Political commitment depends on a wide array of factors, especially political and administrative capacity. There are objectives ways of measuring advancements, results, and those are the important ones.

? A relevant indicator for the international labour movement is the presence (or absence) of clear and precise results, of international concrete and immediate decisions and not just laws, in terms of a better development pattern, integrating social and environmental concerns.

? Another useful indicator is the level of democracy, measured by the level of civil society engagement with sustainable development. The purpose of Agenda 21 was to generate social support and to identify civil groups that are the most likely to bring change. A useful indicator is thus how governments have institutionalized the importance of civil society. Indicators should not just focus on governments. Change does not mean radical change.

- An important task could be to distinguish areas for political commitment: (at governmental level, for example, identify political commitment from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Labour? and identify areas for synergies, and areas where contradiction exists.

? A useful indicator is budget allocation which supports or prevents sustainable development.

? The level of media interest is not a successful indicator because it is very volatile. It might build political commitment but only on the short-term. In addition, media coverage can often be very superficial.

Ultimately, a political promise will come into reality once new legislation is enacted and room is created within the budget for achievement of the new policies. Media and civil society play an important role into providing public pressure for political change and pressuring political parties to take some issues up in their political programs.

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From my own experience working with Thailand?s government agencies for environmental management and implementation of the Rio Conventions, I feel that (1) ?budgetary allocation? and (2) ?prominence of relevant institutions? are extremely important and useful as ways of measuring political commitment. The agencies which I worked with suffered from lack of budget to implement their mandate, as well as lack of influence with other national agencies. This led to a number of objectives not being implemented and general implementation of the Rio Conventions falling short (see Thailand?s National Capacity Self-Assessment published by UNDP and Thailand?s ONEP agency).
?Level of media interest? is not an appropriate indicator because media can be (and are) influenced in many countries by political pressure and power from special interest groups; media coverage can also be bought. The amount of ?new legislation enacted? is also not appropriate as an indicator. Thailand, for instance, has enacted a number of new laws throughout its history to address perceived gaps. However, these new laws suffer from the same institutional shortfalls as previous laws: a lack of budgetary funding for implementing / enacting agencies and weak institutional capacity and prominence to garner buy-in from other stakeholders.

There is commitment and commitment. So many Governments have an uncanny
ability to be committed to something, and to sign a pledge for something,
and then when it comes to the fore, to find a reason why the pledge was
not binding after all, or that the commitment was in fact just a stated wish.
We don?t have data to share here, nor can we advise/suggest on objective
ways of measuring. Our work focuses in on engaging with Government and
opinion formers from a qualitative angle.

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・The most useful indicators are national governments’ support for stronger
international institutions, increased budgetary support for sustainable development
policies and international institutions, and support for stronger policies and
regulations to support sustainable development at the national level as well as
coordination of such policies at the international level.

Political commitment in Russia must not be measured through legislation and even
development of institutions and policies. Factors such as budgetary allocation &support are the
better measure, and stakeholder participation (business, for example) is the strongest indicator of
political commitment translated into action. However it is sometimes uneasy to measure them.
The role played here by public opinion and media shan't be underestimated too.

The most important ?indicators? are actual, not symbolic, steps to implement the commitment. From a civil society perspective, political ?commitment? is meaningless if there is no implementation. Political leaders too often are bold in speeches about their ?commitment? yet often do not follow through, or do so in symbolic gestures than in concrete actions.

There is a necessity of establishing a series of legal indicators.

NRDC has found there are systematic and objective ways of measuring political
commitment. For example after both the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and the UN
Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994 NRDC undertook
surveys of governments to assess their success at meeting the commitments from those
two international meetings. The indicators for political commitment vary depending
on the subject matter, however in the case of the 1992 Earth Summit NRDC focused
on; 1) level of awareness of government officials of the commitments from the
Summit, 2) national policies, programs and laws enacted, and 3) clear vision by
government leaders for long-term implementation of commitments.

Please see full submission

Genuine Vs False Indicators
New legislation enacted, budgetary allocation and support, prominence of relevant institutions, level of media interest
are all appropriate indicators. What does not constitute an indicator of progress is the number of spoken commitments
in speeches if this is not matched with demonstrable implementation. The focus should be on legislation with tax and subsidy regimes and budgetary allocations. International agreements and financial mechanisms to support them are other indicators of political commitment.
Transparency and Scrutiny
At a national level, transparency around political commitments is also necessary. A stakeholder body with
governmental and non-governmental actors at the national level should be established to monitor this, with its
existence and the frequency of meetings both indictors of political commitment. A regional body in Wales with the
mandate to achieve this was established in 2009, which included TUC representation. The group, however, met only twice before a change in government. All stakeholders are awaiting a new body.
The challenge of sustainable development as a ?separate? entity
However, it is difficult to have a separate sustainable development process on a national level, as the commitment to sustainable development is demonstrated through policies relating to biodiversity, climate change and other thematic strands which are also addressed by other UN processes.
Education targets influenced by global policy
The political commitments of most resonance and legitimacy within the UK education community are educational
policies and strategies around sustainable development. UK legislation and policy responding to international
collaboration and consensus have proven currency in this field.

Emissions Trading and Energy Policy
The seriousness with which the UK Government views the climate change agenda is genuine and significant. This
is manifested by the strong national political commitment to ensuring the European Emission Trading Scheme
(ETS) is implemented effectively. Energy production is a primary area of focus in UK and Europe under the ETS.
The energy sector has a very high profile within the UK media and in government, which was recently
consolidated through the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Binding targets and agreements have been
committed to at all levels.
Education for Sustainable Development
The Education sector has, up to the present, shown a strong commitment to achieving sustainable development
goals through the Building Schools for the Future programme (and through BREAM commitments to sustainable
buildings), a Sustainable Schools strategy (with a 2020 target for all schools), and the embedding of ESD and
global learning within curricula.
CASE STUDY: WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT
Wales has a committed climate change strategy with a strong programme to help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions as well as an in-depth adaptation plan.6 It has also recently introduced a new integrated Natural
Environment Framework, which sets out a new approach to land, water and sea management7. This is partly in
response to the failure of meeting 2010 biodiversity targets, but also due to the realisation that the environment
should to be managed as a whole and not in a fragmented manner.

In fulfilling its remit, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has advised on and advocated for improvements across priority areas of the UK Government?s business, and reported on its progress. Drawing on extensive experience gained over 10 years, the SDC has identified four criteria for any new sustainable development (SD) arrangements in Government which would measure objectively the extent of political commitment to sustainable development: Governance Arrangements, Mechanisms, Capability Building and Engagement. Measuring the number and type of policy announcements, the amount of budget allocated to SD or the level of media interest are not objective measures to test political commitment as SD covers such a wide range of issues. Measuring the following would allow comparison to be made across countries.
1. Governance arrangements must be put in place to drive SD through leadership, strategy, structures and scrutiny. They should also encourage innovation, long‐term thinking and ensure effective cross‐departmental working.
 Political Leadership ‐there is a need for political leadership from the very top of Government. Ideally, the lead for sustainable development should be the Prime Minister or a Government Minister who monitors Government activity on SD (policy and operational performance) with support from a committee or grouping of Ministers which has a clear remit on SD and access to impartial, expert advice. SD becomes an organising principle for the development of Government policy, rather than a ?bolt on? afterthought.
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 Strategy and Vision ‐ Government must have an inspiring vision of sustainability for the future that demonstrates its commitment to SD and brings together departments, local authorities, civil society and business. Any strategy must be explicit in how Government?s economic, social and environmental activities are mutually reinforcing, and set out how an improved quality of life within environmental limits can be achieved, both in the short and longer terms.
 Governance Structures ? there should be governance structures also at official level responsible for overseeing policy and operational performance, and they must be aligned and well co‐ordinated to ensure effective and efficient delivery of agreed government goals for SD. Operational performance should explicitly help support and drive national policy ambitions. These bodies must also have clear remits and agendas covering the areas for which each is responsible, and be given appropriate levers and mechanisms to make effective change on cross‐Government issues.
 Scrutiny ? Government must have an independent scrutiny/assurance function which is informed by robust evidence, developed in part through ongoing challenge which necessitates close and regular liaison with Government officials. Reporting on progress must be transparent and provide a comprehensible overview of progress especially to the public. Independent, well‐ informed scrutiny is essential, not only for a Government?s credibility on the SD agenda, but also to challenge departments and drive improvements in priority areas.
2. Mechanisms must be established that enable Government to deliver its commitments set out in the SD vision and strategy. All the mechanisms must be applied consistently across the Government?s Operations and Procurement, People and Policy.
 Performance Management Frameworks ? Government must have an agreed holistic set of standards, indicators, targets or explicit goals against which it, and others, can measure impacts, performance and progress towards agreed pan‐Government outcomes.
 Delivery Plans and Tools ? All public bodies need agreed plans which demonstrate how they will contribute to mainstreaming and delivering SD. SD must be embedded in all decision‐making tools and processes for both its policy and operations. Examples in the UK include the Green Book (HM Treasury guidance for Central Government, setting out a framework for the appraisal and evaluation of all policies, programmes and projects), Impact Assessments, SD indicators, Business Plans and environmental management systems (EMS).
 Monitoring and Reporting ? Government must ensure that there is a timely and transparent process for reporting progress against agreed performance management frameworks for all elements of public sector business ? policy and operations ‐ and that it provides easily understood information and progress reports for the public.
3. Capability building ? Government must have a systematic approach to incorporating capability building into all aspects and levels of SD in Government ? leadership, civil service skills, systems and procedures and tools to ensure the continuous improvement and efficiency of performance.
4. Engagement of business, civil society, wider public sector and international bodies is vital to encourage dialogue, debate and decision‐making to improve Government policies and provide independent, expert advice to decision‐makers. Government must therefore ensure it has arrangements in place for ongoing engagement in order to:
 Inform domestic policy as well as influence the European and international agenda
 Share best practice and learn from international examples
 Act as a focal point and sounding board for those organisations needing advice and guidance on specific areas of SD relevant to their organisation?s aims.

We feel that the best measurement for political commitment for sustainable development is budgetary funding, media interest and public awareness.

? Level of political representation at meetings
? Implementation of previously made commitments
? New policy developed and implemented
? Budget allocations
? Evidence of mainstreaming across government departments (policy positions, actions, spending, capacity of staff)
? Analysis of key political speeches and holding governments to account against their rhetoric
? Policy coherence across government departments eg ensuring that policies on one area (eg international development) are not undermined by policies in another (eg trade, procurement etc)
? Level of capacity in government to work on sustainable development
? Governments using other measures than GDP to state ?progress? wealth and development

Several countries in Europe have made political pledges to create policies for a sustainable environment. However, such pledges sometimes do not lead to actual policies, or fail to achieve a comprehensive policy overspanning the EU (.ie a policy for carbon-taxation). A strong focus on the current economic crisis and migrant issues, might lead political attention away from environmental issues. However, in the Netherlands, political parties with a ?green? program (Party for the Animals and the Greens) have received strong support from the electorate over the last years. Unfortunately these parties did not make it into the coalition government, making it unlikely that they will influence policy in the coming years.

Lack of budget has been and continues to be a serious issue. This can be seen in general within the UN system, as the attendees described during the MDG meeting at the September 2010 UN Summit in New York. There was much discussion surrounding Member States? failure to fund the requisite amount equal to 0.7% of national GDP. The trickle down effect is that UN agencies dealing with environmental and social issues related to the CSD are underfunded, and in turn the national agencies responsible for implementation of international conventions are underfunded. This is as true for Thailand as it is for other countries in the region.

Although the world is waking up to climate change, there appears to be a decline
in interest by political leaders and actors in the environment, given a
strongly held belief among citizenry on one hand that recycling rubbish is sufficient
to become sustainable, whilst on the other that the problems are too
intractable, and likely being over-killed. Perhaps there is a hope, parallel with
the dispute over the accuracy of climate change science, that ?technology will
fix? the environmental problems. it hasn?t seen a similar wake up to the Environment,
more than putting the stuff outside for recycling.
The corollary is that more and more citizens are waking up to the need to
change their ecological and carbon footprint and not wait for Governments to
lead. We are already in the midst of a Great Turning, and it behoves on every
individual to become a Steward or Trustee for the planet and to do their part to
make a difference.

・In the region, one of the measurements to evaluate political commitment towards
sustainable development could be the number of international meetings at ministerial
level. In East Asia, Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the
Pacific (MCED) has been held since 1985 every five years. East Asia Summit Environmental
Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) has been held twice since 2008. Also ASEAN+3
(Japan, China, Republic of Korea) Environmental Ministers Meeting and the Tripartite
Environment Ministers Meeting Among Japan, China, and Korea (TEMM) has been held since
2002 and 1999 respectively in a yearly basis.
[National Level]
・As an example, in the case of Japan significant actions towards strengthening
political support have taken place, not least of all would be the establishment of the
Ministry of Environment in 2001. This designation means that the minister of the
environment is appointed by the Prime Minister, usually from the National Diet
(parliament) and is also a member of the Cabinet, or the executive branch of the
national government. Prior to this designation the MOEJ was known as the
Environmental Agency and operated at the sub-cabinet level.
[Local Level]
・In terms the level of intervention, we observe that interest is increasingly being paid
to actions at the local-level, especially from the perspective of cities or urban areas.
Environmentally Sustainable Cities receives strong political commitments
nationally and regionally. A High Level Seminar on the theme of
Environmentally Sustainable Cities under the framework of East Asia
Summit (EAS) was held in Jakarta from March 2nd to 4th 2010. The High
Level Seminar, which was initiated by a proposal from Japan at the EAS
Environment Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) in 2008, was jointly organized
by Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia and co-chaired by Japan and
Indonesia. At the Seminar, over 120 representatives from environment
ministries from EAS countries, local governments, international
organizations, NGOs and academe gathered to discuss collaborative actions to
promote ESC in the region.
The outcomes of the High Level Seminar were presented to the Second EAS
EMM and Ministers endorsed the proposal by Japan to held Second High
Level Seminar in the first quarter of 2011 in Kitakyushu. Three countries-
Cambodia, Thailand and Malysia agreed to be Co-organisers of the event.
IGES is officially assigned as the secretariat for the Second High Level
Seminar.

The sustainable development (SD) as a political discourse has remained in Russia since 1992,
but is not realized by our political elite as a wide area of social change, rather it is seen narrowly
as a set of problems and challenges concerning the environment. The political practices &
activity focus mostly internationally acknowledged issues, such as climate change, CO2
reductions, renewable energy and generally reform of energy sector. As for climate change, there
is still no consensus about it, not only in terms of how to fight the disaster, but whether it really
exists. Unfortunately, Russia shows halting progress in SD program implementation, political
declarations prevail over actual policies. Russians also demonstrate scepticism about the political
commitment of other countries and international community to translate SD plans into action. General public often percepts SD as a political campaign set up by "somebody in the West"
rather then a real political and economic movement.

First, the country develops a meaningful national sustainability strategy which integrates environmental, social and economic priorities with targets, timetables, measures and monitoring of progress. One essential part of this strategy involves implementing the Agenda 21 call for each country to develop a national policy framework promoting sustainable production and consumption. To be meaningful, this policy framework needs to be operationalized through clear, measurable objectives and programs. Finally, there are a number of different integrative sustainability indices which should be adopted in each country?s system of national accounts ? another Agenda 21 commitment that still needs to be implemented by many countries. Bhutan?s measure of national happiness is one such index. Another might be based on the country?s declining ecological footprint

Based on the indicators above, it?s clear that the international community faces
similar challenges regarding the level of political commitment as we faced in 1992.
While awareness of certain challenges like climate change has increased in North
America, and certain state and regional policies have been enacted, there remains a
gap between the level of response needed (economy wide targets or systematic
solutions to reduce greenhouse emissions) and the actions taken. Domestic politics in
the United States have made implementation of climate policies, and other
sustainability initiatives such as implementation of the recommendations from the
President?s Council on Sustainable Development very difficult. Nevertheless the need
for action is all the more pressing because of emerging challenges.

Sustainable Development overtaken by Climate Change
In the UK, the commitment to sustainable development is arguably ?skin deep?; it is there and on the radar, especially
climate change, but real commitment is not being shown by the new Coalition Government. The closure of sustainable
development commissions across the UK suggests a declining commitment. There are not clear indicators that show
commitment towards fully achieving sustainable development from the UK government or the EU. There are, however,
climate change commitments and others that feed into sustainable development. Since 1992 there has been far
greater collaboration among UK stakeholders in implementing sustainable development, and increased coherence in
demands.
Shift in Political Discourse from Sustainable Development to Climate Change
A shift in the political discourse on sustainable development has taken place over the past 18 years. From focusing on
sustainable development issues such as sustainable housing, employment and public transport, the discourse now
focuses on climate change, CO2 reductions, industry shifts and renewable energies. Likewise, there is consensus
around climate change and the need catastrophe planning, disaster risk reduction and adaptation/mitigation strategies
Grassroots promotion of Education for Sustainable Development
The political commitment at UK Government level to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) appears to rely on
the continuance of bottom up and structural ESD and Sustainable Development change, much of which was initially
driven from the top, as a direct outcome of the 1992 Summit. Yet the political commitment of the international
community to this specific area appears deeper and broader than it was in 1992.
Implementation Vs Rhetoric
Among the international community the rhetoric around sustainable development may have weakened, but action and
implementation has increased compared to 1992; there is a creeping realization that sustainability policies are the best
measures to pursue. On the other hand, public awareness of sustainability imperatives is probably lower now than it
was in 1992. Also, since 1992 it has not been clear what has been achieved in sustainable development. There are
clear gaps in the UN and international framework addressing sustainable development implementation and monitoring,
as after 18 years there is still a lack of solid policies in certain areas on a national level.
CASE STUDY: EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The UK Department for Education (DfE) and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) policies
set out education?s political commitment to sustainable development. Behind these policies lie much broader
frameworks e.g. A Better Quality of Life - UK Education for Sustainable Development strategy? (DETR). This has
spawned much UK ESD policy development which was strongly influenced by the 1992 Earth Summit. Similarly,
legislation linking policy with local practice such as the UK Education White paper ?Higher Standards, Better
Schools for All - more choice for parents and pupils (DfES) 2005? have created a direction of travel towards
locally accountable learning systems; while strategies like the DfES ?Sustainable Schools strategy? have
successfully promoted surges of sector-specific, joined-up Sustainable Development activity.

Until the recent election the UK Government was seen as a world leader on Sustainable Development. New arrangements are being established so it is not clear whether this reputation will be maintained. An evaluation of the status before the election in May 2010 is set out below.
 Political Leadership ‐ MODERATE. The commitment to SD has ensured the UK is seen as a world leader. However, implementation of SD has been piecemeal e.g. SD is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. However, this means that SD is often seen as mostly an environmental issue and had little traction across Government until the SDC was established. There is currently no grouping of Ministers with a clear remit on SD. Access to impartial, expert advice was available through the SDC. It is not clear what new structures will be put in place, if any.
 Strategy and Vision ‐ GOOD. Government has published an SD Strategy Securing the Future, the UK Sustainable Development Strategy in 2005 which set out 5 SD principles (living within environmental limits and ensuring a strong, healthy, just society through achieving a sustainable economy, using sound science responsibly and promoting good governance. The priority actions have now been achieved and the strategy needs to be revised. It is not clear whether Government will publish a new strategy.
 Governance Structures ? POOR. There are governance structures at official level responsible for overseeing policy and operational performance but they are ineffectual and poorly co-ordinated. This is partly due to the fact that co-ordination was led by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but also because its remit was unclear ? rather than monitor performance on SD indicators and advise Ministers of key issue or ensure good tools were developed for use across Government it was more of a talking shop. It is not clear what new structures will be put in place, if any.
 Scrutiny ? GOOD. Government set up an independent scrutiny/assurance function through the strengthening of the SDC?s remit to include the formal scrutiny ?watchdog? function in 2005. Alongside, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has provided parliamentary scrutiny on SD since 1997. SDC has worked with Government?s data and through regular liaison with Government officials to give regular and transparent reports on progress. This has improved performance on its operations dramatically. For example, for every pound invested in that work with us, the Government has saved at least ｣15 for every pound invested (based on the fact that savings accrued to date per year to Government are in the region of between ｣60 million and ｣66 million a year, and the SDC costs about ｣4 million a year). Government is proposing that scrutiny be left to Parliament and it is not clear what new structures will be put in place to support the EAC.
 Performance Management Frameworks ? GOOD. Government had an agreed holistic set of standards, indicators, targets or explicit goals against which it, and others, can measure
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impacts, performance and progress towards agreed pan‐Government outcomes. This was reported regularly and was assessed by the SDC.
 Delivery Plans and Tools ? MODERATE. All public bodies need agreed plans which demonstrate how they will contribute to mainstreaming and delivering SD. SD must be embedded in all decision‐making tools and processes for both its policy and operations. Examples in the UK include the Green Book (HM Treasury guidance for Central Government, setting out a framework for the appraisal and evaluation of all policies, programmes and projects), Impact Assessments, SD indicators, Business Plans and environmental management systems (EMS). However, they are not applied consistently and do not properly reflect issues such as environmental limits.
 Monitoring and Reporting ? GOOD. Government regularly reported on its performance both policy and operations. SDC?s role was to provide an independent assessment which was also regularly and publicly reported. It is not clear what new structures will be put in place, if any.
 Capability building ? POOR. There is no systematic approach to incorporating capability building into all aspects and levels of SD in Government. SDC provided some leadership in this area but this was only selectively taken up and implemented by departments. At local government level or with public sector bodies there have been some good examples such as the development of a tool by the SDC with the National Health Service to promote better SD practices.
 Engagement of business, civil society, wider public sector and international bodies ? MODERATE. Much of this engagement was undertaken by SDC on SD issues but Government departments would engage on individual policy issues.

