UNISPACE III                                                                                                                                                                                         SPACE/V/6
PM Meeting                                                                                                                                                                                                     21 July 1999

RATIONAL USE OF SPACE RESOURCES TO PROTECT EARTH'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
AMONG TOPICS RAISED AT THIS AFTERNOON'S MEETING OF UNISPACE III

Environmental Damage Caused by Unbridled Individualism and Unsustainable Patterns
of Behaviour Cannot Be Magically Repaired by Outer Space Activities, Says Holy See Delegate

Outer space activities would not magically repair environmental damage being caused by unbridled individualism and unsustainable patterns of behaviours, the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space was told this afternoon, by the representative of the Holy See, as the Conference continued its general exchange of views.

Humankind must take a new course of action, based on knowledge and education, to bridge the gap between technological progress on the one hand and moral primitiveness on the other, Vittorio Canuto, Adviser to the Holy See, continued. Knowledge meant awareness not only of commercial prices but of intrinsic values as well. It meant that Earth and outer space were not seen as real estate but rather as a biosphere in which humankind was but one part of the whole.

The thin shell around the Earth called outer space was just an extension of the environment in which we live, the General Secretary of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Johannes Andersen, said. Knowledge about the universe was obtained from that thin shell, which was just as vulnerable to over-exploitation as the rest of the environment. Governments should cooperate through the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to establish an international system of environmental impact assessment, emission standards, and traffic rules for the space environment. In space, even more than on Earth, prevention was better than an uncertain cure in the long run for all concerned.

The international community had been warned of a social and economic crisis arising from overpopulation, pollution and a scarcity of resources, the Director of Switzerland's Space Office, Peter Creola, said. In future, there would probably be need to search for resources outside the planet. Rational use of space resources could be the missing link between dreams of prosperity and the need to protect the splendors and biological diversity of Earth from irreversible damage. In the history of planet Earth, civilizations had towered and then disappeared. If the challenges of environmental degradation and overpopulation were not met, this technical and global civilization might prove to have the shortest life of all great civilizations in the history of humankind.

Representatives of Belarus, Colombia and Uruguay also addressed UNISPACE III this afternoon, as did representatives of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP).

The two-week Vienna Conference unites Governments, the space industry and civil society representatives to construct a practical framework for maximizing the benefits of space science and technology for all Earth=s inhabitants, based on international cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space.

It will meet again at 9 a.m. tomorrow, 22 July, to conclude its general exchange of views.

Conference Work Programme

The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space met this morning to continue its general exchange of views.

Statements

PETER CREOLA, Director, Swiss Space Office, Switzerland: This Conference comes at a time when the concern for peace is shared throughout the planet. This is also a time of great scientific progress, with vast achievements in space technology and applications, and a time when the planet faces serious problems. Each State shares responsibility for the planet. The deterioration of the environment, climatic change, management of increasingly limited resources, disaster prevention and management, preservation of peace -- in all these challenges, space technology is becoming a decisive element. There is need to optimize use of space technology for sustainable development, respond to the needs of developing countries as expressed by them, to improve general awareness of the benefits of space affairs, and increase the involvement of youth.

Switzerland is a small industrialized country which directs its space activities to participation in the European Space Agency (ESA). Through that means, we express the desire for progress in technology to meet tomorrow's challenges. The ESA is following an initiative of Switzerland, instituted by ESA in 1993, for a long-term space policy. An ESA committee recently published its second report addressed to European ministers responsible for space affairs. The chapter on future challenges recalls that during the last 10,000 years, Earth has seen civilizations arise and disappear. But Earth is the first planetary one. The third millennium will show whether its technical and global civilization has a relatively short life span or whether it is capable of creating a fairly stable evolution by meeting the challenges of the planet and perhaps eventually extending itself beyond. If Earth's civilization does not meet these challenges, today=s technological society could prove to be the shortest of all great civilizations in the history of humankind.

The international community has been warned of a social and economic crises arising from overpopulation, pollution and a scarcity of resources. There is need for rational use of resources to ensure a proper living standard for the billions of people that inhabit this Earth. In future, this will probably require looking for resources outside the planet. Rational use of space resources could be the missing link between aspirations for prosperity and well-being and the need to protect the splendors and biological diversity from irreversible damage.

VITTORIO CANUTO, Adviser, Holy See: The world is damaging its ecological system by the profligate use of natural and mineral resources. As humankind ventures conceptually and practically into the conquest of outer space, Awe must redefine our way of living on this planet itself. We must assume responsibility for the good of all, not only of the few. Global warming, sea level rises, El Nino, deforestation, depletion of the ozone layer -- these phenomenon affect most profoundly those who are least able to ward them off. The conventional wisdom is that free economy is regulated by a self-correcting mechanism, but the unbridled maximization of individual interests has led to unsustainable development. Outer space activities cannot be expected to provide a magic means to repair the damage. Technology is too expensive and too sophisticated.

