 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.95.XIII.18). 9/ Ibid., chap. I, resolution 1, annex. 10/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Supplement No. 25 (A/50/25), annex. 11/ See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1994, Supplement No. 13 (E/1994/33/Rev.1), chap. I, para. 24 (a). 12/ Ibid., 1995, Supplement No. 12 (E/1995/32), chap. I, para. 26. 13/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement No. 12 (E/1995/32). 14/ General Assembly resolution 39/248, annex. 15/ Report of the World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen, 6-12 March 1995 (A/CONF.166/9), chap. I, resolution 1, annex I. 16/ "States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities. The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures that their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command." 17/ "Poverty and environmental degradation are closely interrelated. While poverty results in certain kinds of environmental stress, the major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, particularly in industrialized countries, which is a matter of grave concern, aggravating poverty and imbalances." 18/ "In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation." 19/ "The Parties should take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing such measures, taking into account that policies and measures to deal with climate change should be cost-effective so as to ensure global benefits at the lowest possible cost. To achieve this, such policy and measures should take into account different socio-economic contexts, be comprehensive, cover all relevant sources, sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases and adaptation, and comprise all economic sectors. Efforts to address climate change may be carried out cooperatively by interested Parties." 20/ This conclusion must be considered within the full context of the IPCC/SAR, and its preamble. The conclusions of the IPCC/SAR must be considered with the caveats and uncertainties contained in the report. 21/ Official Records of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, vol. XVII (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.84.V.3), document A/CONF.62/122. 22/ Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1993. 23/ General Assembly resolution 48/263, annex. 24/ Document A/50/550, annex I; see also A/CONF.164/37. 25/ Rome, FAO, 1995. 26/ See A Call to Action: Decisions and Ministerial Statement from the Second Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Conference on Biological Diversity, Jakarta, Indonesia, 6-17 November 1995 (UNEP, 1996). 27/ Report of the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction, Yokohama, 23-27 May 1994 (A/CONF.172/9 and Add.1), chap. I, resolution 1, annex I. CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY OF THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE
COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT A. General 1. The Commission on Sustainable Development held its fourth session with the active participation of many ministers and other representatives of national Governments, United Nations organizations and international financial institutions. The energetic involvement of major groups, including business and industry, trade unions, youth and non-governmental organizations, in the session was particularly noteworthy. 2. The session was enriched by a number of special and side events, initiated by major group representatives, Governments and United Nations organizations. The Day of the Workplace was organized by business and industry and trade union organizations to demonstrate what those major groups were doing to promote sustainable development in the workplace. Representatives of youth groups presented a statement to the Commission, in which they expressed the strong desire of youth to be full partners in the Agenda 21 process, at both the national and international levels, including through the creation of a task force. The diversity and enthusiasm of these various efforts served to emphasize the growing commitment to the principles of sustainable development and their implementation at all levels. Many speakers noted that this was a most encouraging demonstration of the continuing vitality of the Rio process. 3. Participants in the high-level segment stressed the continuing importance of the inter-sessional process, expressed their gratitude to Governments and organizations that had sponsored inter-sessional initiatives and welcomed new initiatives in this regard from a number of Governments and organizations, especially as part of preparations for the 1997 review of progress achieved since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). 4. Particularly welcomed was the evidence of progress made at the national level, as reflected in national reporting to the Commission and in presentations of national experience made by a number of countries. However, participants stressed the need to disseminate further the message of Agenda 21 at the local level. B. Finalization of the Work Programme, 1993-1996 5. At the current session, the Commission completed its review of all the chapters of Agenda 21 in the context of its first multi-year thematic programme of work. In carrying out its mandate, the Commission established itself as a key intergovernmental forum for follow-up to UNCED and implementation of the Rio commitments. It has mobilized the support and cooperation of the entire United Nations family of organizations. It has stimulated important innovations in United Nations processes, including improved inter-agency coordination for sustainable development, extensive inter-sessional activity, arrangements for follow-up and reporting at the national level and the organized involvement of major group representatives. 6. The session offered the first opportunity to review events since UNCED in the important area of oceans and seas (chapter 17 of Agenda 21). The Commission welcomed the considerable progress in recent intergovernmental negotiations related to oceans and seas, including, in particular, the entry into force in 1994 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1995 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. Commission members agreed that the immediate need was for the Governments concerned to participate in and implement those agreements. 7. The Commission also endorsed the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, adopted at the Intergovernmental Conference in Washington, D.C., in November 1995. As requested by the Conference, the Commission formulated a draft resolution, for consideration by the General Assembly at its fifty-first session, on institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action. The Commission also recognized the intention of the Governments participating in the Washington Conference to take action to develop a global, legally binding instrument for the reduction and/or elimination of emissions, discharges and, where appropriate, the elimination of the manufacture and use of persistent organic pollutants. 8. Regarding marine living resources, both on the high seas and under national jurisdiction, participants expressed concern that significant fish stocks were depleted or overexploited and considered that urgent, corrective action was needed to rebuild depleted fish stocks and to ensure the sustainable use of all fish stocks. The Commission welcomed a number of very important recent international agreements, instruments and other decisions relating to fisheries resources. It acknowledged that much work needed to be done to ensure participation in and full compliance with them. It also noted that, as stated in Agenda 21, adequate financial, scientific and technological cooperation should be provided to support actions by developing countries, in particular, to implement these objectives. 9. The Commission has also placed special importance on ensuring more effective methods and activities, including in the United Nations system, for enhancing international cooperation and coordination of ocean issues. It has therefore recommended, for approval by the Economic and Social Council and subject to the outcome of the special session in 1997, that there should be a periodic overall review by the Commission of all aspects of the marine environment, the results of which should be considered by the General Assembly under a new consolidated agenda item entitled "Oceans and the law of the sea". It further recommended a review of existing inter-agency coordination mechanisms dealing with ocean issues. 