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Sustainable development
UN LEADERS MARK INTERNATIONAL DAY
AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF
THE ENVIRONMENT IN WAR AND ARMED CONFLICTS
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan highlighted a number of legal
provisions protecting the environment during wartime in a statement
to mark the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the
Environment in War and Armed Conflicts, which was celebrated on 6
November 2004.
More.
DIGITAL SOLIDARITY FUND TO BE INAUGURATED ON 17 NOVEMBER
The Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF)
will be inaugurated on 17 November 2004 in Geneva, Switzerland.
More.
Forests,
deserts, land
OVER 2
MILLION HECTARES DECLARED PROTECTED IN BRAZILIAN AMAZON
Brazilian President
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva created two new environmental reserves in
the Amazon on 9 November 2004.
More.
MEXICAN
FARMERS EYEING INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO MARKET
Mexican farmers are taking an
interest in bamboo production, according to a recent Associated
Press report.
More. |
Climate, energy and atmosphere
EXPERTS ISSUE ARCTIC WARMING WARNING
Climate change is causing rapid and destructive warming in the
Arctic and the impacts will be felt far beyond the region, according
to a major new survey. A key diplomatic meeting on the Arctic is
scheduled to take place in Iceland on 24 November.
More.
US
“ISOLATED” AS RUSSIA RATIFIES KYOTO TREATY
Russia’s formal ratification of the
Kyoto Protocol earlier this month has further isolated the US on the
issue, according to environmentalists.
More.
RENEWABLES UPDATE
The US has
recently boosted its support for renewable energy.
In other news from North America,
Canada has announced a major increase in government support for wind
power. Meanwhile, Bush’s only anti-Kyoto ally, Australia, has been
criticized for cutting its aid for renewable energy projects
overseas.
More.
EUROPE
FORGES AHEAD WITH CLIMATE PLANS
The EC has approved a further batch of eight national allocation plans
from EU countries as part of the region’s emissions trading scheme.
In other news, the leading role played by Germany and the UK in
combating climate change was lauded at a recent conference. Meanwhile, Denmark has raised eyebrows
with a claim for ownership of the North Pole.
More.
CLIMATE-FRIENDLY POLICIES BOOST PROFITS—STUDY
Organizations that cut greenhouse gas
emissions and introduce other climate-friendly initiatives are
reaping significant financial rewards, according to new research.
More.
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Water, wetlands, oceans, coasts
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CALLS FOR A HALT
TO NAVAL SONARS
The European Parliament has approved
a resolution, which calls on the 25 EU member states to stop
deploying high-intensity active naval sonar until more is known
about the harm it inflicts on whales and other marine life.
More.
BANK
AND GEF WORK TOGETHER TO PROTECT CORAL REEFS
The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
and the World Bank have announced a five-year initiative to help
protect coral reefs in developing countries.
More.
EGYPTIAN WINS
FIRST WASH MEDIA AWARD
Egypt national Nadia El-Awady has
been awarded the first WASH Media Award for her article, The Nile
and its People.
More.
FAO
WINS SWEDISH SEAFOOD AWARD
The UN Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) received the Swedish Seafood Award for its work
with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and Supporting
Technical guidelines carried out by the organization’s Fisheries
Department. More. |
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Sustainable development
TARGETING OF TRANSFERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: REVIEW OF LESSONS
AND EXPERIENCE
(World Bank, 2004) This joint World Bank/International Food Policy
Research Institute (IFPRI) publication, authored by David Coady,
Margaret Grosh and John Hoddinott, seeks to facilitate the efforts
of policymakers and programme managers in developing countries,
donor agencies and NGOs to effectively design antipoverty
interventions that reach the poor. This 82-page text focuses on a
quantitative analysis of 122 antipoverty interventions in 47
transition and developing countries to quantify expected outcomes
from targeting methods and their determinants. The text includes a
qualitative discussion of common targeting methods and how they
work, what costs may be incurred from using each method, and what
the appropriate circumstances are for implementing antipoverty
programmes. The authors also review the costs and benefits of
targeting and methods for assessing targeting performance, and offer
a taxonomy of targeting methods.
