Implementation of a regional programme on sustainable production and consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean

Project Summary Project code: 06/07Q Executing entities: UNEP Funding:  US$ 560,000 Duration: 2006-2009 Theme: Sustainable development and human settlements Status: Active Region: Latin America and the Caribbean   Implementation Rate:       0%     Updated:       06/06/07

Background:

                The International Expert Meeting on the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Production and Consumption (SCP), held in Marrakesh in June 2003, which reviewed the follow-up to the implementation of the outcomes of the Rio Earth Summit and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, accentuated the need for Governments to articulate their priorities in the area of sustainable consumption and production to ensure effective and well-targeted international cooperation and to address the challenge of poverty and inequality in the region. The meeting also called for the development of a regional strategy to promote SCP patterns and the establishment of a regional council of government experts on SCP.

The project has been designed in the light of the above-stated strategy and policy considerations to contribute to the sustainable development of the Latin America and the Caribbean region by changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns and to contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals by linking sustainable production and consumption to poverty reduction. The target groups are relevant governmental authorities in the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the general public, consumer associations, NGOs, small and medium enterprises and producers of sustainable products.

                 The project will be implemented by UNEP, in collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which will contribute by providing its expertise on policy development and global inputs on the Marrakesh process, and ECLAC, which will contribute its regional economic expertise.

Objectives:

To improve sustainable consumption and production patterns by supporting national and regional initiatives.

Expected accomplishment:

(a) Development and introduction of policies and measures aimed at promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption by Governments involved

(b) Increased participation of the private sector in the promotion and implementation of sustainable production and consumption

(c) Increased awareness and participation of the general public and non-governmental organizations in relation to the promotion of sustainable consumption and production

Implementation status:

A preparatory sub regional meeting on Sustainable Consumption and Production-SCP took place in Peru in August, 2006 comprising countries of the Andean region (i.e. Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela) where priorities on SCP were reviewed. Exchange of information also took place on Youth X Change (YxC) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) with the support of Mexico. A demonstration project in Mexico has been carried out on sustainable public procurement focused on paper and printers. Report is under consideration of Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT) and is to be released on early 2007. Municipal authorities of Nicaragua lead by the Director of the National Solid Waste Management Programme, visited Mexico and exchanged experiences in waste management with national and municipal authorities, as well as with private sector involved in this sector. A draft MOU for the establishment of a Sub Regional SCP Information Center for the Caribbean is under consideration by the Caribbean Environment and Health Institute-CEHI. It is expected to be signed in 2007.