| United Nations | E/CN.17/1996/6 |
Economic and Social Council
Distr. GENERAL
12 April 1996
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Fourth session
18 April-3 May 1996
Item 6 (a) of the provisional agenda*
* E/CN.17/1996/1.
REVIEW OF SECTORAL CLUSTERS: PROTECTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE
AND PROTECTION OF THE OCEANS AND ALL KINDS OF SEAS
Report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group
on Sectoral Issues
(New York, 26 February-1 March 1996)
CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
INTRODUCTION ............................................. 1 - 2 3
I. MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND INTERLINKAGES ............ 3 - 14 3
A. Major recommendations .......................... 3 - 12 3
B. Interlinkages .................................. 13 - 14 5
II. RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO CHAPTER 17 OF AGENDA 21,
"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" ......... 15 - 41 6
A. General considerations ......................... 15 - 20 6
B. Recommendations on programme areas ............. 21 - 41 7
III. RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO CHAPTER 9 OF AGENDA 21,
"PROTECTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE" ..................... 42 - 73 14
A. General considerations ......................... 42 - 48 14
B. Recommendations on programme areas ............. 49 - 73 15
IV. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS ............................. 74 - 84 21
A. Opening and duration of session ................ 74 - 80 21
B. Attendance ..................................... 81 22
C. Election of officers ........................... 82 22
D. Agenda and organization of work ................ 83 22
E. Documentation .................................. 84 22
Annexes
I. Elements for inclusion in a draft resolution on institutional
arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme
of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from
Land-based Activities ............................................ 23
II. Alternative text to paragraphs 32-34 prepared by an informal
group of delegations ............................................. 27
III. Alternative text to paragraphs 36-41 prepared by an informal
group of delegations ............................................. 30
IV. Attendance ....................................................... 31
V. Documentation .................................................... 35
INTRODUCTION
1. The report of the Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Sectoral
Issues on its meeting in New York from 26 February to 1 March 1996 is not a
negotiated text. In accordance with the expert nature of the Working Group
and the functions assigned to it by the Commission on Sustainable Development,
the report focuses ** key issues and conclusions, and suggests possible
recommendations and policy options for consideration by the Commission at its
fourth session.
2. Based on detailed discussion resulting in a broad convergence of views,
the Working Group made a number of conclusions and recommendations. Due to
the time constraints under which it had to function, however, some issues
could not be discussed in detail; in such cases, a Chairman's summary of the
debate appears in bold print.
I. MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS AND INTERLINKAGES
A. Major recommendations
3. Several key recommendations were suggested by the Working Group for the
consideration and approval of the Commission on Sustainable Development, as
described below.
1. 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
4. The Working Group welcomed the successful outcome of the
Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt a Global Programme of Action for the
Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (Washington,
D.C., 23 October-3 November 1995).
5. The Working Group recognized - as stated in the Washington Declaration
adopted by the Conference - participating Governments' intention to act to
develop, in accordance with the provisions of the Global Programme of Action,
adopted by the Conference, a global, legally binding instrument for the
reduction and/or elimination of emissions, discharges and, where appropriate,
the elimination of the manufacture and use of persistent organic pollutants
that had been identified in decision 18/32 of the Governing Council of the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The nature of the obligations
undertaken must be developed, recognizing the special circumstances of
countries in need of assistance. Particular attention should be devoted to
the potential need for the continued use of certain persistent organic
pollutants to safeguard human health, sustain food production and alleviate
poverty in the absence of alternatives, as well as to the difficulty of
acquiring substitutes and transferring technology for the development and/or
production of such substitutes.
6. In accordance with the Washington Declaration, the Working Group noted
Governments' intention to give priority to the treatment and management of
waste water and industrial effluents, as part of the overall management of
water resources, especially through the installation of environmentally and
economically appropriate sewage systems, including by studying mechanisms to
channel additional resources for that purpose expeditiously to countries in
need of assistance.
7. The Working Group agreed to transmit to the Commission at its fourth
session elements for further negotiation that could be included in a draft
resolution on institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global
Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-
based Activities, to be further considered for approval by the General
Assembly at its fifty-first session (see annex I).
8. As to marine living resources, the Working Group agreed that prompt
implementation of recently adopted international instruments was necessary in
order to (a) address the problems of overcapacity, as well as of overfishing
in the high seas and in areas under national jurisdiction; (b) rebuild fish
stocks throughout their entire range of distribution; (c) minimize wasteful
fisheries practices and protect vital habitats; (d) protect fisheries from
harmful sea- and land-based activities; (e) strengthen/create regional and
subregional management organizations and arrangements; (f) ensure a high level
of compliance; (g) increase consultation at all levels; (h) implement the
precautionary approach (where and when necessary), based on the best
scientific advice available; and (i) ensure the continued viability of small-
scale and artisanal fisheries. It therefore recommended that, without
prejudice to their rights and obligations under international law, States that
had not yet done so should be called upon to sign, ratify, and/or implement
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Agreement to Promote
Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing
Vessels on the High Seas, the Agreement for the Implementation of the
Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10
December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish
Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks of 1995, and the Code of Conduct for
Responsible Fisheries of 1995.
9. The subject of technology transfer, as set forth in chapter 34 of
Agenda 21, was a key element in the attainment of sustainable development.
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, were crucial
instrumentalities for achieving the objectives of Agenda 21. The importance
of strengthening capacity-building, particularly between developed and
developing countries, was also stressed.
10. National efforts in developing countries to mobilize financial resources
for the full and effective implementation of Agenda 21, including the chapters
under review, must be supported by the international community. It was
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, be
implemented. The need for partnership for sustainable development among all
countries, as well as better cooperation and coordination among national
institutions, international organizations, including international financial
institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organizations, in order
to make more efficient use of resources, were emphasized. The meeting of the
Ad Hoc Inter-sessional Working Group on Finance of the Commission (New York,
4-8 March 1996) would provide an important opportunity to further the
discussion on that crucial matter. The Working Group welcomed the adoption of
the operational strategy for international waters of the Global Environment
Facility.
2. Protection of the atmosphere
11. As to the protection of the atmosphere, the Working Group recommended
that Governments and organizations be urged to promote efficiency improvement
in energy production, conversion, distribution and use, and to promote the use
of renewable sources of energy. It also recommended that measures be taken to
improve efficiency in transport services by integrating land use, urban
development and transport planning, the use of alternative and lead-free
fuels, technological innovation in design of vehicles and the promotion of
modal shifts towards mass transportation.
12. The Working Group recommended that in order to ensure compliance with
measures agreed upon to phase out the use of ozone depleting substances,
Governments and organizations take effective measures against illegal trade in
those substances.
B. Interlinkages
13. A number of issues common to both chapters of Agenda 21 under review -
chapter 9, "Protection of the atmosphere", and 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", emerged during the discussion. Both chapters were also seen to
have interlinkages with several other chapters of Agenda 21, in particular
chapters 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 16, 18, 33 and 34. Indeed, the broad-based nature
of chapters 9 and 17 could be seen to encompass all the important aspects of
sustainable development.
