'AGENDA 21' it took Bill Clinton

[Shammu]

'AGENDA 21' it took Bill Clinton

Joyce Morrison
August 6, 2006

The United Nations Agenda 21 was signed by the United States in 1992 and 14 years later, people are still in the dark. If you were to ask at random the question, "Have you heard of Agenda 21?" the answer would be an over-whelming "No," although it is being implemented in every local community.

Agenda 21 is a 40 chapter document listing goals to be achieved globally. It is the global plan to change the way we "live, eat, learn and communicate" because we must "save the earth."

"Its regulation would severely limit water, electricity, and transportation - even deny human access to our most treasured wilderness areas, it would monitor all lands and people. No one would be free from the watchful eye of the new global tracking and information system," according to Berit Kjos, author of Brave New Schools.

Maurice Strong, Secretary-general of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro said, "...[C]urrent lifestyles and consumption patterns of the affluent middle class - involving high meat consumption and large amounts of frozen and convenience foods, use of fossil fuels, appliances, home and workplace air-conditioning, and suburban housing are not sustainable. A shift is necessary which will require a vast strengthening of the multilateral system, including the United Nations.

In other words, the Global plan is for us to live on the level of third world nations. That means no box mixes or microwave meals, limited use of fuel of any kind, no air-conditioning and very little meat. When the cost of freon skyrocketed, when mad cow disease hit, the National Animal Identification System introduced, the price of fuel soared, it has become apparent that given time, these sustainable controls will be put into place - one way or another - and the Global Governance is powerful.

In 1992, Agenda 21 began to change our lives. In that same year, Al Gore wrote his book, Earth in the Balance. To advance his cause, he has now written another piece of fiction entitled, An Inconvenient Truth about global warming…..he even starred in the movie. He also thinks he invented the internet.

Although groundwork had been laid, it took a Bill Clinton to actually introduce something so invasive to our nation and get by with it without the public becoming aware. President Clinton appointed his "President’s Council on Sustainable Development" and he literally gave away the rights and freedoms the framers of the Constitution had provided.

People in the United States may not know about Agenda 21 and the President’s Council on Sustainable Development, but people around the world do. They know that Chicago has one of the greatest numbers of activities existing at the local, neighborhood and/or microregional level. They also know that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors and promotes activities in this field through their Office for Sustainable Ecosystem and Communities.

Found on a Slovakian website: "To the leading countries in the field of development but especially of practical using of sustainable development indicators belong to the U.S.A. At the top level these activities are promoted by the President’s Council on Sustainable Development (1996), which defined a set of ten national goals toward sustainable development. These goals express in concrete terms the elements of sustainability. Alongside the goals are suggested indicators that can be used to help measure progress toward achieving them.”

Agenda 21 is certainly not a secret. The internet is full of how Agenda 21 has been fulfilled through Smart Growth planning, land use, sustainable development and extreme environmentalism. The so-called agenda is grant driven to your city council or county board in terms of sustainable, visioning, partners, tourism and stakeholders, along with consensus and other terms with the intent to make you believe we are running out of all our resources and we must do our part and "save for tomorrow.

It has nothing to do about “saving anything” – it has everything to do with “control.” Sadly, very few congressmen even know Agenda 21 is actually running our country when they are voting to send grant money back home. Agenda 21 is incentive driven as the planners know that greed in the heart of man will be his downfall.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, better known as ANWR, has oil we need to be drilling for the security of our nation. Environmentalists don’t seem to understand we are dependent on foreign oil from nations who do not like us and our nation’s defense is at stake. The area where drilling would occur is just a dot in this vast land, yet they would gamble the strength of our nation in behalf of their favorite word --"pristine."

At the same time, technology is advancing and we may not need the oil later. But we do need it now.

Henry Lamb of Eco-logic, Restructuring the U.N.,

The world changed on 9-11. No longer can the world tilt at the windmills of a fantasized "global village." No longer can visions of "sustainable development" be justified in a world where "sustainable freedom" is the only possible solution to the economic and power vacuum that foments acts of terrorism.

There is a better way.

Nations can and, ultimately, must learn to live as neighbors, free from the web of "international laws" that dictate which activities are "sustainable" and which are xenophobic and unacceptable. Nation-to-nation relationships, just like neighbor-to-neighbor relationships, should be fashioned voluntarily, driven by mutual benefit. For the first time in a century, the United States may be exploring this possibility.

Henry Lamb is right. We can live as neighbors with other nations but we do not need to live under a "web of international law." There are dedicated citizens in the United States who are wise enough to set our nation’s guidelines without following Agenda 21 and Sustainable Development as set forth by the United Nations.
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And demo(fat)cats wonder why, most Christians don't trust them.

[Soldier4Christ]

This is what I have referred to a number of times on here in different threads.

[Shammu]

This is what I have referred to a number of times on here in different threads.

I know, but I found the whole text of AGENDA 21. I was going to share with you.  So that we both can post on this. All 40 parts of AGENDA 21.

[Shammu]

 REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

(Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992)

Chapter 1

PREAMBLE*



1.1.  Humanity stands at a defining moment in history.  We are confronted with
a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of
poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration
of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being.  However, integration
of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will
lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all,
better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future.
No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global
partnership for sustainable development.

1.2.  This global partnership must build on the premises of General Assembly
resolution 44/228 of 22 December 1989, which was adopted when the nations of
the world called for the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, and on the acceptance of the need to take a balanced and
integrated approach to environnment and development questions.

1.3.  Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at
preparing the world for the challenges of the next century.  It reflects a
global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development
and environment cooperation.  Its successful implementation is first and
foremost the responsibility of Governments.  National strategies, plans,
policies and processes are crucial in achieving this.  International
cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts.  In this
context, the United Nations system has a key role to play.  Other
international, regional and subregional organizations are also called upon to
contribute to this effort.  The broadest public participation and the active
involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also
be encouraged.

1.4.  The developmental and environmental objectives of Agenda 21 will require
a substantial flow of new and additional financial resources to developing
countries, in order to cover the incremental costs for the actions they have
to undertake to deal with global environmental problems and to accelerate
sustainable development.  Financial resources are also required for
strengthening the capacity of international institutions for the
implementation of Agenda 21.  An indicative order-of-magnitude assessment of
costs is included in each of the programme areas.  This assessment will need
to be examined and refined by the relevant implementing agencies and
organizations.

1.5.  In the implementation of the relevant programme areas identified in
Agenda 21, special attention should be given to the particular circumstances
facing the economies in transition.  It must also be recognized that these
countries are facing unprecedented challenges in transforming their economies,
in some cases in the midst of considerable social and political tension.

1.6.  The programme areas that constitute Agenda 21 are described in terms of
the basis for action, objectives, activities and means of implementation.
Agenda 21 is a dynamic programme.  It will be carried out by the various
actors according to the different situations, capacities and priorities of
countries and regions in full respect of all the principles contained in the
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.  It could evolve over time in
the light of changing needs and circumstances.  This process marks the
beginning of a new global partnership for sustainable development.


* * * * *

      *      When the term "Governments" is used, it will be deemed to
include the European Economic Community within its areas of competence.
Throughout Agenda 21 the term "environmentally sound" means "environmentally
safe and sound", in particular when applied to the terms "energy sources",
"energy supplies", "energy systems" and "technology" or "technologies".

