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National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Syrian Arab Republic
to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
|
This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office: Ministry of the Environment
Date: 20 January 1997
Submitted by: A.H. El-Munajed. Minister of State for Environmental Affairs
Mailing address: Ministry of the Environment
Telephone: 2234309-3330510
Telefax: 3335645 Tlx: 412686 ENV.SY E-mail:
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
|
| APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
| CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
| CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
| CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
| EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
| ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
| ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
| ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
| ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
| EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
| ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
| ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
| GEF | Global Environment Facility |
| GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
| GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
| GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
| GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
| GIS | Geographical Information System |
| GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
| GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
| GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
| GSP | generalized system of preferences |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
| IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
| ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
| ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
| ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
| ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
| ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
| IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
| IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
| IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
| IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
| IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
| ILO | International Labour Organisation |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization |
| INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
| IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
| IPM | integrated pest management |
| IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
| ITC | International Tin Council |
| ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
| PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
| PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
| SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
| SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
| UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
| UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
| UNU | United Nations University |
| WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
| WFC | World Food Council |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
| WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s). Technical Secretariat
Contact point (Name, Title, Office): Eng. Yahia Awaidah Ministry of the Environment
Telephone: 4421386
Fax:
e-mail:
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3773 Suria, Damascus, Tolyani Str., Syria
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson: 2a. List of ministries and agencies involved: Chairman: A.H. EL MOUNAJED, Minister of Environment Vice Chairman: Eng. Yahia Awaidah (Chief Engineers in the Ministry of Environment) 11 members of the Consultant Committee 6 members of the Technical Secretariat
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies: Public Sector
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved: Women's Union; Youth Union; Labour Union
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council: 1. Consultant Committee (Ministry of Environment) 2. Technical Secretariat (Ministry of the Environment) 3. Working Groups (concerned sectors) 4. Working Committee (concerned sectors)
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries:
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 2: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC POLICIES (with special emphasis on
TRADE)
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: In this field, Syria concentrates
on the following aspects: transfer of environmentally sound
technology; foreign trade and export commodities in the context of
its environmental policies.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of
Environment, Health and Labour, Local administration, Petroleum,
Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, Electricity, and Economy and the
Central Bureau of Statistics.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
Focus of national strategy
Syria concentrates on the following aspects: making available
sustainable living conditions and promoting rural
development, undertaking procedures for reversing imigration from
cities to rural areas and concentrating on integrated
human development policies with the help of UN in order to
implement the National Programme for Combating Poverty.
Highlight activities aimed at the poor and linkages to the
environment
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of
Environment, Health and Labour, Local administration, Petroleum,
Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, Electricity, and Economy and the
Central Bureau of Statistics.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
NB: Developed countries, where domestic poverty alleviation is not
a major concern may wish to briefly describe their
position regarding global poverty alleviation.
| Latest 1991 | |||||
| Unemployment (%) | |||||
| Population living in absolute poverty | |||||
| Public spending on social sector % | |||||
| Other data
| |||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
Syria is concerned with the following issues: patterns of water and
energy consumption and the protection of its resources
by reducing waste generation and by making resources available for
the poor.
National targets
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of
Environment, Health and Labour, Local administration, Petroleum,
Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, Electricity, and Economy and the
Central Bureau of Statistics.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | |||||
| GDP per capita (current US$) | |||||
| Real GDP growth (%) | |||||
| Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | |||||
| Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | |||||
| Other data
| |||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: In this context, Syria
concentrates on collecting and disseminating information about
population
indicators and policies as well as balancing factors between
population and the environment and resources and
development.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of
Environment, Health and Labour, Local administration, Petroleum,
Agriculture, Irrigation, Housing, Electricity, and Economy and the
Central Bureau of Statistics.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | ||||
| Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | ||||
| Surface area (Km2) | ||||
| Population density (people/Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
- Making primary medical care available especially in rural
areas;
- Monitoring and prevention of communicable diseases;
- Challenges of environmental safety in urban areas;
- Reduction of pollution risks.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria's activities are
concentrated on the following:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Irrigation,
Health, Labour, Housing, Tourism, and Local
administration.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Life expectancy at birth Male Female | ||||
| Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | ||||
| Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | ||||
| Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | ||||
| Access to sanitation services (% of population) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
- Making available suitable shelters for its citizens;
- Development of human settlements administration through urban
administration and by improving information systems as
well as developing sustainable land-use practices;
- Making available water and discharge infrastructure and solid
waste administration;
- Building capacity of human settlements development.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Under this chapter, Syria is
concerned with the following issues:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Irrigation,
Health, Labour, Housing, Tourism, and Local
administration.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Urban population in % of total population | |||
| Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | |||
| Largest city population (in % of total population) | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
- Review of economic, environmental and sectoral strategies in
order to consolidate environment and development into
planning and policy-making;
- Promotion of establishments for this purpose;
- Participation of relevant agencies in decision-making;
- Making legal structures available;
- Using economic instruments.