14. The Working Group stressed the close interrelationship between the
protection of oceans and all kinds of seas and the protection of the
atmosphere in view of the exchange of matter and energy that took place
between the atmosphere and oceans and their influence on marine and
terrestrial ecosystems. An integrated approach to protective measures was
therefore called for in order to effectively address the problems of adverse
impacts of human activity on the oceans and the atmosphere.
II. RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO CHAPTER 17 OF AGENDA 21,
"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"
A. General considerations
15. The Working Group took note of the proposals contained in the report of
the Secretary-General (E/CN.17/1996/3), which it considered with interest,
although it expressed a number of reservations and also suggested additional
recommendations for the consideration of the Commission. Under programme
areas C and D (Living marine resources, see paras. 31-34 below) and F
(International cooperation and coordination, see paras. 36-41 below),
alternative language was proposed by informal drafting groups of interested
delegations (see annexes II and III for alternative texts, which the Working
Group did not have sufficient time to discuss).
16. The Working Group reaffirmed the common aim of promoting the sustainable
development, conservation and management of the coastal and marine
environments. Action at the national, subregional and regional levels must
play the prime role, but effective arrangements were needed at the global
level for establishing coherent priorities for action. Decisions on questions
affecting the marine environment must be the result of an integrated approach,
taking into account all relevant environmental, social and economic factors,
including the special requirements of developing countries, as well as the
best available scientific evidence. To that end, collaboration should be
promoted between the holders of such information and those concerned with the
formulation of policies, including national policy makers. Such collaboration
should reflect a precautionary approach, taking into account the uncertainties
in the information available and the related risks for people and resources.
International arrangements for decision-making must recognize the importance
of financial resources, the transfer of adequate technology, capacity-
building, resource ownership and management, and the exchange of information
and know-how, particularly between developing and developed countries.
17. The fact that there has been considerable progress in recent
intergovernmental negotiations related to oceans and seas was welcomed with
satisfaction by the Working Group. The entry into force in 1994 of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was a fundamental achievement and
provided the framework for the protection of the marine environment. Other
recent successes included, inter alia, the Agreement to Promotion Compliance
with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on
the High Seas; the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to the Conservation
and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks; the
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; and the Global Programme of Action
for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. The
Declaration of Barbados and the Programme of Action of the Global Conference
on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States had also
followed up on recommendations contained in chapter 17 of Agenda 21. The
Working Group also welcomed the Jakarta Mandate on Coastal and Marine
Biodiversity, which was adopted at the second session of the Conference of
Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in November 1995, and the
Kyoto Declaration and Plan of Action, which were adopted in December 1995 by
the International Conference on the Sustainable Contribution of Fisheries to
Food Security. The immediate need was for the Governments concerned to
participate in and implement those agreements: implementation was important
at all levels.
18. Participants generally agreed that activities relating to oceans, seas
and coastal areas required greater priority in national, subregional, regional
and international decision-making: given the cross-sectoral nature of the
issues involved, they required a greater coherence and consistency among
various sectors of government, both in the United Nations and in other
intergovernmental forums.
19. It was also noted that the special characteristics and needs of
individual countries, in particular developing countries, needed to be
recognized and addressed when suggesting intergovernmental actions.
20. Questions relating to possible improved institutional arrangements and
structures dealing with oceans, seas and coastal areas were discussed by the
Working Group, based on a number of specific proposals put forward by several
delegations (see paras. 36-41 below). The Working Group also took note of the
recommendations emanating from the London Workshop on Environmental Science,
Comprehensiveness and Consistency in Global Decisions on Ocean Issues, which
was co-sponsored by the Governments of Brazil and the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland (London, 30 November-2 December 1995) (see
E/CN.17/1996/23).
B. Recommendations on programme areas
1. Programme Area A: "Integrated management of coastal areas"
21. The Working Group suggested that the proposals contained in the report
of the Secretary-General needed to be more carefully aimed at specific groups
of countries, such as coastal countries. It noted that there were many other
examples of successful regional and subregional programmes, such as the South
Pacific Regional Environment Programme, the Northwest Pacific Action Plan, the
Coordinating Body of the Seas of East Asia, the Baltic Sea Joint Comprehensive
Environmental Action Programme, the Mediterranean Action Plan and the
Conference of African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The Working Group
also stressed the need for increased support for training and capacity-
building in the field of integrated management of coastal areas, and stressed
the need for taking action to protect all critical habitats of marine living
resources in the coastal zone, including coral reefs, mangroves, mudflats and
estuaries.
22. The Working Group recommended that the Commission (a) call on States to
adopt appropriate measures to ensure that the management of their
watercourses, inland waters, and related catchments were consistent with the
aims of their integrated coastal areas management plans; (b) call on land-
locked States to take account of the potential impact of their decisions on
their freshwater management systems on the coastal seas in which their rivers
drained. It also asked Governments and agencies of the United Nations system
to promote programmes for guiding management and corrective actions to control
pollution in the larger coastal urban settlements, specifically in the
treatment of sewage and waste disposal, both domestic and industrial, as well
as to control pollution in river systems caused by mining industries. The
Working Group also requested that the World Bank and regional development
banks continue their work to develop effective means of implementation that
would complement the UNEP proposals.
23. In view of the multiple uses of coastal areas, the Commission might wish
to request States to ensure that representatives of the relevant sectors and
communities were consulted in the decision-making processes and were involved
in other activities related to coastal area management planning and
development.
24. Recognizing the importance of coral reefs and related ecosystems as a
life-support system of many countries, particularly small island countries,
and as a rich source of biodiversity, the Working Group recommended that the
Commission:
(a) Welcome the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) as a means to
address threats to coral reefs and related ecosystems;
(b) Urge concerned Governments, United Nations agencies and
organizations, multilateral development banks, donor institutions, local
communities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the
scientific community to support the implementation of the ICRI Framework for
Action, launching local or national coral reef initiatives as part of their
plans for coastal integrated development and management;
(c) Recommend the strengthening of existing institutional mechanisms (at
all levels) and knowledge base (through research database development,
monitoring and management projects, such as the Global Coral Reef Monitoring
Network, and information exchange);
(d) Welcome the inauguration of the International Year of the Reefs
(1997) and request United Nations organizations to contribute to public
education through that and other mechanisms;
(e) Welcome the Jakarta initiative entitled "Conservation and
sustainable use of marine and coastal Biological Diversity" (decision II/10 of
the Second Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on
Biological Diversity).
2. Programme Area B: "Marine environmental protection"
25. The Working Group welcomed the successful outcome of the International
Conference to Adopt a Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the
Marine Environment (Washington, D.C., 23 October-3 November 1995). It
recommended that the secretariat of UNEP revise its draft proposal for
institutional arrangements and implementation of the Global Programme of
Action (see E/CN.17/ISNG.I/1996/Misc.2), based on the comments provided by the
Working Group and taking into account the elements discussed for inclusion in
a draft resolution to be further considered by the Commission and by the
General Assembly at its fifty-first session (see annex I).