[nChrist]

I think that I'm far too shy on this subject, but I don't think the United Nations could manage a Cub Scout Pack without corruption and fraud. They would manage to spend millions and not even get the kids out camping. If they did get the kids out camping, extra security would be required to prevent the U.N. from molesting the kids.

Everything the U.N. touches is corrupted, and they have stolen billions of American tax dollars over the years. Their greatest accomplishments have been humanitarian in nature, but that was coupled with gross corruption and fraud. It's time to send the U.N. home and give the only job they were capable of doing to some organization that can be trusted. Maybe we could keep them around long enough to prosecute them and and be done with them.

In the meantime, I'll work on trying to develop an opinion about the U.N.   

[Shammu]

SECTION I.  SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS


INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC POLICIES


INTRODUCTION

2.1.  In order to meet the challenges of environment and development, States
have decided to establish a new global partnership.  This partnership commits
all States to engage in a continuous and constructive dialogue, inspired by
the need to achieve a more efficient and equitable world economy, keeping in
view the increasing interdependence of the community of nations and that
sustainable development should become a priority item on the agenda of the
international community.  It is recognized that, for the success of this new
partnership, it is important to overcome confrontation and to foster a climate
of genuine cooperation and solidarity.  It is equally important to strengthen
national and international policies and multinational cooperation to adapt to
the new realities.

2.2.  Economic policies of individual countries and international economic
relations both have great relevance to sustainable development.  The
reactivation and acceleration of development requires both a dynamic and a
supportive international economic environment and determined policies at the
national level.  It will be frustrated in the absence of either of these
requirements.  A supportive external economic environment is crucial.  The
development process will not gather momentum if the global economy lacks
dynamism and stability and is beset with uncertainties.  Neither will it
gather momentum if the developing countries are weighted down by external
indebtedness, if development finance is inadequate, if barriers restrict
access to markets and if commodity prices and the terms of trade of developing
countries remain depressed.  The record of the 1980s was essentially negative
on each of these counts and needs to be reversed.  The policies and measures
needed to create an international environment that is strongly supportive of
national development efforts are thus vital.  International cooperation in
this area should be designed to complement and support - not to diminish or
subsume - sound domestic economic policies, in both developed and developing
countries, if global progress towards sustainable development is to be
achieved.

2.3.  The international economy should provide a supportive international
climate for achieving environment and development goals by:

     (a)   Promoting sustainable development through trade liberalization;

     (b)   Making trade and environment mutually supportive;

     (c)   Providing adequate financial resources to developing countries and
dealing with international debt;

     (d)   Encouraging macroeconomic policies conducive to environment and
development.

2.4.  Governments recognize that there is a new global effort to relate the
elements of the international economic system and mankind's need for a safe
and stable natural environment.  Therefore, it is the intent of Governments
that consensus-building at the intersection of the environmental and trade and
development areas will be ongoing in existing international forums, as well
as in the domestic policy of each country.


                             PROGRAMME AREAS

           A.  Promoting sustainable development through trade

Basis for action

2.5.  An open, equitable, secure, non-discriminatory and predictable
multilateral trading system that is consistent with the goals of sustainable
development and leads to the optimal distribution of global production in
accordance with comparative advantage is of benefit to all trading partners.
Moreover, improved market access for developing countries' exports in
conjunction with sound macroeconomic and environmental policies would have a
positive environmental impact and therefore make an important contribution
towards sustainable development.

2.6.  Experience has shown that sustainable development requires a commitment
to sound economic policies and management, an effective and predictable public
administration, the integration of environmental concerns into decision-making
and progress towards democratic government, in the light of country-specific
conditions, which allows for full participation of all parties concerned.
These attributes are essential for the fulfilment of the policy directions and
objectives listed below.

2.7.  The commodity sector dominates the economies of many developing
countries in terms of production, employment and export earnings.  An
important feature of the world commodity economy in the 1980s was the
prevalence of very low and declining real prices for most commodities in
international markets and a resulting substantial contraction in commodity
export earnings for many producing countries.  The ability of those countries
to mobilize, through international trade, the resources needed to finance
investments required for sustainable development may be impaired by this
development and by tariff and non-tariff impediments, including tariff
escalation, limiting their access to export markets.  The removal of existing
distortions in international trade is essential.  In particular, the
achievement of this objective requires that there be substantial and
progressive reduction in the support and protection of agriculture - covering
internal regimes, market access and export subsidies - as well as of industry
and other sectors, in order to avoid inflicting large losses on the more
efficient producers, especially in developing countries.  Thus, in
agriculture, industry and other sectors, there is scope for initiatives aimed
at trade liberalization and at policies to make production more responsive to
environment and development needs.  Trade liberalization should therefore be
pursued on a global basis across economic sectors so as to contribute to
sustainable development.

2.8.  The international trading environment has been affected by a number of
developments that have created new challenges and opportunities and have made
multilateral economic cooperation of even greater importance.  World trade has
continued to grow faster than world output in recent years.  However, the
expansion of world trade has been unevenly spread, and only a limited number
of developing countries have been capable of achieving appreciable growth in
their exports.  Protectionist pressures and unilateral policy actions continue
to endanger the functioning of an open multilateral trading system, affecting
particularly the export interests of developing countries.  Economic
integration processes have intensified in recent years and should impart
dynamism to global trade and enhance the trade and development possibilities
for developing countries.  In recent years, a growing number of these
countries have adopted courageous policy reforms involving ambitious
autonomous trade liberalization, while far-reaching reforms and profound
restructuring processes are taking place in Central and Eastern European
countries, paving the way for their integration into the world economy and the
international trading system.  Increased attention is being devoted to
enhancing the role of enterprises and promoting competitive markets through
adoption of competitive policies.  The GSP has proved to be a useful trade
policy instrument, although its objectives will have to be fulfilled, and
trade facilitation strategies relating to electronic data interchange (EDI)
have been effective in improving the trading efficiency of the public and
private sectors.  The interactions between environment policies and trade
issues are manifold and have not yet been fully assessed.  An early, balanced,
comprehensive and successful outcome of the Uruguay Round of multilateral
trade negotiations would bring about further liberalization and expansion of
world trade, enhance the trade and development possibilities of developing
countries and provide greater security and predictability to the international
trading system.

Objectives

2.9.  In the years ahead, and taking into account the results of the Uruguay
Round of multilateral trade negotiations, Governments should continue to
strive to meet the following objectives:

     (a)   To promote an open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral
trading system that will enable all countries - in particular, the developing
countries - to improve their economic structures and improve the standard of
living of their populations through sustained economic development;

     (b)   To improve access to markets for exports of developing countries;

     (c)   To improve the functioning of commodity markets and achieve sound,
compatible and consistent commodity policies at national and international
levels with a view to optimizing the contribution of the commodity sector to
sustainable development, taking into account environmental considerations;

     (d)   To promote and support policies, domestic and international, that
make economic growth and environmental protection mutually supportive.

[Shammu]

Activities

(a)  International and regional cooperation and coordination

     Promoting an international trading system that takes account of the
     needs of developing countries

2.10.  Accordingly, the international community should:

     (a)   Halt and reverse protectionism in order to bring about further
liberalization and expansion of world trade, to the benefit of all countries,
in particular the developing countries;

     (b)   Provide for an equitable, secure, non-discriminatory and
predictable international trading system;

     (c)   Facilitate, in a timely way, the integration of all countries into
the world economy and the international trading system;


     (d)   Ensure that environment and trade policies are mutually
supportive, with a view to achieving sustainable development;
                 (e)   Strengthen the international trade policies system through an
early, balanced, comprehensive and successful outcome of the Uruguay Round of
multilateral trade negotiations.

