Report: Social Contract for Sustainability

The German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU), an independent scientific advisory body, has published a report titled  “World in Transition: A Social Contract for Sustainability.” The report recommends establishing a “UN Council for Sustainable Development,” on par with the UN Security Council. Among other measures, the report also highlights reasons for the urgent need for a “post fossil-nuclear metabolism,” and presents 10 sets of concrete measures to accelerate the transition to sustainability.

Pace Law School: ‘International Judicial Institute Symposium'

The symposium took place on April 1, 2011 aiming to foster professionalism and effectiveness in environmental adjudications world-wide, as a contribution to strengthening the rule of law and furthering sustainable development. In cooperation with IUCN-CEL, an international Steering Committee is guiding the planning for the Institute’s first year of programs. 


A video of the symposium is posted at: http://www.pace.edu/school-of-law/news-events/video-archive.

World Bank Approves "Save our Species Program"

The World Bank approved a US$4.9 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support five years of Save our Species (SOS) work, complemented by an additional US$5 million from the World Bank’s Development Grant Facility.

SOS aims to tackle the challenge of biodiversity loss by matching financial support from private business with international conservation expertise and countries facing species extinction. SOS is establishing a grants program, with grants ranging from US$25,000 to US$800,000 awarded to civil society organizations able to show strong conservation outcomes for threatened species. More than 60 grants are expected to be made over five years.

SOS Project Website

IEA: Smart Grids Report

The International Energy Agency  has released the report "Technology Roadmap- Smart Grids," which underscores that the widespread deployment of smart grids is critical for a secure, cost-effective and clean energy future.

ITPGR: Training Materials

The Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) has produced the first in a series of five comprehensive educational modules on the operation of the Treaty.
Subsequent modules will provide details about the Treaty’s main components: conservation and sustainable use, farmers’ rights, the Multilateral System and the Funding Strategy.

Module 1

Abidjan Convention: COP-9

Delegates to the Convention for Co-operation in the Protection and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the West and Central African Region (Abidjan Convention) convened from 28 March-1 April in Accra (Ghana) and agreed to create an Oil Spill Contingency Plan and establish a regional centre for cooperation in case of oil spills and other emergencies, as well as to develop a Marine Protected Areas Protocol.

COP-9 Website

Amazon Forest Authorities: Activites for IYF

The 1st meeting of forest authorities of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), held in Bogotá (Colombia) from 29-30 March agreed on a set of common activities during the International Year of Forests (IYF) and on guidelines for medium- and long-term cooperation under ACTO's Strategic Agenda for Amazonian Cooperation. 

 [ACTO Press Release]

Rio+20: Making it Happen Volume 2, Issue 6

This is a special issue focusing on one of the two themes of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), a "green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication." It provides information and resources on the preparatory work on the theme along with upcoming events.

LDC's Report from Eminent Persons Group

The UN Secretary-General’s Eminent Persons Group on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) has released its report, titled “Compact for Inclusive Growth and Prosperity.” The report finds that the structural limitations of LDCs must be addressed in order to close the gap between LDCs and the rest of the world, and outlines objectives and targets for a new Programme of Action (PoA), including on small island developing States (SIDS) and climate change.

New Publication on Governing MPAs

“Governing Marine Protected Areas: Getting the Balance Right" is a technical report describing the findings of research focused on the complexities of MPA governance. It is intended to provide a foundation for further case studies and discussion to provide guidance on how to combine top-down, bottom-up and market approaches for reaching and implementing decisions in order to achieve effective and equitable MPAs in seas under national jurisdiction. 

EU Investing in Colombian Rainforest

Through a CBD LifeWeb Initiative, the EU in partnership with Colombian Institutions is investing €3.1 million, through its Environment and Natural Resources programme, including the Energy thematic programme, over 24 months.

Press Release

UNEP: UN Emissions Report

UNEP has released a report titled “Moving Towards a Climate Neutral UN,” which details the greenhouse gas emissions for 52 UN institutions. The report states that the UN's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2009 was 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide  equivalent.

According to the report, the GHG inventory includes emissions from all activities that are under the direct financial control of the UN, including the heating and cooling of buildings and the travel of staff. Over 50% of the UN's emissions are derived from air travel, approximately 37% of emissions are from buildings, and 13% from vehicles.

CMS: Gorillla Agreement

The 1st Meeting of the Technical Committee  in Kigali (Rwanda) from 29-30 March 2011called for better enforcement of wildlife law in the 10 countries in Africa with gorilla populations and concluded that the following must be strengthened: transboundary collaboration; coordination with UN peacebuilding missions, such as the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); and law enforcement agencies, with increased resources and training for law enforcement personnel and rangers.

