| United Nations | E/CN.17/1995/10 |
Economic and Social Council
Distr. GENERAL
31 March 1995
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Third session
11-28 April 1995
Item 6 of the provisional agenda*
* E/CN.17/1995/1.
REVIEW OF SECTORAL CLUSTERS: LAND, DESERTIFICATION,
FORESTS AND BIODIVERSITY
Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral
Issues of the Commission on Sustainable Development
(New York, 27 February-3 March 1995)
CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
INTRODUCTION ............................................... 1 3
I. COMMON ELEMENTS AND INTERLINKAGES .................... 2 - 13 3
A. Approaches ....................................... 3 - 6 3
B. Tools ............................................ 7 - 8 4
C. Finance .......................................... 9 4
D. Technology transfer, cooperation and capacity-
building ......................................... 10 - 12 5
E. Relationship between existing conventions and
other related processes .......................... 13 5
II. RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE
REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ..................... 14 - 41 6
A. Agenda 21, chapter 10: integrated approach to the
planning and management of land resources ........ 15 - 17 6
B. Agenda 21, chapter 11: forests .................. 18 - 22 7
C. Agenda 21, chapter 12: combating desertification
and drought ...................................... 23 - 26 8
D. Agenda 21, chapter 13: sustainable mountain
development ...................................... 27 - 31 9
E. Agenda 21, chapter 14: promoting sustainable
agriculture and rural development ................ 32 - 36 10
F. Agenda 21, chapter 15: conservation of biological
diversity ........................................ 37 - 41 11
III. KEY PROPOSALS FOR ACTION ............................. 42 12
IV. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS ............................... 43 - 50 13
A. Opening and duration of the session .............. 43 - 47 13
B. Attendance ....................................... 48 14
C. Election of officers ............................. 49 14
D. Agenda and organization of work .................. 50 14
Annexes
I. POSSIBLE ELEMENTS FOR THE PROGRAMME OF WORK OR TERMS OF REFERENCE
OF THE PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON FORESTS ............... 15
II. ATTENDANCE ....................................................... 20
III. AGENDA ........................................................... 24
INTRODUCTION
1. The report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral
Issues is not a negotiated text, although its contents have been thoroughly
discussed. In accordance with the expert nature of the Working Group and the
functions assigned to it by the Commission on Sustainable Development, the
present report focuses on key issues and conclusions and suggests possible
recommendations and policy options for consideration by the Commission at its
third session.
I. COMMON ELEMENTS AND INTERLINKAGES
2. A number of issues common to all the topics under consideration emerged
during the discussion of the Working Group. It was noted that chapter 10 of
Agenda 21, 1/ entitled "Integrated approach to the planning and management of
land resources", provided an overall framework for the implementation of the
entire cluster. All the chapters are related to land; however, those on
forests and sustainable agriculture are concerned with the sustainable
management and use of physical and biological resources, those on
desertification and sustainable mountain development reflect the particular
problems of fragile environments, and that on biodiversity covers an issue of
a cross-cutting nature.
A. Approaches
3. Respect for national sovereignty, as well as the need for a
comprehensive approach to the implementation of the recommendations and
commitments contained in Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development, 2/ and the Non-legally Binding Authoritative Statement of
Principles for a Global Consensus on the Management, Conservation and
Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests, 3/ is fundamental for
achieving sustainable development.
4. A people-oriented approach adapted to suit local circumstances is
central to sustainable development. All stakeholders, including women,
indigenous people and other major groups, should participate in the planning
and management of land resources, as well as in the consensus-building
process. The empowerment of people and communities, and the creation of an
enabling environment, as well as the strengthening of capacities at the local
and intermediate levels, are other important elements of this
multi-stakeholder approach. It is critically important that interactions
between Governments and other stakeholders in the planning, consensus-building
and management process take place at the appropriate level. This may be
national, intermediate or local, and needs to be decided on a case-by-case
basis. Discussions at the intermediate level can be particularly useful for
balancing local and national concerns.
5. Any integrated and multidisciplinary approach to the planning,
development and management of land resources needs to address an array of
cross-sectoral issues such as the creation of productive employment, the
eradication of poverty and responses to the pressures on land caused by
poverty, population growth, changing demographic patterns and unsustainable
consumption and production. Land tenure and ownership reforms are central to
the solution of these problems. These cross-sectoral issues apply equally in
resolving the conflicting land demands of agriculture, forestry and urban or
periurban development, in coastal zones, and when seeking to integrate land
and water management and to conserve fragile ecosystems.
6. Governments, local communities and organizations and the private
business sector are all stakeholders in the development, use and management of
land resources. Governments have a responsibility to provide the necessary
enabling environment, guiding markets and investments so that they operate in
a manner compatible with national economic, social and environmental
objectives and international trade arrangements and facilitate sustainable
development.