2.11.  The international community should aim at finding ways and means of
achieving a better functioning and enhanced transparency of commodity markets,
greater diversification of the commodity sector in developing economies within
a macroeconomic framework that takes into consideration a country's economic
structure, resource endowments and market opportunities, and better management
of natural resources that takes into account the necessities of sustainable
development.

2.12.  Therefore, all countries should implement previous commitments to halt
and reverse protectionism and further expand market access, particularly in
areas of interest to developing countries.  This improvement of market access
will be facilitated by appropriate structural adjustment in developed
countries.  Developing countries should continue the trade-policy reforms and
structural adjustment they have undertaken.  It is thus urgent to achieve an
improvement in market access conditions for commodities, notably through the
progressive removal of barriers that restrict imports, particularly from
developing countries, of commodity products in primary and processed forms,
as well as the substantial and progressive reduction of types of support that
induce uncompetitive production, such as production and export subsidies.

(b)  Management related activities

     Developing domestic policies that maximize the benefits of trade
     liberalization for sustainable development

2.13.  For developing countries to benefit from the liberalization of trading
systems, they should implement the following policies, as appropriate:

     (a)   Create a domestic environment supportive of an optimal balance
between production for the domestic and export markets and remove biases
against exports and discourage inefficient import-substitution;

     (b)   Promote the policy framework and the infrastructure required to
improve the efficiency of export and import trade as well as the functioning
of domestic markets.

2.14.  The following policies should be adopted by developing countries with
respect to commodities consistent with market efficiency:

     (a)   Expand processing, distribution and improve marketing practices
and the competitiveness of the commodity sector;

     (b)   Diversify in order to reduce dependence on commodity exports;

     (c)   Reflect efficient and sustainable use of factors of production in
the formation of commodity prices, including the reflection of environmental,
social and resources costs.

(c)  Data and information

     Encouraging data collection and research

2.15.  GATT, UNCTAD and other relevant institutions should continue to collect
appropriate trade data and information.  The Secretary-General of the United
Nations is requested to strengthen the Trade Control Measures Information
System managed by UNCTAD.

     Improving international cooperation in commodity trade and the
     diversification of the sector

2.16.  With regard to commodity trade, Governments should, directly or through
appropriate international organizations, where appropriate:

     (a)   Seek optimal functioning of commodity markets, inter alia, through
improved market transparency involving exchanges of views and information on
investment plans, prospects and markets for individual commodities.
Substantive negotiations between producers and consumers should be pursued
with a view to achieving viable and more efficient international agreements
that take into account market trends, or arrangements, as well as study
groups.  In this regard, particular attention should be paid to the agreements
on cocoa, coffee, sugar and tropical timber.  The importance of international
commodity agreements and arrangements is underlined.  Occupational health and
safety matters, technology transfer and services associated with the
production, marketing and promotion of commodities, as well as environmental
considerations, should be taken into account;

     (b)   Continue to apply compensation mechanisms for shortfalls in
commodity export earnings of developing countries in order to encourage
diversification efforts;

     (c)   Provide assistance to developing countries upon request in the
design and implementation of commodity policies and the gathering and
utilization of information on commodity markets;

     (d)   Support the efforts of developing countries to promote the policy
framework and infrastructure required to improve the efficiency of export and
import trade;

     (e)   Support the diversification initiatives of the developing
countries at the national, regional and international levels.

Means of implementation

(a)  Financing and cost evaluation

2.17.  The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost
(1993-2000) of implementing the activities in this programme area to be about
$8.8 billion from the international community on grant or concessional terms.
These are indicative and order-of-magnitude estimates only and have not been
reviewed by Governments.  Actual costs and financial terms, including any that
are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies
and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b)  Capacity-building

2.18.  The above-mentioned technical cooperation activities aim at
strengthening national capabilities for design and implementation of commodity
policy, use and management of national resources and the gathering and
utilization of information on commodity markets.

          B.  Making trade and environment mutually supportive

[Shammu]

Basis for action

2.19.  Environment and trade policies should be mutually supportive.  An open,
multilateral trading system makes possible a more efficient allocation and use
of resources and thereby contributes to an increase in production and incomes
and to lessening demands on the environment.  It thus provides additional
resources needed for economic growth and development and improved
environmental protection.  A sound environment, on the other hand, provides
the ecological and other resources needed to sustain growth and underpin a
continuing expansion of trade.  An open, multilateral trading system,
supported by the adoption of sound environmental policies, would have a
positive impact on the environment and contribute to sustainable development.

2.20.  International cooperation in the environmental field is growing, and
in a number of cases trade provisions in multilateral environment agreements
have played a role in tackling global environmental challenges.  Trade
measures have thus been used in certain specific instances, where considered
necessary, to enhance the effectiveness of environmental regulations for the
protection of the environment.  Such regulations should address the root
causes of environmental degradation so as not to result in unjustified
restrictions on trade.  The challenge is to ensure that trade and environment
policies are consistent and reinforce the process of sustainable development.
However, account should be taken of the fact that environmental standards
valid for developed countries may have unwarranted social and economic costs
in developing countries.

Objectives

2.21.  Governments should strive to meet the following objectives, through
relevant multilateral forums, including GATT, UNCTAD and other international
organizations:

     (a)   To make international trade and environment policies mutually
supportive in favour of sustainable development;

     (b)   To clarify the role of GATT, UNCTAD and other international
organizations in dealing with trade and environment-related issues, including,
where relevant, conciliation procedure and dispute settlement;

     (c)   To encourage international productivity and competitiveness and
encourage a constructive role on the part of industry in dealing with
environment and development issues.


Activities

     Developing an environment/trade and development agenda

2.22.  Governments should encourage GATT, UNCTAD and other relevant
international and regional economic institutions to examine, in accordance
with their respective mandates and competences, the following propositions and
principles:

     (a)   Elaborate adequate studies for the better understanding of the
relationship between trade and environment for the promotion of sustainable
development;

     (b)   Promote a dialogue between trade, development and environment
communities;

     (c)   In those cases when trade measures related to environment are
used, ensure transparency and compatibility with international obligations;

     (d)   Deal with the root causes of environment and development problems
in a manner that avoids the adoption of environmental measures resulting in
unjustified restrictions on trade;

     (e)   Seek to avoid the use of trade restrictions or distortions as a
means to offset differences in cost arising from differences in environmental
standards and regulations, since their application could lead to trade
distortions and increase protectionist tendencies;

     (f)   Ensure that environment-related regulations or standards,
including those related to health and safety standards, do not constitute a
means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction
on trade;

     (g)   Ensure that special factors affecting environment and trade
policies in the developing countries are borne in mind in the application of
environmental standards, as well as in the use of any trade measures.  It is
worth noting that standards that are valid in the most advanced countries may
be inappropriate and of unwarranted social cost for the developing countries;

     (h)   Encourage participation of developing countries in multilateral
agreements through such mechanisms as special transitional rules;

     (i)   Avoid unilateral actions to deal with environmental challenges
outside the jurisdiction of the importing country.  Environmental measures
addressing transborder or global environmental problems should, as far as
possible, be based on an international consensus.  Domestic measures targeted
to achieve certain environmental objectives may need trade measures to render
them effective.  Should trade policy measures be found necessary for the
enforcement of environmental policies, certain principles and rules should
apply.  These could include, inter alia, the principle of non-discrimination;
the principle that the trade measure chosen should be the least
trade-restrictive necessary to achieve the objectives; an obligation to ensure
transparency in the use of trade measures related to the environment and to
provide adequate notification of national regulations; and the need to give
consideration to the special conditions and developmental requirements of
developing countries as they move towards internationally agreed environmental
objectives;

     (j)   Develop more precision, where necessary, and clarify the
relationship between GATT provisions and some of the multilateral measures
adopted in the environment area;

     (k)   Ensure public input in the formation, negotiation and
implementation of trade policies as a means of fostering increased
transparency in the light of country-specific conditions;

     (l)   Ensure that environmental policies provide the appropriate legal
and institutional framework to respond to new needs for the protection of the
environment that may result from changes in production and trade
specialization.