CMS Press Release

IMF regarding Climate Change

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a factsheet on "Climate Change and the IMF," which suggests that stabilizing global atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will require a dramatic transformation of the entire global energy system, and recommends fiscal instruments to internalize environmental costs and large-scale and predictable financial assistance for developing countries to support action on climate change.

IEA: Renewable Energy and Climate Change

The International Energy Agency has released a working paper by Cédric Philibert titled “Interactions of Policies for Renewable Energy and Climate” illustrating that, even where carbon dioxide emissions are capped or priced, financial support for renewable energy technologies is justified due to the immaturity of renewable technologies and and inexperience with them in the marketplace.

Global Tiger Recovery Program: Implementation Phase

The Global Tiger Forum (GTF), Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) and India's National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) announced the launch of the implementation phase of the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) during the International Conference on Tiger Conservation and Global Workshop on GTRP Implementation. The Conference took place in New Delhi (India) from 28-30 March 2011.

GTI Press Release
World Bank Press Release

European Commission: Power Sector Rules and Transport 2050 Strategy

The European Commission has issued rules on the transitional free allocation of allowances to the power sector, in preparation for the third phase of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) (2013-20), when the power sector will have to buy its allowances.

Press Release on the Decision

The strategy “Transport 2050” has been adopted for a competitive transport system that will increase mobility, fuel growth and employment, dramatically reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil, and cut carbon emissions in transport by 60% by 2050.

EU Press Release on the Strategy

FAO: Phytosanitary Standards in Forestry

The Forestry Information Centre of FAO has released a guide on the implementation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) in forestry. It seeks to provide easy-to-understand information on how forest management practices and implementation of phytosanitary standards can minimize pest spread and facilitate safe trade.

Special Issue of "Sustainability"

A recent special issue of the on-line peer review journal, Sustainability focuses on the subject of environmental laws and sustainability.

Articles include: 

John C. Dernbach and Joel A. Mintz, Environmental Laws and Sustainability: An Introduction, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/3/3/531/

Nicholas A. Ashford and Ralph P. Hall, The Importance of Regulation-Induced Innovation for Sustainable Development, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/3/1/270/

Klaus Bosselmann, Losing the Forest for the Trees: Environmental Reductionism in the Law, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/8/2424/

Anthony B. Schutz, Grassland Governance and Common-Interest Communities, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/7/2320/

Robert W. Adler, Drought, Sustainability, and the Law, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/7/2176/

Kenneth W. Abbott and Gary E. Marchant, Institutionalizing Sustainability across the Federal Government, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/7/1924/

Rachel Medina and A. Dan Tarlock, Addressing Climate Change at the State and Local Level: Using Land Use Controls to Reduce Automobile Emissions, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/6/1742/

Maja Goepel, Formulating Future Just Policies: Applying the Delhi Sustainable Development Law Principles, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/6/1694/

Robin Kundis Craig and J.B. Ruhl, Governing for Sustainable Coasts: Complexity, Climate Change, and Coastal Ecosystem Protection, http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/5/1361/

Middle East: Carboun

This is an advocacy initiative for the promotion of sustainability and environmental conservation in the Middle East. The group considers the varying complexities of development relevant to developing nations, such as water scarcity, food security, and health. Carboun works to infuse the economy and environment as one rather than separating the two. 

International Polar Year Outputs

The World Meteorological Association (WMO) and the International Council for Science presented the findings from the International Polar Year titled "Understanding Earth's Polar Challenges," at the Arctic Science Summit Week in Seoul (ROK). The findings represent research efforts by approximately 50,000 participants between 2007 and 2009. The summary was compiled by 300 authors and reviewers to reveal how the research established baseline data sets for predicting future climate change. The work was also important for advancing coordinated satellite observations of polar ice sheets and developing new measurement systems for permafrost and polar atmosphere.

ITLOS: Mauritius vs. the United Kingdom

As the two parties were unable to reach agreement on arbitrators, Ivan Shearer (Australia), James Kateka (Tanzania), and Albert Hoffmann (South Africa), were elected by President, Jose Luis Jesus to aid the UK and Mauritius in their dispute concerning the ‘Marine Protected Area’ related to the Chagos Archipelago. 

Press Release

5th Marine Debris Conference

The 5th International Marine Debris Conference, co-organized by UNEP and US/NOAA, took place in Honolulu (US) from 20-25 March 2011. The Conference concluded with the adoption of the  Honolulu Commitment, establishing a cross-sectoral approach to help reduce the occurrence of marine debris, as well as the damage it causes to marine habitats, the global economy, biodiversity and human health.