With the increase of hurricanes in the past decade, the United States? coastal regions are far more aware of the need for sustainable development due to their continued exposure. Green building and green technology is booming right now. As this work sector creates more jobs across the nation, the sector will command greater attention from legislators. Sustainability has been proven to be cost-effective and in the best interest of society in general both ecologically and economically.

Strong civil society and the increasing influence of social entrepeneurship as well as corporate responsibility leads vital environmental issues to be targeted.

Beyond zero emissions - www.breaze.org.au set up to advocate
Zero Emissions and 100% renewable energy and trying to give
govt guidance on this, but despite evident success in towns in
Victoria, eg Ballarat, both the State Government and the Federal
Government which purport to be pro sustainable development,
engage in rhetoric on this only (so far).

- Institutional capacity building for SD has taken place in about half of the EU
member states (another group of countries also started, but attempts stalled again)
- Typically this started with developing and endorsing an SD strategy; in most
countries also followed by regular monitoring and revisions (see question II.5.)
- While mechanisms for horizontal coordination on the administration side have been
put in place in these countries, for political coordination it is in place in around ｼ of
the member states; in a few countries parliamentary commissions have been
established. Overall, the coordination challenges remain considerable.
- Vertical coordination (has improved).
- Top-level leadership succeeded in a number of countries, but in some it was given
up again.
- Improved communication on SD, awareness raising and stimulation engagement of
civil society and business (through many actions and incentives, e.g. competitions and
awards for specific groups), as well has knowledge and research; at the same time it is
still seen as most important improvement potential to communicate SD better in daily
life terms.
- Discourse on transition governance.

National SD strategy (called NSD concept) - that is what we have by now, NSD plan was
prepared by our NGOs, but it was not adopted by the Government. At the regional and local
level Agenda 21 plans and NSD programs and strategies were adopted by some republican or
local Governments (for example, in the Republic of Tatarstan, Republic of Bashkortostan),
including increasing financial support, support for major interest groups, etc.

President Obama recently issued a directive to all of the federal agencies to each develop a sustainability plan with specific objectives (e.g., reduced carbon emissions), and to report on progress towards those objectives.

The French government organised the ?Grenelle de l?environnement? in 2007, a
large negotiation process around environmental issues. NGOs, local authorities, trade unions, companies and the State came together to take commitments. These
commitments have been transposed into legal acts in 2009 and 2010.

Governmental legislation, regulation, financial incentives and other policy levers, such as education policies, and
communications campaigns are having a positive impact in reducing carbon emissions and encouraging sustainable
behaviours. These include:
? Feed-in Tariffs are effective financial incentives being used by the Government to promote widespread
uptake of a range of small-scale renewable and low carbon electricity generation technologies. Known as
the ?clean energy cash back?, a feed-in tariff is a rate of money paid by the Government to homeowners,
business and organizations, such as schools and community groups, to produce their own electricity
through small-scale green energy installations.1
? The Government Subsidised Loft Insulation Grants allows every household in the UK to access a
grant for loft and cavity insulation. As part of a UK Government promise to reduce carbon emissions, every
home in the UK is entitled to insulation grants for cavity wall or loft insulation. Insulation grants cover
between 40% and 100% of the cost depending on an applicant?s financial status.2
? The Carbon Trust, a not-for-profit organisation supported by the Government, is working to promote the
adoption of renewable energy through providing specialist support to business and the public sector to
help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. The Carbon Trust
also finances a number of loan funds for energy-efficient equipment.3
? Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) are placing obligations on UK suppliers of electricity to
source an increasing proportion of their electricity from renewable sources.4
? Community based and locally owned campaigns, such as the 10/10 campaign have been a catalyst
for action.
? Green workplaces Initiative by the TUC is pushing for the greening of workplaces and lobbying for
green rights.
? The UK Sustainable Development Education Panel, through a series of five reports to the UK
government between 1998 and 2003, clarified the extent of ESD?s role across all sectors of society5.
? Launch of the Decade for ESD at the Institute of Education (London) gathered new players around the
issues of ESD, including business.
? Economic strategy ?One Wales, One Planet? commits to an economic program with reference to
sustainable development.
Despite these examples of success, it is likely that progress towards the achievement of sustainable development
nationally might be curtailed as a result of the abolishment of the Sustainable Development Commissions (SDC)
across the UK. In the case of Wales, however, there is a legal duty to sustainable development. Therefore, Wales
will be legally obliged to adhere to sustainable development commitments even after the demise of the SDC.

National level
The establishment of the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) in 2000 to act as the Government｡ｦs independent advisor and ｡ｧcritical friend｡ｨ was a major milestone. The SDC｡ｦs remit was strengthened to include the formal scrutiny ｡ｧwatchdog｡ｨ function in 2005.
The publication of Securing the Future, the UK Sustainable Development Strategy in 2005 led to a number of achievements:
?h A renewed Government commitment to SD was adopted by the whole of the UK and a strengthened for the SDC as Government｡ｦs watchdog on sustainable development.
?h The Strategy set out the five principles of sustainable development which would be the framework for all action and decision-making.
?h The Strategy focused the efforts of departments in improving their performance and progress on sustainability via the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) Framework and the Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) process.
?h Groups and networks formed to share best practice and innovative approaches to improving as a result of the Strategy｡ｦs existence.
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The 1999 sustainable development strategy for the UK, A better quality of life1 identified a set of headline and core indicators to be used to report on progress. A key feature was the setting of 15 headline indicators of sustainable development which provided a 'quality of life barometer' of issues such as employment, education, health, crime, air quality, road traffic and waste. This was intended 'to provide a high level overview of progress, and be a powerful tool for simplifying and communicating the main messages for the public'.
In 2005, the four UK governments (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) agreed a new shared framework for sustainable development, One Future Different Paths2. The framework, launched in conjunction with the UK Government Strategy, Securing the Future3 comprises a shared understanding of sustainable development; a common purpose outlining what the four governments were trying to achieve and the guiding principles to follow to achieve it; sustainable development priorities for UK action, at home and internationally together with indicators to monitor the key issues on a UK basis.
The Welsh Assembly Government is one of only a few Governments in the world to have a statutory duty with regard to sustainability4 and in 2009 it made a commitment to make sustainable development the ｡･central organising principle｡ｦ of Government in Wales in its One Wales: One Planet Strategy.5
The Scottish Government has established a Purpose for all its work (To let all of Scotland Flourish.... though sustainable economic growth｡ｦ) underpinned by a National Performance Framework that encompasses economic, social and environmental measures of progress and a set of desired outcomes for policy.
Regional Level
The Government established a regional level of governance through the creation of Regional Assemblies (RA). The RAs were responsible for a new layer of planning, providing strategic advice on spatial, housing and transport issues, all of which were to be based on sustainable development principles.
At the same time Regional Development Agencies were created, with a statutory duty to contribute to sustainable development.
Local Level
Having moved on from the focus on Local Agenda 21, the Government introduced the requirement for all local authorities to develop a Community Strategy. The aim of the document was to set out a long term vision for an area based on the needs of the local community. After several years further guidance was issued by central government to upgrade the Strategy to become a Sustainable Community Strategy. The Strategy was to be delivered by the Local Strategic Partnership which is
1http://collections.europarchive.org/tna/20080530153425/http:/www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/publications/uk-strategy99/index.htm
2http://collections.europarchive.org/tna/20080530153425/http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/publications/pdf/SD%20Framework.pdf
3http://www.defra.gov.uk/sustainable/government/publications/uk-strategy/documents/SecFut_complete.pdf
4 The statutory duty is contained in Section 79 of the Government of Wales Act 2006. It states that "Welsh Ministers must make a scheme ("the sustainable development scheme") setting out how they propose, in the exercise of their functions, to promote sustainable development."
5 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/sustainabledevelopment/publications/onewalesoneplanet/?lang=en
made up of local government, statutory bodies, business, the third sector and community representatives.
Latest position
In May 2010, a new coalition government came into power in the UK. Following the statement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 22 July 2010 stating that Government wants ｡ｧto mainstream sustainability, strengthen the Government｡ｦs performance in this area and put processes in place to join-up activity across Government much more effectively｡ｨ, the SDC｡ｦs funding has been withdrawn by Defra, effective from 31 March 2011. . As a consequence new arrangements are also now being considered in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is not yet clear what these will be but it is hoped that the new governance arrangements for sustainable development in the four countries will be clear before March 2011. Similarly, the regional level of governance has been abolished and the future of SD at the local level is not known.

In 1992 there was no horizon on this issue. Not until later, 1998 did we see any political interest and not significantly until 2007/8 did the issue seem to gain any strength and perceptibly after the Al Gore movie since public sentiment was raised. With the increase of public awareness, industries have been much more conscientious of the environment in their planning. The United States government has passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) which provides funds to encourage sustainable development and retrofitting in government buildings, commercial buildings and in making homes more energy efficient across the country.

WWF works with governments around the world on a constructive, solution- oriented basis. WWF staff often provides technical support to government delegations in multilateral fora upon request. This is particularly the case for governments that lack technical support for political engagement.

For the Netherlands water management has, due to its geographical location below sea-level, always been a key issue in shaping policies. Scotland as well as (northern) Germany seem to have a strong commitment towards wind energy. The perception exists that while developed countries already have a relatively strong framework for a green economy, developing economies often lack this, which is a key concern to us.

AUSTRALIA/ Water.
There is a move towards returning water to the Murray-Darling river system
after decades of over-allocation, although the flawed issue of 'Economy vs
Ecology' continues (Farmers complain that their interests are not being given
high enough priority, yet the Chair of the River Basin Commission resigned
last week because the Environment was being given too low a profile in the
Commission to be of much value)
The Mary Riverwas going to be dammed but this was cancelled. said to be for
biodiversity reasons. although there is suspicion by residents whose land was
compulsorily purchased by the Queensland Government that the dam issue
will re-emerge again.
EUROPE:
Cellule Prospective/ Forward thinking unit of European Commission. And
other European Union institutions ? eg European Parliament and Council of
the Regions.

・The interest in climate change adaptation and mitigation
issues in Asia and the Pacific has been increasing.
Numerous countries have been setting targets for GHG
emissions and exploring cost effective mean to reach them.
One such example is Indonesia. President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono has made climate change mitigation and
adaptation national priorities for Indonesia. Indonesia was
one of the 26 countries to sign the Copenhagen accord in
December 2009, and in doing so committed itself to
submitting an emissions reduction target to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) by 31 January 2010. It has set targets of 26% of
emissions reductions by 2020, and 41% with international
support. The Government of Indonesia explained that these
targets would be achieved through Nationally Appropriate
Mitigation Actions (NAMA) on seven issues/sectors.
・National political commitment to achieve sustainable
development goals has been especially strong in the forestry
sector in Indonesia with the evolution of the concept of
REDD-plus (reducing emissions from deforestation and
forest degradation, conservation of forest carbon stocks,
sustainable management of forest, and enhancement of
forest carbon stocks) and the strong support it enjoys
amongst Parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
There are two reasons for the increased interest in the
forestry sector: the relatively low abatement costs that the
forestry sector and the increased financial support.
Indonesia is receiving support from the World Bank’s
Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), the UN
Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing
Countries (UN-REDD), bilateral donors and others.
Notably, in 2010 Indonesia and Norway signed a Letter of
Intent under which Norway intends to provide US$ 1 billion
to support Indonesia’s REDD-plus efforts.

It is mostly energy sector, everything concerning climate change. Here we dealing with carbon
offsets, carbon emissions trading already organized in Russia.

In the 1970s the US took a number of strong steps in developing its environmental policies, which was followed in the 1980s and after by a strong anti-environmental and anti-regulatory political backlash. In the 1990s President Clinton established the President?s Council on Sustainable Development to develop a national sustainability strategy. However, the recommendations that were published were then readily ignored by the Bush Administration, which was more inclined to follow the recommendations of Exxon than the PCSD. Although the Obama Administration has tried to more actively address the challenge of climate change, there remains major resistance, with a political movement of climate skeptics opposed to action.

Climate change. Because of the political will to be one of the leaders in that area at
the European and global level.

There is a growing interest in the United States in the areas of green infrastructure,
?green collar jobs?, smart growth development strategies, building and energy
efficiency and smart grid and green technologies. The level of interest in these things
has been built through a combination of messaging, marketing, demonstration of
successful projects and programs, significant public investment and regulations and
policies that incentivize these projects.

Energy and Climate Change
Energy and Climate Change has been the most significant area. The main factor driving this has been the international consensus on the need to tackle climate change. Climate Change and Energy was one of four priority areas identified for immediate action in the UK SD Strategy (Securing the Future).
The three other priority areas are:
?h sustainable consumption and production: the main focus has been on working towards more sustainable and consumption production of food, largely in response to concerns over food safety, domestic and global food security, depletion of natural resources, climate change, and diet-related ill health; increasing sustainable procurement in the public sector; and reducing waste to landfill and increasing recycling
?h natural resource protection: the main focus has been on better environmental stewardship and raising awareness of the need to live within environmental limits
?h sustainable communities: the main focus has been on ensuring that land use planning integrates sustainable development principles and approaches.

Climate change has been a ?hot topic?, whereas other areas of the sustainable development, including the MDG?s have generally received less attention and are less well-known in the general public.

Support for climate change and other examples from energy sector demonstrates it. Current
Administration favors it expecting the considerable investment to Russian economy from abroad.

There are many examples of countries (UK, Sweden, China) establishing national sustainable development strategies and councils, as well as regional strategies such as the EU. Each of these is an example of establishing sustainable development as a national priority and not just an ideal or set of principles.

Millennium Development Goals and Climate Change Vs Sustainable Development
The Millennium Development Goals are still a major focus of UK government international development policy and are
the basis of many political commitments. Climate change goals and targets have also been driven by obligations under
the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Yet the sustainable development process in the UN does not seem to be as well articulated on a national level in terms of key deliverables. Though progress towards the MDGs and climate change targets ultimately supports sustainable development, there are a number of important areas that are neglected.
Sustainable Development Delivery Mechanisms
One of the challenges for achieving sustainable development on a national level is that sustainable development
policies are not accompanied by a ?delivery process?. Sustainable development must be connected to a delivery and financial mechanisms for implementation.
Promoting positive messages and scenarios
The (relative) success of the MDGs in promoting public and political support for international development, as well as the increase in awareness and commitment to climate change in the last five years, has arguably been the result of
positive and empowering messaging. Presenting a powerful alternative vision for global development, and promoting
sustainable and fair lifestyles has helped to propel development and climate change issues up the national agenda.

Climate Change is a good example in that it used a combination of sound science and public interest/grassroots action to turn politicians? attention to the issue. The SDC, as an independent advisor to Government, played a role in providing impartial expert advice on key issues such as the potential for tidal power.
This approach has enabled the last Government to feel it had the support to introduce robust legislation to commit it and future Governments to action on climate change. This resulted in a Climate Change Act with a statutory carbon reduction target (the first of its kind in the world), an independent Committee on Climate Change (whose role it is to monitor and report regularly on Government?s performance) and further instruments and levers (e.g. carbon budgets for all Government departments in the Climate Change Act 2008) represent a significant step in assigning environmental limits to government decisions and policy.

In the document, ?CELEBRATE, INNOVATE & SUSTAIN: Toward 2015 and Beyond, The United States? Strategy for Meeting the Millennium Development Goals, published in September 2010, the strategy for meeting the MDGs was outlined as follows:

?The strategy is based on four imperatives:
? Leverage innovation
? Invest in sustainability
? Track development outcomes, not just dollars
? Enhance the principle and the practice of mutual accountability?

Meeting the challenges of the MDGs go hand-in-hand with combating the effects climate change.

In the UK, the Stern review on climate change was a key moment in building momentum on climate change because it made a strong economic case for action on climate change.

Making a stronger economic case for sustainable development might be a key strategy for increasing support. A challenge to uptake and commitment around the SD concept is definitional: it is very broad and has suffered somewhat from ?concept stretch? where it has come to mean all things to all people. A reiteration of the original definition should be accompanied by a new look at the appropriate framework for achieving SD in order to identify elements that can gain political momentum. The growing enthusiasm for ?green economy?, for example, should be used to push governments and business to include the valuation of environmental services and environmental damage in decision-making but should not overshadow the need to address poverty eradication and well-being as explicit objectives.

i) AUSTRALIA
- Reduce Fossil Fuel dependence, shift the economy to low-carbon. Invest
heavily in renewable technology; Wave, Geothermal, Solar, Wind, Micro-
Hydro. Especially focus on localized solutions for energy. ie Local hubs of renewables
that are part-owned/operated/managed by the community/for the
community.

- Reconnect communities to the ecological landscape that our towns and cities
have been settled upon. Connect large tracts of intact forest via wildlife
corridors/re-introduce flow and connectivity across the landscape. Permaculture
gardens in schools, parks, road-sides, empty lots.
- Increase the number of farmers/people growing food to atleast 10% of the
population.
- To accelerate progress towards sustainable development means
curtailing the addiction to economic growth which degrades the
environment.
- Climate Change is a symptom of our inability to address unsustainable
economic growth. People who have contributed the
least to it, are suffering the most viz the people of Tuvalu and the
Carteret Islands who are having to pack up and move given rising
sea levels.
ii) GENERAL
a) . Ensuring that there are spiritual underpinnings to our engagement with
communities and individuals, and that we are able to be mindfully and fully
present in the moment as much as we can, to ?dance? with what shows up in
the space between people. By reminding ourselves that we are breathing human
beings, dependent upon the nutrition and sanctity of life itself for our own
wellbeing, we will act from the juncture that we are part of a system connecting
all living things, and therefore what we do to nature and the world, we do
to ourselves.
b). Being the Velcro between sectors, initiatives and communities, sharing
knowhow within countries, communities and cultures. We are the ones we
have been waiting for. We don?t need anybody to arrive on a white horse.

Continued challenges are, which needs to be or become objectives:
- ensuring our society stays within environmental limits
- transition to a sustainable economy
- ensuring fairness (and we could add in line with Bordeaux: social justice on national
and international level)
- enabling sustainable lives.
Sustainable development should be a priority for the entire government, having a
guiding influence on the mainstream policy, and constituting a cross-sectional issue in
the different policy areas

・For the Asia-Pacific region climate change and sustainable consumption and
production (SCP) should be considered as a high priority area for accelerating
progress towards sustainable development. Finding agreements on climate financing
may be seen as a major item of importance for climate change, while development
pathways which support poverty alleviation and sustainable lifestyles through such as
improvement of resource use efficiency, and capacity building for the next generation
are a key area for SD.

The highest priority over the coming decade for us is achieving the main goals of the National
Concept of the Security - one of them is to accomplish environmental security - recently
revisited, that means a transition to green economy, energy efficiency, use of renewable energy,
protecting biodiversity, good environmental governance, promoting education for sustainable
development as well as social protection and human rights protection, empowering youth, social
stability. National Concept of the Security-2010 is based over the ideas of SD, MDGs are also
taken into account.

Improving the legal side of sustainable development: filling the gaps in international
environmental law (forest, soil pollution, environmentally-displaced persons),
improving the taking into account of human rights in the context of sustainable
development, guaranteeing that environmental law does not regress (non regression
principle), improving international institutions in charge of sustainable development
and the environment.

A key priority for sustainable development over the next 10 years is a renewed level of
interest in the broad issue of sustainable development and elevated understanding of
the issue throughout society.
One of the vital aspects of raising awareness and understanding of sustainable
development is to offer a variety of concrete solutions which can be implemented by
individuals, regions, nations, businesses and more.

The oceans cover 71 percent of Earth?s surface. They generate most of the oxygen in our atmosphere, detoxify and recycle much of our pollution, absorb vast quantities of carbon dioxide and directly or indirectly provide economic revenue and basic nourishment for hundreds of millions of people. However, abusive anthropogenic activities have contributed to the rapid degradation of ocean ecosystems and marine species. Ocean management is inadequate and the marine environment cannot sustain the escalating demand for its resources. Restoring the health and economic viability of ocean systems must be a critical priority for achieving sustainable development.

