CSD 1999

Report on the Seventh Session, 19-30 April 1999

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Contents

I. Matters calling for action by the Economic and Social Council or brought to its attention

A. Draft resolutions recommended by the Commission for adoption by the Council

I. Expansion of the United Nations guidelines on consumer protection to include sustainable consumption

II. Preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development on the issue of energy

B. Draft decision recommended by the Commission for adoption by the Council
Report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on its seventh session and provisional agenda for the eighth session of the Commission

C. Matters brought to the attention of the Council

Decision 7/1. Oceans and seas

Decision 7/2. Changing consumption and production patterns

Decision 7/3. Tourism and sustainable development

Decision 7/4. Education, public awareness and training

Decision 7/5. Information provided by Governments and exchange of national experience

Decision 7/6. Voluntary initiatives and agreements

Decision 7/7. Proposed programme of work in the area of sustainable development for the biennium 2000-2001

Decision 7/8. Matters related to the inter-sessional work of the Commission

Decision 7/9. Preparations for the review of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21

Decision 7/10. Report of the Secretary-General on progress on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States

II. Chairman's summary of the multi-stakeholder dialogue on tourism

III. Chairman's summary of the high-level segment

IV. Sectoral theme: oceans and seas

V. Cross-sectoral theme: consumption and production patterns, including recommendations for sustainable consumption for inclusion in the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection, as requested by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1997/53

VI. Economic sector/major group: tourism

VII. Comprehensive review of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States

VIII. Initiation of preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on issues related to the sectoral theme: energy

IX. High-level meeting

X. Other matters

Chapter I. Matters calling for action by the Economic and Social Council or brought to its attention                                                                          [ UP ]

A. Draft resolutions recommended by the Commission for adoption by the Council                                                                                                    [ UP ]

1. The Commission on Sustainable Development recommends to the Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft resolution:

Draft resolution I                                                                                  [ UP ]

Expansion of the United Nations guidelines on consumer protection to include sustainable consumption

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 39/248 of 9 April 1985, in which the Assembly adopted the guidelines for consumer protection,

Noting that the Commission on Sustainable Development, at its third session, recommended that the guidelines for consumer protection be expanded to include guidelines for sustainable consumption,1

Recalling Economic and Social Council resolutions 1995/53 of 28 July 1995 and 1997/53 of 23 July 1997, in which the Council requested the Secretary-General, inter alia, to elaborate guidelines in the area of sustainable consumption patterns,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General2 and the recommendations of the Interregional Expert Group Meeting on Consumer Protection and Sustainable Consumption, held at São Paulo, Brazil, from 28 to 30 January 1998,3

Noting with appreciation the organization by the Bureau of the seventh session of the Commission on Sustainable Development of open-ended consultations among member States, as requested by the Council in its decision 1998/215 of 23 July 1998,

Aware that the need remains great for assistance in the area of consumer protection, particularly in developing countries and countries with economies in transition,

Recognizing the impact that the guidelines have had in many countries in promoting just, equitable and sustainable economic and social development through their implementation by Governments,

Also recognizing the important role of civil society, in particular of non-governmental organizations, in promoting the implementation of the guidelines,

1. Decides to transmit to the General Assembly, for consideration with a view to their adoption, the draft guidelines for consumer protection expanded to include sustainable consumption, as contained in the annex;

2. Urges Member States, other entities of the United Nations system and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to continue their efforts to implement effectively the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection.

Annex : United Nations guidelines for consumer protection

(As expanded in 1999)

I. Objectives

1. Taking into account the interests and needs of consumers in all countries, particularly those in developing countries; recognizing that consumers often face imbalances in economic terms, educational levels, and bargaining power; and bearing in mind that consumers should have the right of access to non-hazardous products, as well as the right to promote just, equitable and sustainable economic and social development and environmental protection, these guidelines for consumer protection have the following objectives:

(a) To assist countries in achieving or maintaining adequate protection for their population as consumers;

(b) To facilitate production and distribution patterns responsive to the needs and desires of consumers;

(c) To encourage high levels of ethical conduct for those engaged in the production and distribution of goods and services to consumers;

(d) To assist countries in curbing abusive business practices by all enterprises at the national and international levels which adversely affect consumers;

(e) To facilitate the development of independent consumer groups;

(f) To further international cooperation in the field of consumer protection;

(g) To encourage the development of market conditions which provide consumers with greater choice at lower prices;

(h) To promote sustainable consumption.

II. General principles

2. Governments should develop or maintain a strong consumer protection policy, taking into account the Guidelines set out below and relevant international agreements. In so doing, each Government should set its own priorities for the protection of consumers in accordance with the economic, social and environmental circumstances of the country and the needs of its population, bearing in mind the costs and benefits of proposed measures.

3. The legitimate needs which the guidelines are intended to meet are the following:

(a) The protection of consumers from hazards to their health and safety;

(b) The promotion and protection of the economic interests of consumers;

(c) Access of consumers to adequate information to enable them to make informed choices according to individual wishes and needs;

(d) Consumer education, including education on the environmental, social and economic impacts of consumer choice;

(e) Availability of effective consumer redress;

(f) Freedom to form consumer and other relevant groups or organizations and the opportunity of such organizations to present their views in decision-making processes affecting them;

(g) The promotion of sustainable consumption patterns.

4. Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, particularly in industrialized countries, are the major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment. All countries should strive to promote sustainable consumption patterns; developed countries should take the lead in achieving sustainable consumption patterns; developing countries should seek to achieve sustainable consumption patterns in their development process, having due regard to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The special situation and needs of developing countries in this regard should be fully taken into account.

5. Policies for promoting sustainable consumption should take into account the goals of eradicating poverty, satisfying the basic human needs of all members of society, and reducing inequality within and between countries.

6. Governments should provide or maintain adequate infrastructure to develop, implement and monitor consumer protection policies. Special care should be taken to ensure that measures for consumer protection are implemented for the benefit of all sectors of the population, particularly the rural population and people living in poverty.

7. All enterprises should obey the relevant laws and regulations of the countries in which they do business. They should also conform to the appropriate provisions of international standards for consumer protection to which the competent authorities of the country in question have agreed. (Hereinafter references to international standards in the guidelines should be viewed in the context of this paragraph.)

8. The potential positive role of universities and public and private enterprises in research should be considered when developing consumer protection policies.

III. Guidelines

9. The following guidelines should apply both to home-produced goods and services and to imports.

10. In applying any procedures or regulations for consumer protection, due regard should be given to ensuring that they do not become barriers to international trade and that they are consistent with international trade obligations.

A. Physical safety

11. Governments should adopt or encourage the adoption of appropriate measures, including legal systems, safety regulations, national or international standards, voluntary standards and the maintenance of safety records to ensure that products are safe for either intended or normally foreseeable use.

12. Appropriate policies should ensure that goods produced by manufacturers are safe for either intended or normally foreseeable use. Those responsible for bringing goods to the market, in particular suppliers, exporters, importers, retailers and the like (hereinafter referred to as "distributors"), should ensure that while in their care these goods are not rendered unsafe through improper handling or storage and that while in their care they do not become hazardous through improper handling or storage. Consumers should be instructed in the proper use of goods and should be informed of the risks involved in intended or normally foreseeable use. Vital safety information should be conveyed to consumers by internationally understandable symbols wherever possible.

13. Appropriate policies should ensure that if manufacturers or distributors become aware of unforeseen hazards after products are placed on the market, they should notify the relevant authorities and, as appropriate, the public without delay. Governments should also consider ways of ensuring that consumers are properly informed of such hazards.

14. Governments should, where appropriate, adopt policies under which, if a product is found to be seriously defective and/or to constitute a substantial and severe hazard even when properly used, manufacturers and/or distributors should recall it and replace or modify it, or substitute another product for it; if it is not possible to do this within a reasonable period of time, the consumer should be adequately compensated.

B. Promotion and protection of consumers' economic interests

15. Government policies should seek to enable consumers to obtain optimum benefit from their economic resources. They should also seek to achieve the goals of satisfactory production and performance standards, adequate distribution methods, fair business practices, informative marketing and effective protection against practices which could adversely affect the economic interests of consumers and the exercise of choice in the market place.

16. Governments should intensify their efforts to prevent practices which are damaging to the economic interests of consumers through ensuring that manufacturers, distributors and others involved in the provision of goods and services adhere to established laws and mandatory standards. Consumer organizations should be encouraged to monitor adverse practices, such as the adulteration of foods, false or misleading claims in marketing and service frauds.

17. Governments should develop, strengthen or maintain, as the case may be, measures relating to the control of restrictive and other abusive business practices which may be harmful to consumers, including means for the enforcement of such measures. In this connection, Governments should be guided by their commitment to the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 35/63 of 5 December 1980.

18. Governments should adopt or maintain policies that make clear the responsibility of the producer to ensure that goods meet reasonable demands of durability, utility and reliability, and are suited to the purpose for which they are intended, and that the seller should see that these requirements are met. Similar policies should apply to the provision of services.

19. Governments should encourage fair and effective competition in order to provide consumers with the greatest range of choice among products and services at the lowest cost.

20. Governments should, where appropriate, see to it that manufacturers and/or retailers ensure adequate availability of reliable after-sales service and spare parts.

21. Consumers should be protected from such contractual abuses as one-sided standard contracts, exclusion of essential rights in contracts, and unconscionable conditions of credit by sellers.

22. Promotional marketing and sales practices should be guided by the principle of fair treatment of consumers and should meet legal requirements. This requires the provision of the information necessary to enable consumers to take informed and independent decisions, as well as measures to ensure that the information provided is accurate.

23. Governments should encourage all concerned to participate in the free flow of accurate information on all aspects of consumer products.

24. Consumer access to accurate information about the environmental impact of products and services should be encouraged through such means as product profiles, environmental reports by industry, information centres for consumers, voluntary and transparent eco-labelling programmes and product information hotlines.

25. Governments, in close collaboration with manufacturers, distributors and consumer organizations, should take measures regarding misleading environmental claims or information in advertising and other marketing activities. The development of appropriate advertising codes and standards for the regulation and verification of environmental claims should be encouraged.

26. Governments should, within their own national context, encourage the formulation and implementation by business, in cooperation with consumer organizations, of codes of marketing and other business practices to ensure adequate consumer protection. Voluntary agreements may also be established jointly by business, consumer organizations and other interested parties. These codes should receive adequate publicity.

27. Governments should regularly review legislation pertaining to weights and measures and assess the adequacy of the machinery for its enforcement.

C. Standards for the safety and quality of consumer goods and services

28. Governments should, as appropriate, formulate or promote the elaboration and implementation of standards, voluntary and other, at the national and international levels for the safety and quality of goods and services and give them appropriate publicity. National standards and regulations for product safety and quality should be reviewed from time to time, in order to ensure that they conform, where possible, to generally accepted international standards.

29. Where a standard lower than the generally accepted international standard is being applied because of local economic conditions, every effort should be made to raise that standard as soon as possible.

30. Governments should encourage and ensure the availability of facilities to test and certify the safety, quality and performance of essential consumer goods and services.

D. Distribution facilities for essential consumer goods and services

31. Governments should, where appropriate, consider:

(a) Adopting or maintaining policies to ensure the efficient distribution of goods and services to consumers; where appropriate, specific policies should be considered to ensure the distribution of essential goods and services where this distribution is endangered, as could be the case particularly in rural areas. Such policies could include assistance for the creation of adequate storage and retail facilities in rural centres, incentives for consumer self-help and better control of the conditions under which essential goods and services are provided in rural areas;

(b) Encouraging the establishment of consumer cooperatives and related trading activities, as well as information about them, especially in rural areas.

E. Measures enabling consumers to obtain redress

32. Governments should establish or maintain legal and/or administrative measures to enable consumers or, as appropriate, relevant organizations to obtain redress through formal or informal procedures that are expeditious, fair, inexpensive and accessible. Such procedures should take particular account of the needs of low-income consumers.

33. Governments should encourage all enterprises to resolve consumer disputes in a fair, expeditious and informal manner, and to establish voluntary mechanisms, including advisory services and informal complaints procedures, which can provide assistance to consumers.

34. Information on available redress and other dispute-resolving procedures should be made available to consumers.

F. Education and information programmes

35. Governments should develop or encourage the development of general consumer education and information programmes, including information on the environmental impacts of consumer choices and behaviour and the possible implications, including benefits and costs, of changes in consumption, bearing in mind the cultural traditions of the people concerned. The aim of such programmes should be to enable people to act as discriminating consumers, capable of making an informed choice of goods and services, and conscious of their rights and responsibilities. In developing such programmes, special attention should be given to the needs of disadvantaged consumers, in both rural and urban areas, including low-income consumers and those with low or non-existent literacy levels. Consumer groups, business and other relevant organizations of civil society should be involved in these educational efforts.

36. Consumer education should, where appropriate, become an integral part of the basic curriculum of the educational system, preferably as a component of existing subjects.

37. Consumer education and information programmes should cover such important aspects of consumer protection as the following:

(a) Health, nutrition, prevention of food-borne diseases and food adulteration;

(b) Product hazards;

(c) Product labelling;

(d) Relevant legislation, how to obtain redress, and agencies and organizations for consumer protection;

(e) Information on weights and measures, prices, quality, credit conditions and availability of basic necessities;

(f) Environmental protection; and

(g) Efficient use of materials, energy and water.

38. Governments should encourage consumer organizations and other interested groups, including the media, to undertake education and information programmes, including on the environmental impacts of consumption patterns and on the possible implications, including benefits and costs, of changes in consumption, particularly for the benefit of low-income consumer groups in rural and urban areas.

39. Business should, where appropriate, undertake or participate in factual and relevant consumer education and information programmes.

40. Bearing in mind the need to reach rural consumers and illiterate consumers, Governments should, as appropriate, develop or encourage the development of consumer information programmes in the mass media.

41. Governments should organize or encourage training programmes for educators, mass media professionals and consumer advisers, to enable them to participate in carrying out consumer information and education programmes.

G. Promotion of sustainable consumption

42. Sustainable consumption includes meeting the needs of present and future generations for goods and services in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

43. Responsibility for sustainable consumption is shared by all members and organizations of society, with informed consumers, Government, business, labour organizations, and consumer and environmental organizations playing particularly important roles. Informed consumers have an essential role in promoting consumption that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable, including through the effects of their choices on producers. Governments should promote the development and implementation of policies for sustainable consumption and the integration of those policies with other public policies. Government policy making should be conducted in consultation with business, consumer and environmental organizations, and other concerned groups. Business has a responsibility for promoting sustainable consumption through the design, production and distribution of goods and services. Consumer and environmental organizations have a responsibility for promoting public participation and debate on sustainable consumption, for informing consumers, and for working with Government and business towards sustainable consumption.

44. Governments, in partnership with business and relevant organizations of civil society, should develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable consumption through a mix of policies that could include regulations; economic and social instruments; sectoral policies in such areas as land use, transport, energy and housing; information programmes to raise awareness of the impact of consumption patterns; removal of subsidies that promote unsustainable patterns of consumption and production; and promotion of sector-specific environmental-management best practices.

45. Governments should encourage the design, development and use of products and services that are safe and energy and resource efficient, considering their full life-cycle impacts. Governments should encourage recycling programmes that encourage consumers to both recycle wastes and purchase recycled products.

46. Governments should promote the development and use of national and international environmental health and safety standards for products and services; such standards should not result in disguised barriers to trade.

47. Governments should encourage impartial environmental testing of products.

48. Governments should safely manage environmentally harmful uses of substances and encourage the development of environmentally sound alternatives for such uses. New potentially hazardous substances should be evaluated on a scientific basis for their long-term environmental impact prior to distribution.

49. Governments should promote awareness of the health-related benefits of sustainable consumption and production patterns, bearing in mind both direct effects on individual health and collective effects through environmental protection.

50. Governments, in partnership with the private sector and other relevant organizations, should encourage the transformation of unsustainable consumption patterns through the development and use of new environmentally sound products and services and new technologies, including information and communication technologies, that can meet consumer needs while reducing pollution and depletion of natural resources.

51. Governments are encouraged to create or strengthen effective regulatory mechanisms for the protection of consumers, including aspects of sustainable consumption.

52. Governments should consider a range of economic instruments, such as fiscal instruments and internalization of environmental costs, to promote sustainable consumption, taking into account social needs, the need for disincentives for unsustainable practices and incentives for more sustainable practices, while avoiding potential negative effects for market access, in particular for developing countries.

53. Governments, in cooperation with business and other relevant groups, should develop indicators, methodologies and databases for measuring progress towards sustainable consumption at all levels. This information should be publicly available.

54. Governments and international agencies should take the lead in introducing sustainable practices in their own operations, in particular through their procurement policies. Government procurement, as appropriate, should encourage development and use of environmentally sound products and services.

55. Governments and other relevant organizations should promote research on consumer behaviour related to environmental damage in order to identify ways to make consumption patterns more sustainable.

H. Measures relating to specific areas

56. In advancing consumer interests, particularly in developing countries, Governments should, where appropriate, give priority to areas of essential concern for the health of the consumer, such as food, water and pharmaceuticals. Policies should be adopted or maintained for product quality control, adequate and secure distribution facilities, standardized international labelling and information, as well as education and research programmes in these areas. Government guidelines in regard to specific areas should be developed in the context of the provisions of this document.

57. Food. When formulating national policies and plans with regard to food, Governments should take into account the need of all consumers for food security and should support and, as far as possible, adopt standards from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization Codex Alimentarius or, in their absence, other generally accepted international food standards. Governments should maintain, develop or improve food safety measures, including, inter alia, safety criteria, food standards and dietary requirements and effective monitoring, inspection and evaluation mechanisms.

58. Governments should promote sustainable agricultural policies and practices, conservation of biodiversity, and protection of soil and water, taking into account traditional knowledge.

59. Water. Governments should, within the goals and targets set for the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade, formulate, maintain or strengthen national policies to improve the supply, distribution and quality of water for drinking. Due regard should be paid to the choice of appropriate levels of service, quality and technology, the need for education programmes and the importance of community participation.

60. Governments should assign high priority to the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes concerning the multiple uses of water, taking into account the importance of water for sustainable development in general and its finite character as a resource.

61. Pharmaceuticals. Governments should develop or maintain adequate standards, provisions and appropriate regulatory systems for ensuring the quality and appropriate use of pharmaceuticals through integrated national drug policies which could address, inter alia, procurement, distribution, production, licensing arrangements, registration systems and the availability of reliable information on pharmaceuticals. In so doing, Governments should take special account of the work and recommendations of the World Health Organization on pharmaceuticals. For relevant products, the use of that organization's Certification Scheme on the Quality of Pharmaceutical Products Moving in International Commerce and other international information systems on pharmaceuticals should be encouraged. Measures should also be taken, as appropriate, to promote the use of international non-proprietary names (INNs) for drugs, drawing on the work done by the World Health Organization.

62. In addition to the priority areas indicated above, Governments should adopt appropriate measures in other areas, such as pesticides and chemicals in regard, where relevant, to their use, production and storage, taking into account such relevant health and environmental information as Governments may require producers to provide and include in the labelling of products.

IV. International cooperation

63. Governments should, especially in a regional or subregional context:

(a) Develop, review, maintain or strengthen, as appropriate, mechanisms for the exchange of information on national policies and measures in the field of consumer protection;

(b) Cooperate or encourage cooperation in the implementation of consumer protection policies to achieve greater results within existing resources. Examples of such cooperation could be collaboration in the setting up or joint use of testing facilities, common testing procedures, exchange of consumer information and education programmes, joint training programmes and joint elaboration of regulations;

(c) Cooperate to improve the conditions under which essential goods are offered to consumers, giving due regard to both price and quality. Such cooperation could include joint procurement of essential goods, exchange of information on different procurement possibilities and agreements on regional product specifications.

64. Governments should develop or strengthen information links regarding products which have been banned, withdrawn or severely restricted in order to enable other importing countries to protect themselves adequately against the harmful effects of such products.

65. Governments should work to ensure that the quality of products, and information relating to such products, does not vary from country to country in a way that would have detrimental effects on consumers.

66. To promote sustainable consumption, Governments, international bodies and business should work together to develop, transfer and disseminate environmentally sound technologies, including through appropriate financial support from developed countries, and to devise new and innovative mechanisms for financing their transfer among all countries, in particular to and among developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

67. Governments and international organizations, as appropriate, should promote and facilitate capacity building in the area of sustainable consumption, particularly in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. In particular, Governments should also facilitate cooperation among consumer groups and other relevant organizations of civil society, with the aim of strengthening capacity in this area.

68. Governments and international bodies, as appropriate, should promote programmes relating to consumer education and information.

69. Governments should work to ensure that policies and measures for consumer protection are implemented with due regard to their not becoming barriers to international trade, and that they are consistent with international trade obligations.

2. The Commission on Sustainable Development recommends to the Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft resolution, and in this context, invites the Council to consider on an exceptional basis and without creating a precedent and without prejudice to other bodies the possibility of States that are not members of the Commission on Sustainable Development holding office in the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Energy and Sustainable Development, and requests the Office of Legal Affairs to submit its legal opinion on that matter to the Chairman of the Commission for transmission to the President of the Council:

Draft resolution II                                                                                  [ UP ]

Preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development on the issue of energy

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 214 adopted by the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session, in which the Assembly, inter alia, decided that preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development on the issue of energy should utilize an open-ended intergovernmental group of experts on energy and sustainable development, to be convened in conjunction with inter-sessional meetings of the eighth and ninth sessions of the Commission,

Also recalling the multi-year programme of work of the Commission on Sustainable Development, 1998-2002, and paragraph 46 of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21,

1. Decides that the first session of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Energy and Sustainable Development be held in New York in the first quarter of 2000 for a duration of one working week, immediately before or after the meetings of the Commission-s inter-sessional ad hoc working groups, and that this session will have the following provisional agenda:

1. Election of officers.

2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.

3. Preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development on the issue of energy.

4. Provisional agenda of its second session.

5. Adoption of the report of the Group of Experts on its first session.

2. Decides that the Bureau of the Group of Experts will consist of five members, one from each of the five regional groups of the United Nations, and will include two co-chairs, one from a developed country and one from a developing country, and invites regional groups to nominate their candidates expeditiously and inform the Bureau of the eighth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development so that they can be involved in the preparation;

3. Requests the Group of Experts to report to the Commission on Sustainable Development at its eighth session on progress made on its work at its first session, and to recommend to the Commission the agenda, timing and duration of its second session, to be held in 2001;

4. Decides to transmit the report of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for Development on its first session to the Commission on Sustainable Development at its eighth session, as well as to the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Energy and Sustainable Development at its first session, as an input to the preparatory process for the ninth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development;

5. Invites the Secretary-General, on the basis of submissions and information provided by Governments and working in close collaboration with entities within the United Nations as well as with other relevant international organizations, to prepare analytical reports and other documentation, as appropriate, for consideration at the first session of the Group of Experts;

6. Calls upon Governments to actively participate and contribute to the preparatory process;

7. Encourages the participation, particularly from developing countries, of civil society and other major groups, including the private sector, in the preparatory process;

8. Decides that the participation of non-governmental organizations in the work of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Energy and Sustainable Development should be in accordance with the rules of procedure of functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council;

9. Recognizes that funding to support the participation in the meetings of the Group of Experts of representatives, particularly from developing countries, is essential, and should be provided in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of Council decision 1993/207 of 12 February 1993, and also urges additional voluntary contributions to support the participation of representatives from developing countries that are not members of the Commission on Sustainable Development.

B. Draft decision recommended by the Commission for adoption by the Council                                                                                                     [ UP ]

3. The Commission on Sustainable Development recommends to the Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft decision:

Report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on its seventh session and provisional agenda for the eighth session of the Commission

The Economic and Social Council takes note of the report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on its seventh session and approves the provisional agenda for the eighth session of the Commission set out below:

Provisional agenda for the eighth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development

1. Election of officers.
2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
3. Sectoral theme: integrated planning and management of land resources.
4. Cross-sectoral theme: financial resources/trade and investment/economic growth.
5. Economic sector/major group: agriculture.
6. Report of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests.
7. High-level meeting.
8. Other matters.
9. Provisional agenda for the ninth session of the Commission.
10. Adoption of the report of the Commission on its eighth session.

C. Matters brought to the attention of the Council                              [ UP ]

4. The attention of the Council is drawn to the following decisions adopted by the Commission:

Decision 7/1. Oceans and seas                                                               [ UP ]

I. General considerations

1. The Commission emphasizes the fundamental fact that oceans and seas constitute the major part of the planet that supports life, drive the climate and hydrological cycle, and provide the vital resources to be used to ensure well-being for present and future generations and economic prosperity, to eradicate poverty, to ensure food security and to conserve marine biological diversity and its intrinsic value for maintaining the conditions that support life on earth. The Commission also reiterates the following general considerations:

(a) The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets out the overall legal framework within which all activities in this field must be considered;

(b) Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 remains the fundamental programme of action for achieving sustainable development in respect to oceans and seas;

(c) The Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21,5 adopted by the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session (especially its paragraph 36), identifies the needs for urgent action in respect to oceans and seas.

2. The Commission, taking into full account the different situations of various countries, calls upon Governments to strengthen national, regional and international action, as appropriate, to develop integrated approaches to oceans and coastal area management, and stresses that as in other areas, action should be taken on the basis of the principles set out in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.

II. Major challenges at the national, regional and global levels

3. Following the 1998 International Year of the Ocean, the Commission emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, within the framework of UNCLOS and Agenda 21, in ensuring that the oceans and seas remain sustainable through integrated management, and that while respecting the sovereignty, jurisdiction and sovereign rights of coastal States and recalling their rights and obligations in relation to the protection of the marine environment, all States can benefit from the sustainable use of the oceans and seas. The Commission further emphasizes the threats to these objectives from overexploitation of marine living resources, including through illegal, unregulated or unreported (IUU) fishing and unsustainable or uncontrolled distant water fishing, and from pollution. In this context, the Commission recommends that particular priority be given to:

(a) The conservation, integrated and sustainable management and sustainable use of marine living resources, including the ecosystems of which they are a part;

(b) The prevention of pollution and degradation of the marine environment from land-based and other activities;

(c) Better scientific understanding of the oceans and seas and their resources, of the effects of pollution, and of the interaction of the oceans and seas with the world climate system. This will be aimed at and facilitate proper assessment of the oceans and seas, improving understanding of socio-economic issues, especially the effects of pollution, developing better systems for the sustainable management and use of the resources of oceans and seas, and comprehending and responding to such events as the El Niño phenomenon and mitigating their impacts;

(d) Encouraging, at the national, regional and global levels, the steps necessary for an effective and coordinated implementation of the provisions of UNCLOS and Agenda 21, including institutional adjustments and improved coordination mechanisms for chapter 17 of Agenda 21, to support action at the national and regional levels in developing countries and those with economies in transition and the provision of, inter alia, financial and technical assistance for the transfer of appropriate environmentally sound technologies. In this context, the international community should promote, facilitate and finance, as appropriate, access to and transfer of environmentally sound technologies and the corresponding know-how, in particular to developing countries, on favourable terms, including concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed, taking into account the need to protect the intellectual property rights as well as the special needs of developing countries for the implementation of Agenda 21.

A. Capacity-building for action at the national level

4. In support of national action to implement the provisions of chapter 17 of Agenda 21, the Commission invites the United Nations system and Governments, both in their bilateral relationships and in the multilateral development and financial organizations in which they participate, to review their programmes to ensure that priority is given to initiate or further develop, within the context of national plans, programmes for building capacities relating to, inter alia, marine environment science, the administration of fisheries and shipping, the control of activities likely to pollute or degrade the marine and coastal environment, and cooperation and coordination with other States on marine environmental matters, including development of early warning systems so as to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, especially those resulting from inter-annual climatic variability, such as the El Niño phenomenon. In this regard, it is also important that Governments, the organizations of the United Nations system and donors coordinate their actions. For the purpose of capacity-building, regional and national partnership meetings involving major groups can make a significant contribution to these activities.

B. Capacity-building for action at the regional level

5. The Commission emphasizes the importance of cooperation, at the regional level, as appropriate, within the relevant legal framework for the conservation and integrated and sustainable management and use of regional seas. In this context, the Commission supports the need to strengthen the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) regional seas programme and to enhance cooperation with other regional seas and intergovernmental organizations in order to permit the sharing of experience, in line with the recent conclusions of the UNEP Governing Council at its twentieth session. The Commission invites organizations of the United Nations system to work with appropriate intergovernmental and regional organizations to facilitate the identification of appropriate technical solutions.

6. The Commission further invites the United Nations system and Governments, both in their bilateral relationships and in the multilateral development and financial organizations in which they participate, to review the priority given to building capacities needed to manage regional seas organizations, intergovernmental regional fisheries organizations and arrangements (RFOs) and regional monitoring systems.

C. International agreements

7. In order to achieve the goal of universal participation, the Commission recommends that all States that have not done so consider becoming Parties to UNCLOS and the agreement relating to the implementation of part XI of that Convention.

8. The Commission notes that although significant progress has been made in developing global and regional agreements and programmes of action related to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas, much more needs to be done to effectively implement these agreements and programmes. To promote this, the Commission invites relevant intergovernmental bodies to review, in accordance with their respective mandates, the status of international agreements and programmes of action in their areas of work, as well as obstacles to more effective implementation, and to propose possible actions that could be taken to promote wider acceptance and implementation.

III. Areas of particular concern

A. Marine resources

1. Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

9. The Commission notes that fisheries and aquaculture, when managed sustainably, can contribute significantly to global food security and income generation for both present and future generations, consistent with the Rome Declaration and Plan of Action adopted by the World Food Summit of 1996. The Commission urges the international community to support coastal and island developing States in the development of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

10. The Commission encourages all States, unless they have already done so, to consider becoming Parties to, or, as the case may be, applying the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas of 24 November 1993, the United Nations 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 of 4 August 1995, and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries of 31 October 1995, and emphasizes both the vital role of these instruments in safeguarding fish stocks and the need to implement them effectively.

11. In support of implementation of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the Commission welcomes the recent approval by the FAO Committee on Fisheries of:

(a) The International Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Long Line Fisheries;

(b) The International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks;

(c) The International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity.

The Commission in consequence urges the early formal adoption of these Plans of Action and their effective implementation.

12. The Commission notes that further attempts were made in the course of its discussions to resolve the other questions of subsidies related to fisheries but that no progress was made.                                                                              [ UP ]

13. The Commission further emphasizes the important role of RFOs in improving, where appropriate, the application of the principles contained in the instruments referred to in paragraphs 10 and 11 above. In so doing, these organizations should be urged to apply sound scientific knowledge of the fish stocks and to ensure, as appropriate, the involvement of major groups.

14. The Commission notes the need for RFOs to be strengthened and the need to ensure coverage by the RFO system of all fisheries which need to be managed in that way to ensure their sustainability.

15. To support this, the Commission invites regional fisheries organizations, including those operating under the aegis of FAO, to provide information to FAO on progress made and on problems faced in applying these principles and recommendations. Such information could be included in the reports of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly.

16. The Commission urges States to implement existing FAO technical recommendations to minimize waste, by-catch and discards. The Commission strongly supports further measures by States, in consultation with FAO and RFOs, as appropriate, on these issues. The Commission also invites FAO to develop an international action plan to eliminate destructive fishing practices, and urges States to enforce existing bans on such activities.

17. The Commission also emphasizes the importance of General Assembly resolution 53/33 of 24 November 1998, in which the Assembly urges all authorities of members of the international community to take greater enforcement responsibility to ensure full implementation of the global moratorium on all large-scale pelagic drift-net fishing on the high seas. The Commission further invites States to develop additional measures to ban this destructive fishing gear, including the confiscation and destruction of oversize nets.

18. The Commission supports the Rome Declaration adopted by the FAO Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries (Rome, 10 and 11 March 1999), under which FAO will give priority to its work to develop a global plan of action to deal effectively with any forms of IUU fishing. This should include dealing with the problem of those States which do not fulfil their responsibilities under international law as flag States with respect to their fishing vessels, in particular those which do not exercise effectively their jurisdiction and control over their vessels which may operate in a manner that contravenes or undermines the relevant rules of international law and international conservation and management measures. It will also require coordinated efforts by States, FAO, regional fisheries management bodies and other relevant international agencies, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as provided in article IV of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Commission further encourages IMO, in cooperation with FAO and the United Nations Secretariat, to consider the implications in relation to fishing vessels of the work requested in paragraph 35 (a) below.

19. The Commission discussed the question of schemes for improving the information available to consumers of fish but was unable to reach a consensus.

20. The Commission encourages States to develop environmentally sound and sustainable aquaculture in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and as called for in the Plan of Action of the World Food Summit. The Commission further calls upon FAO and Governments, in consultation with major groups, to achieve environmentally sound and sustainable aquaculture, ensuring that appropriate evaluations and assessments are undertaken.

2. Other marine living resources

21. The Commission endorses the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) call to action, its renewed call to action and its framework for action, and urges implementation of complementary actions by States, intergovernmental organizations and other bodies (in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity), non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The Commission also asks the United Nations system to provide information on progress in implementing ICRI objectives at the conclusion of the period of the current framework for action in 2003.

22. The Commission encourages States to establish and manage marine protected areas, along with other appropriate management tools, consistent with the provisions of UNCLOS and on a basis consistent with the programme of work under the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Jakarta Mandate in order to ensure the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable management and use of oceans.

23. The Commission calls upon RFOs and regional seas organizations to cooperate in more effective integration of sustainable fisheries management and environmental conservation measures.

24. The Commission notes the importance of protecting ecosystems and the need for further study of approaches in this context.

3. Marine non-living resources

25. The Commission urges support, upon the request of the State concerned, for national efforts to gain greater access to resource information and to develop appropriate policies to facilitate the exploration and exploitation, with the State's consent and in a manner consistent with the sustainability of marine living resources, of non-living marine resources within its exclusive economic zones, or to the outer limits of the continental shelf, wherever applicable.

B. Land-based activities

26. The Commission expresses its grave concern at the slow rate of progress in many aspects of the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities.6 In this context, the Commission welcomes the recent decision of the UNEP Governing Council on the implementation of the Programme of Action, especially the call for the Executive Director of UNEP to complete expeditiously the establishment of the Hague coordination office. The Commission emphasizes the importance of this implementation for the prevention of the pollution and degradation of the marine environment.

27. In line with the 1995 Washington Declaration on Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities,7 the Commission urges the following:

(a) That Governments, organizations of the United Nations system and donors cooperate to build capacities and mobilize resources for the development and implementation of national action programmes, in particular for developing countries and those with economies in transition. Partnership meetings, as described in paragraph 4 above, can make a contribution here;

(b) That national and international institutions and the private sector, bilateral donors and multilateral funding agencies accord priority to projects within national and regional programmes to implement the Programme of Action, and encourage the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support these projects;

(c) Completion of the establishment of the clearing house mechanism to provide decision makers in all States with direct access to relevant information, practical experience and scientific and technical expertise, and to facilitate effective scientific, technical and financial cooperation as well as capacity-building and the transfer of environmentally sound technology in the context described in paragraph 3 (d) above;

(d) Implementation of the Global Programme of Action by Governments and international organizations, as appropriate, will contribute to the strengthening of the UNEP regional seas programme, as called for in paragraph 5 above.

28. The Commission reiterates the appeal to the governing bodies of the relevant United Nations agencies and programmes to review their role in and contribution to the implementation of the Global Programme of Action within their respective mandates, as recommended by the General Assembly in its resolution 51/189. The Commission further invites those organizations to provide information on progress in this regard which could, inter alia, be included in the reports of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly.

29. The Commission also stresses:

(a) The benefits of preparing the necessary national and local programmes within a framework of integrated coastal area management;

(b) The value of further work by relevant international organizations, in conjunction with relevant regional seas organizations, in promoting such management;

(c) The importance of supporting initiatives at the regional level to develop agreements, arrangements or programmes of action on the protection of the marine environment from land-based activities.

30. The Commission welcomes the agreement by the recent UNEP Governing Council to explore the feasibility for UNEP to convene by 2000 a global conference to address sewage as a major land-based source of pollution affecting human and ecosystem health. In this context, the Commission encourages the establishment of links between this conference and both the first intergovernmental review of the Programme of Action, planned for 2001, and related intergovernmental conferences on the sustainable management of freshwater and oceans.                                                                                                   [ UP ]

31. The Commission welcomes the activities in progress under the aegis of UNEP to develop an international agreement on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and in this respect underlines the need to provide adequate expertise and resources for reducing their reliance on POPs, in the context mentioned in paragraph 3 (d) above, to developing countries, including through the development and production of viable and environmentally safe alternatives. The Commission encourages further international work on the reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of hazardous substances.

C. Marine science

32. The Commission emphasizes that scientific understanding of the marine environment, including marine living resources and the effects of pollution, is fundamental to sound decision-making. Among other aspects of the global environment, this applies to the interaction between atmospheric and oceanic systems such as experience with the 1997'1998 El Niño phenomenon. The Commission therefore:

(a) Regrets the lack of follow-up to its decision 4/15, reiterates those recommendations and welcomes the intention of IMO, working in partnership with other sponsoring organizations, to improve the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), and encourages them to undertake the actions recommended by the Commission in its decision 4/15. The Commission further recommends exploring the possibility of establishing a means for GESAMP to interact with scientific representatives of Governments and major groups;

(b) Invites the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to consider how the support available for building scientific capacities needed for interdisciplinary, sustainable and effective management of the marine environment in developing countries, particularly in the least developed countries and small island developing States, could be extended and focused more effectively. Recalling Commission decision 6/3 concerning the need for enhanced science communication processes, the Commission encourages a contribution from the forthcoming UNESCO World Science Congress on this question;

(c) Stresses the value both of the collection of reliable oceanographic data through such systems as the Global Ocean Observing System, including the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, and of periodic comprehensive scientific assessments of international waters, such as the Global International Waters Assessment, including assessments of the impact of physical and chemical changes on the health, distribution and productivity of living marine resources.

33. To improve the scientific knowledge of fish stocks, the Commission invites RFOs, within the framework of their competences, to cooperate with each other and consider strengthening catch surveillance, where applicable, as well as mechanisms for catch evaluation, using scientific peer review systems to improve the scientific quality of fish stock assessments, exchanging information on assessment techniques with each other and generally enhancing transparency. The Commission invites FAO to assist and support this process. The Commission also invites FAO to strengthen its global monitoring of fish stocks by increased coverage, more consistent methodologies and frequent updating of information, in close cooperation with States and RFOs, as appropriate.

34. The Commission notes the impact throughout the world of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), an example of the linkage between oceans and the atmosphere, and its environmental, social and economic consequences, particularly for developing countries. The Commission welcomes the intergovernmental expert meeting held at Guayaquil, Ecuador, in November 1998, the intergovernmental meeting to be held at Lima in September 1999, and the meeting on desertification and the El Niño phenomenon to be held at La Serena, Chile, in October 1999. The Commission:

(a) Requests the Secretary-General to gather information on all aspects of the impact of ENSO, through national reports on the implementation of Agenda 21, and to provide this information to the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on ENSO in order to contribute to the development of an internationally concerted and comprehensive strategy towards the assessment, prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation of the damage caused by ENSO, including that to coral reefs;

(b) Decides to consider at its eighth session the impacts of ENSO as part of its examination of the integrated planning and management of land resources;

(c) Registers the importance of including the ENSO issue in the next quinquennial comprehensive review of Agenda 21, and requests the Secretary-General to provide a comprehensive report on which decisions on including the ENSO issue could be based;

(d) Invites all intergovernmental agencies concerned with aspects of the oceans to consider, within their respective mandates, whether their programmes of work make sufficient allowance for considerations of the potential impact of increased climate variability, and to review through the various coordination arrangements what more needs to be done to ensure adequate understanding of the prediction and coastal and marine impacts of such phenomena as the El Niño phenomenon.

D. Other marine activities

35. The Commission:

(a) Invites IMO as a matter of urgency to develop measures, in binding form where IMO members consider it appropriate, to ensure that ships of all flag States meet international rules and standards so as to give full and complete effect to UNCLOS, especially article 91 (Nationality of ships), as well as provisions of other relevant conventions. In this context, the Commission emphasizes the importance of further development of effective port State control;

(b) Urges that the export of wastes and other matter for the purpose of dumping at sea be stopped; the Commission further recommends that States be encouraged to become Parties to and implement the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter of 1972;

(c) Repeats its goal in paragraph 29 of its decision 4/15 for States that have not yet done so to become Parties to and implement the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989);

(d) Discussed further the question of the right of States to prohibit the transboundary movement of hazardous and radioactive wastes and materials within their jurisdictions consistent with international law. It noted that some delegations urged the continuation of efforts to ensure that transboundary movements of such materials be undertaken in a safe and secure manner, and that these delegations indicated support for the call for States that have not done so to become Parties to and implement the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management and to consider making the Irradiated Nuclear Fuel (INF) Code a mandatory instrument. However, the Commission was not able to reach a consensus on these proposals;

(e) Recommends that the international community be encouraged to cooperate fully in the various efforts in accordance with relevant international agreements, such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), to assist in the prevention of the spread of harmful aquatic organisms through ships ballast water;

(f) Recommends that the programme for the development within the framework of IMO of controls on harmful anti-fouling paints used on ships be carried out in accordance with the timetable foreseen, underlining the need to provide adequate expertise and resources to developing countries in the context mentioned in paragraph 3 (d) above;                                                                          [ UP ]

(g) Welcomes the activities in the International Seabed Authority on a draft mining code, including the aspect of marine environmental protection;

(h) Notes that the scrapping of ships presents an issue of concern with regard to the pollution of the environment, and therefore calls on IMO to look into this issue and encourages States to ensure that responsible care is applied with regard to the disposal of decommissioned ships, taking into account the need to provide adequate expertise and resources to developing countries in the context mentioned in paragraph 3 (d) above;

(i) Recommends that States consider ratifying, accepting or approving annex VI to the MARPOL Convention on the control of air pollution from shipping;

(j) Recommends that in order to reduce the environmental risks and potential damages associated with maritime transport, in particular when transiting areas are environmentally sensitive, States fully implement the IMO regulation for the prevention of collisions at sea.

36. The Commission, taking into account its decision 4/15 and noting the outcome of the international expert meeting on environmental practices in offshore oil and gas activities, sponsored by Brazil and the Netherlands and held at Noordwijk, the Netherlands, in 1997, recommends:

(a) That the primary focus of action on the environmental aspects of offshore oil and gas operations continue to be at the national, subregional and regional levels;

(b) In support of such action, there is a need to share information on the development and application of satisfactory environmental management systems, aimed at achieving national, subregional and regional environmental goals;

(c) To promote the sharing of that information, to raise awareness and to provide early warning of off-shore oil and gas activities and projects posing potential threats to the marine environment, further initiatives should be undertaken, involving Governments, international organizations, operators and major groups.

E. International coordination and cooperation

37. The Commission urges relevant institutions, whether national, regional or global, to enhance collaboration with each other, taking into account their respective mandates, with a view to promoting coordinated approaches, avoiding duplication of effort, enhancing effective functioning of existing organizations, and ensuring better access to information and broadening its dissemination.

