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Sustainable development
WE THE
PEOPLES: CIVIL SOCIETY, THE UNITED NATIONS AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
(June 2004, UN General Assembly) This review of the relationship
between the United Nations and civil society was prepared by the
Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations–Civil Society Relations
appointed by Kofi Annan in February 2003 and chaired by Fernando
Henrique Cardoso, former president of Brazil. The Panel stresses
that “constructively engaging with civil society is a necessity for
the United Nations, not an option.” Proposals include calls for: the
General Assembly to include civil society organizations more
regularly in its affairs and the use of public hearings, involving
the full range of relevant constituencies, to review progress on
agreed global goals; more systematic UN investment in convening and
incubating multistakeholder partnerships; levelling the playing
field between civil society organizations from the North and South;
deepening the dialogue between the Security Council and civil
society organizations; and joining all accreditation processes into
a single mechanism under the authority of the General Assembly.
Other
links:
UN Press Briefing by Cardoso;
UN
Wire storyon release of the report, 22 June 2004.
UN
GLOBAL COMPACT BOOKS
(June 2004, Greenleaf Books)
Learning to Talk: Corporate Citizenship and the Development of the
UN Global Compact:
Edited by Malcolm McIntosh, Sandra Waddock and Georg Kell, with a
foreword by Kofi Annan, this book reflects on the Global Compact’s
aims and origins, offers some stories of engagement, and discusses
how this initiative has become a reference point in the dialogue on
global and corporate governance. The authors of the book’s 27
chapters range from academics to industry representatives, all
seeking to take stock of some element of the Compact’s first few
years.
Raising the Bar: Creating Value with the UN Global Compact:
Edited by Claude Fussler, Aron Cramer, and Sebastian van der Vegt,
this book provides a performance model grounded on the total quality
management approach to assist businesses in putting the UN Global
Compact into practice. Its 14 chapters collect and categorize
corporate responsibility tools, good practice and case studies.
REALIZING THE PROMISE AND POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN AGRICULTURE: SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
AND FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA
(InterAcademy Council, June 2004) Launched recently at UN
headquarters, this report underscores the need for comprehensive
strategies across Africa to use science and technology in ways that
boost agricultural production and ensure food security for all
Africans. Prepared by the InterAcademy Council, this report was
compiled in response to a request by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
to identify how best to realize the promise and potential of
agriculture in Africa. The report provides an overview of food
security in Africa and a perspective of African agricultural
production systems and productivity. It outlines potential science
and technology options, and addresses the need to enhance
impact-oriented research, knowledge and development institutions,
and to create and retain a new generation of agricultural
scientists.
AFRICA
NETWORKING: DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION, ICTS AND GOVERNANCE
(ECA
and International Books, June 2004) This 272-page publication
examines the relationship between good governance and development
information, analyzing the potential benefits of improved technology
in Africa’s development. It highlights the role that geo-information
and ICT can play in effectively delivering services by governments
and agencies. This publication seeks to contribute to preparations
for the African Development Forum (ADF), which will be held from
11-15 October 2004 in Addis Ababa on the theme “Governance for a
progressing Africa.”
GUNS
OR GROWTH? ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ARMS SALES ON SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
(June 2004, Amnesty International, Oxfam, and IANSA) This report by
Amnesty International, Oxfam and IANSA notes that “to protect the
social and economic rights of people in developing countries, it is
imperative that exporting governments apply an effective and
systematic methodology to assess whether proposed arms transfers
will affect sustainable development.” It goes on to suggest that
three levels of analysis are necessary to develop an assessment
methodology: arms sales of possible concern should be identified
using triggers, such as “questions that consider the significance of
the financial value of the transfer and/or arms deal, in combination
with a consideration of the development situation of the importer
country”; the development and human security status of importing
countries should be mapped using indicators; and deeper context and
deal-specific questions should be raised of arms procurement
processes to make an arms-export judgment against key factors,
including responsible governance, import rationale and importer
capacity.
Social development
INVESTING IN PEOPLE: NATIONAL PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE ICPD
PROGRAMME OF ACTION 1994-2004
(UNFPA,
June 2004) This publication reflects the findings of a global survey
of steps undertaken by 169 countries to implement the Programme of
Action that was produced at the 1994 Cairo International Conference
on Population and Development (ICPD), including measures related to
population and development, gender equality, women’s empowerment,
reproductive rights and health and HIV/AIDS. Seventy-nine percent of
reporting countries indicated that they had adopted multiple
measures to integrate population concerns into development
strategies and half of the countries reported taking strong action
to address the issue of population and environment. The report finds
that over 90 percent of countries have integrated family planning
and safe motherhood into their primary healthcare systems, and that
almost all countries reported that they have adopted measures to
protect the rights of women and girls. A lack of financial resources
was identified as the greatest impediment to progress with the
survey indicating that current financial commitments by donor
countries are inadequate to meeting the Cairo commitments. Several
donor countries reported that they are using the MDGs as a basis for
the development of programmes and policies that promote the ICPD
agenda.