The Pew Environment Group emphasizes the urgent need to implement science based policy decisions founded on the precautionary principle and ecosystem approach in order to conserve marine habitats and marine biodiversity in areas within and beyond national jurisdiction. It is paramount that policy decisions incorporate strong science in order to adequately strengthen ocean governance. Pew encourages decision makers to address long-standing human induced stressors on marine ecosystems such as overcapacity, illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, coastal and ocean pollution, destructive fishing practices, habitat degradation and harmful subsidies.

Securing a global climate deal and promoting a green economy
The UNFCCC process is the highest priority in order to secure a global climate change agreement. Within the three
pillars the environmental is the most important and a climate agreement within this is critical. In the same vein, the
UNCSD green economy policies are needed to halt the rise of CO2. The creation of green jobs and marrying these into
the climate objectives is important. Likewise the greening of workplaces is essential and highlights the need for green
skills and providing training on mitigation and adaptation to the entire workforce.
Tax and Subsidies
Sustainable ?Green? Tax and subsidy regimes are important measures for the UK. On a national level a positive agenda
is needed that taxes heavily unsustainable activities, and promotes with low tax or subsidies activities that promote
sustainable lifestyles
Education for Sustainable Development
The ESD community, at national and regional levels, is lobbying hard for the UK Coalition government to continue to
take in promoting education?s unique role in joining the three pillars of sustainable development. The recent UNESCO
report ?Education for Sustainable Development in the UK in 2010? (Appendix 1), which highlights the role of education
in exploring the complexities of ESD, points towards a range of gaps in provision or areas where ESD provision is
patchy.
Children and Youth
For children and youth?s involvement, putting sustainability at the heart of every child?s school curriculum from 1st
through 12th grade is an absolute priority. The question has been raised if UNESCO is the right organisation to be
implementing this effectively on a national level.

The World Aquarium?s most important priorities in activities is to help set sustainable policies throughout the world, conduct applied research regarding combating the effects of climate change in aquatic ecosystems, consulting with aquaculture businesses in determining the most sustainable and economical ways of doing business, and sharing the effects of climate change with our Aquarium visitors and sharing with them basic actions they can do to combat climate change. In the next 10 years the Youth Voices Campaign and public awareness initiative is expected to take hold by systemic application in schools, museums, and community awareness (in governments, corporations, and at local levels).

? Building policy coherence between economic development, poverty eradication, climate change and ecosystems/biodiversity enhancement at national level, including through national accounting measures that take account of human well-being and the state of natural resources and ecosystem services.

? Establishing mutually reinforcing commitments and results in multilateral fora at the regional and international level (e.g. UNFCCC, CBD and MDGs).

? Ensuring a clear post-2015 framework for the MDGs that has sustainable development and links to environment and climate change at its core. This needs to be supported by all countries with clear commitments and financing.

? Obtaining ambitious commitments and action on climate change that are legally binding, embed the poverty aspects of climate and keep us below 1.5 degrees below pre-industrial levels.

? Financing for climate change, development and biodiversity all have relevant social and environmental safeguards in place and funds are mutually reinforcing.

International cooperation could foster sharing of ideas, challenges and solutions. In addition, it provides a platform to achieve transnational policies that have a greater impact on the environment than isolated national policies. We therefore expect a fruitful international debate to take place which will result in a clear action agenda that participants can commit to.

The primary goal should be to go through Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation,
the various sustainable development Conventions, and the Rio Declaration of Principles, etc.
article by article and chapter by chapter; and to determine what must be done to ensure that
they are fully implemented in a prompt and responsible manner. Then the primary focus must be
on putting in place sufficient means, mechanisms, and funding to be able to fulfill these
agreements. This should be the mandate given to both the Conference Chairs, the Delegations,
and UN Member States; and it should be adopted as such and recognized in every proceeding
that takes place both in Rio and in upcoming CSD processes.
In addition, there are specific actions that must be taken in order to make a rapid and sufficient
transition to full sustainability. Means and mechanisms need to be put in place to support all
countries and communities in moving in this direction through some type of an international
agreement or protocol. This could be done in conjunction with, or under, the 10 Year Framework
of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production and should support and require that
efforts be made to put in place such programs and policies as follows:
A) Extended producer responsibility addressing full life cycle processes, implemented in an
integrated manner, by including all of the primary service providers thoughout the supply
chain along with the production and waste processes. *
B) Zero waste
C) Phasing out of the use of toxic chemicals
D) Limiting local, national and the global footprint to a just sharing of natural resources while
living within the carrying capacity of the earth
E) Providing sufficient programs and resources so that all communities have access to basic
sanitation and biological waste treatment and management
F) Providing access to renewable energy in all communities
G) Transitioning to organic agriculture, particularly in developing countries where UNEP has
indicated that it is 2 - 4 times as productive as non-organic agriculture
H) Including programs that focus on how SCP can be achieved in rural communities including
through integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to community based development.
* See the video on Starbuck's efforts to ensure that all of their cups are either reused or
recycled to understand some of the challenges in implementing an integrated and
comprehensive approach to Extended Producer Responsibility at:
http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/video/06082010/ben_packard_recycling_cup_systems
_thinking_starbucks_peter_senge

i) Community = Common Unity. We are most powerful when we work together
as a diverse collective fighting for the survival and revival of the planet. We
need to make sure Developing countries by-pass the pollution intensive
stages of their development and support them in living within their scientifically
verified means of sustainability.

ii) If we cannot have international agreements on climate change, we can?t
have progress with sustainable development either.
jj) Redouble the use of international multi-country multi-stakeholder cooperation
mechanisms ? eg Regional Environment Centre for Eastern
Europe, or CAREC ? Central Asian REC, drawing on the use of social
media for wider consultative outreach to supporters.
kk) Set up similar bodies that allow for a full authentic process of consultation
and feedback between newer citizens and indigenous tribal custodians
(eg European settler descendants and Aborigines in Australia,
USA, Canada, New Zealand, central and Latin America. Increase opportunities
for local non-profit and social enterprises and cooperatives
to work, run by and operating for the community. Draw on the myriad of
examples around the world, from Maleny, Australia, to Totnes, England
and Findhorn, Scotland, Freiburg, Germany etc.
ll) Enhance and strengthen the Commission for Sustainable Development
to become a full Organisation of the United Nations System. It is staggeringly
short sighted and ignorant not to give precedence to the life
support systems of our lifeboat (planet Earth) whilst allowing unfettered
exploitation of naturally occurring resources and mining of materials
and pollution all in the name of trade and economic growth. Sustainable
trade and growth depend upon a robust biosphere first of all,
withouit which there is no foundation for life itself.

・International cooperation can ensure support for
sustainable development only if member governments are
willing to commit resources and/or strengthen national
policies, and/or strengthen the governance structures of
related international institutions to promote it.
・At a very minimum, it should be possible to strengthen
existing international institutions by non-financial
measures such as strengthening their mandates,
streamlining their internal governance and procedures, or
merging. Existing financial resources could be used more
efficiently.
・In the context of local development, local governments
need various kinds of support from both their national
governments and the international community to address
their gaps for taking action. Such support cannot be
provided by just a few sources.
Currently, many city-targeted sustainable development
initiatives by international organizations are fragmented
along the lines of either specific urban or broad thematic
sectors. The concern is how to synergize the parallel or
duplicative efforts by various international stakeholders
so that resources can be utilized in an efficient and
integrated manner to produce best results for overall
sustainable development. In this respect, international
cooperation still needs to be strengthened and improved.
National governments, international organizations, city
networks and research organizations can collaborate
through regional platforms such as ASEAN, TEMM and
EAS EMM to provide capacity building opportunities,
technical and financial assistance to local governments
and community-based organizations through structured
programmes, networks and multi-stakeholder forums.
Additionally, one emerging modality to improve local
capacity is through city-to-city cooperation that allows
local government officers to interact and learn from their
own peers about best practices for sustainable urban
development. This is an alternative to the top-down
approach where national governments prescribe desired
actions to lower levels of government.

First: renewing political commitment that will take place in Rio strengthens support for
sustainable development; second: it is going to attract the attention to the problem in this country
where recently one could notice the significant failure of SD ideas popularity (in the same time
ecomodernization theory becomes more and more influential). Third: Rio shall provide platform
for exchanging best environmental policies and practices, provide additional technical and
financial assistance, intensifying cooperation among Russia and other countries.

The concept of the ?implementation gap? raised at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development hangs even more gravely over the 2012 conference. Belief in government and UN ?commitment? depends on much more than speeches and symbolic gestures. However, the obstacles responsible for this gap will require more than a single international meeting to overcome. On the other hand, the UNCSD can do much to raise greater understanding of those obstacles and create tools and mechanisms supporting efforts within civil society, the private sector, and governments to address and overcome these. Meaningful multi-stakeholder dialogues and programs can help engage relevant players in mapping the obstacles, challenges and areas where solutions can emerge. The UNCSD may not solve the problems, but can provide more tools and support to those who will.

The international community should organise itself within strong institutions, such as
a World Environment Organisation; the transformation of the Economic and Social
Council (United Nations) in economic social and environmental comities.

The UNCSD has a vital role to play in highlighting tangible solutions for sustainable
development at all scales. It has the convening power to bring together academics,
governments, civil society and other institutions to share ideas, resources and
collaborate on work.

International cooperation is essential for achieving sustainable development in the context of the marine environment. Current management of the oceans is characterized by a fragmented system in which national and international bodies such as regional seas agreements and regional fisheries management organizations possess separate and overlapping jurisdictions. Lack of coherence and coordination between these governing institutions has resulted in an inadequate management structure which fails to curtail the persistence of harmful marine activities including, but not limited to, unsustainable fishing practices, destructive fishing practices, illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and habitat degradation. The persistence of these activities threatens the long term sustainability of ocean ecosystems and resources.

Despite their inadequacies, these governing institutions have produced a number of agreements and charters that contain strong conservation-oriented language aimed at promoting effective management measures to ensure the long term sustainability of marine species and marine ecosystems. Pew applauds the inclusion of this crucial language, however, implementation is generally lacking as conceptualized management measures have not been carried out. International cooperation is essential to ensure that the mandates of these institutions are fully implemented. Pew encourages States to cooperate and coordinate through these various institutions in order to achieve this necessary implementation.

In addition to encouraging the effective implementation of existing agreements, the Pew Environment Group strongly urges the UNCSD to initiate a negotiating process towards a new implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS) for the protection and conservation of high seas biodiversity. A negotiating process towards a new implementing agreement could provide crucial momentum to stimulate cooperation between existing international institutions that manage the marine environment. Pew envisions an implementing agreement based on the precautionary principle and ecosystem approach that ensures the long term conservation and sustainable management of marine biological diversity and marine ecosystems. A new implementing agreement could also ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

International Cooperation for National Action
One of the most important aspects of international cooperation is to encourage governments on the national level to
address the challenges of sustainable development and take responsibility for the implementation of policies to
support the environment. International cooperation is also important for increasing public awareness of sustainable
development and enhancing morale towards achieving it. Any set-back on an international level constitutes a set-back
at all levels.
Equity for Sustainable Development
There is a critical need for the UNCSD to resolve global equity issues in relation to climate change and sustainable
development. Those nations who are most responsible for causing climate change and perpetuating unsustainable
patterns of development should support developing countries in adapting to inevitable climate change impacts and
embarking upon alternative (sustainable) development pathways. This principle was agreed twenty years ago at the
1992 UN Rio Conference on Environment and Development, and commitments in this regard must be honored.
Building a global cross-sector movement
In terms of expectations, there is a need for a new cross sector movement, with the momentum of Agenda 21 reenergised
. To catalyze momentum, UNCSD should lead, provoke, amuse, appeal, and inspire support from every
sector of society ? from the young to the politicians to the business leaders, the academics, the trades unions,
women, indigenous peoples and faith communities ? UN CSD is tasked with bringing all stakeholders to the table and
catalysing action. It should be much bolder and more inspirational than this survey as an engagement tool,
particularly for the youth.

To raise expectations of Governments to achieve the highest standards on SD and to secure commitments to deliver in their respective countries.
UNCSD should provide benchmarks, best practice guidance and ? where appropriate ? funding.

What happens in one country affects the rest of the countries, be it directly or indirectly. The UNCSD can provide reports on baseline data on the state of the environment or sustainable development on a country-by-country basis as well as worldwide. Having both worldwide and individual countries? information can be a barometer for measuring the success of programs.

In the discourse of national policy makers, there often seems to be a distinction made between ?economic growth? and ?environmental sustainability?, as if environmental is a costly undertaking that is generally not compatible with economic growth. This seems to underlie a resistance to committing to more sustainable development. We are worried that such a narrow view excludes many sustainable development options, that will (sometimes only in the long run) contribute significantly to economic growth.

Yes there are both difficult trade-offs to be made among the three pillars; but in addition they are
strongly complementary and almost all investments that are made now will more than pay for
themselves before long. In other words the trade-offs are pretty much in the short term as
investments are needed that are both beneficial and are also required in order to create a
sustainable future.
So what we would actually be trading and gaining with an ambitious program of implementation
is a system and practices that are responsible, restorative, nurturing, balanced and in harmony
with nature as opposed to the existing destructive, imploding system that ignores future costs and
impending crises and values immediate gratification over long term well being and stability. So
these are trade offs that are not hard to make, once one understands and is willing to admit the
consequences that are likely to occur if we do not make them.

There are certainly difficult economic and environmental trade-offs among the Southeast Asia countries which comprise the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The most apparent is the need for increased power generation and the threat that hydropower dams pose to the natural environment and the livelihoods of people living along the Mekong River. The proposals to establish mainstem hydropower dams in Laos are particularly concerning and could place millions of people?s food security at risk. See, for example, WWF?s concerns about the impacts from the Sayabouly Dam proposal. http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/laos/?195111/WWF-calls-for-a-transparent-and-rigorous-assessment-of-the-Mekong-river-Sayabouly-dam
While hydropower dams may provide short-term relief of energy requirements in the region, they potentially threaten the mid-term and long-term health and safety of both environment and society and therefore require increased scrutiny through strategic environmental assessments and greater levels of regional dialogue.

A predominant view is one of resignation. Even where implementation is well
advanced the changes being achieved are not sufficiently sustainable as
expected. This is because the fourth pillar is lacking: ie spiritual fulfillment
(where there is no spiritual fulfillment, people remain lonely in their hearts and
their lives and thus have an uncesssant craving for material goods ands
services as if this will satisfy them. And it never will. It is this obsession with
materail consumption that has polluted the planet on land and at sea).

・Considering the state of progress on many sustainable
development areas, and the struggle to find consensus on
such issues as climate change responsibilities and
financing it would seem that the predominant position
among policy makers is that there are trade-offs between
the three pillars of sustainable development.

There are difficult trade-offs among them; basically, economic goals strongly dominate,
environmental pillar and the welfare of future generations are underestimated.

I think the predominant view is that they are in theory and principle complementary but in current practice involve trade-offs among players engaged more in short-term competitive values than long-term cooperative values ? despite the long-term stakes of a world with an economic footprint wider than the road it travels and approaching a bridge that it cannot yet cross.

In the United States there is growing understanding that green investment can bring
about needed job opportunities building growth and equity. Nevertheless there is a
long-standing belief by some that environmental concerns come in second to
economic concerns and it remains a challenge to overcome that position.

Pew considers the three pillars as complementary and fundamentally linked. Conservation of the marine environment, with a particular emphasis on ensuring the long term sustainability of fish stocks has important and far reaching implications for both social equity and economic development. However, decision makers frequently fail to design policies with this viewpoint in mind. The Pew Environment Group is engaged with and an observer to various regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements. In order to promote marine policies that complement each of the three pillars of sustainable development, Pew recommends that fisheries management organizations be urgently reformed to become ocean management organizations (OMO), with a broad ecosystem conservation focus. This type of organization is currently operationalized by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the North East Atlantic. OMOs should be based on the precautionary principle and ecosystem approach and emphasize transparency and accountability.

Trade-offs between the pillars of sustainable development
In the workforce it is perceived that there are trade-offs among the three pillars of sustainable development. For
instance, trade-offs between adapation and jobs with regards to the fossil fuel industry. In the UK there are 17 coal fire
power stations, while on climate change, the UK environment lobby campaigned against ?dirty coal? and called for ?no to
Heaththow? messages. Thus, there are difficult trade-offs between the enviornment and the economic pillar.
Short-term Vs Long-Term strategies
A lot of employers use the example of cutting jobs and costs to save carbon rather than the economic benefit they could
gain from energy useage. Too much focus is on short term gains and not enough focus on long term goals. Trade
Unions assert that the three pillars are complementary and work to highlight this to employers in the workplace.
Role of education for enhancing understanding of ?three-pillars? approach
The conjoining of the three pillars of SD is less complex in the learning sector than in many others, as the adjectival
educations like environmental, development and peace have some shared genesis and much shared pedagogy. In
society, the relationship between health and education, and their combined effect on wellbeing, lead to an inherent
understanding of how the economic and societal pillars are related. Yet even though the most common understanding
around sustainability is of the environmental pillar, this has traditionally played a smaller role in the wellbeing arena.
Recent UK educational legislation such as ?Every Child Matters? and ?The Common Assessment Framework? assessments,
have at last taken account of the effects that bad environments have on children?s wellbeing.
A ?Futures? Approach
There is a need to maximise the complementarity of the three pillars as some of the trade-offs are to do with time and
approach. Some decisions have shorter term impacts and others have longer term effects. There is a need to work
towards the future with a long-term vision. In terms of politcal commitment to the future and impacts of policy, an
example of this can be seen in Hungary with the presence of a Commissioner for Future Generations.

Both. There is an understanding that they are complementary and a commitment to delivering on the three pillars but when taking decisions it is difficult not to do so without trade-offs which emphasise growth as the predominant pillar.

We believe that with advance planning, conducting youth educational programs, increasing public awareness, and by having governmental structures in place, that the three pillars of sustainable development are complementary. We believe the pillars a complementary because we see sustainability as a holistic viewpoint that works towards all aspects of society working together in harmony.

The growing evidence base shows both the close links between economic and social poverty and environmental degradation, and conversely the potentially important benefits of many green economy-related policies for poverty alleviation, employment creation, conservation & sustainable consumption of renewable resources, etc.

However, it is true that policy makers face real and perceived trade-offs between economic, social & environmental outcomes and intense lobbying between proponents of different development trajectories (e.g. conventional industry versus ?green? industry). The evaluation of real trade-offs is currently skewed by perverse economic incentives and policies and the failure to internalize the true costs to society, and of the poorest in society in particular, of natural resource degradation and environmental pollution. Reforming perverse subsidies and policies is the first step in realigning that evaluation.

1. Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration establishes the three pillars of environmental democracy (access to information, public participation and access to justice, collectively called ?access rights?). The Access Initiative (TAI) has been collecting lessons at the national, regional and global levels on the establishment and strengthening of access rights for the last 10 years. In depth research carried out by WRI and its partners in TAI is reflected in the publications Closing the Gap (2002) , Voice and Choice (2008) , and A Seat at the Table (2010) . Partner work at the regional level is reflected in the publications Environmental democracy- An assessment of Access to Information, Public Participation in decision-making and Access to Justice in environmental matters in selected European Countries , TAI Asian Regional report and La Iniciativa de Acceso en Am駻ica Latina .

2. Closing the Gap found that governments perform best in providing access to information, less well in facilitating participation and least well in providing access to justice. Voice and Choice has shown that while there has been progress in the formal recognition of access rights (in particular, access to information), significant gaps remain between access laws and policies, and the institutions, practices and capacities necessary to ensure these laws and policies function. Improving access therefore requires a two pronged approach of promoting innovation and implementation in both policies and practice. Our most recent publication Seat at the Table speaks to the plight of the poor and indigent and their continued exclusion from decision-making. This publication advocates establishing access rights in countries where they do not exist, but more importantly recognizing that the poor need to be given specific entitlements to facilitate their participation and achieve inclusiveness.

3. At the international level the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental matters has been ratified by 44 Parties in Europe and Central Asia. The Aarhus Convention grants the public rights of accessto information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in national and transboundary environmental matters. This Convention has significantly changed the landscape of access rights. Implementation of the public participation and access to justice pillars still remains weak in some countries. The Aarhus Working Group, Task Forces and Compliance Committee have played a pivotal role in ensuring the continued implementation of access rights and enforcement of the obligations under the Convention.

4. Outside of the UNECE region, the UNEP Governing Council, at its11th special session held in Bali in February 2010, adopted guidelines for the development of national legislation on access to information, public participation and access to justice . This is a major milestone for implementing Principle 10 of the 1992 Rio Declaration on Development and Environment. Although these are only voluntary guidelines, this action commits UNEP to continue advancing the implementation of Principle 10 at the national level. In adopting the guidelines, the Governing Council requested the Executive Director of UNEP to assist countries in implementing programs and policies around access to information, public participation, and access to justice. These guidelines will also provide a basis for officials and civil society to work together at the national level on access rights and will clarify the minimum legal standards for implementation of Principle 10. These guidelines have been long overdue and an implementation plan has yet to be devised.