10. This session also offered the first opportunity since UNCED for the discussion of issues relating to protection of the atmosphere (chapter 9 of Agenda 21). The Commission urged countries that had not yet done so to sign and ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with a special emphasis on the successful conclusion of the Berlin Mandate process; the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and its Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments and adjustments; and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Severe Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa; and to implement their commitments fully. 11. The Commission welcomed the Second Assessment Report (SAR) adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in December 1995, in Rome, as the most comprehensive assessment of climate change issues to date. 12. It was emphasized that an essential component of measures to protect the atmosphere, environment and human health was the reduction of local emissions - especially urban air pollution - which had to be dealt with at the local, regional and international levels on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities. 13. Attention was paid to the production, conversion and use of energy which was and would continue to be one of the fundamental requirements for economic growth and social improvement. Unsustainable development in the energy sector and other sectors was linked to environmental and social problems, including air and water pollution, health impacts and global warming. Governments were invited to consider the broad spectrum of cost-effective policy instruments to improve energy efficiency and efficiency standards and to promote the use of sustainable and environmentally sound renewable energy sources. 14. Participants in the high-level segment noted the rapid growth in the transport sector resulting in a concomitant increase in energy requirements in both industrialized and developing countries. It was mentioned that Governments should consider integrated solutions which incorporated planning and infrastructural measures as well as technical and economic measures regarding vehicles and fuels. 15. The work done by the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests at its two sessions was welcomed. Participants in the high-level segment stressed the need to continue supporting the work of the Panel in producing concrete, action-oriented recommendations for consideration by the Commission at its fifth session. The importance of the working relationship and partnership established by the Panel with the community of non-governmental organizations and with United Nations organizations was emphasized. 16. Participants welcomed the initial review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). They recognized the vulnerability of SIDS and stressed the need for effective action at all levels for their sustainable development. At the national level they emphasized the need for greater efforts in developing and implementing sustainable development policies and measures as well as for building human resources and institutional facilities to meet their sustainable development needs. 17. Participants underscored the need for enhanced international support for SIDS in the development of infrastructure, building of institutional and human-resources capacity, and transfer of environmentally sound technology. They expressed the view that, for specific areas such as adaptability of SIDS to sealevel rise, development of renewable energy resources, development of sustainable tourism, maritime transport, and adaptation to the current trends of trade liberalization and globalization of production, SIDS merited special attention from the international community. 18. The importance of education was recognized by the Commission in promoting the achievement of sustainable development. It recognized the need to further refine and make more precise the concept of education for sustainable development and to clearly identify what the key messages of education for sustainable development should be. This would ensure more effective communication with the public at large. The Youth Panel, which addressed the high-level segment, gave particular attention to the need for substantial, practical and effective education for sustainable development, since education was an effective tool for spreading the message about sustainable development to young people. In that regard, the Panel stressed the need for youth to be involved in creating and implementing local Agenda 21 programmes as a means of involving youth more widely in the educational process. 19. In regard to changing consumption and production patterns, the Commission stressed that policy development and implementation should give attention to an appropriate balance between the supply and demand side and should be viewed in a broad perspective, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. It further noted that eco-efficiency could be useful in reducing energy and material intensities of production and consumption, while yielding benefits to business, industry and Governments in all countries. However, the concept of eco-efficiency should not be a substitute for changes in the unsustainable lifestyles of consumers. 20. The Commission acknowledged the progress reported by many countries, developed, developing and those with economies in transition. Participants in the high-level segment reaffirmed the need for additional, substantial efforts by countries, in particular the developed countries, in changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns and in assisting to redress the present imbalances between, and within, industrialized and developing countries. 21. The Commission urged Governments to establish and implement policies for the procurement of environmentally sound and otherwise sustainable products and services to improve the environmental performance of their facilities and operations. The Commission recognized the potential for using economic instruments, which could both generate revenue for financing sustainable development and send signals to the market to help change unsustainable consumption and production patterns. 22. The linkage between better education and public awareness and changing unsustainable patterns of production and consumption was highlighted. Participants in the high-level segment emphasized the important role that the information media and the advertising industry could play in raising public awareness about sustainable development and in promoting changes in unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. 23. With regard to mobilizing financial resources for sustainable development, participants stressed the urgent need to fulfil all financial commitments of Agenda 21, in particular those in chapter 33, and recognized that official development assistance had a special role to play in promoting sustainable development in developing countries, particularly in the least developed countries. Furthermore, participants emphasized that it was important to pursue the adequate replenishment of the Global Environment Facility. 24. Participants in the high-level segment acknowledged the positive aspects of the expansion of external private capital flows to some developing countries. However, they stressed their concern about the volatility and unequal distribution of those flows among developing countries. 25. As to mobilizing national financial resources, the Commission emphasized the importance of the participation of the private sector, in particular through increased investment. In addition, the Commission encouraged Governments to consider the gradual implementation of economic instruments, on a voluntary basis, while examining further the costs and benefits associated with the use of these instruments. In this regard, the Commission emphasized the importance of sharing national experiences. 26. Many participants emphasized the need for improving mechanisms which would ensure that private investment contributed to achieving all the objectives of sustainable development. The role of major groups was also stressed in that regard. 27. Finally, with regard to innovative financial mechanisms, the Commission continued its work on various technical aspects of those mechanisms and welcomed the decision of the Economic and Social Council to include an item entitled "new and innovative ideas for generating funds" in the provisional agenda for its substantive session of 1996. 28. Participants recognized that significant and increasingly rapid gains in resource and productive efficiency were required to achieve sustainable development. That meant that the technological transformation of developing countries had to be accelerated through the infusion of more efficient and environmentally sound technologies and systems of production. While there had been considerable discussion and many international meetings on the transfer of environmentally sound technology over the past few years, there was general agreement that the actual transfer of such technology had been slow and uneven. It was also difficult to measure the real transfer of technology because the bulk of such movement took place through the private sector at an enterprise-to-enterprise level. 