Biodiversity and wildlife
NEW CMS WEBSITE
The
Convention on Migratory Species has launched a new website.
CONSERVING CETACEANS: THE CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES AND ITS
RELEVANT AGREEMENTS FOR CETACEAN CONSERVATION
(CMS
et al, June 2004) The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS),
together with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), the
Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and
North Seas (ASCOBANS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of
Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous
Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS), has released this 24-page brochure on
cetacean conservation. In addition to providing basic information on
cetaceans, the brochure also contains species profiles highlighting
the status, threats, biology and migration habits of various
cetacean species, and the efforts of the Convention, its Regional
Agreements and WDCS to protect them.
COMMUNICATING BIODIVERSITY
This
discussion paper is part of a Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds project that aims to explore different approaches and ideas in
communication biodiversity. Co-sponsored by UNEP-World Conservation
Monitoring Centre and prepared by Tim Kitchin, Glasshouse
Partnership, this paper draws on experience from the private sector
on strategic branding. The paper is open for comments. |
Water, wetlands, oceans, coasts
RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM
(World
Bank, September 2004) This new World Bank report presents a "vision
of a responsible approach to an equitable world" by 2050, addressing
issues such as sustainable growth in consumption, healthfulness,
human capital, environmental quality and social equity. It
identifies three issues critical to preventing a world characterized
by uncertainty, social unrest and environmental degradation:
addressing near-term poverty and inequality; improving governance
and capacity in developing countries; and investing in technological
public goods, especially agricultural technologies for the tropics
and treatments for infectious diseases.
RAMSAR
CONVENTION HANDBOOKS FOR THE CONSERVATION AND WISE USE OF WETLANDS,
2ND EDITION
(Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 2004) The Ramsar Convention
Secretariat has prepared a series of 14 handbooks on the
conservation and wise use of wetlands, including several on the
guidelines adopted at Ramsar COP-7 and COP-8. Aimed at assisting
those with an interest in, or who are directly involved with, the
implementation of the Convention at the international, regional,
national and local levels, the handbooks also include relevant
material from various sources and from case studies that illustrate
key aspects of the guidelines.
LEGAL RESOURCES FOR THE RIGHT
TO WATER: INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL STANDARDS
(Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE), 2004) Prepared by
COHRE’s Right to Water Programme, this publication provides a guide
to international and national legal provisions and case law that
give effect to the right to water. It surveys international and
regional treaties and declarations on human rights, armed conflict,
environment and development as well as national Constitutions,
legislation and court judgments. The guide demonstrates the basis
for the right to water in international law and the manner in which
this right has been implemented in several national legal systems.
The guide also provides a commentary on the implications of these
standards and on means to implement legal standards on the right to
water.
WWF AND RSPB RELEASE STUDY ON GLOBAL MPA COSTS
(WWF
and RSPB, June 2004) WWF and the Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds (RSPB) have published a new study evaluating the costs and
benefits of establishing a global network of marine protected areas
(MPAs). According to the report, published in the National Academy
of Science’s journal, developing a MPA network for 30% of the
world’s oceans would cost US$12-14 billion a year, but that such a
network would help safeguard a global fish catch worth up to US$80
billion, ensure the sustained delivery of marine ecosystem services
worth an estimated US $7,000 billion each year, and generate between
830,000 and 1.1 million full-time jobs. Commitments for establishing
representative networks of MPAs by 2012 were made by governments at
the WSSD.
RIVERS AT RISK: DAMS AND THE FUTURE OF FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(WWF,
2004) This WWF report outlines the implications of dam-building on
the world’s largest rivers, analyzing the construction and planning
of dams on a river basin scale and examines the risks of dams to
freshwater ecosystems. It identifies the top 21 rivers, such as the
Yangtze in China and the Tigris and Euphrates in the Middle East, at
risk from dams being planned or under construction, and calls on
governments and dam developers to apply the recommendations of the
World Commission on Dams.
