MEDIA REPORTS

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL STRESSES BALANCE IN DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES AND INTERNATIONAL AGENDA
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed the need for a balanced international agenda along with balanced development priorities during his address to the High-Level segment of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. More.

G-77 TURNS 40
A Special Ministerial Meeting, to be held on 11-12 June 2004 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the G-77. The meeting is expected to adopt the new strategy of action of developing countries through “a solemn declaration.” More.

FAO ANNOUNCES SARD PROGRAMME FOR MOUNTAIN REGIONS
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has announced a new four-year initiative to address the threat of hunger for mountain people through sustainable agriculture and rural development (SARD) programmes. More.

RUSSIA WAFFLES ON KYOTO DEAL
Russia has again been sending mixed signals on its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. More.

ASIA SET TO FUEL ENERGY, OIL DEMAND, SAYS US
Demand for energy supplies will double in Asia over the next 20 years, according to a US government agency. More.

OCEAN ‘DEAD ZONES’ ON THE RISE  
‘Dead Zones’ in the ocean are emerging as a major threat to world fish stocks, according to UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook Year Book. However, New Zealand experts say they are mystified by the report and question where the UN agency got its information. More.

NEW ARAB WATER COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
An Arab Water Council, dedicated to water issues in the Arab world, has been launched. More.

STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON POPS ENTERS INTO FORCE
The 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) enters into force on Monday, 17 May. More.

ECOSOC TAKES UP ELECTIONS OF VARIOUS COMMISSIONS; US EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER SUDAN’S ELECTION TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
ECOSOC recently took up elections for several of its subsidiary bodies. Among the “highlights” of the organizational session was the election of Sudan to the Commission on Human Rights. In light of the recent human rights and humanitarian crisis in Darfur, the United States expressed concern that Sudan’s admission to the Commission would undermine its work and its credibility. More.

EU ENLARGEMENT EMBRACES ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Fifteen years following the fall of the communist regimes, eight Central and Eastern European countries and two other states join the European Union, increasing its number of member states to 25 and its population by 75 million. This expansion brings with it economic and environmental challenges as well as opportunities. More.

UNEP OPENS REGIONAL OFFICE IN BRAZIL
UNEP has opened a new regional office in Brasilia, Brazil to focus on the promotion of renewable energies and efficient energy technologies, and the development of emergency response and early warning systems. More.

AWARDS, AWARDS, AWARDS
The month of April saw the announcement of several key international environment and sustainable development awards, including the Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, the UN Population Award, and the Goldman Environmental Prize. More.

WORLD ADOPTS LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO COMBAT HIV/AIDS
Co-hosted by UNAIDS, the UK and the US, a high-level meeting saw key donors reaffirm their commitment to enhancing national responses to AIDS and endorse the “Three Ones” principles aimed at ensuring rapid action and achieving effective and efficient use of resources. More.

UN TEAMS WITH WEF TO MOBILIZE PARTNERSHIPS
UN DESA is collaborating with the World Economic Forum with a view to mobilizing public private partnerships and tapping into the potential of the business community to help implement poverty reduction and sustainable development goals. More.

MIGRATORY SPECIES MEAS CONCLUDE JOINT WORK PLAN
The Ramsar Convention Bureau has concluded a three-way Joint Work Plan with the Secretariats of the Convention on Migratory Species and the CMS’s African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement. More.

EXPERTS WARN AGAINST ARGENTINA’S GM SOYA, GREENPEACE BARS CARGO SHIP IN BRAZIL
Soybeans have become the favored crop among Argentine farmers. However, many experts warn of the dangers of a monoculture economy, pointing out that it is not sustainable in the long run. More.

GM LABELING REGULATIONS ADOPTED IN EU, RUSSIA, BRAZIL
The new EU rules on the labeling and tracing of GM foods came into effect on 18 April. Russia and Brazil have also issued new requirements for the labeling of foods containing at least certain percentages of GM material. More.