The international community requires a new paradigm and a new course of action based on knowledge and education. Knowledge is an intangible public good that must be available to all if the information revolution is to yield positive results. The fuel for today's revolution is not physical, it is not land or coal. It is information. Information is a public good and the only truly unlimited resource humanity possesses. Knowledge and hunger do not mix, because with full awareness, people cannot knowingly deny others food. AKnowledge means that we know not only commercial prices but intrinsic values as well. It means that we bridge the gap between technological progress on the one hand and moral primitiveness and unhinged individualism on the other. Knowledge will mean that we do not view the Earth and outer space as real estate but rather as a biosphere, in which humans are part of the whole.

There is need to enforce collaboration and participation in seeking global solutions to global problems. It is imperative for all to take into account the relationship between the increased knowledge that space activities give to humanity, and the resulting greater responsibility to assure that this knowledge benefits all humanity.

JOHANNES ANDERSEN, General Secretary of the International Astronomical Union (IAU): Astronomy has a special fascination that helps attract young people into a science education. Moreover, according to the recent United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Conference on Science, astronomy is still looked upon favorably by a public that otherwise regards science with skepticism or outright hostility. IAU asks governments to realize that to these young trained people to serve their countries, they need a job and the tools to do it. Regarding the issue of near-Earth astronomy, the public is familiar with the prospects of some small or large pieces of the solar system impacting on Earth in the presumably distant, but unknown future. The IAU in the last year, strengthened its coordinating role in research and warning, in collaboration with other international partners and the major space agencies. Other wealthy regions of the world should join the efforts currently mostly shouldered by the United States and Japan.

With regard to the environment, it is easy for non-astronomers to forget that knowledge about the rest of the universe is obtained from or through that thin shell around the Earth, which conferences such as this one refer to as outer space. That thin shell is just an extension of the Earth's environment, and is just as vulnerable to over-exploitation as the rest of the environment. Governments should cooperate through the Committee on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to establish an international system of environmental impact assessment, emission standards, or environmental traffic rules in the space environment. In space, even more than on Earth, know that prevention is better than an uncertain cure in the long run for all concerned.

ALEXANDER VOITOVICH, President of the National Academy of Sciencs of Belarus: The historic event of 1957 -- the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite -- opened a new era of space research. Belarus attaches great importance to international cooperation in the field of the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. Outer space, including celestial bodies, is beyond the borders of States and must be the sphere of activity of all States. Its exploration and use must be for peaceful purposes. Since 1960, Belarus has been involved in and acquired significant knowledge in the field of space science and technology. The optical enterprises of Belarus have world class technology for remote sensing of the Earth. Belarus has created a satellite apparatus at the request of the Russian Federation. We have obtained a colossal volume of data from international research. The National Academy of Sciences has acquired an enormous amount of experience and knowledge in the field. The developments mentioned bear witness to the high scientific and technical potential of Belarus. Benefits have been gained from remote sensing of the Earth in such areas as forestry, monitoring the environmental situation and analyzing natural disasters. We have been able to update topographical maps using data and imagery from space. Belarus is interested in expanding international cooperation in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

More than 40 years has elapsed since the day when a citizen of Earth made his first flight into space, but the romance of space pioneeering continues today, and we are deriving more benefits from space exploration. The United Nations and the Committee on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space are doing important work to expand international cooperation. This Conference, so successfully organized, will contribute to that expansion. In this connection, it would be useful, together with the projects being carried out, to create another special programme for international cooperation, in areas such as remote sensing, disaster prevention and environment monitoring. It would involve many countries, including developing States. Its implementation might be an important boost to further international cooperation in the field of outer space. Belarus supports the draft conference report and the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action.

FRUCTUOSO PITTALUGA FONSECA, Ambassador, Uruguay: Uruguay is convinced that the development of space science and technology is a fundamental tool for the development of humankind. However, the process must be enshrined in a proper international framework in order to guarantee that its objectives and purposes are universal. Uruguay is convinced of the tremendous significance of the conclusions which this Conference will contribute to formulating. Collective peace is only possible with collective participation. In a globalized world, it is not possible to be aloof from the common destiny. The matters being discussed at UNISPACE III cannot be handled by economists and technocrats alone. Rather, this is an ecumenical endeavour. It is therefore entirely appropriate for the United Nations to be convening this meeting on the exploration and uses of outer space, which brings all people to a new frontier.

The use of outer space should be in the interest of all people, regardless of their degree of scientific and technical development. This Conference offers us an opportunity to update information and introduce new regulation principles. Geopolitical changes and scientific developments of enormous importance have taken place. Private sector actions have increased. It is unacceptable that there should be a Aspace race based on political rivalries or on economic competition. International cooperation is a right and a duty. States with different potential must work together so responsibility is shouldered by all and rights exercised to the full.

HECTOR CHARRY SAMPER, Ambassador, Colombia: Clear rules on access to science and production processes based on space are needed for the progress of all nations and will strengthen the multilateral international system. With the end of this millennium, space technology has developed at an accelerated rate. Its applications contribute to daily life in developed countries particularly and, to a lesser degree, in developing countries, which should have greater access to those benefits. Space applications can benefit all States only if a true mechanism for international cooperation is functioning.