26. The Group recognized - as stated in the Washington Declaration adopted
by the Conference - participating Governments' intention to act to develop, in
accordance with the provisions of the Global Programme of Action adopted by
the Conference, a global, legally binding instrument for the reduction and/or
elimination of emissions, discharges and, where appropriate, the elimination
of the manufacture and use of persistent organic pollutants identified in
decision 18/32 of the UNEP Governing Council. The nature of the obligations
undertaken must be developed, recognizing the special circumstances of
countries in need of assistance. Particular attention should be devoted to
the potential need for the continued use of certain persistent organic
pollutants to safeguard human health, sustain food production and alleviate
poverty in the absence of alternatives, as well as to the difficulty of
acquiring substitutes and transferring technology for the development and/or
production of such substitutes. The Working Group suggested that the
Commission invite other regional bodies to follow the example of the Economic
Commission for Europe (ECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution.
27. In accordance with the Washington Declaration, the Working Group noted
Governments' intention to give priority to the treatment and management of
waste water and industrial effluents, as part of the overall management of
water resources, especially through the installation of environmentally and
economically appropriate sewage systems, including by studying mechanisms to
channel additional resources for that purpose expeditiously to countries in
need of assistance.
28. The Working Group took note that concerning offshore oil and gas
activities, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) had concluded that
harmonized environmental regulations had been and were being developed in
specific regional programmes, and such discussions were proving productive.
It also noted that IMO supported that approach and encouraged its wider
adoption, and concluded that there was no compelling need at that time to
develop further globally applicable environmental regulations in respect of
the exploitation and exploration aspects of offshore oil and gas activities.
29. The Working Group recommended that the Commission encourage States to
continue to strengthen the relevant national and regional review of the need
for additional measures to address the degradation of the marine environment
from offshore oil and gas platforms, as called for in paragraph 17.30 (c) of
Agenda 21, taking into account the relevant expertise of IMO, UNEP, and the
Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations
Secretariat. Private-sector government partnerships should also be encouraged
within regions.
PRO The Group noted that the Government of the Netherlands would host a
workshop for experts from relevant institutions and organizations, in
particular experts from countries with offshore oil and gas activity, at which
regional and national experiences could be exchanged. The Working Group
recommends that the Commission:
(a) Encourage relevant and competent international and regional bodies,
including the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, the IMO and
UNEP, to make available appropriate inputs for the workshop;
(b) Also take note of the upcoming meeting of the Western Hemisphere Oil
and Gas Environmental Forum (to be held in Rio de Janeiro, 17-19 April;
(c) Invite the host Governments of the above-mentioned meetings to make
available to Commission members and other interested States the outcome of
their respective meetings.
3. Programme areas C and D: "Living marine resources"
31. The Working Group recognized the major steps that had been taken towards
fulfilling the goals of Agenda 21 as a result of the entry into force of the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in November 1994 and the
adoption of a number of legal instruments (both binding and non-binding),
namely:
(a) The Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation
and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas (1993);
(b) The Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the
Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory
Fish Stocks (1995);
(c) The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995).
The Working Group also noted the successful conclusion, in 1995, of:
(d) The FAO Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries (Rome, March);
(e) The final session of the United Nations Conference on Straddling
Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (New York, July-August);
(f) The discussion by the General Assembly at its fiftieth session of
items 39 (Law of the Sea) and 96 (c) (Sustainable use and conservation of
marine living resources on the high seas);
(g) The second session of the Conference of the Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity (Jakarta, November);
(h) The International Conference on the Sustainable Contribution of
Fisheries to Food Security (Kyoto, December).
32. As part of the implementation of the above-mentioned instruments (see
annex II for alternative text for paras. 32-34), the Working Group recommended
that States:
(a) Strengthen fishery research and increase cooperation among research
institutions and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) regarding, inter alia, (i) the scope, quality and relevance of
scientific advice; (ii) the impact of fisheries on stocks, associated species
and ecosystems; (iii) the possible effects of hazardous, toxic and persistent
substances, as well as other human activities on resources and other marine
biota; (iv) the potential impact of aquaculture and stock enhancement
practices on marine habitats and genetic diversity; and (v) the development of
selective fishing gear and practices;
(b) Establish/strengthen subregional and regional fishery management
organizations or arrangements, and in particular, become party to those in
whose regulatory area their fishing vessels operate, increasing cooperation
between them, notably where stocks migrate from one area to another;
(c) Increase consultation at the local level of all parties affected by
fishery management decisions in order to identify potential concerns, benefit
from available experience and management capabilities, and ensure the
viability of small-scale and artisanal fishing communities;
(d) Adopt measures to discourage vessels from States that fail to
cooperate from engaging in fishing activities that undermine the effectiveness
of conservation and management measures taken, both in accordance with
international law and at the appropriate regional or subregional levels;
(e) Adopt and apply compatible conservation and management measures
throughout the entire range of distribution of a stock, including by
establishing biologically safe limits and precautionary reference points to
promote the rebuilding of stock above such limits;
(f) Develop and adopt selective and environmentally safe fishing gear
and practices and other measures in order to reduce by-catch and negative
impacts on non-commercial species and the habitat, reducing discarding to the
extent practicable;
(g) Develop and adopt measures to protect marine and coastal biological
diversity, as set forth, inter alia, in the 1995 Jakarta Mandate;
(h) Review the capacity of fishing fleets in relation to sustainable
yields of fishery resources and, where necessary, take steps to reduce
overcapacity and prevent any net increase in fishing capacity on overfished or
depleted stocks;
(i) Monitor and enforce, within their respective competence, agreed
conservation and management measures, keeping under review the effectiveness
of conservation and management measures;
(j) Ensure that whenever fish trade measures are taken, measures are in
accordance with the principles, rights and obligations established by
international law, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement;
(k) Improve the awareness of fishers and other agents involved in
fisheries of the ecological impacts of fisheries activities, promoting the
understanding of the Code of Conduct and supporting its effective
implementation;
(l) Increase efforts to promote more environmentally friendly
technologies, banning the use of destructive fishing techniques that use
cyanide and explosives, and promoting methods aiming at reducing by-catch of
non-target aquatic species and birds;
(m) Abolish financial incentives that lead to overfishing and
environmentally unsound practices and create alternative economic
opportunities for fishing communities that are affected by measures taken to
ensure sustainability so as to ensure that fishers can operate under economic
conditions that promote responsible fisheries.
33. Furthermore, Governments should, where feasible, promote the development
of sustainable aquaculture as a means to increase food production and improve
the economic basis for local community development, taking into account:
(a) the need for assistance and transfer of technology and know-how to
developing countries; (b) the potential adverse impacts on the environment;
(c) the risks of introducing alien species; and (d) the need for improved
knowledge in the use of genetic engineering. To that effect, the existing
guidelines for the environmental management of aquaculture, species
introductions and transfers, as well as on the precautionary approach, should
be implemented.
34. A report on the achievements on the action items listed above, and more
generally on progress made improving fisheries sustainability, based on
information provided by Member States, should be presented by the FAO
secretariat to the meetings of the FAO Committee on Fisheries.
4. Programme area E: "Critical uncertainties"
NLI The Working Group stressed the fact that the insufficiency of research
capacity and information systems was particularly noticeable in the developing
world and small islands. It expressed its support to the Global Ocean
Observing System (GOOS), and noted the initiative to develop the EuroGOOS
system.
