Preparatory Steps Leading to PrepCom and the UNCED
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1987 11 Dec GA RES 42/186 The Environmental Perspective to the Year 2000 and Beyond A/C.2/42/L.80" An approach to environmentally sound sustainable development to guide international cooperation. GA RES 42/187 "Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development" A/C.2/42/L.81 Discusses sustainable development at length and invites governments et. al. to engage in follow-up activities such as conferences. WCED Report published as "Our Common Future." 1988 6 Dec GA RES 43/55 "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind" A/43/905 see alsoA/45/696 and Add. 1 20 Dec GA RES 43/196 "A United Nations Conference on Environment and Development" A/43/915/Add. 7 Decides to consider at its 44th session, whether to convene a UN conference on the subject of the present resolution. 1989 May Decision 15/1 of the "Strengthening the Role and 1989 UN Governing Effectiveness of the United Nations Council Environmental Programme" Reaffirms UNEP as central catalyzing, coordinating, and stimulating body in the field of the environment in UN. 25 May Decision 15/3 of the "A United Nations conference on 1989 UN Governing environment and development" Council A/44/25 with annex Establishes basic intellectual infrastructure for subsequent UNCED discussions/ decisions by ECOSOC and the GA. 1989 26 July ECOSOC RES 1989/87 On convening a UN Convention on Environment and Development 27 July ECOSOC RES 1989/101 On strengthening international cooperation on environment through providing financial resources to developing countries 19 Dec GA RES 44/171 "Integration of Women in Development" 22 Dec GA RES 44/229 "International Co-operation in the field of the environment" GA RES 44/227 "Implementation of General Assembly Resolutions 44/186 and 44/187" A/44/227 GA RES 44/228 "United Nations Conference on Environment and Development" A/44/228 Sets the whole process in motion. Calls for conference to "elaborate strategies to halt and reverse the effects of environmental degradation...[by strengthening efforts]...to promote sustainable and environmentally sound development in all countries." Some specific issues to address listed in para. 12, also to promote the further development of international environmental law. Establishes Voluntary Fund to assist developing country participation; consultative status for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Establishes Secretariat & Preparatory Committee (to meet five times) to plan the conference and draft decisions to adopt at conference.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/44/48 Report of the PrepCom to the GA A/CONF.151/PC/2, Report of the UNCED SG to the and Add.1 PrepCom. Conference on Environment and Development '92 - Decisions of the PrepCom (adopted 20 March 1990) Various decisions including one that establishes two working groups:; 1. Working Group I (a) Protection of the atmosphere by combating climate change, depletion of the ozone layer and trans-boundary pollution; (b) Protection of land resources by, inter alia, combating deforestation, desertification and drought; (c) Conservation of biological diversity; and (d) Environmentally sound management of biotechnology. 2. Working Group II (a) Protection of the oceans and all kinds of seas; (b) Protection freshwater resources; and (c) Environmentally sound management of wastes, (particularly hazardous ones) and toxic chemicals, also prevention of illegal international traffic in same, and dangerous products. Agrees to involve NGOs. A/CONF.151/PC/CRP.2, Note by Secretariat A/CONF.151/PC/CRP.3 See generally, A/CONF.151/PC/2 and Add. 1. A/CONF.151/PC/L.57 & Rev. 1. Observers A/CONF.151/PC/L.8 NGOs A/CONF.151/PC/L.55 & IGOs Add. 4. 1990 1-3 Aug Special Session of Recommends PrepCom consider: Governing Council climate change; oceans and of UNEP coastal areas; hazardous substances; freshwater; [EP&L, Vol. 20, desertification; biodiversity. pp. 155-160] Other issues: transboundary air pollution; financial assistance and environmentally sound technology transfer to developing countries. Recommends PrepCom invite NGOs to UNCED.