Aahrus Convention: Input on Chisinau Declaration

Comments are invited on the draft declaration focusing on the role of the Convention in promoting sustainable development, as a contribution to the Rio+20 intended to be adopted by the Aarhus Convention's 4th MOP. MOP-4 takes place in Chisinau, Moldova, from 29 June-1 July 2011.

ITPGR/GB-4: Ministerial Conference

On 11 March, ministers and high-level officials from 48 states adopted the Bali Ministerial Declaration on the Role of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Food Security.The Declaration reflects participants’ commitment to engage in further enhancing implementation of the Treaty, in order to help meet the challenges of agricultural biodiversity erosion, food insecurity, extreme poverty and the effects of climate change. Press Release

ITPGR/GB-4: Outcomes

The 4th Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture(ITPGR) convening from 14-18 March adopted procedures and mechanisms on compliance, and reached consensus on the long-standing item of the financial rules. It also adopted a work programme and budget for the 2012-2013 biennium, including a moderate budget increase, and resolutions on a number of items, including farmers’ rights, sustainable use and implementation of the Funding Strategy. Website

Barcelona Convention: Protocols Enter into Force

The Offshore Protocol and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Protocol entered into force on 24 March 2011.

The Offshore Protocol aims to establish an effective management system to protect the Mediterranean Sea from pollution resulting from exploration and exploitation of the continental shelf, the seabed and its subsoil, and to organize mutual assistance in cases of emergency.

The ICZM Protocol seeks to serve as a tool for sustainable coastal development, by providing an effective way to ensure that human actions are undertaken with a concern for balancing economic, social, and environmental goals and priorities in a long-term perspective.

More Information

CDM: Afforestation/Reforestation Working Group

The report of the 31st meeting of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Afforestation and Reforestation (A/R) Working Group, which was held from 14-16 March 2011 in Bonn, Germany, is now available on the CDM website.

Virunga National Park: DRC abandons plans for oil extraction

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced that the Government will abandon all plans for oil exploitation within this Virunga National Park. The decision was announced following the commitments made in the Kinshasa Declaration, which was signed on 14 January. [UNESCO Press Release] [World Heritage Webpage for the Park]

GEF: Fund for Implementing Nagoya Protocol

The GEF Council has established a dedicated Trust Fund for the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. The Trust Fund aims at facilitating the early entry into force and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. [CBD Notification]

UNECE: Recent Forest Assessments

On the occasion of World Forest Day, UNECE convened experts to review the status of and trends in forests and forest resources in Europe and North America. The seminar was titled, "How successful is Sustainable Forest Management in the UNECE Region? State of forests and forest management in the UNECE region in the context of current needs and challenges."  [UNECE Press Release] [FRA 2010 Main Report] [Preliminary (regional) findings of the 2011 State of Europe’s Forests] [Sixth FOREST EUROPE]

European Commision: GMO Debate

The EC has made available the speeches and presentations given during a public debate on risk assessment and management of genetically modified organisms, held on 17 March. The resource document contains the agenda of the debate with the names of participating experts and the titles of statements by experts. The presentations are accessible via hyperlinks included in the document. [Agenda and Presentations] [Opening Speech by EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli] [Debate Webstream]

WIPO: Traditional Knowledge Digital Library

Representatives from 35 countries participated in the International Conference on the Utilization of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) as a Model for Protection of Traditional Knowledge, convening from 22-24 March, in New Delhi, (India). The objectives of the Conference was to: share experiences and information on the role of the TKDL in the documentation of traditional knowledge (TK); identify the intellectual property issues in, and technical implications of, the establishment of a TKDL; and explore the role and functioning of the TKDL within the international intellectual property (IP) protection system. [WIPO Press Release] [Meeting Website]

Green Economy: Group of Friends

The Group of Friends of the UN/GA's Thematic Debate on the Green Economy convened the 2nd workshop in its series, to discuss “Opportunities and Concerns of the Green Economy.”

The key messages on green economy emerging from the presentations and discussion, according to closing remarks, were that a green economy can be: a pathway for correcting systemic market and institutional failures of the prevailing development model; an effective tool for advancing sustainable development goals; and compatible with growth, jobs, and competitiveness.

The 3rd and final workshop in the series, on "Green Economy Pathways," will take place on 19 April 2011, followed by a retreat for Permanent Representatives on the topic "The Green Economy: Building a common understanding and roadmap" in May 2011, and the UN/GA's thematic debate on "Green Economy: A pathway to sustainable development," on 2 June 2011. 

[Workshop Summary, Presentations, Other Documents] [Video of Workshop]

ITLOS: Reelection of Registrar

Philippe Gautier was recently re-elected Registrar of ITLOS. First elected on 21 September 2001, he succeeded Mr. Gritakumar E. Chitty (Sri Lanka). Prior to his election as the Registrar, Mr. Gautier served as the Deputy Registrar of the Tribunal from 1997 to 2001.  