See also Chapter 33.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: In order to integrate environment
and development in decision-making, Syria concentrates on the
following activities:
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): The Ministries of Environment, Economy, Finance,
Agriculture, Irrigation, Industry, Information, Justice, Planning;
Remote Sensing; the Scientific Research Center and
Information Center.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
Syria has ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1989.
Syria has ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change on 6 January 1996.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Meteorological Center,
the Ministries of Agriculture, High education, Transport,
Petroleum, Electricity, the Atomic Energy Commission, the
Ministries for Foreign Affairs and for Interior Affairs, the
Ports Commission, and the Ministry of Justice.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| CO2 emissions (eq. million tons) | ||||
| SOx " | ||||
| NOx " | ||||
| CH4 " | ||||
| Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | ||||
| Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria concentrates on all
activities of Chapter 10 as well as on taking into account
environmental
considerations during the implementation period of different
activities and by not permitting any activities if they do not
satisfy the two aspects of environmental protection and natural
resources balance. In this context, decision-making is
coordinated with the State Planning Commission.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Remote Sensing, Governorates, Irrigation, the
Meteorological Center, Scientific Research Center, the Ministry of
High Education and Environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria has a High Commission for
Forestation which has an annual programme to increase the green
belt and to protect forests form fires as well as awareness
programmes to encourage planting.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Remote Sensing, Governorates, Irrigation, the
Meteorological Center, Scientific Research Center, the Ministry of
High Education and Environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Forest Area (Km2) | ||||
| Protected forest area | ||||
| Roundwood production (solid volume of roundwood without bark in mill m3) | ||||
| Deforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Reforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
In 1995, Syria signed and ratified the International Convention
to Combat Desertification in Countries
Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
In cooperation with ACSAD and the Ministry of Agriculture, a
desertification map of Syria has been drawn up, and a
similar map covering the whole Arabic World will be completed by
ACSAD.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Remote Sensing, Governorates, Irrigation, the
Meteorological Center, Scientific Research Center, the Ministry of
High Education and Environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The measures under this Chapter
aim at securing eco-systems information and sustainable methods
for development of mountains and slopes as well as conservation of
biodiversity.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Remote Sensing, Governorates, Irrigation, the
Meteorological Center, Scientific Research Center, the Ministry of
High Education and Environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Actions concentrate on all areas
of this chapter in addition to migration from rural areas to
cities.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Remote Sensing, Governorates, Irrigation, the
Meteorological Center, Scientific Research Center, the Ministry of
High Education and Environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Agricultural land (Km2) | ||||
| Agricultural land as % of total land area | ||||
| Agricultural land per capita | ||||
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Consumption of fertilizers per Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990 | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed and ratified
by Syria in 1995.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora
No information.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
In cooperation with ACSAD and UNEP, Syria has implemented a project
for setting up a national strategy for
biodiversity.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture,
Remote Sensing, Irrigation, Scientific Research Center,
the Ministry of High Education and Environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Protected area as % of total land area | |||
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Number of threatened species | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
- Increasing food and food safety by increasing crops
production;
- Protection of the environment through production development
processes;
- Development of alternative energy sources;
- Safe application of biotechnology;
- Transfering technologies through the development of
establishments.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria concentrates on the
following issues under this chapter:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Education,
High Education; Scientific Research Center; Environmental
Research Center; Industry; Information; International
organizations; Env.; Public organizations, the Atomic Energy
Commission.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
See also the attached tables on the next pages.