29. Several participants proposed the establishment of a Commission task force on technology transfer and sustainable industrial development as a means to identify obstacles to, and opportunities for, achieving greater eco-efficiency in the industrial sector and for promoting the transfer of environmentally sound technologies on favourable terms, particularly to developing countries. 30. In the area of trade, environment and sustainable development, participants in the high-level segment called on Governments to ensure appropriate coordination between trade and environment officials at the national and international levels in order to ensure the mutual support of trade and environment policies, including those resulting from multilateral environmental agreements. 31. In that connection, they took note of the work of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Trade and Environment and looked forward to a substantive report on the results of its deliberations, and looked to the WTO ministerial meeting in Singapore to continue the important work of the Committee on Trade and Environment. 32. Participants recognized that the link between environmental policies and competitiveness was complex. They noted that, although so far there was no available evidence to suggest that environmental policy generally had a significant detrimental effect on competitiveness, further study was required of the potential impacts of environmental policies on competitiveness and on market access, in particular for developing countries. 33. Participants encouraged the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, at its ninth session (Midrand, Ganteng Province, South Africa, 22 April-11 May 1996) to make arrangements to continue its analytical work and consensus-building activities in the area of trade, environment and sustainable development, and to provide focused technical cooperation to developing countries and countries with economies in transition. C. Preparations for 1997 34. Participants in the high-level segment stressed the vital importance of the special session of the General Assembly in June 1997, when the Assembly was to review the overall progress achieved in implementing the Rio commitments and discuss appropriate strategies for implementation in the coming years. Participation in the special session at the highest possible level was felt to be essential for its success. Discussions during the high-level segment were enriched by a Panel composed of eminent persons involved in UNCED and its follow-up. 35. There was a broad consensus that the special session should not attempt to renegotiate Agenda 21, or other intergovernmental agreements in the field of sustainable development, but should concentrate on their further implementation. In that context, participants highlighted a number of objectives: (a) To revitalize and energize commitment to the concept of sustainable development, to ensure it a central place on the political agenda and to reinforce momentum for its implementation at the international, national and local levels. Participants recognized the need to strengthen the Commission's public visibility and improve its outreach; (b) To frankly recognize failures to meet certain goals and identify reasons for failure; (c) To boost implementation of the Rio commitments through such means as the identification of innovative approaches to cooperation and financial assistance, and through concrete proposals for action; (d) To define priorities for the period beyond 1997. A number of participants felt that the Commission should focus on a limited number of key issues rather than reviewing every chapter of Agenda 21, in particular those issues where it was felt that real progress could be made; (e) To raise the profile of issues that had not been sufficiently addressed by UNCED or where significant developments had taken place since UNCED. Such issues might include changing consumption and production patterns, energy (including renewables) and transport, urban issues, enterprises, fresh water, and management of risks). 36. Participants in the high-level segment recognized that, in future work, more attention should be paid to addressing the driving forces that impacted on the sustainable management of natural resources while at the same time giving more attention to the economic and social dimensions of sustainable development, including combating poverty. The crucial link between the driving forces - economic growth and trade, consumption and production patterns and population growth - and resource management were the economic sectors that often defined the way that policy-making and implementation were organized. To be truly effective, the Commission's consideration of resource management issues had to be combined with an equal emphasis on sectoral policy development. Many sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, industry, human settlements and social services, were already dealt with in existing forms in the United Nations system. The impact of UNCED and Agenda 21 on the work in those forums had helped to inject considerations of sustainability into their discussions. However, there were some gaps and, from the perspective of sustainability, the most obvious gap related to transport and energy. 37. Participants reflected on the implementation of Agenda 21 objectives since UNCED, and noted the continuing need to strengthen mechanisms within the United Nations system which helped to integrate environmental concerns more fully into regular decision-making processes. Participants encouraged other intergovernmental bodies, especially the Bretton Woods institutions, WTO and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, to ensure that sustainable development issues were taken into consideration in a systemic and consistent manner. A number of participants stressed the link between international and national follow-up and encouraged the Commission to promote the integration of conclusions from major international conferences, including those held at Cairo, Copenhagen and Beijing and the forthcoming Habitat II conference in Istanbul. 38. Particular stress was laid on the importance of devolving implementing actions from global to regional level, and decentralizing responsibilities from national to local level where appropriate. In highlighting the value and effectiveness of local empowerment, it was suggested that the United Nations might sponsor an award that would recognize globally significant examples of sustainable development undertaken at the local or micro-level. 39. Participants in the high-level segment stressed the importance of developing a broad-based consensus involving major groups for achieving sustainable development. The development of new partnerships between stakeholders, such as educators, scientists, Governments, non-governmental organizations, business and industry, trade unions, youth and the media, among others, was encouraged as a means to foster better communication and to get across the key issues of sustainable development. It was noted that closer involvement of the private sector was essential for achieving sustainable development, but that appropriate mechanisms of interaction still needed to be developed in that area. 40. Participants emphasized the importance of the involvement of major groups in the preparations for the 1997 special session of the General Assembly and in the session itself, in accordance with the appropriate rules of procedure. They also welcomed initiatives for self-reporting by major groups in 1997. 