38. The Commission also notes that oceans and seas present a special case as regards the need for international coordination and cooperation. The Commission is therefore convinced that, building on existing arrangements, a more integrated approach is required to all legal, economic, social and environmental aspects of the oceans and seas, both at intergovernmental and inter-agency levels. To achieve this goal, the Commission:

(a) Invites the Secretary-General to undertake measures aimed at ensuring more effective collaboration between relevant parts of the United Nations Secretariat in order to ensure better coordination of United Nations work on oceans and seas;

(b) Further requests the Secretary-General to complement his annual reports to the General Assembly with suggestions on initiatives that could be undertaken in order to improve coordination and achieve better integration, and to submit these reports well in advance of the debate in the Assembly;

(c) Invites the Secretary-General, working in cooperation with the executive heads of relevant organizations of the United Nations system, to undertake measures aimed at improving the effectiveness of the work of the ACC Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas, including through making the work of the Subcommittee more transparent and responsive to member States, for example by organizing regular briefings on Subcommittee activities;

(d) Recommends that the General Assembly, bearing in mind the importance of utilizing the existing framework to the maximum extent possible, consider ways and means of enhancing the effectiveness of its annual debate on oceans and the law of the sea.

39. In order to promote improved cooperation and coordination on oceans and seas, in particular in the context of paragraph 38 (d) above, the Commission recommends that the General Assembly establish an open-ended informal consultative process, or other processes which it may decide, under the aegis of the General Assembly, with the sole function of facilitating the effective and constructive consideration of matters within the General Assembly's existing mandate (contained in General Assembly resolution 49/28 of 1994), on the basis set out below.

1. Principles

40. Because of the complex and interrelated nature of the oceans, oceans and seas present a special case as regards the need for international coordination and cooperation:

1. The General Assembly is the appropriate body to provide the coordination that is needed to ensure that an integrated approach is taken to all aspects of oceans issues, at both the intergovernmental and inter-agency levels.

2. This exercise should be carried out in full accordance with UNCLOS, taking into account the agreements reached at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), particularly chapter 17 of Agenda 21. It should also take into account the inputs provided by the Commission on Sustainable Development and other United Nations bodies.

3. To accomplish this goal, the General Assembly needs to give more time for the consideration and the discussion of the Secretary-General's report on oceans and the law of the sea and for the preparation for the debate on this item in the plenary.

4. The creation of new institutions should be avoided. The General Assembly should work to strengthen the existing structures and mandates within the United Nations system. This exercise should not lead to the duplication and overlapping of current negotiations and particular debates taking place in specialized forums.

5. The role of the General Assembly is to promote coordination of policies and programmes. It is not intended that the General Assembly should pursue legal or juridical coordination among the different legal instruments. In fulfilling its coordination function, the Assembly should bear in mind the differing characteristics and needs of the different regions of the world.

6. Participation in this exercise by Member States and observers should be as broad as possible.

7. This exercise should be carried out within the annual budgetary resources of the Secretariat.

2. Practicalities                                                                                            [ UP ]

41. The informal consultative process referred to above or other processes which the General Assembly may decide would deliberate on the basis of the Secretary-General's report on oceans and the law of the sea. Its role would be to promote a comprehensive discussion of that report and to identify particular emerging issues that would need to be considered by the General Assembly. A general focus should be on identifying areas where coordination and cooperation at the intergovernmental and inter-agency levels should be enhanced. The informal consultative process would provide elements for the consideration of the General Assembly and for possible inclusion in the Assembly's resolutions under the item "Oceans and the law of the sea".

42. The informal consultative process should also take into account the recommendations made by the Commission on Sustainable Development to the General Assembly (through the Economic and Social Council).

43. The informal consultative process would take place each year for a week, and would promote the participation of the different governmental agencies involved in oceans and marine issues. It would be most important to ensure appropriate input from representatives of major groups, and it is suggested that this may be best achieved by organizing discussion panels.

44. The General Assembly should consider the optimum timing for the informal consultative process, taking into account, inter alia, the desirability of facilitating the attendance of experts from capitals and the needs of small delegations.

45. The General Assembly would review the effectiveness and utility of the process no later than four years after its establishment.

Annex

Co-Chairmen's summary of discussions on oceans and seas held by the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, at its meeting from 1 to 5 March 1999

I. Introduction

1. The debate on oceans and seas was based on the report of the Secretary-General on oceans and seas8 in the context of chapter 17 of Agenda 21. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provided the overall legal framework, while Agenda 21 provided the policy framework of the discussions under this theme. The 1998 International Year of the Oceans helped to raise international awareness of the issues.

2. Many delegations pointed out that the seventh session of the Commission should build upon the results and goals so far achieved. It was noted that particular attention should be paid to Commission decision 4/15 and paragraph 36 of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, adopted by the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session.

3. The main starting points of the discussions included the recognition of the right of countries to manage and exploit sustainably their marine resources and of the need to enhance their capacities in this regard, as well as of the need to conserve actively marine ecosystem functions, species and habitats. Many delegations noted that marine resources constitute a critical source of food security as well as the livelihood for many coastal and island developing States. Sustainable management of oceans and seas, as well as of adjacent coastal areas, has important economic and social implications, particularly related to the issue of poverty reduction.

4. Many delegations from developing and developed countries and countries with economies in transition shared information on their policies, strategies and activities in their countries in protecting and managing oceans and their living resources. Recent meetings that provided useful contributions or have direct relevance to the debate were mentioned, including an international expert meeting on environmental practices in offshore oil and gas activities, co-sponsored by Brazil and the Netherlands and held at Noordwijk, the Netherlands, in 1997; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation oceans conference held in Hawaii in October 1998; an intergovernmental meeting of experts on El Niño held at Guayaquil, Ecuador, in November 1998; an international tropical marine ecosystems management symposium held at Townsville, Australia, in November 1998; a conference on cooperation for the development and protection of the coastal and marine environment in sub-Saharan Africa, sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea, UNEP and the South African Government, held at Cape Town in December 1998; and the Second London Oceans Workshop, sponsored by Brazil and the United Kingdom in December 1998. Also mentioned were the work of the Independent World Commission on Oceans and the fourth session of the ongoing multilateral high-level consultations on highly migratory fish stocks in the Central and Western Pacific, held in Hawaii in February 1999.

II. Major challenges at the national, regional and international levels

5. Main priority issues raised by the Working Group related to the following: (a) the conservation and management of marine living resources, including sustainable fisheries; (b) the prevention of the pollution and degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities; (c) the scientific understanding of the way in which the oceans and seas interact with the world climate system; and (d) enhancing international cooperation and coordination.

A. Capacity-building for action at the national and regional levels

6. Many delegations noted that capacity-building was central to all actions to deal with issues related to oceans and seas. They emphasized the need to build capacities at both the national and regional levels to deliver actions in an integrated and holistic manner. Improving scientific assessments of oceans was essential in this regard, building on the work and experience of scientists from all countries and relevant organizations.

7. Many delegations stressed the need for financial resources and technology transfer in achieving goals agreed in chapter 17 of Agenda 21.

8. Many delegations stressed the importance of taking practical steps at the regional level, and thus the need for enhancing regional collaboration on the marine environment, particularly through the UNEP regional seas programme and the corresponding agreements in other regions to integrate marine environment policies among States. The need to revitalize the regional seas programme was emphasized in this regard. A mention was also made that regional fisheries management organizations and regional seas environmental protection organizations should be called on to cooperate in the development of integrated fisheries management and environmental protection, conservation and management, based on an ecosystem approach. Some delegations emphasized the creation or strengthening of networks at the regional level to exchange and disseminate scientific information related to oceans.

B. International agreements

9. Several delegations called for urgent ratification and full implementation of such international agreements as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the United Nations fish stocks agreement and the FAO compliance agreement, the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter and its 1996 Protocol, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78). Also underlined was the importance of implementing the FAO international plans of action for the management of fishing capacity, shark fisheries, and incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries, and applying the FAO code of conduct for responsible fisheries. These were recommended to be fully taken into account in formulating and adopting national action plans.

III. Areas of concern                                                                             [ UP ]

A. Marine living resources

10. Many delegations noted that different fishing patterns have different impacts on the world's regional fish stocks (examples given included commercial practices versus subsistence fishing in developing countries, and long distance fisheries versus coastal fisheries). The growing problem was mentioned, for example, of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, particularly by vessels, often flying flags of convenience, that encroach on the fisheries resources of coastal and island developing States as well as of the high seas. Many delegations identified the urgent need to eradicate such practices, which often lead to a significant loss of revenue and resources of those countries and affect small-scale subsistence fisheries. They called for the enhancement of the surveillance and control capacities of coastal and island developing States. Assistance was also needed for those countries to control distant fishing fleets operating under access agreements. The need for support for further work on the technical aspects of this issue was mentioned in this regard. Some delegations noted that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices might be best dealt with in appropriate regional fisheries management bodies.

11. Many delegations mentioned the urgent need for measures and actions to reduce and eliminate wasteful fishing practices. In this regard, they called for the bringing into force and the implementation of the FAO compliance agreement and the international plans of action for the management of fishing capacity, shark fisheries, and incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries, adopted by the FAO Committee on Fisheries in February 1999, and intended to bring fishing capacity worldwide to an optimum level and to conserve and manage shark fisheries and seabird populations. In addition, some delegations urged the adoption of bycatch reduction plans at the national, regional and global levels to minimize bycatch, and to the extent that bycatch cannot be avoided, to minimize bycatch mortality. Such plans should include restrictions on indiscriminate or harmful fishing gear and practices that contribute to elevated bycatch or marine habitat degradation.

12. Many delegations linked calls to reduce global fishing capacity with the evaluation of possible negative impact of subsidies, and the reduction and progressive elimination of subsidies and other economic and fiscal incentives that in their view directly or indirectly promote overcapitalization. Many other delegations felt that this was particularly applicable to industrialized fleets. A view was expressed, however, that in a situation where there is a system for licensing fishing vessels and the number of vessels is controlled, there were no grounds for the claim that subsidies constituted a cause of excessive fishing.

13. Some delegations touched on the need for consumers to be better informed, including through market incentives, such as eco-labelling of fish and fish products. Other delegations cautioned that in ongoing discussions regarding eco-labelling, potential negative impacts of these measures on market access should be properly taken into account. Other delegations suggested that this matter should be left to be dealt with at the national level. Many delegations stated that the concept of eco-labelling and related issues are still under consideration at the Committee on Trade and Environment of the World Trade Organization; in any case, such measures should not constitute barriers to trade. Some other delegations referred to the work of FAO in this respect.

14. Many delegations mentioned that many countries need assistance in sound scientific observation of their fish stocks. A suggestion was made for regional fisheries cooperation, in particular through regional scientific peer review of information on the state of fish stocks and catches.

B. Land-based activities

15. There was a general agreement that some progress has been achieved with the adoption of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities but that urgent attention was needed for its effective implementation at the regional and national levels. Some delegations stressed the importance of resuscitating UNEP's catalytic role in the development of a clearinghouse mechanism which would promote action at the national and regional levels.

16. Many delegations emphasized the lack of financial resources as the major obstacle in achieving the objectives of the Programme of Action. Unless assistance was provided, in particular to developing countries, it would be difficult for them to implement the Programme of Action.

17. Some delegations referred to the identification of steps to address sewage problems as among the most important challenges. Also noted was the necessary link between Commission work related to sewage aspects of freshwater and the Programme of Action.

C. Marine science and climate change

18. Several delegations referred to the El Niño/La Niña phenomena as having global repercussions. Long-term strategy to tackle these phenomena was needed, in particular to improve monitoring and prediction of climate variability, develop early warning systems at the regional levels, and build capacity at the regional and national levels in these areas, as well as in the prevention of natural disasters.

19. Several delegations noted that the recent El Niño phenomena had caused extensive damage to vulnerable populations in several countries, their natural resources and their livestock. In this connection, many delegations referred to a series of intergovernmental conferences on the 1997'1998 El Niño within the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction framework and in pursuance of General Assembly resolution 52/200, including the intergovernmental meeting of experts on El Niño held at Guayaquil, Ecuador, in November 1998. The objectives of these conferences were to improve the scientific understanding of and the ability to predict the environmental and societal impacts of the phenomena, and to define improved operational and institutional approaches to reducing damage from future occurrences.

20. Several countries indicated the need to improve scientific understanding of the role of oceans in modifying climatic extremes, such as El Niño, through an extended network of monitoring stations under the Global Ocean Observation System and other international programmes.

21. Some delegations noted that oceanographic observation was of growing importance in assessing the degree of climate change and other developments in the global environment. They called for the cooperation of the relevant authorities to advance such work. D. Other marine pollution

22. Some delegations valued the contribution made by the Noordwijk expert meeting on environmental practices in offshore oil and gas activities, the holding of which was welcomed by the Commission at its fourth session.

23. A mention was made of the importance of reaching an early agreement in IMO on hazardous substances in anti-fouling paints and the spread of harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water, and in the International Seabed Authority on environmental standards for seabed prospecting and, eventually, for mining. Some delegations supported further consideration within IMO of ways to control air pollution from shipping and mandatory ship reporting systems.

24. Many delegations emphasized the importance of reaching early agreement, under the aegis of UNEP, on persistent organic pollutants.

25. Some delegations expressed continued support for improving the operation of GESAMP, while noting at the same time that regional approaches were most practical for improving access to sound scientific understanding. It was also noted that such an improved GESAMP should provide transparency, accountability and consultation.

E. Coral reefs and marine protected areas

26. Some delegations proposed the development of a global representative system of marine protected areas within and across national jurisdictions. A note of caution was voiced for applying the concept of marine protected areas on the high seas without any agreement on their sustainable use. It was recommended to focus on coastal areas and on encouraging every State concerned to exercise its national jurisdictions. It was also emphasized that further work in this area should be in line with the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 adopted by the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session.

27. Referring to the ICRI international tropical marine ecosystems management symposium held at Townsville, Australia, in November 1998, many delegations welcomed the renewed call to action by ICRI, and requested the Commission to reaffirm the importance of ICRI with a view to achieving its principal goals.

IV. International coordination and cooperation                                        [ UP ]

28. There was general agreement that coordination within and among Governments as well as among bodies within the United Nations system was vital and could be improved. The meeting welcomed the acknowledgment in paragraph 52 of the report of the Secretary-General on oceans and seas of the case for reviewing the working of the ACC Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas with a view to improving its effectiveness in coordination.

29. Some delegations drew attention to the need for greater synergy and better integration of oceans affairs within the United Nations system. It was mentioned that the annual debate on oceans and the law of the sea needs to be more transparent, more systematic, more responsive and better prepared. It was further mentioned that the Commission has a role to play in relation to oceans in preparing for the next review of the implementation of Agenda 21. The involvement of non-governmental actors was also underlined by some delegations.

30. Many delegations argued for the need for improved coordination at the intergovernmental level for achieving a holistic approach for global action on oceans. In this regard, some delegations mentioned specific proposals, some of which were presented in written form.9 Other proposals may emerge. Other delegations, however, cautioned against the establishment of a new institution before the problems and gaps in existing arrangements had been identified. They stressed instead the need for streamlining and reinforcing existing mechanisms.

31. Some delegations pointed out that further discussions would be needed to examine the purpose, format, timing, duration, frequency and reallocation of available funds, consistent with the relevant rules and regulations of the United Nations, when considering new organizational arrangements. Some other delegations pointed out that it is essential to identify problems in the existing international arrangements, and that if improved coordination is desirable in certain areas, attempts should first be made to make better use of the existing framework of relevant conventions and organizations.

Decision 7/2. Changing consumption and production patterns             [ UP ]

1. The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Reaffirms the basis for action as called for in chapter 4 of Agenda 21;

(b) Bears in mind the statement of commitment adopted by the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session on 27 June 1997;

(c) Takes fully into account that States have common but differentiated responsibilities, as set forth in principle 7 of the Rio Declaration, and different levels of development as well as national conditions and priorities;

(d) Reaffirms the objectives and policy measures elaborated in chapters 33 and 34 of Agenda 21 in relation to financing and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies;

(e) Recognizes that the implementation of sustainable consumption and production approaches suited to country-specific conditions can lead to reduced costs and improved competitiveness as well as reduced environmental impacts.

2. The Commission decides on the measures set out below.

3. The principal goals of changing consumption and production patterns should be pursued by all countries, with the developed countries taking the lead, in full accordance with Agenda 21 and paragraph 28 of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, taking into account the situation of developing countries adversely affected by the process, while ensuring that all countries benefit from the process. Governments face a collective challenge that requires reaffirmed commitments, strengthened cooperation and greater efforts towards concrete action, taking into account that States have common but differentiated responsibilities in accordance with principle 7 of the Rio Declaration. Governments, relevant international organizations, the private sector and all other major groups as defined by Agenda 21 have a role to play in changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns and need to take action to this end. Special attention should be paid to unsustainable consumption patterns among the richer segments in all countries, in particular in developed countries.

4. Developed countries should continue to take the lead in efforts to reverse unsustainable trends in consumption and production, especially those that threaten the global environment. Developing countries' priorities are to eradicate poverty, with international support for achieving poverty reduction targets as agreed in United Nations conferences and summits, and improve standards of living, including meeting basic needs and lessening the burden of external debt, while taking all possible steps to avoid environmental damage and social inequity, for the furtherance of sustainable development. Countries with economies in transition face the challenge of integrating policies to make consumption and production patterns more sustainable into the reform process, for which international support is also needed. Developed countries should therefore fulfil the commitments undertaken to reach the accepted United Nations target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product as soon as possible. This will require a reversal in the current downward trend of overall official development assistance (ODA) as a percentage of gross national product (GNP). Governments should ensure that the basic needs of the people are met.

Priorities for future work

5. The Commission on Sustainable Development reaffirms that poverty eradication and changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns remain the overriding issues of the Commissions's work programme. These two issues are to be integrated, as appropriate, into the future themes of the work programme, in particular highlighting the linkages with agriculture, financial resources, trade and investment in 2000, and energy and transport in 2001. In this regard, consideration should be given to developments in other relevant international organizations and intergovernmental bodies. The two overriding issues should also be given due regard at the comprehensive review at the Commission's tenth session in 2002 in preparation for the 10-year review of progress made since UNCED.

6. Activities under the Commission's international work programme on sustainable consumption and production patterns, adopted at its third session in 1995, should continue. In addition, the implementation of the international work programme will incorporate the following four priority areas: (a) effective policy development and implementation; (b) natural resource management and cleaner production; (c) globalization and its impacts on consumption and production patterns; and (d) urbanization and its impacts on consumption and production patterns. Progress on work and concrete results will be reported to the Commission at its tenth session, in 2002.

Effective policy development and implementation

7. Governments, in cooperation with relevant international organizations and in partnership with major groups, should:

(a) Further develop and implement policies for promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, including affordable, more eco-efficient consumption and production, through disincentives for unsustainable practices and incentives for more sustainable practices. A policy mix for this purpose could include regulations, economic and social instruments, procurement policies and voluntary agreements and initiatives to be applied in the light of country-specific conditions;

(b) In order to achieve sustainable consumption and production, promote measures to internalize environmental costs and benefits in the price of goods and services, while seeking to avoid potential negative effects for market access by developing countries, particularly with a view to encouraging the use of environmentally preferable products and commodities. Governments should consider shifting the burden of taxation onto unsustainable patterns of production and consumption; it is of vital importance to achieve such an internalization of environmental costs. Such tax reforms should include a socially responsible process of reduction and elimination of subsidies to environmentally harmful activities;

(c) Work to increase understanding of the role of advertising and mass media and marketing forces in shaping consumption and production patterns, and enhance their role in promoting sustainable development, inter alia, through voluntary initiatives and agreed guidelines;

(d) Develop and implement public awareness programmes with a focus on consumer education and access to information, in particular addressing youth, through, inter alia, integrating the issue of sustainable consumption and production into teaching curricula at all levels, as appropriate, and taking into account gender perspectives and the special concerns of older people;

(e) Improve the quality of information regarding the environmental impact of products and services, and to that end encourage the voluntary and transparent use of eco-labelling;

(f) Further develop, test and improve the preliminary set of indicators for sustainable consumption and production developed under the Commission's work programme, focusing on the practical use of the indicators for policy development, taking into account the special needs and conditions of developing countries;

(g) Ensure that implementation of measures for the above do not result in disguised barriers to trade;

(h) Ensure that implementation of measures for the above take fully into account the ongoing deliberations in relevant international forums.

8. Developed countries should promote and facilitate the transfer of technical know-how, environmentally sound technologies and capacity-building for implementation to developing countries, in accordance with chapter 34 of Agenda 21, and also to countries with economies in transition so as to foster more sustainable consumption and production patterns. Furthermore, private-sector involvement should also be encouraged and promoted.

Natural resource management and cleaner production

9. Governments, in cooperation with relevant international organizations and in partnership with major groups, should:

(a) Develop and apply policies to promote public and private investments in cleaner production and the sustainable use of natural resources, including the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries, in accordance with chapter 34 of Agenda 21, and also to countries with economies in transition;                                                                                            [ UP ]

(b) Collect and disseminate cost-effective best practice experiences in cleaner production and environmental management;

(c) Undertake further analysis of the costs and benefits of demand-side management, and where there is still insufficient information, of supply-side management, including cleaner production and eco-efficiency, and assess the positive and negative impacts on developing and developed countries and countries with economies in transition;

(d) Further develop and implement, as appropriate, cleaner production and eco-efficiency policy approaches, through, inter alia, environmental management systems, integrated product policies, life-cycle management, labelling schemes and performance reporting, and in this context, taking fully into account the national circumstances and needs of the developing countries as well as the relevant ongoing deliberations of the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade and the Committee on Trade and Environment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Best practices and results should be shared within the wider community and used for capacity-building, in particular in small and medium-sized enterprises, including in developing countries and countries with economies in transition;

(e) Engage industries and economic sectors, in both public and private sectors, and all other major groups at the national and international levels, as appropriate, in activities relating to sustainable consumption and production with the objective of developing optimal strategies and/or programmes, including targets and timetables, at the appropriate levels for more sustainable consumption and production, including cleaner production and affordable eco-efficiency.

10. The United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization should, inter alia, through their cleaner production centres, enhance their support to enterprises, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, especially in the areas of auditing and certification, loan applications and financing, and the marketing of their products on international markets as well as dissemination of information on environmentally sound technology and technical know-how.