WORLD
RIVERS REVIEW
(International River Network, June 2004) The June issue of IRN’s
magazine, World Rivers Review, contains a feature on rivers in the
United States, including an excerpt from a new report on
alternatives to dams in the US, and a commentary on the Bush
administration’s new policy that allows hatchery-raised fish to be
counted in determining whether Pacific coast fish runs are
endangered. The issue also includes stories on: the deferral of a
dam scheme in China; a protest to influence Brazilian policies on
large dams; the World Bank’s re-emerging efforts to promote large
dams; how the World Commission on Dams guidelines have entered EU
legislation; and how renewable energy can invigorate Africa’s energy
sector and provide jobs.
Climate and energy
CAN GEOLOGICAL CARBON STORAGE BE COMPETITIVE?
(CICERO, 2004) This new working paper from Norwegian think-tank
CICERO considers the costs and benefits of geological carbon
storage. Authors Steffen Kallbekken and Asbjørn Torvanger argue
that, in the short-term, carbon capture and storage is unlikely to
be an economically-viable option, except under very specific
circumstances (such as enhanced oil recovery). However, in the
longer term, the paper suggests that technological improvements
could see costs drop, and the financial feasibility of carbon
storage improve.
PER CAPITA GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FOR ANNEX I COUNTRIES
(Australia Institute/IIASA, 2004) Hal Turton of the International
Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria has written a
report looking at per capita emissions from the world’s
industrialized countries and states belonging to the former Soviet
Bloc (known collectively as “Annex I” countries under the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change). Published by the Australia
Institute, the report finds that Australia has the highest emissions
per person at 27.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is 27%
higher than those in the United States, and twice the average for
Annex I Parties overall. A summary of the report is available
online.
THE PRICE OF POWER: POVERTY, CLIMATE CHANGE, THE COMING ENERGY
CRISIS AND THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
(New
Economics Foundation, 2004) This new report by Andrew Simms, Julian
Oram and Petra Kjell argues that a continuing reliance on fossil
fuels will perpetuate poverty and could drive a huge “reversal of
human progress.” It shows that increased investment in renewable
energy could save millions of lives and avert an impending crisis
over global energy supplies. Even a relatively small shift in
investment in the energy sector in percentage terms could have
hugely beneficial consequences for people’s health and economic
wellbeing. The report also argues against the current subsidies for
coal, oil and gas, which it estimates amount to at least US$235
billion each year.
Forests, deserts, land
PRESERVING OUR COMMON GROUND: UNCCD 10 YEARS ON
(UNCCD
Secretariat, 2004) The CCD Secretariat prepared this magazine to
coincide with the 17 June 2004 celebration of the UNCCD’s 10th
anniversary. The text consists of a number of articles, commencing
with reviews of the Convention’s ten years and contribution to
sustainable development by Kofi Annan, Maurice Strong and Hama Arba
Diallo, among others. Additional articles include discussions of the
Secretariat and Global Mechanism and the experience of Italy. It is
available in English and French.
MUNICIPAL FOREST MANAGEMENT IN LATIN AMERICA
(Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), 2003) This
text, edited by Lyes Ferroukhi, uses case studies from Bolivia,
Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to analyze
the trend among local municipal governments to establish offices and
commissions to address forestry and environmental issues. The
contributors illustrate that local governments and populations are
becoming increasingly involved in decision-making on issues that
affect forest use and management, and that decentralization “from
below” has taken root. The book concludes, however, that real
decentralized forest management “is still an incipient process that
will require much more time, political will and institutional and
social agreements if its positive effects are to become
generalized.”
WHO PAYS FOR AND WHO BENEFITS FROM IMPROVED TIMBER HARVESTING
PRACTICES IN THE TROPICS? LESSONS LEARNED AND INFORMATION GAPS
(CIFOR,
2004) In this study, authors Grahame Applegate, Francis E.
Putz and Laura K. Snook analyze four components of improved timber
harvesting practices (stock and topographic mapping, directional
felling, road planning and construction, and skid trail and road
closure) on the basis of who pays the costs of implementation and
who derives the benefits over both short and long terms. The
objective of this study is to aid efforts to identify which improved
timber harvesting practices may require incentives and which can be
considered the responsibility of the timber harvesting company or
contractor.