EU NEEDS TO PROTECT FARMLANDS TO SAVE SPECIES
The EU will fail to reach the goal of reducing species loss by 2010 if it does not prevent the decline of its nature-rich farmlands, states a joint report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and UNEP. More.

MASSIVE SEAL HUNT IN CANADA DRAWS PROTESTS
In the biggest annual seal hunt in Canada over the last 50 years, the Canadian government has permitted the killing of up to 350,000 seals, and nearly a million seals in total over the next three years. More.

KEY PUBLICATIONS AND ONLINE RESOURCES

Sustainable development

WORLD DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS
(World Bank, April 2004) The World Development Indicators annual report represents the World Bank’s premier compilation of data on development and is organized into six sections on: world view, people, environment, economy, states and markets, and global links. Key findings in this report show that while global poverty has almost halved since 1991, this progress is concentrated in the East Asia and Pacific region and not experienced evenly across the globe. While the first MDG of halving worldwide poverty by 2015 might be reached, the report makes the case that achieving all the development goals in all countries will require increased aid flows, greater access to foreign markets for developing countries, and widespread policy reforms. The report also highlights the need for social investment to achieve the MDGs, noting that while regions experience rapid growth, quality of life for the poor remains unchanged or worsens. More.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2004
(UN DESA and Project LINK, April 2004) A project of UN DESA and Project LINK, a cooperative, non-governmental research initiative, this report provides an economic forecast of the world and of economies of developed and developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The report projects that the global economy will continue to expand throughout 2004 before slowing down in early 2005. The report.

SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION DATABASE
The UN Division for Sustainable Development and UNEP have launched this joint database on international programmes and cooperation mechanisms in the area of sustainable consumption and production as part of the Marrakech Process. The Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) database offers the user the opportunity to review existing mechanisms on SCP, organized according to type of policy instrument (i.e. changing consumption patterns) and sector and issue (i.e. solid waste management). This resource also identifies organizations active in each area and sources for further information. The database.

PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE PROJECT (P3)
This online resource offers policymakers, NGOs and researchers access to resources associated with the Precautionary Principle, including the full text of references to the Principle in treaties, “soft law” documents, national legislation and local regulations, full text publications and a searchable bibliography with citations. The project also hosts a moderated discussion list and posts announcements of upcoming meetings related to the Precautionary Principle. The site.

EAST ASIAN EXPERIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
(UNU, April 2004) Edited by Zafar Adeel, this book aims to develop a fundamental understanding of environmental governance, examining what works and what does not in the region. China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand are selected to represent the region’s perspectives on issues ranging from pesticide management to water resource management to air pollution control. The book.

CITIES TRANSFORMED: DEMOGRAPHIC AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
(Earthscan, April 2004) Edited by Holly Reed, Barney Cohen, Mark Montgomery and Richard Stren, this book brings together works from 16 scholars on urban population and development. It analyzes the changes taking place in cities and their implications and impacts, particularly in light of recent trends toward decentralization, where programmes in poverty alleviation, health, education and public services are increasingly being devolved to municipal and regional governments. The book identifies a “new class of policymakers” emerging to take up the growing responsibilities, and explores the changing the nature of urban management and governance, focusing on population dynamics, social and economic differentiation, fertility and reproductive health, mortality and morbidity, labor force and urban governance. The book.

IISD WEEKLY JOURNAL REVIEW
Subscribe to receive weekly e-updates containing descriptions of peer-reviewed articles on sustainable development.

Forests

A NEW AGENDA FOR FOREST CONSERVATION AND POVERTY REDUCTION: MAKING FOREST MARKETS WORK FOR LOW-INCOME PRODUCERS
(Forest Trends and CIFOR, 2003) This eight-chapter paper by Sara Scherr, Andy White and David Kaimowitz identifies strategies to promote forest conservation in ways that positively contribute to local livelihoods and community development in low- and middle-income countries. It discusses: market niches where large numbers of low-income producers have, or could develop, a competitive market advantage; commercial opportunities for private forest industry, forest enterprises and business service providers to partner with low-income forest producers; and alternative strategies to recognize, encourage and reward forest conservation by local forest owners and users. To contribute toward a level playing field, the authors identify roles for local people’s organizations, private industries and investors, rural development and conservation institutions, and policymakers. The text.