41. During the high-level segment, a number of proposals were received for improvement in reporting and institutional arrangements and other activities after 1997, to be considered in the context of the preparations for the special session. CROSS-SECTORAL ISSUES, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF SUSTAINABILITY 1. The Commission considered item 3 of its agenda at its 1st to 4th and 20th meetings, on 18 and 19 April and 3 May 1996. It had before it the following documents: (a) Report of the Secretary-General on changing consumption and production patterns (E/CN.17/1996/5 and Add.1); (b) Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance and Changing Consumption and Production Patterns (E/CN.17/1996/7); (c) Report of the Secretary-General on trade, environment and sustainable development (E/CN.17/1996/8 and Add.1); (d) Report of the Secretary-General on combating poverty (E/CN.17/1996/9); (e) Report of the Secretary-General on demographic dynamics and sustainability (E/CN.17/1996/10 and Add.1); (f) Letter dated 19 December 1995 from the Charge' d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/27); (g) Note verbale dated 8 March 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/30); (h) Note verbale dated 8 April 1996 from the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the United Nations addressed to the Secretariat of the United Nations (E/CN.17/1996/33); (i) Letter dated 28 February 1996 from the Charge' d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations and the Charge' d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Observer Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/34); (j) Letter dated 18 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/35); (k) Letter dated 19 April 1996 from the Minister of Environment of Norway addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/36). 2. The Commission held a discussion on item 3 and item 5 (Review of cross- sectoral clusters) concurrently at its 1st to 4th meetings, on 18 and 19 April. 3. At the 1st meeting, on 18 April, introductory statements were made by the representatives of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the United Nations Development Programme. The Director of the Division for Sustainable Development of the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the United Nations Secretariat also made an introductory statement. 4. At the same meeting a statement was made by the representative of Switzerland. 5. At the 2nd meeting, on 18 April, statements were made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, the United States of America, China and Venezuela and the observers for the Republic of Korea, Denmark and Cuba. 6. At the 3rd meeting, on 19 April, statements were made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), India, Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mexico, Colombia, Sweden, Japan and the United States of America and the observer for the Czech Republic. 7. The observer for the Natural Resources Defence Council, Inc., a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, also made a statement. 8. At the 4th meeting, on 19 April, statements were made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), Germany, Brazil, Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines and the observers for Costa Rica (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Indonesia and Cuba. 9. Statements were also made by the observers for the European Community and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. 10. The representative of the United Nations Environment Programme made a statement. 11. A statement was also made by the observer for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category II. ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION Demographic dynamics and sustainability 12. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.1) entitled "Demographic dynamics and sustainability", which was submitted by the Chairman. 13. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/3). Combating poverty 14. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.2) entitled "Combating poverty", which was submitted by the Chairman. 15. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/2). Information provided by Governments and organizations 16. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.6) entitled "Information provided by Governments and organizations", which was submitted by the Chairman. 17. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/8). Trade, environment and sustainable development 18. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.15) entitled "Trade, environment and sustainable development", which was submitted by the Chairman. 19. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/1). Changing production and consumption patterns 20. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.16) entitled "Changing production and consumption patterns", which was submitted by the Chairman. 21. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/13). FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS 1. The Commission considered item 4 of its agenda at its 5th, 6th, 10th and 20th meetings, on 22 and 24 April and 3 May 1996. It had before it the following documents: (a) Report of the Secretary-General on financial resources and mechanisms for sustainable development: overview of current issues and developments (E/CN.17/1996/4 and Add.1); (b) Report of the Secretary-General on changing consumption and production patterns (E/CN.17/1996/5 and Add.1); (c) Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance and Changing Consumption and Production Patterns (E/CN.17/1996/7); (d) Note verbale dated 1 March 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/28). 2. At the 5th meeting, on 22 April, an introductory statement was made by the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance and Changing Consumption and Production Patterns. 3. Also at the 5th meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), India, Pakistan, the United States of America, China, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland and Australia and the observers for Costa Rica (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China), Norway, Cuba and the Republic of Korea. 4. At the same meeting, a statement was made by the observer for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 5. Also at the same meeting, a statement was made by the observers for two non-governmental organizations, Kenya Energy and Environment Organizations and Netherlands National Committee for IUCN. 6. At the 6th meeting, on 22 April, statements were made by the representatives of Poland, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Guyana, Bangladesh, Mexico, Malaysia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the observer for Indonesia. 7. The Commission also heard presentations by members of a panel consisting of Lin See Yan (Chairman, Pacific Bank, Malaysia), Chairman of the Panel; James Michel (Chairman, Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development); Roberto De Ocampo (Finance Minister, Philippines); Luise Diogo (Deputy Finance Minister, Mozambique); Fridrik Sophusson (Finance Minister, Iceland); Andrew Steer (World Bank); and Ved Gandhi (International Monetary Fund). 8. At the 10th meeting, on 24 April, statements were made by the representatives of Thailand, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Colombia and Italy (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union) and the observer for Costa Rica (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77). 9. Statements were also made by the observers for Friends of the Earth, a non-governmental organization on the Roster, and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category I. ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION Financial resources and mechanisms 10. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.18) entitled "Financial resources and mechanisms", which was submitted by the Chairman. 11. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/14). 12. After the adoption of the draft decision, the representative of the United States of America made the following statement: "With respect to paragraph 3 of draft decision E/CN.17/1996/L.18, the United States is not one of the countries that have affirmed, or reaffirmed in chapter 33.13 of Agenda 21, a commitment to the United Nations 0.7 per cent target for official development assistance. The United States believes that national Governments, not international donors, must have the primary responsibility for their country's development. Targets detract from the more important issues of the effectiveness and quality of aid and the policies of the recipient country. The United States has traditionally been one of the largest aid donors in volume terms and, consistent with the commitment it made in chapter 33.13, will continue to work with developing countries to provide aid in support of their efforts." REVIEW OF CROSS-SECTORAL CLUSTERS 1. The Commission considered item 5 of its agenda at its 1st to 4th and 20th meetings, on 18 and 19 April and 3 May 1996. It had before it the following documents: (a) Report of the Secretary-General on integrating environment and development in decision-making (E/CN.17/1996/11 and Add.1); (b) Report of the Secretary-General on the role of major groups in implementation of Agenda 21 (E/CN.17/1996/12); (c) Report of the Secretary-General on the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building (E/CN.17/1996/13 and Add.1); (d) Report of the Secretary-General on promoting education, public awareness and training (E/CN.17/1996/14 and Add.1); (e) Report of the Secretary-General on capacity-building for sustainable development (E/CN.17/1996/15); (f) Report of the Secretary-General on institutional arrangements to follow up the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (E/CN.17/1996/16); (g) Report of the Secretary-General on international legal instruments and mechanisms (E/CN.17/1996/17 and Add.1); (h) Report of the Secretary-General on information for decision-making (E/CN.17/1996/18 and Add.1); (i) Report of the Secretary-General on national information (E/CN.17/1996/19). 