11. Recognizing that the implementation of cleaner production and eco-efficiency approaches can lead to reduced costs and improved competitiveness, as well as reduced environmental impacts, business and industry should be encouraged to implement these approaches as a contribution to the achievement of sustainable production.

Globalization and its impacts on consumption and production patterns

12. Governments, in cooperation with relevant international organizations and in partnership with major groups, should:

(a) Undertake studies of the impacts of globalization, including both positive and negative impacts of trade, investment, mass media, advertising and marketing in all countries, in particular developing countries. The studies should examine ways and means to mitigate negative impacts and use opportunities to promote more sustainable consumption and production patterns and open and non-discriminatory trade;

(b) Undertake studies on the role of the financial sector in promoting sustainable consumption and production, and further encourage voluntary initiatives suited to national conditions for sustainable development by that sector;

(c) Increase their efforts to make policies on trade and policies on environment, including those on sustainable consumption and production, mutually supportive, without creating disguised barriers to trade;

(d) Study the benefits of traditional values and local cultures in promoting sustainable consumption.

Urbanization and its impacts on consumption and production patterns

13. Governments, in cooperation with relevant international organizations and in partnership with major groups, while particularly taking into account the work of the Commission on Human Settlements, should:

(a) Assess and address, in the context of sustainable development, the impacts of urbanization, in particular those related to energy, transport, sanitation, waste management and public health;

(b) Increase efforts to address the critical issues of fresh water and sanitation in human settlements in developing countries through, inter alia, the transfer of environmentally sound technologies and the provision of financial resources for implementation, as elaborated in Agenda 21, as a priority of the international agenda on sustainable consumption and production;

(c) Assess and address the impacts of urbanization on economic, environmental and social conditions. In-depth studies on the key determining factors of quality of life should be undertaken and used to strengthen appropriate human settlement development strategies suited to national conditions, in the context of urbanization.

14. Governments at all levels are encouraged to incorporate sustainable consumption and production policies in city planning and management, and to report to the review exercise to be conducted at the tenth session of the Commission.

15. Governments at all levels, the private sector and other major groups as defined in Agenda 21 are urged to cooperate in developing waste collection systems and disposal facilities, and developing programmes for prevention, minimization and recycling of waste, to safeguard and improve the quality of life in human settlements and coastal regions in all countries, especially in developing countries. Dissemination of positive results of the implementation of various policy instruments suitable to the national conditions and needs of developing countries can facilitate the wider application of such policies.

Annex

Co-Chairmen's summary of the discussions on consumption and production patterns held by the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism at its meeting from 22 to 26 February 1999

Introduction

1. The debate on changing consumption and production patterns was based on the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Comprehensive review of changing consumption and production patterns",10 in the context of chapter 4 of Agenda 21 and paragraph 28 of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21.11

2. Many delegations from developing and developed countries and countries with economies in transition described activities in their countries promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. Recent meetings that provided useful contributions to the debate were mentioned, including a workshop at Kabelvåg, Norway, on the theme "Consumption in a sustainable world", hosted by Norway in June 1998, and a conference on the theme "Sustainable consumption patterns: trends and traditions in East Asia", hosted by the Republic of Korea in January 1999, in cooperation with the United Nations Division for Sustainable Development, and co-sponsored by Sweden and Norway. A number of delegations welcomed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report, 1998,12 with its focus on consumption and human development, as a contribution to the debate.

General considerations                                                                         [ UP ]

3. Many delegations stated that unsustainable consumption and production patterns include both adverse environmental impacts arising from the excess consumption of natural resources, particularly in the developed countries, and unemployment, poverty and underconsumption of basic goods and services, particularly in developing countries. They felt it would be useful to have a coordinated programme of national and regional studies concerning destructive patterns of consumption and production, notably in the areas of energy use, transport of waste products and use of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, to assess their sustainability. It was also considered important to ensure a sustainable development agenda for energy that would cover all types of energy and address economic, social and environmental aspects.

4. Many countries stated that achieving sustainable development required a transition to sustainable patterns of production and consumption, particularly in industrialized countries. It was noted that Governments face a collective challenge to strengthen cooperation and make greater efforts towards concrete action, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

5. Many delegations stated that the biggest challenge for industrialized countries was to minimize the negative effects of consumption and production and to assist developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their efforts. Industrialized countries must therefore continue to take the lead in finding ways to change unsustainable consumption and production patterns.

6. Many delegations felt that the work programme on changing consumption and production patterns as adopted by the Commission at its third session should be implemented and further developed.

7. Many delegations emphasized that consumption and production patterns, together with poverty, are overriding issues for the Commission for the period 1998-2002. The need to change consumption and production patterns towards sustainable development should therefore be addressed in the context of the themes for each session of the Commission, in particular with respect to agriculture in 2000 and energy and transport in 2001.

8. Many delegations stated that changing consumption and production patterns to ensure sustainability should not imply reductions in the quality of life or living standards and should ensure that the basic needs of all people are met.

9. Some delegations noted that increases in consumption in recent decades have improved the welfare of large numbers of people in the world. However, there are enormous, and in many cases widening, disparities in consumption between and within countries. Increased consumption has also, in many cases, resulted in the undermining of the sustainability of development through environmental degradation and resource depletion. The most severe environmental impacts are being felt in the poorest regions of the world.

10. Many delegations stated that Governments should ensure minimum standards of consumption for poor people, with particular attention to nutrition, literacy and education, health care, clean drinking water, sanitation and shelter. Improving opportunities for productive employment, particularly in rural areas of developing countries, could contribute to this objective. It was noted that rural communities in developing countries where access to electricity was prohibitively expensive could be supplied with solar energy, thus improving living standards and environmental conditions.

11. One delegation noted that its country had increased consumption in recent decades while reducing pollution through measures such as increased energy and resource efficiency, increased reuse and recycling, increased durability of goods, and improved management of chemicals and waste. Nonetheless, it noted that much more needed to be done to promote environmentally sound and sustainable consumption and production practices.

12. Another delegation noted that unsustainable consumption and production patterns, particularly in developed countries, have produced global environmental degradation, including depletion of fish stocks, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, ozone depletion and the steady accumulation of greenhouse gases.

13. Some delegations stated that a variety of policy instruments should be used to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, including regulations, economic incentives, ecological tax reform, information and education. It was noted that further work was needed on assessing the effectiveness of policy instruments in providing economic, environmental and social benefits. Further study was also needed to assess the benefits and costs of phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and introducing environmental taxes and charges more widely, with measures to assist vulnerable groups and enterprises that may be adversely affected. It was proposed that the role of the financial services sector in facilitating environmentally and socially responsible investments deserved further study and analysis.

14. Some delegations stated that development of indicators to measure changes in consumption and production patterns was important for identifying areas where action is needed and assessing the effectiveness of policy measures. It was also stated that, in developing such indicators, consideration must be given to the situation of developing countries, in particular to the satisfaction of basic needs, information availability and accessible methodologies.

15. One delegation stated that information dissemination measures were sometimes insufficient and that a shift to "social system" measures was required.

16. Some delegations stated that Governments should ensure cleaner production and eco-efficiency in their own operations and procurement, and introduce environmental management systems. It was noted that the 1996 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Council Recommendation on Improving the Environmental Performance of Governments and the Recommendation on Improving the Environmental Performance of OECD were important contributions to this objective.

17. Some delegations noted that sustainable production and consumption, particularly with respect to fossil fuel consumption and its links to climate change and sea-level rise, were of particular concern to small island developing States. Other delegations were of the view that fossil fuel consumption was not the conclusive cause of climate change.

18. Some delegations stated that further efforts were needed to improve access to international markets for products from least developed countries in order to promote sustainable consumption and production in those countries.

19. One delegation stated that work in the area of computer modelling of consumption and production trends should reflect specific consumption and production trends at subregional and national levels. Such computer models should be used to examine the possible impacts of changes in policy.

20. Many delegations stated that progress towards more sustainable consumption and production, and towards the implementation of the Commission's work programme, would require cooperation among Governments, business and industry, non-governmental organizations and international organizations. Public-private partnerships should be promoted towards this objective.

21. In addition to continuing work on the existing work programme, delegations proposed new priorities and new areas of work as described below.

Natural resource management and cleaner production

22. Many delegations stated that developed countries should encourage the establishment of best practices in cleaner production and environmental management. Developed countries and international organizations should make further efforts towards capacity-building and technology transfer to industrial sectors in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

23. Many delegations stated that increased efforts were needed to promote and facilitate the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, in combination with financial resources, to developing countries and countries with economies in transition and provide them with technical assistance in support of their national capacity-building programmes. They looked forward to developed countries' meeting their commitments to ODA, leading to more tangible and visible results.

24. Some delegations stated that cleaner production and eco-efficiency, based on improved skills, technologies and efficient use of energy and resources, were essential to sustainable development in both developed and developing countries. In many cases, it was noted, cleaner production provided large economic benefits as well as environmental benefits. It was also noted, however, that these efficiency improvements have generally been outweighed by increased volumes of production and consumption.                                                                                    [ UP ]

25. Some delegations supported the idea of developing national cleaner production and eco-efficiency strategies and setting targets for eco-efficiency adapted to particular sectors, products and processes. Governments, in partnership with industry, should develop and implement comprehensive policy packages including cleaner production, eco-efficiency, life-cycle management, product stewardship and pollution prevention. The development and application of integrated product policies was seen as a useful approach to this objective.

26. Many delegations stated that Governments should encourage business and industry to adopt environmental management systems and to publish information on the environmental impacts of their activities. Where possible, they should be encouraged to provide information on the environmental impacts of their goods and services, including the impacts of distribution, use and disposal, as well as production processes.

27. Some delegations stated that business and industry could make important contributions to making consumption and production more sustainable by developing and adopting cleaner production technologies, environmental best practices, environmental management systems, codes of conduct, voluntary guidelines and negotiated agreements. Governments should promote dialogue and partnership with business and industry towards this objective.

28. Some delegations stated that increased research and investment are required to develop more sustainable use of key resources in such areas as energy, transport and water, with a view to improving access for poor people and conserving resources. It was noted that some Governments were providing financial support for science and technology for sustainability in such areas as energy and agriculture, and for incentives for consumers to improve energy efficiency in homes and transportation.

29. Some delegations stated that regulations and economic incentives, including progressive internalization of environmental costs, should be used to promote cleaner production and eco-efficiency. Many small and medium-sized enterprises would need support from government and other members of industry in meeting those objectives.

30. Many delegations were of the view that economic instruments and the internalization of environmental costs might constitute a trade restriction and be counter-productive, specifically in regard to the already limited comparative advantages of developing countries, and therefore should be avoided in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

31. Some delegations stated that voluntary initiatives by the private sector, where appropriate in cooperation with government and non-governmental organizations, could also contribute to changing consumption and production patterns. It was noted that the Commission secretariat, in consultation with other stakeholders, was organizing a multi-stakeholder experts workshop, to be hosted by Canada in March 1999, to identify elements for a review of voluntary initiatives and agreements and to report to the Commission.

32. Many delegations stated that the UNEP/UNIDO cleaner production centres should provide additional support to enterprises, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, for introducing cleaner production technologies, financing technology transfer and undertaking capacity-building for environmental management, auditing and certification.

33. Some delegations welcomed the International Declaration on Cleaner Production launched by UNEP in October 1998 and invited Governments that had not already done so to sign the Declaration.

Impact of globalization on consumption and production patterns

34. Many delegations noted that consumption and production patterns in developed countries strongly influenced patterns in developing countries, particularly in the context of globalization and trade liberalization. This occurred not only through trade and investment, but also through communication, mass media, advertising and marketing. They stressed that consumption and production patterns in developed countries should not be used to create technical barriers to trade.

35. Some delegations stated that further efforts should be made to identify areas in which changing consumption patterns in developed countries offer opportunities for enterprises in developing countries. It was noted that some developing-country production processes are more environmentally friendly than processes in developed countries.

36. Many delegations stated that trade pressure from developed countries had also contributed to unsustainable consumption practices in developing countries. For example, when developed countries seek, through various means, lower taxes on their exports to developing countries, such as luxury cars, energy-wasting home appliances and other expensive products, they affect the consumption patterns of developing countries. Those delegations recommended that developed countries take steps to harmonize their policies on trade and sustainable development, with particular reference to avoiding the tendency to export unsustainable consumption and production patterns. It was suggested that countries could consider applying environmental taxes on particular luxury and disposable goods that have negative environmental impacts.

37. Some delegations stated that improvements in eco-efficiency would be beneficial to all countries and that action to promote cleaner production and eco-efficiency should be intensified, but that there might be some negative side effects for countries with a high economic dependence on exports of natural resources.

38. Some delegations noted that economic and social development in oil exporting countries could be adversely affected by measures such as energy taxes and that consideration should be given to the situation of those countries.

39. One delegation stressed the importance of ensuring coherence between multilateral agreements and instruments that address environmental and social standards, and the multilateral trade rules.

40. Many delegations proposed that the role of communications, media and advertising in promoting unsustainable consumption and production patterns and in disseminating consumption and production patterns internationally should be studied. They suggested that agreed guidelines might be considered.

Urbanization

41. Many delegations stated that further efforts are urgently needed to address problems related to transportation and health in human settlements in developing countries, in particular problems of air pollution and traffic congestion. New approaches to urban planning, land-use management and public transportation were needed to address these problems in a comprehensive way.

42. Many delegations noted that waste collection and disposal was a major environmental issue in both developing and developed countries. They noted a need for research and development in waste management systems and for developed-country support in introducing such systems into developing countries. It was stated that waste prevention through cleaner production, reductions in packaging, recycling and reuse, and consumer education and information could make a major contribution to waste management. International exchange of best practices in those areas would be of major importance.

43. Many delegations stated that urban infrastructure for clean drinking water and sanitation in developing countries should be a priority.

44. Many delegations stated that developed-country expertise, technology and financial resources could help in addressing the problems of urban infrastructure development, waste management and comprehensive urban planning in developing countries.                                                                                               [ UP ]

45. Some delegations noted that urban planning and infrastructure development were key determinants of long-term patterns of consumption and production, as they impose constraints on changes in patterns of transportation and consumption of energy, water and materials. Sustainability considerations should be integrated into land-use planning and urban development.

Consumer information and education and social values

46. Some delegations stated that sustainable consumption and production required that technology improvements be complemented by changes in lifestyles and new perceptions of welfare, in particular among affluent consumers in all countries. This required that consumers be active participants in sustainable development efforts.

47. Some delegations stated that information on sustainable consumption and production should be integrated into educational curricula at all levels of education, particularly into professional education.

48. Some delegations stated that eco-labelling and fair trade labelling could assist consumers in taking environmental and social issues into account in their consumption. Such measures, however, should not be disguised barriers to trade. Many delegations cautioned that the concept of eco-labelling and related issues were still under discussion in the Committee on Trade and Environment of the World Trade Organization.

49. One delegation stressed that issues related to eco-labelling should focus only on product characteristics, taking due consideration of discussions in other multilateral forums, such as the World Trade Organization Committee on Trade and Environment, in order to avoid disguised barriers to trade.

50. Some delegations stated that the use of economic policy instruments, including internalization of environmental and social costs, and the phasing out of environmentally harmful subsidies, were also essential in promoting consumer choices that take into account the impact on sustainable development. Many delegations questioned the idea of "social costs" and expressed preference for a reference instead to the social impacts of economic policy instruments.

51. Some delegations stated that further research was needed on consumer behaviour, including the choices made by women, men and children, and of the effect of advertising and the media. The Oxford-based International Commission on Sustainability which is being established to look at the social-cultural dimensions that shape consumption and production patterns should provide a valuable contribution to further consideration of this issue.

52. Some delegations stated that consideration should be given to how elements of traditional knowledge, culture, practices and lifestyles can be combined with modern approaches to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. Efforts in this area in East Asia should take into account the work of the conference on the theme "Sustainable consumption patterns: trends and traditions in East Asia", held in the Republic of Korea in January 1999.

53. Many delegations welcomed the agreement in informal consultations on new elements on sustainable consumption for inclusion in the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection.13

54. Some delegations stated that consumer information and education were essential for enabling consumers to make informed choices. Consumers should be provided with information on the impacts of consumer behaviour on the environment, health, quality of life and poverty, and with information on alternative consumption possibilities. Governments, in partnership with the business community, consumer organizations and other organizations of civil society, should promote public availability of such information. It was noted that public participation in policy-making at all levels and transparent legislative and regulatory process promote public support of, and participation in, sustainable production and consumption efforts. Public support was needed to strengthen the work of consumer organizations in these areas.

Decision 7/3. Tourism and sustainable development                          [ UP ]

1. The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Recalls the outcome of the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly for the overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21,14 in particular Assembly resolution S/19-2, annex, of 28 June 1997, in paragraph 69 of which the Assembly requested the Commission on Sustainable Development to develop an action-oriented international programme of work on sustainable tourism development, to be defined in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity15 and other relevant bodies, and stressed that policy development and implementation should take place in cooperation with all interested parties, especially the private sector and local and indigenous communities;

(b) Recalls also that the General Assembly, in its resolution 53/200 of 15 December 1998, proclaimed the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism and in its resolution 53/24 of 10 November 1998 proclaimed 2002 also as the International Year of Mountains;

(c) Notes with appreciation the outcome of the multi-stakeholder dialogue at the current session of the Commission and the progress made so far by major groups in promoting sustainable tourism development.

2. The Commission decides to adopt an international work programme on sustainable tourism development, containing the elements outlined below, and to begin its implementation with appropriate means and resources, especially for developing countries, which will be reviewed in 2002 when the 10-year review of progress achieved since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development will be carried out.

3. The Commission urges Governments:

(a) To advance sustainable tourism development, inter alia, through the development and implementation of policies and national strategies or master plans for sustainable tourism development based on Agenda 21, which will encourage their tourism industry, assist in attracting foreign direct investment and appropriate environmentally sound technologies, and also provide focus and direction for the active participation of major groups, including national tourism councils and, as appropriate, tourism agencies and organizations, and the private sector as well as indigenous and local communities;

(b) To consult, as appropriate, with all major groups and local communities in the tourism development process, including policy formulation, planning, management and sharing of benefits, which could reflect the need to harmonize the relationship among the people, the community and the environment;

(c) To work in partnership with major groups, especially at the local level, to ensure active participation in tourism-related planning and development;

(d) To undertake capacity-building work with indigenous and local communities in order to facilitate their active participation, at all levels of the tourism development process, including transparent decision-making and sharing of benefits, and to create awareness of the social, economic and environmental costs and benefits that they are bearing;

(e) To create the appropriate institutional, legal, economic, social and environmental framework by developing and applying a mix of instruments, as appropriate, such as integrated land-use planning and coastal zone management, economic instruments, social and environmental impact assessment for tourist facilities, including gender aspects, and voluntary initiatives and agreements;

(f) To maximize the potential of tourism for eradicating poverty by developing appropriate strategies in cooperation with all major groups, and indigenous and local communities;

(g) To welcome the major groups' agreement to promote sustainable tourism development through music, art and drama and to participate in such educational activities;

(h) To facilitate destination-specific in-flight educational videos and other materials on sustainable development in relation to tourism and to encourage airline carriers to routinely screen such videos on all international and long-haul domestic routes;

(i) To promote a favourable framework for small and medium-sized enterprises, the major engine for job creation in the tourism sector, by reducing administrative burdens, facilitating access to capital and providing training in management and other skills, in recognition of the employment potential of sustainable tourism development;

(j) To take strong and appropriate action, through the development and enforcement of specific legislation/measures, against any kind of illegal, abusive or exploitative tourist activity, including sexual exploitation/abuse, in recognition of the fact that such activities have particularly adverse impacts and pose significant social, health and cultural threats, and that all countries have a role to play in the efforts to stamp them out;

(k) To participate in international and regional processes that address issues relevant to sustainable tourism development; to consider the ratification or adoption, and promote the implementation and enforcement, as appropriate, of standards or guidelines relevant to the travel and tourism industry, such as in the labour and health fields; and to support initiatives, especially through organizations like the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization, that would make an early and positive contribution to sustainable tourism development;

(l) To support appropriate measures to better inform tourists about cultural, ecological and other values and provide accurate information on the safety of tourist destinations, so as to enable consumers to make informed choices.

4. The Commission calls upon the tourism industry:

(a) To develop environmentally, socially and culturally compatible forms of tourism and to continue the development and implementation of voluntary initiatives in support of sustainable tourism development, bearing in mind that such forms of tourism and initiatives should meet, or preferably exceed, relevant local, national, regional or international standards;

(b) To further commit itself to the goal of sustainable tourism development by working towards guiding principles and objectives for sustainable tourism development and information for tourists on ecological and cultural values in destination regions;

(c) To further develop voluntary eco-efficiency and appropriate management systems to save costs and to promote sustainable forms of tourism;

(d) To take effective steps to reduce the volume of waste associated with travel and tourism activities;

(e) To "design with nature" in collaboration with planning authorities, by using low impact designs, materials and technologies, so as not to damage the environmental or cultural assets that tourists seek to experience and that sustain the local community, and to undertake measures to restore tourist destinations with degraded environments;

(f) To distance itself publicly from illegal, abusive or exploitive forms of tourism;

(g) To meet or preferably exceed relevant national or international labour standards.