CERTIFICATION IN COMPLEX SOCIO-POLITICAL SETTINGS: LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT DECADE
(Forest Trends, 2004) In this paper, Michael Richards, with contributions from Marcus Colchester, Andre de Freitas, Mikhail Karpachevskiy, Henry Moreno Sanjines, Saskia Ozinga, Mike Packer, and Andrei Ptichnikov, reviews the impacts and problems of forest certification in countries with weak forest governance and socio-political complexities. Among the key priorities and recommendations for certification identified in the paper are: finding a balance between certification efforts and establishing the policy and governance “pre-conditions” for sustainable forestry management and certification; developing markets for environmental services, such as carbon, water and biodiversity, and non-timber forest products and lesser-known species; encouraging the development of national certified product buyer groups, at least in middle income developing countries; and continuing to promote socially and environmentally responsible policies in the corporate and financial sectors. Richards’ paper. This paper is one of a series of reviews that cover challenges for the continued growth of certification to impact sustainable forestry. Each chapter attempts to gather as many cases as possible and to include a large number of contributors. The reviews and case studies.

Trade, finance and investment

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE 2004
(World Bank, April 2004) This World Bank report highlights a strong cyclical recovery in global capital flows to developing countries and underscores the need to harness the gains from this cycle toward development objectives. While it notes that the external financing environment is improving, it also states that much of the developing world continues to face difficulty in accessing international capital markets and that ODA is far below the levels required to meet the MDGs. The report indicates that: most of the net private capital flows to developing countries is concentrated in a few relatively more affluent countries; foreign direct investment has declined; the increase in ODA did not translate into new resources for most developing countries, but rather materialized in the form of debt relief, administrative costs to donor agencies and reconstruction aid; and that non-concessional lending has decreased. It highlights the significance of remittances as a source of capital, noting that these are now the second most important financial flow to developing countries following FDI, and represent almost double the ODA flows. The report also considers the role of trade finance in providing access to foreign capital, and role of global and domestic capital markets in meeting the infrastructural needs of developing countries. The report.

THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE – DOES IT ALL ADD UP?
(Earthscan/James and James, April 2004) Edited by Adrian Henriques and Julie Richardson, this book assesses the implications, benefits and limitations of the “triple bottom line” – the idea that businesses can simultaneously deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. It identifies different approaches to corporate sustainability, examines the conceptual and practical limits of the triple bottom line approach, outlines what can be achieved through regulation and legislation, and presents procedures for environmental accounting and social auditing. This book.

Climate and energy

THE EU EMISSIONS TRADING DIRECTIVE: OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL PITFALLS
(Resources for the Future, April 2004) This report looks at the European Union’s new emissions trading programme. Noting that the programme is ten times the size of the Acid Rain programme in the US, the authors consider the design of the new EU initiative. While concluding that the programme is an “impressive development,” the authors raise concerns about issues of equity, enforcement, and efficiency. In particular, they point to a lack of data and weaker institutions in some EU Member States, which could cause problems in terms of allowance allocations and compliance and enforcement. The authors also warn that uncertainty about several key elements of the scheme, including external events, could create volatility in the markets, which could result in high compliance costs in the programme’s second phase. The report.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL WITHOUT RUSSIAN PARTICIPATION
(Statistics Norway and CICERO, 2004) This discussion paper by Bjart Holtsmark and Knut Alfsen considers the possible consequences if Russia decides to reject the Kyoto Protocol. Without Russian ratification, Kyoto will not enter into force as a legally-binding treaty. Given the widespread support for Kyoto among most industrialized nations and former eastern Bloc states, the authors speculate on how these pro-Kyoto countries might respond if the Protocol does not secure Russian support. It considers a scenario where a limited number of countries establish a new “mini-Kyoto” agreement setting out emissions targets, rules for emissions trading, and other elements along the lines of those contained in the Kyoto deal. The paper estimates the permit price and environmental benefits that are possible if a “mini-Kyoto” is implemented. The paper. 