            C.  Providing adequate financial resources to developing
                countries

Basis for action

2.23.  Investment is critical to the ability of developing countries to
achieve needed economic growth to improve the welfare of their populations and
to meet their basic needs in a sustainable manner, all without deteriorating
or depleting the resource base that underpins development.  Sustainable
development requires increased investment, for which domestic and external
financial resources are needed.  Foreign private investment and the return of
flight capital, which depend on a healthy investment climate, are an important
source of financial resources.  Many developing countries have experienced a
decade-long situation of negative net transfer of financial resources, during
which their financial receipts were exceeded by payments they had to make, in
particular for debt-servicing.  As a result, domestically mobilized resources
had to be transferred abroad instead of being invested locally in order to
promote sustainable economic development.

[Shammu]

Basis for action

2.19.  Environment and trade policies should be mutually supportive.  An open,
multilateral trading system makes possible a more efficient allocation and use
of resources and thereby contributes to an increase in production and incomes
and to lessening demands on the environment.  It thus provides additional
resources needed for economic growth and development and improved
environmental protection.  A sound environment, on the other hand, provides
the ecological and other resources needed to sustain growth and underpin a
continuing expansion of trade.  An open, multilateral trading system,
supported by the adoption of sound environmental policies, would have a
positive impact on the environment and contribute to sustainable development.

2.20.  International cooperation in the environmental field is growing, and
in a number of cases trade provisions in multilateral environment agreements
have played a role in tackling global environmental challenges.  Trade
measures have thus been used in certain specific instances, where considered
necessary, to enhance the effectiveness of environmental regulations for the
protection of the environment.  Such regulations should address the root
causes of environmental degradation so as not to result in unjustified
restrictions on trade.  The challenge is to ensure that trade and environment
policies are consistent and reinforce the process of sustainable development.
However, account should be taken of the fact that environmental standards
valid for developed countries may have unwarranted social and economic costs
in developing countries.

Objectives

2.21.  Governments should strive to meet the following objectives, through
relevant multilateral forums, including GATT, UNCTAD and other international
organizations:

     (a)   To make international trade and environment policies mutually
supportive in favour of sustainable development;

     (b)   To clarify the role of GATT, UNCTAD and other international
organizations in dealing with trade and environment-related issues, including,
where relevant, conciliation procedure and dispute settlement;

     (c)   To encourage international productivity and competitiveness and
encourage a constructive role on the part of industry in dealing with
environment and development issues.


Activities

     Developing an environment/trade and development agenda

2.22.  Governments should encourage GATT, UNCTAD and other relevant
international and regional economic institutions to examine, in accordance
with their respective mandates and competences, the following propositions and
principles:

     (a)   Elaborate adequate studies for the better understanding of the
relationship between trade and environment for the promotion of sustainable
development;

     (b)   Promote a dialogue between trade, development and environment
communities;

     (c)   In those cases when trade measures related to environment are
used, ensure transparency and compatibility with international obligations;

     (d)   Deal with the root causes of environment and development problems
in a manner that avoids the adoption of environmental measures resulting in
unjustified restrictions on trade;

     (e)   Seek to avoid the use of trade restrictions or distortions as a
means to offset differences in cost arising from differences in environmental
standards and regulations, since their application could lead to trade
distortions and increase protectionist tendencies;

     (f)   Ensure that environment-related regulations or standards,
including those related to health and safety standards, do not constitute a
means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction
on trade;

     (g)   Ensure that special factors affecting environment and trade
policies in the developing countries are borne in mind in the application of
environmental standards, as well as in the use of any trade measures.  It is
worth noting that standards that are valid in the most advanced countries may
be inappropriate and of unwarranted social cost for the developing countries;

     (h)   Encourage participation of developing countries in multilateral
agreements through such mechanisms as special transitional rules;

     (i)   Avoid unilateral actions to deal with environmental challenges
outside the jurisdiction of the importing country.  Environmental measures
addressing transborder or global environmental problems should, as far as
possible, be based on an international consensus.  Domestic measures targeted
to achieve certain environmental objectives may need trade measures to render
them effective.  Should trade policy measures be found necessary for the
enforcement of environmental policies, certain principles and rules should
apply.  These could include, inter alia, the principle of non-discrimination;
the principle that the trade measure chosen should be the least
trade-restrictive necessary to achieve the objectives; an obligation to ensure
transparency in the use of trade measures related to the environment and to
provide adequate notification of national regulations; and the need to give
consideration to the special conditions and developmental requirements of
developing countries as they move towards internationally agreed environmental
objectives;

     (j)   Develop more precision, where necessary, and clarify the
relationship between GATT provisions and some of the multilateral measures
adopted in the environment area;

     (k)   Ensure public input in the formation, negotiation and
implementation of trade policies as a means of fostering increased
transparency in the light of country-specific conditions;

     (l)   Ensure that environmental policies provide the appropriate legal
and institutional framework to respond to new needs for the protection of the
environment that may result from changes in production and trade
specialization.


            C.  Providing adequate financial resources to developing
                countries

Basis for action

2.23.  Investment is critical to the ability of developing countries to
achieve needed economic growth to improve the welfare of their populations and
to meet their basic needs in a sustainable manner, all without deteriorating
or depleting the resource base that underpins development.  Sustainable
development requires increased investment, for which domestic and external
financial resources are needed.  Foreign private investment and the return of
flight capital, which depend on a healthy investment climate, are an important
source of financial resources.  Many developing countries have experienced a
decade-long situation of negative net transfer of financial resources, during
which their financial receipts were exceeded by payments they had to make, in
particular for debt-servicing.  As a result, domestically mobilized resources
had to be transferred abroad instead of being invested locally in order to
promote sustainable economic development.

[Shammu]

2.32.  Good management that fosters the association of effective, efficient,
honest, equitable and accountable public administration with individual rights
and opportunities is an essential element for sustainable, broadly based
development and sound economic performance at all development levels.  All
countries should increase their efforts to eradicate mismanagement of public
and private affairs, including corruption, taking into account the factors
responsible for, and agents involved in, this phenomenon. 

2.33.  Many indebted developing countries are undergoing structural adjustment
programmes relating to debt rescheduling or new loans.  While such programmes
are necessary for improving the balance in fiscal budgets and
balance-of-payments accounts, in some cases they have resulted in adverse
social and environmental effects, such as cuts in allocations for health care,
education and environmental protection.  It is important to ensure that
structural adjustment programmes do not have negative impacts on the
environment and social development so that such programmes can be more in line
with the objectives of sustainable development.