5. Programme area F: "International cooperation
and coordination"
36. In addition to the commitment already reflected in section F of chapter
17 of Agenda 21 to promote, within the United Nations system, regular
intergovernmental consideration of environment and development issues and
effective coordination of the relevant United Nations system components, the
Working Group recommended that the existing machinery be improved at the
global level by, inter alia:
(a) Establishing priorities for action needed to promote sustainable
development on the basis of dialogue between national Governments and
international agencies;
(b) Improving coordination among United Nations agencies and
organizations and other intergovernmental agencies in carrying out such
actions, inter alia, by strengthening the Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal
Areas of the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC);
(c) Provision of scientific advice on environmental, social and economic
aspects of the problems to be addressed.
37. The Working Group felt that the special session of the General Assembly
to be held in June 1997 to review the implementation of Agenda 21 could
provide recommendations on the future role that the Commission should play as
the focal point for formulating the consensus of States on strategies and
priorities for action needed at the global level to promote the sustainable
development and conservation of the marine environment. In that regard, the
Commission could consider:
(a) Priorities for action at the global level;
(b) The integration of the different aspects of such actions;
(c) Progress in the implementation of relevant global action programmes,
including the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based Sources of Pollution.
38. In order to address the need for improved coordination, the Working
Group recommended that the Commission invite the Secretary-General to review
the working of the ACC Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas with a view to
improving its status and effectiveness, including by establishing close
working links between the secretariat of the Subcommittee and UNEP, in line
with UNEP's leading role in catalysing the development of global policy on the
marine environment.
39. The Working Group also recommended that the Secretary-General and the
executive heads of the United Nations agencies and organizations sponsoring
the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental
Protection (GESAMP) review the terms of reference, composition and methods of
work of GESAMP, with a view to improving its effectiveness and
comprehensiveness while maintaining its status as a source of agreed, first
quality scientific advice; in particular, close links should be created with
the work of UNEP and its Regional Seas Programme, and means should be found to
ensure:
(a) Consideration of all aspects - environmental, social and economic -
of the marine environment;
(b) A comprehensive approach to potential sources of expertise;
(c) Regular periodic reports on the quality status of the world's oceans
and seas;
(d) Advice on criteria for the assessment of issues that might need
action at the global level;
(e) Scientific advice and guidance on specific aspects of particular
problems calling for action at the global level or, at the request of the
appropriate authorities, at the regional or national levels.
40. The Working Group stressed that the programme area also addressed the
needs for collaboration at regional and subregional levels.
41. The Working Group noted that for various reasons, some countries had not
agreed to apply the user-pay principle and could not generate local resources
through user fees and taxes. It recognized the importance of the Global
Environment Facility (GEF) as a key funding mechanism but noted that a number
of countries already contributing to GEF could not commit further resources to
it. The Working Group recommended that the Commission encourage the
development of coordinated strategies for engaging the private sector in
efforts to achieve the ecologically sustainable use of the oceans and coastal
environments.
III. RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO CHAPTER 9 ON OF AGENDA 21,
"PROTECTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE"
A. General considerations
42. The Working Group took note of the detailed proposals contained in the
report of the Secretary-General on protection of the atmosphere
(E/CN.17/1996/22 and Add.1). It generally welcomed the proposals but
expressed a few reservations on some of them, and suggested additional
recommendations for further consideration by the Commission. General
recommendations on the protection of the atmosphere are reported below, while
proposals for specific action on the four programme areas of chapter 9 follow
in subsection III.B.
43. The Working Group urged that atmospheric protection measures to reduce
air pollution, combat climate change and prevent ozone layer depletion be
undertaken and coordinated at the national, regional, subregional and
international levels.
44. The Working Group stressed the need for broad international action to
address global atmospheric problems. It emphasized that the principle of a
common but differentiated responsibility for developing and developed
countries, as outlined in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
should be applied in any development of measures to protect the atmosphere on
a global scale.
45. The Working Group emphasized that, while there was a clear commitment by
all countries to global atmospheric protection, the developed countries should
take the lead in combatting the emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone-
depleting substances. In the context of the commitments on international
cooperation contained in Agenda 21, the Working Group acknowledged that the
requirement for technology transfer, institution and capacity-building was an
urgent issue to which the Commission should give priority.
46. The Working Group noted the danger of exacerbating other environmental
problems is initiating actions to address individual issues, and stressed the
need to address atmosphere-related problems in an integrated and comprehensive
way. The Working Group recommended that the precautionary principle approach
be applied, taking into account related uncertainties and risks.
47. The Working Group emphasized that an essential component of measures for
protecting the atmosphere was the reduction of local - especially urban - air
pollution, as well as combating desertification, which had adverse impacts on
human health and the environment.
48. The Working Group offered the following general recommendations for
consideration by the Commission:
(a) To recommend that States consider the broad spectrum of policy
instruments - economic and fiscal, regulatory and voluntary - available to
them for improving energy efficiency and efficiency standards in all relevant
sectors;
(b) To encourage Governments and organizations to cooperate, as
appropriate, in the implementation of relevant policy and economic instruments
for minimizing the adverse effects of international competitiveness and
optimizing the allocation of resources;
(c) To urge countries that had not yet done so to sign, ratify and
implement:
(i) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. All
Parties to the Convention should fully implement their commitments
therein, with a special emphasis on the conclusion of the Berlin
Mandate;
(ii) The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those
Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification,
particularly in Africa. Countries should cooperate in the
negotiation process leading to the first Conference of the Parties;
(iii) The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and its
Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments and adjustments;
(iv) The Convention on Biological Diversity.
B. Recommendations on programme areas
1. Programme A: "Addressing the uncertainties: improving
the scientific basis for decision-making"
49. The Working Group stressed the importance of establishing a sound
scientific base upon which appropriate responses to atmospheric degradation
could be formulated.
50. The Working Group welcomed the second assessment report adopted by the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)/UNEP Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) in Rome in December 1995 as the most important and
reliable assessment of climate change. That report had stated that the
balance of evidence suggested a discernible human influence on global climate,
and that opportunities already existed for moving away from carbon-based
energy production and use as an option to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.
The Working Group shared the view of IPCC on the need for the development and
transfer of new technologies, in particular for the exploitation of renewable
energy sources, in order to address the climate change issue. The Working
Group further recommended that the Commission stress the necessity for urgent
action at the widest possible level to mitigate climate change in response to
the above-mentioned report. The Working Group also recognized that the
special conditions and needs of different groups of countries, as contained in
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, must be taken fully
into account.
51. The Working Group emphasized that the scientific and technical expertise
required by the developing countries to protect the atmosphere needed further
improvement with the support of the international community.
52. The Working Group supported an integrated approach to the protection of
the atmosphere through consultative arrangements among relevant conventions,
such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing
Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa, legal
instruments concerning ozone layer protection, and regional agreements, as
well as among international organizations. Similar integrated approaches
would be appropriate at the national and regional levels as well. However,
the Working Group considered that the existing coordinating structures, at
least at the international level, were sufficient to ensure the treatment of
the atmosphere protection issues in an integrated manner, and the
establishment of new intergovernmental bodies could not therefore be
justified.
53. The Working Group was supportive of the initiative of a number of
international organizations to establish an integrating framework for
international climate-related programmes - a climate agenda - with the
objective of enhancing coordination and providing for scientific and technical
background for assessing the status of the atmosphere and making decisions on
its protection.