2. The Commission held a discussion on item 5 and item 3 (Cross-sectoral issues, with particular reference to the critical elements of sustainability) concurrently at its 1st to 4th meetings, on 18 and 19 April (for the discussion see chap. III, paras. 3-11). ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION Major groups 3. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.7) entitled "Major groups", which was submitted by the Chairman. 4. At the same meeting, the Commission was informed that, in paragraph 2 (c) of the draft decision, the words "and in accordance with the appropriate rules of procedure" after the words "as appropriate" had been deleted. 5. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision, as orally revised (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/9). International institutional arrangements 6. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.8) entitled "International institutional arrangements", which was submitted by the Chairman. 7. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/7). Promoting education, public awareness and training 8. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.9) entitled "Promoting education, public awareness and training", which was submitted by the Chairman. 9. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/11). National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries 10. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.10) entitled "National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries", which was submitted by the Chairman. 11. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/12). Integrating environment and development in decision-making 12. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.11) entitled "Integrating environment and development in decision-making", which was submitted by the Chairman. 13. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/4). Information for decision-making 14. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.12) entitled "Information for decision-making", which was submitted by the Chairman. 15. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/5). 16. After the adoption of the draft decision, the representative of Pakistan made a statement. International legal instruments and mechanisms 17. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.13) entitled "International legal instruments and mechanisms", which was submitted by the Chairman. 18. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision, as corrected (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/6). Transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building 19. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.14) entitled "Transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building", which was submitted by the Chairman. 20. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/10). REVIEW OF SECTORAL CLUSTERS 1. The Commission considered item 6 of its agenda at its 1st, 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th and 20th meetings, on 18 and 23 to 26 April and 3 May 1996. It had before it the following documents: (a) Report of the Secretary-General on protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources (E/CN.17/1996/3 and Add.1); (b) Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral Issues (E/CN.17/1996/6); (c) Report of the Secretary-General on protection of the atmosphere (E/CN.17/1996/22 and Add.1); (d) Letter dated 1 February 1996 from the Permanent Representatives of Brazil and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/23); (e) Report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests on its second session (E/CN.17/1996/24); (f) Report of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of the decisions and recommendations made by the Commission at its third session (E/CN.17/1996/26); (g) Note verbale dated 29 February 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/29); (h) Note by the Secretary-General concerning the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (E/CN.17/1996/32). 2. At the 1st meeting, on 18 April, the Director of the Division for Sustainable Development of the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the United Nations Secretariat made a statement. 3. At the same meeting, a statement was made by the observer for the National Wildlife Federation, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category II (also on behalf of the Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth). 4. At the 7th meeting, on 23 April, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral Issues made a statement. 5. The Commission then heard presentations by members of a panel consisting of Svante Bodin (Assistant Under-Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Sweden), Chairman of the Panel; Edward Saliah (Minister of Transport and Communications, Ghana); Antonio Dias Leite (former Minister of Energy and Mines, Brazil); David Mcdonald (former Minister of Transport, Canada); Paolo Scolari (Vice-President of Fiat); Douglas Durante (Executive Director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition); and B. W. Ang (National University of Singapore). 6. At the 8th meeting, on 23 April, a statement was made by the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa. 7. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), the United States of America, Canada, India, Morocco, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Venezuela, Switzerland, Australia and Thailand and the observers for the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and Portugal. 8. A statement was also made by the observer for the European Community. 9. At the 10th meeting, on 24 April, statements were made by the representatives of Sweden, China, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Malaysia and the observer for Iceland. 10. The observer for the International Ocean Institute, a non-governmental organization on the Roster, also made a statement. 11. At the 12th meeting, on 25 April, statements were made by the representatives of Bangladesh, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and Mexico and the observers for Trinidad and Tobago (on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States) and South Africa. 12. At the same meeting, the representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization made a statement. 13. Also at the same meeting, a statement was made by the observer for the International Council of Scientific Unions, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category II. 14. At the 14th meeting, on 26 April, the observer for the Permanent South Pacific Commission made a statement. 15. At the same meeting, statements were made by the observers for the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category II, and Friends of the Earth, a non-governmental organization on the Roster. The observer for the United Nations Association of Sweden in Stockholm, a non-governmental organization, also made a statement. ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION Institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities 16. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.19) entitled "Institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities", submitted by the Chairman, which contained a draft resolution recommended for adoption by the Economic and Social Council. 17. At the same meeting, the Commission approved the draft resolution for submission to the Economic and Social Council (see chap. I, sect. A). 18. A statement was then made by the observer for Trinidad and Tobago. International cooperation and coordination 19. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.20) entitled "International cooperation and coordination", which was submitted by the Chairman. 20. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/15, sect. C.2). Protection of the atmosphere and protection of the oceans and all kinds of seas 21. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.21) entitled "Protection of the atmosphere and protection of the oceans and all kinds of seas", which was submitted by the Chairman. 22. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/15). Implementation of international fishery instruments 23. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.22) entitled "Implementation of international fishery instruments", which was submitted by the Chairman. 24. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/15, sect. C.1). 25. The observer for the European Community then made the following statement: "The European community considers that the Commission on Sustainable Development's decision on implementation of international fishery instruments is without prejudice to the rights and obligations of States in accordance with international law, the United Nations Agreement relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (1995) and the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995). "The European Community regrets that the very important issue of a call for States to cooperate by becoming members of regional and subregional fisheries management organizations and by participating in regional and subregional fisheries management arrangements, which the European Community considers necessary to ensure the sustainability of the living marine resources, is not at all reflected in the Commission's decision. "This issue is of paramount importance to ensure the effective implementation and the widest possible acceptance of the United Nations Agreement relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks and of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. "For the European Community, it is clear that the application of the conservation and management measures established by such competent regional and subregional organizations and arrangements will only become efficient through membership or participation as provided for in the said United Nations Agreement and will ensure the effectiveness of the obligation to cooperate under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. "For these reasons we consider it unfortunate that a political appeal for States to cooperate by becoming members of or participants in regional and subregional fisheries management organizations and agreements could not be adopted by the Commission on Sustainable Development." Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources 26. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.23) entitled "Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources", which was submitted by the Chairman. 27. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/15, sect. C). Matters relating to the third and fourth sessions of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests 28. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission considered a draft decision entitled "Matters relating to the third and fourth sessions of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests", which the Panel, through the Commission, recommended for adoption by the Economic and Social Council (see E/CN.17/1996/24, para. 1). 29. At the same meeting, the Secretary of the Commission read out a statement of the programme budget implications pertaining to the draft decision (see annex III below). 30. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. A, draft decision I). PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES 1. The Commission considered item 7 of its agenda at its 9th, 10th and 20th meetings, on 24 April and 3 May 1996. It had before it the following documents: (a) Report of the Secretary-General on the sustainable development of coastal areas, tourism, energy resources, air transport, maritime transport, telecommunications, and management of natural and environmental disasters in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20); (b) Report of the Secretary-General on the management of natural and environmental disasters in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.1); (c) Report of the Secretary-General on the sustainable development of energy resources in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.2); (d) Report of the Secretary-General on sustainable tourism development in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.3); (e) Report of the Secretary-General on maritime transport in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.4); (f) Report of the Secretary-General on the sustainable development of air transport in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.5); (g) Report of the Secretary-General on the development of communications in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.6); (h) Report of the Secretary-General on coastal area management in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.7); (i) Report of the Secretary-General on current donor activities in support of sustainable development in small island developing States (E/CN.17/1996/21). 2. At the 9th meeting, on 24 April, the Director of the Division for Sustainable Development of the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the United Nations Secretariat made an introductory statement. 3. Introductory statements were also made by the Task Managers of the Division for Sustainable Development, the International Telecommunication Union, the World Meteorological Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. 4. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman of the Panel on Small Island Developing States and External Trade made a statement. 5. Statements were made by the representatives of Papua New Guinea and India and the observers for Trinidad and Tobago (on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States), the Marshall Islands and Samoa. 6. A statement was made by the representative of the United Nations Development Programme. 7. At the 10th meeting, on 24 April, statements were made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the States members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), Japan, the Bahamas, Pakistan, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Barbados, Mexico and Brazil and the observers for Cuba, Jamaica, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Malta, Argentina and Fiji. 8. The observer for the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme also made a statement. ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION Review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States 9. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.17) entitled "Review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States", which was submitted by the Chairman. 10. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/16). 11. After the adoption of the draft decision, the observer for Trinidad and Tobago made a statement. OTHER MATTERS 1. The Commission considered item 8 of its agenda at its 20th meeting, on 3 May 1996. It had before it a note by the Secretary-General containing proposals for the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001 (E/CN.17/1996/37). ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION Matters relating to the inter-sessional work of the Commission 2. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Commission had before it a draft decision (E/CN.17/1996/L.5) entitled "Matters related to the inter-sessional work of the Commission", submitted by the Chairman. 3. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/17). 4. Also at the same meeting, on the proposal of the Chairman, the Commission adopted a draft decision regarding proposals for the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001 (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 4/18). HIGH-LEVEL MEETING 1. The Commission considered item 9 of its agenda at its 15th to 20th meetings, from 1 to 3 May 1996. It had before it the following documents: (a) Report of the High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development on its fourth session (E/CN.17/1996/2); (b) Report of the Secretary-General on preparing for the 1997 special session of the General Assembly (E/CN.17/1996/25); (c) Report of the High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development on its fifth session (E/CN.17/1996/31). 2. At the 15th meeting, on 1 May, the Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development made a statement. 3. At the same meeting, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility made a statement. 