SCIENCE AND
POVERTY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
(IFPRI, October 2004) This report discusses the impacts of new
agricultural technology on poverty. It was authored by Ruth Meinzen-Dick,
Michelle Adato, Lawrence Haddad and Peter Hazell and is based on the
results of a six-country, seven-case research project managed by
IFPRI. The authors find that “measures of the direct impacts of new
technologies on incomes and yields do not tell the whole story. Both
economic and non-economic factors play an extremely important role
in determining whether the poor adopt or benefit from a technology.”
The authors recommend that impact assessments should include a mix
of disciplines and methods, and those designing new research
programmes should understand all the social factors that will affect
the adoption and impacts of technologies, as well as poor people’s
strategies for managing risk and the importance and role of
agriculture in their livelihood strategies.
ENVIRONMENT AND SECURITY: TRANSFORMING RISKS INTO COOPERATION – THE
CASE OF THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS
(IISD, 2004) Published by IISD, this
report was prepared by the Organization for Security and Cooperation
in Europe (OSCE), UNDP and UNEP. It examines both the negative affect
of conflict in the Southern Caucasus region – comprising Armenia,
Azerbaijan, and Georgia – as well as the opportunities environmental
issues present for cooperation and confidence building. The report
uses maps and graphics to present the linkages between environmental
stress, potential social tension and areas of particular
vulnerability in the Southern Caucasus, as identified by
stakeholders from the countries. It suggests addressing these
linkages through: vulnerability assessment, early warning and
monitoring of “at risk” areas; policy development and
implementation; and institutional development, capacity building and
advocacy.
RESEARCH: ICT INNOVATIONS FOR POVERTY REDUCTION
(UNESCO, 2004) This report provides a comparative analysis of nine
South Asian projects that aim to combat poverty through information
and communication technology.
DESA NEWS
The latest edition of DESA news is available online. This issue contains
updates on the general debate of the 59th session of the UN General
Assembly on topics such as globalization, MDGs, UN reform,
environment, economic and social issues. It also includes updates on
deliberations of the Second Committee concerning economic and
financial issues, innovative sources of financing for development, Barbados+10 review among others.
OECD IN FIGURES - 2004 EDITION
(OECD 2004) This statistical resource contains key data on OECD
countries, ranging from economic growth and employment to trade and
migration. It also includes comparable tables on science, public
finances and the environment, and graphs providing snapshots on
issues such as GDP, education spending, health funding, development
aid and renewable energy.
Human
development
WORLD POPULATION IN 2300
(DESA Population Division, November 2004) This report projects that
the world’s population will stabilize at 9 billion in 2300 if
fertility levels continue their decline. However if current rates
remain steady, global population could reach 1.3 trillion people by
2300. These long-range population projections cover twice as long a
period compared to previous UN forecasts, and provide projections
for all countries in the world.
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Climate, energy and atmosphere
IGES PUBLISHES
THE “HOTTEST JOURNAL ON THE KYOTO PROTOCOL”
IGES - Institute for Global Environmental Strategies - is pleased to
announce its new publication, a special-featured issue of IRES on
the Kyoto Protocol – its development, implications and the future.
After seven years of negotiations, the Kyoto Protocol will finally
come into effect in February 2005 with Russia’s ratification. This
IRES issue is a new and interesting journal on Kyoto issues,
containing the latest analyses and future forecasts by experts from
all over the world. Leading thinkers in the climate policy arena,
such as Michael Grubb, Visiting Professor at Imperial College, and
Michael Zammit Cutajar, Former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, give
their views and assessments on the Kyoto Protocol, and its future
implications, in this issue. Country views from many experts,
including the US, the UK, Germany, Russia, China, India, Australia,
and Japan, are also provided. Their perspectives vary widely, such
as on the value and effects of the Kyoto Protocol, its barriers, its
status in the context of domestic policies, and the possibilities of
the post-Kyoto regime. IRES (International Review for Environmental
Strategies) is a biannual academic journal published by IGES,
focusing on environmental policies.