54. The Working Group further recommended that the Commission support the
need for enhanced research, especially in such a way that processes in the
atmosphere would be considered together with related social and economic
processes. The Working Group noted that a number of international, regional,
subregional and national initiatives pursued an integrated approach to studies
of processes that influenced and were influenced by the atmosphere in order to
provide a scientific background for protective measures. The Working Group
emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring of the status of the Earth's
atmosphere.
55. While stressing the need for preventive measures, the Working Group
particularly noted the importance of undertaking research into the
identification of strategies for adapting to the impacts of changes in
atmospheric composition and climate, and recommended that the Commission
further promote the development of such adaptation strategies.
2. Programme area B: "Promoting sustainable development"
(a) Energy development, efficiency and consumption
56. The Working Group considered that global climate change issues and their
relation to energy development, efficiency and consumption were most
appropriately addressed through the mechanism for the implementation of the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
57. The Working Group paid special attention to the production, conversion
and use of energy. Energy was one of the fundamental requirements for
economic growth and social improvements, and the demand for energy in the
transport sector was experiencing rapid growth in both industrialized and
developing countries. Energy use was linked to environmental and societal
problems, including air and water pollution, lost productivity due to traffic
congestion, health impacts and global warming. The industrial sector, which
accounted for a large share of global energy use, involved a wide range of
activities, such as the extraction of natural resources, conversion into raw
materials and the manufacture of finished products.
58. The Working Group emphasized the need for all countries, in particular
the developed countries, to make a clear commitment to changing energy
consumption and production patterns.
59. The Working Group further recommended that the Commission emphasize the
need for sustainable energy services to be made available to all people now
and in the future so as to ensure basic human needs.
60. The Working Group recommended that the Commission invite Governments and
organizations to:
(a) Improve efficiency in the production, distribution and use of
energy, inter alia, through education and training, the dissemination of
information, the enhancement of knowledge and voluntary agreements;
(b) Give high priority to the introduction of renewable energy sources,
passive solar energy, architectural design, as appropriate, and energy
efficiency improvement programmes, as well as to energy conservation;
(c) Increase international cooperation for the exchange of experience in
energy efficiency improvement, the development and use of renewable sources of
energy, and the promotion of decentralized electricity supply for rural areas;
(d) Consider the concept of environmental cost internalization and
economic instruments to promote sustainable energy development, and also
consider the removal of environmentally damaging subsidies, particularly for
developed countries;
(e) Enhance research and development, including socio-economic research,
to facilitate appropriate technology utilization, in particular renewable
sources of energy, methodologies for internalizing external costs and improved
material efficiency, as well as improved agricultural production;
(f) Take all the necessary actions recommended by the United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious
Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa.
61. The Working Group recommended that the Commission urge multilateral
financial institutions to take full account of the protection of the
atmosphere, global climate change and the use of environmentally sound
technologies in their lending and investment strategies. The promotion of
renewable sources of energy as an important option for reducing carbon dioxide
emissions should be given particular attention.
62. The Working Group recommended that the Commission welcome and support
intensified international and regional cooperation and initiatives, for
example the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development/International Energy Agency (OECD/IEA) Climate Technology
Initiative and follow-up to the Marrakech Seminar on Decentralized
Electrification of Rural Areas (Morocco, 13-17 November 1995).
63. The Working Group took note of the conclusion of the Committee on New
and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development at its second
session (see E/C.13/1996/8) that, inter alia, a holistic and coordinated
approach to energy issues in the United Nations system was not yet in place,
and suggested that the Commission recommend such an approach.
(b) Transportation
64. Since the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions as well as emissions of
oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulphur and volatile organic compounds from the
transportation sector were some of the more important objectives in the
strategy for the protection of atmosphere, the Commission should recommend a
package of measures to those ends including:
(a) Reduction and internalization of environmental costs in the
transport sector, including the selective removal of transport energy
subsidies and the promotion of environmentally sound transport systems;
(b) Integration of land use and transport planning to reduce the demand
for transport services;
(c) Technological innovation in the design of vehicles and use of fuels,
and for promoting modal shifts towards mass transportation, waterways and
non-motorized transport;
(d) Incorporation of measures for better air quality;
(e) Examination of policy and fiscal measures for improved efficiency,
as well as the setting of standards in air transport;
(f) Use of alternative fuels, especially biomass derived fuels, such as
ethanol and plant oils;
(g) Use of lead-free automotive fuels by employing ethanol/methanol-
based oxygenates instead of lead alkyl as octane boosters, thus greatly
reducing the health hazards, particularly for young children, arising from
toxic levels of lead in the environment;
(h) Integration of transport planning in urban development so as to
relieve traffic congestion and related economic and social impacts,
particularly in rapidly expanding major urban centres in developing countries.
(c) Industrial development
65. Given the fact that industry had a major role to play in the protection
of atmosphere, the Working Group recommended that the Commission urge
Governments and industry to:
(a) Increase their research into more environmentally sound production
technologies, including energy and material efficiency;
(b) Actively participate in technology transfer and capacity-building in
developing countries.
66. It was also recommended that the Commission encourage industry to take
full account of concerns related to the protection of atmosphere and the use
of environmentally sound technologies in their investment strategies.
(d) Terrestrial and marine resource development and land use
67. The Working Group also recommended that the Commission encourage Parties
to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, as well as those
countries in the process of ratification, to coordinate their activities with
activities undertaken under relevant international agreements, in particular
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the work of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Forests.
3. Programme area C: "Stratospheric ozone depletion"
68. The success in addressing the problem of ozone-layer depletion under the
auspices of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol was referred to
and identified as a model solution in dealing with atmosphere-related issues
and for constructive cooperation among Governments, industry, science and
non-governmental organizations, in particular, the successful outcome of the
recent meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol (Vienna, December 1995,)
was noted. However, there was general concern over reports of illegal trade
in ozone-depleting substances, and the Parties were urged to ensure that there
was strict compliance with the rules governing trade contained in the Montreal
Protocol.
69. In addition to confirming the need for Governments to join and implement
the Vienna Convention, its Montreal Protocol and subsequent amendments and
adjustments, the Commission was requested to urge Governments and
organizations to:
(a) Take effective measures against illegal trade in ozone-depleting
substances;
(b) Provide adequate financial and technical support to developing
countries in order to enable them to phase out the production and consumption
of all ozone-depleting substances;
(c) Make efforts to limit the production and consumption of alternatives
to ozone-depleting substances with high global warming potentials, and give
priority to solutions that had neither a remaining ozone-depleting potential,
nor a significant global warming potential, consistent with a more integrated
approach to atmosphere protection;
(d) Take account of the potential cost saving in terms of expenditure on
human health deriving from measures for conserving the ozone layer and
protecting air quality.
4. Programme area D: "Transboundary air pollution"
70. The Working Group was concerned by the growing threat of transboundary
air pollution in many regions, as well as the effects upon people and the
environment from local air pollution. While some success had been achieved in
Europe, North America and in South-East Asia in addressing air pollution
matters, transboundary air pollution was a growing threat elsewhere in Asia,
in South America and in southern Africa. Establishing cooperation to overcome
that problem, including through the application of approaches that had been
shown to be successful elsewhere, was considered to be an appropriate way
forward. Note was taken of the ongoing negotiations on a protocol on heavy
metals and persistent organic pollutants and on a second oxides of nitrogen
protocol within the framework of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary
Air Pollution of the Economic Commission for Europe.