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Environment and health
SECRETARY-GENERAL’S REPORT: PRODUCTS HARMFUL TO HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
This
report is submitted in compliance with General Assembly resolution
39/229, in which the Secretary-General was requested to report every
three years through ECOSOC on products harmful to health and the
environment. It provides an overview of activities undertaken by UN
organizations in the area of environmentally sound management of
chemicals since the previous triennial review in 2001. The report
also contains recommendations for consideration by ECOSOC, and
includes the “Consolidated List of Products Whose Consumption and/or
Sale have been Banned, Withdrawn, Severely Restricted or Not
Approved by Governments,” which is prepared in cooperation with UNEP
and WHO and contains restrictive regulatory decisions on chemicals
and pharmaceuticals.
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH: MYTHS & REALITIES
(International Policy Press, June 2004) Edited by Kendra Okonski and
Julian Morris, this book provides an overview of existing scientific
evidence concerning the impact of pesticides, dioxin, nitrates,
radiation, endocrine disruptors, global warming and the
precautionary principle on human health, and challenges the
conventional wisdom that human health problems (cancer, disease and
death) are caused and aggravated by modern industrial society. The
contributors highlight that many environment and health risks have
been exaggerated, "to the detriment of scientific research and
public policy," and caution that “scare stories” used by the media
and activist groups to influence government regulations result in
economic harm, and a lack of prioritization with few or no benefits
to people. The book was launched in conjunction with the Budapest
Business Journal, prior to the Fourth WHO Ministerial Conference on
Environment and Health held in Budapest from 23-25 June 2004.
INHERITING THE WORLD: THE ATLAS OF CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
(WHO,
2004) According to the WHO over three million children die annually
due to unhealthy environments. This book is authored by Bruce
Gordon, Richard Mackay and Eva Rehfuess and produced for the WHO
ahead of the Fourth WHO Ministerial Conference on Environment and
Health held in Budapest in June 2004. The book is divided into three
parts, each containing chapters that illustrate with maps, graphs
and diagrams the link between children’s health and the environment.
Part One of the atlas focuses on child health and poverty, while
Part Two focuses on global issues that impact children’s health,
including: water and sanitation; smoking; air pollution; child
labor; lead; UV radiation exposure; and climate change.
THE
BUDAPEST COLLECTION
Launched at the Fourth WHO Ministerial Conference on Environment and
Health, this collection represents the first WHO e-library on
children’s health and environment. It comprises over 100 documents
on the effect of environmental risk factors on children’s health,
including risks associated with outdoor and indoor air pollution,
water and sanitation, chemicals, injuries, food safety and
nutrition, global climate change, socioeconomic determinants and
tobacco.
ENVIRONMENTAL BURDEN OF DISEASE REPORT:
BURDEN OF
DISEASE AND INJURIES ATTRIBUTABLE TO SELECTED ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
AMONGST EUROPE’S CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
(The Lancet, 19 June 2004) Published in the June 19 issue of
“The Lancet,” this study is a first attempt at assessing the overall
impact of the environment on child health in the WHO European
Region. Its findings indicate that in the European Region, about one
out of three of all childhood ill health from birth to 19 years can
be attributed to unsafe and unhealthy environments, thus
underscoring the need for policy interventions to reduce children’s
exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution, unsafe water, and
lead, and to prevent injuries.
GUIDELINES ON DEVELOPING CONSUMER INFORMATION ON PROPER USE OF
TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES
(WHO,
January 2004) Prepared by the World Health Organization, these
technical guidelines seek to assist Member States in developing
context-specific and reliable consumer information concerning the
proper use of traditional medicine and complementary and alternative
medicine. WHO recognizes the long-term goal of maximizing the
benefits and minimizing the risks in the use of such medicines by
empowering consumers to make informed choices and become active
participants in healthcare. WHO also underscores that efforts to
promote the proper use of such medicines through consumer
education/training must also be supported by other measures such as:
the establishment of national laws and regulations to control herbal
medicines products; efforts to ensure the qualified practice of
traditional and alternative therapies; and, where appropriate,
measures to control information about such approaches used in
advertisements. As follow-up to the development of these guidelines,
WHO plans to organize a series of inter-regional, regional and
national workshops for national health authorities and relevant NGOs
on developing consumer information regarding the proper use of
alternative and traditional medicines, and on organizing
education/training programmes at a national level.
Trade, investment and finance in sustainable development
AFRICAN ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2003/2004
(AfDB/OECD,
May 2004) The AEO is an annual assessment of economic and social
developments in African countries. The report shows that despite
progress on several fronts and general economic growth in several
countries, many will still not be able to achieve the UN Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). This third edition report’s special focus
on energy considers whether improvements in energy supply can help
alleviate poverty, and concludes that Africa’s huge energy potential
remains “vastly under exploited.” Based on data from the 22 most
significant African economies, this publication serves as a
reference for policy makers, donors and the private sector. The AEO
is prepared by the OECD Development Centre and the African
Development Bank.