5. There are a number of access delivery mechanisms that are currently in use around the world. These mechanisms include Freedom of Information Acts, Environmental Impact Assessments, Pollution Release and Transfer Registers and access to justice mechanisms such as citizen suits and monitoring and evaluation procedures .

These and similar environmental management tools have become the means through which access is provided by governments to citizens. We will examine the state of progress in relation to each of these mechanisms.

6. Freedom of Information Laws: Since 2005, approximately 90 Governments have made significant progress in establishing the legal infrastructure for access to information . Yet citizens in many Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries do not have freedom of information laws. In countries where citizens have the right of access to information there is a continuing gap between laws and practice, highlighting weak implementation .

7. In Africa, only six countries have passed such laws, South Africa (2000), Angola (2002), Zimbabwe (2002), Uganda (2006), Ethiopia (2010) and Liberia (2010) and this includes Zimbabwe, which many have argued uses its law to repress rather than provide information. In Asia, India, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Thailand have recognized FOIA laws with Hong Kong having a limited Code of Access to Information. Israel in the Middle East has Freedom of Information Regulations. In the African and Asian countries that have no FOIA or are in the process of enacting them, civil society groups working on natural resource issues are perhaps at the forefront of pushing for transparency. Many of them use environmental issues e.g. extractive industry transparency or transparency in the development control process as the entry point for gaining access to information rights.

8. Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTR): PRTRs have been shown to be one of the most effective means of getting pollutant-related information out to the public and also reducing pollution in the developed world. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, as of 2008, thirty-one countries had Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers. In 2009, the 2003 Kiev Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers, established under the Aarhus Convention, entered into force. The Protocol is the first legally binding international instrument requiring its Parties to establish PRTRs. It currently has 26 Parties in Europe, one of these being the European Union. The EU has implemented the Protocol by means of EU Regulation which has direct effect in the 27 Member States of the EU.

Developing countries have been slow in adopting the necessary regulatory framework to mandate the collection of effluent/emissions data from the private sector. Where the regulatory framework is sufficient there continues to be a refusal by governments to release this data on the grounds of commercial confidentiality and national security. Data that is released is not provided in a form that can be utilized by the public for them to understand and manage public health risks.

9. Water/Air Quality Systems:-Water and Air Quality monitoring and control systems are critical to ensuring that ecosystem services are maintained and enhanced. Yet, the data collected is not being made available to citizens and even when they are, the data is not in a format that is easily understood by citizens. Free public access to water and air quality data is still quite poor: see tables below taken from Voice and Choice.

Governments need to strengthen dissemination - specifically, usability, publicity, and availability of such data without de-emphasizing the importance of strengthening collection and analysis of data.

10. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): EIAs are utilized by almost every single country in the world as a project level decision-making tool. International regimes have been developed to seek uniformity in EIA procedures in Europe with the adoption of the Espoo Convention on Transboundary EIAs as well as the EU Council Directive 97/11/EC.

TAI has identified rollback trends in some countries (countries passing legislation to exclude the requirement to conduct an EIA) as a result of the financial crisis and weakening of EIA procedures especially to limit rights of participation. Implementation of EIA processes has also been criticized as being weak, often sequencing of EIA and permitting processes excludes participation by the public in the scoping (where the extent and content of the EIA is determined) and screening (where it is determined if an EIA is required or not) as well the determination of permit conditions. In some countries EIAs are only provided at a substantial cost, with restrictions to access evident in other countries by claims of commercial confidentiality. Other longstanding issues include:
? conflicts of interests in the public hearing process (with Ministers and other high ranking officials supporting the proposed development and attending public hearings) ,
? the technical nature of EIAs (exclude the ordinary citizen from understanding project impacts) and
? claims of lack of independence of systems to develop and review EIAs (conflict of interest policies failing to be enforced)

11. Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs): SEA is a system of incorporating environmental considerations into policies, plans and programs. The World Bank describes SEAs as ?including mechanisms for evaluating the environmental consequences of policy, planning, or program initiatives in order to ensure that they are appropriately addressed in decision making on par with economic and social considerations? .

SEAs have been incorporated within national legislation including Latin America e.g. Chile and the South East Asian region (China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). There is also a European Union SEA Directive 2001/42/EC which requires that all Member States of the European Union incorporate SEAs into national law. While the process of the development of SEAs mandates public participation and consultation there have been very successful stories about the incorporation of recommendations from SEAs into sectoral laws and policies. Capacity is also lacking for civil society to monitor the implementation of SEA recommendations and influence the long term outcomes of policy changes.

12. Planning and Permitting: Pollution control, zoning, planning and permitting process provide a framework for regulatory control of business and land activities. Transparency and accountability are critical for these processes to operate to balance the interest of development with its potential impact on the environment. Permit systems for hazardous waste siting, development control, water extraction, waste discharge licensing and planning and zoning processes could all benefit from incorporation of the three pillars of access. Neighborhood consultations are critical to ensuring that local host community voices are heard on environmental and public health issues before and during industrial facility establishment and operation.

13. Legislative Hearings: Transparency provides access to information that is used to hold politicians accountable and thus prevents corruption and protects the rule of law. Transparency in the legislature is essential for empowering citizens, bridging the divide between legislators and constituents, and ultimately bolstering democracy. By improving the democratic process as a whole, we hope to, among other things, improve environmental decision-making. Simple improvements - such as publishing verbatim reports of legislative debates and proceedings in a timely fashion, recording and publishing votes on bills and measures, publishing committee proceedings and reports, making Bills publicly available as soon as they are presented in the legislature, providing public participatory spaces in appropriate legislative processes, including public petitioning, executive and judicial oversight, and national and regional issues ? improve legislative transparency in significant ways. In a number of countries the public is still excluded significantly from the legislative process. There have not been significant comparative studies to establish improvements across the globe.

14. Access to Justice: The access to justice pillar has often been acknowledged as one of the most difficult under which to seek improvement. Our research suggests a picture of the substantial problems facing citizens who seek redress and remedy on both substantive and procedural grounds before judicial fora. Recent case decisions under the Aarhus Convention substantiate these findings. Issues of timeliness (time taken to obtain a remedy), intimidation, and costs (litigation fees, loser pays principles, payment into court, and costs to hire attorneys) have been highlighted by our research as in urgent need for improvement all around the world. The risk of seeking injunctive relief is also significant. There have been improvements in many countries relaxing rules for standing however there are still concerns about standing in sectoral legislative processes e.g. planning, forestry.

15. Alternative dispute resolution and alternative adjudicatory mechanisms: Many TAI partners have been engaging their governments to create or improve specialized forums for the hearing of disputes. Environmental disputes have in many countries for the first time begun to be heard in alternative dispute resolution processes. The primary reason for these interventions by Governments has been the belief that such institutions and processes enhance access to justice and provide more effective means of resolving environmental disputes. In the countries which have adopted specialized fora there is a need to understand how to design them and study their effectiveness. More investment is needed to build these new institutions and ensure they are effective in balancing the needs of the private sector, citizens, civil society organizations and government.

In regards to assessing gaps and progress to date, please take a look at and determine why quite a
number of UN related programs were either not fully funded, were never created, or were phased
out. Determine what can be done to reinstate these programs and to ensure that the support is
provided to carry out their intended contributions to creating a more sustainable world. This
includes UNDP's Thematic Trust Funds, Capacity 2015, World Solidarity Fund, Access to Basic
Services for All, World Solar Program, the Asia Pacific Organization's multi-sectoral approach
to sustainable rural development in Vietnam and elsewhere that was featured at the
Johannesburg Summit Conference, ICLEI's model Local Agenda 21 programs in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world, UNDP's Country and Regional Nodes, etc.
The failure to achieve further progress on implementation during the past ten years is directly related to the failure to institutionalize and provide funding for these various programs most of
which simply no longer exist. The Report that is being prepared should indicate why these programs were either never adequately funded, disappeared, or were phased out. It should
indicate the value that such programs could have provided; and make recommendations for
establishing, implementing, and providing a secure funding base for such programs again as an
outcome of the Rio +20 process.

Acknowledging that they play a certain role, I can only partly agree with these indicators. The
SD first must be deeper understood (that it is not just a development with or without boundaries), then adequate information about what is happening now should be collected, so if we want to
become more sustainable we must first understand the critical trends of the system and how it
already works. Only then we must come to the point of exact innovations to be introduced to the
system, and - finally - think about successful implementation.1 To my mind, what we have here
(and not only here) is the attempt to implement SD projects without clear understanding of what
this theory really means, and the entire concept is about. Too few care, how does the system
actually work, so the chosen innovations often bring unpredicted results, not the ones that were
expected. And - unsurprisingly - it is no a success in SD implementation.
So, you see, information-related indicators play huge role here, institutional ones come after
them, as well as economic (fiscal) ones. The most uninformative, to my mind, are economic
indicators. So, there is no sense to draw a picture of SD implementation according to them.
They do not really reflect the entire picture.

Use of integrated strategies
Investment in technical and institutional capacity
Financial support from other sources
Generalized economic growth

(a) India: sustainable aquaculture and sustainable development through Fatima Mata National College
(b) Worldwide: Youth Voices publication

In the TAI assessments undertaken in the last 10 years there has been very little reference to the role of sustainable development planning or policies in the environmental sector. These policies have not had a large impact on environmental governance issues for our partners.

The United States created a President's Council on Sustainable Development under the
Clinton-Gore Administration that did some outstanding work during the 1990s. Unfortunately it
was phased out in 1999 before the Bush-Cheney Administration came to office. Nothing more
has been done towards creating a National Sustainable Development Strategy in the US since;
though the Citizens Network on Sustainable Development (CitNet) has advocated for this for
many years.
Indeed CitNet drafted, in conjunction with others, a series of papers and recommendations which
were given to the Obama Administration, and its Transition Teams, encouraging it to adopt
Sustainable Development as an over-arching principle of governance and to agree to lead our
country and people in developing and implementing a National Strategy for Sustainability;
participating actively in the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development; and creating
an Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production. Unfortunately the Administration
has shown little interest in this to date, though it has been actively engaged in the Marrakech
process.
While the Obama Administration has established a number of programs that are advancing
sustainable development in the US, and which I am sure the Administration will adequately
report on, it has missed a number of major opportunities (as mentioned above) to engage the
American people in planning for sustainability. The same can be said for many other countries
that have also failed to fulfill their commitments.
Unfortunately, much if not most of the outstanding work that was done through the Capacity 21
Program in the developing world in the 1990s disappeared when the Capacity 2015 Program was
not funded nor implemented. The same is true with the failure to fund ICLEI's various programs
for institutionalizing sustainable development in developing world cities. These two failures
have regrettably resulted in a major loss of momentum in making a rapid transition to
sustainability in the developing world.
It is thus essential that the Secretariat report on which countries are, and are not yet, taking
sufficient action to achieve the sustainability goals and mandates which have been agreed to and
why. Recommendations must be made for what can be done to ensure that all countries can and
will follow up on their obligations and agreements. Some type of a protocol, international
program to support implementation, and ongoing review process needs to be established to assist
all countries, provide support for civil society when it is willing and able to take the lead, and to
feature what is and is not being done to achieve all of the major agreements and fulfill the
conventions and protocols that have been established.
Given that the primary programs for engaging stakeholders and the general public include the
Local and National Strategies for Sustainability, the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable
Development, and the Action Plans for Sustainable Consumption and Production, specific
support mechanisms and adequate funding are needed to ensure that all countries and
communities participate fully and engage their people in these processes.

- Around half of the EU member states have "active" SD strategies, i.e. comprising
objectives and commitments, as well as a process of developing, implementing,
monitoring and reviewing (designed as participatory processes).
- Those SD strategies are meant as overarching; their capacity for overall policy
coordination has not lived up to the expectations; however, they provide the useful
benefit to break down complexity, laying a basis for communication, and with this they have shown to be an important communication tool (as are related
progress/indicator reports).
- They are a guideline for other policies, i.e. do help "mainstreaming SD in other
policies", or at least some "greening" takes place (at EU level e.g. cohesion policies).
- The link to other strategies is often difficult, which is partly due to some tendency of
strategy proliferation, and partly because in particular economic strategies continue
their own life with some tendency to ignore what is meant as overarching.

・Most countries in the Asia-Pacific region are developing economies and therefore
have a PRSP in place. In addition NSDS and Five-Year plans are common, but can
vary based on which ministry or ministries have created the integrated plan.

It is called NSD concept, but it is not integrated planning and decision making plan.

The United States did have a Presidential Council on Sustainable Development which
recommended elements of a sustainable development strategy. Unfortunately many of
the recommendations were not implemented nor is there a decision making process
that requires integrated planning and decision making from a sustainable
development perspective.
Nevertheless the US does have laws and policies that require assessment of the
environmental and social aspects of major development projects. For example, the
National Environmental Protection Act requires that major activities such as federal
road building take into account negative environmental impacts that may result from
the project. And many states and municipalities within the United States have city
planning and zoning laws which require analysis of environmental, social and
community impacts of a given project. Unfortunately a proactive sustainable
development decision making model is rare.

There is no integrated planning and decision-making approach across Government on SD. However, there has been increasing recognition within Government that sustainable development offers a helpful framework within which to evaluate and manage the costs and benefits of different policy options, for example:
?h The Government Economics Service (GES) review on the Economics of Sustainable Development that seeks to operationalise the definition of SD as well as conduct further research into the measurement of social impacts
?h The establishment of a cross-Government Social Impacts Task Force to develop a coherent and consistent approach to the understanding of social impacts and social capital for use in advising on policy decisions
?h The SDC has conducted a small review on Impact Assessments (IA) and used the findings to advise Government (the GES, the Better Regulation Executive (BRE)) on how to improve the process, as well as Defra on how to improve the SD Specific Impact Test (SD SIT), as part of the IA process.
In addition, a number of individual departments have developed their own approach to ensuring sustainable development is both an input and an outcome of their policy-making.

The World Aquarium and the Conservation for the Oceans Foundation foster sustainable development best practices through regional multistakeholder meetings wherein participants can reach the most effective solutions through constructive dialogue and find actionable solutions for implementation. India is a developing country in its industries and has a large population growth.

The case of Partnership for Principle 10 (PP10)

In response to the call made by the UN for governments, NGOs and the private sector to form ?Type II Partnerships? in preparation for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) , The Access Initiative launched Partnership for Principle 10 (PP10). PP10 sought to bring together governments, multi lateral institutions and civil society organizations with the objective of working for the rapid implementation of the access rights set out in P10 at the national level.

PP10?s founding partners included the governments of Mexico, the United Kingdom, the World Bank, UNDP, UNEP, and the NGO members of the TAI Core Team. WRI was asked to act as Secretariat and the partnership raised funding from the UK Government. By 2005, the membership grew to approximately 30 NGOs and 10 governments as well as IUCN, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank.

As with all Type II Partnerships, PP10 secured specific, time bound commitments to work together to put in place such legal reforms as Freedom of Information Acts in Uganda and Indonesia. Hungary set up ?green information? kiosks to facilitate information requests from the public. NGOs and the Mexican government co-published guidelines for the public on how to access information.

Recruiting new governments proved difficult, with many being unwilling to undertake commitments either to undertake reforms or provide financial support to others. Governments were particularly unwilling to make public, specific and time bound commitments outside the more common framework of treaty instruments.

By 2007, the Partnership was unable to raise funds to sustain itself. The secretariat was passed to CODESOSUR in Chile. At the moment the Partnership is inactive.

The case of Partnership for Principle 10 (PP10)

In response to the call made by the UN for governments, NGOs and the private sector to form ?Type II Partnerships? in preparation for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) , The Access Initiative launched Partnership for Principle 10 (PP10). PP10 sought to bring together governments, multi lateral institutions and civil society organizations with the objective of working for the rapid implementation of the access rights set out in P10 at the national level.

PP10?s founding partners included the governments of Mexico, the United Kingdom, the World Bank, UNDP, UNEP, and the NGO members of the TAI Core Team. WRI was asked to act as Secretariat and the partnership raised funding from the UK Government. By 2005, the membership grew to approximately 30 NGOs and 10 governments as well as IUCN, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank.

As with all Type II Partnerships, PP10 secured specific, time bound commitments to work together to put in place such legal reforms as Freedom of Information Acts in Uganda and Indonesia. Hungary set up ?green information? kiosks to facilitate information requests from the public. NGOs and the Mexican government co-published guidelines for the public on how to access information.

Recruiting new governments proved difficult, with many being unwilling to undertake commitments either to undertake reforms or provide financial support to others. Governments were particularly unwilling to make public, specific and time bound commitments outside the more common framework of treaty instruments.

By 2007, the Partnership was unable to raise funds to sustain itself. The secretariat was passed to CODESOSUR in Chile. At the moment the Partnership is inactive.

Yes, of course there are. Most of these will be reported on fully by the governments. They are good at reporting on their successes; not so good at admitting their failures. If someone wants to fund this, we would be happy to produce a report for you on the development of such partnerships, either through the US Citizens Network for Sustainable Development or the Global
Ecovillage Network.

Yes, of course there are. Most of these will be reported on fully by the governments. They are good at reporting on their successes; not so good at admitting their failures. If someone wants to fund this, we would be happy to produce a report for you on the development of such partnerships, either through the US Citizens Network for Sustainable Development or the Global
Ecovillage Network.

- Bellingen Shire Council, New South Wales, Australia working closely
with Transition Town Bellingen http://www.ecobello.org.au/ - carrying
out a community consultation/creative envisioning process for future
sustainable development planning and implementation of the shire.
This is one of the most advanced, farsighted initiatives we have come
across where the Council officers accepted that the Community knew
more about their locality than the Council did, and was therefore willing
to work together with the Transition Town which itself wanted to preserve
its independence and therefore not resort to using Council funds.

・At their 13th Convention in Bali in 2007, the Parties to the UNFCCC reached a
decision on “Reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries:
approaches to stimulate action” (Decision 2/CP.13) that encouraged the
implementation of REDD demonstration activities. Consequently, public-private
partnerships for sustainable development have evolved to design and implement
REDD-plus projects in a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Both the public and private sector actors bring unique assets which are needed to meet the
challenges of designing forest sector interventions that achieve real (measurable,
reportable, verifiable), long-term emissions reductions while simultaneously
achieving sustainable development outcomes.
To provide an illustration, the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Forestry
Administration have partnered with PACT and Terra Global Capital to design the first
Cambodian REDD carbon offset project. The Forestry Administration contributed to
the project design and is responsible for implementing project actions, administering
project funds and conducting monitoring activities. Pact Cambodia, an international
NGO with 20 years experience strengthening and supporting local institutions in
Cambodia, is assisting the Forestry Administration with coordinating project activities,
facilitation, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of revenues, good
governance, as well as social appraisals and forest inventories. Terra Global Capital,
which specializes in capital markets, agriculture and field science and international
development, is responsible for the carbon calculations, development of the Project
Design Document, and marketing project carbon credits as a broker. Local
organizations that have assisted the project in working with local communities include
the Buddhist Monk’s Association and Children’s Development Association.
reference: IGES REDD-plus database,
Available online - http://redd-database.iges.or.jp/redd/download/project?id=32

Co-financing from private sector is not the one that has put into practice.

In the effort to design cities and transportation systems to be more walkable many
public private partnerships have been created. For example recently the Macintosh
company paid for a multi-million dollar refurbishment to a Chicago, Illinois metro
station and plaza ? turning a dilapidated train access point into a welcoming
community center. While the city is cutting budgets and transportation services it is a
welcome investment to see major corporations creating valuable community space
and contributing to a greener and more walkable community.

In the effort to design cities and transportation systems to be more walkable many
public private partnerships have been created. For example recently the Macintosh
company paid for a multi-million dollar refurbishment to a Chicago, Illinois metro
station and plaza ? turning a dilapidated train access point into a welcoming
community center. While the city is cutting budgets and transportation services it is a
welcome investment to see major corporations creating valuable community space
and contributing to a greener and more walkable community.

No.

No.

The World Aquarium has worked with Fatima Mata National College to promote sustainable aquaculture through workshops co-sponsored by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in 2009 entitled, ?State Level Workshop on Captive Breeding of Fish for Conservation and Income Generation for Fish Farmers and Socially Weaker Sections? and "Valued-Added Fish Byproducts for Income Generation." More workshops are being planned. The World Aquarium also is working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product for fish vending women and to Self Help Groups (SHGs). Money is loaned at a low single digit percentage, enabling them to save large amounts of interest. SHGs are encouraged to pool their resources and early payoffs of the loans are also encouraged. DDS provides training to over 20 SHGs in various skill areas to provide alternative employment means and works towards helping their clients set up their enterprises. All of the projects are sustainable.

The World Aquarium has worked with Fatima Mata National College to promote sustainable aquaculture through workshops co-sponsored by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in 2009 entitled, ?State Level Workshop on Captive Breeding of Fish for Conservation and Income Generation for Fish Farmers and Socially Weaker Sections? and "Valued-Added Fish Byproducts for Income Generation." More workshops are being planned. The World Aquarium also is working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product for fish vending women and to Self Help Groups (SHGs). Money is loaned at a low single digit percentage, enabling them to save large amounts of interest. SHGs are encouraged to pool their resources and early payoffs of the loans are also encouraged. DDS provides training to over 20 SHGs in various skill areas to provide alternative employment means and works towards helping their clients set up their enterprises. All of the projects are sustainable.