NEW ACADEMY REVIEW JOURNAL – FOCUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
(New Academy Review, May 2004) The New Academy Review, a journal focusing on key issues relating to responsible and successful enterprise in the 21st Century, is publishing an issue devoted to climate change. The issue will include articles covering a range of theoretical and methodological issues, empirical studies, and literature reviews. It was launched by the EC’s Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallström, at an event held in London on 11 May. More.

ECONOMICS OF SEQUESTERING CARBON IN THE U.S. AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
(US Department of Agriculture, March 2004) This technical bulletin by the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture presents the results of an analysis of the performance of alternative incentive designs and payment levels if US farmers were paid to adopt land uses and management practices that raise soil carbon levels. The report finds that: agriculture can provide low-cost opportunities to sequester additional carbon in soils and biomass; different sequestration activities studied become economically feasible at different carbon prices; and the estimated economic potential to sequester carbon is lower than previously estimated technical potential. The report also finds that an incentive system with both payments for carbon sequestration and charges for carbon emissions may be more cost effective than a system with payments only. The report.

Biodiversity and wildlife

FAO-BioDeC: BIOTECHNOLOGIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
The FAO has launched a searchable database for gathering, storing, organizing and disseminating updated baseline information on the state-of-the-art of crop biotechnology products and techniques, which are in or planned for use in developing countries. The database comprises approximately 2000 entries from 70 developing countries, including countries with economies in transition. Its main objective is to provide an overview of the different stages of adoption and development of these technologies in different countries and regions, assist in identifying needs and gaps in agricultural research and offer countries the opportunity to scrutinize programmes in neighboring countries and identify potential partners. The database. 

CBD FOREST WEB PORTAL
The CBD Secretariat has launched a forest web portal, intended to serve as a tool for facilitating the implementation of the expanded programme of work on forests, for promoting network development among interested parties, and as a means of reviewing the implementation of the expanded work programme. The portal will further provide the opportunity for users to report on relevant case studies and best practices. On a monthly basis, an electronic discussion forum will be structured around
each of the 27 objectives of the expanded work programme on forest biodiversity. The portal.

STATUS AND TRENDS OF BIODIVERSITY OF INLAND WATER ECOSYSTEMS
(CBD Secretariat Technical Series No. 11, December 2003) Written by Carmen Revenga and Yumiko Kura of the World Resources Institute, this technical report covers: the condition of and threats to inland water ecosystems; a review of inland water species richness, distribution and conservation status; inland water ecosystems and habitats identified as high conservation priorities; and data gaps and information needs. It also includes a review of 18 ongoing assessments of water resources and inland water biodiversity, including those by IUCN, BirdLife, WWF, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and others. The report.
 

Water, wetlands, oceans, coasts

WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT ONLINE
A year after its launch, the first edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR) - Water for People, Water for Life - is available online. Spanish and Arabic versions are currently in the process of being translated. Concurrently, representatives from the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) gathered at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France from 31 March to 2 April 2004 to begin preparations for the second edition of the WWDR, scheduled to be published in March 2006. Topics of discussion included: chapter outlines and content; progress in indicator development; strategies for development of case studies; lessons learned from the first WWDR; and the way forward for the second edition. The WWDR, a periodic, comprehensive review giving an authoritative picture of the state of the world’s freshwater resources, aims to provide decision-makers with the tools for sustainable use of our water. The WWDR. 