Objectives

2.34.  It is necessary to establish, in the light of the country-specific
conditions, economic policy reforms that promote the efficient planning and
utilization of resources for sustainable development through sound economic
and social policies, foster entrepreneurship and the incorporation of social
and environmental costs in resource pricing, and remove sources of distortion
in the area of trade and investment.

Activities

(a)  Management-related activities

     Promoting sound economic policies

2.35.  The industrialized countries and other countries in a position to do
so should strengthen their efforts:

     (a)   To encourage a stable and predictable international economic
environment, particularly with regard to monetary stability, real rates of
interest and fluctuations in key exchange rates;

     (b)   To stimulate savings and reduce fiscal deficits;

     (c)   To ensure that the processes of policy coordination take into
account the interests and concerns of the developing countries, including the
need to promote positive action to support the efforts of the least developed
countries to halt their marginalization in the world economy;

     (d)   To undertake appropriate national macroeconomic and structural
policies aimed at promoting non-inflationary growth, narrowing their major
external imbalances and increasing the adjustment capacity of their economies.

2.36.  Developing countries should consider strengthening their efforts to
implement sound economic policies:

     (a)   That maintain the monetary and fiscal discipline required to
promote price stability and external balance;

     (b)   That result in realistic exchange rates;

     (c)   That raise domestic savings and investment, as well as improve
returns to investment.

2.37.  More specifically, all countries should develop policies that improve
efficiency in the allocation of resources and take full advantage of the
opportunities offered by the changing global economic environment.  In
particular, wherever appropriate, and taking into account national strategies
and objectives, countries should:

     (a)   Remove the barriers to progress caused by bureaucratic
inefficiencies, administrative strains, unnecessary controls and the neglect
of market conditions;

     (b)   Promote transparency in administration and decision-making;

     (c)   Encourage the private sector and foster entrepreneurship by
improving institutional facilities for enterprise creation and market entry.
The essential objective would be to simplify or remove the restrictions,
regulations and formalities that make it more complicated, costly and
time-consuming to set up and operate enterprises in many developing countries;

     (d)   Promote and support the investment and infrastructure required for
sustainable economic growth and diversification on an environmentally sound
and sustainable basis;

     (e)   Provide scope for appropriate economic instruments, including
market mechanisms, in harmony with the objectives of sustainable development
and fulfilment of basic needs;

     (f)   Promote the operation of effective tax systems and financial
sectors;

     (g)   Provide opportunities for small-scale enterprises, both farm and
non-farm, and for the indigenous population and local communities to
contribute fully to the attainment of sustainable development;

     (h)   Remove biases against exports and in favour of inefficient import
substitution and establish policies that allow them to benefit fully from the
flows of foreign investment, within the framework of national, social,
economic and developmental goals;

     (i)   Promote the creation of a domestic economic environment supportive
of an optimal balance between production for the domestic and export markets.


(b)  International and regional cooperation and coordination

2.38.  Governments of developed countries and those of other countries in a
position to do so should, directly or through appropriate international and
regional organizations and international lending institutions, enhance their
efforts to provide developing countries with increased technical assistance
for the following:

     (a)   Capacity-building in the nation's design and implementation of
economic policies, upon request;

     (b)   Design and operation of efficient tax systems, accounting systems
and financial sectors;

     (c)   Promotion of entrepreneurship.

2.39.  International financial and development institutions should further
review their policies and programmes in the light of the objective of
sustainable development.

2.40.  Stronger economic cooperation among developing countries has long been
accepted as an important component of efforts to promote economic growth and
technological capabilities and to accelerate development in the developing
world.  Therefore, the efforts of the developing countries to promote economic
cooperation among themselves should be enhanced and continue to be supported
by the international community.

Means of implementation

(a)  Financing and cost evaluation

2.41.  The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost
(1993-2000) of implementing the activities in this programme area to be about
$50 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms.
These are indicative and order-of-magnitude estimates only and have not been
reviewed by Governments.  Actual costs and financial terms, including any that
are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies
and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b)  Capacity-building

2.42.  The above-mentioned policy changes in developing countries involve
substantial national efforts for capacity-building in the areas of public
administration, central banking, tax administration, savings institutions and
financial markets.

2.43.  Particular efforts in the implementation of the four programme areas
identified in this chapter are warranted in view of the especially acute
environmental and developmental problems of the least developed countries.


END OF CHAPTER 2

[Soldier4Christ]

Chapter 3

                            COMBATING POVERTY


                             PROGRAMME AREA

          Enabling the poor to achieve sustainable livelihoods

Basis for action

3.1. Poverty is a complex multidimensional problem with origins in both the
national and international domains.  No uniform solution can be found for
global application.  Rather, country-specific programmes to tackle poverty and
international efforts supporting national efforts, as well as the parallel
process of creating a supportive international environment, are crucial for
a solution to this problem.  The eradication of poverty and hunger, greater
equity in income distribution and human resource development remain major
challenges everywhere.  The struggle against poverty is the shared
responsibility of all countries.

3.2. While managing resources sustainably, an environmental policy that
focuses mainly on the conservation and protection of resources must take due
account of those who depend on the resources for their livelihoods.  Otherwise
it could have an adverse impact both on poverty and on chances for long-term
success in resource and environmental conservation.  Equally, a development
policy that focuses mainly on increasing the production of goods without
addressing the sustainability of the resources on which production is based
will sooner or later run into declining productivity, which could also have
an adverse impact on poverty.  A specific anti-poverty strategy is therefore
one of the basic conditions for ensuring sustainable development.  An
effective strategy for tackling the problems of poverty, development and
environment simultaneously should begin by focusing on resources, production
and people and should cover demographic issues, enhanced health care and
education, the rights of women, the role of youth and of indigenous people and
local communities and a democratic participation process in association with
improved governance.

3.3. Integral to such action is, together with international support, the
promotion of economic growth in developing countries that is both sustained
and sustainable and direct action in eradicating poverty by strengthening
employment and income-generating programmes.

Objectives
3.4.             The long-term objective of enabling all people to achieve sustainable
livelihoods should provide an integrating factor that allows policies to
address issues of development, sustainable resource management and poverty
eradication simultaneously.  The objectives of this programme area are:

    (a)  To provide all persons urgently with the opportunity to earn a
sustainable livelihood;

    (b)  To implement policies and strategies that promote adequate levels
of funding and focus on integrated human development policies, including
income generation, increased local control of resources, local
institution-strengthening and capacity-building and greater involvement of
non-governmental organizations and local levels of government as delivery
mechanisms;

    (c)  To develop for all poverty-stricken areas integrated strategies and
programmes of sound and sustainable management of the environment, resource
mobilization, poverty eradication and alleviation, employment and income
generation;

    (d)  To create a focus in national development plans and budgets on
investment in human capital, with special policies and programmes directed at
rural areas, the urban poor, women and children.