1. Technical assistance from the UN system for improving governance in countries has either been sporadic or minimal. The UNEP had a strong programme helping countries develop their environmental laws and judicial decision-making. This programme has been weakened and /or discontinued. The UNEP only recently adopted guidelines to supplement principle 10 of the Rio Declaration. Success in moving Principle 10 forward can be attributed to several factors. First there has been an increasing demand from civil society for governance improvements. Second there has been a cascade on transparency laws and principles with over 80 countries now having Freedom of Information Laws. Laws and practices relating to Environmental Impact Assessments and PRTRs have spread. There have also been some governments (e.g. Mexico, South Africa, and India) that have recently led the way in transparency improvements. UNEP interventions have been limited in this area except perhaps the spread of EIAs.

2. The UN can take substantial credit for the UNECE led Aarhus Convention. This convention stands-out as a beacon to the world in good governance for environmental decision-making. Unfortunately it is confined to Europe. Also UNITAR had taken the initiative to develop a multi-stakeholder method for countries to develop national profiles based on Aarhus treaty provisions. The method has been used in Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Serbia. Additionally UNITAR has been helping some countries develop PRTR systems and has pushed for the acceptance of developing countries into Aarhus . In our view, UNEP can and ought to play a much bigger role in helping nations improve environmental governance across the board.

instance in Iran where neither the World Bank nor the European Union are
able to give donor aid/technical assistance, the United Nations is able to
provide additional funds to facilitate intra-Caspian Sea cooperation amongst
the riparian countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan).-
http://www.caspianenvironment.org/newsite/index.htm

No

Yes ? technical data from the UN in all of the above areas, water, health, Human
Development Index, agriculture, biodiversity status, climate change emissions and
more is critical to interpreting the status of relevant issues and communicating that
information for the general public and decision makers.

Not for the UK.

Rio +20 should seriously consider including good governance (including access to information, PP and A2J) as an essential part of a green economy and international sustainable development. To this end Rio+20 should either make a decision to (i)commit to begin the negotiation of a global treaty based on principle 10 or (ii) a set of regional treaties based on the principle or (ii) signal a decision and mechanism to push for countries to ratify the Arhus Convention. There is a concern that Aarhus parties may not be ready to put in place an easy mechanism to allow parties to join the Convention. This would significantly restrict Aarhus from becoming a global agreement. See appendix paper by Jeremy Wates, ?Options for strengthening the international legal framework protecting procedural environmental rights, including a global convention on access rights? presented at the Third Global Gathering of the Access Initiative, Kampala, Uganda.

While there is not yet an agreement on the way forward UNEP should act urgently to develop a program around the newly adopted Principle 10 guidelines to assist countries to develop their laws on transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in environmental decision-making.

Secondly we suggest that UNEP strengthen its program in environmental laws and capacity building for judicial institutions.

Finally, we suggest that developed country governments prioritize bi-lateral and multi-lateral funding for governance improvements in environmental decision-making. This funding should be for governments to undertake legal, institutional and practice reforms but also for CSOs to develop the demand side of governance.

Specific programs and reliable means of funding need to be agreed to and established at the Rio +20 Conference: ie - institutional infrastructure needs to be put in place, along with secure funding derived from fees on the use of the Global Commons.

drive to shift immediately to a sustainable system of living based on ancient
ecological principles.
b) Revisit what was agreed/endorsed in the Earth Charter and the Rio Declaration.
Governments have since then largely implemented short run
decisions, and not taking the decisions required.
c) Major corporations in Australia in particular (UK +USA as well) have undue
influence in Government. So decoupling them from negotiations is required.
Government and Quangos (Quasi non Governmental Organisations,
sometimes set up as fronts for Corporations? interests or ?independent?
Government funded services) need to consult with, and listen
more/ follow up what ordinary people want. It is time to stop slavishly
following purely the Bottom line which produces economic return but of
ten trashes the planet at the same time. The Triple Bottom Line -
People, Planet and Profit needs to become mandatory (altho humans
have so degraded the life support system of the planet to-date and left
such a legacy from the past, it is debateable how much ?profit? can be
amassed in the near future without it being environmentally unsustainable
and socially unjust).
d) Change the paradigm, and add in a fourth pillar to the definition of Sustainable
Development ? ie ?Spiritual Fulfillment? See
www.awakenthedreamer.org and www.fouryearsgo.org and
http://www.joannamacy.net/theworkthatreconnects.html

In the course of actions for our organisation:
- Addressing policies of transformation
- Alternative measurements of growth
- Visions on business cases
- Improve labour skills
- Demand side consumption patterns
- Fiscal sustainability

・Greater efforts towards mainstreaming sustainable development and environmental
issues into ministries other than environment and foreign affairs should be undertaken to bridge the implementation gap. Also steps should be taken to generate interest in
the major summits comes from within the ministries responsible for finance or
development. Greater prioritization, allocation of human and financial resources is
needed.
・Furthermore, while a number of countries have already
made commitments to Local Agenda 21 in principle,
measures to catalyze and encourage city-based sustainable
development initiatives are still lacking, because local
governments face many constraints in terms of human
resource, technical capacity and funding. Though national
governments may devolve responsibilities to sub-national
levels of government, this should be accompanied by
supportive measures to strengthen local capacity to
effectively manage the additional responsibilities. In many
developing countries, there is still a gap of potential joint
action between top and bottom levels of government to
translate national sustainable development goals and
policies into actual results on the ground.

We need a real political will in order to implement environmental policies and
legislation.
We need sanctions at the international level, applying to state as individuals.
We need a stronger judiciary at the international and the national level.

A clear priority is integrated decision-making particularly regarding the environment and development

Public education about sustainable development issues is critical from an early age
and continued efforts to market integrated sustainable solutions will remain vital.

Clear global leadership on SD which raises expectations of Governments to achieve the highest standards on SD and to secure commitments to deliver in their respective countries. Strong support to ensure social and environmental outcomes are recognised as being just as important as economic outcomes and the importance of considering social and environmental impacts not just economic impacts and those which can be monetized.
UNCSD should provide benchmarks, best practice guidance and ? where appropriate ? funding. Guidance is needed on how to measure social capital and how to measure environmental limits and how to weigh up monetised alongside non-monetised impacts and recognition that non-monetised impacts are equally as important.

To address what we feel is the top barrier to implementation, the World Aquarium has developed an environmental education book series entitled, Youth Voices. Youth Voices has been designed to address sustainability at a local and global level and can be tailored to each region?s needs. We feel that our youth are the leaders and decision-makers for tomorrow and need to look at the issue of conservation and sustainability from a holistic viewpoint. By educating our children from this viewpoint, they will in turn make choices that will incorporate conservation of the environment and the betterment of humankind and society.

Some of the main difficulties identified by TAI partners in promoting integrated planning and decision-making are:
a. Lack of transparency in the decision-making process on development
b. Lack of public participation in the planning process
c. Lack of coordination among Ministries and agencies in government with competing priorities
d. Consideration of environmental rules and regulations after the encouragement of investment
e. No accountability mechanisms to meet environmental targets/indicators or international environmental commitments
f. Lack of environmental information provided to citizens on both large scale and small incremental development
g. Mechanisms for public participation are not comprehensive and fully developed

A lack of political will and leadership; failure to adequately promote such efforts; a failure to
fully engage the world's people in designing the development and implementation strategies and
processes; and failure of the international community to fully take advantage of its
intergovernmental processes to adequately focus on and feature such processes in the
mainstream media.
I work with an emerging network called the World Transforming Initiatives and several media
production companies that are interested in producing TV documentaries featuring the Rio +20
process and sustainable development implementation efforts. We would be more than happy to
work with the Bureau, Secretariat, and UN agencies on such production projects.
Rocket Media produces the Energy Globe Awards each year and has a TV distribution network
that can reach out to and place it's programming on thousands of TV stations and networks and
reach several billion viewers all around the world. We can provide a program proposal with an
accompanying budget on request. See: www.rocketmedia.at

a) Vested Interests - see the answer to question 9 regarding corporations
cozying up to Government.
b) Civil servants (at local, national, and international levels) and elected
politicians feel that somehow they are losing their ability to control what
goes on, evidence that they themselves are perhaps not spiritually
grounded, rather more ego-oriented? And more and more people
around the world are choosing to give their attention to their own groups
and associations rather than rely upon Governments or others.

- The sectoral organisation of a government and administration cannot be given up.
However, the coordination efforts need to be strengthened. There is also experience
with clever setting of incentives for politicians in such processes (depending on the
respective political culture).
- Cooperation between public and private sector needs to be strengthened.

・Aligning goals and procedures across ministries and government departments down
to the local level. Moreover, the lack of political commitment, and the shortage of
human and financial resources are also causing difficulties.

The main difficulties experienced in promoting integrated planning and decision-making are
related mostly with the role of the state resisting public participation, for example, our policymaking
is a closed highly centralized bureaucratic process, lacks transparency in the decisionmaking,
lack of coordination among government ministries and agencies with competing
priorities. Government strongly oppose NGO activities, does not provide environmental sector
with the needed resources and technologies.

The main difficulties are: Administrative coordination and the awareness of local and
regional other Stakeholders.

Sometimes it can be difficult for decision-makers to look at the issue from a long-term view. Choosing a plan that supports sustainability may not be the least expensive route on the front end of the transaction, but may save millions of dollars in the long-term. This is where environmental education comes into play. Looking at issues holistically can serve the needs of individuals, corporations and governments.

At the government level, ministries often work on dedicated portfolios resulting in weak interministerial dialogue or collaboration. Unclear mandates, low accountability, competition for funds, conflicting interests, the absence of institutional mechanisms for joint work and collaboration all exacerbate this problem. These same problems are reflected in the UN system.

There needs to be engagement of the private sector in discussions on corporate accountability and transparency mechanisms which can be adopted across sectors which raise current minimum standards for transparency. With some national corporations having budgets larger than government it is time to raise the standard and expectations for the corporate sector and their requirements for transparency and accountability.

Multinational institutions and UN bodies have a role to play in adopting new standards on access to information and transparency as the World Bank?s leadership has shown in the adoption of their new access to information policy. Associated governments need to follow this lead in this area.

Can you tell me please how many government programs are operated as voluntary actions and
partnerships? Why is it expected that civil society and the people should contribute voluntarily
while our "government servants" are paid? More programs are needed in most parts of the world
(such as is done in parts of Europe) where civil society organizing efforts and contributions are
paid for or supported by the government.
This said, there is of course a great need to encourage the general public to participate in
sustainability planning and implementation processes much moreso. International programs and
perhaps Partnership Initiatives should be established through Rio +20 to promote and support
public participation in each of the major sustainable development processes, including the Rio
Conventions, Local and National Strategies, SCP Action Plans, and the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development. These international programs for engagement and
promotion should include processes at the local, state, and national level as well.
Challenge and Award Programs should also be set up to encourage different locales to compete
against one another to see which can make the most progress in transitioning to sustainability the
quickest and to feature and award those that are making the most progress to date.
A number of civil society processes are now being established to promote and encourage
everyone to participate in making a rapid transition to a sustainable, just, fulfilling, prosperous,
and peaceful world. I am participating actively in a number of them. We would be happy to work
with governments and our intergovernmental institutions on the development of such programs
and initiatives. This includes Four Years, Go; the World Transforming Initiatives; and the
Synergizer, Widening Circles processes. We are beginning to plan events to coincide with the
Rio +20 intercessionals and CSD processes. See: www.fouryearsgo.org or contact me, Rob
Wheeler, for more information.

a) - Document succesful programmes and work together on feedback/
implimentation process.
b) All heads of state, government leaders fly to the moon and look back upon
the Earth. Spend some time just 'being? rather than doing, perhaps doing a 10
day meditation course.
c) Do the Awaken the Dreamer symposium (including world leaders) to reflect
on their values and assumptions. Great policies have been drawn up in recent
years but not policed. So voluntary actions won?t work unless they are
backed by law and policed.
d) Set out in Agenda Earth, successor to JPO1, an internet portal mechanism
to allow citizens across the world opt in and offer to become a Steward or
Trustee for the planet, and commit to making a difference in sustainable de velopment thematic areas, either through existing civic groups, or through
new ones that they may wish to create.

Better communication, for a daily life use; more efforts to engage citizens and
stakeholder (in particular those not yet involved)

・Effective voluntary action and partnerships can be further promoted through
support for capacity development and aligning interest and outcomes for multiple
stakeholders. An example of this is the concept of co-benefits and the win-win-win
outcomes found in many of these types of cases.

To promote effective voluntary actions and multi-stakeholder partnerships we could
develop information, training, education on environmental law.

Commitment and funding by Governments. Giving communities and organisations the power to make a difference.

Education and public awareness are key to eliciting permanent change and voluntary participation in sustainability. Without these two steps preceding, effecting partnerships and voluntary actions will be extremely difficult.

There most important risk is a failure to improve governance mechanisms that ensure transparency and accountability. Good Governance is at the heart of sustainable development. For Rio 2012 to make an impact around the world it must include governance issues as an integrated target of all aspects of sustainable development.

The risk is that there is such a predominant interest in economic prosperity and corporate
financial well-being and the fiscal bottom line, that economics tends to continue to
out-weigh the other pillars in governmental and inter-governmental planning and decision
making processes and proceedings. This is why it is imperative that we set out to achieve as
substantive an outcome as possible from the Rio+20 process. Indeed if we do not effectively
engage the people of the world in sustainable development processes, and thus raise
awareness among all peoples about the need to make a rapid transition to full
sustainability, it is quite likely that we are going to greatly diminish the ability of humanity
to live sustainably on the planet and along with this undermine and drastically reduce our
basic quality of life.

The non-inclusion of a new fourth pillar ? ?Spiritual fulfillment? or to put it in
other words, human, psychological or emotional wellbeing. Note: that
Spiritual is used in this context to mean ?of the spirit?, the best way to get in
touch with it is by getting to be aware of the in-flow and out-flow of breath.
Note how Thich Nhat Han - http://www.vimeo.com/3946642
- reports that one cannot ?be? on one?s own, and proposes the concept of
?inter-being?, suggesting that the spiritual aspect is very much inter-related
with the environmental and social.
In the paradigm of separation between humankind and the Earth, its flora,
fauna and phenomena. Mining the sea, clear felling a forest, and polluting
rivers, rock and the air make some sense.
However, accepting that everything is connected, from a systems perspective,
presupposes a new paradigm of unity. And from this paradigm, Sustainable
Development comprises three pillars of environment, social justice
and spiritual fulfillment. Economic growth ceases to be a pillar in its own
right, but becomes a tool towards social justice, mindful of the other two
pillars.

・Over emphasis on any one of the three pillars by
interest groups, to the exclusion of the other one or two
pillars. For example those interested in environmental
protection who give little consideration to economic and
social issues, or perhaps more commonly the over
emphasis on economic growth without consideration to
social and environmental outcomes. In this case the other
two pillars of sustainable development will always be
playing catch-up to economic growth, and may eventually
cause a decrease in economic growth due to poor social
and environmental conditions.

The are very many risks, some of them are -
1. a focus on economic growth to the exclusion of other issues;
Seeking a profit in all activities, backing only the projects that will bring money (in case of
climate change in energy sector, e.g.)
2. lack of national consensus and shared vision of what is to be done;
3. very weak leadership(in Russia)
In Russia the government is indifferent to environmental activities. But when environmental
activities begin in the higher degree they engender political conflict, that is not properly managed.

The increasing rate of occurrence of global disasters affecting the world?s poorest peoples;
? The developed world not learning or understanding a new concept of growth and prosperity;
? The difficultly for democratically elected politicians to find the balance as voters generally care
primarily about the economic pillar and the social services it provides;
? From the ?environment? perspective, that it gets increasingly embattled or defensive and that this
pillar is not ready to engage with the others. The environmental sector needs to make its case in
the language of the others ? it?s about people and jobs and wellbeing.

The unwillingness to countenance the need to move to a more sustainable economy which recognises the need for more sustainable consumption and the need to live within environmental limits will risk the planet?s future. An ever increasing global population and depletion of natural resources, exacerbated by climate change, will heap further pressures on the planet?s population and environment and will risk increasing the divide between rich and poor, developed and developing leading to greater unrest, poverty and unfairness as those ?with? seek to protect themselves and their country?s resources from those ?without?.

There aren?t any risks if education and public awareness precede the progress along with multistakeholder meetings that have participation from all levels of society (citizens, businesses and governments). Multistakeholder meetings have greater levels of success because everyone gets to express their ideas and concerns and come to a consensus as to how to proceed. This brings about more harmonious, permanent results because it creates more buy-in from stakeholders. Therefore, the stakeholders are much more vigilant in carrying out the actions that were agreed upon.

Weak institutional capacity to draw linkages and develop integrated responses to complex problem sets
Failure to account for the value of natural resources and ecosystems in government and business decision making and investment
Still limited public demand for environmentally and socially responsible goods and services

The unfolding of the financial crisis in developed countries, and its transmission to other countries through financial markets as well as through the ensuing global recession.
b. Halting progress, and even reversal in progress, towards MDGs despite consistent political support.
c. A top-down approach towards sustainable development that insufficiently includes local communities in the decision-making process and implementation.
d. The food crisis, with exacerbating food prices in developing countries.
e. Inefficient and wasteful patterns of consumption that ultimately contribute to a further degradation of ecosystems and continuing hunger.

1) The inter-relationships among and accelerating problems due to the re-enforcing nature of all
of the following emerging challenges.
2) Inefficient and wasteful patterns of consumption and production; and the associated pollution
of the natural environment and depletion of our natural resource base
3) Worsening environmental trends and ?planetary boundaries? being crossed
4) Energy crisis and climate change
5) Rising water scarcity and increased desertification
6) Food crisis, caused by petroleum based agricultural systems, the rapid escalation of food and
energy prices, and depletion of our soils and natural resource base.
7) Degradation of marine ecosystems
8) Results of all of the above leading to a succession of "natural" disasters.
9) The unfolding of the financial crisis in developed countries, and its transmission to other
countries through financial markets as well as through the ensuing global recession.
10) Halting progress, and even reversal in progress, towards MDGs despite consistent political
support.

ONE
Chronic Poisoning and Toxicity of Planetary systems leading to ecosystem
collapse:
a) Ocean Death - http://www.planetwork.net/climate/ - Loss of Biodiversity
and Acidification of the Oceans
b) Killing land with chemicals - ( - http://gaslandthemovie.com/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7850130/F
ilm-raises-shale-gas-pollution-fears.html
c)multiplied effects of many chemicals, carcinogenic and other
d)out of control release of pests, including GMPs
TWO
Climate Change. Some countries are having to move already. Developed
countries must help. They caused it. As climate disruption exacerbates, and
global heat rises, more people will have to move and migrate away from
zones of risk (eg Mumbai, Colombo, Dacca) posing strains and challenges to
people in other areas, and to biodiversity, flora and fauna there. And just at
the time we face major disruption to our life, peak oil sets in, redoubling our
requirement to go Zero Carbon/Renewable very very quickly.
THREE
Psychological and spiritual impact of dealing with collapse of the ?western
dream? model of so-called ?development? that has now been exported via
Globalisation to China and India and elsewhere, and not having a new robust
story/culture to replace it. Instability of Governments, weak financial markets
adds to the fears and sense of loss and worry.
FOUR
Denial of freedom of speech (and thought) ? whether by overzealous Governments
(controls against wikileaks) or overzealous media moguls/
corporations to subvert individual responsibility, and informed awareness
and ction.
FIVE
Companies that push fossil fuels and lobby for environmentally-damaging
practices should be considered as carrying out crimes against humanity, and
punished in a World Environment Court. Carbon Prices, Feed-in tariffs, and
policed laws needed to stop abuse and pollution of the commons by large
corporations and others.

1. Shift in global economic growth to Asia-Pacific and the implications to natural
resource use and the carrying capacity of the environment to renew resources and take
in waste. Extensive resource usage is exceeding planetary boundaries.
2. Competing interests and emerging conflicts for renewable energy ? this includes
the effects of biofuels on food security, on demand materials for electronics, and increased competition among organizations and nations conducting R&D on new
technologies.
3. Consumption aspirations among the emerging middle class and the equating of
high consumption with high quality of life. This includes the increasing consumption
of energy, water and other resources.
4. Urbanization ? urban planning, transportation, decline of traditional cultures and
lifestyles.
5. Regional trade and geopolitical issues drawing greater political attention to
economic growth factors and away from environmental and even social issues. Also,
inadequate progress has been made towards the achievement of MDGs.
For a more in-depth look at these issues please refer to the
Third IGES White Paper on Sustainable Consumption
and Production. (IGES.2010. IGES White Paper:
Sustainable Consumption and Production in the Asia-
Pacific Region: Effective Responses in a Resource
Constrained World. Hayama, Japan)

- Linkages between environment and human rights,
- Environmentally-displaced (due to environmental disasters) persons need to find a
legal status,
- Integrated management of environment.