In Colombia, the use of the results of space technology has made it possible to reduce the impact of natural catastrophes. The national civil aviation authority uses global navigation systems to ensure safer flights. Yet use of these applications has occurred with virtually no support from the providers of those technologies. At the regional preparatory conference for UNISPACE III, held in Chile, proposals and recommendations were drawn up for inclusion in the final document to be issued by UNISPACE III. Colombia hopes these will be implemented.

Since UNISPACE II was held in 1982, significant steps have been taken towards developing international law concerning the geostationary orbit, both in the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the International Telecommunications Union. Colombia considers that applying the principle of equitable access to the assigning of frequency bands and the geostationary orbit, and taking into account the needs of developing countries and the geographical situation of specific countries, the barriers faced to date regarding systems for governing access to the orbit can be overcome. The juridical system must accord with rapid changes and advances in technical and scientific areas, and Colombia will contribute in this effort, so space law can progress rapidly.

Other measures that should be taken include training, taking into account the needs of developing countries, the creation of a user association for information and satellite technology, which would include the coordination of space technology programmes in order to reduce costs of services. Further, special reduced rates in the cost of image and remote sensing software for developing countries should be established, and developing countries should be taken into account in designing sensors in accordance with user needs. International programmes using space technology should include training for institutions. Financial cooperation programmes are needed to acquire equipment or develop infrastructure for technology. The fascination of achievements in space should lead to specific solutions to global problems. We should not only be global neighbours, but be united in solidarity.

GERHARD HAERENDEL, President of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR): The Committee's role is to provide a meeting ground for scientists involved in fundamental research employing space means and to provide rapid dissemination of the results. During its 40 years of existence, it has become the world's largest professional, self-governing body of space physicists. The growing societal importance of coupling space science to technology and of deploying efforts to aid the development of human intellectual potential has brought a new emphasis to the Committee's activities in several ways. In addition to strengthening its traditional cooperation with the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Committee has created a new class of membership meant for industrial organizations, the Associated Supporter. The aim is to increase the Committee's range of activities and allow the practical needs of industry to be better understood and assimilated into future plans for space exploration. It is particularly hoped that the synergy between the innovation so natural to the scientist and the understanding of market forces so pre-eminent in industry will create better conditions for the rapid conversion of results from investigations of near-Earth space into technologies mature for applications.

Several of the Committee's Panels are devoted to important societal and environmental issues, such as space weather, planetary protection, potential environmentally detrimental activities in space, and space research in developing countries. The first two have recently been created with the aim of monitoring closely and, if feasible, influence the development of understanding and policy in these areas. The third panel interacts closely with the International Academy of Astronautics on the problem of space debris, which is watched by space agencies, astronomers and others with growing concern. The last panel has been running a special programme for many years which promotes space research in developing countries in disciplines of particular importance to these nations.

In a related activity, the Committee, recognizing the paramount importance for science to invest in the development of human potential, also plans to launch a series of specialized workshops which aim to contribute to the general programme of capacity-building in science that is currently being discussed within the International Council for Science. Specifically, the Committee=s action will be aimed at reducing the isolation of scientists in countries where the scientific infrastructure is not greatly developed by helping to integrate local research activities into the mainstream of space science currently being conducted elsewhere. However, difficulties were encountered in identifying those scientists and raising interest in their national supporting institutions. The Committee will, therefore, be grateful if help in establishing such contacts could be given by the attendees of UNISPACE III.

WU GUOXIANG, Chief, Space Technology Application Section, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP): In the past two decades, the progress in space technology and its various applications has been very significant and impressive, making the Asia-Pacific region one of the more dynamic areas in the field of space technology and development. It is this dynamism that motivated the launching of the Regional Space Applications Programme for Sustainable Development (RESAP) during the first Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Development in Asia and the Pacific in September 1994 in Beijing. Its mandate is to promote and coordinate regional space cooperation for development, as well as to organize and implement space application projects of regional interest; to provide policies, models, techniques, information and analysis, and to conduct studies related to various issues on space applications; to establish regional networks comprising national focal points and working groups in major space technology application fields; and to promote national capacity-building for space applications.

One of the means to build national capacity in integrated applications of various space technologies for sustainable development is the implementation of pilot projects that demonstrate the use of these technologies to address various environmental and socio-economic issues. This is achieved through institutional development, such as acquisition of hardware and software, through provision of training for principal investigators and members of the study team, and the building of experience which comes in the course of implementing the pilot projects. Policy makers, planners and users benefitted from the conduct of these pilot projects by being able to develop suitable methodologies for the integration of technology with development objectives.

The challenge facing ESCAP is to further propel the region to charter its course towards harnessing space technology and its applications for the greater benefit of member countries in the coming years. To meet this challenge, now is the time to explore other strategies to forge stronger partnerships and regional cooperation for a more cohesive and widely coordinated regional cooperative mechanism for space activities and technology applications. While institutional arrangements will be on a long-term basis and in a gradual fashion, the region has the potential to initiate small-scale initiatives or projects relating to space technology applications that will be able to lay the foundation necessary for more cost-effective joint space activities in the region.