WORLD DISASTERS
REPORT 2004
(IFRC, 2004) The World Disaster Report, which was launched in
mid-November 2004 by the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the UN Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs, focuses on
community resilience to disasters. The report considers how
international aid organizations can help strengthen local resilience
to crises ranging from “slow-onset” problems such as drought or
HIV/AIDS to sudden “one-off disasters” like earthquakes. It argues
that a more
development-focused approach is needed that places communities at
the heart of defining their needs and identifying appropriate
solutions. The report also deals with such specific issues as the
impact of heat waves on the developed world, capacity building in
rural India, disaster resilience in the Philippines, and key risks
in urban slums.
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS: LINKING ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE
CHANGE, SUSTAINABLE LAND USE, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND WATER
MANAGEMENT
(BothENDS 2004) Prepared by Ana Rojas, this report looks into the
synergies between environmental policies and the development of
comprehensive environmental projects. The report seeks to understand
how climate change, sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation,
and water management considerations can be linked to local actors’
activities in order to help local communities develop comprehensive
environmental projects. Special focus is given to the issue of
climate change adaptation.
Financing
development
FOREIGN AID RESURGENT NEW SPIRIT OR OLD HANGOVER?
(UNU/WIDER July 2004) Prepared by P. Burnell, this paper explores
the future of development aid. It takes note of the decline of aid
in the 1990’s, and its sudden resurgence in recent years. Burnell
notes that two factors – globalization and poverty, and heightened
security concerns since 11 September 2001 – have led to the
resurgence in development aid and highlight their uneasy
relationship, recommending that aid should target pro-poor
development rather than democratic reform.
Water,
wetlands, oceans, coasts
RAMSAR HANDBOOK
(Ramsar, September 2004) The second edition of the Ramsar
Handbook for the Wise Use of Wetlands is now available on
CD-ROM. The Handbook, consisting of 14 volumes, contains all the
major guidance documents adopted by the Ramsar Conference of Parties
through COP-8 in 2002, combined with additional illustrative
material such as background studies, case studies, photographs and
tables.
WATER GOVERNANCE IN WEST AFRICA
(IUCN, 2004) This report is the latest publication of the
IUCN Environmental Law Programme Series. It addresses a wide range
of global, regional and local issues relating to water resources
governance in West Africa, and contributes information on meeting
the challenges and targets set in the Millennium Declaration and the
WSSD Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
A NET
WITH HOLES: THE REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(Deep Sea Conservation Coalition 2004) This document looks at the
shortcomings of the regional fisheries management system in
addressing protection of deep sea biodiversity and ecosystems.
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Biodiversity and wildlife
ACCESSING
BIODIVERSITY AND SHARING THE BENEFITS: LESSONS FROM IMPLEMENTING THE
CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
(IUCN Environmental Law Programme 2004) Edited by Santiago Carrizosa,
Stephen B. Brush, Brian D. Wright, and Patrick E. McGuire, this book
will be launched at the third IUCN Congress in Bangkok.
TALKING BIODIVERSITY:
GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS
(RSPB 2004)
This publication is part of an RSPB
project that explores different approaches and ideas that could
assist biodiversity specialists in strengthening their
communications strategies. Five articles highlight a range of
issues, including the historical factors that continue to affect the
rights of indigenous peoples (Sandy Gauntlett), the role of culture
in a small island setting (Ijahnya Christian), the roles of
scientists and journalists (Ehsan Masood), issues in the US (Stas
Burgiel) and the importance of economic policy making (Richard
Tarasofsky). E-mail
Stella Rumbles for electronic or hard copies.
GENDER
PERSPECTIVES ON THE CONVENTIONS ON BIODIVERSITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND
DESERTIFICATION
(FAO 2004) This paper provides a gender-sensitive perspective on the
three Rio Conventions. It places the Conventions in their historical
context and their administrative and financial framework, identifies
the main gender issues relevant to the three conventions, and
provides a comparative overview of the level of gender mainstreaming
in each of the international instruments relating to the Rio
Conventions. The essay concludes with a review of several key issues
in convention implementation, with regards to gender.