Activities

3.5.  Activities that will contribute to the integrated promotion of
sustainable livelihoods and environmental protection cover a variety of
sectoral interventions involving a range of actors, from local to global, and
are essential at every level, especially the community and local levels.
Enabling actions will be necessary at the national and international levels,
taking full account of regional and subregional conditions to support a
locally driven and country-specific approach.  In general design, the
programmes should:

    (a)  Focus on the empowerment of local and community groups through the
principle of delegating authority, accountability and resources to the most
appropriate level to ensure that the programme will be geographically and
ecologically specific;

    (b)  Contain immediate measures to enable those groups to alleviate
poverty and to develop sustainability;

    (c)  Contain a long-term strategy aimed at establishing the best possible
conditions for sustainable local, regional and national development that would
eliminate poverty and reduce the inequalities between various population
groups.  It should assist the most disadvantaged groups - in particular,
women, children and youth within those groups -  and refugees.  The groups
will include poor smallholders, pastoralists, artisans, fishing communities,
landless people, indigenous communities, migrants and the urban informal
sector.

3.6.  The focus here is on specific cross-cutting measures - in particular,
in the areas of basic education, primary/maternal health care, and the
advancement of women.

(a) Empowering communities

3.7.  Sustainable development must be achieved at every level of society.
Peoples' organizations, women's groups and non-governmental organizations are
important sources of innovation and action at the local level and have a
strong interest and proven ability to promote sustainable livelihoods.
Governments, in cooperation with appropriate international and
non-governmental organizations, should support a community-driven approach to
sustainability, which would include, inter alia:

    (a)  Empowering women through full participation in decision-making;

    (b)  Respecting the cultural integrity and the rights of indigenous
people and their communities;

    (c)  Promoting or establishing grass-roots mechanisms to allow for the
sharing of experience and knowledge between communities;

    (d)  Giving communities a large measure of participation in the
sustainable management and protection of the local natural resources in order
to enhance their productive capacity;

    (e)  Establishing a network of community-based learning centres for
capacity-building and sustainable development.

(b) Management-related activities

3.8.  Governments, with the assistance of and in cooperation with appropriate
international, non-governmental and local community organizations, should
establish measures that will directly or indirectly:

    (a)  Generate remunerative employment and productive occupational
opportunities compatible with country-specific factor endowments, on a scale
sufficient to take care of prospective increases in the labour force and to
cover backlogs;

    (b)  With international support, where necessary, develop adequate
infrastructure, marketing systems, technology systems, credit systems and the
like and the human resources needed to support the above actions and to
achieve a widening of options for resource-poor people.  High priority should
be given to basic education and professional training;

    (c)  Provide substantial increases in economically efficient resource
productivity and measures to ensure that the local population benefits in
adequate measure from resource use;

    (d)  Empower community organizations and people to enable them to achieve
sustainable livelihoods;

    (e)  Set up an effective primary health care and maternal health care
system accessible to all;

    (f)  Consider strengthening/developing legal frameworks for land
management, access to land resources and land ownership - in particular, for
women - and for the protection of tenants;

    (g)  Rehabilitate degraded resources, to the extent practicable, and
introduce policy measures to promote sustainable use of resources for basic
human needs;

    (h)  Establish new community-based mechanisms and strengthen existing
mechanisms to enable communities to gain sustained access to resources needed
by the poor to overcome their poverty;

    (i)  Implement mechanisms for popular participation - particularly by
poor people, especially women - in local community groups, to promote
sustainable development;

 cont'd

[Soldier4Christ]

   (j)  Implement, as a matter of urgency, in accordance with
country-specific conditions and legal systems, measures to ensure that women
and men have the same right to decide freely and responsibly on the number and
spacing of their children and have access to the information, education and
means, as appropriate, to enable them to exercise this right in keeping with
their freedom, dignity and personally held values, taking into account ethical
and cultural considerations.  Governments should take active steps to
implement programmes to establish and strengthen preventive and curative
health facilities, which include women-centred, women-managed, safe and
effective reproductive health care and affordable, accessible services, as
appropriate, for the responsible planning of family size, in keeping with
freedom, dignity and personally held values, taking into account ethical and
cultural considerations.  Programmes should focus on providing comprehensive
health care, including pre-natal care, education and information on health and
responsible parenthood and should provide the opportunity for all women to
breast-feed fully, at least during the first four months post-partum.
Programmes should fully support women's productive and reproductive roles and
well-being, with special attention to the need for providing equal and
improved health care for all children and the need to reduce the risk of
maternal and child mortality and sickness;

    (k)  Adopt integrated policies aiming at sustainability in the management
of urban centres;

    (l)  Undertake activities aimed at the promotion of food security and,
where appropriate, food self-sufficiency within the context of sustainable
agriculture;

    (m)  Support research on and integration of traditional methods of
production that have been shown to be environmentally sustainable;

    (n)  Actively seek to recognize and integrate informal-sector activities
into the economy by removing regulations and hindrances that discriminate
against activities in those sectors;

    (o)  Consider making available lines of credit and other facilities for
the informal sector and improved access to land for the landless poor so that
they can acquire the means of production and reliable access to natural
resources.  In many instances special considerations for women are required.
Strict feasibility appraisals are needed for borrowers to avoid debt crises;

    (p)  Provide the poor with access to fresh water and sanitation;

    (q)  Provide the poor with access to primary education.

(c) Data, information and evaluation

3.9.  Governments should improve the collection of information on target
groups and target areas in order to facilitate the design of focused
programmes and activities, consistent with the target-group needs and
aspirations.  Evaluation of such programmes should be gender-specific, since
women are a particularly disadvantaged group.

(d) International and regional cooperation and coordination

3.10.  The United Nations system, through its relevant organs, organizations
and bodies, in cooperation with Member States and with appropriate
international and non-governmental organizations, should make poverty
alleviation a major priority and should:

    (a)  Assist Governments, when requested, in the formulation and
implementation of national action programmes on poverty alleviation and
sustainable development.  Action-oriented activities of relevance to the above
objectives, such as poverty eradication, projects and programmes supplemented
where relevant by food aid, and support and special emphasis on employment and
income generation, should be given particular attention in this regard;

    (b)  Promote technical cooperation among developing countries for poverty
eradication activities;

    (c)  Strengthen existing structures in the United Nations system for
coordination of action relating to poverty eradication, including the
establishment of a focal point for information exchange and the formulation
and implementation of replicable pilot projects to combat poverty;

    (d)  In the follow-up of the implementation of Agenda 21, give high
priority to the review of the progress made in eradicating poverty;

    (e)  Examine the international economic framework, including resource
flows and structural adjustment programmes, to ensure that social and
environmental concerns are addressed, and in this connection, conduct a review
of the policies of international organizations, bodies and agencies, including
financial institutions, to ensure the continued provision of basic services
to the poor and needy;

    (f)  Promote international cooperation to address the root causes of
poverty.  The development process will not gather momentum if developing
countries are weighted down by external indebtedness, if development finance
is inadequate, if barriers restrict access to markets and if commodity prices
and the terms of trade in developing countries remain depressed.

Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

3.11.  The secretariat of the Conference has estimated the average total
annual cost (1993-2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to
be about $30 billion, including about $15 billion from the international
community on grant or concessional terms.  These are indicative and
order-of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments.
This estimate overlaps estimates in other parts of Agenda 21.  Actual costs
and financial terms, including any that are non-concessional, will depend
upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide
upon for implementation.

(b) Capacity-building

3.12.  National capacity-building for implementation of the above activities
is crucial and should be given high priority.  It is particularly important
to focus capacity-building at the local community level in order to support
a community-driven approach to sustainability and to establish and strengthen
mechanisms to allow sharing of experience and knowledge between community
groups at national and international levels.  Requirements for such activities
are considerable and are related to the various relevant sectors of Agenda 21
calling for requisite international, financial and technological support.