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/45/46 with annex Report of the Preparatory Committee to the GA Provides indication of primary areas of concern and requests a number of relevant studies and reports. UNEP/GCSS.II/2 Executive Director's Report Corr. 1 and 2 and Add. 1, 2, & 3 See also A/CONF. Note by Secretariat on Decisions of 151/PC/L.7 the Governing Council of the UNEP of Immediate Relevance to PrepCom A/CONF.151/PC/5 Report of the Secretary General and Add. 1 and 2 on the Activities of the Conference Secretariat Covers practically the whole sphere of conference report. Annex contains brief overview of nine major issues (most assigned to WGs noted above) and several subsidiary issues. Principle work to be: (1) Conventions; (2) Earth Charter (basic principles for conduct of people and nations); (3) Agenda 21 for action (concrete means to implement said principles); (4) Financial Resources; (5) Technology Transfer; and (6) Institutions. Most important decisions to be in the area of development and economic policies and decision-making, since through changes in all countries and in the international economy most principal environmental risks must be addressed. Special study initiated by Secretariat on this last matter. A/CONF.151/PC/6 Overview of System-Wide Activities Relevant to Resolution 44/228 A/CONF.151/PC7 Summary of the Activities of Intergovernmental and International Organizations Relevant to Resolution 44/228 Read in conjunction with Annex to document A/CONF.151/PC/5 listed above. A/CONF.151/PC/4 Provisional Agenda and Programme of A/CONF.151/PC/5 Work (with recommendations made by bureau) Approved agenda of WGs I and II. A/CONF/151/PC/8 Guidelines for national reports A/CONF.151/PC/10 Preparations at the Regional Level and PC/12 A/CONF./151/PC/ Report of WG I WG.I/L.6 Adopts draft decisions: A/CONF.151/PC/ Climate Change WG.I/L./Rev. 1 (hereafter abbreviated as L.#/Rev.#.) L.2/Rev. 1 Ozone Depletion L.3/Rev. 1 Transboundary Air Pollution L.7/Rev. 1 Biodiversity L.8/Rev. 1 Biotechnology L.4/Rev. 2 Land Resources: Deforestation L.5/Rev. 1 Land Resources: Soil Loss/ Desertification/ Drought L.10 Environmental Education L.11 Draft Provisional Agenda for Second Session A/CONF./151/PC/ WG.II/L.A Report of WG II A/CONF.151/PC/ WG.II/L.C Adopts report and provisional agenda for second session A/CONF.151/PC/ "Protection of the Oceans and all WG.II/L.1./Rev. 3 kinds of Seas" Plenary Session Discussions: A/CONF.151/PC/L.17 Transfer of Technology L.19 Financial Resources L.22 Decision on Environment and Earlier draft at L.12 Development L.18 Overview of the activities of the UN system relevant to GA RES 44/228 A/CONF.151/PC/ (Earlier note by Secretariat) L.25 Co-operation on Transfer of Technology and Financial Resources to Developing Countries 1990 21 Dec GA RES 45/211 "The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development" 1991 4-7 March Regional Preparatory Meeting of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) for UNCED, Mexico City, Mexico
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/56/48 - Part I Report of the PrepCom to the GA Working Group I A/CONF.151/PC/ Climate Change WG.I/L.12/Rev. See also, A/CONF.151/ PC.22 & 23 A/CONF.151/PC/ Biological Diversity WG.I/L.14/Rev. 1. See also, A/CONF.151/ PC/28 A/CONF.151/PC/ Soil Loss WG.I/L.16/Rev. See also,A/CONF.151/ PC/24 - 26 A/CONF.151/PC/ Forest Issues WG.I/L.18See also, A/CONF.151/PC/27 Discussion takes much of time and Corr. 1 at PrepCom. Establishes ad hoc subgroup on forest issues, not part of negotiating process on an international instrument. Agrees to consider possible forms of a global agreement on all type forests management, conservation and development (first time). Establishes comprehensive list of forest function principles, from ecological, economic and social aspects, to serve as basis discussion at PrepCom III. Forest protection should be included in current climate change & biological diversity negotiations. A/CONF.151/PC/ Sets agenda for WG.I/L.17 session of WG III Working Group II A/CONF.151/PC/ Waste Management WG.II/L.7 Hazardous waste and toxic chemicals, and illegal international traffic in same. A/CONF.151/PC/ International strategy on the WG.II/L.8 See also, environmentally sound