4. Also at the 15th meeting, statements were made by the Minister of Environment and Tourism of Zimbabwe, the Minister of the Environment of Italy (also on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union), the Minister of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry of Poland, the Minister of Sustainable Development of Bolivia, the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea, the Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources of the Russian Federation, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Youth and Family of Austria, the Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the Organization for the Protection of the Environment, the Minister for the Environment of France, the Minister of the Environment of Colombia, the Secretary of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment of the Netherlands, the State Secretary for the Environment of Hungary and the Secretary of Socio-economic Planning/National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines. 5. A statement was also made on behalf of 25 non-governmental organizations. 6. At the 16th meeting, on 1 May, statements were made by the Permanent Representative of China, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature, Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany, the Minister for the Environment of Canada, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment of Finland, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology of Ghana, the Minister of Finance of Iceland, and the Commissioner for the Environment and Nuclear Safety of the European Commission. 7. The Commission then held a panel discussion on Youth and Agenda 21. The panel consisted of Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development, Chairman of the Panel; and Ghada Ahmadein, Satria Candao, Mariana Rodriguez, Peter Wilson, Robert Micaleff, Rebecca Huft and Souleyman Diop. 8. At the 17th meeting, on 2 May, statements were made by the Minister of the Interior of Switzerland, the Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries of Mexico, the Minister, Department of the Environment of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of Malaysia, the Minister of the Environment of Sweden, the Minister for Health and Environment of Barbados, the Minister of Environment of Slovakia, the Minister of the Environment of Costa Rica, the Vice-Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, the Secretary of Natural Resources and Human Environment of Argentina, the Minister for Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba, the Deputy Minister for the Environment and the Protection of Nature of Senegal and the Under-Secretary of State of the United States of America. 9. A statement was also made by the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization. 10. At the 18th meeting, on 2 May, statements were made by the Chairman of the High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of Norway, the Minister for Development Cooperation of Denmark, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment of Australia, the Chief of the Division Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Vice-Minister of Environment, Water Resources and the Legal Amazon of Brazil and the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa. 11. A statement was made by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. 12. The Commission then held a panel discussion on the 1997 special session of the General Assembly. The panel, which was chaired by the Chairman of the Commission, consisted of Razali, Ismail (Permanent Representative of Malaysia); Klaus To"pfer (Federal Minister for Regional Planning, Building and Urban Planning of Germany); Henrique Cavalcanti (Brazil); Maurice Strong (Canada); Tommy Koh (Singapore); Barbara Bramble (National Wildlife Federation, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category II). 13. At the 19th meeting, on 3 May, statements were made by the Deputy Minister of the Environment of Bulgaria, the Minister of State/Director-General of the Environment Agency of Japan, the Ambassador for the Environment of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Joint Secretary of the Government, Ministry of Environment of India, the Member of the Executive Committee, National Council for the Environment of Peru, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Indonesia, the Permanent Representative of Guyana, the Permanent Representative of Morocco, the Permanent Representative of Belgium, the Director-General of International Affairs, Ministry of the Environment of Venezuela, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Egypt and the Permanent Representative of Pakistan. 14. The Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development also made a statement. 15. Also at the 19th meeting, statements were made by the observers for the following non-governmental organizations: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Environnement et de'veloppement du tiersmonde (ENDA) and Pan African Movement (on behalf of a number of non-governmental organizations). A statement was also made on behalf of the Women's Caucus and women's development organizations. ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION 16. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May, the Chairman made a statement summarizing the high-level meeting. 17. Statements were then made by the representatives of Morocco and Belarus. 18. At the same meeting, the Commission agreed to include the Chairman's summary in the report of the Commission (see chap. II above). PROVISIONAL AGENDA FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION 1. The Commission considered item 10 of its agenda at its 20th meeting, on 3 May 1996. It had before it the draft provisional agenda for the fifth session (E/CN.17/1996/L.4). 2. At the same meeting, the Commission approved the provisional agenda for its fifth session (see chap. I, sect. B, draft decision II). ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION ON ITS FOURTH SESSION 1. At the 20th meeting, on 3 May 1996, the Rapporteur introduced the draft report of the Commission on its fourth session (E/CN.17/1996/L.3). 2. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft report and entrusted the Rapporteur with its completion.
Annex: LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE COMMISSION AT ITS FOURTH SESSION Document symbol Agenda item Title or description E/CN.17/1996/1 2 Provisional agenda E/CN.17/1996/2 9 Report of the High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development on its fourth session E/CN.17/1996/3 6 Protection of the oceans, all kinds of and Add.1 seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources: report of the Secretary- General E/CN.17/1996/4 4 Financial resources and mechanisms for and Add.1 sustainable development: overview of current issues and developments: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/5 3 and 4 Changing consumption and production and Add.1 patterns: report of the Secretary- General E/CN.17/1996/6 6 (a) Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral Issues E/CN.17/1996/7 3 and 4 Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance and Changing Consumption and Production Patterns E/CN.17/1996/8 3 Trade, environment and sustainable and Add.1 development: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/9 3 Combating poverty: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/10 3 Demographic dynamics and and Corr.1 and Add.1 sustainability: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/11 5 Integrating environment and development and Add.1 in decision-making: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/12 5 Role of major groups in implementation of Agenda 21: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/13 5 Transfer of environmentally sound and Add.1 technologies, cooperation and capacity-building: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/14 5 Promoting education, public awareness and Add.1 and training: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/15 5 Capacity-building for sustainable development: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/16 5 Institutional arrangements to follow up the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/17 5 International legal instruments and and Add.1 mechanisms: report of the Secretary- General E/CN.17/1996/18 5 Information for decision-making: and Add.1 report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/19 5 National information: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/20 7 Sustainable development of coastal areas, tourism, energy resources, air transport, maritime transport, telecommunications, and management of natural and environmental disasters in small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.1 7 Management of natural and environmental disasters in small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.2 7 Sustainable development of energy resources in small island developing States: report of the Secretary- General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.3 7 Sustainable tourism development in small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.4 7 Maritime transport in