EVALUATION OF THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF WATER AND SANITATION IMPROVEMENTS AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL
(WHO, 2004) An investment of $11.3 billion per year above current spending on clean water and sanitation projects will eventually generate a total economic reward of $84 billion a year, according to a new report by the Swiss Tropical Institute, a research organization commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to study the global economic benefits of improving drinking water for 1.5 billion people by 2015. Depending on the region, the report, entitled Evaluation of the Costs and Benefits of Water and Sanitation Improvements at the Global Level, found that the financial benefits would range from $3 to $34 for every $1 invested. Additional reductions in exposure to contaminated drinking-water, such as through household-level disinfection, would lead to an overall benefit ranging from US$ 5 to US$ 60 per US$ 1 invested. WHO estimates that 1.6 million people per year die due to unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation, particularly from such water-associated diseases as malaria. The Institute’s report noted that other economic benefits would accrue from a decrease in the global incidents of such diseases, as well as in time savings, which affect minimum hourly wage rates for each country. The report. 

THE WORLD BANK AT 60: A CASE OF INSTITUTIONAL AMNESIA?
(International Rivers Network, April 2004) Published on Earth Day and released before the World Bank’s annual spring meeting, this publication takes a “critical look at the implementation of the Bank’s Infrastructure Action Plan adopted in July 2003. It recommends that infrastructure development begin with needs and initiatives of the poor. The report also suggests that the World Bank apply the recommendations of the 2000 World Commission on Dams and the recent Extractive Industries Review. The report.

GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION ATLAS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
(UNEP and ADB, April 2004) The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Development Bank (ABD) have published an atlas of the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia. The atlas showcases the region’s wealth of wetlands, fisheries, minerals, forests, and other natural resources in photographs, maps, tables, graphs and text. It also discusses the relationship between the environment and the 250 million people of the Greater Mekong Subregion, which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Chinese province of Yunnan. More. 

SIWI and IWMI LAUNCH WATER AND NUTRITION REPORT AT CSD-12
(SIWI and IWMI, 2004) The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) launched a new publication on water and nutrition at CSD-12. The report, entitled, Water - More Nutrition Per Drop, recommends finding ways to produce more food using less water and ensuring that these new technologies and methods are made widely available to groups that range from farmers to policy makers. Another recommendation highlights the need to identify and influence unsustainable food production and consumption patterns that require excessive water usage. The report.

US OCEAN POLICY PRELIMINARY REPORT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
(US Commission on Ocean Policy, April 2004) Mandated by the US Oceans Act of 2000, the Preliminary Report, which presents preliminary findings and recommendations of the Commission on Ocean Policy for a new, coordinated, and comprehensive national ocean policy, is now available for review and comment by the Governors and interested stakeholders in the US. While the Preliminary Report remains a work in progress, its findings and policy recommendations reflect a consensus of the Commission members, and represent what they believe to be a balanced approach to protecting America’s marine environment while sustaining the vital role of oceans and coasts in the economy. Some of the recommendations include the need to: establish a National Ocean Council in the Executive Office of the President chaired by an Assistant to the President; strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and improve the federal agency structure; and double U.S. investment in ocean research. The report. 

VENICE LAGOON REPORT
A new report on the status of Venice’s lagoon was launched on 14 April 2004 by the provincial government of Venice. In view of the designation of the Venice Lagoon for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, the report offers recommendations for the management and conservation of the Italian city’s threatened lagoon ecosystem. The report. 

FAO UPDATES FISH STOCK ASSESSMENT SOFTWARE
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has updated its fish stock assessment software. FiSAT II (ver 1.1.0) now allows analysis of length-frequency data and also enables other analyses to estimate the state of fish stocks. The FiSAT II is a component of the Fisheries Information and Analysis System (FIAS) project, which is aimed at establishing an information system for the conservation of fisheries resources and long-term sustainable development of the sector with focus on ecosystem-based management. This resource.

SANITATION CHALLENGE: TURNING COMMITMENT INTO REALITY
(WHO, April 2004) This document examines how the WSSD sanitation target can be met, suggesting actions that can be taken at different levels and by different actors to increase the rate of sanitation improvement, through, inter alia: making political commitments; legislation and regulations; building capacity; mobilizing financial resources; considering gender and equity; supporting small-scale entrepreneurs; focusing on youth and education; and monitoring. The report.

WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE LINKS TO HEALTH: FACTS AND FIGURES
This succinct document presents the best available facts and figures on major water-related diseases, access to water supply and sanitation facilities, and global response to the water and sanitation challenge. The paper.