management of A/CONF.151/PC/35 hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals. A/CONF.151/PC/ Strategy to consider: WG.II/L.11 experience of Basel and Bamako Conventions and other related conventions; liability & compensation; information flow; developing country needs; strategy to refer to London Guidelines for the Exchange of Information on Chemicals in International Trade and the FAO International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides; include access to information, transfer of technology and monitoring, of chemical accidents. A/CONF.151/PC/ Protection of Oceans WG.II/L.12 See also, A/CONF.151/PC/30 Recommends UNCED SG take into account certain issues such as relationship between trade and living resources, costs of management, funding, role of women, and impact of sea level rise on small island states and low coastal areas without duplicating work of IPCC, UNEP, and others. A/CONF.151/PC/ Protection of WG.II./L.14. See also, Freshwwater Resources A/CONF.151/PC/32 A/CONF.151/PC/ Recommends UNCED SG identify WG.II/L.12 main elements of an action programme to be reviewed as a basis for Agenda 21. Decides to take into account actions of UN International Law Commission in developing legal instruments re: management of transboundary water resources. Need to take into account role of women, indigenous peoples - Invites the International Conference on Water and the Environment to be held in Dublin, Ireland, in January 1992 to consider an action framework on sustainable development and mangement of freshwater resources. A/CONF.151/PC/ Sets agenda for sesssion of WG III WG.II./L.13 Working Group III A/CONF.151/PC/L.31 Legal, Institutional and Related Matters, Group established Decides to: prepare annotated list of existing international agreements; examine feasiblity of elaborating environmental principles of general rights and obligations of States; consider issues referred to it by other working groups or plenary; review role of UN in environmental matters; examine planned implementation of UNCED. A/CONF.151/A/46/48 Draft "Earth Charter" Work on Earth Charter, later known as "Declaration of Rio," the most difficult task of Working Group III. A/CONF.151/PC/ Elements for a Resolution on WG.III/L.1 Settlement of International Disputes Concerning the Environment Tentative draft proposal submitted by the Pentagonal countries before working group. A/CONF.151/PC/WG.III/2 Provisional List of Agreements & Instruments and Checklist of Principles to assist WG III deliberations A/CONF/.151/PC/L.30 UNCED SG roster of recent UN Statements A/CONF.151/PC/78 UNCED SG roster of previously of 26 July 1991 adopted principles A/CONF.151/PC/WG. Discussion of matters as noted III/L.2/Rev. 1 in PC/L.31 as well as legal and institutional aspects of cross- sectoral issues A/CONF.151/PC/ Sets agenda for second WG session WG.III./L.3 Plenary A/CONF.151/PC/L.37 Hereafter abbreviated as PC/##. Adopts agenda, including discussion of cross-sectoral issues and reports of the WGs PC/L.34 Requests UNCED SG to continue development of proposals for Agenda 21 for discussion in third session PC/L.38 UNCED SG to take into account "traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous people for sustainable use, conservation, etc. of natural resources" Cross-sectoral Issues PC/17 Transfer of Technology PC/18 Financial Resources For both, see also UN GA RES A/45/849 Add. 1, adopted without a vote, 12 December 1990. PC/21 Environmental Education and Public Awareness PC/19 Environmental Health PC/15 Poverty and Environmental Degradation PC/16 Environment and Development. See also, GA RES A/45/850, adopted without a vote, 12 December 1990 PC/36 Institutions PC/14 Report of the UNCED SG on Agenda 21 To consist of three major sections: (1) Basis for action (describing state of the environment and sustainable development); (2) Action agenda (programmatic approaches); and (3) Instruments for action. PC/L.37 Discussion of Role of NGOs Proposes procedure for determining NGO competence and relevance to work of PrepCom. PC/L.28/Add. 1 Approves UNCED SGs list of NGOs recommended for accreditation 1990 12 Dec A/45/850 Report of the Second Committee on the UNCED Contains 2 draft resolutions: 