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2004
(Asian
Development Bank, 2004) This annual publication analyzes the
economic outlook and recent trends for 41 countries in the
Asia-Pacific region. For 2003, the report found that the region
remained economically robust in spite of anxieties over the Iraq
conflict, oil price hikes, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) outbreak. Looking ahead, the report forecasts intraregional
trade and strong consumer demand to “define the outlook” for the
region in 2004-2005. The publication also looks at trends in foreign
direct investment.
INVESTING IN STABILITY: CONFLICT RISK, MARKETS AND THE BOTTOM-LINE
(UNEP
Finance Initiative/IISD/German Federal Ministry of Environment,
Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, 2004) This paper is part of
a project designed to “promote the business case for conflict
prevention within the financial sector.” The report investigates
various voluntary actions that financial institutions such as banks
and insurance companies can take to avoid risks, while also
supporting peace and development. The paper employs real case
studies of both failures and successes. It suggests that UNEP’s
Finance Initiative unit should consider launching a multistakeholder
platform to encourage dialogue to help financial institutions engage
on these issues.
THE MATERIALITY OF SOCIAL,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ISSUES TO EQUITY PRICING
(UNEP
FI, June 2004) Companies will suffer a decline in their share prices
if they do not take environmental, social and corporate governance
issues into consideration. This is one of the key messages arising
from a report produced for the UNEP Finance Initiative Asset
Management Working Group and launched at the Global Compact Leaders
Summit held on 24 June at UN headquarters in New York. Compiled by a
group of 12 fund managers representing US$1.6 trillion in managed
assets, the report, which is based on 11 sector reports by brokerage
house analysts, is the first to examine the financial impact of
environmental, social and corporate considerations and criteria on
portfolio management of mutual, pension and other institutional
funds. The research covered a range of industry sectors, including
aviation, clothing, electronics, oil and gas, insurance,
pharmaceuticals and utilities. In its research, the project found
that European brokerage houses were more willing and able to respond
to demand for environmental, social and corporate governance
research than their North American counterparts. |
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Announcements:
Change of dates
SECOND MEETING OF THE ISP:
13 September 2004 - 15 September 2004. Nairobi, Kenya. The second
meeting of UNEP’s high-level open-ended intergovernmental working
group for the intergovernmental strategic plan for technology
support and capacity-building will be held in Nairobi from 13-15
September 2004. The first day will be dedicated to preparatory
informal consultations, followed by a 2-day meeting of the
Intergovernmental Working Group. For more information contact: UNEP;
tel: +1-212-963-8210; fax: +1-212-963-7341; e-mail:
info@nyo.unep.org; Internet:
http://www.nyo.unep.org/
Click here for a complete listing of upcoming meetings
The following are
upcoming meetings recently added to Linkages
website:
Sustainable development
JOHANNESBURG + 2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE:
1 September 2004 - 4 September 2004. Sandton International
Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. This event will be
held on the occasion of the second anniversary of the WSSD,
incorporating a National Sustainable Development Conference,
Thematic Round Tables, Sustainable Development Best Practice
Exhibition, a Learning Centre, Media Capacitation Workshop and Doing
Business in Africa Workshops. The Conference and Exhibition’s themes
include: water and sanitation, human settlements, energy,
agriculture and food Security, technology, natural resource
management, regional Development and NEPAD. South Africa’s President
Mbeki and a number of other high-level participants are expected to
attend. For more information contact: South African Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism; tel: +27-12-310-3911; fax:
+27-12-322-2682; Internet:
http://www.environment.gov.za/Documents/Documents/2004Jun28/jhb2_28062004.html
IV AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FORUM: GOVERNANCE FOR A PROGRESSING AFRICA:
11 October 2004 - 15 October 2004. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Organized
by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in partnership with
the African Union and the African Development Bank, this event aims
to establish an Africa-driven development agenda. For more
information contact: Robert Okello, Coordinator; tel:
+251-1-44-30-40; fax: +251-1-51-44-16; e-mail:
rokello@uneca.org; Internet:
http://www.uneca.org/adf/adfiv/index.htm
FIRST AFRICAN YOUTH SUMMIT ON GLOBALIZATION:
6 April 2005 - 10 April 2005. Abuja, Nigeria. This summit is an
off-shoot of the 2003 World Youth Summit on Globalisation held in
Brussels and the 2004 Youth and Globalisation Conference held in
Strasbourg. The summit aims to produce a strategic plan, a
youth-oriented development roadmap on globalization issues and
involvement in Africa, targeted at enhancing civic participation and
active youth involvement in globalization processes and policies.