B. Tools
7. Land assessment and evaluation methodologies, together with those for
resource characterization, are essential for the planning and management
process. The collection, availability and proper use of timely and reliable
scientific data are also essential for the formulation and implementation of
policies and the monitoring of results. Indicators, including performance
indicators, need to be developed on the basis of sound scientific knowledge,
recognizing the need for an approach that is tailored to meet local
requirements and circumstances. The development of computerized geographical
information systems and the availability of remote-sensing imagery are
examples of useful modern tools for decision-making. There is a need for the
coordination of the various planning requirements and for linking sectoral
plans to sustainable development strategies.
8. Human resource development is an essential first step for capacity-
building and awareness-raising as well as for empowering people and local
communities and enhancing their productivity. Modern communication
technologies can make a major contribution to the wide dissemination of
information and educational material.
C. Finance
9. National efforts in developing countries to mobilize financial resources
for full and effective implementation of Agenda 21, including its land-related
chapters under review, have to be supported by the international community.
It is imperative that all financial recommendations and commitments of
Agenda 21, including those related to the provision to the developing
countries of adequate and predictable, new and additional financial resources,
are implemented. The need for partnership for sustainable development among
all countries, and better cooperation and coordination among national
institutions, international organizations including international financial
institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organizations, were
underscored. The meeting of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on
Finance of the Commission on Sustainable Development provides an important
opportunity to further the discussion on this crucial matter.
D. Technology transfer, cooperation and capacity-building
10. The subject of technology transfer, as set forth in chapter 34 of
Agenda 21, is a key element in the attainment of sustainable development.
Each of the sectoral reports under consideration by the Working Group contains
sections devoted to the scientific, technological and capacity-building
dimensions of the cluster of land-related issues. One report prepared by a
panel of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development is devoted
exclusively to "Science and technology for integrated land management".
11. The sharing of scientific knowledge and, more specifically, the transfer
of environmentally sound technology, including on concessional and
preferential terms, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34, are
crucial instrumentalities for achieving the objectives of Agenda 21. Several
members of the Working Group felt that better linkages should be established
between the cross-sectoral dimension of technology transfer and the specific
technology issues raised in the sectoral reports. Additional research and
knowledge, particularly in the social sciences, are required on such issues as
land tenure systems, migration patterns and traditional systems of law, as a
basis for future policy recommendations on land management.
12. The urgency of transferring modern survey technologies such as improved
systems of remote-sensing geographical information systems to secure better
monitoring of land use, agriculture, forestry and biodiversity was underscored
by the Working Group. The practical approach taken to technology transfer at
the meeting held in Mexico City in March 1994 within the context of the
Convention on Biological Diversity 4/ was noted. At the same time, it was
recognized that inappropriate technology and input-intensive solutions to
agricultural and land-use problems may in some cases lead to unsustainable
results. Greater reliance on indigenous knowledge and close involvement of
farmers and other land users might in fact provide alternatives to undue
reliance on external technology. Matters related to safeguarding farmers'
rights, indigenous knowledge, innovation, technology and intellectual property
rights were discussed and their importance was emphasized. New and better
technologies and deeper scientific knowledge along with development of the
related institutional and human capacities are nevertheless essential
ingredients that must receive further national and international support and
encouragement.
E. Relationship between existing conventions and other
related processes
13. The Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention
to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought
and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa (A/49/84/Add.2, annex,
appendix II) have now established their own agendas for action, which should
be supported by the Commission on Sustainable Development. The Commission
should therefore urge countries to sign, ratify, accede to and implement the
conventions. Furthermore, the Commission should look into the relationship
between work under these conventions and ongoing work on sustainable
development in other, related processes in the follow-up to the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development including work under the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (see A/AC.237/18
(Part II)/Add.1 and Corr.1). The Commission should encourage a coordinated
approach to implementation at the international and the national level, with a
view to making more efficient and effective use of resources.
II. RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE
REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
14. The Working Group took note of the detailed proposals for action
included in the reports of the Secretary-General. It gave a general welcome
to these proposals, but expressed reservations on some of them. It was agreed
that implementation at the national level was essential (though without
detracting from the importance of international cooperation). There was also
agreement that the relative priorities of the different recommendations needed
further evaluation. The Working Group recommends that the Commission agree on
future action, based on the recommendations and the views expressed in the
discussion of the various sectoral reports.
A. Agenda 21, chapter 10: integrated approach to the planning
and management of land resources
15. The management of land and its resources, which is crucial to
sustainable development, was emphasized as a national prerogative calling for
national and subnational action. At the same time, there is a need for
cooperation between Governments and international organizations in this area.
The importance of appropriate land tenure arrangements and legislation in
determining efficient land use and management was stressed. Many delegations
welcomed the conclusions and recommendations of the International Workshop on
the Planning and Management of Land Resources, held in Wageningen, the
Netherlands, from 20 to 22 February 1995, under the auspices of the Government
of the Netherlands in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO) and of the Panel on Science and Technology for
Integrated Land Management of the Commission on Science and Technology for
Development. They noted that the recommendations of the Workshop complemented
those contained in the report of the Secretary-General on an integrated
approach to the planning and management of land resources (E/CN.17/1995/2) and
were worthy of further consideration by the Commission.