The priorities under this chapter are the following:
- Integrated administration of coastal areas;
- Protection of marine environment;
- Sustainable use of marine resources;
- Capacity-building;
- Securing the information and development of human resources;
and
- Regional and global cooperation.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Catches of marine species (metric tons) | ||||
| Population in coastal areas | ||||
| Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
| Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
Chapter 17 (Oceans) Continued:
| Check the boxes in the column below left: | Check the boxes in the column below right: |
| For level of importance use: | For level of implementation use: |
| *** = very important | *** = fully covered |
| ** = important | ** = well covered- gaps being addressed |
| * = not important | * = poorly covered |
| N = not relevant | O = not covered; N = not relevant |
TABLE I. THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE APPROPRIATE COORDINATING MECHANISM FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS AND THEIR RESOURCES.
| a. Preparation and implementation of land and water use and siting policies. | ||
| b. Implementation of integrated coastal and marine management and sustainable development plans and programmes at appropriate levels. | ||
| c. Preparation of coastal profiles identifying critical areas including eroded zones, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and specific priorities for management. | ||
| d. Prior environmental impact assessment, systematic observation and follow-up of major projects, including systematic incorporation of results in decision-making. | ||
| e. Contingency plans for human induced and natural disasters. | ||
| f. Improvement of coastal human settlements, especially in housing, drinking water and treatment and disposal of sewage, solid wastes and industrial effluents. | ||
| g. Periodic assessment of the impacts of external factors and phenomena to ensure that the objectives of integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas and marine environment are met. | ||
| h. Conservation and restoration of altered critical habitats. | ||
| I. Integration of sectoral programmes on sustainable development for settlements, agriculture, tourism, fishing, ports and industries affecting the coastal areas. | ||
| J. Infrastructure adaptation and alternative employment. | ||
| K. Human resource development and training. | ||
| L. Public education, awareness and information programmes. | ||
| M. Promoting environmentally sound technology and sustainable practices. | ||
| N. Development and simultaneous implementation of environmental quality criteria. |
TABLE II. TECHNOLOGY (MARINE ENVIRONMENT)
| A. Apply preventive, precautionary and anticipatory approaches so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment, as well as to reduce the risk of long-term or irreversible adverse effects upon it. | ||
| B. Ensure prior assessment of activities that may have significant adverse impacts upon the marine environment. | ||
| C. Integrate protection of the marine environment into relevant general environmental, social and economic development policies. | ||
| D. Develop economic incentives, where appropriate, to apply clean technologies and other means consistent with the internalization of environmental costs, such as the polluter pays principle, so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| E. Improve the living standards of coastal populations, particularly in developing countries, so as to contribute to reducing the degradation of the coastal and marine environment. | ||
| F. Effective monitoring and surveillance within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of fish harvesting and transportation of toxic and other hazardous materials. |
TABLE III. SEWAGE RELATED ISSUES
| A. Sewage related problems are considered when formulating or reviewing coastal development plans, including human development plans. | ||
| B. Sewage treatment facilities are built in accordance with national policies. | ||
| C. Coastal outfalls are located so as to maintain acceptable level of environmental quality and to avoid exposing shell fisheries, water intakes and bathing areas to pathogens. | ||
| D. The Government promotes primary treatment of municipal sewage discharged to rivers, estuaries and the sea, or other solutions appropriate to specific sites. | ||
| E. The Government supports the establishment and improvement of local, national, subregional and regional, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control effluent discharge. Minimum sewage effluent guidelines and water quality criteria are in use. |
TABLE IV. OTHER SOURCES OF MARINE POLLUTION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS:
| A. Established or improved upon, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control emissions, including recycling technologies. | ||
| B. Promoted risk and environmental impact assessments to help ensure an acceptable level of environmental quality. | ||
| C. Promoted assessment and cooperation at the regional level, where appropriate, with respect to the input of point source pollutants from the marine environment. | ||
| D. Taken steps to eliminate emissions or discharges of organohalogen compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| E. Taken steps to eliminate/reduce emissions or discharges or other synthetic organic compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| F. Promoted controls over anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen and phosphorous that enter coastal waters where such problems as eutrophication threaten the marine environment or its resources. | ||
| G. Taken steps to develop and implement environmentally sound land-use techniques and practices to reduce run-off to water courses and estuaries which would cause pollution or degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| H. Promoted the use of environmentally less harmful pesticides and fertilizers and alternative methods for pest control, and considered the prohibition of those found to be environmentally unsound. | ||
| I. Adopted new initiatives at national, subregional and regional levels for controlling the input of non-point source pollutants which require broad changes in sewage and waste management, agricultural practices, mining, construction and transportation. | ||
| J. Taken steps to control and prevent coastal erosion and siltation due to anthropogenic factors related to, inter alia, land-use and construction techniques and practices. |
TABLE V. ADDRESSING CRITICAL UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROGRAMME AREA THE GOVERNMENT IS CARRYING OUT THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
| A. Coordinating national and regional observation programmes for coastal and near-shore phenomena related to climate change and for research parameters essential for marine and coastal management in all regions. | ||