NEW UPCOMING MEETINGS

Click here for a complete listing of upcoming meetings

Announcement of date changes:

INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR THE 10-YEAR REVIEW OF THE BPOA FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SIDS: Previously scheduled for August/September 2004, the Mauritius International Meeting is now planned for 10-14 January 2005. This meeting will be preceded by two days of informal consultations to be held from 8-9 January. For more information contact: Diane Quarless, UNDSD, SIDS Unit; tel: +1-212-963-4135; fax: +1-917-367-3391; e-mail: Mauritius2004@sidsnet.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sids/sids.htm

TENTH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UNFCCC: Please note that the dates for this COP have changed to 6-17 December 2004. For more information contact: UNFCCC Secretariat; tel: +49-228-815-1000; fax: +49-228-815-1999; e-mail: secretariat@unfccc.int; Internet: http://www.unfccc.int

GLOBAL WASH FORUM 2004 - WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR ALL - BUILDING COALITIONS FOR THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: The dates for this meeting, which will be held in Dakar, Senegal, have now been confirmed for 22-26 November 2004. Organized by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), the first Global WASH Forum aims to draw lessons on the success of water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, sector reforms and development partnerships in poverty eradication, and to strengthen regional and national partnership initiatives aimed at attaining the relevant goals of the WSSD and the MDGs. For more information contact: Forum Manager; tel: +41-22-917-8657; fax: +41-22-917-8084; e-mail: wsscc@who.int; Internet: http://www.wsscc.org/load.cfm?edit_id=332

The following are upcoming meetings recently added to Linkages website:

Sustainable development

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON 50 YEARS OF NUCLEAR POWER - THE NEXT 50 YEARS: 27 June 2004 - 2 July 2004. Moscow/Obninsk, Russian Federation. Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency, this event marks two 50th year anniversaries. The first marks 50 years of electricity produced by nuclear power for a national grid, which took place in Obninsk in June 1954. The second milestone is the 50th anniversary of the UN General Assembly resolution that called for international cooperation in developing the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The conference will provide a platform for discussion of the current and future role of nuclear energy. It will review what has been learnt from 50 years of electricity generation from nuclear energy and 50 years of international co-operation in the peaceful applications of nuclear power, and then consider how these lessons are relevant to the future. For more information contact: R. I. Facer, IAEA; tel: +43-1-2600-22806; fax: +43-1-2600-7; e-mail: R.I. Facer@iaea.org; Internet: http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Meetings/Announcements.asp?ConfID=114

TIADAWORLD 2004: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, DEMOCRACY, AND DEVELOPMENT: 23 July 2004 - 24 July 2004. Boston, Massachusetts, US. This meeting will focus on “Information Technology, Democracy and Development.” For more information contact: Genes Barry, Local Chair, TiadaWorld 2004; tel: +1-978-687-3524; fax: +1-978-349-6001; Internet: http://www.tiada.org

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOPICAL ISSUES IN NUCLEAR INSTALLATION SAFETY: CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF NUCLEAR SAFETY IN A CHANGING WORLD: 18 October 2004 - 22 October 2004. Beijing, China. Organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency, this event will develop an international consensus on the basic approaches for dealing with nuclear safety, and propose recommendations for future activities for the IAEA, nuclear utilities and regulatory authorities, and emerging issues with international implications. For more information contact: M. Lipar, IAEA; tel: +43-1-2600-22691; fax: +43-1-2600-29937; e-mail: M.Lipar@iaea.org; Internet: http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Meetings/Announcements.asp?ConfID=120

INTERNATIONAL MEETING FOR THE TEN-YEAR REVIEW OF THE BARBADOS PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SIDS: 10 January 2005 - 14 January 2005. Port Louis, Mauritius. The ten-year review of implementation of the BPOA is to be held in Mauritius from 10-14 January 2005. The international meeting will be preceded by two days of informal consultations to be held from 8-9 January. For more information contact: Diane Quarless, UNDSD, SIDS Unit; tel: +1-212-963-4135; fax: +1-917-367-3391; e-mail: Mauritius2004@sidsnet.org; Internet: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sids/sids.htm