16. The exchange of knowledge and methodology was commended, with the caveat
that data collection was costly and needed to be focused on priority topics.
17. The proposal for a covenant on good land use, as contained in proposal 7
of the report of the Secretary-General on an integrated approach to the
planning and management of land resources (see E/CN.17/1995/2, sect. III (2)),
and that for an international working group, as contained in proposal 8 of the
report of the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1995/2, sect. III (2)), were not
supported.
B. Agenda 21, chapter 11: forests
18. There was recognition that chapter 11 of Agenda 21 and the Non-legally
Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the
Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests
represent an important international consensus, and that efforts should be
made to promote their full and urgent implementation. The Commission on
Sustainable Development was seen as providing the appropriate framework for
bringing together the capacities and competencies of many United Nations
bodies and other international organizations in the follow-up to these
agreements. There was also a general preference for further consideration of
options to take place under intergovernmental forums rather than through
groups of eminent persons or other non-official mechanisms.
19. In considering the analysis of demands, challenges and issues, as well
as proposals for action, the Working Group called for full attention to be
paid to the cross-sectoral factors that are the underlying causes of
deforestation and degradation of forests. It emphasized that such factors as
consumption and production patterns, poverty, population growth, pollution,
terms of trade, discriminatory trade practices and unsustainable policies
related to sectors like agriculture, energy and trade could exert a
significant adverse influence on forests. It also recalled the multiple roles
of forests in economic development and in conserving biological diversity and
supporting the livelihoods of many indigenous and other local communities, in
addition to their many other production- and protection-related and social
functions.
20. The Working Group welcomed post-United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development progress reported by the Secretary-General with regard to
level of awareness of forest issues, adaptation of policies, and preparation
or adaptation of strategies and action plans, as well as some concrete action.
It considered further concrete action, particularly by Governments, to be an
urgent priority and identified a number of outstanding issues that required
further attention, some of which were reflected in the conclusions and options
for action indicated by the Secretary-General.
21. To pursue consensus and formulation of coordinated proposals for action,
the Working Group suggested that the Commission, at its third session,
consider the establishment of an open-ended intergovernmental panel on
forests, under the aegis of the Commission. The panel should work in an open,
transparent and participatory manner. It should provide an assessment of
action already undertaken to combat deforestation and forest degradation and
to promote management conservation and sustainable development of all types of
forests, including environmental and socio-economic impacts, and against this
background propose options for further action. In its work, the panel would
draw upon the expertise of relevant organizations, including FAO, the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and other
relevant organizations within and outside of the United Nations system as well
as the secretariats of relevant conventions, with appropriate contributions
from non-governmental organizations. The Commission should consider
arrangements for effective coordination of this process.
22. The Commission would determine the mandate of the panel and the
modalities for its establishment. The Working Group suggested that the terms
of reference should derive from elements contained in the Non-legally Binding
Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the
Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests
and in chapter 11 of Agenda 21, taking into account subsequent international
initiatives related to forests. Possible elements for the programme of work
or terms of reference of the intergovernmental panel on forests were presented
during the discussions and are included in annex I to this report. The panel
should submit a progress report to the Commission at its fourth session and
its final conclusions, recommendations and proposals for action to the
Commission at its fifth session.
C. Agenda 21, chapter 12: combating desertification
and drought
23. Emphasis was placed on the need for early signature, ratification and
entry into force of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in
those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification,
particularly in Africa, and to support resolution 5/1 of the Intergovernmental
Negotiating Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to
Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or
Desertification, particularly in Africa, on urgent action for Africa (see
A/49/84/Add.2, annex, appendix III, sect. A), as well as to promote actions in
other regions. The Commission was urged to give strong political support to
the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat
Desertification.
24. Desertification is a social and economic problem, as well as an
environmental one. Drought and land degradation can occur in all climatic
zones, affecting a very large number of people. Emphasis was placed on the
need to take action on drought, particularly for the mitigation of its
effects, and to recognize that land degradation also occurs in subhumid and
humid regions. Attention was drawn to the close relationship among
desertification, water issues, irrational use of land, the loss of
biodiversity, and the possible aggravation of desertification through climate
change. It was also indicated that implementation of the programme areas of
Agenda 21 should be carried out within the context of the Convention,
including its regional implementation annexes.
25. The potential for the Convention to provide an in-country coordinating
mechanism for integrated land management in arid, semi-arid and dry, subhumid
lands was pointed out. It was felt that the Commission should lend its full
support to the Convention process, particularly in underscoring the political
implications of the Convention, in promoting awareness of it, and in urging
early ratification and effective implementation, especially in Africa. The
Commission was urged to continue its catalytic role.