small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.5 7 Sustainable development of air transport in small island developing States: report of the Secretary- General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.6 7 Development of communications in and Corr.1 small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/20/Add.7 7 Coastal area management in small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/21 7 Current donor activities in support of sustainable development in small island developing States: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/22 6 Protection of the atmosphere: report and Add.1 of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/23 6 Letter dated 1 February 1996 from the Permanent Representatives of Brazil and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/24 6 Report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests on its second session E/CN.17/1996/25 9 Preparing for the 1997 special session of the General Assembly: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/26 6 (c) Progress in the implementation of the decisions and recommendations made by the Commission at its third session: report of the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/27 3 Letter dated 19 December 1995 from the Charge' d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/28 4 Note verbale dated 1 March 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/29 6 (a) Note verbale dated 29 February 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/30 3 Note verbale dated 8 March 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/31 9 Report of the High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development on its fifth session E/CN.17/1996/32 6 (b) Progress report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests: note by the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/33 3 Note verbale dated 8 April 1996 from the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the United Nations addressed to the Secretariat of the United Nations E/CN.17/1996/34 3 Letter dated 28 February 1996 from the Charge' d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations and the Charge' d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Observer Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/35 3 Letter dated 18 April 1996 from the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/36 3 Letter dated 19 April 1996 from the Minister of Environment of Norway addressed to the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/37 8 Proposals for the medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001: note by the Secretary-General E/CN.17/1996/L.1 3 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Demographic dynamics and sustainability" E/CN.17/1996/L.2 3 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Combating poverty" E/CN.17/1996/L.3 11 Draft report of the Commission on its fourth session E/CN.17/1996/L.4 10 Draft provisional agenda for the fifth session of the Commission E/CN.17/1996/L.5 8 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Matters related to the inter-sessional work of the Commission" E/CN.17/1996/L.6 3 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Information provided by Governments and organizations" E/CN.17/1996/L.7 5 (c) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Major groups" E/CN.17/1996/L.8 5 (b) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "International institutional arrangements" E/CN.17/1996/L.9 5 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Promoting education, public awareness and training" E/CN.17/1996/L.10 5 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries" E/CN.17/1996/L.11 5 (b) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Integrating environment and development in decision-making" E/CN.17/1996/L.12 5 (b) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Information for decision-making" E/CN.17/1996/L.13 5 (b) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "International legal instruments and mechanisms" E/CN.17/1996/L.14 5 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Transfer of environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building" E/CN.17/1996/L.15 3 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Trade, environment and sustainable development" E/CN.17/1996/L.16 3 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Changing production and consumption patterns" E/CN.17/1996/L.17 7 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States" E/CN.17/1996/L.18 4 Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Financial resources and mechanisms" E/CN.17/1996/L.19 6 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities" E/CN.17/1996/L.20 6 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "International cooperation and coordination" E/CN.17/1996/L.21 6 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Protection of the atmosphere and protection of the oceans and all kinds of seas" E/CN.17/1996/L.22 6 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Implementation of international fishery instruments" E/CN.17/1996/L.23 6 (a) Draft decision submitted by the Chairman of the Commission entitled "Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources" Annex: PROGRAMME BUDGET IMPLICATIONS OF DRAFT DECISION I* (* See chapter I, section B, above.) 1. Under the terms of the draft decision contained in the report of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests, the Commission would recommend that the Economic and Social Council approve the request of the Panel to hold its third session at Geneva from 9 to 20 September 1996 and its fourth session in New York for a period of two weeks in 1997. It would also approve the Panel's request that provision be made so that the two in-sessional working groups it intends to establish during its third and fourth sessions can meet simultaneously. 2. It will be recalled that the calendar of conferences and meetings approved by the General Assembly for the biennium 1996-1997 provides for 10 days (or 20 meetings) for the third session and 5 days (or 10 meetings) for the fourth session. In accordance with General Assembly resolutions 40/243, 49/221 A and 50/206, both sessions would be held in New York, the headquarters of the Commission and the Panel. 3. Should the Commission adopt the draft decision, the programme budget implications would be as follows: (a) In respect of the third session of the Panel: a change of venue from New York to Geneva (which would entail an exception to General Assembly resolutions 40/243, 49/221 A and 50/206) and the holding of 20 additional meetings to accommodate the two working groups. The full cost of the conference services associated with these arrangements is estimated at $144,900. However, actual costs should be somewhat lower owing to the availability of established capacity at Geneva. Related additional substantive servicing costs for the third session are estimated at approximately $40,000. (b) In respect of the fourth session, 30 additional meetings for the Panel and its two working groups in New York, the full cost of which is estimated at $210,200. ‰ As regards the implications for the third session, the attention of the Commission is drawn to section V of the report of the Panel, which contains a statement by the representative of Switzerland at the second session of the Panel regarding the financial contribution that the Government of Switzerland would make to cover the additional costs resulting from both the change of venue and the additional meetings of the working groups for the third session in Geneva. Following consultations between the Secretariat and the Government of Switzerland, it has been ascertained that the Government of Switzerland will be prepared to contribute up to $130,000. Under the circumstances and bearing in mind the confirmation of the availability of voluntary contributions to meet the substantive servicing costs, it has been determined that there would be no regular budget implications arising from the proposed arrangement for the third session. 5. As regards the additional amount of $210,200 that would be required for the extension of the fourth session of the Panel in New York, it should be recalled that in adopting the programme budget for the biennium 1996-1997, the General Assembly decided that savings of $103.9 million were to be achieved in the programme budget during the biennium. Under the circumstances, it is not possible at the present stage to modify the calendar of conferences. The possibility of accommodating within existing budgetary provisions additional meetings for the fourth session of the Panel will be reviewed at the fifty-first session of the General Assembly. 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