? 1. Coastal zones
? 2. Water cycle, water scarcity issues including groundwater
? 3. Ecosystem services and food security
? 4. The carbon cycle including ocean acidification and equitable and timely emissions reductions
? 5 Deforestation, land use and soils
? 6. Trade in rare earth metals, fertilizers and other related resources
? 7. Preparedness for extreme events

Many of the challenges listed above are inter-connected and/ or are causes or effects
of each other. Depending on whose perspective one considers, it could be argued that
all of these challenges are of equal gravity and importance.
When considering the future of the environment, people, and animals, it is necessary
to address the following five challenges:
1. Halting progress, and even reversal in progress, towards MDGs despite
consistent political support
2. Climate Change (this includes both long-term impacts of climate change and
more immediate impacts such as climate-related disasters)
3. Inefficient and wasteful patterns of consumption and production
4. Food Crisis
5. Loss of biodiversity
Given the impact that the progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals
(MDG) can and does have on the other challenges and our planet, there is a strong
argument for ranking ?halting progress, and even reversal in progress, towards
MDGs, despite consistent political support? as the most important new and emerging
challenge likely to affect most significantly the prospects for sustainable development
in the coming decade.

Climate change;
? Food crisis and water shortages;
? Oil prices and dependence;
? Unsustainable consumption and production and the priority given to materialism in the West.
There are other emerging issues that have positively impacted the delivery of sustainable life-styles, and
some that affect its delivery negatively. These further include;
POSITIVE IMPACTS:
The Internet Revolution
The growth in the numbers of mobile phones
The rising popularity of vegetarian cooking
The International Criminal Court
Improved public awareness and behavioural codes related to sustainability
Acceptance, at some level, of the principle of inter-generational equity
NEGATIVE IMPACTS:
The HIV-AIDS pandemic
The rising popularity of low-cost air travel
Terrorism
The failure of the UN to stop ?illegal? or ill-judged wars and genocides
The failure of many countries to reduce and seriously combat corruption
Unthinking increases in military spending
Crimes against humanity and the failure of states to observe human rights law
The widening impact of drugs and substance abuse
Peak oil ? and the imminent running down of global fossil fuel reserves
Population Growth ? and our failure to control it

Global economic conditions ? we have yet to realize that we cannot ?grow? ourselves out of our present problems; it will require more radical shifts in perception.
2 Energy, food and water security ? how we meet these issues within the emerging impacts of climate change and the knock on effects on various elements e.g. palm oil replacing petroleum and the impact on biodiversity
3 Land use constraints ? we have an increasing population and numerous European requirements on biodiversity, water, renewable energy which will place considerable strain and challenges to the way we allocate land.
4 Recognition of environmental limits - environmental trends are worsening more rapidly than anticipated, including concerns that some ?planetary boundaries? are already being exceeded, especially biodiversity

Climate Change, as new evidence has emerged to suggest that the danger is a more imminent one than previously thought.
-Degradation of marine ecosystems
-A succession of disasters.
-Rising water scarcity and increased desertification
-Food crisis, caused by the rapid escalation of food prices.

It isn?t necessary or particularly useful to identify and rank new and emerging challenges. The major challenges are known and are interlinked and have not been adequately addressed ? persistent poverty, climate change, unsustainable production and consumption and ecosystem degradation. The dimensions of the causes and impacts of each are different for different areas of the world, but these are the global, underlying threats to sustainable development.

o A commitment to the 0.7% target of GDP for development aid.
o Subsidies for solar panels; better insulation in dwellings; recycling initiatives; taxation on high-energy consuming devices.
o Events and media aimed towards raising awareness.

1) Civil society led UN Partnership Initiatives
2) Capacity Development
3) Integrated, Multi-Sectoral Community Based Approaches to Sustainable Rural
Development

i) National Park systems. Catchment Management Authorities (localized/
regional 'catchment area' management focused on riparian eco-system
health)
ii) No recognition yet of the consequences of unethical/ unecological consumption.
iii) At local levels in NZ, Australia, UK - Transition Towns and Eco Communities,
Change the Dream/Awaken the Dreamer groups etc act to get this information
out.
iv) AVAAZ helping to channel international concern on behalf of individuals, to
try to balance out corporations leverage.
v) Should money talk or people? As on Indigenous Australian said to us on
?Bike the Earth? (we interviewed him on camera to show at Rio2012: ?You
can?t eat money. If you put a $10 note on the ground it won?t help the plants?).

Unhappily, in the years since Rio, the capacity of governments and international community to undertake technology assessment has declined. Immediately following Rio, the UN Center on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) first established in 1979 was drastically cut back from its significant New York offices to a tiny secretariat housed within UNCTAD in Geneva. Simultaneously, the UN Center on Transnational Corporations (UNCTC) which monitored the major industries developing new technologies was eliminated altogether. Some national technology assessment facilities were also reduced. In the mid-1990s, the US Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) was also shut down.

The collapse in the ability of governments to assess new technologies took place exactly as the world experienced the most rapid expansion of new technologies in history. Public concern over the safety of new technologies and confidence in the ability of governments to protect their interests rose with discovery of, first,?Mad cow? disease, then Foot and Mouth disease (mostly in industrialized countries) and, later, the rapid spread of genetically modified crops. Beginning in the new century, at least a dozen OECD governments have moved to resuscitate or strengthen their technology assessment capacity. For example, within the European Union, the Scientific Technology Options Assessment organization (STOA) was recently updated, and assessment facilities in at least nine European states - including Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands ? have been strengthened. The USA has seen considerable pressure to re-establish its Office of Technology Assessment.

However, there are no institutions in the global South equipped to deal with these questions and a complete vacuum exists at the global level. At a time when technologies that propose to manipulate the entire biosphere (as in geoengineering) or the tiniest molecular structures (as in nanotechnology) a more concerted, forward-looking and precautionary approach must be adopted. This is a challenge that can be met only by a global conference such as Rio+20 and could be a significant outcome if concrete organizing and inter-governmental discussion begin rapidly.

・Regionally there has been significant attention paid to the concept of Low-Carbon
Society and green growth ? both of which account for most of these challenges, and
subsequently mechanism have been put in place to address these issues. One such
example is Japan. Regarding the role of local governments in Japanese actions to
mitigate climate change, following national policies on climate change, all 47
prefectures and several hundred municipalities prepared local action plans on climate
change to reduce GHG emissions attributable to the daily operation and maintenance
of government offices. In addition, 47 prefectures and several dozen municipalities
developed local action programmes to reduce GHG emissions generated in their
jurisdiction.
Reference: IGES.2010. IGES White Paper: Sustainable Consumption and Production
in the Asia-Pacific Region: Effective Responses in a Resource Constrained World.
Hayama, Japan

Russia has a reactive, not pro-active type of environmental politics and policy-making, so
often we lack the needed institutions and incentives to disaster preparedness. Among other
mechanisms public environmental education, risk research and the activity of scientists and
experts in this field, their numerous attempts to organize in an influential NGO and lobby more
environmentally friendly policy-making should be mentioned.

The US has yet to develop a national policy framework to understand or address the country?s production and consumption patterns, although there is currently some discussions taking place that could lead to this.

- Drafting of the Convention on the international status of environmentally-displaced
persons,
- Drafting on Ethical Charter on disaster and human rights,
- Drafting of the protocol on the integrated management of Mediterranean coastal
zones,

? The International Council for Science is attempting to develop a major ten-year research programme on global sustainability. This programme will connect social and natural scientists. It will connect policymakers to scientists and people and organizations in the development field with the global change research community. The programme lays out five grand challenges to be addressed relating to: monitoring, prediction, avoiding dangerous thresholds or adapting, social transformations required and technological transformations required.

It is important to note that animal welfare is emerging as a global cross-cutting
solution to most of these challenges. Animal welfare is an important social value and
social safety net that can have a significant impact on poverty reduction, food
security, food safety, climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, gender equality,
disaster vulnerability and recovery, human health, water scarcity, and degradation of
marine ecosystems. Whether we rely on them for food, revenue, companionship, or to
help balance our ecosystems, animals play an important role in our lives. The Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the leader in
international efforts to defeat hunger, has recognized the close link between the
welfare of humans and the welfare of animals. Roughly one billion people depend
directly on animals for income, social status and security as well as food and
clothing.
More than 900 million people worldwide are undernourished. Most of those people
are in developing countries where secure food supplies are often dependent on the
health and productivity of animals, which are in turn depend on the care and nutrition
that animals receive. Climate change is expected to worsen this crisis by negatively
affecting crop and livestock productivity. As climate change impacts food availability,
livestock are becoming increasingly important. In Asia, for example, livestock
currently provides the livelihood support for over 35 percent of the poor and is seen
- 13 -
as one of the key sectors for poverty alleviation. Livestock are highly valued for their
milk, meat, eggs, draft power, fibre, leather, and dung. Livestock rearing is often one
of the only economic activities available to poor people and women in developing
countries. Livestock can provide a steady stream of food and revenue for families, and
does not require formal education, large amounts of capital, or land ownership. For
many poor people owning livestock increases much needed protein consumption,
creates employment opportunities beyond the immediate household, and can serve as
a financial savings account.
The link between animal welfare and human welfare extends beyond practical
benefits. Positive interactions with animals provide comfort, social contact and
cultural identification for people all over the world. Studies illustrate that an
individual?s relationship with a companion animal positively impacts social
development and quality of life. In fact, research suggests that there are both
psychological and physical health benefits to owning and interacting with companion
animals. In addition, there is an increased awareness of the links between human
social, personal, and moral development and attitudes and behavior towards animals.
For example, good animal care can be a force for social cohesion within a family, a
community or a business. Studies have also recognized a correlation between animal
abuse, family violence and other forms of community violence.
In addition to the economic, emotional, aesthetic, and social benefits that people gain
from experiencing wildlife in their natural habitats, wildlife plays a vital role in
essential ecological and biological processes on which we depend. Biodiversity, the
combination of life forms and their interactions with each other and with the rest of
the environment, provides invaluable goods and services that support human survival.
Studies show that biodiversity influences the rate, magnitude, direction, and delivery
of essential ecosystem processes such as pollination, agricultural pest and disease
control, nutrient conservation in soil, and water purification. In order for humans to
thrive, we must protect biodiversity. Given that species are disappearing at an
alarming rate due to the impacts of climate change and human activity, the need to
prevent the further loss of biodiversity is greater than ever.
One example of how animal welfare can address some of these challenges is through
incorporating animal welfare into livestock production. Industrial animal production,
in which animals are treated as inanimate commodities, contributes to climate
change, deforestation, water scarcity, pollution, spread of disease among both
animals and people, and poverty. Industrial animal production is responsible for 18%
of human produced green house gas (GHG) emissions and is a key driver of habitat
destruction (such as deforestation), requiring huge amounts of limited resources such
as land, water and energy. Industrial animal production also produces large
quantities of manure which frequently results in soil and water pollution. In addition,
industrial animal production facilitates the rapid proliferation of antibiotic-resistant
strains of bacteria by the routine use of antibiotics and increases the potential for
pathogen transfer (zoonoses) by mass production and transportation of livestock. It is
also important to note that increasing the intake of animal products promotes the
spread of obesity and related chronic diseases among people.
- 14 -
Although one might assume that industrial farming would contribute to reducing
poverty and hunger because of the increased production, this is not necessarily the
case. Industrial animal production often puts smaller farmers who use more
traditional and environmentally friendly methods of animal production out of
business. Also, industrial farming uses food sources and production inefficiently by
growing animal feed, which has a poor nutrient conversion ratio (grain to meat) uses
additional space, energy, water and money that could instead go towards producing
low-cost cereals and legumes that could be used to feed the poor and hungry directly.
WSPA, the world?s largest alliance of animal welfare organisations, partners with
our member societies all over the world, develops animal welfare campaigns, projects
and education initiatives at local, national, and international levels, and provides
relief to animals affected by disasters throughout the world. While working on behalf
of animals it is important for our work to be connected to and positively affect people
and their livelihoods. As it is not possible to list all the mechanisms that have been put
into place to address these new and emerging challenges, there are several examples
we would like to highlight.
Sea turtle conservation in El Salvador
As a result of a long-standing practice of extracting turtle eggs to serve as a source of
both food and income for coastal communities, the sea turtle population along the
coastline of El Salvador has significantly declined. In 2009, Funzel, a local
organization that specializes in wildlife protection, joined forces with other local
organizations and municipalities to protect the sea turtles while providing the local
communities with alternative means of generating income. As a result of these efforts,
over 1,000,000 sea turtle hatchlings were released into the sea. Gatherers, mostly
heads of families, directly received over $260,000 as payment for gathering eggs for
incubation, and the local communities were educated in the importance of coastal
marine conservation for environmental and livelihood protection. This example of a
mechanism that incorporated animal welfare established a model for sustainable
livelihoods and successfully addressed the threat of poverty, biodiversity loss, and
marine degradation.
Response to floods in Pakistan
Many of the recent natural disasters confirm the 2007 prediction from the U.N.'s
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that climate change will cause
rains to become more intense, and hot and cold snaps to become more extreme. A new
report from the "Strengthening Climate Resilience" (SCR) consortium, which is
funded by Britain's Department for International Development, suggests that climate
change will have diverse impacts on disaster risks and not just on weather hazards.
The report also says climate change impacts will also increase people's vulnerability
and exposure to hazards through greater water scarcity, decreased agricultural
- 15 -
yields, health effects and more people living on marginal lands - like unstable hill
slopes on the edges of cities3
Following the 2010 summer floods in Pakistan, that directly affected about 18 million
people, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood, and infrastructure, there was an
urgent need to respond to the needs of both the people, and the animals that they rely
on. Similar to many developing countries vulnerable to natural disaster,
approximately 80% of the rural population in Pakistan are dependent on agriculture
and livestock for their livelihood. If these animals were to have become too ill or
injured to work, or worse die, the human survivors from the floods would have faced
a possible ?second disaster? in their inability to provide for themselves. With about
approximately 200,000 livestock dead, and many more in danger, there was a great
need for emergency feed and veterinary care to protect the surviving animals that
were trapped in flood waters. WSPA supported local groups by assistance in the
delivery of vital feed and veterinary care to highly vulnerable communities.
As the frequency and severity of climate related disasters increase, WSPA is
committed to the principle of immediate disaster response around the world. We also
recognise that where needed, reinforcing communities? preparedness before and
rebuilding afterwards are vital, requiring ongoing aid, assistance, education and
finance. This mechanism addresses livelihoods, the threat of poverty, climate change
and gender.
Reducing human-wildlife conflict in Turkey
Wherever wildlife exist in close proximity to communities, the potential for conflict
with people is great. Turkey is home to one of the largest brown bear population in
Europe and the Middle East. Many rural communities in Northern Turkey are located
near these wild animals. Because vital human food sources such as crops, beehives,
and orchards tend to attract bears, many communities experience regular problems of
destruction to property, food, and livelihoods. To address both the threats to
livelihoods that these bears pose as well as the threats to the animals that result when
farmers take matters into their own hands by setting illegal traps to deter and/or kill
the bears, it is necessary to implement long-term sustainable measures to reduce and
prevent human-bear conflict. Collaborating with local partners, WSPA assisted
communities to protect their property by educating rural farmers in effective humane
methods to prevent bears from accessing their crops, beehives, and orchards. In
addition, WSPA is helping communities pre-empt conflict by tracking the bears to
build a better picture of their movements and prevent potential destruction. This
mechanism addresses livelihoods, the threat of poverty, and biodiversity loss.
Poultry breeding in India
3 http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/67118/2010/09/29-093702-1.htm)
Kegg Farms, India, one of the oldest poultry breeding organizations of India,
provides an excellent example of how animal welfare can address the challenges of
reducing poverty and achieving gender equality. Since 1990, Kegg Farms has
dedicated itself to the development of rural poultry stocks branded 'Kuroilers' and is
the first commercial entity in India to focus exclusively on the development,
production and supply of scientifically developed poultry stocks for production in
village households. Kegg Farms created a high-yielding bird that lives off scavenging
in the backyards of the poorest families and is hardier and more resistant to
predators. Additionally, they produce more and better quality eggs and meat than
birds previously kept by villagers, at virtually no cost. Through a unique and
innovative supply chain, Kegg Farms reaches out to approximately one million
disadvantaged rural households, especially women, in India. As opposed to industrial
animal production, Kegg Farms promotes sustainable development by improving the
lives of rural communities and women, encouraging better care for animals, and
reducing environmental degradation.

An important mechanism that has crucial implications for tackling these challenges is the adoption of the Food and Agriculture Organization?s (FAO) Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). Port State measures are a cost-effective mechanism designed to end the persistence of IUU fishing. IUU fishing is a global problem which threatens not only the health of fish stocks, but also food security and the economic revenue of legal fisherman. Although the PSMA has a significant number of signatories, it has not yet been ratified. The Pew Environment Group supports the urgent ratification and implementation of the agreement as an essential contribution to combating IUU fishing and ensuring a sustainable future for marine life throughout the globe.

The Pew Environment Group would also like to highlight the effectiveness of marine sanctuaries and marine reserves in reducing stressors on the marine environment and building the resilience of ecosystems and populations. Less than 1% of global marine areas are protected, leaving these ecosystems exposed and vulnerable to continuing threats. A few examples of effective sanctuaries:

The Pacific Island nation of Palau declared its waters a shark sanctuary in September, 2009 and expanded protection to cetaceans in 2010. The Indian Ocean Island nation of the Maldives declared their waters a shark sanctuary in March, 2010. Both countries have taken these steps because they recognize that healthy populations of marine species can help drive their economies and make their seas thrive.

The establishment of no-take marine reserves such as the Chagos Archipelago Marine Park, Papah穗aumoku稾ea Marine National Monument in Hawai'i and the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument also represent important initiatives taken by States to conserve biodiversity and ensure the preservation of valuable marine ecosystems.

The following mechanisms have been put in place on a UK and EU level that are identified as helpful in
addressing these challenges:
? ETS and wider UK targets;
? The climate change committee and the policies emerging from this body;
? UK adaptation program and national risk assessment due to be published next year;
? Developing a low carbon skills strategy in the UK (addressing unemployment by this measure).

Global economic conditions ? the new Government has stated that a more responsible economy is needed but the focus is still on growth.
Energy, food and water security - awareness of these issues is being raised and may be addressed in emerging legislation. The UK has published Energy Scenarios to 2050 to understand energy demand and is developing policy which recognises energy security is an issue alongside reducing our carbon emissions. Little work is being done on reducing demand. The previous Government published the Food Strategy 2030 which recognised sustainable consumption and production and food security as an issue. Water scarcity is recognised as an issue but there is no water master planning.
Land use constraints ? recognized in the planning system as an issue but little guidance on dealing with increasing conflicts. Government is publishing a Natural Environment White Paper which may address these issues.
Environmental limits ? work is being done to ensure the issue is factored into guidance on government decision-making but this is a partial approach and has not been completed.
For all of the above the SDC role has been to raise these issues with Government as being major concerns. We have published research and advice in these areas e.g. Prosperity without Growth? ? the transition to a sustainable economy; Food Security and Sustainable Diets

We have been working with the U.N. to help them pre-plan and have encouraged them to have plans in place for communicating during various types of natural disasters, most of which are projected to increase due to global warming.
-We regularly participate in national and international climate change conferences and workshops to engage stakeholders in taking actions now to ameliorate and prevent the effects of climate change.
-In India, we participate in workshops that address sustainability issues in both freshwater and marine fisheries and in aquaculture practices and the long-term effects these sectors have on food security.
-In Maldives, we addressed the issue of sea level rise with ministerial-level participants and pre-planning their actions in the realm of population relocation as well as future lucrative land uses which they can choose to engage in, such as aquaculture/mariculture, when/if the islands become uninhabitable due to global warming.

WWF has a number of initiatives across its network intended to decouple production and consumption patterns from growing demands on natural resources in order to achieve the twin goals of conserving biodiversity and reducing humanity?s ecological footprint. WWF works at many levels to both convince and help governments and other political bodies to adopt, enforce, strengthen and/or change policies, guidelines and laws that affect biodiversity and natural resource use.

Key policy focuses at the national and global level include:
- eliminating subsidies that result in environmental damage and biodiversity loss (e.g. fisheries subsidies reform in the WTO and via the EU Common Fisheries Policy; elimination of fossil fuel subsidies),
- integrating environmental considerations into public finance (e.g. 2020 target for introduction of natural resource accounting into national budgeting practices; greening public procurement) and into private finance (internalising the cost of environmental damages into business and investment decisions)
reducing the environmental impact of consumption and production patterns through technological shifts, policy changes, certification, standards and guidelines in sectors that affect the environment, such as agriculture, fisheries, timber, pulp and paper, water, mining, and energy strengthening national and international laws, policies, and frameworks relating to, e.g., water, wildlife, forestry, fisheries, land use, poverty, development, agriculture, energy, and CO 2 emissions.