26. In order to deal with these problems, the Working Group suggested that
the Commission on Sustainable Development should, in particular, promote
(a) observance of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on
17 June; (b) awareness among policy makers through national institutions
established within the framework of the Convention; (c) an integrated approach
to combating desertification, taking into account the links between
desertification and poverty and the need for technologies for sustainable
development; and (d) the mobilization of financial resources, inter alia, as
called for by the relevant provisions of the Convention (articles 6, 20 and
21) and needed for its implementation, particularly in Africa.
D. Agenda 21, chapter 13: sustainable mountain development
27. It was appreciated that the report of the Secretary-General on
sustainable mountain development (E/CN.17/1995/5), in addition to technical
aspects, also covered the social, economic and cultural aspects of human
development in mountain areas. The active role played by the non-governmental
organization and the academic communities in the preparation of the document
and in the general follow-up to chapter 13 was noted with appreciation.
Attention was drawn to the need for international organizations and
non-governmental organizations to join with Governments in the implementation
of chapter 13 of Agenda 21.
28. The Working Group emphasized the need for action at the local, national
and subregional and regional levels having the objective of reducing poverty
in mountain areas, diversifying mountain economies, addressing environmental
problems and creating new livelihood opportunities. In this connection it was
stressed that people in mountain areas should receive a fair share of the
benefits of resources originating in mountain areas with particular reference
to the value of water, energy and mineral resources and income from tourism.
29. Concerning the proposals for action, the Working Group suggested that
the Commission consider encouraging countries, with the support of the
international community, to prepare and initiate implementation of
comprehensive national mountain development programmes and to strengthen
national capacity for sustainable mountain development using a participatory
approach involving all stakeholders, including local and indigenous
communities and non-governmental organizations.
30. The Working Group generally agreed with the proposals for encouraging
interested countries and organizations to convene regional intergovernmental
consultations and noted that one such meeting, organized by the International
Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in December 1994, had
already been successfully held in the Asia and Pacific region and that others
were in the course of preparation. A wider international meeting, possibly
involving appropriate United Nations bodies, could facilitate the exchange of
objectives, results and experiences concerning sustainable development in
different mountain regions.
31. The Working Group suggested that the Commission support efforts to
coordinate the preparation and negotiation of subregional international
agreements on mountains and, in this context, welcomed the entry into force of
the Alpine Convention.
E. Agenda 21, chapter 14: promoting sustainable agriculture
and rural development
32. The Working Group recognized the need for an approach to sustainable
agriculture and rural development (SARD) that balanced the need to maintain
and improve food security and to protect physical and biological resources.
33. It underlined the importance of an undistorted sectoral and economy-wide
policy framework that fully integrated environmental considerations. In this
context, it noted that the full implementation of the Final Act Embodying the
Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations 5/ would
contribute to liberalizing international agricultural trade. The Working
Group also took note of the activities of the World Trade Organization, the
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UNEP and other
forums. Some of this work is directed towards reforms in accordance with
Uruguay Round agreements to reduce production-distorting price support,
liberalize access, reduce tariff escalation and progressively eliminate export
subsidies. The economic, social and environmental impacts of trade
liberalization in the agriculture sector, especially on the least developed
countries, should be monitored and evaluated with a view to promoting effects
benefiting sustainable agriculture and rural development and deterring
negative effects.
34. It also underlined the importance of developing appropriate
internationally agreed agro-environmental criteria and indicators applicable
to both developed and developing countries in order to monitor the status of
and progress towards SARD, with the full and effective participation of
developing countries, reflecting their specific conditions and needs.
35. The Working Group urged that a whole systems approach be adopted towards
SARD, recognizing that efforts towards achieving its multiple objectives could
not focus on agricultural activities alone, but would have to embody other
local assets, land-use planning and community development. There was also a
need to change attitudes and take concrete steps towards adopting sustainable
agricultural policies and practices in order to enhance that process.
Countries should be encouraged and supported in working out their own
comprehensive agriculture policies and programmes taking full account of
environmental concerns and the capacity-building needed to establish and
maintain them.
36. Energy is one of the prerequisites of SARD. The Working Group took note
of the recommendations of the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy
and on Energy for Development at its special session (6-17 February 1995). It
recommended that the Commission should give careful consideration to these
recommendations for priority action by member States, entities within the
United Nations system, other intergovernmental organizations and
non-governmental organizations.
F. Agenda 21, chapter 15: conservation of biological
diversity
37. There was a general agreement that the report of the Secretary-General
on conservation of biological diversity (E/CN.17/1995/7) provided a good
overview of the progress achieved since the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development. The Working Group took note of the analyses and
recommendations identified in the report and agreed that they provided a sound
basis for advancing the conservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources.
38. The Working Group stressed the cross-sectoral nature of biological
diversity and the interlinkages among biodiversity and land use, sustainable
agriculture and rural development, sustainable mountain development,
sustainable forest management, desertification and virtually all other
chapters of Agenda 21. Biodiversity relates to the issues of food security,
and the eradication of poverty, as well as to traditional knowledge and
practices of indigenous people. Biodiversity concerns should therefore be
taken into account in addressing other chapters of Agenda 21.