5. The Commission invites, as appropriate, Governments and major groups, as well as the United Nations system, in close collaboration with the World Tourism Organization, while building on relevant work carried out by the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Development Programme and under the Convention on Biological Diversity and other relevant conventions and organizations, and taking note of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States,16 adopted at Barbados in 1994, to consider undertaking the following initiatives and to keep the Commission on Sustainable Development informed on progress achieved:

(a) To promote sustainable tourism development in order to increase the benefits from the tourism resources for the population in the host communities and maintain the cultural and environmental integrity of the host community; to encourage cooperation of major groups at all levels with a view to facilitating Local Agenda 21 initiatives and promoting linkages within the local economy in order that benefits may be more widely shared; to this end, greater efforts should be undertaken for the employment of the local workforce, and the use of local products and skills;

(b) To support national efforts by countries, especially developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and major groups towards sustainable tourism development through relevant capacity-building activities and programmes as well as multilateral and bilateral financial and technical assistance, and appropriate technologies in all aspects of sustainable tourism development, including environmental impact assessment and management and education in the field of tourism;

(c) To encourage more responsible behaviour among tourists through ensuring respect for national laws, cultural values, social norms and tradition as well as by increasing public awareness, in addition to other measures;

(d) To promote the application of integrated planning approaches to tourism development at the local level, including through encouraging the use of Local Agenda 21 as a process for planning, implementing and monitoring sustainable tourism development and recognizing the potential for integration of Local Agenda 21 with Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry as well as other such initiatives;

(e) To provide relevant direction on research activities, and collect and disseminate information on best practices and techniques, including an appropriate mix of instruments to minimize negative and to promote positive environmental, social and cultural impacts from tourism in developed and developing countries and in countries with economies in transition;

(f) To promote the exchange of information on transportation, accommodation and other services, public awareness-raising programmes and education, and various voluntary initiatives and ways to minimize the effects of natural disasters on tourism. Possible forms of this information exchange should be explored in consultation with relevant partners, utilizing, inter alia, such means as bilateral and multilateral arrangements;

(g) To undertake studies on appropriate measures for promoting sustainable tourism development, such as community planning in fragile ecosystems, including in coastal areas, and to develop tools to assist local authorities in determining appropriate management regimes and their capacity for tourism development;

(h) To further develop or support integrated initiatives, preferably through pilot projects, to enhance the diffusion of innovations and to avoid, wherever possible, duplication and waste of resources;

(i) To undertake activities that would be supportive of the preparations for both the International Year of Ecotourism and the International Year of Mountains, as well as activities of the International Coral Reef Initiative;

(j) To clarify further the concepts of sustainable tourism and eco-tourism;

(k) To develop core indicators for sustainable tourism development, taking into account the work of the World Tourism Organization and other relevant organizations, as well as the ongoing testing phase of indicators for sustainable development;

(l) To undertake a comprehensive survey and assessment of the results of implementing existing voluntary initiatives and guidelines relating to the economic, sociocultural and environmental sustainability of tourism, to be reported to the Commission on Sustainable Development in order to identify best practices with respect to raising awareness of sustainable tourism development;

(m) To consider establishing a global network, taking into account the work of the World Tourism Organization, regional mechanisms and all major groups, as appropriate, to promote an exchange of information and views on sustainable tourism development, including on ecotourism;

(n) To cooperate with the United Nations Environment Programme in further developing guiding principles for sustainable tourism development;

(o) To encourage business and industry to take steps to implement eco-efficiency approaches, in order to reduce environmental impacts associated with travel and tourism activities, in particular the volume of packaging waste, especially in small island developing States.

6. The Commission invites the World Tourism Organization to consider informed major groups' participation, as appropriate, in the development, implementation and monitoring of its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, including those provisions relating to a code of conduct for tourists.

7. The Commission invites relevant agencies, particularly the International Maritime Organization, to evaluate whether existing regulations on marine pollution and compliance with them are sufficient to provide adequate protection to fragile coastal zones from adverse impacts as a result of tourist vessel activities.

8. The Commission invites the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to further consider, in the context of the process of the exchange of experiences, existing knowledge and best practice on sustainable tourism development and biological diversity with a view to contributing to international guidelines for activities related to sustainable tourism development in vulnerable terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems and habitats of major importance for biological diversity and protected areas, including fragile mountain ecosystems.

9. The Commission welcomes the work of major groups, especially the business community, trade and tourism industry associations, non-governmental organizations and other groups involved in travel and tourism, to contribute to efforts to achieve sustainable tourism development, including through educational initiatives and action plans based on Agenda 21 and other related documents, and particularly welcomes their commitment through the continuation of their work with all major groups, to do more, and to report to the Commission on Sustainable Development on their progress.

10. The Commission invites the United Nations Secretariat and the World Tourism Organization, in consultation with major groups and other relevant international organizations, to jointly facilitate the establishment of an ad hoc informal open-ended working group on tourism to assess financial leakages and determine how to maximize benefits for indigenous and local communities; and to prepare a joint initiative to improve information availability and capacity-building for participation, and address other matters relevant to the implementation of the international work programme on sustainable tourism development.

Annex                                                                                           [ UP ]

Co-Chairmen's summary of the discussions on tourism held by the Inter-Sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism at its meeting from 22 to 26 February 1999

Introduction

1. As an outcome of the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly for the overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21 in 1997, the Assembly, in paragraph 69 of the annex to its resolution S/19-2 of 28 June 1997 on the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, requested the Commission on Sustainable Development to develop an action-oriented international programme of work on sustainable tourism, to be defined in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and other relevant bodies. More recently, the Assembly, in its resolution 53/200 of 15 December 1998, declared the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism and, in its resolution 53/24 of 10 November 1998, declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains. The Economic and Social Council, in its resolution 1998/40 of 30 July 1998, requested the Commission, in the framework of its discussion of tourism during its seventh session, to recommend to the Assembly, through the Council, supportive measures and activities which would contribute to a successful International Year of Ecotourism. Many delegations stressed that policy development and implementation should take place in cooperation with all interested parties, especially the private sector and local and indigenous communities, in the context of Agenda 21.

2. The discussions on tourism and sustainable development were based on the recommendations and proposals for action contained in the report of the Secretary-General on tourism and sustainable development and its three addenda.17 In addition, many delegations from developed and developing countries provided useful information on activities, policies and strategies in their countries pertaining to sustainable tourism development.

General considerations

3. Many delegations noted that tourism is both currently and potentially a significant contributor to sustained economic growth and sustainable development. In a number of developing countries, tourism has emerged as a dominant economic contributor, providing infrastructure development, jobs, foreign exchange earnings, government tax revenue and other significant benefits to local communities. Developing countries experience trying times with regard to not only environmental management, but also socio-economic welfare and tourism market growth. Uplifting people is the biggest challenge facing the tourism sectors of these countries, and the creation of sustainable job opportunities and the promotion of emerging enterprises, as well as appropriate training, are of cardinal importance.

4. Many delegations also noted that the tourism industry is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the global economy and has important economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts. Many delegations noted that the continued growth of the tourism industry has important implications for the achievement of sustainable development, particularly in small island developing States and tourist destinations with fragile ecological environments.

5. Many countries emphasized that the tourism sector can be a major engine for economic development in many developing countries because of its large potential contribution to income- and employment-generation. Moreover, in some developing countries, particularly those lacking adequate resource endowments such as the small island developing States, tourism may be the only development alternative available in the short to medium term. However, there was some concern that over-reliance on tourism, especially mass tourism, carries significant risks to tourism-dependent economies since phenomena such as economic recession and natural disasters can have devastating effects on the tourism sector.

6. Many delegations noted that international tourism can potentially introduce both positive and negative social and cultural impacts in host destinations. Although tourism can create positive impacts on social development through employment creation, income redistribution and poverty alleviation, it also has the potential to introduce negative social and cultural change such as through drug abuse, child labour, prostitution, overcrowding, pressure on resources, and challenges to established culture.

7. Many delegations stated that an important consideration in sustainable tourism development is the tourist carrying capacity of host destinations in both environmental and social terms which should adequately reflect the ability of a local community to absorb tourists without submerging or overwhelming the local culture and its natural resources.

8. Many countries also stated that the tourism industry can present serious challenges to environmental management, particularly through its consumption of resources, the pollution and waste generated by the development of tourism infrastructures and facilities, transportation and tourist activities. In the absence of proper planning and management, tourism development can encourage the intensive or inappropriate use of land which can lead to deforestation, soil erosion and loss of biological diversity. Ironically, damage to the environment threatens the very viability of the tourism industry because tourism depends heavily on the natural environment.

9. Coastal area development for tourism was identified as an issue of particular concern by many countries. Improperly planned development of tourism can despoil the pristine beauty of coastal areas, contribute to beach destruction and coastal degradation and negatively affect the livelihood of peoples in coastal communities. The treatment and disposal of liquid and solid wastes generated by the tourism industry were identified as a serious problem, particularly for less developed economies that lack the appropriate physical infrastructure or adequate waste treatment capacity. The disposal of untreated effluents into surrounding areas of land and sea often leads to the pollution of scarce inland freshwater resources, loss of valuable marine life, destruction of coral reefs and the silting and erosion of coastal beaches.

10. Some delegations, noting that the United Nations had declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains, pointed out that opportunities exist for obvious linkages with the International Year of Ecotourism, also in 2002. Mountain regions represent a significant portion of the tourism industry. These remote, fragile and highly biodiverse ecosystems are homes to unique cultures and traditions which draw tourists from an increasingly urbanized world. If it is not properly managed, and does not take into account local communities, local control of resources, the integral role of women, equitable distribution of benefits and appropriate infrastructure needs, tourism development in mountain regions threatens to undermine ecosystems and cultures.

11. Many countries emphasized that fresh water remains a pressing concern. Since the tourism industry is an extremely intensive user of fresh water, the problem of freshwater supply could worsen as the industry expands globally unless steps are taken to minimize water use in accommodation and other tourism activities. Some other delegations noted that, although the tourism sector is only a minor contributor to global warming, air pollution could worsen at the global level, for example, from increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to energy use in tourism-related transportation, and air-conditioning and heating of tourism facilities.

12. Many countries also emphasized that the tourism industry can help protect and rehabilitate natural assets, such as parks, protected areas and cultural and natural sites, by its financial contributions, provision of environmental infrastructure and improved environmental management. It can also help to raise the awareness of the local population regarding the financial and intrinsic value of natural and cultural sites, motivating communities to reclaim their natural and cultural patrimony through environmental protection and conservation. In general, the tourism industry has a vested interest in maintaining the environmental, social and cultural resources of destination areas which represent their core business assets.

13. There was an attempt by many delegations to define sustainable tourism. One delegation suggested that sustainable tourism is, inter alia, development which "... meets the need of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future". Other delegations suggested that "sustainable tourism must seek a balance between (a) economic benefit and investment; (b) social participation, including local communities, with direct earnings, and seeking preservation and consolidation of its cultural values and traditions; (c) conservation and protection of environment and biological diversity, taking into account regulations that allow an appropriate management of habitats and the introduction of education and dissemination of information to promote an environmental consciousness among the local population and visitors". One delegation noted that ecotourism is an economic activity that minimizes environmental impacts, valuing and contributing to the conservation of ecosystems, and at the same time generates incomes for local communities.

14. One delegation noted that ecotourism has potential to create new patterns of tourism but, at the same time, there are impediments to promoting ecotourism which include local communities' hesitation to replace conventional tourism, the reluctance to adopt codes of conduct to ensure the quality of ecotourism and the difficulty of promoting ecotourism in areas unlikely to attract visitors.

Challenges                                                                                            [ UP ]

15. Delegations noted that there are a number of important challenges associated with sustainable tourism development. These challenges include, inter alia, the following:

(a) A concentration of services and profits into very few big transnational corporations, which often leads to the development of enclaves with no linkage to other socio-economic sectors of the local society;

(b) The lack of an adequate tourism infrastructure, which was seen as a serious obstacle to tourism development in some countries, particularly developing countries;

(c) The need to improve the access of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to government incentives and publicity;

(d) The need to involve local communities, at all levels, in all aspects of the tourism development process, such as policy-making, planning, management, ownership and the sharing of benefits;

(e) The need to ensure that tourism development planning preserves the natural and cultural legacy, heritage and integrity of tourism destinations and respects the social and cultural norms of society, particularly among the indigenous communities;

(f) The need to inform people of the benefits to be gained from sustainable tourism development through community awareness campaigns;

(g) The need to raise public awareness about sustainable tourism and to encourage more responsible behaviour among tourists;

(h) The need to enhance the linkages of the private tourism sector with the other sectors of the economy, and to ensure that domestic entrepreneurs are not marginalized by foreign investors in the tourism industry;

(i) To ensure sufficient coordination between the public and private sectors to achieve sustainable tourism;

(j) To overcome the lack of regional cooperation for promoting the development of sustainable tourism.

Action by Governments

16. Many delegations stressed that Governments should give appropriate attention and priority to tourism in development planning so that it develops in harmony with overall economic, social and environmental goals, within an integrated policy framework. In this regard, Governments should develop national strategies or master plans for tourism, in the context of Agenda 21, which will provide focus and direction to all stakeholders.

17. Some delegations stated that countries should consider the various options available for financing tourism infrastructure projects, such as government outlays, financing by multilateral and regional financial institutions, involvement of the private sector through build-operate-transfer schemes, and foreign direct investment (FDI). In addition, there are also various options for private sector financing for, inter alia, training, education, management and marketing.

18. Some countries noted that the use of economic instruments to promote sustainable tourism, in particular the full-costing and pricing of energy and water, can promote eco-efficiency in the tourism industry as well as provide additional revenue that can be used to support improved management of these resources. In this regard, the polluter-pays principle and user-pays systems are appropriate and should be more widely applied and supported.

19. Many delegations were of the view that government policies should be implemented to encourage and support small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism industry, especially in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

20. Many delegations stressed that Governments should promote partnerships between all stakeholders and that they can play an important role by encouraging, supporting and facilitating the involvement and commitment of all stakeholders, especially indigenous and local communities, in the planning, development and management of tourism.

21. Many delegations emphasized that there needs to be an increase in the transfer of the benefits from tourism to local communities through the creation of jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities and social benefits if efforts to promote community participation are to be effective.

22. Some countries emphasized that, in some cases, there is a need to control the rate of growth of the tourism sector in order to preserve the natural and cultural legacy, heritage and integrity of tourism destinations as well as the social and cultural norms of society, particularly among the indigenous communities.

23. Many countries noted that it is necessary to promote capacity-building in sustainable tourism, particularly among local governments. In many countries, local governments have important responsibilities for tourism development and management, and capacity-building programmes will enable them to better understand these responsibilities with respect to sustainable tourism.

24. Some delegations pointed out that local and central governments should enhance their capacity to monitor the performance of the tourism industry and to develop suitable indicators of sustainable tourism that can be used in their decision-making.

25. Many delegations stressed that Governments should promote the role of the local community in deciding what it is prepared to offer, how its cultural patrimony is to be presented and which, if any, aspects of the culture are off-limits to visitors.

26. Some delegations suggested that tourism, in particular mass tourism, should be regulated and, where necessary, prohibited in ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. In protected areas and where nature is particularly diverse, vulnerable and attractive, tourism should be permitted only where it meets the requirements of nature protection and biological diversity conservation. In coastal areas where tourism can impose serious environmental damage, the principles of integrated coastal area management should be implemented. Environmental impact studies are an important tool for sustainable development and should be undertaken.

27. Many delegations noted that sustainability issues should be fully integrated into courses at all levels of education in order to develop environmental awareness and the skills required to promote sustainable tourism. In this regard, it is also important to raise public awareness about sustainable tourism and to encourage more responsible behaviour among tourists.

28. Many countries emphasized that there is a need for further efforts to prevent and control tourism-related abuse and exploitation of people, particularly women and children and other disadvantaged groups. Some delegations felt that both sending and receiving countries had roles to play in combating this serious negative impact of international tourism.

Action by the private sector

29. Many delegations stated that the tourism industry should ensure that their investment, employment, operational and other business decisions take full account of the wider implications of such actions for the long-term development and economic sustainability of the destinations in which they operate.

30. Some countries suggested that the tourism industry, by modifying the products it develops and offers the public, can directly influence the nature of tourism itself, directing it towards sustainable forms of tourism. Marketing can be used to enhance the industry's initiatives for promoting sustainable development by, inter alia, raising awareness among their clients of the potential environmental and social impacts of their holidays, and of responsible behaviour. In some countries, the tourism industry is also increasingly interested in eco-labels as a means of promoting those countries' facilities and destinations. Some delegations cautioned, however, that the concept of eco-labelling and related issues are still under consideration by the Committee on Trade and Environment of the World Trade Organization.                                                                                            [ UP ]

31. Many delegations urged tourism enterprises to integrate environmental management systems and procedures into all aspects of corporate activity. This would necessitate the implementation of, inter alia, environmental and social audits, and training of staff in the principles and practices of sustainable tourism management. Tourism enterprises were also urged to take all appropriate measures to minimize all forms of waste, conserve energy and freshwater resources, and control harmful emissions to all environmental media, as well as minimize the potential environmental impacts from tourism development, for example, by using local materials and technologies appropriate to local conditions. The tourism industry was encouraged to promote wider implementation of environmental management, particularly among small- and medium-sized enterprises.

32. Many delegations noted that the tourism industry had developed a number of environmental codes of conduct and other voluntary initiatives in support of sustainable tourism. It was suggested that an inventory and assessment should be made of such voluntary initiatives on the part of industry, and improvements in the monitoring and reporting of industry's progress towards the objective of sustainable tourism. Some delegations requested the preparation of an inventory of all existing codes of conduct, guidelines and voluntary initiatives concerning sustainable tourism.

Action by the international community

33. Many delegations stressed the need for the international community to promote the recognition of the value of tourism as an economic tool for development, particularly for developing countries, and the fragility of the resources on which it depends, as well as the resulting need for international support to encourage its sustainable development.

34. Many delegations were of the view that international organizations and donor countries should increase their efforts in training and capacity-building in the field of tourism in developing countries, and that studies should be carried out on specific issues of interest to developing countries. Technical and financial assistance to developing countries is critical to enable them to develop competitive and sustainable tourism sectors.

35. Some delegations stated that the international, regional and multilateral agreements and guidelines that address the issue of sustainable tourism need to be effectively translated into practical programmes for implementation by the tourism industry, Governments and civil society. There is also a need to consolidate as well as enhance the monitoring of these initiatives.

36. Many delegations stressed that the international community has an important role to assist developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, economies in transition and small island developing States, through financial and technical assistance to Governments at all levels.

37. Many delegations also stressed that the international community should strengthen development cooperation to make tourism development more environmentally sustainable, while emphasizing financial support and measures to accelerate the transfer of environmentally sound technology to developing countries. Steps should be taken to facilitate the international exchange of information, experiences and technical skills, especially between the developed and developing countries. Some delegations said that international cooperation should make tourism sustainable in respect of its economic and social aspects as well.

38. Some delegations emphasized that regional cooperation is an important policy approach for promoting the development of sustainable tourism.

39. One delegation noted that, although it is important to allow for a variety of forms of ecotourism that depend on the regional situation, there are benefits to be derived from global standards to minimize negative ramifications of ecotourism and an international network to promote an exchange of information and views.

Decision 7/4. Education, public awareness and training                         [ UP ]

1. The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Recalls its decision 4/11 establishing a work programme on education for sustainable development, and its decision 6/3 on the further implementation of the work programme;

(b) Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;18

(c) Reaffirms that education, public awareness and training are critical for promoting sustainable development and increasing the capacity to address social, economic and environmental issues, and that therefore the further implementation of chapter 36 of Agenda 21 will influence the progress made in the implementation of all the other chapters of Agenda 21;

(d) Emphasizes having discussed the issues of "Oceans and seas", "Consumption and production patterns" and "Tourism', that enhancing public awareness through education and training and the media is particularly important for achieving sustainable development;

(e) Recognizes the need to broaden cooperation at the international level, building on past experience, and involving all relevant bodies of the United Nations system, Governments and major groups, including non-governmental organizations, business and industry, and youth, as well as the educational community, taking into account national plans and priorities;

(f) Takes into account the cross-sectoral nature and the importance of education, public awareness and training for sustainable development.

2. The Commission calls upon all key actors, notably the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as task manager, Governments, relevant United Nations bodies and non-governmental organizations, to intensify their collaborative efforts in the implementation of the work programme.

3. The Commission encourages Governments, relevant United Nations bodies and non-governmental organizations to give priority, as appropriate, to the integration of aspects of sustainable development in their educational policies and to cooperation in the framework of the work programme.

4. The Commission requests the Secretary-General to report to it at its eighth session on the progress made in the implementation of the work programme and, in this regard, to give specific attention to the separate items contained in Commission decisions 4/11 and 6/3.

Decision 7/5. Information provided by Governments and exchange of national experience                                                                              [ UP ]

1. The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Takes note with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Oceans and seas: trends in national implementation"19 as well as the background documents prepared by the National Information Analysis Unit in fulfilment of Commission decision 6/5;

(b) Welcomes the continued interest of Governments to make voluntary national presentations within the framework of the sessions of the Commission;

(c) Stresses the importance of continuing to take full advantage of the information provided by Governments to the Commission, on a voluntary basis, especially in view of the comprehensive review of the implementation of Agenda 21, to take place in 2002;

(d) Emphasizes the need to draw more fully on the information contained in those national reports or relevant information for voluntary submission to the Commission;

(e) Recognizes that the lack of human, technical or financial resources at national level could be hindering the submission of more voluntary national reports or relevant information;

(f) Recognizes further the need to improve the guidelines for the elaboration of national reports to the Commission and to determine the best way to carry on with this exercise after the year 2002; and notes that this issue should be considered as a part of the discussion on information for decision-making which is on the agenda of the Commission at its ninth session;

(g) Recognizes further that a number of member States have expressed their interest in having their national reports or relevant information presented in the United Nations national information Web site in languages other that those currently available.