Biodiversity and wildlife

FAO ELECTRONIC FORUM ON BIOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: 14 June 2004 - 9 July 2004. E-Forum. This discussion will focus on biotechnology in food processing in developing countries. For more information contact: Internet: http://www.fao.org/biotech/forum.asp?lang=en

Chemicals management

AFRICAN REGIONAL MEETING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SAICM: 24 May 2004 - 26 May 2004. Abuja, Nigeria. UNEP Chemicals, in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment, is organizing an African Regional Meeting on the development of a “Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management” (SAICM). The aim of the meeting is to facilitate African regional coordination on development of SAICM, particularly in preparation for SAICM PrepCom2. For more information contact: UNEP Chemicals; tel: +41-22-917-8191; fax: +41-22-797-3460; e-mail: chemicals@unep.ch; Internet: http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/

Climate, energy, Atmosphere

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND RENEWABLE ENERGY: A GLOBAL CHALLENGE: 10 June 2004 - 12 June 2004. Trieste, Italy. The International Center for Science and High Technology is organizing this event, which will focus on research and industrial advancements in utilizing renewable resources for industry and energy production, particularly in developing countries. Specific topics to be addressed include industrial biotechnology, biofuels, hydrogen energy, fuel cells, photovoltaics, and other renewable energy resources and applications. For more information contact: Stanislav Miertus, Conference Chair; tel: +39-040-9228-111; fax: +39-040-9228-101; e-mail: Stanislav.Miertus@ics.trieste.it; Internet: http://www.ics.trieste.it/conference/

THIRD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM - ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT 2004: 30 September 2004 - 2 October 2004. Sorrento, Italy. Following the success of the first two International Symposia held in Capri (June 2002) and Milan (November 2003), the Megalia Foundation is now organizing this third Congress, which will focus on energy and the environment. For more information contact: Megalia Foundation; tel: +39-081-66-58-15; fax: +39-081-240-42-19; e-mail: megalia.eco@tiscali.it; Internet: http://www.megaliafoundation.it

Forests, deserts, land

CRIC-3: 31 January 2005 - 11 February 2005. Bonn, Germany. The third session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC-3), a subsidiary body of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, is tentatively scheduled to convene from 31 January to 11 February 2005 in Bonn, Germany. For more information contact: UNCCD Secretariat; tel: +49-228-815-2802; fax: +49-228-815-2898; e-mail: secretariat@unccd.int; Internet: http://www.unccd.int/main.php

Human development

WIDE ANNUAL CONFERENCE – GLOBALIZING WOMEN’S RIGHTS: CONFRONTING UNEQUAL DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN THE UN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK AND THE WTO TRADE AGREEMENTS: 20 May 2004 - 22 May 2004. Bonn, Germany. The three day conference will start with capacity building to provides information and training on topical concepts, political instruments and policy frameworks that are relevant for the globalization of women’s rights. For more information contact: Sabine Guertner; tel: +49-228-389-2978; fax: +49-228-389-2979; e-mail: wide-2004-Bonn@woment.de; Internet: http://www.woment.de

Intergovernmental organizations

G-77 SPECIAL MINISTERIAL MEETING: 11 June 2004 - 12 June 2004. Sao Paulo, Brazil. This Special Ministerial Meeting will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the G-77. The meeting will, inter alia, review the evolution of the G-77, assess the achievements of the Group over the last 40 years, and analyze the challenges facing developing countries. This meeting will also constitute an opportunity for developing countries to reaffirm their commitment to the continuing validity and relevance of the objectives and principles of the Group. In this regard, the meeting is expected to adopt through a solemn declaration the new strategy of action of developing countries. For more information contact: Mourad Ahmia, Executive Secretary of the Group of 77; tel: +1-212-963-3816; fax: +1-212-963-3515; e-mail: g77off@unmail.org; Internet: http://www.g77.org