39. The Working Group recognized that the Convention on Biological
Diversity, which has now entered into force, will be the principal mechanism
for advancing the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and
provides an excellent basis for coordinating relevant instruments. The
Working Group took note with appreciation of the note by the Secretariat
transmitting a statement from the Conference of the Parties to the Convention
to the Commission at its third session (E/CN.17/1995/27, annex). It took
particular note of the intention of the Conference of the Parties to the
Convention to take immediate action to undertake work on biosafety,
establishing a panel of experts and an ad hoc open-ended working group of
government experts to consider the needs for and modalities of a protocol to
the Convention on that issue. The Working Group called on the Commission to
support that biosafety work programme. The Working Group recommended that the
Commission should (a) urge the Governments that had not yet done so to ratify
the Convention; (b) encourage the Conference of the Parties to the Convention
to take the lead in exploring means for coordinating relevant global and
regional agreements related to biological diversity and establishing effective
cooperation mechanisms; (c) urge Governments to integrate actions geared to
conserving biodiversity and the sustainable utilization of biological
resources and to promote, inter alia, through action plans, sustainable
development, particularly in forests, agriculture, living marine resources,
rural development and land use; (d) also urge Governments to promote the fair
and equitable sharing of the benefits accruing from the utilization of
biological resources; and (e) encourage the mobilization of the means of
implementation with respect to the meeting of the objectives of the Convention
on Biological Diversity by developing countries, particularly in the fields of
financial resources and transfer of technology.
40. The Working Group recommended the promotion of human resource
development and capacity-building of developing countries for the conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity and its components.
41. The Working Group recommended that the Commission ensure the systematic
consideration of biodiversity issues in all other relevant sectors.
III. KEY PROPOSALS FOR ACTION
42. The Working Group puts forward to the Commission for its consideration
and coordination, where appropriate, the following key proposals for action,
entailing efforts:
(a) To encourage the exchange of views on the development by Governments
of their programmes for integrated land management, noting that such
programmes need to involve all sectors of the community and all stakeholder
groups and to be developed and implemented at the appropriate level;
(b) To encourage FAO, in partnership with UNEP, UNDP, other
international organizations, and Governments, with the appropriate
contributions of non-governmental organizations, to continue to develop tools
for integrated land management, including internationally agreed indicators
for sustainable agriculture and rural development, and to make the results of
this process widely available. Such action should be carried forward to the
Commission through the results of workshops, expert studies and reports, in an
open and transparent manner, with the full and effective participation of
developing countries, reflecting their specific conditions and needs;
(c) To accord high priority to practical action for the transfer,
sharing, adaptation and development of technology for sustainable resource
management in all sectors, at the national and international levels, including
under the auspices of the United Nations system, in particular those of UNEP
and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), and of international conventions, as appropriate. Such action
should include support for a wide range of initiatives, including:
(i) Capacity- and institution-building;
(ii) Exchange of information making use, inter alia, of inventories on
ecotechnologies in those sectors;
(iii) Education and training, through the establishment of mechanisms such
as environmental technology centres;
(d) To urge all States to sign, ratify, accede to and implement the
Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in
those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification,
particularly in Africa, making these Conventions the principal instruments for
advancing international cooperation and practical action in their respective
fields;
(e) To establish an open-ended intergovernmental panel on forests under
the aegis of the Commission and to determine the terms of reference and
modalities for its establishment;
(f) To encourage action by Governments at local, national, subregional
and regional levels to prepare plans and programmes for the sustainable
development of mountain areas, including through the eradication of poverty
and the creation of more diverse economies with greater opportunities. Such
action might be addressed through national, regional and international
consultations involving Governments, United Nations bodies and centres of
expertise including ICIMOD, the exchange of results and the possible
development of regional or subregional initiatives;
(g) To encourage Governments to integrate action on energy into their
efforts for sustainable agriculture and rural development, paying particular
attention to the use of biomass, the mapping of potential rural energy
resources, and the extension of electrification based on renewable energy
technologies in rural areas. Such action should be facilitated by support
from relevant organizations and donor agencies and could include the
networking of centres of excellence, which might also serve as training
centres. The Commission might consider how institutional arrangements to
support sustainable energy development might be facilitated within the United
Nations system;
(h) To welcome the decision of the Conference of the Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity to include in its medium-term programme
consideration of knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local
communities; to take note of the remark in the statement of the Conference of
the Parties to the Convention that it would also be desirable that future work
on the protection of traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous and
local communities relevant to conservation and sustainable use should be
coordinated with the relevant bodies; and to welcome the progress made in the
revision of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food
and Agriculture, which relates to outstanding matters concerning plant genetic
resources, including access to ex situ collections and the question of
farmers' rights.