| B. Providing improved forecasts of marine conditions for the safety of inhabitants of coastal areas and for the efficiency of marine operations. | ||
| C. Adopting special measures to cope with and adapt to potential climate change and sea-level rise. | ||
| D. Participating in coastal vulnerability assessment, modelling and response strategies particularly for priority areas, such as small islands and low-lying and critical coastal areas. | ||
| E. Identifying ongoing and planned programmes of systematic observation of the marine environment, with a view to integrating activities and establishing priorities to address critical uncertainties for oceans and all seas. | ||
| F. Research to determine the marine biological effects of increased levels of ultraviolet rays due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. | ||
| G. Carrying out analysis, assessments and systematic observation of the role of oceans as a carbon sink. |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Concentrating on all activities
of this chapter.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Irrigation,
Health, Labour, Housing, Tourism, and Local
administration.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | ||||
| Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS, INCLUDING
PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC AND DANGEROUS
PRODUCTS
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria concentrates on securing
the information and building experience, and getting benefits from
UN organizations and through regional and international cooperation
in addition to building human and institutional
capacity through technical help from related sectors and
participating in the programme of hazardous waste prevention.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Foreign
Affairs, Justice, Economy, Scientific Research Center,
Agriculture, the Atomic Energy Commission, Custom, the Ministries
of Health and Industry and the Governorates.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN HAZARDOUS
WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was
signed by Syria in 1989 and ratified in 1991.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
According to the latest information provided to the Basel
Convention Secretariat (1996), no accidents have occured in
Syria due to transfer or elimination of hazardous waste. Syria also
informed the Secretariat about its opinion on a primary
study for establishing a regional center for training and
technology transfer in Egypt.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Foreign
Affairs, Justice, Economy, Agriculture, the Atomic Energy
Commission, Customs, Health, Governorates, Industry, and Scientific
Research Center.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance:
5. Regional/International Cooperation:
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
| Import of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
| Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria concentrates on all
activities under this chapter.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Irrigation,
Health, Labour, Housing, Tourism, and Local
administration.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Generation of industrial and municipal waste (t) | ||||
| Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | ||||
| Expenditure on waste collection and treatment (US$) | ||||
| Waste recycling rates (%) | ||||
| Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita) | ||||
| Waste reduction rates per unit of GDP (t/year) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Syria's actions in this field
concentrate on securing information and experience-building in
addition
to getting support from UN organizations and agencies and through
regional / international cooperation via technical
assistance.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministries of Foreign
Affairs, Justice, Economy, Agriculture, Atomic Energy
Commission, Customs, Health, Industry, Governorates, and the
Scientific Research Center.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
|
| |
| Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was No information.
24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers: No information.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge. Curricula and educational material: No information.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Policies/strategies etc.: No information.
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women: No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| |
| Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT. 25.a establishing processes that promote dialogue between the youth and government at all levels and mechanisms that permit youth access to information and opportunity to present their views on implementing A21.
Describe their role in the national process: Participation on advisory and ad hoc basis.
25.b reducing youth unemployment: No information.
25.c ensuring that by year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training: The goal will reached by the year 2000.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
In Syria, there are about 1.25 million youths organized in THOURA YOUTH UNION. In the strategy of the Ministry of Environment, there is a plan to build their capacity and use it as much as possible in raising public awareness and sharing in minimizing negative impacts on the environment. The Union also has a plan to establish a Friend of the Environment Community in 1997.
| |
| |
| Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments: In place.
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies Indigenous people participate as advisers and on ad hoc basis.
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level. Indigenous people are fully involved.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
In Syria, indigenous people are involved in decision-making through local administration: they have representatives in the Executive Councils of the Governorates.
| |
| Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. 27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation: Mechanisms already exist and NGO inputs are considered important in this respect.
27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
Syria pays great attention to NGOs such as union organizations, vocational syndicates, associations, and they have a major role in the development process in Syria. | |
| |
| Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF
AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
The Government supports local Agenda 21 initiatives.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
Youth and women's unions are represented in the Consultative Committee set up for implementing Agenda 21 in Syria.
| |
| Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts.
No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| 30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
AND INDUSTRY. | 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output.