2. The Commission:

(a) Encourages Governments to continue providing voluntary national reports or relevant information on the implementation of Agenda 21 at the national and regional levels, as appropriate, with the broad involvement of all sectors of society, and invites those Governments that have not yet done so to submit their national reports or relevant information;

(b) Calls upon the international community, in particular the developed countries, to continue supporting the efforts of developing countries for capacity-building, including in the area of elaboration, translations and dissemination of voluntary reporting, by providing technical and financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of Agenda 21 and the Programme for its Further Implementation;20

(c) Requests the United Nations Development Programme to consider assisting developing countries in the elaboration, translation and dissemination of their national reports by, inter alia, allocating funds for these purposes and by including in its current Capacity 21 national programmes and its sustainable development networking programme specific references and resources for these purposes;

(d) Requests the Secretariat, in conformity with Commission decision 6/5, paragraph 2 (c), to continue processing and compiling, on a sectoral basis, the information provided by Governments, and requests the task managers of the sectoral areas to make more comprehensive use of this information in the preparation of the reports to the Commission at its future sessions, in accordance with the issues contained in the multi-year programme of work of the Commission, 1998-2002;

(e) Requests the Commission secretariat to further enhance the national information Web site by posting national reports or relevant information as submitted by the countries in any of the United Nations official languages;

(f) Requests the Commission secretariat to invite Governments to submit proposals on how to improve the guidelines for the elaboration of national reports, and based on the information received, to prepare a report to be submitted to the Commission as a part of the preparations for the comprehensive review of the implementation of Agenda 21;

(g) Requests further the Commission secretariat to undertake measures to prepare a new version of the country profiles complementing those presented during the five-year review in 1997, for submission to the General Assembly for the comprehensive review of the implementation of Agenda 21 to be held in the year 2002.

Decision 7/6. Voluntary initiatives and agreements                         [ UP ]

1. The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Recalls the interactive dialogue that took place between Governments, industry, trade unions, non-governmental organizations and international organizations in the industry segment organized during its sixth session in 199821 and its decision 6/2 regarding the "potential value of a review of voluntary initiatives and agreements";

(b) Notes the report of the Secretary General /22 on the inter-sessional consultative process convened at Toronto, Canada, in March 1999, involving representatives of industry, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, international organizations and Governments, aimed at identifying elements of a review of voluntary initiatives and agreements launched in follow-up to its decision 6/2 in 1998;

(c) Recognizes that voluntary initiatives and agreements should complement regulatory frameworks and other policy instruments, and should foster continuous improvement in all aspects of sustainable development;

(d) Also recognizes the potential value of processes which involve Governments and all relevant major groups and other stakeholders for addressing sustainable development issues, and encourages future work on voluntary initiatives and agreements;

(e) Encourages all relevant major groups and other stakeholders, in cooperation with relevant United Nations bodies, to continue generating information about voluntary initiatives and agreements, including the most appropriate means for possible reviews, and to make this information widely available, and requests its secretariat to facilitate these efforts, inter alia, through its Internet site;

(f) Stresses the need for better understanding and analysis of the possible impact of voluntary initiatives and agreements on developing countries, and requests all relevant major groups and other stakeholders to report periodically, through the Commission's secretariat, on steps they have taken or progress they have made in assisting developing countries in understanding and making use of, as appropriate, the lessons to be learned from the use of voluntary initiatives and agreements;

(g) Takes note of the key elements discussed by the various major groups at the Toronto meeting, and encourages further dialogue among all relevant major groups and other stakeholders on voluntary initiatives and agreements and information products, such as the toolkit proposed by the International Chamber of Commerce, that may assist countries and interested organizations in understanding the uses and potential value of voluntary initiatives and agreements in the context of sustainable development.

2. The Commission requests its secretariat to ensure wider participation by the developing countries in the inter-sessional consultative processes.

3. The Commission also requests the Secretary-General to report to it at its eighth session on the progress and developments made in this area.

Decision 7/7. Proposed programme of work in the area of sustainable development for the biennium 2000-2001                                             [ UP ]

The Commission on Sustainable Development takes note of the proposed programme of work in the area of sustainable development for the biennium 2000'2001,23 and requests the Economic and Social Council to invite the Committee for Programme and Coordination, the Advisory Committee for Administrative and Budgetary Questions and the Fifth Committee, in their deliberations on the programme budget for the biennium 2000'2001, to take into account, inter alia, as appropriate, relevant outcomes of the special session of the General Assembly that will carry out the comprehensive review of progress achieved in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

Decision 7/8. Matters related to the inter-sessional work of the Commission                                                                                            [ UP ]

The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Decides, pursuant to Economic and Social Council resolution 1997/63 of 25 July 1997 on the programme of work of the Commission for the period 1998'2002 and future methods of work of the Commission, that in order to assist the Commission in its deliberations at its eighth session, the 2000 sessions of its inter-sessional ad hoc working groups will be devoted to the following issues:

(i) Integrated planning and management of land resources; and agriculture;

(ii) Financial resources/trade and investment/economic growth;

(b) Also decides, in accordance with paragraph 133 of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, that the Bureau of the Commission shall continue conducting transparent and open-ended consultations in a timely manner on matters related to preparations for the eighth session of the Commission and the sessions of its inter-sessional ad hoc working groups;

(c) Reiterates that in order to enable the Bureau to carry out its functions effectively, consideration should be given to providing appropriate financial support, through extrabudgetary contributions, to members of the Bureau, particularly those from the developing countries, to enable them to participate in the meetings of the Bureau, in the inter-sessional meetings of the Commission and in the sessions of the Commission itself.

Decision 7/9. Preparations for the review of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21                                       [ UP ]

The Commission on Sustainable Development:

(a) Recalls General Assembly resolution 53/188, in which the Assembly stressed the importance of high quality preparations for the forthcoming review of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and requested the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly, for consideration at its fifty-fifth session, a report on possible ways and means of ensuring effective preparations for the review;

(b) Requests the Secretary-General to present a preliminary report for initial discussion at the eighth session of the Commission, containing, inter alia, suggestions for the form, scope and nature of the preparatory process for the next comprehensive review of the implementation of Agenda 21, with a view to providing guidance to the Secretary-General in preparations for his report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session.

Decision 7/10. Report of the Secretary-General on progress on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States                                  [ UP ]

At its 14th meeting on 30 April 1999, the Commission on Sustainable Development took note of the report of the Secretary-General on progress on the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.24

Chapter II Chairman's summary of the multi-stakeholder dialogue on tourism                                                                                                    [ UP ]

A. Introduction

1. At its seventh session, the Commission on Sustainable Development continued the tradition, started at its sixth session, of including a multi-stakeholder dialogue as part of its official proceedings. The purpose of the multi-stakeholder dialogue segment is to enable participatory elaboration of common approaches for, and exchange of experiences between, Governments and major groups in specific economic sectors. The tourism segment involved representatives of business and industry, workers and trade unions, local authorities and non-governmental organizations, and was held from 19 to 21 April 1999. It was noted that this dialogue would illuminate subsequent discussions of the Commission on Sustainable Development both in the high-level segment and in the remainder of the Commission's work seeking for specific outcomes for the seventh session of the Commission on sustainable tourism including an agreed work programme in this area.

2. The tourism segment followed the format previously agreed by the Bureau of the Commission.25 Lead organizations invited by the Commission on Sustainable Development secretariat to assist in the preparations for the tourism segment were responsible for consulting with their constituencies to draft the "dialogue starter" papers and to organize the participation of the delegations from their sectors. These lead organizations included the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions/Trade Union Advisory Committee to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), and the Commission on Sustainable Development non-governmental organizations Steering Committee.

3. The segment focused on four themes highlighting important aspects of sustainable tourism. These themes included (a) industry initiatives for sustainable tourism, (b) influencing consumer behaviour, (c) promoting broad-based sustainable development while safeguarding the integrity of local cultures and protecting the environment and (d) coastal impact of tourism.

4. There was a lively, positive and focused exchange on issues of key concern, with participants seeking to identify their priorities for consideration and making a genuine effort to improve mutual understanding and cooperation. The present summary is not a verbatim record but seeks to reflect the issues on which participants showed general agreement, areas that would benefit from further dialogue and elaboration, and specific initiatives announced or proposed by the participants.

B. Industry initiatives for sustainable tourism

5. Participants recognized the global economic significance of tourism. It is a growth industry accounting for more than 10 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) and offers significant employment opportunities. Industry forecasts suggest that there will continue to be rapid development in this sector. It was noted, however, that many people are not able to participate in tourism owing to poverty and inadequate wages. It was also recognized that tourism has significant social, cultural and environmental impacts.

6. Discussions and presentations demonstrated the various voluntary initiatives launched by industry to promote sustainable tourism, including certification programmes and codes of conduct, at the national and international levels. Participants supported these existing initiatives to encourage sustainable tourism and the commitment of industry to do more. Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry was highlighted as a policy framework developed by industry. The willingness of industry to further develop this framework through multi-stakeholder processes was welcomed.

7. The existing voluntary initiatives were identified as being complementary to national and local regulatory compliance efforts, as these initiatives are designed to be cost-effective means of surpassing existing regulatory requirements. It was agreed that the range of measures from regulation to voluntary initiatives and agreements were appropriate for further efforts to achieve sustainable development in the travel and tourism sector. Voluntary measures developed with multi-stakeholder participation, mutual trust and respect, transparency, monitoring, and assessment and verification were seen as most likely to generate confidence and support from all parties.

8. Participants referred to numerous public and private systems of certification, including the Green Globe programme. This was promoted by industry as an example of a global certification standard in tourism, and industry agreed to put in place a multi-stakeholder advisory group for this programme. There was general support for greater discussion and promotion of "best practices" and for further research to identify such practices that promoted sustainable development in the tourism sector. It was suggested that consideration be given to a review of existing voluntary initiatives in this sector, building on the work initiated by the Commission at its sixth session and the subsequent Toronto Workshop to Identify the Key Elements of a Review of Voluntary Initiatives and Agreements (10'12 March 1999).

9. Although tourism has significant economic benefits for many countries and communities, it also has adverse social and economic impacts in many locations. Concerns in this context included leakage of revenues, low wages, poor working conditions, child labour and sex tourism. Participants emphasized the need to reinvest in local communities, to encourage procurement of local products and services, to promote vocational training and education, and to eliminate the sexual and economic exploitation of women and children. Programmes for retraining and re-employment could provide a social safety net for communities adversely affected by tourism development and should be promoted by Governments, international organizations and major groups. Issues related to the special needs of older tourists who make up a growing number of travellers were also raised. It was agreed that special attention should be given to implementing existing agreements, codes and regulations that seek to regulate or eliminate these conditions, such as those produced by the International Labour Organization (ILO). On the issue of waste management, there was agreement to make further efforts to reduce packaging waste associated with the travel and tourism industry.

10. Participants agreed that multi-stakeholder participation, openness and transparency at all levels were critical in achieving sustainable tourism. There was particular reference to the positive role that workers and trade unions could play through participation in efforts by business to identify and implement sustainability targets. There was agreement that partnership arrangements and multi-stakeholder processes were appropriate means of participation and cooperation among the stakeholders in the tourism sector.

11. There was general agreement by all participants on the need to develop, implement and use indicators for sustainable tourism. While work is taking place in several different organizations, better focus and coordination of these efforts are required, possibly at the international level, keeping in mind the need to base any indicator sets on local conditions and priorities. Identifying the limits to social and environmental carrying capacity in tourism destinations was highlighted as an important priority. The Commission on Sustainable Development should play a role in promoting agreement on tourism indicators that incorporate environmental, cultural and social criteria. The need for reliable information and identification of best practices by industry was highlighted.

12. It was emphasized that a global framework and plan of action for sustainable tourism must be coupled with implementation and decision-making at the local level, as well as at the regional and national levels. The value of Local Agenda 21 as an enabling framework for partnerships was recognized. Local Agenda 21 planning is an established mechanism for facilitating multi-stakeholder cooperation, and can be effectively employed in tourist destinations to promote sustainable tourism practices. Participants noted with appreciation the new Memorandum of Understanding signed by ICLEI and WTTC to integrate the principles of Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry and Local Agenda 21 planning to support sustainable development in major tourism destinations around the world.

C. Influencing consumer behaviour                                                             [ UP ]

13. Participants emphasized the importance of education as a tool to influence consumer and producer behaviour so as to promote sustainable tourism, particularly when education efforts and related educational materials are developed and applied through multi-stakeholder participation and cooperation. Local Agenda 21 programmes, workplace-based partnerships for education planning and actions for change, non-governmental organization networks, tourism industry associations, educators and educational institutions, tourism information centres, and national and international institutions of education were identified as important channels for sustainable tourism education.

14. Education efforts should focus not only on travellers but also on investors, workers and host communities. Special attention needs to be given to young people and their participation both as recipients of education and as partners in developing education programmes. It was emphasized that these efforts should be applied in both formal and informal education. The ultimate goal of sustainable tourism education should be to move all relevant actors from short-term to long-term thinking and planning.

15. There was agreement that Governments, the tourism industry and other stakeholders should establish programmes to raise public awareness about the impact of tourists on destinations, to promote respect for local communities and their cultures, and to protect the environment. At the invitation of industry representatives, participants agreed to support the "Dodo" education project of WTTC and World Wide Fund for Nature International (WWF), and to participate in development of other, similar programmes. The value of workplace-based programmes to educate workers both as tourists and as service providers for travel and tourism was highlighted. The importance of ensuring that such programmes involved local communities and were relevant to individual destinations and local cultures was noted. Participants endorsed, as a specific initiative, the proposal of local authorities to develop, through multi-stakeholder engagement, destination-specific in-flight educational videos introducing travellers to sustainable tourism practices, and to promote their extensive use by airlines.

16. Some participants expressed concern about the role of the media and the advertising industry, noting the impact they have on consumer perceptions and behaviour. Participants agreed that the media should be encouraged to act as an agent for influencing positive consumer behaviour. Governments were urged to encourage advertising messages that were consistent with sustainable development principles and objectives.

17. There was considerable interest on the part of participants in the global code of ethics being developed by the World Tourism Organization. Multi-stakeholder participation in its development, implementation and monitoring should be encouraged. It was also proposed that a sustainable tourism covenant, to be developed with major groups' participation, could promote higher standards of tourist behaviour.

18. Several programmes for certification of voluntary initiatives were noted. Some concern was expressed about the proliferation of such schemes without international guidelines to assist consumers and producers in understanding their value and effectiveness. There was broad agreement on the need for a set of international guidelines to promote international consistency and provide decision-making tools for consumers and communities. The inclusion of an education component in tourism industry initiatives should be seen as a key criterion in such certification schemes. Several participants emphasized that criteria used in certification schemes should meet or exceed minimum national standards, where they exist, and should include social, cultural and economic aspects as well as environmental considerations. It was emphasized that multi-stakeholder engagement in developing, implementing, promoting and monitoring such schemes would increase their effectiveness.

19. Several participants endorsed de-marketing strategies as a means to protect sensitive or fragile destinations from damage through overloading. Such strategies could include pricing orientation, omission from guidebooks and promotion among consumers of other tourist sites. De-marketing strategies that influence societal values can take place in both originating and destination countries.

20. Participants supported the idea of an inter-agency effort, with stakeholder participation, to look at current activities aimed at influencing consumer behaviour and improving consumer advocacy. This effort would consider how to enhance the effectiveness of existing initiatives and activities, as well as research and evaluate the impact of price mechanisms and legislation on consumer behaviour. A report on the results of this work could be submitted to the Commission on Sustainable Development in 2002.

21. Several participants highlighted the link between tourism and health in the context of contagious diseases. Participants attached importance to the involvement of the tourism industry in efforts to address health issues associated with tourism, including human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and other contagious and infectious diseases.

D. Promoting broad-based sustainable development through tourism while safeguarding the integrity of local cultures and protecting the environment

22. Promoting broad-based sustainable development through tourism while safeguarding the integrity of local cultures and protecting the environment requires an effective partnership between key stakeholders at the local, national, regional and international levels and participation at all levels of tourism planning, development and assessment. The need to develop employer-employee partnerships (including trade unions) with multi-stakeholder support and funding was endorsed.

23. Establishment of a multi-stakeholder working group was proposed and endorsed by several groups. It could work in collaboration with relevant United Nations agencies and organizations. It might consider such issues as (a) financial leakages and how to maximize benefits for local communities, (b) preparing a joint initiative to improve information availability and capacity-building for participation, thus enabling communities to manage social and environmental change and (c) developing a plan to ensure indigenous peoples and other local communities their rights to land, water and other natural resources. The initial results of this working group could be reported to the Commission at its eighth session in 2000.

24. There was considerable concern about the challenges of globalization. Participants felt that multi-stakeholder participation could help mitigate the effects of globalization. The principle of local community participation in decision-making was endorsed. Participants took note of the differences in the objectives of the World Trade Organization and Agenda 21.26

25. There was broad agreement that the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities should be respected. Several participants noted that the use of indigenous or local cultures as a "product" to market must be approached with sensitivity, and should include the participation in decision-making of those groups affected by this. Measures to combat the illegal trade in cultural goods, such as the issuing of certificates of origin, should be considered. It was suggested that certification schemes include criteria on local and indigenous participation.

26. In discussing education as an essential tool, participants endorsed the proposal for stakeholders to jointly develop, and employ musicians and other artists to promote, Agenda 21 and sustainable tourism. They asked Governments to join them in this initiative and support the development of networks to provide sustainable development, generally.                                                             [ UP ]

27. It was agreed that local authorities and local communities must play the key role in determining their "carrying capacity" for tourism development. There should not be a globally imposed limit and decisions should be based on multi-stakeholder processes at the local level. Different locations will face different requirements and problems. Considerations of carrying capacity should include economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions. Decisions should be made based on the principle of prior informed consent. While not all participants endorsed "eco-taxes", there was support for appropriate pricing of resources, aimed at reflecting the true costs of goods and services. Industry should, in particular, pay its fair share to maintain the natural and cultural assets that tourists wanted to utilize.

E. Coastal impact of tourism

28. Participants recognized that many sustainable development issues are focused around coastal systems, and that tourism is a crucial sector in coastal areas. The particular importance of the coastal impact of tourism on small island developing States was noted, as was the significant challenge posed to coastal communities by climate change.

29. In discussing integrated coastal zone management, participants agreed that there were real biophysical limits to capacity in any particular location as well as cultural limits that should be determined at the local level by the local community. The need for decisions to be made at a local level through a multi-stakeholder process with regard to national and international frameworks was endorsed. Non-governmental organizations proposed the establishment of a multi-stakeholder group at the international level to advise on the planning and implementation of a fully integrated process of coastal tourism development and offered to launch this mechanism in collaboration with government, industry, trade unions and other major groups. Workplace-based planning was proposed as a way to influence consumer habits and choices. Schemes of coastal awards to local coastal communities, such as the Blue Flag campaign in Europe, were highlighted as an effective incentive mechanism to encourage high-quality coastal zone management. It was proposed that new tourism developments should be required to include all relevant sustainable development considerations, including design and implementation of a comprehensive waste management programme.

30. In discussing financial responsibility for infrastructure development and other costs associated with sustainable coastal tourism, participants agreed that the level of financial responsibility from industry and other stakeholders should be determined at the local level. Where local authorities decided to provide public subsidies for infrastructure development or maintenance associated with tourism activities, the nature of the decision should be explicitly understood by the community that would bear the costs, and the decision should involve the local community through a transparent multi-stakeholder process. Participants supported the polluter pays principle. While many participants noted that subsidies could impose costs on the local community, several noted that subsidies could also be beneficial.

31. A variety of measures aimed at mobilizing resources were mentioned, including fast-tracking the Global Environment Facility (GEF), achieving agreement on cost- and profit-sharing formulas for all stakeholders, and encouraging the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other bodies to help address consequences of coastal infrastructure development by making available information on practical sustainable development technologies and ways to monitor the coastal impact of tourism.

32. It was suggested that the Commission on Sustainable Development should invite and seek funding from international agencies such as the World Bank and regional development banks for pilot projects in both the North and the South aimed at illustrating best practices of integrated planning. Some participants emphasized that these programmes should integrate Agenda 21 for travel and tourism with Local Agenda 21 programmes and should serve as benchmarks.

33. In discussing indicators, participants proposed that the Commission on Sustainable Development should encourage international agencies to develop indicators to measure the environmental, social and cultural impacts of coastal tourism. Indicators should be open to independent auditing and placed within a transparent, open framework where stakeholders' various responsibilities were clearly defined. Workshops were noted as a useful tool for disseminating information derived from indicators.

34. Participants agreed that the Commission on Sustainable Development should facilitate funding from international agencies such as the World Bank and from national Governments for integrated environmental, social and economic research on best management practices in regard to design, development and management of tourism projects in coastal regions.

35. Regarding the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry representatives proposed that the Commission on Sustainable Development should encourage international agencies, national Governments and industry to fund and support small and medium-sized enterprises in respect of their implementing environmental improvement measures.

36. Local authority representatives proposed that regional coastal management agencies be established, where appropriate, to act as a mechanism for managing coastal area planning. Alternatively, private foundations or non-governmental organizations could take the lead. They also called for a shift from a growth-based economic model to a steady state model.

37. Participants recommended that the Commission on Sustainable Development consider asking the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with other relevant international agencies, to investigate the enforcement and application of internationally agreed standards and regulations relating to threats to sustainable development/the environment caused by shipping, with particular attention to coastal areas. Some participants noted that flags-of- convenience vessels, including cruise liners servicing tourists, represented an area of particular concern.

38. Union representatives expressed concern at the impact of the recent growth in tourist-related or recreational fishing on traditional and indigenous fishing rights. They also called on the Commission on Sustainable Development to support the right of workers to act as whistle-blowers in respect of unsustainable practices by industry and to promote the protection of workers who acted as such.

Chapter III Chairman's summary of the high-level segment               [ UP ]

A. General

1. The high-level segment of the seventh session of the Commission on Sustainable Development focused on the following subjects:

- Tourism;

- Oceans and seas;

- A plan of action for the small island developing States;

- Changing consumption and production patterns;

- Challenges for the future and other matters.

2. This high-level segment attracted more ministers than any previous Commission meeting and all participated actively in the dialogue. There were also a large number of other representatives from national Governments, United Nations organizations and other international organizations and representatives of major groups who made a substantive contribution. The preparations made by Governments, international organizations and agencies, and especially the major groups, including industry, local authorities, trade unions and non-governmental organizations, helped to bring key issues into clear focus.