IV. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
A. Opening and duration of the session
43. The Working Group met at United Nations Headquarters from 27 February to
3 March 1995, in accordance with Economic and Social Council decision 1993/314
of 29 July 1993. The Working Group held 10 meetings (1st to 10th).
44. The session was opened by the Vice-Chairman of the Commission on
Sustainable Development, Mr. Se'rgio Florenc'io (Brazil).
45. The Chairman of the Working Group, Mr. Martin Holdgate (United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), made an introductory statement.
46. A statement was made by the Director of the Division for Sustainable
Development of the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development of the United Nations Secretariat.
47. The Working Group heard presentations by the task managers from UNEP and
FAO regarding the report of the Secretary-General on an integrated approach to
the planning and management of land resources (E/CN.17/1995/7), on combating
deforestation (E/CN.17/1995/3), on managing fragile ecosystems: combating
desertification and drought (E/CN.17/1995/4), on managing fragile ecosystems:
sustainable mountain development (E/CN.17/1995/5), on promoting sustainable
agriculture and rural development (E/CN.17/1995/6), and on conservation of
biological diversity (E/CN.17/1995/7).
B. Attendance
48. Representatives of 34 States members of the Commission on Sustainable
Development attended the session. Observers for other States Members of the
United Nations and for non-member States and the European Community,
representatives of organizations of the United Nations system and observers
for intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations also attended. A
list of participants is contained in annex II to the present report.
C. Election of officers
49. At the 1st meeting, on 27 February 1995, the Working Group elected by
acclamation Mr. Martin Holdgate (United Kingdom) as Chairman.
D. Agenda and organization of work
50. At the 1st meeting, on 27 February 1995, the Working Group adopted its
provisional agenda (see annex III to the present report), as contained in
document E/CN.17/ISWG.I/1995/1.
Notes
1/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted by
the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and
corrigendum), resolution 1, annex II.
2/ Ibid., annex I.
3/ Ibid., annex III.
4/ See United Nations Environment Programme, Convention on Biological
Diversity (Environmental Law and Institutions Programme Activity Centre),
June 1992.
5/ Legal Instruments Embodying the Results of the Uruguay Round of
Multilateral Trade Negotiations, done at Marrakesh on 15 April 1994, vol. I.
Annex I
POSSIBLE ELEMENTS FOR THE PROGRAMME OF WORK OR TERMS
OF REFERENCE OF THE PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL
ON FORESTS
The following is an indicative and non-exhaustive list of specific
proposals in connection with elements for the programme of work of the
proposed open-ended intergovernmental panel on forests, as suggested by
various delegations. These proposals are not listed in any order of priority,
and are without prejudice to their future consideration by the Commission on
Sustainable Development.
1. Implementation of chapter 11 and the Forest Principles
Promote consensus at the international level and guide as well as
coordinate a unified international programme of work for priority action
to effectively follow up the Non-legally Binding Authoritative Statement
of Principles for a Global Consensus on the Management, Conservation and
Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests (Forest Principles) and
other forest-related United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development agreements.
Examine ways and means for the effective implementation of the Forest
Principles, chapter 11 and other chapters of Agenda 21 related to
forestry.
2. Approaches and assessments
Formulate approaches to addressing the underlying causes of
deforestation, forest degradation and failure to achieve sustainable
forest management, paying particular attention to cross-sectoral issues.
Propose ways to undertake periodic systematic assessment and report on
the status of forests and on progress in implementing United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development agreements.
Carry out inventory of, assess and monitor the world's forest resources
on an ongoing basis, through national reporting and other means.
Examine the global forest cover needed in the future to provide for all
the productive, protective and environmental functions of all types of
forests.
Consider the needs of developing countries with low forest cover.
Determine how to best promote national implementation of existing forest
conservation and sustainable management commitments.
Investigate the impact of exogenous factors on sustainable forest
development and management, and on the patterns of forest products
consumption.
Develop methodologies for the integration (and the full replacement
costs as well as benefits) into market prices of all types of timber and
timber products.
Develop and disseminate methodologies for the full valuation of forest
goods and services, their inclusion in national accounts and their
better reflection in market prices.
Promote the implementation of national forest action plans, including
cross-sectoral approaches and coordinated international support.
3. Trade and environment
Consider issues relating to trade and environment, within the context of
an integrated approach to environment and development and the mutually
supportive relationship between trade and environment.
Consider the need to remove unilateral actions and trade practices (such
as bans and boycotts) not consistent with the rules of the international
trading system.
4. Criteria and indicators
Review existing initiatives related to the development of criteria and
indicators at the national level for sustainable forest management, and
consider effecting their convergence, and their adoption and application
to all types of forests.
Examine the issue of criteria and indicators, including the desirability
and feasibility of developing them, and the need to ensure that the
diversity among countries, particularly the specific conditions in and
needs of developing countries, are fully taken into account.
Consider the desirability of establishing new criteria and indicator
processes (for example, for regions not currently covered), and/or of
having converge those already under way.