For more information contact: tel: +32-475-269-803; fax:
+1-530-579-5543; e-mail:
aysg_summit@yahoo.co.uk; Internet:
http://www.dgroups.org/groups/education/index.cfm?cat_id=1918&msgid=132882&op=dsp_showmsg
WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY - TUNIS PHASE:
16 November 2005 - 18 November 2005. Tunis, Tunisia. The preparatory
process for the Tunis phase of the WSIS entails a process of
monitoring and evaluation of the progress of feasible actions laid
out in the Geneva Plan and a concrete set of deliverables that must
be achieved by the time the Summit meets in Tunis in November 2005.
Efforts are now being made to put the Plan of Action into motion and
working groups are being set up to find solutions and reach
agreements in the fields of Internet governance and financing
mechanisms. Measures will also be taken to bridge the digital divide
and hasten the achievement of the MDGs with the help of ICTs. For
more information contact: tel: +41-22-730-6316; fax:
+41-22-730-6393; e-mail:
wsis@itu.int; Internet:
http://www.itu.int/wsis/index-p2.html
Biodiversity and
wildlife
FOURTH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON THE CONSERVATION OF WILD PLANTS:
17 August 2004 - 20 August 2004. Valencia, Spain. Organized by
Planta Europe, the network of organizations for the preservation and
sustainable use of wild flora in Europe, this conference aims to
contribute to the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant
Conservation in Europe. Its key topics are progress in plant
conservation in Europe, and development of the European Strategy for
Plant Conservation. For more information contact: Planta Europa;
tel: +34-9632-79932; e-mail:
floraval@gva.es; Internet:
http://www.nerium.net/plantaeuropa/index.htm
SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE IN
AMAZONIA AND LATIN AMERICA: LESSONS LEARNT:
5 September 2004 - 10 September 2004. Iquitos, Peru. This conference
is organized by the Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, the
University of Kent at Canterbury, UK, and Wildlife Conservation
Society. For more information contact: e-mail:
congresofauna@qmauta.rcp.pe; Internet:
http://www.vicongreso.com.pe/
MEETING OF THE AD HOC TECHNICAL EXPERT GROUP ON ISLAND BIODIVERSITY:
6 September 2004 - 10 September 2004. Canary Islands, Spain. This
meeting is organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on
Biological Diversity. For more information contact: tel:
+1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail:
secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet:
http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meeting.aspx?lg=0&mtg=TEGIB-01
REGIONAL WORKSHOP FOR AFRICA ON SYNERGY AMONG THE RIO CONVENTIONS
AND OTHER BIODIVERSITY-RELATED CONVENTIONS IN IMPLEMENTING THE
PROGRAMMES OF WORK ON DRY AND SUB-HUMID LANDS AND AGRICULTURAL
BIODIVERSITY:
13 September 2004 - 17 September 2004. Gaborone, Botswana. This
workshop is organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on
Biological Diversity. For more information contact: CBD Secretariat;
tel: +1-514-288-2220; fax: +1-514-288-6588; e-mail:
secretariat@biodiv.org; Internet:
http://www.biodiv.org/doc/meeting.aspx?lg=0&mtg=WSAGDL-01
CONSERVATION OF ARCTIC FLORA AND FAUNA X BIENNIAL MEETING:
14 September 2004 - 16 September 2004. Anchorage, Alaska, US. This
meeting is organized by Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna. For
more information contact: CAFF; tel: +1-354-462-3350; fax:
+1-354-462-3390; e-mail:
caff@caff.is; Internet:
http://www.caff.is/events/frettir.asp?id=48
13TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES:
20 September 2004 - 24 September 2004. Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.
This annual conference series is widely considered the most
comprehensive international forum for the review of accumulated
scientific knowledge on the impacts of aquatic invasive species,
presentation of the latest field research and related data,
introduction of new technologies and advancements in control and
mitigation, and discussion of policy and approaches to effective
public education and outreach initiatives to prevent new
introductions. For more information contact: tel: +1-613-732-7068;
fax: +1-613-732-3386; e-mail:
profedge@renc.igs.net; Internet:
http://www.aquatic-invasive-species-conference.org/conference-home.htm
EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE BIOSAFETY OF GENETICALLY
MODIFIED ORGANISMS:
26 September 2004 - 30 September 2004. Montpellier, France.
Organized by the International Society for Biosafety Research, this
symposium will be held under the theme “How Scientific Research
Informs Biosafety Decisions.” A special workshop will discuss
North-South issues related to biosafety of GMOs. For more
information contact: International Society for Biosafety Research;
tel: +33-1-30-83-37-30; fax: +33-1-30-83-37-28; e-mail:
isbgmo@versailles.inra.fr; Internet:
http://www.inra.fr/gmobiosafety/aboutsymposium.php
10TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE (CGRFA):
8 November 2004 - 12 November 2004. Rome, Italy. This meeting is
organized by FAO. For more information contact: Alvaro Toledo; tel:
+39-6-5705-2753; fax: +39-6-5705-6347; e-mail:
Alvaro.Toledo@fao.org; Internet:
http://www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa/
SECOND MEETING OF THE CGRFA ACTING AS THE INTERIM COMMITTEE FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE (ITPGR):
15 November 2004 - 19 November 2004. Rome, Italy. This meeting is
organized by FAO. For more information contact: Alvaro Toledo; tel:
+39-6-5705-2753; fax: +39-6-5705-6347; e-mail:
Alvaro.Toledo@fao.org; Internet:
http://www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa/
SECOND MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO ACCOBAMS:
9 November 2004 - 12 November 2004. Mallorca, Spain. The second
meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of
Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous
Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS) is organized by the Convention on Migratory
Species. For more information contact: tel: +377-93-15-8010; fax:
+377-93-50-9591; e-mail:
mcvanklaveren@gouv.mc; Internet:
http://www.accobams.mc
Climate and
atmosphere
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES - EU POLICIES,
INTERNAL MARKET AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES:
6 July 2004. Genoa, Italy. This conference aims to develop synergies
between energy, environmental and cultural issues, particularly
concerning stakeholder involvement in renewables projects, with a
focus on wind, photovoltaic and biomass initiatives. For more
information contact: Maria Fabianelli, Director; tel:
+39-010-840-3343; fax: +39-010-840-3397; e-mail:
are.liguria@filse.it; Internet:
http://www.managenergy.net/conference/genoa0704.html
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON TRANSPORTATION AND THE CDM:
25 August 2004 - 27 August 2004. Santiago, Chile. This workshop is
organized as part of a project between IISD, the Center for Clean
Air Policy, and Climate Change & Development in collaboration with
the government of Chile, that seeks to examine the feasibility of
CDM projects in the transport sector. For more information contact:
Jodi Browne, Project Manager, Climate Change & Energy, IISD; tel:
+1-613-238-9821; e-mail:
jbrowne@iisd.ca; Internet:
http://www.iisd.org/climate/south/ctp.asp
IPCC EXPERT MEETING ON INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, TRANSFER
AND DIFFUSION:
21 September 2004 - 23 September 2004. Tokyo, Japan. As one of the
steps in preparing for the contribution towards the IPCC Fourth
Assessment Report (due 2007), Working Group III of IPCC (Mitigation
of Climate change) will hold an Expert Meeting on Industrial
Technology Development, Transfer and Diffusion (on invitation only).