END OF CHAPTER 3

[Shammu]

CHANGING CONSUMPTION PATTERNS


4.1.  This chapter contains the following programme areas:

     (a)   Focusing on unsustainable patterns of production and consumption;

     (b)   Developing national policies and strategies to encourage changes
in unsustainable consumption patterns.

4.2.  Since the issue of changing consumption patterns is very broad, it is
addressed in several parts of Agenda 21, notably those dealing with energy,
transportation and wastes, and in the chapters on economic instruments and the
transfer of technology.  The present chapter should also be read in
conjunction with chapter 5 (Demographic dynamics and sustainability).


                             PROGRAMME AREAS

                     A.  Focusing on unsustainable patterns
                         of production and consumption

Basis for action

4.3.  Poverty and environmental degradation are closely interrelated.  While
poverty results in certain kinds of environmental stress, the major cause of
the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable
pattern of consumption and production, particularly in industrialized
countries, which is a matter of grave concern, aggravating poverty and
imbalances.

4.4.  Measures to be undertaken at the international level for the protection
and enhancement of the environment must take fully into account the current
imbalances in the global patterns of consumption and production.

4.5.  Special attention should be paid to the demand for natural resources
generated by unsustainable consumption and to the efficient use of those
resources consistent with the goal of minimizing depletion and reducing
pollution.  Although consumption patterns are very high in certain parts of
the world, the basic consumer needs of a large section of humanity are not
being met.  This results in excessive demands and unsustainable lifestyles
among the richer segments, which place immense stress on the environment.  The
poorer segments, meanwhile, are unable to meet food, health care, shelter and
educational needs.  Changing consumption patterns will require a multipronged
strategy focusing on demand, meeting the basic needs of the poor, and reducing
wastage and the use of finite resources in the production process.

4.6.  Growing recognition of the importance of addressing consumption has also
not yet been matched by an understanding of its implications.  Some economists
are questioning traditional concepts of economic growth and underlining the
importance of pursuing economic objectives that take account of the full value
of natural resource capital.  More needs to be known about the role of
consumption in relation to economic growth and population dynamics in order
to formulate coherent international and national policies.

Objectives

4.7.  Action is needed to meet the following broad objectives:

    (a)  To promote patterns of consumption and production that reduce
environmental stress and will meet the basic needs of humanity;

    (b)  To develop a better understanding of the role of consumption and how
to bring about more sustainable consumption patterns.

Activities

(a) Management-related activities

    Adopting an international approach to achieving sustainable consumption
    patterns

4.8.  In principle, countries should be guided by the following basic
objectives in their efforts to address consumption and lifestyles in the
context of environment and development:

    (a)  All countries should strive to promote sustainable consumption
patterns;

    (b)  Developed countries should take the lead in achieving sustainable
consumption patterns;

    (c)  Developing countries should seek to achieve sustainable consumption
patterns in their development process, guaranteeing the provision of basic
needs for the poor, while avoiding those unsustainable patterns, particularly
in industrialized countries, generally recognized as unduly hazardous to the
environment, inefficient and wasteful, in their development processes.  This
requires enhanced technological and other assistance from industrialized
countries.

4.9.  In the follow-up of the implementation of Agenda 21 the review of
progress made in achieving sustainable consumption patterns should be given
high priority.


(b) Data and information

    Undertaking research on consumption

4.10.  In order to support this broad strategy, Governments, and/or private
research and policy institutes, with the assistance of regional and
international economic and environmental organizations, should make a
concerted effort to:

cont'd next post

[Shammu]

(a)  Expand or promote databases on production and consumption and
develop methodologies for analysing them;

    (b)  Assess the relationship between production and consumption,
environment, technological adaptation and innovation, economic growth and
development, and demographic factors;

                (c)  Examine the impact of ongoing changes in the structure of modern
industrial economies away from material-intensive economic growth;

    (d)  Consider how economies can grow and prosper while reducing the use
of energy and materials and the production of harmful materials;

    (e)  Identify balanced patterns of consumption worldwide which the Earth
can support in the long term.

    Developing new concepts of sustainable economic growth and prosperity

4.11.  Consideration should also be given to the present concepts of economic
growth and the need for new concepts of wealth and prosperity which allow
higher standards of living through changed lifestyles and are less dependent
on the Earth's finite resources and more in harmony with the Earth's carrying
capacity.  This should be reflected in the evolution of new systems of
national accounts and other indicators of sustainable development.

(c) International cooperation and coordination

4.12.  While international review processes exist for examining economic,
development and demographic factors, more attention needs to be paid to issues
related to consumption and production patterns and sustainable lifestyles and
environment.

4.13.  In the follow-up of the implementation of Agenda 21, reviewing the role
and impact of unsustainable production and consumption patterns and lifestyles
and their relation to sustainable development should be given high priority.

Financing and cost evaluation

4.14.  The Conference secretariat has estimated that implementation of this
programme is not likely to require significant new financial resources.


          B.  Developing national policies and strategies to encourage
              changes in unsustainable consumption patterns

Basis for action

4.15.  Achieving the goals of environmental quality and sustainable
development will require efficiency in production and changes in consumption
patterns in order to emphasize optimization of resource use and minimization
of waste.  In many instances, this will require reorientation of existing
production and consumption patterns that have developed in industrial
societies and are in turn emulated in much of the world.

4.16.  Progress can be made by strengthening positive trends and directions
that are emerging, as part of a process aimed at achieving significant changes
in the consumption patterns of industries, Governments, households and
individuals.

Objectives

4.17.  In the years ahead, Governments, working with appropriate
organizations, should strive to meet the following broad objectives:

    (a)  To promote efficiency in production processes and reduce wasteful
consumption in the process of economic growth, taking into account the
development needs of developing countries;

    (b)  To develop a domestic policy framework that will encourage a shift
to more sustainable patterns of production and consumption;

    (c)  To reinforce both values that encourage sustainable production and
consumption patterns and policies that encourage the transfer of
environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.

Activities
(a)             Encouraging greater efficiency in the use of energy and resources

4.18.  Reducing the amount of energy and materials used per unit in the
production of goods and services can contribute both to the alleviation of
environmental stress and to greater economic and industrial productivity and
competitiveness.  Governments, in cooperation with industry, should therefore
intensify efforts to use energy and resources in an economically efficient and
environmentally sound manner by:

    (a)  Encouraging the dissemination of existing environmentally sound
technologies;

    (b)  Promoting research and development in environmentally sound
technologies;

    (c)  Assisting developing countries to use these technologies efficiently
and to develop technologies suited to their particular circumstances;

    (d)  Encouraging the environmentally sound use of new and renewable
sources of energy;

    (e)  Encouraging the environmentally sound and sustainable use of
renewable natural resources.

(b) Minimizing the generation of wastes

4.19.  At the same time, society needs to develop effective ways of dealing
with the problem of disposing of mounting levels of waste products and
materials.  Governments, together with industry, households and the public,
should make a concerted effort to reduce the generation of wastes and waste
products by:

    (a)  Encouraging recycling in industrial processes and at the consumed
level;

    (b)  Reducing wasteful packaging of products;

    (c)  Encouraging the introduction of more environmentally sound products.