Forests,
deserts, land
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: A GUIDE TO DRAFTING SUSTAINABLE SOILS LEGISLATION
(IUCN-World Conservation Union 2004) This IUCN Environmental Policy
and Law Paper, authored by Ian Hannam and Ben Boer, offers a
resource for States as they endeavor to reform legislation and
institutions to protect and manage soils. The 100+ page guide
highlights the need for national soil policy, sets out the elements
of a soil management plan, and proposes legal and institutional
elements that specifically address the needs of disadvantaged
people, particularly women. The Paper responds to the World Summit
on Sustainable Development’s recognition of the importance of
promoting programmes for the environmentally sound, effective and
efficient use of soil fertility. It also responds to Resolution 2.59
from the 2nd IUCN World Conservation Congress, which called on IUCN
to “prepare guidelines and explanatory material relating to
principles and elements of national legislation and policy to assist
States to manage their specific soil degradation and land
degradation problems.”
DEADWOOD – LIVING FORESTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF VETERAN TREES AND
DEADWOOD TO BIODIVERSITY
(WWF, October 2004) Written by Nigel Dudley, Equilibrium, and Daniel
Vallauri, WWF France, this report outlines how deadwood keeps
forests productive by providing organic matter and nutrients for
trees, preventing soil erosion, and providing long-term storage for
carbon, and cautions that deadwood is at a critically low level,
mainly due to a lack of recognition for its importance and
inappropriate forest management practices. The authors call on
European governments, forest owners and industry to help conserve
biodiversity by increasing the amount of deadwood in managed
forests, by up to 20-30 cubic meters per hectare by 2030. They also
call for an end to subsidies that require the removal of deadwood.
GLOBAL FOREST INFORMATION SERVICE (GFIS)
This Internet gateway provides access to various types of
information resources regarding forests and trees through
partnership with information providers. The current version of GFIS
allows users to locate forest related information through a single
entry point and holds more than 120,000 metadata records contributed
by 60 forestry institutions. Users can locate maps, datasets, web
resources, journal articles, books and other resources. GFIS was
launched at the XII World Forestry Congress held in Quebec, Canada
in September 2003, and in May 2004 it was endorsed as a new joint
Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) initiative.
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Click here for a complete listing of upcoming meetings
The following are
upcoming meetings recently added to Linkages
website:
HIGH-LEVEL PLENARY MEETING OF THE 60TH
SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE OUTCOME
OF THE MILLENNIUM SUMMIT: 14
September 2005 - 16 September 2005. New York, US. In preparation for
the high-level plenary, the UN Secretary-General released a report
on the event’s modalities, format and organization (see weblink),
recommending among other things a three-day event taking place at
the commencement of the 60th session of the General Assembly in
September 2005. The Millennium +5 Summit is expected to undertake a
comprehensive review of the progress made towards the commitments
articulated in the UN Millennium Declaration. The event will also
review progress made in the integrated and coordinated
implementation of the outcomes and commitments of the major UN
conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields.
For more information contact: Internet:
http://ods-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N04/583/08/PDF/N0458308.pdf?OpenElement
Sustainable development
AOSIS NEGOTIATION
SKILLS WORKSHOP: 14 November
2004 - 19 November 2004. Cape Verde. This workshop is organized by
University of the West Indies Centre for Environment and Development
(UWICED). For more information contact: Albert Binger, Director,
UWICED; fax: +1-212-906-5896; Internet:
http://www.sidsnet.org/webcal_data/data/1096390000.html
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM 2005:
26 January 2005 - 30 January 2005. Davos, Switzerland. The 2005
World Economic Forum will focus on the theme, “Taking Responsibility
for Tough Choices.” Issues on the agenda include: achieving global
and regional stability; enabling economic growth; building the
“great company”; navigating uncertainty; and balancing global and
local considerations. Sessions will be chaired by such high-profile
figures as Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Citigroup’s Charles Prince.