Promote the harmonization of all major initiatives in the formulation of
internationally agreed criteria and indicators for all types of forests
so as to ensure sustainable forest management.
5. Market access
Promote market access for forest products on a non-discriminatory basis,
in order to avoid practices inconsistent with the rules of international
trading systems.
Expand market access for developing countries.
Examine the question of promoting increased market access for forest
products on a non-discriminatory basis.
6. Certification and labelling
Promote dialogue and consensus related to the examination and possible
development of ecolabelling and voluntary forest product certification.
Examine the feasibility and desirability of an internationally agreed
timber certification scheme for all types of timber and timber products
and the costs involved.
Consider the desirability and feasibility of developing internationally
agreed timber certification schemes for all types of timber.
Consider the role of certification and labelling schemes, including
private voluntary programmes, in promoting sustainable forest
management.
Promote dialogue and consensus related to trade and environment issues
including application of criteria and indicators at the management-unit
level, when relevant to ecocertification.
7. Institutions
Undertake independent review of the roles of existing international
institutions concerned with forests.
Review the roles of existing international institutions that address
forest issues, and how best to coordinate those roles.
Carry out independent assessment of the roles of multilateral
institutions and international organizations most concerned with forests
to clarify their roles, identify gaps, minimize duplication and identify
areas requiring improvement.
Seek ways to facilitate participation of major groups.
8. Review of existing instruments and the need for new legally binding
instruments
Review existing instruments related to achieving international forest
objectives for sustainable forest management, identify gaps and develop
options for addressing them, including the need or otherwise for legally
binding agreements at regional and global levels or for using
combinations of existing instruments.
Undertake a review of international initiatives other than those focused
on criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management.
Take into account the wide variety of efforts undertaken relating to
forests, including those within the framework of the Convention on
Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in
those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification,
particularly in Africa.
Assess the desirability of new international agreements on forests and
the attributes of such agreements.
9. Linkages
Review means to ensure that biodiversity issues permeate the sectoral
programmes related to sustainable forest management, particularly under
the "land cluster" rubric.
Investigate the linkages of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in
Africa, to forests in terms of their applications/implementation,
opportunities provided and gaps within the overall context of the
multiple roles of forests.
Analyse how to best pursue research needs, including research on the
linkage between forests and global environmental issues.
Identify and commission the research necessary to provide a stronger
scientific basis for understanding the linkages between forests and
regional and global environmental issues.
10. Protection of knowledge and rights
Safeguard indigenous rights.
Consider the protection of the economic, social and cultural rights of
indigenous people and local communities.
Examine ways and means to protect appropriately, at the international
level, the traditional knowledge of forest dwellers and local
communities and to cooperate adequately with them when such knowledge is
sought by developers of biotechnological innovations.
Protect the knowledge of indigenous peoples, farmers and local
communities.
11. Protected areas
Examine the need for the development of an international network of
ecologically representative protected areas as one among a number of
measures for maintaining biological diversity and other forest values.
Consider the issue of an international network of protected forest
areas.
12. Energy
Consider the important role of forests in meeting energy requirements
through the provision of renewable sources of bio-energy, particularly
in developing countries.
13. Information
Improve the availability, quality, timeliness and accessibility of
information on the status and condition of all types of forests.
14. Financial resources and transfer of technology
Consider financial arrangements and technology transfer mechanisms for
sustainable forest management.
Examine the role of assistance efforts in promoting sustainable forest
management, taking a careful look at donor coordination in terms both of
its multilateral and of its bilateral aspects, the need for rapid
international response to national Governments in times of economic or
institutional crises related to forests, and the need to focus in an
integrated way on sustainable development.
Examine the means for technology transfer and the integration of
indigenous knowledge into the mainstream, subject to the provisions of
the appropriate intellectual property rights.
Examine relevant means of implementation, including matters related to
financing and financial mechanisms and transfer of appropriate
environmentally sound technologies, cooperation and capacity-building.
Review ways and means in which technology protected by intellectual
property rights can be transferred to developing countries on
concessional terms so as to enhance sustainable forest management.
Promote transfer of technology, capacity-building and cooperation under
the terms defined particularly by chapter 34 of Agenda 21.
Review financial resources and technology transfer for the conservation
management and sustainable development of forest resources.
Assess the special needs of developing countries in respect of transfer,
adaptation and development of technologies for the development,
sustainable use and protection of forests.