This meeting aims at increasing the involvement of Industry in the
contribution of Working Group III with regard to technology
development, transfer and diffusion. For more information contact:
IPCC Secretariat; tel: +41-22-730-8208; fax: +41-22-730-8025;
e-mail:
IPCC-Sec@wmo.int; Internet:
http://www.ipcc.ch/othernews/itdt.htm
22ND SESSION OF THE IPCC:
8 November 2004 - 11 November 2004. New Delhi, India. The 22nd
session of the IPCC will take place from 8-11 November 2004 in New
Delhi, India. For more information contact: IPCC Secretariat; tel:
+41-22-730-8208; fax: +41-22-730-8025; e-mail:
IPCC-Sec@wmo.int; Internet:
http://www.ipcc.ch/calendar.htm
EMA EMERGING MARKETS CONFERENCE: EMISSIONS & RENEWABLES:
14 November 2004 - 17 November 2004. Houston, Texas, US. For more
information contact: David Feldner, EMA Executive Director; tel:
+1-414-276-3819; fax: +1-414-276-3349; e-mail:
dfeldner@emissions.org; Internet:
http://www.emissions.org/conferences/houston04/
Forests, deserts,
land
SECOND WORLDWIDE SYMPOSIUM ON GENDER AND FORESTRY:
1 August 2004 - 10 August 2004. Arusha, Tanzania. This event will
focus on women and forestry, gender, poverty and sustainable
development, forest resource use and income generating activities
for local people, ideology, religion and environmental
responsibility. For more information contact: Merete Furuberg,
Hedmark University College, Evenstad, 2480 Koppang, Norway; tel:
+47-90-163092; fax: +47-62-945753; e-mail:
merete.furuberg@hedmark-f.kommune.no; Internet:
http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/docs/_ref/publications/newsonline/35/event.htm
FORESTLEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:
1 March 2005 - 4 March 2005. Toronto, Canada. Held under the theme
‘Partnerships towards Sustainability,’ this conference will address
the development of multistakeholder partnerships in the area of
forest sustainability. For more information contact: Carole Zabbal;
tel: +1-514-274-4344; e-mail:
info@ForestLeadership.com; Internet:
http://www.ForestLeadership.com
Human development
GLOBAL FORUM FOR LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (LDC):
7 July 2004 - 9 July 2004. Mauritius. This conference aims to
convene high-level decision makers to identify innovative
development solutions and practical strategies for deploying
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) projects to help
integrate the poorest countries into the global economy. For more
information contact: Cosmas Zavazava, Head, LDC Unit,
Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU; tel: +41-22-730-5447;
e-mail:
cosmas.zavazava@itu.int; Internet:
http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ldc/events.html
PREPCOM 2 OF THE TUNIS PHASE OF THE WSIS:
17 February 2005 - 25 February 2005. Geneva, Switzerland. For more
information contact: tel: +41-22-730-6316; fax: +41-22-730-6393;
e-mail:
wsis@itu.int; Internet:
http://www.itu.int/wsis/preparatory2/index.html
WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY - TUNIS PHASE:
16 November 2005 - 18 November 2005. Tunis, Tunisia. The preparatory
process for the Tunis phase of the WSIS entails a process of
monitoring and evaluation of the progress of feasible actions laid
out in the Geneva Plan and a concrete set of deliverables that must
be achieved by the time the Summit meets in Tunis in November 2005.
Efforts are now being made to put the Plan of Action into motion and
working groups are being set up to find solutions and reach
agreements in the fields of Internet governance and financing
mechanisms. Measures will also be taken to bridge the digital divide
and hasten the achievement of the MDGs with the help of ICTs. For
more information contact: tel: +41-22-730-6316; fax:
+41-22-730-6393; e-mail:
wsis@itu.int; Internet:
http://www.itu.int/wsis/index-p2.html
Trade, finance
and investment in sustainable development
CONFERENCE ON PROFITABLE SUSTAINABILITY - THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS:
26 September 2004 - 29 September 2004. Seattle, Washington, US. This
conference aims to demonstrate regional and national best
sustainability practices, provide tools for business managers and
leaders, and foster strategic alliances. For more information
contact: Warren Northrop, Network for Business Innovation and
Sustainability/Future 500; tel: +1-206-296-2469; e-mail:
conference@nbis.org; Internet:
http://www.nbis.org/conference/
Water, wetlands,
oceans, coasts
BLUE VISION CONFERENCE:
11 July 2004 - 13 July 2004. Washington, DC,, US. This conference
will bring together ocean organizations and activists in exploring
ways to restore America's seas and coastal communities. For more
information contact: David Helvarg, Blue Frontier Campaign; tel:
+1-202-387-8030; e-mail:
Helvarg@bluefront.org; Internet:
http://www.bluevizmeet.com/sponsor.htm
SEVENTH ASIAN FISHERIES FORUM:
30 November 2004 - 4 December 2004. Penang, Malaysia. Organized by
the Asian Fisheries Society, this Forum will include symposia,
plenary and technical sessions to address the status of Asian
fisheries. For more information contact: Forum Secretariat; tel:
+60-4-653-3888 ext.3961; fax: +60-4-656-5125; e-mail:
7aff2004@usm.my; Internet:
http://www.usm.my/7AFF2004
FIRST INTERNATIONAL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS CONGRESS:
23 October 2005 - 27 October 2005. Geelong, Australia. This
international congress aims to address the World Commission on
Protected Areas� Marine goal and primary themes, and advance
discussion on their widespread adoption and implementation
consistent with resolutions relevant to marine protected areas
arising from the Durban World Parks Congress. For more information
contact: Congress Organizers; tel: +61-3-5983-2400; fax:
+61-3-5983-2223; e-mail:
sm@asnevents.net.au; Internet:
http://www.impacongress.org/
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