1) requests UNCTAD to study trends between environmental issues and international trade; 2) establishes dates (June 1-12) and location, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In a number of sectors PrepCom II asked the Secretariat to elaborate on the proposals or provide further information; this is in addition to producing the separate series of Agenda 21 papers. The Reports of the Secretariat are designated as Document Number A/CONF.151/PC ##; the Working Group or Plenary documents corresponding to the same topic, are designated Document Number A/CONF.151/PC/WG#/##, and follow the Secretariat's listing in square brackets. The same designations are used in PrepCom IV.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/46/48 Part II The Report of the Preparatory Committee to the General Assembly A/CONF.151/PC/42 Initial Draft Agenda 21 Add. 1-10 Specific topics are noted below: Plenary A/CONF.151/PC/39 Organizational Documents through PC/44, and PC/48 A/CONF.151/PC/45 Cross-Sectoral Issues through PC/47 and PC/49 through PC/56 A/CONF.151/PC/56 Progress Report to the Working Groups Working Group I A/CONF.151/PC/WG.I/L. Atmosphere 24/Corr. A/CONF.151/PC/57 Climate Change PC/58 Ozone Depletion PC/59 Transbounday Air Pollution PC/60 Sectoral Issues PC/42/Add.1 Agenda 21 Land Resources A/CONF.151/PC/61 Agriculture, Environment, and Development PC/62 [WG.I/L.29] Desertification PC/63 Integrated Management of Land Resources PC/42/Add. 2 Land: Agenda 21 Forests PC/64 Background PC/65 Principles PC/42/Add. 3 Agenda 21 Conservation of Biological Diversity A/CONF.151/PC/66 Background PC/42/Add. 4 Agenda 21 [WG.I/L.28] Environmental Sound Management of Biotechnology A/CONF.151/PC/67 Background PC/42/Add. 5 Agenda 21 [WG.I/.38/Rev. 1] Working Group II WG.II/L.22 Add. 1/ Oceans Rev. 1 and WG.II/ Misc. 4 A/CONF.151/PC/69 Oceans: Coastal Development and Enclosed Seas, Marine Pollution, Living Marine Resources, and Impacts of Climate Change PC/42/Add. 6 Oceans: Agenda 21 PC/70 Global Ocean Observing System PC/71 Land-based sources of marine pollution PC/72 Effect of Gulf Crisis Freshwater Resources A/CONF.151/PC/73 Background PC/42/Add. 7 Agenda 21 [WG.II/Misc. 5] WG.II/L.19/Add. Environmentally sound management of wastes, etc. Toxic Chemicals A/CONF.151/PC/74 Background [WG.II/Misc. 2] PC/42/Add. 8 Agenda 21 Hazardous Wastes PC/75 [WG.II/Misc. 4] Background PC/42/Add. 9 Agenda 21 Solid Wastes PC/76 Background PC/42/Add. 10 Agenda 21 Working Group III (first substantive meeting) A/CONF.151/PC/77 Survey of Existing Agreements and [WG.III/L.9/Corr. 1] Criteria for Evaluation PC/78 Principles on General Rights and Obligations (Elements of the Earth Charter) WG.III/L.8/Corr. 1 Chair's consolidated draft of August 27 WG.II/L.13 Chair's Summary of August 27 WG.III/L.8/Rev. Chair's consolidated draft of August 30 WG.III/L.17 Other Country Versions A/CONF.151/PC/None "Informal Consolidation Draft No. 2" No. 9, August 23, 1991 Non-official draft, officially distributed. PC/79 Progress Report on Transboundary Waters PC/80 Institutional Issues PC/103 Studies Evaluating 100 International Treaties 1991 16 Dec GA RES A/46/785 "United Nations Conference on Environment and Development" Endorses PrepCom II, III Reports.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description UNEP/GCSS.III/5 Introductory Statement UNEP/GCSS.III/2, "Saving Our Planet: Challenges and Corr. 1, Add.1 & Hopes" Add.1/Corr.,UNEP/ GCSS.III/Inf. In depth look at planetary conditions twenty years after Stockholm. In most instances the environment has deteriorated. UNEP/GCSS.III/3, "Status of Desertification and Corr. 1/Rev. 1, Implementation of the UN Plan Add.1 & Add.1/Corr. 1, Action to Combat Desertification UNEP/GCSS.III/Inf. 2 and its Financing" Expanding rate land degradation and desertification amounts 25% world land area and 1/6 population. UNEP/GCSS.III/4, "Consolidated Report on the further Corr. 1 & Add. 1 follow-up to General Assembly Resolutions 42/186 and 42/187" UNEP/GCSS.III/L.1-3 Three draft decisions by Committee of Permanent Representatives
Organizational Matters: Because the topics considered in this fourth and final PrepCom are so numerous, some organizational documents are listed first.