For more information contact: Forum Secretariat; tel:
+41-22-869-1212; fax: +41-22-786-2744; e-mail:
annualmeeting@weforum.org; Internet:
http://www.weforum.org
WORLD SOCIAL FORUM: 26
January 2005 - 31 January 2005. Porto Alegre, Brazil. The 2005 World
Social Forum will take place from 26-31 January in Porto Alegre,
Brazil. For more information contact: tel: +55-11-3258-8914; fax:
+55-11-3258-8469; e-mail:
fsminfo@forumsocialmundial.org.br; Internet:
http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/home.asp
Biodiversity and wildlife
INTERNATIONAL
WORKSHOP ON THE ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION AND
CONSERVATION OF CROP, FORESTRY, ANIMAL AND FISHERY GENETIC
RESOURCES: 5 March 2005 - 7
March 2005. Turin, Italy. Organized by the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), the Fondazione per le Biotecnologie, the
ECONOGENE project and the Società Italiana di Genetica Agraria, this
workshop includes three sessions on: the status of the world’s
agro-biodiversity; the use of biotechnology for conservation of
genetic resources; and genetic characterization of populations and
its use in conservation decision-making. For more information
contact: tel: +39-011-660-0187; fax: +39-011-660-0708; e-mail:
mail@fobiotech.org; Internet:
http://www.fobiotech.org/FAO_2005.htm
8TH WORLD WILDERNESS CONGRESS:
30 September 2005 - 6 October 2005. Anchorage, Alaska. The theme of
the 8th WWC is Wilderness, Wildlands and People – A Partnership for
the Planet. This Congress will generate the most up-to-date and
accurate information on the benefits of wilderness and wildlands to
contemporary and traditional societies, and will review the best
models for balancing wilderness and wildlands conservation with
human needs. For more information contact: Secretariat; e-mail:
info@8wwc.org; Internet:
http://www.8wwc.org/
Chemicals management
EIGHTH
MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP-8) TO THE BASEL
CONVENTION: 27 November
2006 - 1 December 2006. Nairobi, Kenya. Basel COP-8 is scheduled to
be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 27 November to 1 December 2006. For
more information contact: Secretariat of the Basel Convention; tel:
+41-22-917-8218; fax: +41-22-797-3454; e-mail:
sbc@unep.ch; Internet:
http://www.basel.int
Climate,
energy and atmosphere
INTERNATIONAL
WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY LEVEL ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE:
16 January 2005 - 18 January 2005. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by
the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), the aim of this
workshop is to share the latest developments in adaptation
programmes, priorities and solutions. The workshop themes cover
emerging issues in community adaptation including international
institutions and funding mechanisms, effects of climate change on
different sectors, linking climate change adaptation to other
development priorities, mainstreaming adaptation, methodological
issues such as stakeholder engagement and vulnerability assessment,
and identifying and evaluating adaptation options. For more
information contact: Secretariat; tel: +880-2-885-1237; fax:
+880-2-885-1417; e-mail:
ccadaptation.workshop@bcas.net; Internet:
http://www.ihdp.uni-bonn.de/Pdf_files/Dhaka2005.pdf
AVOIDING DANGEROUS CLIMATE CHANGE: A SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON
STABILIZATION OF GREENHOUSE GASES:
1 February 2005 - 3 February 2005. Hadley Centre for Climate
Research and Prediction (Met Office), Exeter, UK. The UK Department
for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has put out a call for
papers to international scientists for its major three day
conference on the scientific aspects of the stabilization of climate
change. The conference aims to encourage an international scientific
debate on the long-term implications of climate change. This event
follows Prime Minister Tony Blair’s announcement in September that a
key science conference on climate change would be taking place at
the beginning of the UK’s Presidency of the G8. For more information
contact: Rhian Checkland; tel: +44-20-7008-8139; fax:
+44-20-7008-8206; e-mail:
rhian.checkland@cvg.gov.uk; Internet:
http://www.stabilisation2005.com
5TH GLOBAL FORUM ON
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY (GFSE) - ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON
BIOMASS: 11 May 2005 - 13 May 2005. Vienna, Austria. The 5th
GFSE will take place from 11-13 May 2005 in Vienna, Austria,
convening under the theme 'Enhancing international cooperation on
biomass.' For more information contact: Irene Freudenschuss-Reichl,