71. The Working Group observed that transboundary air pollution was still a
major environmental concern in many parts of the world. Impacts occurred at
great distances from pollution sources and could affect air quality, water,
coastal seas and terrestrial ecosystems, especially forests. While there had
been improvements in air quality in some regions, in others air pollutants
transported across boundaries had increased and had caused widespread damage
to ecosystems and natural resources.
72. The Working Group recommended that the Commission:
(a) Reaffirm the need for effective transboundary air pollution
agreements in all affected regions;
(b) Urge Governments and organizations to take measures to reduce
emissions of acidifying substances and volatile organic compounds with the aim
of not exceeding critical loads and levels;
(c) Encourage developed countries to enhance programmes that shared
management expertise, scientific expertise and information on technical
mitigation options with developing countries in which transboundary air
pollution was likely to become an issue;
(d) Take note of the pollution affecting the Arctic and Antarctic
environments, including pollution from persistent organic pollutants, as well
as the pollution threatening the integrity of the food chain of indigenous
people in the Arctic.
73. The Working Group noted that recommendations should be addressed not
separately to developing and developed countries but instead to all countries,
thus recognizing that countries could belong to the same region or group yet
still be at different stages of development and have different economic
conditions.
IV. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
A. Opening and duration of session
74. The Working Group met at United Nations Headquarters from 26 February to
1 March 1996, in accordance with Economic and Social Council decision 1995/235
of 17 July 1995. The Working Group held 9 meetings (1st to 9th).
75. The session was opened by the Chairman of the Commission on Sustainable
Development, Mr. Henrique Cavalcanti (Brazil).
76. The Chairman of the Working Group, Mr. Svante Bodin (Sweden), made an
introductory statement.
77. The Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development of the United Nations Secretariat made a statement.
78. The Working Group heard a presentation by the Chairman of the ACC
Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas, as task manager, regarding the
report of the Secretary-General on 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
(E/CN.17/1996/3 and E/CN.17/ISWG.I/1996/Misc.1).
79. The Working Group also heard joint presentations made by the United
Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization, as
task managers, regarding the report of the Secretary-General on protection of
the atmosphere (E/CN.17/1996/22 and Add.1).
80. A statement was made on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee on New
and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development.
B. Attendance
81. Representatives of 32 States members of the Commission on Sustainable
Development attended the meetings of the Working Group. 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 IV to the present
report.
C. Election of officers
82. At the 1st meeting, on 26 February 1996, the Working Group elected by
acclamation Mr. Svante Bodin (Sweden) as Chairman.
D. Agenda and organization of work
83. At the 1st meeting, on 26 February, the Working Group adopted the
provisional agenda contained in document E/CN.17/ISWG.I/1996/1. The agenda
read as follows:
1. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters.
2. 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 (Agenda 21, chapter
17).
3. Protection of the atmosphere (Agenda 21, chapter 9).
4. Other matters.
5. Adoption of the report of the Working Group.
E. Documentation
84. The documents before the Working Group are listed in annex V to the
present report.
Annex I
ELEMENTS FOR INCLUSION IN A DRAFT RESOLUTION ON INSTITUTIONAL
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL PROGRAMME
OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM
LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES
The Working Group agreed to transmit to the Commission on Sustainable
Development at its fourth session for further negotiation the following
elements for inclusion in a draft resolution on institutional arrangements for
the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the
Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, to be submitted to the General
Assembly at its fifty-first session, through the Economic and Social Council.
The General Assembly,
Recalling the relevant provisions of Agenda 21, particularly chapters
17, 33, 34 and 38, and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
Recalling further its resolution 50/110 of 20 December 1995 on the
report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme,
in which it endorsed, inter alia, Governing Council decision 18/31 on the
protection of the marine environment from land-based activities,
Noting the successful conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference to
Adopt a Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based Activities, which was held in Washington, D.C.,
from 23 October to 3 November 1995,
Having considered the Washington Declaration and the Global Programme of
Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based
Activities, as well as the proposal of the United Nations Environment
Programme on institutional arrangements and implementation of the Global
Programme of Action and relevant recommendations of the Commission on
Sustainable Development,
1. Endorses the Washington Declaration and the Global Programme of
Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based
Activities;
2. Calls upon States to take the necessary measures for the
implementation of the Global Programme of Action at the national, regional and
international levels, including the preparation and implementation of
national, regional and subregional programmes;
3. Also calls upon States to take action to secure formal endorsement
by each competent international organization of those parts of the Global
Programme of Action that are relevant to their mandates and to accord
appropriate priority to the implementation of the Global Programme of Action
in the work programme of each organization;
4. Further calls upon States to take such action at the next meetings
of the governing bodies of United Nations Environment Programme, the United
Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements
(Habitat), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the
World Health Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency,
the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization and in the relevant bodies of the International
Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as well as in other competent international
and regional organizations within and outside the United Nations system;
5. Stresses the need for international cooperation in capacity-
building, technology transfer and cooperation, and the mobilization of
financial resources, including to support, in particular developing countries
and especially the least developed countries, countries with economies in
transition and small island developing States, as outlined in sections IV A
and B of the Global Programme of Action;
6. To this end calls upon bilateral donors and international, regional
and subregional financial institutions and mechanisms, including the Global
Environment Facility, and other competent development and financial
institutions:
(a) To ensure that their programmes give appropriate priority for
projects aimed at the implementation of the Global Programme of Action;
(b) To assist with capacity-building in the preparation and
implementation of national programmes and in identifying ways and means of
funding them;
(c) To improve their coordination to enhance the delivery of financial
and other support;
7. Invites non-governmental organizations and major groups to initiate
and strengthen their action to facilitate and support the effective
implementation of the Global Programme of Action;
8. Requests the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment
Programme to prepare for the consideration of its Governing Council at its
nineteenth session specific proposals on:
(a) The role of the United Nations Environment Programme in the
implementation of the Global Programme of Action, including the relevant role
of the Water Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme;
(b) Arrangements for secretariat support to the Programme;
(c) Modalities for periodic intergovernmental review of progress in
implementing the Global Programme of Action;
9. Further calls upon the United Nations Environment Programme, within
its available resources, to take expeditious action to provide for the
establishment and the implementation of the clearing-house mechanism referred
to in the Global Programme of Action, and requests the Executive Director of
the United Nations Environment Programme to prepare and submit to the
Governing Council at its nineteenth session specific proposals on, inter alia:
(a) Establishment of an interorganizational group to develop the basic
design and structure of a clearing-house data directory and its linkages to
information delivery mechanisms;
(b) Means of linking the interorganizational group to ongoing work
within the United Nations system on the identification of and access to
relevant databases and the comparability of data;
(c) The outline of a pilot project on the development of the clearing-
house's source category component on sewage, to be implemented in partnership
with the World Health Organization;
10. Calls upon States, in relation to the clearing-house mechanism, to
take action in the governing bodies of relevant intergovernmental
organizations and programmes so as to ensure that such organizations and
programmes take the lead in coordinating the development of the clearing-house
mechanism with respect to the following source categories:
(a) Sewage (World Health Organization);
(b) Persistent organic pollutants (the Inter-Organization Programme for
the Sound Management of Chemicals and the International Programme on Chemical
Safety);
(c) Heavy metals (United Nations Environment Programme, in cooperation
with the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals);
(d) Radioactive substances (International Atomic Energy Agency);
(e) Nutrients and sediment mobilization (Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations);
(f) Oils (hydrocarbons) and litter (International Maritime
Organization);
(g) Physical alterations, including habitat modification and the
destruction of areas of concern (United Nations Environment Programme);
11. Decides to determine, at its special session to be held in June 1997
in accordance with its resolution 50/113, specific arrangements for
integrating the outcomes of periodic intergovernmental reviews, as envisaged
in operative paragraph 8 (c) above, in the future work of the Commission on
Sustainable Development related to the monitoring of the implementation of and
follow-up to Agenda 21, in particular its chapter 17.