Action/Doc. No(s)., Title/Description A/CONF.151/PC/96 also, Agenda L.28 & Add., L.55 & Add. L.58 A/CONF.151/PC/L.56 List of Documents before 4th session & Add. A/CONF.151/PC/DEC/3/31 Organization of the work of the 4th session A/CONF.151/PC/L.73 Draft Report of PrepCom to Conference List of Participants A/CONF.151/PC/INF. 8 Delegations A/CONF.151/PC/L.55/ Intergovernmental Organizations Add. 1- Add. 3
The secretariat drafts are designated by Document Numbers A/CONF.151/PC/Corr. 1 and Add. 1-27, Working Group Drafts corresponding to the same topic are designated Document Numbers A/CONF.151/PC/WG#/##, and follow the listing of the secretariat's document in square brackets.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description Add. 1 Overview of Agenda 21 & Implementation Mechanisms Add. 2 Combating Poverty, Changing Consumption Patterns and Demographic Dynamics and Sustainability Add. 3 International Policies to Accelerate Sustainable Development in Developing Countries and Related Domestic Policies Add. 4 Safe and Environmentally Sound [WG.II/L.19/ Management of Radioactive Wastes Add.2/Rev.1, WG.II/L.29] Add. 5 Protection and Promotion of Human Health Add. 6 Education, Public Awareness and Training Add. 7 Promoting Sustainable Human Settlements Development Add. 8 Integration of Environment and Development in Decision-Making Add. 9 Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology Add. 10 Science for Sustainable Development Add. 11 National Mechanisms and International Cooperation for Capacity Building Add. 12 Information for Decision-Making Add. 13 Strengthening the Role of Major Groups Add. 14 [WG.I/L.25/Rev.2/ Protection of the Atmosphere Add.1, WG.I/L.47/Corr.1] Add. 15 Integrated Approach to Planning and [WG.I/L.41] Management of Land Resources: Soil Loss Add. 16 Combatting Deforestation: Options [WG.I/L43/Corr.1] for Agenda 21 Add. 17 Managing Fragile Ecosystems: [WG.I/L.39 and Rev.1] Combatting Desertification and Drought Add. 18 Managing Fragile Ecosystems: [WG.I/L.40] Sustainable Mountain Development: Soil Loss Add. 19 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture [WG.I/L.42.and Corr.1] and Rural Development: Soil Loss Add. 20 Conservation of Biological Diversity Add. 21 Protection of Oceans, All Kinds [WG.II/L.16/Rev. 1; of Seas, Including...and the WG.II/L.25]' Protection, Rational Use and L.25/Corr. 1; Development of the Living Resources L.25 Add. 1; L.25 Add. 1/Corr. 1; L.25/Add. 2; L.25/Add. 2/Corr. 1; L.25/Add. 3; L.25/Add. 3/Corr. 1; L.25/Add. 4; and L.25/Rev. 1] Add. 22 Protection of the Quality and [WG.II/L.17/Rev. 1 Supply of Freshwater Resources and WG.II/L.29] Add. 23 Environmentally Sound Management [WG.II/l.19/Add.3/ of Toxic Chemicals Rev.1, see also documentation listed for hazardous wastes, below] Add. 24 Environmentally Sound Management [WG.II/L.26/Corr.1, of Hazardous Wastes WG.II/L.28, WG.II/L. 28/Corr. and WG.II/L.30] Add. 25 Environmentally Sound Management of [WG.II/L.19/Add.1/ Solid Wastes & Sewage-related issues Rev. 1] Add. 26 Role of Regional Organizations and Cooperation Add. 27 Environmentally Sound Management of Biotechnology
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description WG.III/5 Working Group III WG.III/8.1/Rev.1/Add.1 Proposals, etc. from different WG.III/L.20-28 countries
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/CONF.151/PC/ WG I WG.I/L.48 A/CONF.151/PC/ WG II WG.II/L.31 A/CONF.151/PC/WG.II WG III
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/CONF.151./PC/101 Financial Resources and Mechanisms Discusses financing and cost evaluation; and questions of governance and coordination. Read in conjunction with earlier discussion of financial resources in document numbers (A/CONF.151/PC/18 and A/CONF.151/PC/51). A/CONF.151/PC/102 Institutional Proposals A/CONF.151/PC/103 and Survey of Existing International Add. 1 Agreements and Instruments and Its Follow Up Based on the findings of twelve consultants' studies, published separately asResearch Paper: No. 24: General Environmental Concerns; No. 25: Nature Conservation and Terrestrial Living Resources; No. 26: Atmosphere and Outer Space; No. 27: Environment and Marine Pollution; No. 28: Marine Living Resources; No. 29: Hazardous Substances; No. 30: Nuclear Safety; No. 31: Working Environment; No. 