3. The seventh session of the Commission marked a departure from procedure in previous years, reflecting the call from the sixth session for a more dynamic and participatory process. This involved setting time limits for national statements in order to preserve roughly half the time available on each theme for interactive dialogue. This approach worked well, with many participants indicating that there was greater value in interactive dialogue than a more sterile process involving lengthy prepared statements. It may be worth trying to move further in the new direction next year by increasing the proportion of time spent on each theme available for dialogue and by requiring prepared interventions to focus on specific issues associated with the themes under discussion.

B. Tourism

4. Participants focused on the need for the Commission to produce a work programme by the conclusion of its seventh session. Their attention was drawn in particular to the draft decision produced by the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism and a summary of specific suggestions from the tourism dialogue circulated by the Chair. Ministers from developed and developing countries provided useful information on activities, policies and strategies in their countries pertaining to sustainable tourism development.

5. Tourism was recognized as a key rapid growth sector in the world economy with important economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts, particularly in small island developing States and tourist destinations with fragile ecosystems. Tourism had the potential to make an important contribution to poverty alleviation and economic advancement, particularly through integrated plans with the inclusion of local stakeholders in planning and development and where a key objective remained the protection of the cultural and natural assets of the tourist locality. It was acknowledged that different forms of tourism and local conditions needed to be taken into account and that war or civil strife was damaging to tourist industries and the environment.

6. There was also recognition that tourism could have adverse impacts, including drug abuse, child labour, prostitution, overcrowding, pressure on resources, leakage of revenues and challenges to established culture. Coastal area development was a particular concern because of the potential for damage to natural assets, communities' livelihoods and culture. Education; capacity-building efforts; support for small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises; waste minimization; study of "carrying capacity"; commitment to preserve natural and cultural legacies; and the importance of focusing on groups like women and indigenous communities in relation to tourism were identified as ways to address problems. The international community had a special role through focused financial and technical assistance and the transfer of environmentally sound technology, particularly in partnership with developing countries, economies in transition and small island developing States.

7. Participants welcomed the multi-stakeholder dialogue on tourism. It was essential that local stakeholders be involved at all levels in tourism planning. The commitment of industry to be part of the solution to identified problems was welcomed. Local authorities also had a special role, particularly in relation to the identification of best practices and planning. Initiatives such as Agenda 21 for travel and tourism and Local Agenda 21 were identified as being positive tools for promoting sustainable development, with many participants expressing the view that stronger emphasis should be given to action at the local level. Participants also encouraged major groups and other stakeholders in their plan to develop more active partnerships for progress in tourism.

8. Participants placed the highest priority on the production of a work programme at the current session that identified clear responsibilities for action and reporting deadlines for work, wherever possible. They stressed that business and industry efforts to promote sustainable development, including in partnership with other stakeholders, should be supported. They also agreed that there were a number of points in the summary of suggestions from the tourism dialogue that should be included in the Commission's work programme. A number of ministers made specific recommendations on items that they believed should be endorsed or ones that might benefit from some further fine-tuning. There was a general sense that some activities merited Commission endorsement, including minimizing packaging waste associated with the travel and tourism industry; an International Maritime Organization (IMO) study on the effectiveness of marine pollution regulations, including in relation to tourism activities; and an invitation to specific international organizations and agencies to make information available on practical sustainable development techniques and ways to address/monitor the impact of tourism development.

9. Ministers and participants expressed abhorrence at the exploitation of women and children, especially through sex tourism. They called for stronger action to combat this phenomenon, especially on the part of those countries from which the tourists came, and noted the special role for the tourism industry in efforts to stamp it out. Governments were urged to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) agreement to eliminate child sexual exploitation and to rigorously enforce laws that prohibited this.

10. Some participants expressed strong concern about labour practices in relation to the tourism sector and emphasized the importance of ILO work in this connection. Other participants cautioned that there were some differences of view in this area.

C. Oceans and seas

11. Participants focused on the need for the Commission to conclude a decision on oceans and seas and paid special attention to the observations, recommendations and proposals produced at the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, in which connection they confirmed the four main challenges identified at the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group:

- Conserving, managing and achieving sustainable use of fisheries and other marine living resources;

- Preventing pollution and degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities;

- Better scientific understanding of the oceans and seas and their interaction with the world climate system;

- Better international coordination and cooperation.

12. Participants noted the progress that had been made in reaching agreements relating to the oceans and seas and warned about continuing threats which these had not cured. They therefore urged early ratification of relevant agreements with a view to early entry into force. It was essential that agreements be implemented by States and that efforts be made to build capacity and mobilize the resources necessary for implementation (including possibly by partner conferences). Coordination between the different parts of national administrations " as set out in section A of Chapter 17 of Agenda 2127 " was also necessary to ensure both that national action was integrated and that international bodies did not receive conflicting directions from their member States.

13. On fisheries and other marine living resources, participants stressed the crucial importance in much of the world of ensuring continuing sustainable supply of food from the oceans and seas (a matter of particular moment for many communities in developing countries) as well as the need to protect marine biological diversity. It was important for the Commission to make clear that these two concerns underpinned the need for effective and integrated fisheries management and the protection of the habitats of fish and other biota. Without them, poverty would be exacerbated and the environment would be degraded. A precautionary and ecosystem-based approach to fisheries was stressed, as was the need to make sustainable utilization of ocean resources a realizable goal.

14. Participants stressed the urgent need for action to eliminate overfishing and wasteful fishing practices. Governments were urged to undertake national assessments of their fish stocks and support the work of regional fisheries organizations in improving required scientific data. The need to take early steps to eliminate overcapacity in many fisheries was emphasized. The recent agreement of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on an International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity in this field was commended, but emphasis was laid on the primary role of regional fisheries organizations in implementing it. Participants also stressed the need for early action to end illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, which posed particular threats to artisanal and subsistence fisheries. Capacity-building and resource mobilization were preconditions for action on IUU in many cases. Participants called on all States to acknowledge their responsibilities to ensure that ships flying their flags complied with international law and asked FAO and IMO to cooperate in work to address IUU problems associated with vessels of flag States which do not fulfil their responsibilities under international law in respect of their vessels.

15. Participants called for further work by global and regional fisheries organizations to reduce by-catch, both of non-target fish species and of other forms of wildlife, to reduce discards and to safeguard breeding stock. Training and capacity-building were important in this respect. Participants called for the evaluation of the possible negative impact of subsidies and other fiscal and economic incentives that might promote overcapitalization, although some expressed the view that certain subsidies could also assist socio-economic policy goals and contribute to the reduction of excessive fishing.

16. Attention was drawn to the importance of coral reefs, both as indicators of the health of the oceans and seas and as a basis for tourist activities, especially in developing countries. The Commission was urged to support the International Coral Reef Initiative. It was also urged to note the value of the establishment of marine protected areas, in suitable circumstances and along with other appropriate tools, as a means to promote protection of the marine environment and the conservation of marine biological diversity in line with the Jakarta mandate of the Convention on Biological Diversity.28

17. Participants expressed concern about the slow rate of progress in many aspects of the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities,29 while welcoming some recent steps and calling for early action by the relevant international bodies and by Governments. Regional and national partnership meetings aimed at accelerating implementation of the Global Programme of Action received strong support. Adequate treatment of wastes, sewage and industrial effluents was identified as a serious obstacle to implementation of the Global Programme of Action, particularly for developing countries and economies in transition whose representatives cited a need for financial and technological assistance in their efforts to deal with such wastes. Unsustainable development patterns, including overcrowding, in coastal areas were identified as particular problems.                                                                                            [ UP ]

18. Participants welcomed the decision of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene a global conference to address sewage as a major land-based source of pollution affecting human and ecosystem health. Efforts to combat the spread of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were also welcomed. There was discussion about the possible need for a global framework treaty to implement the Global Programme of Action, but a number of participants questioned the feasibility of formulating and implementing such an agreement. Participants also stressed the importance they attached to UNEP's completing the establishment of the Global Programme of Action coordination office and establishing a clearing-house mechanism to provide decision makers with direct access to scientific and technical expertise, financial assistance and capacity-building.

19. There was considerable emphasis on the need for improved scientific understanding of the marine environment as a fundamental basis for sound decision-making, improved human well-being and prevention of environmental degradation including in coastal areas. Participants observed that interaction between atmospheric and oceanic systems was changing as a result of climate change and could lead to serious socio-economic and environmental impacts, such as El Niño. Concerted international action (including coordinated efforts by the United Nations system) to improve scientific understanding was urgently required to deal with the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

20. With regard to the ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) as a source of independent scientific advice on oceans and coastal issues, participants suggested that consideration be given to establishing an international panel on marine pollution, along the lines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

21. Nearly all participants addressed the issue of international cooperation and coordination, exhibiting a keen interest in improving the way in which ocean issues are managed in intergovernmental forums and by international organizations. They attached priority to the identification of coherent, comprehensive and consistent approaches to sustainable development questions in relation to oceans and seas. They believed that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea30 provides the overall legal framework for the consideration of oceans and seas. Clearly it was appropriate for intergovernmental deliberations to take place in the General Assembly. However, there was a need to enhance the effectiveness of the Assembly's annual debate on oceans and the law of the sea, including by broadening and deepening the Assembly's consideration of oceans and the law of the sea. The Assembly's consideration of oceans needs to be able to range across all oceans issues, including those in Agenda 21, and to take account of the linkages between them. The process should benefit from a thorough and well-prepared analysis. Methods to improve the review of oceans issues should utilize, to the extent possible, existing institutions and make use of existing resources. The view was widely shared that there was a need for "institutional renewal, not new institutions".

22. Participants emphasized the need to identify present gaps and areas where coordination and cooperation should be enhanced. There was particular need for improvements in the process of inter-agency collaboration utilizing existing mechanisms and resources.

23. Participants noted that the Commission's recommendations on how to improve international coordination and cooperation would be presented to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session for its further consideration and action. They attached importance to this work and the need to provide clear and detailed guidance to the Assembly.

D. Small island developing States

24. The co-Chair of the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States briefed the Commission on progress in reaching agreement on the draft text that the Commission, acting as a preparatory body for the special session of the General Assembly for the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States,31 is required to submit to the special session.

25. Recognizing that small island developing States are the custodians of large areas of the world's oceans and significant biodiversity resources, participants reaffirmed the Barbados Programme of Action as the blueprint for the sustainable development of small island developing States. Attention was drawn to the progress made by small island developing States since the adoption of the Barbados Programme of Action by the Barbados Global Conference in implementing sustainable development strategies through action at the national and the regional level.

26. Attention was drawn to the vulnerability of small island developing States in relation to their ability to withstand external economic shocks, for example, as a result of fluctuating commodity prices and susceptibility to natural disasters. Participants placed particular emphasis on the early development of a vulnerability index to supplement existing gross domestic product (GDP)-based criteria in the assessment of eligibility of small island developing States for concessional finance.

27. Concern was expressed at constraints still faced by small island developing States in fully implementing sustainable development strategies because of insufficient resources, due particularly to declining levels of official development assistance (ODA). Concern was further expressed that the decline in financial resources might reflect a lessening of commitment made at the Barbados Global Conference. It was recognized that the special session of the General Assembly would provide an opportunity for all countries to reaffirm commitments that had been made at the time the Barbados Programme of Action was adopted.

28. In this regard, the recent small island developing States donor meeting was acknowledged as a positive step. Participants emphasized the need for improved donor coordination and the importance of partnerships at all levels, including with the private sector, in order to further assist small island developing States in their efforts to achieve sustainable development.

29. There were expressions of concern at adverse effects on small island developing States of globalization and trade liberalization. It was emphasized that the special circumstances of small island developing States should be taken into account in the next phase of negotiations under the World Trade Organization.

30. Participants expressed concern at the risks to small island developing States of trans-shipment of hazardous wastes and materials through their jurisdictions. In this regard, there was a proposal to have the Caribbean Sea recognized as a special area in the context of sustainable development, bearing in mind the subregion's high degree of vulnerability as a result of the large number of ships with hazardous cargo traversing the Caribbean.

E. Changing consumption and production patterns

31. Participants emphasized that all countries were consumers and producers of a global and common set of resources. It was recognized that the industrialized countries should take the lead in changing consumption and production patterns, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, since consumption and production in developing countries were often driven by the patterns in developed countries.

32. It was noted that during the twentieth century, world consumption had undergone tremendous expansion, with substantial positive effects on human welfare for a large number of people. However, there were huge disparities in consumption between industrialized and developing countries and widening gaps between the wealthy and the poor almost everywhere. Furthermore, unsustainable consumption and production patterns, especially in developed countries, had done great environmental as well as social harm worldwide, with severe impacts often being experienced in the poorest regions of the world.

33. Participants noted that unsustainable consumption and production patterns included both overconsumption of natural resources, particularly in the developed countries, and poverty and underconsumption of basic goods and services in developing countries. There was an urgent need to find effective ways to address poverty, particularly in the poorest countries, and to thereby enable them to attain better life conditions and to achieve sustainable development.

34. It was noted that the developing countries and countries with economies in transition needed investment in skills formation and capacity-building, technology development and transfer, and promotion of greater efficiency in production, in order to enable them to address the priority goal of poverty eradication. Transfer of skills and technology, together with financial resources, was required to ensure access to international markets. Particular attention should be given to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants stressed the need for developed countries, in particular, to meet their commitments to those ends, as outlined in Agenda 21, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.                                                                                            [ UP ]

35. It was noted that sustainable development required equitable access to resources and a decoupling of consumption and production from environmental degradation.

36. Participants emphasized that Governments, industry, media, non-governmental organizations, international organizations and individuals all had important roles to play in changing consumption and production patterns.

37. It was noted that it was in the interest of all countries to promote cleaner production and eco-efficiency in various economic sectors. For this purpose, a mix of instruments should be used, ranging from regulatory through economic to social instruments, including voluntary initiatives. A key challenge was to find ways to meet present and future demands, especially for non-renewable resources, food and energy.

38. It was noted that a better understanding about the driving forces that influenced consumer choice and behaviour was needed, including gender-related issues, and the role of the advertising sector and the media. It was noted that the further development of indicators of consumption and production could make an important contribution to this effort.

39. It was noted there was need for further study of the impacts of urbanization and urban planning on sustainable consumption and production, particularly in such areas as transportation, energy, water, sanitation and waste management.

40. Participants stressed the critical importance of education, information and public awareness, recognizing that broad participation in changing consumption and production patterns depended on public understanding of the impact of consumption and production patterns on health, quality of life, poverty and the environment. They encouraged UNEP and other international organizations, together with Governments, industry, media and other stakeholders, to contribute to education, information and public awareness.

41. Participants noted that globalization was of particular concern and that relationships between trade, environment and development should be examined with a view to promoting more sustainable patterns of consumption and production. It was emphasized that policies on trade and sustainable consumption should be mutually supportive. It was emphasized that policies to promote sustainable consumption and production should not be used for protectionism or in a discriminatory way, nor should they create obstacles to development in developing countries.

42. It was noted that financing for development must come primarily from domestic resources, but that ODA is also very important, especially for the least developed countries. In this context, donor countries were encouraged to make further efforts to proceed towards the fulfilment of the ODA target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP).

43. Participants welcomed the initiative by UNEP to elaborate an International Declaration on Cleaner Production and encouraged the signing of that Declaration.

44. Participants welcomed the elaboration of, and called for the adoption of, the new elements on sustainable consumption for inclusion in the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection.32

F. Focus points

45. The following points were identified by ministers and heads of delegation for particular consideration by officials in finalizing Commission outcomes:

1. Tourism

Under this topic:

- A focused work programme identifying clearly what actions are required, by whom and, wherever possible, by when. This would include work that major groups have agreed to undertake, as well as actions for Governments and international organizations and agencies;

- The need to reflect the key role of industry and local authorities in achieving sustainable development in the tourism sector (including through such measures as Agenda 21 for travel and tourism, Local Agenda 21 and other initiatives, desirably with multi-stakeholder participation, and also monitoring, verification and assessment arrangements);

- The need for specific measures for capacity-building (for example, education and training arrangements for tourists, children, workers, educators, women, indigenous people and other relevant groups), including industry-led initiatives;

- The importance of identifying tourism planning and management activities (including the development of integrated planning arrangements, with mechanisms for including stakeholders; development and promotion of "best practices"; development of inter-agency study on carrying capacity; early efforts to minimize packaging waste associated with travel and tourism; and arrangements to ensure that international organizations and agencies take tourism into account in work programmes on relevant issues);

- Addressing of coastal issues effectively (including through fully integrated planning processes for coastal development; proactive support for small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises; IMO study on effectiveness of marine pollution regulations and compliance in the context of tourism impacts, especially in small island developing States;

- Inclusion of relevant direction for research activities;

- Inclusion of direction for stronger action on the exploitation of women and children, especially through sex tourism, recognizing the particular responsibilities of the home countries of sex tourists and the special role for the tourism industry in efforts to stamp out the problem. Governments to be urged to support ILO work in this area, including through ratifying and enforcing relevant agreements.

2. Oceans and seas

Under this topic:

- The importance for much of the world of ensuring a sustainable supply of food from oceans and seas as well as the need to protect marine biological diversity;

- Early ratification and entry into force of existing agreements;

- Implementing those agreements and other instruments such as agreed plans of action, including developing the necessary capacity at the national, regional and global level;

- The potential of Partnership conferences at the regional level involving all relevant stakeholders for mobilizing the activities and resources needed for the implementation of agreements and action plans, in particular the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities;                                                                                                [ UP ]

- The significance of regional fishing organizations as the cornerstone for achieving the sustainable use of fisheries, the need for them to be strengthened and given greater enforcement capacity and the need to encourage the creation of new regional fishing organizations in respect of non-regulated fisheries;

- The need for effective action on the problems of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, including by vessels of flag States which do not fulfil their responsibilities under international law in respect of their vessels and for the closest possible cooperation between FAO and IMO in resolving these problems;

- The problems of by-catch (both of non-target species and of other forms of wildlife), discards and destructive fishing practices; and the need for effective further work by global and regional fisheries organizations to address these issues;

- The problems associated with persistent organic pollutants and the need for an international agreement in this area; the importance of efforts to reduce the discharge of hazardous substances and avoiding contamination of the marine environment as a result of the scrapping of ships;

- The contribution that a global representative system of marine protected areas could make to the sustainable management of oceans and seas; and the need for sound principles in the development of the marine protected areas concept;

- The importance of improving scientific understanding of the marine environment in general and of ensuring that the best scientific information is available to regional and subregional decision makers; noting of the urgency of the review of GESAMP being undertaken by IMO; and emphasis on the significant impact on oceans of climatic phenomena such as the El Niño effect and encouragement of further work towards the understanding of these phenomena;

- The need for means by which each session of the Commission on Sustainable Development can review the implementation of its previous recommendations, including country and inter-agency feedback on progress;

- The importance of ensuring cross-sectoral integration at the national level to ensure that international agencies in the oceans area do not receive conflicting or inconsistent directions from their member States;

- The importance of international coordination and cooperation and the need to identify present gaps and areas where coordination and cooperation should be enhanced; in that context, the need to broaden and deepen the General Assembly's consideration of oceans and the law of the sea to more effectively encompass the full range of oceans issues, including those in Agenda 21; and, in addition, the need for improvements in the process of inter-agency collaboration utilizing existing mechanisms.

3. Small island developing States

Under this topic:

- The importance of the decision text emphasizing the continuing validity of the Barbados Programme of Action as a blueprint for the sustainable development of small island developing States;

- The particular vulnerability of small island developing States in relation to both economic shocks and natural disasters;

- Concern over declining ODA levels;

- The importance of the special circumstances of small island developing States being taken into account in the next phase of negotiations under the World Trade Organization;

- The importance of improving donor coordination and strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders in efforts to implement the Barbados Programme of Action;

' The opportunity provided by the special session of the General Assembly for all countries to reaffirm the commitments made at the Barbados Global Conference.

4. Changing consumption and production patterns

Under this topic:

- Focus future work through the development of strategies to achieve:

(a) Integrated resource management, cleaner production and eco-efficiency;

(b) Better understanding of globalization and its impact on consumption and production patterns;

(c) Progress in addressing problems relating to urbanization, and impacts of human settlements;

- Promotion of investment in capacity-building, technology development and transfer, and promotion of greater efficiency in production, recognizing the roles of Governments, international organizations, industry and other stakeholders in this regard;

- Increase and improvement of international cooperation in the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries, with the requisite financial support.

Chapter IV Sectoral theme: oceans and seas                                   [ UP ]

1. The Commission considered item 3 of its agenda at its 3rd and 12th to 14th meetings, on 19, 26 and 30 April 1999. It had before it the following documents:

(a) Report of the Secretary-General on oceans and seas (E/CN.17/1999/4 and Add.1);

(b) Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (E/CN.17/1999/17 and Corr.1).

2. At its 3rd meeting, on 19 April, the Commission considered the item jointly with items 4, 5 and 6 and heard presentations by Navid Hanif (Pakistan), Co-Chairman, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism, as well as by Alan Simcock (United Kingdom) and John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), Co-Chairmen, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Oceans and Seas (see chap. V, para. 2; chap. VI, para 2; and chap. VII, para. 2).

3. At the same meeting, the representatives of Canada and Switzerland reported on Government initiatives.

4. At its 12th meeting, on 26 April, the Commission heard presentations on item 3 and item 5 (Economic sector/major group: tourism) concurrently, by the representatives of Poland, Iceland and Kenya (see chap. VI, para. 12).

5. At its 13th meeting, on 26 April, the Commission heard a joint presentation on item 3 and item 5 (Economic sector/major group: tourism) concurrently, by the representatives of Panama and Mexico (see chap. VI, para. 13).

Action taken by the Commission

Oceans and seas

6. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision entitled "Oceans and seas", submitted on the basis of informal consultations.

7. At the same meeting, the representative of the United Kingdom reported on the outcome of final consultations on the draft decision.