The One Planet Economy ? Emerging Economies Network programme, for example, operates in emerging economies and advocates for policy solutions that promote environmental sustainability for arguments linked to international competitiveness and economic benefits at both national and local level rather than the more traditional conservation argument.

A general international commitment towards the 0.7% of GDP-target for development aid has been lacking, with most rich countries failing to achieve the target. In addition, the quality of international aid varies considerably, which is a cause for concern.

New green fund to be set up, paid for by historic polluters. Need to
get a sense of equity back into the negotiations. Lack of real action
to-date undermines all fine words.

Technology is on the agenda of every major environmental body and treaty but the area of assessment or evaluation has been sadly absent from discussion of climate change, biodiversity loss, food and energy crises. Also, the social, cultural and economic impacts of technology are often overlooked. The major element that is missing is a clear champion for technology assessment, a state that will drive this issue forward and show how, properly done, such a process, treaty or institution, will save time and money, people and the planet.

Some of the early discussions about consumption and production following Rio started momentum in this direction. However, as this discussion started to infringe on other policy domains, this exchange has become more difficult. The idea behind the WSSD?s mandate for a 10 Year Framework of Programs supporting national and regional initiatives promoting sustainable production and consumption responded to the recognition that changing these patterns in a systemic way can help reverse the worsening social and environmental trends since Rio. However, instead of immediately implementing this mandate through such programs of support, the international community instead began a long process of further discussions about this. Some countries hosted Taskforces on different themes, but we have yet to see full support by the international community to move beyond talk and implement the WSSD mandate. If the international community cannot effectively implement its own mandate to address this overarching objective of sustainable development, we can only expect a continuing worsening of trends in the next 10 years. The 10 Year Framework on SCP could provide a number of important foundation stones for the themes addressed by the UNCSD, or it can be another example of the ?implementation gap? that haunts the UN?s agenda for the 21st century.

? Enhanced support is needed in all areas. Very little support has been given to ocean acidification or examining trade related to fertilizers and rare earth metals.

International support for recognizing the value of animal welfare as a key component
in addressing many of the new and emerging challenges our planet faces is needed. In
addition, while there is a growing support for the incorporation of animal welfare
into sustainable development measures at local, national, regional levels, more
support is needed.

Following the breakdown of climate talks in Copenhagen in December 2009 and the failure to meet the 2010 biodiversity targets, enhanced international support is needed in both these areas with a concerted effort to reconcile both developed and developing country interests.

International awareness of all of these issues may not be present due to lack of personal experience or education received. Unfortunately, most nations are reactive rather than proactive as related to unfortunate events such as those listed above.

Support for developing economic and business cases for environmental sustainability work has over the past several years been forthcoming from various EU governments. Additional support is required for emerging, developing & least-developed countries.

The financial crisis has plunged Europe into the worst situation that we have seen since the 1930s: 23 million people are without work across the continent.
Poverty is on the rise. Precarious jobs are becoming more prevalent in Europe. The current crisis has shown how vital the financial system is to the real economy, and there are clear signs of social injustice.
In addition, environmental issues such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity are becoming more and more pressing.
These environmental issues are exacerbating inequalities between and within different parts of the world, making environmental management part of a social project.
Against this backdrop, we must meet the challenge of sustainable development. The future of the planet depends on our addressing social inequality and the role of economic and financial systems.
Social progress and environmental management must figure in our objectives, and economic and financial systems must serve as tools for achieving those objectives.
To reach these objectives, regulation, legislation and social dialogue have a crucial role to play.

There should be a strong focus on developing countries, since they are likely to bear the heaviest burden of climate change and a lack in commitment to sustainable development as they mainly rely on agriculture and do not have the (financial) capacity nor the knowledge to deal with changing environments.

The inter-linkages among the need to make a rapid and complete transition to renewable energy
(particularly in the rural communities in the developing world), organic agriculture, sustainable
building practices, education for sustainable development, capacity building, and restoring the
natural environment in order to avoid the inter-linkages and accumulative effects of hunger,
poverty, water scarcity, environmental degradation, and climate change, etc.

ONE
Chronic Poisoning and Toxicity of Planetary systems:
a) Ocean Death - http://www.planetwork.net/climate/
b) Killing land with chemicals - ( - http://gaslandthemovie.com/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7850130/F
ilm-raises-shale-gas-pollution-fears.html
e)multiplied effects of many chemicals, carcinogenic and other
f)out of control release of pests, including GMPs
TWO
As climate change sets in, with sea levels rising, and climate disruption exacerbates,
and global heat rises, people will have to move and migrate away
from zones of risk posing strains and challenges to people in other areas, and
to biodiversity, flora and fauna there.
THREE
Psychological and spiritual impact of dealing with collapse of the ?western
dream? model of so-called ?development? that has now been exported via
Globalisation to China and India and elsewhere, and not having a new robust
story/culture to replace it. Instability of Governments, weak financial markets
adds to the fears and sense of loss and worry.
FOUR
Denial of freedom of speech (and thought) ? whether by overzealous Governments
(controls against wikileaks) or overzealous media moguls/
corporations to subvert individual responsibility, and informed awareness
and action.
Enshrine in the final declaration/ Annex of the Conference, individual rights for
humans on Earth, as follows (from The Planet Earth Trust -
http://treeshaverightstoo.com/about)
________________________________________________________
We the People are Trustees of Planet Earth.
Our purpose is to ensure Life for All Beings.
As a Trustee of Planet Earth
* I honour the values,
* I accept our responsibilities, and
* I uphold the natural laws as set out herein.
I commit to acting on behalf of Planet Earth each day of my life, at the end of
which my trusteeship will pass to others.
VALUES
We Are All One
Life is Sacred
Love is All
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Our Duties:
Heal
Nurture
Revere
Our Obligations:
Ecological Justice
Reciprocity
Harmony
Future Generations
THE RIGHTS & FREEDOMS
Right to Exist
Right to Habitat
Freedom to Be
Right to Diversity
Right to Ecological Integrity
Freedom of the Natural Cycles of Life
Right to Not be Polluted
Right to Restorative Justice
Freedom of a Healthy & Clean Environment
Right to Compassion
Right to Peace
Freedom to Be Loved

Governments and CSOs should work together to commit governments, in 2012 ? as a prerequisite to the development of appropriate and diverse green economies ? to a negotiating process leading to an International Convention for the Evaluation of New Technologies (ICENT) including monitoring and recall mechanisms and transfer protocols that could impact debates on the socio-economic, health and environmental implications of technologies.

It will become obvious soon.

The new and emerging challenges are products of the old ones that have not be adequately addressed.

? The environment must be fully included in all actions surrounding sustainable development. UNCSD must act on all new and emerging challenges listed above

While it is clear that all of the new and emerging challenges must be acted upon, it is
imperative that the UNCSD look for ways to address both long-standing and
emerging challenges in a more holistic manner by looking at all who are impacted
and how these challenges relate to one another. One example of how the UNCSD can
take a more holistic approach is by appreciating and taking action based on the links
that exist between the productivity, proper management, and survival of animals and
that of people and our planet. As mentioned above, animal welfare can play a key role
in addressing most of the emerging challenges that threaten the future of our planet.

The adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation have far-reaching consequences which exacerbate other global issues. Thus, although the identified challenges are not necessarily new challenges, the interplay of these cross-cutting issues has produced new and emerging consequences for which current policies have not yet produced an adequate pathway for solution. As increased science and improved analyses emerge, we must begin to look at how policy decisions can address these challenges in a new way.

The theme of green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development represents an important route to addressing the unfolding of the financial crisis in developed countries. As explained in Attachment D, the green economy is not simply about technological advancement and new jobs, it must be understood in terms of improving wellbeing socially, economically and environmentally.
There needs to be a much stronger focus on addressing decline in biodiversity.

We believe the following three challenges will most affect the prospects of sustainable development and lead the UNCSD to take action in these areas: climate change, degradation of marine ecosystems and rising water scarcity.

The WWF has not yet developed a position on the optimal form of international sustainable development governance, including the roles that could be filled by the UNCSD.

ETC Group has hosted briefings on the impacts of new technologies in many different multilateral fora (FAO and CFS, UNFCCC, CBD, etc) and has often briefed government officials, Ministers, diplomats and civil society groups, social movements on the social and environmental impacts of new technologies and the governance challenges they pose. People are generally receptive to our concerns and share our frustration with existing inadequate mechanisms for technology evaluation. They share our distrust that a handful of wealthy countries would manipulate the climate in a way that serves the best interests of the majority of countries and peoples.

It is now time to channel this concern into a multilateral mechanism that would institute a process for evaluating and sharing information on new technologies.

The most widespread steps to enhance the first of these factors are the MDGs.

Increasing political will and commitment, also improving coordination of governmental
bodies at all levels, increasing public awareness, communicating with the public and providing
information rank, and the most important - economic instruments, that will accommodate social
and environmental costs (externalities) of business activities. (Currently in Russia the system of
environmental fines does not operate.) The most important objective for us remains to arrange of
public participation.

Strengthening links among scientific research, education and policy is to be done through the
renewed political commitment in the field of SD, first of all.

I?m sure our government could point to examples in each of these areas where they have made efforts as well as progress. However, the lack of an overall sustainability strategy and mechanisms to engage civil society and the private sector in implementing this is a major step which needs to be taken. Hopefully the UNCSD will draw attention to this need.

The goals of WSPA?s work at the national, regional and international level are to
increase the understanding of animal welfare and illustrate how animal welfare can
have a direct and positive impact on many national and UN priorities, specifically
sustainable development.
Because we believe that improvements in animal welfare globally will have a positive
impact on a range of issues, many of which are currently highlighted in the
Millennium Development Goals, WSPA is working to engage both at the national and
international levels with relevant international organizations. In this respect, WSPA
already has a working relationship with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
focusing on projects to improve the welfare of livestock and the livelihoods of the
communities that depend on them. In addition, WSPA is actively engaging with United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to explore joint ventures linked to
biodiversity and environmental sustainability. WSPA also has a working relationship
with the World Health Organization (WHO) on a range of human-animal health issues,
including work on behalf of the International Companion Animal Management
Coalition. WSPA has a working relationship with the secretariat of the International
Strategy on Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and is the only animal welfare organisation
in the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, linked to the UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Regionally, WSPA Latin American
office is working on an MOU with UNISDR. WSPA?s educational programme has
received the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
regional office endorsement in Costa Rica. In Thailand, the UNESCO department for the
Decade of Education for Sustainable Development has endorsed WSPA?s International
Animal Welfare Education Programme. We also have a future goal to seek global
endorsement of our education work from UNESCO HQ

The EU will shortly be revising its Sustainable Development Strategy which is an opportunity to focus on key priorities and drive action in member states. The adoption of various EU directives has been helpful in driving some aspects of SD but the economic imperative often impedes delivery.

In India and Russia, strong emphasis is placed upon literacy and education of our youth as future stakeholders and decisionmakers as well as instructing their parents in by passing on environmental information that they have learned.

Scientific insights need to become more accessible to the general public in order to raise awareness. More science-based education can serve as a means to achieve this goal and can be used to inform civil society. Better informed citizens can ask for more political commitment.

a) Stop corporations throwing their weight around for their own profilt.
b) Oblige all firms to be responsible for the impacts they cause, human
rights, fairtrade plus environment too.
c) introduce 'eco-literacy' as core curriculum in all schools emmediately.
d) Reconnect kids to the natural process that have sustained life on planet
Earth for 4 billion years. especially engage kids in experiential
e) Set up/Accredit Green Collar Institutes in every country, to facilitate/lead
on planetary protection ? eg accrediting green collar workers (to retro fit
nations with bicycle paths, bicycle racks, insulation, shade from the sun,
tree planting). Encourage Green Collar apprenticeships from age 16 to
learn how to install solar panels, wind turbines, make bicycle racks, etc.

The links between science, education and policy can best be strengthened by broadening the involvement of civil society organizations and ensuring that truly independent scientific advise is available, rather than scientific advice that is particularly attached or interested in one option or that is accountable to private interests.

SD and other advisory councils: inter- and transdisciplinary; horizon scanning,
agenda setters

Greater funding for science and education to create a scientific culture among an
educated society at all stages of development. In addition, having government support
for universities, and in-turn R&D partnerships between universities and private
enterprise.

By enhancing international environmental governance thought the modification of the
UN statute with the transformation of the Economic and Social Council.

? The International Council for Science is attempting to develop a major research programme on global sustainability. This programme will connect social and natural scientists. It will connect policymakers to scientists and people and organizations in the development field with the global change research community.

The link between science, education, and policy can be strengthened by incorporating
existing animal welfare and humane education programs into curricula both in
academia and in industry.

Management decisions should be based on science, utilizing the precautionary principle and ecosystem approach. Marine resources should not be exploited without a management regime in place.

Forging stronger links between science, education, and policy is often cited as the holy grail of
sustainable development. If only policymakers would respond to the knowledge being
generated by ecological science, we would have sustainable development policies, and if only
the education system could imbue students with good science, our future policymakers would
have the skills to understand and act on scientific findings. Empirical observations of how
policies are actually decided, however, calls into question the practicability of applying either
science or education to policy. What science ? social science ?- tells us, with a very high
degree of certainty, is that policy makers respond most directly to political interests, and those
interests are rarely aligned with science or education.
The way to address this dilemma is not to focus on the links between science and policy,
because they are too far removed from each other. A better alternative is to address the arena
of policy-making directly and seek to influence the policy discourse, primarily at national and
local levels and secondarily at international levels. How can the policy discourse be influenced?
Through ideas, values, and ethics. We need to bring in new ideas about the environment and
society?s responsibility to Nature and to future generations.
The critical challenge then becomes one of finding, or building, support for environmental values
and ethics conducive to sustainable development policies. This is where governance come into
play. The principle of stakeholder involvement in governance can become the central pillar of
progress towards environmentally sustainable policies, but the right stakeholders need to be
involved. This brings us back to values and ethics. When a particular piece of the environment,
such as a river basin or watershed, is conceptualized as an aggregate of exploitable resources
(trees, water, soil) then the natural stakeholders become those with a vested interest in, or
knowledge of, those resources. However, when a watershed is conceptualized as a sacred
trust to be cared for on behalf of future generations of both people and animals, the logical
stakeholders to govern the watershed would include priests, poets, artists, shamans, youth, and
environmental representatives, as well as the foresters, water engineers, and soil experts.
When the diversity of stakeholders mirrors the diverse ecological, social, and cultural functions
of the watershed (or any other place), the governance decisions (policies) will reflect the
interests of sustainability, and the political representatives of that place will support sustainable
policies because there will be a political incentive to do so.
The way to strengthen the role of science is to recognize that science alone has no answers ,
only information. Making sense of scientific information depends on the application of values,
and that process demands a full range of stakeholders, Brining in diverse stakeholders
representing environmental, social, and cultural interests (and not merely the economic
interests) provides the basis for negotiating policies that will support the principles of
sustainability. Science gains an entry by offering valuable information that helps the
stakeholders reach a common understanding. Science has to be invited in through real
demand; it is not effective when supply-driven.
To summarize, the key to linking science (and education) with policy is to establish the
conditions where diverse stakeholders need science to find sustainable solutions.
Case Study:
I can offer a case study which demonstrates the need for addressing values and governance
arrangements, but does not yet have a successful conclusion. The case is the management of
the Santa Fe River watershed in New Mexico, USA. Details of the case can be found on the
website of the Water-Culture Institute: http://www.waterculture.org/Santa_Fe_River_Ethics.html.

Establishment of a data baseline should be of prime importance. Without the data, it is impossible to determine a strategy. Then pathways of communication to society at large, including schools, corporations and governments may need strengthening. Regional multistakeholder meetings including all of these societal levels can be held. A list of best practices and actions can be determined from these meetings within each region.

Lessons can be drawn from recent events linked to climate science, where in certain instances, scientific credibility has been compromised or even actively undermined by vested political interests. It is critical to maintain and build scientific credibility (e.g. related to climate change, biodiversity loss, the global human footprint, etc) in order to build greater public support for shifts to more sustainable lifestyles. The most effective means to do so is to increase the level of science literacy in the general population through education and outreach and by rigorous adhesion to transparent processes and debate.

Mechanisms to increase dialogue between scientists, policy makers and educator is key. Communication and having these different groups ?talking the same language? is essential. Scientists, with the help of communicators need to be better at ?making the case? for action, including taking into account public concerns whether or not these coincide with scientific priorities, and translating their findings for policy makers.

In order to make these linkages, it is vital that organizations such as WWF undertake help make the link between science, policy, and public interest through sustained policy advocacy, technical support to governments & enabling advocacy on the part of both society & individuals (for example through initiatives such as Earth Hour).

International support can provide knowledge and finance educational programs. Subsidies could be given to countries that come up with policies aiming to target these challenges.

1. If the CSD/UNEP can be the global repository/
coordination centre that will be useful, to be the first point of contact
to find out what is happening in each country, that is a highly useful
service.
2. Where international/multi-country/cross border cooperation
is required, international support is most effective in kickstarting
and enabling the creation of capacity/knowhow to set up such
coordination mechanisms.

It is essential that the organizations involved in policy making around technology begin to look more seriously at the importance of evaluation and including it in the ?technology cycle?. The various meetings leading up to Rio+20, including interssessionals, prepcoms, regional meetings, as well as meetings of other treaty bodies (UNFCCC, CBD) will provide occasions to broaden awareness and stimulate debate on options.

Sharing of best practices and innovative policies between countries, and
partnerships between research centers and government in different countries and
regions would be an effective means to address these challenges ? essentially creating
a community of practice with a norm of strong linkages between these three areas.

We badly need international financial support that we, in many cases, lack in our environmental
sector; environmental organizations/INGOs should provide us with the appropriate support
helping to solve our most serious problems; however, often they give their help addressing the
problems that they consider to be important (for them, for smb. else), not asking Russian experts
what kind of the support we need and want to provide us with. As a result Russia receives some
help from abroad, but the main hard Russian environmental problems remain unsolved. (For example, threats caused by Chernobyl succession, in 2010 due to the fire in Bryansk radioactive
forests we came close to ecological catastrophe). Often the intervention of environmental
organizations/INGOs makes the situation worse than better. Example is the protection of Caspian
biodiversity, CITES never follows the recommendations of Russian experts (here we mean the
question of black caviar selling), in our opinion, CITES policies make biodiversity decrease in
the region even faster.

By creating the means for groups to work together more effectively, understanding the interconnections among the issues and solutions, particularly through mechanisms to better understand, address and achieve the ?overarching objective of sustainable consumption and production.?

To achieve the ambition of ICSU?s research programme will require substantially more funding than is presently available to carry out and coordinate international research. We need a more transdisciplinary approach to all these issues. And a clearer hierarchical structure. International support must ensure research is coordinated. At the moment it seems many organizations are conducting research in similar areas with possibly too much overlap.

Internationally and nationally, strong commitment to education and a diverse
curriculum would address these challenges. This can be achieved to a greater degree
by working with international organizations, and academics and institutions that
specialized in various issues.

The UNCSD has an opportunity to bring leader, industry and other stakeholders together to secure a global commitment to reform international ocean governance and enact adequate management systems to end marine activities that threaten food security and marine biodiversity including overfishing, unsustainable fishing practices, destructive fishing practices and IUU fishing. Additionally, the UNCSD could take steps to effectively implement the relevant provisions of existing institutions and agreements responsible for preserving the long term sustainability of marine resources.

The UNCSD should take steps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to lessen the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification. Further, the UNCSD should implement measures to build resilience and ensure adaptation in the face of climate impacts that are unavoidable. The oceans are the largest long term sink for carbon; the FAO estimates that the oceans store up to 93 percent of the Earth?s carbon dioxide. The Pew Environment Group calls on the international community to identify, establish and effectively manage protected areas in the ocean to mitigate the effects of climate change and ocean acidification and to provide protection for vulnerable marine habitats.

Once the hard data is procured and a basic plan is established can the support of other countries be sought. A coalition may be created within your region of the world. The regional group may expand into an international group.

Lessons can be drawn from recent events linked to climate science, where in certain instances, scientific credibility has been compromised or even actively undermined by vested political interests. It is critical to maintain and build scientific credibility (e.g. related to climate change, biodiversity loss, the global human footprint, etc) in order to build greater public support for shifts to more sustainable lifestyles. The most effective means to do so is to increase the level of science literacy in the general population through education and outreach and by rigorous adhesion to transparent processes and debate.

Mechanisms to increase dialogue between scientists, policy makers and educator is key. Communication and having these different groups ?talking the same language? is essential. Scientists, with the help of communicators need to be better at ?making the case? for action, including taking into account public concerns whether or not these coincide with scientific priorities, and translating their findings for policy makers.

In order to make these linkages, it is vital that organizations such as WWF undertake help make the link between science, policy, and public interest through sustained policy advocacy, technical support to governments & enabling advocacy on the part of both society & individuals (for example through initiatives such as Earth Hour).