FOURTH SUMMIT OF ACP HEADS OF STATE: 21 June 2004 - 24 June 2004. Maputo, Mozambique. The fourth Summit of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Heads of State will take place from 21-24 June 2004 in Maputo, Mozambique. For more information contact: Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group); tel: +32-2-743-0600; fax: +32-2-735-5573; e-mail: info@acp.int; Internet: http://www.acpsec.org/

Trade, finance, investment

2004 CORPORATE KNIGHTS ROUNDTABLE CONFERENCE: DEFINING THE CORPORATE CITIZEN: 7 June 2004. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants to this event on corporate social responsibility in Canada will hear among others, Simon Zadek, Chief Executive of AccountAbility and World Economic Forum agenda setter, discuss Canada’s sustainability edge. For more information contact: Conference organizer; tel: +1-416-461-1579 ext.3; fax: +1-416-461-3414; e-mail: register@ckroundtable.ca; Internet: http://www.ckroundtable.ca/CK_Roundtable_2004.pdf

Water, wetlands, oceans, coasts

3RD SOUTH ASIA WATER FORUM: 13 July 2004 - 16 July 2004. Dhaka, Bangladesh. This event will focus on how to achieve the targets set by the World Summit on Sustainable Development and meeting the water-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It will also examine the role of the Global Water Partnership (GWP) South Asia in these processes. For more information contact: Reba Paul, Programme Coordinator; e-mail: sawaf3@cgscomm.net; Internet: http://www.gwpforum.org/servlet/PSP?iNodeID=205&itemId=135

SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL RIVER MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM: 31 August 2004 - 3 September 2004. Brisbane, Australia. This Symposium will focus on threats to maintaining sustainable rivers. It will examine the problems facing rivers and waterways and the innovative solutions development to counter them. For more information contact: Stephen Nelson, River Symposium Manager; tel: +61-7-3846-7444; fax: +61-7-3846-7660; e-mail: symposium@riverfestival.com.au; Internet: http://www.riverfestival.com.au/2004/content/symposium_standard.asp?name=RiverSymposium

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING OF TRAINERS ON WETLAND MANAGEMENT: 27 September 2004 - 8 October 2004. Wageningen, The Netherlands. This course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for curriculum development in the field of wetland management in their own region. It will focus on the multistakeholder processes that play an important role in wetland management and the need for transboundary and cross-sectoral cooperation to manage the natural resources of a river basin. For more information contact: Esther Koopmanschap; tel: +31-317-495-251; fax: +31-317-495-395; e-mail: Esther.Koopmanschap@wur.nl; Internet: http://www.iac.wur.nl/iac/index2.htm?courses/module.cfm?code=88/05

INTERNATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT COURSE: 28 September 2004 - 1 October 2004. Ruschlikon, Switzerland. IWMC courses are targeted at decision makers and senior advisors from government, NGOs, water services and consulting companies, water supply and wastewater treatment companies, with this year's course focusing on river management. For more information contact: Peter Reichert; tel: +41-1-823-5188; fax: +41-1-823-5398; e-mail: iwmc@eawag.ch; Internet: http://www.iwmc.ch

GLOBAL WASH FORUM 2004 - WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR ALL - BUILDING COALITIONS FOR THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: 22 November 2004 - 26 November 2004. Dakar, Senegal. Organized by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), the first Global WASH Forum aims to draw lessons on the success of water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, sector reforms and development partnerships in poverty eradication, and to strengthen regional and national partnership initiatives aimed at attaining the relevant goals of the WSSD and the MDGs. For more information contact: Forum Manager; tel: +41-22-917-8657; fax: +41-22-917-8084; e-mail: wsscc@who.int; Internet: http://www.wsscc.org/load.cfm?edit_id=332

4TH WORLD WATER FORUM: LOCAL ACTIONS FOR A GLOBAL CHALLENGE: 16 March 2006 - 22 March 2006. Mexico City, Mexico. For more information contact: Internet: http://www.worldwaterforum4.org.mx
 

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