Austrian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Development Cooperation; tel:
+43-50-1150-4486; e-mail:
irene.freudenschuss-reichl@bmaa.gv.at
CARBON EXPO 2005: 11 May
2005 - 13 May 2005. Cologne, Germany. This event is expected to
bring together representatives of the public and private sector to
consider the carbon market. The expo will further understanding of
key emerging issues in the carbon market area, including the EU
emissions trading scheme, similar schemes elsewhere, and the Kyoto
Protocol’s market-based mechanisms. The event is being organized by
the International Emissions Trading Association and the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is a
part of the World Bank Group. For more information contact: Robert
Dornau; tel: +41-79-689-2242; fax: +41-22-839-3181; e-mail:
dornau@carbonexpo.com; Internet:
http://www.carbonexpo.com/
CONFERENCE ON ENGINEERING AND CLIMATE CHANGE:
9 May 2006 - 12 May 2006. Ottawa, Canada. This conference is being
organized by the Engineering Institute of Canada and other Canadian
groups as a means of bringing together engineers and scientists to
consider climate change in the context of engineering and
technological responses. For more information contact: John Plant,
Engineering Institute of Canada; tel: +1-613-547-5989; fax:
+1-613-547 0195; e-mail:
jplant1@cogeco.ca; Internet:
http://www.ccc2006.ca
Forests,
deserts, land
GLOBAL
INITIATIVE ON FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION:
4 April 2005 - 8 April 2005. Petropolis, Brazil. Organized by the
Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration, this workshop
aims to increase understanding of good practices and opportunities
to optimize delivery of the benefits from forest landscape
restoration activities. Outputs from the Workshop will include an
expanded demonstration portfolio of case studies from around the
world illustrating the main characteristics and diversity of forest
landscape restoration approaches, site-specific challenges, and
tools needed for analysis of success, and a report to be forwarded
to the fifth session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF-5). For more
information contact: Carole Saint-Laurent, Coordinator, Global
Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration, IUC; tel:
+1-416-763-3437; e-mail:
CarSaintL@bellnet.ca; Internet:
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/forest/restoration/globalpartnership/
GLOBAL FORUM ON THE REVIEW OF WOMEN’S PROGRESS ON FORESTRY
MANAGEMENT SINCE BEIJING 1995: TOWARDS A COMMON AGENDA:
28 February 2005 - 4 March 2005. Kampala, Uganda. This Forum will
examine the advances made and challenges met by women in
implementing sustainable forest management. The Forum is
co-organized by the Uganda Women’s Tree Planting Movement, the
Uganda Land Alliance, and the Ministry of Water, Land and
Environment, Government of Uganda. For more information contact:
Ruth Mubiru, Uganda Women’s Tree Planting Movement; e-mail:
ruthmubiru@yahoo.com; Internet:
http://www.un.org/esa/forests/gov-unff.html
INTERNATIONAL EXPERT MEETING ON INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL MECHANISMS:
SEARCHING FOR VIABLE ALTERNATIVES TO SECURE A BASIS FOR THE
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF FORESTS:
8 March 2005 - 11 March 2005. San Jose, Costa Rica. This meeting is
expected to contribute to the international dialogue on forests.
Meeting outcomes are expected to include: an exchange of successful
experiences on financial and economic instruments and mechanisms to
enhance sustainable forest management (SFM); the identification of
mechanisms to further enhance and promote North-South and
South-South cooperation; and the identification and consolidation of
partnerships among interested parties to promote the use of
innovative financial and economic instruments. For more information
contact: Government of Costa Rica, Ministry of Environment and
Energy National Forestry Financing F; Internet:
http://www.un.org/esa/forests/gov-unff.html
XXII IUFRO WORLD CONGRESS: 8
August 2005 - 13 August 2005. Brisbane, Australia. This Congress of
the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)
will focus on “Forests in the Balance: Linking Tradition and
Technology.” As suggested by the Congress’ theme, its organizers
hope to: create an interest amongst all stakeholders with an
interest in forests and process technology; reflect the importance
of tradition and technology, including the increasing importance of
indigenous knowledge; and recognize the role of indigenous peoples,
not only as residents but also increasingly as future land managers.