8. Also at the same meeting, after statements by the representatives of Germany (on behalf of the European Union), Mexico, Egypt and the United States, the Commission adopted the draft text (see chap. I, sect. C, decision 7/6).

Chapter V Cross-sectoral theme: consumption and production patterns, including recommendations for sustainable consumption for inclusion in the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection, as requested by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1997/53                        [ UP ]

1. The Commission considered item 4 of its agenda at its 3rd and 14th meetings, on 19 and 30 April 1999. It had before it the following documents:

(a) Report of the Secretary-General on comprehensive review of changing consumption and production patterns (E/CN.17/1999/2);

(b) Report of the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism (E/CN.17/1999/16);

(c) Draft resolution entitled "Expansion of the United Nations guidelines on consumer protection to include sustainable consumption", submitted by the Vice-Chairman, Navid Hanif (Pakistan) (E/CN.17/1999/L.1).

2. At its 3rd meeting, on 19 April, the Commission considered the item jointly with items 3, 5 and 6 and heard presentations by Navid Hanif (Pakistan, Co-Chairman, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism, as well as by Alan Simcock (United Kingdom) and John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), Co-Chairmen, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Oceans and Seas (see chap. IV, para. 2; chap. VI, para. 2; and chap. VII, para. 2).

Action taken by the Commission

Expansion of the United Nations guidelines on consumer protection to include sustainable consumption

3. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft resolution entitled "Expansion of the United Nations guidelines on consumer protection to include sustainable consumption" (E/CN.17/1999/L.1), submitted by the Vice-Chairman, Navid Hanif (Pakistan), on the basis of informal consultations.

4. At the same meeting, the Commission recommended the draft resolution to the Council for adoption (see chap. I, sect. A, draft resolution I).

Changing consumption and production patterns

5. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision entitled "Changing consumption and production patterns" submitted by the Vice-Chairman, Navid Hanif (Pakistan), who reported on final consultations on the draft decision.

6. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, decision 7/2).

Chapter VI Economic sector/major group: tourism                              [ UP ]

1. The Commission considered item 5 of its agenda at its 3rd and 12th to 14th meetings, on 19, 26 and 30 April 1999. It had before it the following documents:

(a) Report of the Secretary-General on tourism and sustainable development (E/CN.17/1999/5 and Add.1'3);

(b) Report of the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism (E/CN.17/1999/16).

2. At its 3rd meeting, on 19 April, the Commission considered the item jointly with items 3, 4 and 6 and heard presentations by Navid Hanif (Pakistan), Co-Chairman, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism, as well as by Alan Simcock (United Kingdom) and John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), Co-Chairmen, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Oceans and Seas (see chap. IV, para. 2; chap. V, para. 2; and chap. VII, para. 2).

3. At the same meeting, the representatives of Canada and Switzerland reported on Government initiatives.

4. At its 4th meeting, on 19 April, the Commission held an interactive dialogue, focusing on industry initiatives for sustainable tourism.

5. At the same meeting, introductory statements were made by Geoffrey Lipman, President, World Travel and Tourism; LeRoy Trotman; Beate Weber, Mayor of Heidelberg, Germany; Velda Dhanoolah, Network of NGOs of Trinidad and Tobago, and Pan African Movement; Mark Hambley (United States); and Libran Cabactulan (Philippines).

6. At its 5th meeting, on 20 April, the Commission held an interactive dialogue, focusing on changing consumer behaviour.

7. At the same meeting, introductory statements were made by the following keynote speakers: Ken Hine, CEO, International Hotel and Restaurant Association; Estafania Blount; Margarita Najera Aranzabal, Mayor of Calvia (Spain); Sharon James, Voluntary Service Overseas; Adel Rady (Egypt); and Donal Guilfoyle (Ireland).

8. At its 6th meeting, on 20 April, the Commission held an interactive dialogue, focusing on promoting broad based sustainable development through tourism, while safeguarding the integrity of local cultures and protecting the environment.

9. At the same meeting, introductory statements were made by Karen Ford-Warner, Deputy Secretary-General, Caribbean Tourism Organization; Indira Saxena; Stephen Bewayo Nsubuga, Mayor, Jinja Municipality Council, Uganda; Wilfredo Alamgui, Tebtebba Foundation, Third World Network; Alexis Hatzidakis (Greece); and Cecilia Pérez Balladares (Panama).

10. At its 7th meeting, on 21 April, the Commission held an interactive dialogue, focusing on coastal impact of tourism.

11. At the same meeting, introductory statements were made by Heinz Simonitsch, Managing Director, Half Moon Bay; Jon Whitlow; Jeremy Harris, Mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii; Atherton Martin, Dominican Conservation Association; Richard Kenchington (Australia); and Suphawit Piampongsan (Thailand).

12. At its 12th meeting, on 26 April, the Commission heard presentations on item 5 and item 3 (Sectoral theme: oceans and seas) concurrently, by the representatives of Poland, Iceland and Kenya (see chap. IV, para. 4).

13. At its 13th meeting, on 26 April, the Commission heard a joint presentation by representatives of Panama and Mexico, on item 5 and item 3 (Sectoral theme: oceans and seas) concurrently (see chap. IV, para. 5).

Action taken by the Commission

Tourism and sustainable development

14. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision entitled "Tourism and sustainable development' (E/CN.17/1999/L.6), submitted by the Vice-Chairman, Navid Hanif (Pakistan), on the basis of informal consultations.

15. At the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. 1, sect. C, decision 7/3).

Chapter VII Comprehensive review of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States             [ UP ]

1. The Commission considered item 6 of its agenda at its 3rd and 14th meetings, on 19 and 30 April 1999 (for other action taken by the Commission under agenda item 6, see (A/S-22/_'E/1999/_). It had before it the following documents:

(a) Report of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (E/CN.17/1999/6 and Add.1'16);

(b) Report of the Secretary-General entitled "Progress in the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States: current donor activities" (E/CN.17/1999/7);

(c) Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (E/CN.17/1999/17 and Corr.1);

(d) Report of the Secretary-General on the meeting of representatives of donors and small island developing States, which was held at New York from 24 to 26 February 1999 (E/CN.17/1999/18).

2. At its 3rd meeting, on 19 April, the Commission considered the item jointly with items 3, 4 and 5 and heard presentations by Navid Hanif (Pakistan), Co-Chairman, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism, as well as by Alan Simcock (United Kingdom) and John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), Co-Chairmen, Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Oceans and Seas (see chap. IV, para. 2; chap. V, para. 2; and chap. VI, para. 2).

Action taken by the Commission

Comprehensive review of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States

3. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission took note of the documents under the item (see chap. I, sect. C, decision 7/10).

Chapter VIII Initiation of preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on issues related to the sectoral theme: energy              [ UP ]

1. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April 1999, the Commission considered item 7 of its agenda. It had before it the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Initiation of preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on issues related to the sectoral theme: energy" (E/CN.17/1999/8).

Action taken by the Commission

Preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on issues related to the sectoral theme: energy

2. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft resolution entitled "Preparations for the ninth session of the Commission on issues related to the sectoral theme: energy", submitted by the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana), who reported on final consultations on the draft resolution.

3. At the same meeting, the Commission recommended the draft resolution to the Council for adoption (see chap. I, sect. A, draft resolution II).

Chapter IX High-level meeting                                                          [ UP ]

1. The Commission considered item 8 of its agenda at its 8th to 11th meetings, on 21 to 23 April 1999. It had before it the following documents:

(a) Report of the Secretary-General on emerging issues for the high-level meeting (E/CN.17/1999/9);

(b) Report of the Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism (E/CN.17/1999/16);

(c) Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (E/CN.17/1999/17 and Corr.1).

2. At the 8th meeting, on 21 April, the Deputy Secretary-General addressed the Commission.

3. At the same meeting, statements on tourism and development were made by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of Thailand; the Minister of Mines, Environment and Tourism of Zimbabwe; the Minister of Tourism of Ecuador; the Director-General of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture of Indonesia; the Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece; the Director of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism of Kenya; the Under-Minister of the Environment of Spain; the Minister for Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry of Poland; the Minister of State of the United Republic of Tanzania; the Minister for Science and Technology of Guyana (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China); the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany (on behalf of the European Union and also on behalf of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Norway); the Minister of the Environment and Physical Planning of Slovenia; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Namibia; the Minister of the Environment of Slovakia; the Permanent Representative of Hungary; the Minister of Tourism of Turkey; the Head of the State Committee for Tourism of Ukraine; the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka; the Deputy Permanent Representative of Myanmar; the Deputy Minister for Economy of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; the Vice-President and Minister of the Environment and Energy of Costa Rica; the Federal Minister for the Environment, Youth and Family Affairs of Austria; the Secretary of Tourism of Argentina; the Vice-Minister of Tourism of Peru; the Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan; the Head of the Environmental Policy Division, Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova; the Permanent Representative of Cyprus; the Permanent Representative of Tunisia; the Director, National Environmental Centre for Sustainable Development of Kazakhstan; and the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

4. At the same meeting, the Commission engaged in an interactive dialogue.

5. Also at the same meeting, a statement was made by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.

6. At the 9th meeting, on 22 April, statements on oceans and seas were made by the Minister, State Environmental Protection Administration of China; the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany; the Head of the International Relations and Treaty Department, Ministry of Environment of Lithuania; the Minister of Environment and Forest of Côte d'Ivoire; the Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions of the United Kingdom; the Minister of Environment and Protection of Nature of Senegal; the Director-General, Chief Executive, Federal Environmental Protection Agency of Nigeria; the Permanent Representative of Algeria; the Minister of Environment of Norway; the Administrative Vice-Minister, Environment Agency of Japan; the Minister for Forests, Environment and Conservation of Solomon Islands (on behalf of Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu); the Minister for Environment and Energy of Denmark; the Secretary, Minister of Environment and Forests of India; the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa; and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage of Australia.

7. At the same meeting, the Commission engaged in an interactive dialogue.

8. At the 10th meeting, on 22 April, the Commission heard statements on oceans and seas by the Minister of the Environment of Portugal; the Minister of International Cooperation for Environment and Development of Monaco; the Chairman of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection; the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources of Ireland; the Minister for Spatial Planning and the Environment of France; the Minister of Environment of Madagascar; the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning and Chair, Philippine Council for Sustainable Development; the Permanent Representative of Colombia; the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development of Pakistan; the Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Malaysia; the Minister for the Environment of Iceland; the Minister for Environment of Mozambique; the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada; the Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea; and the Secretary of Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries of Mexico.

9. At the same meeting, the Commission then engaged in an interactive dialogue.

10. At the 11th meeting, on 23 April, the Commission heard statements on consumption and production patterns by the Minister of the Environment of Finland; the Minister of Environment of Italy; the Federal Councillor, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland; the Minister of Environment and Forests of Cameroon; the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; the Permanent Representative of Belarus; the Minister of the Environment of the Czech Republic; the Minister for Spatial Planning, Environment, Urbanization and Habitat of Morocco; the Minister of Environment, Habitat and Urbanism of Benin; the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil; the Vice-Minister, Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea; and the Minister for the Environment of Sweden.

11. At the same meeting, the Commission engaged in an interactive dialogue.

Action taken by the Commission

12. At the 11th meeting, on 23 April, the Chairman read out the Chairman's summary of the high-level meeting.

13. At the same meeting, the Chairman agreed to include the Chairman's summary in the report of the Commission (see chap. III).

14. Also at the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of the Netherlands, Guyana (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the Group of 77 and China) and India.

Chapter X Other matters                                                                       [ UP ]

1. The Commission considered item 9 of its agenda at its 14th meeting, on 30 April 1999. It had before it the following documents:

(a) Note by the Secretary-General on national reporting to the Commission on Sustainable Development (E/CN.17/1999/10);

(b) Report of the Secretary-General on implementation of the international work programme on education, public awareness and training (E/CN.17/1999/11);

(c) Report of the Secretary-General on voluntary initiatives and agreements (E/CN.17/1999/12);

(d) Draft proposals submitted by the Vice-Chairman, Mr. George Talbot (Guyana) (E/CN.17/1999/L.3);

(e) Draft resolution entitled "Sustainable development in the region of the Balkans", submitted by the Russian Federation (E/CN.17/1999/L.5).

Action taken by the Commission

Education, public awareness and training

2. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision entitled "Education, public awareness and training".

3. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana) reported on the outcome of final consultations held on the draft decision.

4. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 7/4).

Information provided by Governments and exchange of national experiences

5. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision entitled "Information provided by Governments and exchange of national experiences".

6. At the same meeting the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana) reported on the outcome of final consultations held on the draft decision.

7. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 7/5).

Voluntary initiatives and agreements

8. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision submitted by the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana), entitled "Voluntary initiatives and agreements", contained in document E/CN.17/1999/L.3, which read as follows:

"The Commission on Sustainable Development,

Recalling the interactive dialogue that took place between Governments, industry, trade unions, non-governmental organizations and international organizations in the industry segment organized during its sixth session, in 199833 and its decision 6/2 regarding the "potential value of a review of voluntary initiatives and agreements":

(a) Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General34 and the inter-sessional consultative process convened in Toronto, Canada, in March 1999, involving representatives of industry, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, international organizations and Governments, aimed at identifying elements of a review of voluntary initiatives and agreements launched in follow-up to its decision 6/2 in 1998;

(b) Reiterates the value of multi-stakeholder processes for sustainable development, and encourages their further use both in future work on voluntary initiatives and agreements and in other sustainable development issues;

(c) Encourages the stakeholder groups, in cooperation with relevant United Nations bodies, to continue generating information about voluntary initiatives and agreements, including the most appropriate means for possible reviews, and to make this information widely available, and requests its secretariat to facilitate these efforts, inter alia, through its Internet site;

(d) Stresses the need for better understanding of the possible impact of voluntary initiatives and agreements on developing countries, and requests the various stakeholders to report periodically, through the Commission's secretariat, on steps they have taken or progress they have made in assisting developing countries to understand and make use of, as appropriate, the lessons to be learned from the use of voluntary initiatives and agreements;

(e) Takes note of the commitments to future action made by the various stakeholders at the Toronto meeting, and encourages further dialogue among the stakeholders on information products that may assist countries and interested organizations in understanding the uses and value of voluntary initiatives and agreements in the context of sustainable development;

(f) Requests the Secretary-General to periodically report to the Commission on the progress and developments in this area."

9. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman reported on the outcome of the final consultations held on the draft decision and circulated a revised text. The Commission then adopted the draft decision as revised (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 7/6).

Proposed programme of work in the area of sustainable development for the biennium 2000-2001

10. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision, submitted by the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana), entitled "Proposed programme of work in the area of sustainable development for the biennium 2000-2001", contained in document E/CN.17/1999/L.3.

11. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman reported on the outcome of final consultations and orally revised the draft decision by inserting the words "inter alia" before the words "as appropriate".

12. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision as orally revised (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 7/7).

Matters related to the inter-sessional work of the Commission

13. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision submitted by Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana), entitled "Matters related to the inter-sessional work of the Commission", contained in document E/CN.17/1999/L.3.

14. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman reported on the outcome of final consultations on the draft decision.

15. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft decision (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 7/8).

Sustainable development in the region of the Balkans

16. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft resolution entitled "Sustainable development in the region of the Balkans" (E/CN.17/1999/L.5), submitted by the Russian Federation.

17. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana) reported on the outcome of final consultations on the draft resolution.

18. Also at the same meeting, the representative of Germany (on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations that are members of the European Union) moved adjournment of the debate, in accordance with rule 49 of the rules of procedure of the functional commissions.

19. At the same meeting, statements were made by the representatives of Poland and Canada favouring the adjournment, and statements were made by the representatives of the Russian Federation and China opposing the adjournment.

20. Also at the same meeting, the motion was carried by a vote of 33 to 4, with 8 abstentions. The voting was as follows:

In favour Antigua and Barbuda, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, France, Gabon, Germany, Guyana, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Mauritania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and United States of America.

Against: China, Democratic Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and Zimbabwe.

Abstaining: Benin, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Venezuela.

21. After the vote, the representatives of India and the Russian Federation made statements and requested that they be placed on record. Those statements are set out below.

Statement by the representative of India

The problem that the Russian Federation has tried to address in its draft resolution is a matter of the gravest concern to the international community.

On 19 April 1999, The Times, under the headline "Poison cloud engulfs Belgrade", reported that "an ecological disaster was unfolding yesterday after NATO bombed a combined petrochemicals, fertilizer and refinery complex on the banks of the Danube in the northern outskirts of Belgrade". It reported that "among the cocktail of chemicals brewing over hundreds of thousands of homes were the toxic gas phosgene, chlorine and hydrochloric acid". Tonnes of a carcinogen, ethylene dichloride, had been released into the Danube, and would flow downstream. This is not propaganda put out by either of the parties in conflict in the Balkans but a dispatch in a newspaper greatly respected for its objective and independent reporting. Since then, NATO spokesmen have almost daily listed targets like these among those that they have attacked, damaged or destroyed.

In addition, as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs has reported to the Security Council, the oil embargo which NATO plans to impose, without a shred of authority from the Security Council, would, because of the current shortage of fuel in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, make this year's sowing and harvest almost impossible. Several recent analyses, including those commissioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, have warned that a collapse of food production, famine and displacements of populations act on each other in a vicious chemistry that causes ecological disasters. We may therefore expect even greater economic and ecological crises in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia over the next few months.

We are appalled by these developments, and we entirely understand, therefore, the intent behind the Russian Federation's initiative. However, we also believe that it is not within this Commission's remit to pronounce itself on issues of this nature, of grave importance as they are, or on other specific incidents. This Commission's charge is to reach intergovernmental agreements on how we can balance the needs of development with those of the environment; that is challenge enough, and to meet it, what we need, and by and large have, is harmony in this forum and a spirit of cooperation among all delegations. We believe there is great value in the Commission maintaining its tradition of taking decisions only by consensus. It would be a pity to have this Commission divided on political lines, particularly on an issue that is beyond its mandate.

Neither do we want the Commission to replicate the problems created in the Commission on Human Rights, which each year finds itself divided and distracted by politically inspired country-specific resolutions. The crisis in the Balkans caused by NATO action is a legitimate cause for international concern, but those concerns can only be addressed in other forums. The problem addressed in this draft may be almost unique, but if the Commission acts on it, it would set an uncomfortable precedent. We should be careful about any steps we take which may have the unintended effect of mutating the Commission on Sustainable Development into a Star Chamber in which countries are pilloried for not meeting arbitrarily defined standards of sustainable development, either in retaliation over this draft, or for other political purposes.

Therefore, while we completely sympathize with the spirit of the Russian draft, and indeed with the population of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, wracked as they are by humanitarian crises and the devastation of their infrastructure, we do not think that their interests, or those of the Commission, would be best served by this course of action.

In the informal consultations which have been held over the last few days, our colleagues from the countries addressed by the Russian draft have indicated that they would use the procedural gambit of a no-action motion to block it. If it saves the Commission from a divisive vote on the substance, it may have served the objectives which we had in mind. However, we also know that this move may not have been made with the best interests of the Commission on Sustainable Development in mind but rather as a purely defensive measure to fend off criticism. Last week in Geneva at the Human Rights Commission, these countries argued vehemently that it would thwart the democratic process if no-action motions were moved against their drafts, targeting other countries. Therefore, we are as concerned about the motives of those who propose the no-action motion here as we are about the repercussions on the Commission on Sustainable Development should the Russian Federation press its draft to a vote.

For these reasons, we will abstain on the no-action motion. Should it fail and the Russian draft be put to a vote, we will abstain on that as well for the same reasons.

Statement by the representative of the Russian Federation

The Russian Federation deeply regrets that the Commission on Sustainable Development failed to adopt the draft resolution entitled "Sustainable development in the region of the Balkans" (E/CN.17/1999/L.5).

We were prepared to discuss the draft in good faith in order to reach consensus. We at the same time were well aware of options of possible voting outcomes. But we did not introduce this resolution on "win-lose" considerations. We introduced it because we believed it was the right thing to do.

It is symbolic that this resolution was voted on procedural grounds, not on substance. We view that as a de facto recognition that the problem exists.

We firmly believe that the Commission on Sustainable Development, as the main body in the United Nations dealing with sustainable development, has and should play a role in addressing the unfolding environmental disaster in Yugoslavia, with unpredictable consequences for the lives of millions of people in Europe.

The fact that the Commission turned its back on this issue does not mean that the issue is gone. The truth is, and everyone knows it, that the issue of grave environmental consequences of events in the Balkans is there, and that the time will come, and it will come soon, when this issue will be on the agenda of the United Nations, including the Commission on Sustainable Development and other forums.

Meanwhile UNEP, in accordance with its mandate, should urgently start gathering information about the environmental situation in Yugoslavia and the region of the Balkans. This will greatly facilitate work on identifying actions to be undertaken to overcome the consequences of the environmental damage.

We were among the first in the Commission on Sustainable Development to raise our voice about this problem, but not the only ones. We express our deep gratitude to the delegations of Belarus, the People's Republic of China, Cuba, Zimbabwe, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and others for their support and demonstration of understanding of the true role the Commission on Sustainable Development should play in addressing acute challenges to environment and sustainable development.

We insist that this statement be included in full in the report of the Commission on Sustainable Development on its seventh session.

22. Statements were also made by the representatives of Indonesia, Thailand, Guyana, Brazil, Egypt, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Sudan.

Preparations for the review of Agenda 21 and the programme for the further implementation of Agenda 21

23. At its 14th meeting, on 30 April, the Commission had before it a draft decision entitled "Preparations for the review of Agenda 21 and the programme for the further implementation of Agenda 21".

24. At the same meeting, the Vice-Chairman, George Talbot (Guyana) reported on the outcome of final consultations on the draft decision.

25. Also at the same meeting, the Commission adopted the draft text (see chap. I, sect. C, Commission decision 7/9).

(This document has been made available in electronic format by the United Nations. )

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