Annex II
ATTENDANCE
Members
Antigua and Barbuda:
Australia: Joanne Disano, Tony Byrne, Alison Russell-French,
Rod Holesgrove, Jeannie Ludlow, Tony Kelloway, Mark
Gray, Michael Rae
Bahamas:
Bangladesh: Masud Bin Momen
Barbados:
Belarus:
Belgium:
Bolivia: Alejandro Mercado, Gustavo Pedraza
Brazil: Henrique Valle, Adhemar Gabriel Bahadian,
Se'rgio A. Florenc'io, Enio Cordeiro, Antonio F. Mello,
Marcos Arbizu de Sousa Campos
Bulgaria: Ivan Vladimirov Peitchev
Burkina Faso: Gaettan Rimwanguiya Quedraogo, Prosper Sawadogo
Burundi:
Canada: John Fraser, Piotr Andrezejewski, Ann Cronin-Cossette,
Shirley Lewchuk, Jennifer Irish, Judy Huska, Ross Noble,
Jag Maini, David Drake, Johanna den Hertog,
Jean-Pierre Martel
Chile: Pablo Cabrera, Juan Eduardo Eguiguren,
Miguel Angel Gonzalez
China:
Ethiopia:
Finland: Asko Numminen, Riitta Resch, Kirsti Kivela,
Pekka Patosaari, Leena Karjalainen-Balk
France: Philippe Delacroix, Christian Barthod
Gabon: Guy-Marcel Eboumy
Germany: Hans Peter Schipulle, Rainald H. Roesch, Birgit Wolz,
Ulrich Hoenisch, Manfred Konukiewitz,
Edith Ku"rzinger-Wiemann, Hagen Frost, Harald
Hildebrand, Stefan Schmitz, Uwe Taeger
Ghana:
Guinea:
Hungary:
Iceland:
India: V. L. Chopra
Indonesia: Triyono Wibowo
Iran (Islamic
Republic of): Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Hoseein Kamalian, Mohammad Rezah,
H. K. Jabbry
Italy: Francesco Paolo Fulci, Alberto Colella
Japan: Takao Shibata, Mujneo Segawa, Shin-ichi Arai,
Takeshi Goto, Nozomu Hayashi, Natsuto Sato,
Masanori Kobayashi
Malawi: Ngelesi Mwuangulu, Fexton Matupa
Malaysia: Ting Wen Lian, Hussein Haniff, Saw Ching Hong,
Thang Hooi Chiew, Chan Lai Har, Lim Eng Siang,
Nadzri Yahaya, James Dawos Mamit, Himmat S. Maui
Mexico: Gerardo Lozano, Rafael Martinez-Blanco, Ulises Canchola,
Norberto Terrazas
Morocco: Ahmed Amaziane
Namibia:
Netherlands: J. P. Hoogeveen, A. P. Hamburger, J. J. Neeteson,
P. R. Schutz, H. Th. Verheij, V. P. A. Vrij,
M. K. de Jong, W. C. Turkenburg
Pakistan: Sher Afgan Khan, Mansur Raza
Papua New Guinea:
Peru: Mario Lo'pe'z-Chavarri, Italo Acha
Philippines: Jose' Lino B. Guerrero, Eugenio Inocentes,
Wilfrido Pollisco
Poland: Tadeusz Strojwas
Republic of Korea:
Russian Federation: Vladimir A. Zimyanin
Senegal: Ke'ba Birane Cisse, Seydina Omar Diop, Alioune Ndjouck,
Mamadou Yaya Sy
Spain: Ampara Rambla, Elisa Baraona Miguel Aguirre de Carcer
Tunisia: Abderrazak Azaiez, Ghazi Jomaa
Turkey: Mr. Hayati Gu"ven, L. Murat Burhan, H. Avni Karshoglu
Uganda:
Ukraine: Yuri G. Ruban, Anatoliy P. Dembitskiy,
Kostyantyn P. Elisseev
United Kingdom of
Great Britain and
Northern Ireland: Peter Unwin, Martin Holdgate, Brian Oliver,
Mr. Ian Symons, Mike Dudley, Chris Yarnell,
John Carroll, Ann Grant, Victoria Harris, Jill Barrett,
Stephen Gomersall
United Republic of
Tanzania:
United States of
America:
Uruguay: Victor Canton
Venezuela:
States Members of the United Nations represented by observers
Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Benin, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark,
Ecuador, Egypt, Haiti, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Lebanon, Mauritania, New
Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden and Yemen.
Non-member States and entities represented by an observer
Switzerland, European Community.
United Nations Secretariat
United Nations Children's Fund, United Nations Environment Programme,
United Nations Development Programme.
Specialized agencies and the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Health Organization,
International Monetary Fund.
Intergovernmental organizations
International Tropical Timber Organization, Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development.
Non-governmental organizations
World Resources Institute (non-governmental organization in consultative
status with the Economic and Social Council, category II), Population
Communications-International (non-governmental organization in consultative
status with the Council, Roster).
Annex III
AGENDA
1. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
2. Integrated planning and management of land resources (Agenda 21,
chapter 10).
3. Forests (Agenda 21, chapter 11 and "Forest Principles").
4. Desertification and drought (Agenda 21, chapter 12).
5. Mountains (Agenda 21, chapter 13).
6. Agriculture and rural development (Agenda 21, chapter 14).
7. Biodiversity (Agenda 21, chapter 15).
8. Other matters.
9. Adoption of the report of the Working Group.
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