________________________
Note: A number of developing countries present at the meeting suggested
the following amendments to the text:
Operative paragraph 1: Replace "Endorses" with "Takes note of".
Operative paragraph 2: Replace "Calls upon" with "Invites" and "take
the" with "consider".
Operative paragraphs 3 and 4: Replace with the following text: "Also
invites the competent organs, organizations, agencies, programmes and funds of
the United Nations system to support those parts of the Global Programme of
Action that are relevant to their mandates and to accord appropriate priority
to its implementation in their work programmes."
Operative paragraph 5: Replace the phrase "in particular developing
countries, especially the least developed countries, countries with economies
in transition and small island developing States" with the phrase "developing
countries".
Operative paragraph 6: Replace "To this end calls upon" with "Urges
greater commitment from".
Operative paragraph 6 (a): Replace "To ensure that their programmes
give appropriate priority for" with "To give appropriate priority in their
programmes to".
Annex II
ALTERNATIVE TEXT TO PARAGRAPHS 32 TO 34 PREPARED BY AN
INFORMAL GROUP OF DELEGATIONS
32. As part of the implementation of these instruments and in order to
ensure the maximum social and economic contribution of sustainable fisheries,
the Working Group recommended that States should:
(a) Strengthen fishery research and increase cooperation amongst
research institutions and FAO regarding, inter alia, (a) the scope, quality
and relevance of scientific advice; (b) the impact of fisheries on stocks,
associated species and ecosystems; (c) the possible effects of hazardous,
toxic and persistent substances, as well as other human activities on
resources and other marine biota; (d) the potential impact of aquaculture and
stock enhancement practices on marine habitats and genetic diversity; and (e)
the development of selective fishing gear and practices;
(b) [Establish/strengthen subregional and regional fishery management
organizations or arrangements, and apply the conservation and management
measures established by such organizations, in particular becoming party to
those in whose regulatory areas their fishing vessels operate, increasing
their cooperation with them, notably where stocks migrate from one regulatory
area to another, as well as with other organizations that deal with the
protection of the marine environment];
OR
(a) [Establish/strengthen subregional and regional fishery management
organizations or arrangements in accord with articles 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
and 17 of the United Nations Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly
Migratory Fish Stocks and paragraphs 7.1.3, 7.1.4 and 7.1.5 of the FAO Code of
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries];
(b) Increase consultation at the local level of all parties affected by
fishery management decisions, to identify potential concerns, benefit from
available experience and management capabilities, and ensure the viability of
small-scale and artisanal fishing communities;
(c) Members of or participants in subregional or regional fisheries
management, organizations or arrangements, should deter the activities of
vessels flying the flag of non-members or non-participants who engage in
activities that undermine the effectiveness of conservation and management
measures agreed internationally;
(d) Apply the precautionary approach, as referred to in the United
Nations Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries;
(e) Promote the development and adoption, to the extent practicable, of
selective and environmentally safe fishing gear and practices, and take other
appropriate measures so as to minimize wastes and discards, the catch of
non-target species (both fish and non-fish species), and the negative impact
on their habitats;
(f) Develop and adopt measures for the conservation and sustainable use
of marine and coastal biological diversity, as set forth, inter alia, in the
1995 Jakarta Mandate;
(g) Review the capacity of fishing fleets in relation to the sustainable
yields of fishery resources, and reduce overcapacity;
(h) [Prevent any net increase in fishing capacity and effort on
overfished or depleted stocks, and prevent vessels from being reflagged for
the purpose of avoiding restrictions on fishing effort];
(i) [In preparation for the World Food Summit, the need for a maximum
contribution of fisheries to foods security should be stressed];
(j) Monitor and enforce, within their respective competence, agreed
conservation and management measures, keeping under review the effectiveness
of conservation and management measures;
(k) International trade in fish and fishery products should be conducted
in accordance with the principles, rights and obligations established in the
World Trade Organization Agreement and other international agreements. States
should ensure that their policies, programmes and practices related to trade
in fish and fishery products do not result in obstacles to such trade,
environmental degradation or negative social impacts, including nutritional
impacts [and do not adversely impact on the nutritional rights and needs of
people for whom fish and fishery products are critical for their health and
well-being];
(l) Improve the awareness of fishers and other agents involved in
fisheries of the ecological impacts of fisheries activities, promoting the
understanding of the Code of Conduct and supporting its effective
implementation;
(m) Increase efforts to promote more environmentally safe technologies,
prohibiting dynamiting, poisoning and other comparable destructive fishing
practices;
(n) Be invited to abolish measures leading to overfishing and
environmentally unsound practices, and also invited to create alternative
economic opportunities for fishing communities affected by measures taken to
ensure sustainability so as to ensure that fishers can operate under economic
conditions that promote responsible fisheries.
33. Furthermore, Governments should, where appropriate, promote the
development of sustainable aquaculture as a means to increase food production
and improve the economic basis for local community development, taking into
account the need for assistance and transfer of technology and know-how to
developing countries. States should ensure that the potential adverse impacts
on the environment and the risks of introducing alien species are minimized.
States should conduct prior assessments of the risks associated with genetic
engineering in aquaculture. States should further ensure that the livelihoods
of local communities and access to fishing grounds are not adversely affected
by aquaculture development.
34. FAO should be invited to prepare a report on the actions listed above,
and more generally on progress made in improving the sustainability of
fisheries, based on information provided by its member States for the
consideration of the FAO Committee on Fisheries [for submission to the
Commission on Sustainable Development].
Annex III
ALTERNATIVE TEXT TO PARAGRAPHS 36 TO 41 PREPARED BY AN
INFORMAL GROUP OF DELEGATIONS
36. To enhance the implementation of the commitment in section F of
chapter 17 of Agenda 21 to promote regular intergovernmental consideration,
within the United Nations system, of general marine and coastal issues,
including environment and development matters, the Working Group agreed on the
need:
(a) To better identify priorities for action at the global level to
promote the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment;
(b) For better coordination among the relevant United Nations agencies
and intergovernmental financial institutions;
(c) To ensure sound scientific, environmental, economic and social
advice on such issues.
The Working Group felt that the General Assembly should address such issues as
soon as possible.
37. To achieve the first aim, the Working Group considered that there should
be a periodic (every three or four years) overall review by the Commission of
all aspects of the marine environment and its issues, as described in chapter
17 of Agenda 21, for which the overall legal framework was provided by UNCLOS.