Latest issue of Environmental Policy and Law: The journal for decision-makers

February 2011, Volume 41, Number 1

Contents

Editorial                                                                                    1

UNITED  NATIONS  ACTIVITIES

UN / GA 65^th Session

–    Environmental Policy and Legal Resolutions                      2

      (Elisa Morgera)

UNCSD-Rio+20 / ISM-1

–    Finding Common Ground                                                   9

      (Elsa Tsioumani)

UNFCCC / Kyoto Protocol

–    Outcomes of the Cancún Conference                                10

      (Soledad Aguilar)

–    Clean Development Mechanism                                        14

      – Proposal for an Appeals Process –

      (Michael Bothe, Thilo Marauhn, Eckard Rehbinder,

      Ayse Martina Böhringer, Johan Horst)

CMS / ACCOBAMS / MOP-4

–    Geographical Area Overlapping with ASCOBANS         18

      – Legal or Other Implications –

      (Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Heidrun Frisch)

CMS

–    International Tiger Forum                                                  22

      – Reflections –

      (Aline Kühl)

Montreal Protocol / MOP-22

–    “Universal” Agreement Makes Limited Progress              24

INC Mercury-1 & 2

–    Negotiations Commence                                                    26

OTHER  INTERNATIONAL  DEVELOPMENTS

Marine Genetic Resources beyond National Jurisdiction 35

      – Coordination and Harmonisation of Governance

      Regimes –

      (Arianna Broggiato)

Environmental Damage                                                        42

      – A New Challenge for China, Continuing

      Challenges for Western Legal Systems –

      (Mariachiara Alberton, Luciano Butti, Marco Cremonini,
Massimo Martinelli, Manuela Molinaro, Yanming Ren,

      Patrizia Scalas, Luigi Torriano, Guangxuan Xie, Fang Yu,

      Hongzhen Zhang)

GEF / 39^th Council

–    Few Surprises in the Meeting                                            52

      (Soledad Aguilar)                                                                 

REFERENCES  TO  OTHER  TOPICS              53

To order the issue or become a subscriber, please contact IOS Press (Netherlands) at: http://www.iospress.nl/.

Basel Convention: Recycling Computing Equipment

The Secretariat  has released a publication titled “Guidance Document on the Environmentally Sound Management of Used and End-of-Life Computing Equipment,” prepared by the Basel Convention Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE) Working Group.

Green Economy Transition: Expert Report

Upon request of PrepCom I  for Rio+20, a joint study has been released on the benefits, challenges and risks of the transition to a green economy.

UN/DOALOS: Recommendations released on State of Marine Environment

UN/DOALOS has released the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole of the General Assembly on the Regular Process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects (Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole) to the 65th session of the UN/GA, which were adopted on 18 February. Recommendations 

UNFCCC: Submissions from Parties

Parties to UNFCCC have responded to a call for submissions of information and views regarding outcomes of the recent sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the COP serving as the MOP to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP), the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long- term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG LCA), and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP). Submissions have been received from: India; Gambia, on behalf of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs); Belarus; Philippines; Norway; Panama; Ecuador; Turkey; Israel; Republic of Korea; Sri Lanka; Indonesia; Venezuela; Papua New Guinea; Switzerland; Bangladesh; Bolivia; Colombia; Republic of Korea; New Zealand; Algeria; Pakistan; Malaysia; Saudi Arabia; and Ghana. Submissions

UNEP Report on threats to bees

UNEP has released a report titled "Global Honey Bee Colony Disorders and Other Threats to Insect Pollinators," which shows that bee colonies worldwide are under threat, with serious consequences for biodiversity and food security.

IMG on Biodiversity: 4th Meeting

The  Issue Management Group (IMG) on Biodiversity convened in Geneva (Switzerland) on 16 February  to discuss its approach to implementing decisions taken by the Environment Management Group (EMG) Senior Officials on biodiversity. [EMG webpage on IMG on Biodiversity]

Manual of European Environmental Policy

Earthscan’s Manual, previously published as a loose-leaf printed reference, was re-launched as an online product in 2010. Described as the most systematic, reliable and comprehensive source of information on EU environmental policy, it has been extensively restructured to reflect the changing nature and development of European environmental policy. Homepage

AU and ECA Joint Annual Meetings

The African Union Conference of Ministers of Economy and Finance and the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will take place from 24-29 March in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) under the theme "Governing Development in Africa". Homepage

Basel Convention: 8th Implementation and Compliance Committee

The Implementation and Compliance Committee of the Convention met in Geneva from 21-23 March 2011. Report