For more information contact: Congress Manager, PO Box 164,
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia; tel: +61-0-7-3854-1611; fax:
+61-0-3854-1507; e-mail:
iufro2005@ozaccom.com.au; Internet:
http://www.iufro2005.com
8TH WORLD WILDERNESS CONGRESS:
30 September 2005 - 6 October 2005. Anchorage, Alaska. The theme of
the 8th WWC is Wilderness, Wildlands and People – A Partnership for
the Planet. This Congress will generate the most up-to-date and
accurate information on the benefits of wilderness and wildlands to
contemporary and traditional societies, and will review the best
models for balancing wilderness and wildlands conservation with
human needs. For more information contact: Secretariat; e-mail:
info@8wwc.org; Internet:
http://www.8wwc.org/
Human
development
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HIV/AIDS, FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY:
14 April 2005 - 16 April 2005. Durban, South Africa. This conference
seeks to stimulate more effective, large-scale action that addresses
the links between HIV/AIDS and food and nutrition insecurity.
Interested researchers and practitioners are invited to submit
abstracts by 14 December 2004. For more information contact: Stuart
Gillespie, IFPRI; e-mail:
s.gillespie@cgiar.org; Internet:
http://www.ifpri.org/events/conferences/2005/20050414HIVAIDS.htm
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDIA ISSUES AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE WORLD
SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (WSIS):
22 November 2004 - 24 November 2004. Marrakech, Morocco. The
Marrakech Conference will focus on the provisions of the Declaration
of Principles and the recommendations of the Plan of Action that
relate specifically to the media and those liable to affect the free
exercise of journalism. For purposes of the Conference, the issues
are grouped into the following 7 themes: media’s place in the
information society; media freedom in cyberspace, including
cybersecurity; reducing the digital divide that affects the media;
culture and the media; women in the media; media ownership issues;
and internet governance: the media position. For more information
contact: Minist�re de la communication du Maroc; tel:
+212-37-76-68-48; fax: +212-37-76-08-28; e-mail:
meriem@mincom.gov.ma; Internet:
http://www.mincom.gov.ma/mediaconference/en/index.htm
UN system
and IGOs
UN SYSTEM CHIEF EXECUTIVES BOARD FOR COORDINATION (CEB) SPRING 2005
SESSION AND 9TH SESSION OF THE CEB HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE ON
MANAGEMENT: 4 April 2005 - 9
April 2005. Geneva, Switzerland. The UN Chief Executives Board will
meet for its 2005 Spring session from 8-9 April 2005 in Geneva. The
CEB's High Level Committee on Management will meet for its ninth
session prior to the Spring session from 4-5 April. For more
information contact: CEB Secretariat; tel: +1-212-963-5719; fax:
+1-212-963-4190; Internet:
http://ceb.unsystem.org/calendar.htm
GEF CONSULTATIONS AND COUNCIL MEETING:
6 June 2005 - 10 June 2005. Washington, DC, US. For more information
contact: GEF Secretariat; tel: +1-202-473-0508; fax:
+1-202-522-3240; e-mail:
secretariat@TheGEF.org; Internet:
http://www.gefweb.org/Outreach/Meetings_Events/meetings_events.html
GEF CONSULTATIONS AND COUNCIL MEETING:
5 December 2005 - 9 December 2005. Washington, DC, US. For more
information contact: secretariat@TheGEF.org; tel: +1-202-473-0508;
fax: +1-202-522-3240; Internet:
http://www.gefweb.org/Outreach/Meetings_Events/meetings_events.html
Trade,
investment and finance in sustainable development
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
2005: 26 January 2005 - 30
January 2005. Davos, Switzerland. The 2005 World Economic Forum will
focus on the theme, �Taking Responsibility for Tough Choices.�
Issues on the agenda include: achieving global and regional
stability; enabling economic growth; building the �great company�;
navigating uncertainty; and balancing global and local
considerations. Sessions will be chaired by such high-profile
figures as Microsoft's Bill Gates and Citigroup's Charles Prince.