The review should draw upon reports from UNEP and other relevant United
Nations bodies and international organizations in their respective fields, and
should be coordinated by the ACC Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas.
The Working Group noted that there was both a need for and a benefit to be
derived from the integration of the General Assembly's consideration of ocean
issues.
38. In order to address the need for improved coordination, the Working
Group recommended that the Commission invite the Secretary-General to review
the working of the ACC Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas with a view to
improving its status and effectiveness, including the need for closer
inter-agency links between, inter alia, the secretariat of the Subcommittee
and UNEP.
39. The Working Group also recommended that the Commission invite the
Secretary-General and the executive heads of the United Nations agencies and
organizations sponsoring GESAMP to review its terms of reference, composition
and methods of work with a view to improving its effectiveness and
comprehensiveness while maintaining its status as a source of agreed,
independent scientific advice.
40. The Working Group stressed that the programme area also addressed the
needs of collaboration at the regional and subregional levels.
Annex IV
ATTENDANCE
Members
Antigua and Barbuda:
Australia: Joanne Disano, Annie Hett, Sean Sullivan, Karen Lanyon,
Mark Gray
Bahamas:
Bangladesh:
Barbados:
Belarus:
Belgium:
Benin: Joel W. Adechi, Damien Houeto, Rhe'tice F. Dagba,
Rogatien Biaou, Bienvenu E. Accrombessi,
Pascal I. Sossou, Paul H. Houansou
Bolivia:
Brazil: Se'rgio Abreu e Lima Flore^ncio, Altineu Pires Miguens,
Eduardo Paes Saboia, Paulo Roge'rio Gonc'alves,
Leonel Grac'a Generoso Pereira, Philip Charles Connoly
Bulgaria:
Burundi:
Canada: Lucie Edwards, Kathryn Bruce, Victor Buxton,
Louise Co^te', Jennifer Irish, John Karau, Guy Rochon,
John Walsh, Carmel Whelton
Central African
Republic:
China: Wang Zhijia
Colombia: Julio London~i, Jairo Montoya, Paula Caballero,
Bibiana Vargas, Maria Fernanda Acosta
Ethiopia: Fesseha A. Tessema, Meheret Getahun
Finland: Taisto Huimasalo, Jaakko Halttunen, Risto Rautianen,
Elias Lahdesmaki, Tapani Kohonen, Jukka Uosukainen
France: Marc Vedele, Mauricette Steinfelder, Philippe Delacroix,
Daniel Silvestre, Philippe Peronne
Gabon:
Germany: Hans-Peter Schipulle, Ortwin Gottsmann, Rainald Roesch,
Knut Beyer, Andreas Kruger, Peter Christmann
Ghana: C. A. Biney
Guinea:
Guyana: S. R. Insanally, G. Talbot, K. Simon
Hungary: Tama's Pa'lvolgyi, Andra's Lakatos
India: Arun K. Singh
Iran (Islamic
Republic of): Mohammad R. H. K. Djabbari
Italy: Francesco Paolo Fulci, Giusepe Jacoangeli,
Corrado Clini, Alberto Colella, Francesco Genuardi,
Valeria Rizzo
Japan: Takao Shibata, Ichirou Nomura, Hideki Tsubata,
Kenji Kagawa, Shigemoto Kajihara, Nenemu Oshida,
Kazuo Matsushita
Malaysia:
Mexico: Gerardo Lozano, Oscar Manuel Ramirez Flores,
Maragarita Paras Fernandez, Ulises Canchola
Morocco: Ahmed Snoussi, Ahmed Amaziane, Larbi Sbai
Mozambique:
Netherlands: A. P. Hamburger, G. A. C. M. Braken, R. H. Dekker,
R. Droop, J. J. Neeteson, H Th.H Verheij
Pakistan:
Papua New Guinea: Utula U. Samana, Max H. Rai, Kappa Yarka,
Adam V. Delaney,
Francis Mangila
Peru: Ana Pen~a, Italo Acha
Philippines: Felipe Mabilangan, Cecilia B. Rebong, Robert Jara,
Carlos D. Sorreta, Glenn F. Corpin
Poland: Jan Woroniecki, Czeslaw Wieckowski, Leszek Banaszak,
Joanna Wronecka, Anna Raduchowska-Brochwicz,
Dariusz S. Stanislawski
Russian Federation: Andrey Melekh
Saudi Arabia:
Senegal:
Spain: Arturo Laclaustra, Alicia Montalvo, Mari'a Jose' Gomez,
Carlos Dominguez, Ampara Rambla, Miguel Aguirre de
Carcer
Sweden: Michael Odevall, Svante Bodin, Ulf Svensson,
Anders Berntell, Per Enarsson, Ulf Ottosson,
Marcela Petkov, Maria Sargren
Switzerland: Livia Leu
Thailand: Oraphin Wongchumpit, Apichai Chvajarernpun,
Manopchai Vongphakdi, Gregory B. Votaw
Uganda:
Ukraine:
United Kingdom of
Great Britain and
Northern Ireland: John Weston, Stephen Gomersall, Ann Grant,
Victoria Harris, Peter Unwin, Alan Simcock,
Donald Maclaren, Peter Dearden, Anthony Smith,
Chris Tompkins
United Republic of
Tanzania:
United States of
America: Rafe Pomerance, R. Tucker Scully, Howard Kavaler,
Maureen Walker, William Breed, Thomas Laughlin,
Donald Brown, John Wilson, Bisa Williams-Manigault
Venezuela: Miguel Angel Burelli Rivas, Enrique Tejera Pari's,
Adriana Pulido, Gonzalo Parra-Aranguren, Gonzalo Vivas
Zimbabwe:
States Members of the United Nations represented by observers
Algeria, Armenia, Austria, Costa Rica, Co^te d'Ivoire, Cuba, Denmark,
Egypt, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Norway, Panama, Portugal,
Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Samoa, Slovakia, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey and Viet Nam.
Non-member States and entities represented by an observer
European Community
United Nations Secretariat
United Nations Environment Programme
Specialized agencies
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health
Organization, World Meteorological Organization, United Nations Industrial
Development Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency
Intergovernmental organizations
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
Non-governmental organizations
Franciscans International and International Chamber of Commerce (in
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, category I);
Greenpeace International and World Resources Institute (category II); the
Natural Resources Defence Council (Roster); and Netherlands National Committee
for IUCN (organization accredited to the Commission on Sustainable
Development).
Annex V
LIST OF DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE WORKING GROUP
Document symbol Agenda item Title or description
E/CN.17/ISWG.I/1996/1 1 Provisional agenda
E/CN.17/1996/3 2 Report of the Secretary-General on
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
E/CN.17/1996/22 3 Report of the Secretary-General on
and Add.1 protection of the atmosphere
E/CN.17/ISWG.I/1996/Misc.1 2 Addendum to the report of the
Secretary-General on 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
E/CN.17/ISWG.I/1996/Misc.2 3 Paper submitted by the United
Nations Environment Programme,
following the Intergovernmental
Conference to Adopt a Global
Programme of Action for the
Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based
Activities, held at
Washington, D.C. from
23 October to 3 November 1995, on
institutional arrangements and
implementation of the Global
Programme of Action for the
Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based
Activities
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Date last posted: 3 December 1999 10:25:35
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