(c) Assisting individuals and households to make environmentally sound
    purchasing decisions

4.20.  The recent emergence in many countries of a more environmentally
conscious consumer public, combined with increased interest on the part of
some industries in providing environmentally sound consumer products, is a
significant development that should be encouraged.  Governments and
international organizations, together with the private sector, should develop
criteria and methodologies for the assessment of environmental impacts and
resource requirements throughout the full life cycle of products and
processes.  Results of those assessments should be transformed into clear
indicators in order to inform consumers and decision makers.

4.21.  Governments, in cooperation with industry and other relevant groups,
should encourage expansion of environmental labelling and other
environmentally related product information programmes designed to assist
consumers to make informed choices.

4.22.  They should also encourage the emergence of an informed consumer public
and assist individuals and households to make environmentally informed choices
by:

    (a)  Providing information on the consequences of consumption choices and
behaviour so as to encourage demand for environmentally sound products and use
of products;

    (b)  Making consumers aware of the health and environmental impact of
products, through such means as consumer legislation and environmental
labelling;
                (c)  Encouraging specific consumer-oriented programmes, such as recycling
and deposit/refund systems.

(d) Exercising leadership through government purchasing

4.23.  Governments themselves also play a role in consumption, particularly
in countries where the public sector plays a large role in the economy and can
have a considerable influence on both corporate decisions and public
perceptions.  They should therefore review the purchasing policies of their
agencies and departments so that they may improve, where possible, the
environmental content of government procurement policies, without prejudice
to international trade principles.

(e) Moving towards environmentally sound pricing

4.24.  Without the stimulus of prices and market signals that make clear to
producers and consumers the environmental costs of the consumption of energy,
materials and natural resources and the generation of wastes, significant
changes in consumption and production patterns seem unlikely to occur in the
near future.

4.25.  Some progress has begun in the use of appropriate economic instruments
to influence consumer behaviour.  These instruments include environmental
charges and taxes, deposit/refund systems, etc.  This process should be
encouraged in the light of country-specific conditions.

(f) Reinforcing values that support sustainable consumption

4.26.  Governments and private-sector organizations should promote more
positive attitudes towards sustainable consumption through education, public
awareness programmes and other means, such as positive advertising of products
and services that utilize environmentally sound technologies or encourage
sustainable production and consumption patterns.  In the review of the
implementation of Agenda 21, an assessment of the progress achieved in
developing these national policies and strategies should be given due
consideration.

Means of implementation

4.27.  This programme is concerned primarily with changes in unsustainable
patterns of consumption and production and values that encourage sustainable
consumption patterns and lifestyles.  It requires the combined efforts of
Governments, consumers and producers.  Particular attention should be paid to
the significant role played by women and households as consumers and the
potential impacts of their combined purchasing power on the economy.


END OF CHAPTER 4

[Soldier4Christ]

Chapter 5

                 DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY


5.1.  This chapter contains the following programme areas:

     (a)   Developing and disseminating knowledge concerning the links
between demographic trends and factors and sustainable development;

     (b)   Formulating integrated national policies for environment and
development, taking into account demographic trends and factors;

     (c)   Implementing integrated, environment and development programmes
at the local level, taking into account demographic trends and factors.


                             PROGRAMME AREAS

             A.  Developing and disseminating knowledge concerning
                 the links between demographic trends and factors
                 and sustainable development

Basis for action

5.2.  Demographic trends and factors and sustainable development have a
synergistic relationship.

5.3.  The growth of world population and production combined with
unsustainable consumption patterns places increasingly severe stress on the
life-supporting capacities of our planet.  These interactive processes affect
the use of land, water, air, energy and other resources.  Rapidly growing
cities, unless well-managed, face major environmental problems.  The increase
in both the number and size of cities calls for greater attention to issues
of local government and municipal management.  The human dimensions are key
elements to consider in this intricate set of relationships and they should
be adequately taken into consideration in comprehensive policies for
sustainable development.  Such policies should address the linkages of
demographic trends and factors, resource use, appropriate technology
dissemination, and development.  Population policy should also recognize the
role played by human beings in environmental and development concerns.  There
is a need to increase awareness of this issue among decision makers at all
levels and to provide both better information on which to base national and
international policies and a framework against which to interpret this
information.

5.4.  There is a need to develop strategies to mitigate both the adverse
impact on the environment of human activities and the adverse impact of
environmental change on human populations.  The world's population is expected
to exceed 8 billion by the year 2020.  Sixty per cent of the world's
population already live in coastal areas, while 65 per cent of cities with
populations above 2.5 million are located along the world coasts; several of
them are already at or below the present sea level.

Objectives

5.5.  The following objectives should be achieved as soon as practicable:

     (a)   To incorporate demographic trends and factors in the global
analysis of environment and development issues;

     (b)   To develop a better understanding of the relationships among
demographic dynamics, technology, cultural behaviour, natural resources and
life support systems;

     (c)   To assess human vulnerability in ecologically sensitive areas and
centres of population to determine the priorities for action at all levels,
taking full account of community defined needs.

Activities

     Research on the interaction between demographic trends and factors and
     sustainable development

5.6.  Relevant international, regional and national institutions should
consider undertaking the following activities:

     (a)   Identifying the interactions between demographic processes,
natural resources and life support systems, bearing in mind regional and
subregional variations deriving from, inter alia, different levels of
development;

     (b)   Integrating demographic trends and factors into the ongoing study
of environmental change, using the expertise of international, regional and
national research networks and of local communities, first, to study the human
dimensions of environmental change and, second, to identify vulnerable areas;

     (c)   Identifying priority areas for action and developing strategies
and programmes to mitigate the adverse impact of environmental change on human
populations, and vice versa.

Means of implementation

(a)  Financing and cost evaluation

5.7.  The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost
(1993-2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about
$10 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms.
These are indicative and order-of-magnitude estimates only and have not been
reviewed by Governments.  Actual costs and financial terms, including any that
are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies
and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.


(b)  Strengthening research programmes that integrate population,
     environment and development

5.8.  In order to integrate demographic analysis into a broader social science
perspective on environment and development, interdisciplinary research should
be increased.  International institutions and networks of experts should
enhance their scientific capacity, taking full account of community experience
and knowledge, and should disseminate the experience gained in
multidisciplinary approaches and in linking theory to action.
5.9.  Better modelling capabilities should be developed, identifying the range
of possible outcomes of current human activities, especially the interrelated
impact of demographic trends and factors, per capita resource use and wealth
distribution, as well as the major migration flows that may be expected with
increasing climatic events and cumulative environmental change that may
destroy people's local livelihoods.

(c)  Developing information and public awareness

5.10.  Socio-demographic information should be developed in a suitable format
for interfacing with physical, biological and socio-economic data.  Compatible
spatial and temporal scales, cross-country and time-series information, as
well as global behavioural indicators should be developed, learning from local
communities' perceptions and attitudes.

5.11.  Awareness should be increased at all levels concerning the need to
optimize the sustainable use of resources through efficient resource
management, taking into account the development needs of the populations of
developing countries.

5.12.  Awareness should be increased of the fundamental linkages between
improving the status of women and demographic dynamics, particularly through
women's access to education, primary and reproductive health care programmes,
economic independence and their effective, equitable participation in all
levels of decision-making.

5.13.  Results of research concerned with sustainable development issues
should be disseminated through technical reports, scientific journals, the
media, workshops, forums or other means so that the information can be used
by decision makers at all levels and increase public awareness.

(d)  Developing and/or enhancing institutional capacity and collaboration

cont'd