32: Liability for Environmental Damage; No. 33: Environmental Disputes; No. 34: Sample Bilateral Agreements; and No. 35: Relationship with Trade and Development Instruments. A/CONF.151/PC/103/ Appended document: an annotated list Add.1 of international agreements and instruments A/CONF.151/PC/104 and Oceans Add.1 and A/CONF.151/ PC/113 Compilation of documents and proposals submitted to the UNCED SG, through October 1991, with later submissions in addenda. A/CONF.151/PC/105 Proteccion y Ordenacion de los Recursos de Tierras: Programma 21 A/CONF.151/PC/106 Deforestation PC/107 Atmosphere PC/108 Biological Diversity PC/109 Biotechnology PC/110 Desertification PC/114 Women in Environment and Development PC/118 Drought & Desertification, Activities in the Sahel & Sahara PC/119, PC/122, Recent Actions of PC/123 Relevance By Other Bodies See A/CONF.151/PC/ End PrepCom IV - Consensus on role CRP.3/Rev.3 and of SG, Economic and Social Council GA RES 45/264 for a (ECOSOC) revitalized ECOSOC
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1979 First World Climate World Climate Programme Conference established as main framework for UN inter-agency climate activities. 1987 18 June Decision 14/20 of the "Global Climate Change" Governing Council of UNEP 11 Dec GA RES 42/184 Agrees to attach importance to A/42/184 problem of global climate change, work with World Climate Programme, etc GA RES 42/202 1988 June Recommendations "The Changing Atmosphere: published in Implications for Global Security," EP&L, Vol. 18, Toronto, Canada pp. 237-238 (1988). Nov Intergovernmental Established by the UNEP and Panel on Climate the World Meterological Change (IPCC) Organization to assess scientific information re: climate change issues. WG I: Scientific Assessment of Climate Change; WG II: Environmental and Socio- Economic Impacts of Climate Change; and WG III: Response Strategies; Special Committee on the Participation of Developing Countries.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1988 6 Dec GA RES 43/53 "Protection of Global Climate for Present and Future Generation of Mankind" A/43/49 Endorses IPCC and requests it provide comprehensive review of following on climate change: (l) state of science; (2) social & economic impact; (3) possible response strategies; (4) uses of relevant international legal instruments; and (5) elements for inclusion in possible international treaty. 1989 20-22 Meeting of the Legal Statement entitled, Feb and Policy, Experts "Protection of the Atmosphere" Ottawa, Ontario, Canada A/C.2/44/2 25 May 1989 - "Global Climate Change" Decision 15/36 of the Governing Council Requests UNEP and WMO to of UNEP. begin preparation for a FCCC.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1989 11-13 Conference on Global One half focused on "The Changing Sept Environment, Tokyo, Atmosphere" Japan Chairman's Summary reprinted in EP&L, Vol. 20, pp. 60-63 (1990). 6-7 Ministerial Conference Declaration on Atmospheric Oct on Atmospheric Pollution Pollution and Climate and Climate Change Change, Noordwijk, The Netherlands A/C.2/44/5 Requests IPCC investigate quantitative emission targets for CO2; notion of CO2 equivalence; and goals for net forest growth. 14-18 A/C.2/44/7, annex Declaration on the Global Warming Nov of the Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise, Malé 17-21 World Conference on Declaration entitled, "The Cairo Dec Preparing for Climate Compact" Convened by Climate Change, Cairo, Egypt. Institute, UNEP and Egypt Reprinted inEP&L, Vol. 20, pp. 59-60 (1990). 19 GA RES 44/862 "Protection of Global Climate for Dec Future and Present Generation of Mankind" A/44/862 Summarized existing documents before PrepCom. GA RES 44/172 "Implementation of Plan of Action to Combat Desertification" 22 GA RES 44/205 "Possible Adverse Effects of Dec Sea-Level Rise on Island and Coastal Areas, Particularly Low-Lying Coastal Areas" GA RES 44/207 "Protection of Global Climate for Present and Future Generations of Mankind" Emphasizes the urgent need to begin drafting framework convention on climate change.
Reviewed work of the three IPCC working groups (on science, impacts, and response strategies) and to ensure adequate coordination towards complete report. Reviewed Noordwijk Declaration. [See summary in EP&L, Vol. 20, pp. 70-71 (1990)].
