CURRENT MEETINGS COVERED BY ENB

UNFCCC COP-8 COMMENCES WITH
"LIGHT DISPELLING DARKNESS"
New Delhi, India | 23 October - 1 November 2002
The Eighth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-8) and the Seventeenth Sessions of the COP’s Subsidiary Body for Implementation and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice opened on Wednesday, 23 October, in New Delhi, India. The COP Plenary opened with a traditional Indian “Lighting of the Lamp” ceremony for inaugurating auspicious events to wish the event every success.   ENB's daily web coverage, including Real Audio and photographs: English; Spanish ; French versions.

RECENT KEY MEETINGS

CGRFA ACTING AS INTERIM COMMITTEE FOR THE ITPGR CLOSES WITH TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR MATERIAL TRANSFER AGREEMENT
Rome, Italy | 9 - 11 October 2002
The first Meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) acting as the Interim Committee for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was held from 9-11 October 2002 at the UN FAO headquarters in Rome. After a lengthy debate, delegates finalized the Terms of Reference for the expert group on the Material Transfer Agreement.   ENB's summary.

CGFRA MEETS FOR NINTH SESSION
Rome, Italy | 14 - 18 October 2002
The ninth regular session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-9) was held from 14-18 October 2002, at the UN FAO headquarters in Rome. CGRFA-9 considered, inter alia,  issues related to plant and animal genetic resources, implementation and monitoring of the Global Plan of Action (GPA), preparation of the Reports on the State of the World’s Plant and Animal Genetic Resources, and other elements of the FAO Global System for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.   ENB's summary.

SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY ADOPTS
BEIJING DECLARATION
Beijing, China | 16 - 18 October 2002
The second Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) convened from 16-18 October 2002 in Beijing, China. During the Assembly, participants considered the Second Overall Performance Study of the GEF, the CEO’S Report on the Policies, Operations and Future Development of the GEF, Proposed Amendments to the Instrument, the Report on the Third Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund, and the Report on Membership. At the close of the meeting, participants adopted the Summary of the Second GEF Assembly, which includes the Beijing Declaration and a summary of the decisions of the Assembly.   ENB's summary and daily web coverage.

REDUCING GHG EMISSIONS 2002: ADDRESSING THE NEW BUSINESS IMPERATIVE
Rüschlikon, Switzerland | 8 - 9 October 2002
This conference was organized by Swiss Re and sought to explore greenhouse gas-related business risks, foster a common understanding of the financial bottom-line, and investigate practical financial solutions to manage these risks.   SD summary.

THE FOURTH MEDITERRANEAN DEVELOPMENT FORUM
Amman, Jordan | 6 - 9 October 2002
This forum, organized by the World Bank, UNDP and Middle East and North Africa Region think tanks, convened in Amman, Jordan from 6-9 October 2002. Participants met to discuss regional issues, including trade and investment, employment, local government empowerment, corporate governance, civil society and globalization, improvements in education and the status of women and youth.   More information.

AARHUS CONVENES FIRST MOP
Lucca, Italy | 21 - 23 October 2002
The first Meeting of the Parties to the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters – the Aarhus Convention – took place from 21-23 October 2002 in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. A high-level segment, attended by over 20 Ministers and vice-Ministers for the environment, took place on 21 October and adopted the Lucca Declaration.   More information.

SECOND BIENNIAL GEF INTERNATIONAL WATERS CONFERENCE
Dalian, China | 25 - 29 Sept 2002
The Second Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters Conference was held from 25-29 September 2002 in Dalian, China. Participants met to review the GEF's Global International Waters portfolio and to share experiences and best practices for international waters management.   More information.

RECENT NEWS

  WORLD FAILING TO REACH KYOTO TARGETS
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of OECD countries by 2010 will be 29 percent higher than the target committed to in Kyoto, says the International Energy Agency (IEA). Click here for more.

  TRADING CARBON THOUGH FORESTRY PROJECTS
A new report urges Kyoto Protocol countries to change the rules on carbon trading at the ongoing UNFCCC COP-8 session in New Delhi, India. Click here for more.

  BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT WINS UNDP AWARD
Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardosa has been named the first winner of UNDP's Mahbub ul Haq Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Development for his achievements in improving employment, poverty, health and education, as well as for his commitment to human rights and the rule of law. Click here for more.

  12TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PAINTING CONTEST
The 12th International Painting Contest, organized by UNEP and the Foundation for Global Peace and the Environment, is calling on children artists from around the world to paint their vision of a cleaner, healthier, fairer and more environmentally-friendly world. Click here for more.

  PRIMER ON INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UPDATED ON LINKAGES
Linkages provides background information on various issues and multilateral processes. Recently updated primers include: Trade and Investment in Sustainable Development.