For more information contact: Forum Secretariat; tel:
+41-22-869-1212; fax: +41-22-786-2744; e-mail:
annualmeeting@weforum.org; Internet:
http://www.weforum.org
52ND SESSION OF UNCTAD TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD:
3 October 2005 - 14 October 2005. Geneva, Switzerland. UNCTAD's
Trade and Development Board will hold its 52nd session in Geneva in
October 2005. The meeting is being preceded by a short �executive
session� in April 2005, the 36th such meeting in the Board's
history. For more information contact: UNCTAD Secretariat; tel:
++41-22-917-5809; fax: +41-22-917-0051; e-mail:
meetings@unctad.org; Internet:
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Meeting.asp?intItemID=3321&lang=1
SIXTH WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE:
13 December 2005 - 18 December 2005. Hong Kong, China. This major
event for the World Trade Organization is expected to mark a key
moment in the Doha round of trade negotiations. Originally slated
for completion in January 2005, the Doha round has suffered from
delays due to disagreements at the previous ministerial conference
in Canc�n, Mexico in 2003. The dates for the next ministerial
conference were decided during a meeting of the WTO General Council
in October 2004. The conference will be preceded by numerous formal
and informal preparatory meetings and events. For more information
contact: WTO Secretariat; tel: +41-22-739-5111; fax:
+41-22-731-4206; e-mail:
enquiries@wto.org; Internet:
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/min05_e/min05_e.htm
Water,
wetlands, oceans, coasts
CONFERENCE ON
MANAGEMENT OF TRANSBOUNDARY RAMSAR SITES - CHANCES AND CHALLENGES:
18 November 2004 - 19 November 2004. National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel,
Austria. The conference will provide a forum for exchanging
experiences on wetland connectivity across national borders. It is
intended for professionals responsible for wetland management and
transboundary Ramsar sites, including conservation specialists,
environmental educators, public relations officers, and regional
planners. For more information contact: Georg Scattolin, WWF-Austria;
tel: +43-1-4881-7265; fax: +43-1-4881-7277; e-mail:
georg.scattolin@wwf.at; Internet:
http://www.ramsar.org/w.n.announcement_austria_transboundary_mtg.pdf
WORKSHOP ON PROMOTING WOMEN�S PARTICIPATION IN WATER MANAGEMENT:
24 February 2005 - 25 February 2005. Tehran, Iran. The regional
centre on urban water management (RCUWM - Teheran) will hold a
training workshop, aimed at involving international, government and
non-governmental organizations that have played a significant role
in promoting women's role in water management, and at creating
dialogue among relevant national organizations and institutions. The
main themes of the workshop include developing strategies concerning
women's participation in water management issues, promoting women's
role in decision making on water resources management issues, and
developing capacity building. For more information contact:
Abbassgholi Jahani (RCUWM); e-mail:
jahani1325@hotmail.com
2ND ALTERNATIVE WORLD WATER FORUM:
17 March 2005 - 20 March 2005. Geneva, Switzerland. The Alternative
World Water Forum's key objective is to further develop and promote
institutions and public policy that will provide access to potable
water for all human beings and have water management conducted in a
�democratic, united and sustainable manner.� For more information
contact: e-mail:
secretariat@fame2005.org; Internet:
http://www.fame2005.org/
REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT 2005:
13 September 2005 - 15 September 2005. Tanta, Egypt. The first
Regional conference on Water, Health, and Environment 2005 will
present the most recent technological and scientific developments
associated with health, water, environment, hydrology, ecology and
all water-related sciences. Participants will discuss and develop a
general framework to minimize and delay the increasing deterioration
in water resources and ecosystems. For more information contact:
Bakenaz A. Zeydan, Tanta University; tel: +20-40-331-5860; fax:
+20-50-225-5566; e-mail:
bakenaz@dec1.tanta.edu.eg; Internet:
http://www.cig.ensmp.fr/~iahs/conferences/2005TANTA.pdf
RAMSAR COP-9: 7 November
2005 - 15 November 2005. Kampala, Uganda. The 9th ordinary meeting
of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on
Wetlands will review the work of the Convention, plan its the future
activities, and advance wetland science and policy and management
tools. The conference's focus will be on the effective wetland
management for poverty eradication, taking into consideration
related priority actions found in Agenda 21, the UN Millennium
Development Goals, and the Plan of Implementation adopted at the
World Summit on Sustainable Development. For more information
contact: Dwight Peck, Ramsar Communications Officer; tel:
+41-22-999-0170; fax: +41-22-999-0169; e-mail:
peck@ramsar.org; Internet:
http://www.ugandawetlands.org/cop9/
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