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1990 2 Apr Decisions of the Governing Council of the UNEP on Frame- work for Climate Change Convention, IPCC and the Second World Climate Change Conference 2-4 May International Calls for umbrella convention Conference on Global to protect atmosphere, lists Warming and Climate elements for convention to Change: African contain, states urgent need Perspectives, for protocols on CO2 and Nairobi, Kenya other greenhouse gases. Recommendations reprinted in EP&L, Vol. 20, pp. 234 (1990). June IPCC Report of Special Identifies factors which Committee on the inhibit participation: Participation of insufficient information; Developing Countries insufficient communication; limited human resources; EP&L, Vol. 20, institutional difficulties; pp. 230-231 (1990). limited financial resources. August Decision SS.II/3B With resolution 2.6/1 of the Governing (EC-XLII) of 22 June 1990 of Council of UNEP. the Executive Council of WMO, to follow work of IPCC for framework convention on climate change and relate legal instruments, to incorporate, as appropriate other major related meetings including the Second World Climate Change Conference.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1990 31 Aug IPCC Scientific Calls for immediate 1-2%/year Assessment Report, reduction in CO2 emissions to (IPCC First stabilize by mid 21st Assesment Report century; 15-25% reduction 1990) CH4. CO2 contributes 55% to global warming, CFCs approx. 24% and CH4 15%. 75% CO2 comes from industrialized countries: USA & the former USSR account for 40%. Simulates temperature rise if business-as-usual and three other scenarios. Identifies elements for a framework convention. 24-26 First Meeting Ad Hoc Convened by UNEP & WMO Sep Working Group following IPCC Report. Government Repre- Recommends establishment of sentatives to Prepare single negotiating process to for Negotiations on discuss policy issues and a Framework respond to Assembly Convention on Climate decisions. Change (FCCC) UNEP/WMO, Prep./ FCCC/L.1/REPORT 29 Oct- 7 Nov Second World Climate First week devoted to Conference, Geneva, scientific and technical Switzerland bases of climate change, IPCC Report considered. Second week was a ministerial conference, Declaration issued. A/45/696/Add. 1 21 Dec GA RES 45/212 "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind." A/45/212 Based on reports of the Second Committee, Document Number (A/45/851). Establishes single Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee under its auspices (also supported by UNEP and WMO) for preparation of an effective Framework Convention on Climate Change ready for signature at UNCED (INC/FCCC). IPCC function is technical and scientific assistance. Dec Report of the UNCED SG "Protection of global climate for A/45/696/Add. 1 present and future generation of mankind."
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/AC/.237/6 Convention should cover: emissions; sinks; technology transfer; financial resources & funding mechanisms for developing countries; international scientific & technological co-operation; measures to combat adverse effects climate change, particularly small islands, low-lying coastal areas, flooding & drought prone areas. A/AC.237/L.5 Adopts decisions on organizational matters. Establishes WG I - to prepare text dealing with appropriate commitments limiting CO2, technology transfer, special needs developing countries: WG II - to consider legal & institutional mechanisms, such as entry into force, monitoring, scientific cooperation. General feeling frustration, main stumbling block how to reduce CO2. European States want binding agreement, USA does not.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/AC/.237/9 Decided that WG I should also address issues of principles and See EP&L, Vol. 21, definition, compilation pp. 193-195 (1991). of principles available at end of session. Re: commitments, "Pledge and review" concept proposed -- states unilaterally propose specific actions, etc. to curb greenhouse gas emissions, then international body reviews its performance. Proponents argue: would ratchet towards stricter commitments by states; review promotes transparency and accountability) and transfer of financial resources and technology. A/A.237/Misc. Set of Informal Papers Provided by 17/Add. 1-10 Delegations Related to the Preparation of a Framework Convention on Climate Change
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/AC.237/12 Report of the Work of the INC
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/AC.237/13 Revised Provisional Agenda A/AC.237/15 & Corr. 1 Report of the work of the INC A/AC.237/L.100 Draft Provisional Agenda for 5th Session A/AC.237/Misc. 1/Add. Informal Papers and Notes 15, Misc. 14, Misc. 14/Rev. 1 A/AC.237/12 and Consolidated Working Documents Add. 1-9 See also, A/A.237/ Text from WGs consolidated Misc.17 & Add.1-8 into single document containing eight sections. Extensive discussion of joint implementation, a clearinghouse mechanism, tradeable emission permits and "pledge-and- review." 1991 19 Dec GA RES 46/169 "Protection of the Global Climate for Present and Future Generations of Mankind"