There are governmental policies encouraging the above objective and requiring recycling.
30.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
List any actions taken in this area: Building of a treatment plant for tannaries and for industrial liquid waste.
30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies. No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| ||
| |
| Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public. Scientific community has already established ways in which to address the general public and deal with sustainable development.
The establishment of the Environmental Research Center.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35 (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies.
32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
There are plans to increase farmers' awareness and participation through farmers' union. Particular attention will be paid to the ways in which pesticides and fertilizers are used and to protecting natural resources by using efficient irrigation systems.
| |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
The annual strategy of the Ministry of the Environment is based on
achieving sustainable development and support for all
environmental conventions - bilateral, multilateral or global. The
improvement of environmental quality in Syria has been
ensured through the application of EIA process in all kinds of
activities. Assistance has been received from the European
Union to build the capacity of the regional directorates, and a
national strategy and a national action plan are under
preparation to ensure sustainable development in Syria.
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT: One of the main objectives
of the Government policies is the strengthening of the principles
of sustainable development in different sectors of the
society, especially with regard to the management of natural
resources. Environmentally good cooperation has been built
up between all sectors, and the Ministry of Environment is
responsible for ensuring the participatory approach in both
technical and economic terms.
NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS: No information.
ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES: No
information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
| ODA policy issues
No information
|
| ODA funding provided or received (Total US$million) | ||||||
| Net flow of external capital from all sources as % of GDP | ||||||
| Other data
| ||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION AND
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to chapter
34.
Links do not exist yet, but initial steps have been taken by
establsihing a Regional Center for Clean Production with MAP
in Barcelona.
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION: No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS:
| Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks.
No information.
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry.
National standards have been specified for air and water and industrial water pollution, and now there is cooperation with the International Academy, Geneva, to introduce the ISO 14000 series.
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies.
No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Research is done by the Univeristies in Syria, and in 1996, 150
million s.p. was earmarked for scientific research. Some
of this research can be done for the promotion of sustainable
development and as guides for improving environmental
degradation. The final assessment for these reasearch activities,
i.e. number, qualities, areas, has not yet been specified.
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:
There is a lot of national expertise, but the inability to keep
them in Syria for financial reasons causes a lack of experience
in some fields.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
| Year | |||
| Number of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental development | # | 19-- | |
| Total expenditure for research and experimental development (US$eq.) | $ | 19-- | |
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
At present, the Ministry of the Environment has begun to implement
a national strategy on the issue. One of its aims is to
raise public awareness through media, seminars, workshops etc.
a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable
development
No information.
b) Increasing public awareness
Through Working Groups of the Ministry of the Environment.
c) Promoting training
No information.
ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:
Since there are no NGOs working in this field yet, the Ministry of
the Environment has taken a leading role in this
respect.
FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES: No
information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Male | ||||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Female | ||||
| % of primary school children reaching grade 5 (1986-97) | ||||
| Mean number of years of schooling | ||||
| % of GNP spent on education | ||||
| Females per 100 males in secondary school | ||||
| Women per 100 men in the labour force | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any changes
in technical cooperation.
The Ministry of the Environment cooperates with regional and
international organizations in order to build environmental
capacities at the national level. Cooperation is done, for example,
through UNDP Capacity 21 programme, METAP, EU,
and CEDARE.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL ENDOGENOUS CAPACITY
BUILDING:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
| Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
The UN system supports capacity building in environmental affairs in Syria as follows:
UNDP: US$ 1.1 million; METAP: US$ 300,000; METAP: US$ 300,00; UNDP: US$ 250,000.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 39: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS
| Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21:
No information.
|
| 2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
| 3. | Combating poverty | |||||
| 4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
| 5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
| 6. | Human health | |||||
| 7. | Human settlements | |||||
| 8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
| 9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
| 10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
| 11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
| 12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
| 13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
| 14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
| 15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
| 16. | Biotechnology | |||||
| 17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | |||||
| 18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
| 19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
| 20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
| 21. | Solid wastes | |||||
| 22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
| 24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
| 25. | Children and youth | |||||
| 26. | Indigenous people | |||||
| 27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
| 28. | Local authorities | |||||
| 29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
| 30. | Business and industry | |||||
| 31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
| 32. | Farmers | |||||
| 33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
| 34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
| 35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
| 36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
| 37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
| 38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
| 39. | International legal instruments | |||||
| 40. | Information for decision-making | |||||
No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
1 November 1997