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/AC.237/16 Provisional Agenda A/AC.237/L.12 Report of the INC A/AC/.237/18, Revised consolidated text under Misc.18, Misc. 20 negotiation
Text of convention agreed to May 9, 1992, opened for signature, will remain open until June 19, 1993.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description 1992 9 May Resolution on Requests UNCED SG to arrange Interim Arrangements for a session of the Committee and the First Session of the Conference of the Parties. Appeals for voluntary contributions.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description Decision 14/26 of Decides to investigate the the Governing Council desirability and possible of UNEP Establishing formation of an umbrella Ad Hoc Working Group convention to rationalize of Experts in current activities in the Biological Diversity field of biological (WG/EXBIO) diversity. To collaborate with the the Food and Agriculture UNEP/GCSS.II/2 & Organization of the UN, the Corr.1, paras. 43-45, UN Educational Scientific and UNEP/GCSS.II/2/Add. 3, Cultural Organization and the paras. 18-32 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Subworking group on biotechnology.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description UNEP/Bio.Div.1/ Report prepared by WG/EX/BIO Inf. 1 UNEP/Bio.Div.1/2 Note by the Executive Director Discusses "complimentarity" between certain conventions in area of habitat protection, migratory species protection and trade in endangered species. See summary, EP&L, Other Discussions and Vol. 19, pp. 6-7 Recommendations (1989). Need to reach common understanding of the meaning of conservation of biological diversity, etc. 1989 25 Decision 15/34 of "Preparation of an International May the Governing Council Legal Instrument on the of the UNEP Bio-Diversity of the Planet" UNEP/GC/DEC/15/34 1990 2 Apr Decision of the "International Legal Instruments on Governing Council the Bio-Diversity of the Planet" of the UNEP UNEP/GC/DEC/SS/II/5 UNEP/GC/SS/II/2/ "Priority Evolving Environmental and Add. 3 Issues"
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description UNEP/Bio.Div/WG.2/2/2 Preliminary Draft Convention
Group renamed Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Biological Diversity (INC/BD).
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description UNEP/Bio.Div/WG/2/3/3 Revised Draft Convention on Biological Diversity 1991 16 Aug The Hague Recommendations on International Environmental Law 23 Sep- 2 Oct Meeting of INC/BD 25 Nov- 4 Dec Meeting of INC/BD Geneva, Switzerland 1992 6-15 Meeting of INC/BD, Feb Nairobi, Kenya 11 Feb IV World Congress Releases Global Biodiversity on Parks and Protected Strategy prepared by IUCN in Areas, Caracas, collaboration with UNEP and Venezuela World Resource Institute. 20 Feb Declaration of Canela Statement of the common biodiversity goals of the five southern most American countries. 1992 18-21 Final Meeting of Originally unscheduled May INC/BD, Nairobi, meeting before UNCED to try Kenya to work out language. Agreement reached 21 May 1992. Resolution 1 Interim Financial Arrangements Reprinted in ILM, Invites the Global Vol. 31, p. 843 (1992). Environmental Facility to operate the financial mechanism until first meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Resolution 2 International cooperation for the Conservation of Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Use of its Components Pending the Entry into Force of the Convention on Biological Diversity Reprinted in ILM, Calls for various forms of Vol. 31, pp. 843-5. international cooperation such as contribution of monies and providing of information until the Convention enters into force, after ratification by thirty signing states. Resolution 3 The Interrelationship Between the Convention on Biological Diversity Reprinted in ILM, and the Promotion of Vol. 31, p. 846. Sustainable Agriculture Resolution 4 Tribute to the Government of the Republic of Kenya Not reprinted in ILM. United States In signing the final text, Declaration Made At the U.S. delegations supports the United Nations the conservation of Environment Programme biodiversity, regrets that a Conference the number of issues of concern Adoption of the to the U.S. have not been Agreed Text on the resolved, finds the text's Convention on treatment of intellectual Biological Diversity property rights, finances and technology transfer and biotechnology unsatisfactory, and believes the preparation of the Convention deprived delegations of the ability to consider the Reprinted in ILM, text as a whole before Vol.31, p. 848 (1992) adoption.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description A/CONF.151/5 and UNCED Recommends that the General /6/Rev. 1 Assembly Endorse its Statements at its 47th Session.