Yes, we believe they do. We would like to stress that we do not want to focus exclusively on one region, as the policies of one country or region will significantly impact another one. All countries face emerging challenges in achieving sustainable development. To tackle these international cooperation is the key concept.

a) As per Ted Jackson, economic growth is no longer needed for advanced
countries. http://www.ted.com/speakers/tim_jackson.html
http://www.ted.com/talks/tim_jackson_s_economic_reality_check.html
In addition, incomes have skyrocketed in economically-advanced countries,
yet study after study has shown that levels of reported happiness have remained
the same or even declined. (Source: www.awakenthedreamer.org)
a) YES there is a fundamental risk to the prospects of both economic
growth, and healthy lifecycles for Humankind and other species from
the fracking process carried out by oil drilling in the USA, and around
the world. Vast areas of land are being rendered unhealthy, if uninhabitable
by the chronic pollution legacy oil/gas companies are leaving in
artesian water and rock.
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/farmers-rebel-againstmining-
companies-20101110-17n7w.html
http://gaslandthemovie.com/

Yes. The ill-considered deployment of high-risk technologies in the absence of a proper international governance regime can be extremely costly, in economic, environmental and human terms. Some of the technologies ? such as nanotechnology, synthetic biology and geoengineering, pose risks that may be irreversible and global.

The new and emerging challenges are essentially a product of economic growth and
development, so the risk may be experienced as externalities in second-country or
regions, rather in the country that is experiencing the growth. For example, Japan
sources much of their minerals from China where lax environmental regulations result
in pollution problems. China meanwhile receive a considerable amount of their fossil
fuels from areas with significant social and political issues. So while the new and
emerging challenges may not pose a fundamental risk to economic growth in one
country, or region, they may have impacts on the other pillars of sustainable
development in other regions.

Economic growth (in quantity) and development (in quality) are different things. Economic
growth damages the environment, but growth is not development, as well as development of the
modern state does not necessary require traditional economic growth.2
In Russia people are convinced that implementation of SD means zero economic growth, that
will bring us to economic decline, worse poverty, instability, and - finally - social catastrophe.
In fact, social catastrophe is exactly what we are to have soon if nothing in terms of SD
implementation will be done.

Perhaps we might ask in what ways current economic growth and development are creating new and emerging challenges as well as old ones? Perhaps instead of treating economic growth as the greatest good we should instead make economic security the priority. GDP is not the best indicator of public good and social progress.

While many of the new and emerging challenges pose a fundamental risk, animal
welfare as a solution to many of these new and emerging challenges actually
improves the prospects for economic growth and development. As the International
Finance Corporation recognizes, enhancing animal welfare practices: ?are likely to
win or retain a competitive advantage in the marketplace in a variety of ways such as:
costs savings due to more efficient production processes that enhance animal welfare;
realizing growing market opportunities for food produced in animal friendly systems;
becoming the producer of choice for retailers and consumers concerned with animal
health and welfare, food safety and quality, human health and the environment.?(IFC,
Good Practice Note Animal Welfare, 2006). Moreover, the development of humane
uses of animals or alternatives for animal uses (in research, food, clothing, etc.)
offers a broad range of economic opportunities, varying from high tech innovation to
advancing core elements of traditional lifestyles.

Yes

As stated before, the most sustainable ways of doing business may not be the most economical option short-term, but may be the most economical long-term. With the ascent of education at all levels of society, this type of short-term thinking can be eschewed for more holistic, long-term value options. These financial challenges are transendemic and not limited to India or Russia, for example.

If we fail to address the challenges above, we will take significant risks for economic growth, development, poverty alleviation, etc? Natural resources and natural systems are ultimately the platform for economic growth and if we continue to use them unsustainably growth will be undermined. Economic growth that follows a ?business as usual? model exacerbates all of the above challenges ? either directly or indirectly. We need to have a global economy that supports human development without damaging natural systems, such as climate regulation and water production. If we fail to do this poverty will increase rather than decrease and human development will be severely compromised. However, it certainly appears possible to develop responses to these challenges that result in positive outcomes from the social & environmental, as well as the economic perspectives.

?ｫ Protection of risk-groups through legislation and governmental programs.
?ｫ Education: both to raise awareness among risk-groups and to achieve support in other groups.
?ｫ Advocating and development by non-governmental organizations

The poor are already hurting. Almost everybody in the world now feels a
sense of hurt at some level too.
To quote Van Jones, founder of Green For All (http://greenforall.org/):
? A socially just world is a world in which, if you had to draw a lot, and it would
put you anywhere in that society, you would feel perfectly confident; you
wouldn?t be worried because you knew that whatever lot you drew would be a
good lot. It doesn?t mean that everything?s equal. It just means that every single
person in that society has a decent shot at living the fullest life that they
can. But if you close your eyes and you think to yourself , would you trade
places? Well if you wouldn?t trade places, then there?s work to be done.
Solution: Give the poor the tools, and the training, and the technology and
they can join in retrofitting our nations and states to get to sustainability. We
need everybody on board now. And help to propagate the Awakening the
Dreamer symposium around the world, into different languages, drawing on
different indigenous cultures and western culture. ? It is the most coherent,
erudite, compelling package I have come across in 30 years working in environment
and development, in 91 countries.? Chris Le Breton, European Parliamentary
Candidate, London, UK 2010. www.chrislebreton.com
Ensure that social justice is an equal pillar to environment and spiritual fulfillment.

Vulnerable populations need information and involvement in the debates around these technologies. They need to be consulted directly about their development, and their views on what kinds of technologies are needed are also of interest. Careful attention needs to be paid to how their livelihoods, which may be both modest and sustainable, can be threatened by technologies that promise to deliver a ?Green Economy?. Our research has shown for example that the new focus on biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels will imply a massive grab on the land and resources of South countries

By empowering the poor with education and political participation so they can
understand and assess risks themselves, and in cooperation with a reliable government.

In this country the challenge is not the poverty but the gap between the richest and the
poorest. Basically well-designed SD plan must introduce sound social policies, forming social
stability; here we have National Concept of the Security that - rather than NSD strategy - is
designated to fulfill this task. But the question remains: whether all this will be implemented. In
terms of political mechanisms all this is questionable, because it - plan and concept both - do not
empower people (NSD strategy and Concept of the Security do not promote local people policy
participation and public participation in general).

This has to be a priority among those with control over the resources that are needed. Transferring even a small percentage of the world?s military budget could alleviate some of the most serious threats to the poor, such as access to clean water.

Sharing of best practice and low-tech solutions.

With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.

With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.With the instability of fisheries and bioavailability of stocks, we are working with Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) to establish a framework for a microfinance product to encourage consumption from alternate food sources while participants generate income. The establishment of alternate sources of income allows fish stocks in freshwater and marine bodies of water to recuperate.

La d馭inition du terme ｫ 馗onomie verte ｻ fait l?objet de discussions en France comme en Europe. Une d馭inition en est aujourd?hui propos馥 par la commissaire g駭駻ale au d騅eloppement durable, extraite d?un texte joint � cette contribution.
L?馗onomie verte est une 馗onomie ｫ sobre en ressources naturelles et d馗arbon馥 ｻ : cet objectif a une dimension environnementale mais aussi une dimension plus 馗onomique : il s?agit de trouver les modes de consommation et de production qui nous permettront, d?ici 30 ou 40 ans, de vivre � plus de 9 milliards d?hommes sur une plan鑼e dont les ressources naturelles sont limit馥s. Il n?est pas quantitativement possible, en effet, qu?en 2050, chaque humain consomme autant de ressources naturelles (駭ergie, certes, mais aussi mati鑽es premi鑽es, eau, espace?) que nous le faisons aujourd?hui dans nos pays industrialis駸 ; les ressources de la plan鑼e n?y suffiront pas. Donc si l?on veut 騅iter des crises 馗onomiques (inflation due � la raret�), sociales (maintien d?une partie de la population mondiale dans la pauvret� et la faim) et des guerres pour pr駸erver ou acqu駻ir des ressources, il faut que nos modes de vie soient plus sobres en ressources naturelles, pris au sens large du terme : 駭ergie, mati鑽es premi鑽es, produits alimentaires, eau, espace (ce qui inclut la biodiversit�)? Bien entendu, ces nouveaux modes de productions et de consommation plus sobres, c'est-�-dire pr駸ervant les ressources naturelles � la fois quantitativement, en les ｫ 馗onomisant ｻ, et qualitativement, par une protection des milieux et une lutte contre les pollutions, doivent permettre 馮alement de diminuer drastiquement nos 駑issions de gaz � effet de serre.

Toujours dans le registre des d馭initions, l?ACFCI, sous l?馮ide de l?AFNOR, l?organisme de normalisation fran軋is, anime l?駘aboration d?une norme sur les termes li駸 aux 馗o-entreprises.

NEC, Quality of Life Indicators, GEN processes

The consensus on the concept of green economy is not yet widely implemented among member companies in the Forum. Many initiatives are still linked to the ancient concept of social responsibility and sustainability. Many advances in the business sector was reported. However, the idea has scientific and conceptual green economy has not yet stabilized. Many businesses still question the effectiveness of this concept, still have more obvious or plausible answers to performance. Too many companies still resist the concept of green economy and be afraid again justifying his actions on concepts that do not reflect the reality of their actions.
Here we highlight some individual contributions that reached the forum, which also reflect the apparent absence of a consensus of more practical green economy:

- Concept of a Jurist of cell phone company:

?Green Economy is the theme of the moment. In a business view, encompasses investments in clean technology, and the result is manifested in sustainable growth, cost reduction, image enhancement (among others).
Companies invest in green technology as market differentiation, which results in extremely advantageous to the Company and to the environment.?

- Definition of a businesswoman in the fashion sector:

?GREEN ECONOMY IS A KIND OF FUSION BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OF LIFE!?

- Most companies that make up the Forum Empresarial Rio +20 yet to demonstrate some specific practices that can justify the green economy. Most companies are still unaware of the conceptual idea of the theme. Many still confuse the concept of sustainability with the pillars of the green economy. From what we observed the practices developed by companies refer to the models and energy matrices. Many have not yet succeeded in designing the obvious need for effective complementation between the social and environmental responsibility. However, most were not. The Forum may notice that many companies are already developing the green economy in their actions. Some even encouraged by government programs. The aspect of ethics in corporate actions, in contrast, already gaining ground in enterprises that make up the forum. Concern for the environment and balance of the shares of companies, and especially the concern about the potential for consumption and use of natural resources, is a constant activity of all companies in the Forum.

- The Forum Empresarial Rio+20 believes that both poverty and social impacts also constitute integral elements of the green economy. Both problems are consequences arising from the absence of rational management in the use of natural resources. All actions of man, since its existence, as they collide with the balance of the planet. However, the industries have reached a level of development as significant factors that elemental as a healthy quality of life, access to education and elimination of poverty were forgotten by the productive systems. However, once again humanity seeks to justify his absences with the environment. The Forum Empresarial RIO+20 think that only eliminating poverty would not be a solution to the problem. When you eliminate poverty, it creates more consumer demand and increased competition for energy matrices. Actually we should combine the elimination of poverty with the implementation of environmental education. An interconnected system can recognize that the food supply, employment opportunities and environmental education, we will be able to conceive the idea that the green economy can greatly contribute to the elimination of world poverty. It is useless work just concepts. That there exist concept associated with the practice. If we talk about the green economy, this vision of the economy must contemplate the idea that citizens of the world must know the degree of contribution they make to the planet. They must be sure that they are integral elements of an economic process, but with purpose and human and natural matrices. The Forum believes that the elimination of poverty only if it sets up, when this same poverty fail to supply the wealthy social projects.
Ver dicion疵io detalhado

ISF tends to associate the concept of ?green economy? with the immediate goal of redirecting public and private investment toward projects, programs and production which makes the economy more energy-efficient, less fossil fuel dependent, resulting in less environmental impacts while increasing the number of ?green jobs.? Within this term we see is a range of conflicting assumptions and values regarding the concept and role of ?economic growth? ? with the notion of ?green growth? at odds with the ideals of ?steady-state? and ?de-growth.? We therefore see and distinguish the concept of ?green economy? as a transitional stage, which involves this tug-and-pull among different priorities, leading hopefully to a more long-term goal of ?sustainable economy? which represents a more balanced system operating from a greatly improved set of rules, principles and values which not only improves the quality of life of everyone, but which restores the quality of the ecosystems upon which the human economy depends.

- In the US, the White House Executive Order on Federal Sustainability commits the federal government to set an example by reducing its greenhouse emissions by 28% by 2020. On the other hand the US Congress missed its opportunity to pass climate change legislation.

- One of the main selling points of green economy policies is that they can produce jobs which are needed to restore economic health.

? A green economy is an economy that significantly reduces environmental risk and ecological scarcities. It only allows sustainable use of natural resources.

WSPA?s work is based on the principle of the Three Es: Environment, Economics and
Ethics. Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty
eradication refers to an economy not striving towards increased gross domestic
products as goals in themselves, but instead as one way to achieve sustainable
development while ensuring the promotion of social justice and prosperity for all,
including future generations and animals. (see e.g. Tim Jackson, Prosperity without
Growth. Economics for a Finite Planet, 2009; Amartya Sen, The Idea of Justice,
2010; Martha Nussbaum, Frontiers of Justice, Disabilities, Nationality, Species
Membership, 2006).
One example of a green economy is one which supports agricultural systems that take
into account the impact on and use of natural resources, treatment and care of
animals, impact on communities and the environment, and provide a sustainable
livelihood for the producers. It is important to note that this concept of a green
economy demands the consideration and input of all stakeholders affected by
economic decisions. By taking a holistic and inclusive approach to the economy, the
green economy can provide a framework for addressing the new and emerging
challenges that we are facing today.

- Sustainable Agriculture:
Working Equines in Guatemala
Guatemala is home to the highest concentration of equines in Central America, 90%
of the equines in Guatemala are used to haul harvested fruit and are the main means
of transportation in low-income rural communities. While in many rural communities
equines represent as much as 50% of the net worth of small growers? production
assets.Many of these equines are in poor health due to overwork, and poor
management practices, such as inadequate nutrition, and poor fitting harnesses.
Working with the local communities, Fundacion Equinos Sanos Para El Pueblo
(ESAP), a Guatemalan organization that promotes the welfare of working equines,
develops and promotes sustainable practices in care and handling of working equines
through education, veterinary services, and advocacy. This green economy program
promotes development while protecting livelihoods, the animals, and the environment,
Sustainable Tourism:
Whale watching in Latin America and the Caribbean
While artisanal fishermen are forced to compete with the larger commercial fishing
industry for decreasing fish stocks, the livelihoods of coastal communities are in
jeopardy. One way to address this problem while promoting sustainable livelihoods,
conservation of species, and the protection of individual animals, is to encourage
responsible whale watching as a form of sustainable tourism. Through our member
societies across the region, WSPA is working with coastal communities to increase
the awareness of the value of responsible whale watching, both as an income
generator and as a conservation tool.

- WSPA tried to incorporate measures in its programs and policies that improve
livelihood, reduce poverty. Much of our work is with poorer people and women.

The green economy must contribute to the goals of sustainability. The
overarching goal of the green economy should be defined in the context
of a fair and socially just economic system that meets the needs of all
people within the ecological carrying capacity of the planet.
The green economy needs to be a new economy, with new models,
mindsets and metrics based on a systems approach. Issues such as
poverty, climate change, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity are
emergent properties of unsustainable consumption and production
patterns. In order to address the root causes of these symptoms, a
holistic?or systems?approach to problem solving is necessary.
The green economy must be an economy that moves away from the
destructive economic expansion paradigm (at least in rich countries
where per capita eco-footprints are above sustainable levels) to one that
recognizes ecological limits and that enables people to meet their basic
needs, along a global framework of ?contraction and convergence?. We
must transform the nature of our impact on the world?s ecological
systems. This will mean using innovation to shift from linear patterns -
that consume resources and produce wastes ? to cyclical patterns
where our actions contribute to ecological and social resilience. This
will involve reshaping our identity and recognizing humanity?s potential
to support our planet and ensure that it thrives.
The worsening social and ecological trends around the world are of
grave concern and massive transformative change is now long overdue
and cannot be delayed any further. Already in 1992, some 1,700 of the
world?s scientists issued a ?Warning to Humanity? which stated that
?Fundamental changes are urgent if we are to avoid the collision our
present course will bring about?. Indeed, humanity?s unsustainable draw
on the planet?s resources has created a state of ecological overshoot at
the global scale, in a context where nearly a third of humanity still lives
in poverty and has yet to benefit from the promises of development and
economic growth, and where the affluent aspire to ever-increasing rates
of material consumption. The scale and pace at which a change must
take place, and the transformation of our unsustainable consumption
and production patterns as a necessary precondition to achieve
sustainable development as recognized both in Agenda 21 and the
JPOI, need to set the foundations for the green economy.
Finally, the green economy is an immense opportunity to achieve
wellbeing and true prosperity for this and future generations.

- The Canadian government is currently in the process of considering its
response to the international discussions on the green economy.

Components of a green economy
A green economy is an economy based on sustainable development and ecological economics. One
stakeholder group representing youth states its main features have been identified as the following:
? Renewable energy ? that use solar, wind, geothermal, marine, biogas, and fuel cell;
? Green buildings: green retrofits and new residential and commercial built in the most eco-friendly
ways with the most energy efficient materials;
? Clean transportation - that us alternative fuels, emphasise public transit and carpooling programs;
? Resource Efficiency that seeks to squeeze more out of every natural resource and employs Factor
Four to Factor Fifty efficiency measures;
? Water management that emphasises Water recycling; low-water landscaping;
? Waste management that emphasises recycling, municipal solid waste salvage and sustainable
packaging;
? Land management that emphasises organic agriculture, habitat conservation and restoration; urban
forestry, reforestation and afforestation and soil stabilization;
? A "triple bottom line" that measures economic output, environmental impact and social development;
it measures the sustainability of life support systems, ensures that all people have access to a
decent standard of living and that companies are making a decent return to share-holders;
? Local roots: a global aggregate of individual communities meeting the needs of its citizens through
responsible, local production and exchange of goods and services;
? An entirely vegetarian food economy;
? The internet is the main communication tool;
? Personal Carbon Quotas apply to every citizen of the world;
? A green economy is one based on the Rule of Law ? where environmental laws are rigorously
enforced and those who break them are sent to prison;
? A green economy is one where taxation is based on environmental impact;
? A green economy is a no growth economy: there are no share-holders or stock-markets; it is a
stable, steady-state economy seeking to provide enough for today?s needs and making a priority of
conserving resources for tomorrow?s;
? The advertising industry would exist to promote sustainable consumption not the purchase of things
that people might want but not need;
? An education that is focussed entirely on perfecting systems of sustainability and improving the skills
and technologies used the other 14 items on this list.

Just Transition
From a TUC perspective, a ?green economy? approach is about ?a just transition? to a low carbon
economy. It advocates dialogue, investment in green jobs, green skills and training, respect for labour
and human rights. While no widely used definition is agreed up, the principle of a just transition is
considered a kernel principle of a green economy. Also, initiatives such as making workplaces green,
green skills and green jobs are all see as connected to a green economy. All jobs need to be greened
and that is what the TUC advocates. It encourages the notions of ?a just transition? to a low carbon
economy to be included within the text of UNCSD and UNFCCC outcomes.
One Planet Living
BioRegional Development Group?s definition of the green economy is one planet living in the context of
a regional or ?bioregional? form of development. One planet living is an equitable and sustainable use
of resources by all the world?s people as defined by ecological footprint and safe levels of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere, whilst leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. One planet living is one
standard of living within a fair share of the world?s resources wherever you live in the world.

- Feed in tariffs, investment in renewables, heat incentives, the ETS. Below are relevant green
economy polices, strategies and initiatives being implemented by Stakeholders:
CASE STUDY: BIOREGIONAL
One Planet Solutions for a
Sustainable World, Bioregional
Development Group
One planet living is a vision for a
sustainable world, governed by ten
sustainability principles. This
publication outlines how One Planet
Living communities, businesses and
regions operate around the world
using these principles, and how
these approaches could be used to
achieve a sustainable Green
Economy.8
CASE STUDY: TUC
Green Workplace Initiative
?Go Green at Work? strategy document outlines how workplace
representatives should have the right to ?green? their workplace.
It advocates adaptation skills that are needed in the workplace ?
pushing for the renegotiation of dress codes, shift patterns and
working hours, establishing statutory limits on upper workplace
temperatures, new guidance on workplace adaption to climate
change. This initiative is also lobbying for time off for green reps
to attend to training and carry out day to day work for greening
the workplace ? green audits, negotiating employee travel
requirements, campaigning for behavioural change in the
workplace. It pushes for a top down and bottom up approach to
climate.
CASE STUDY: DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND HOUSING, WELSH
ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT
Economic Renewal: A New Direction As part of its economic renewal plans, the Welsh government has
introduced a set of new policy priorities, including investing in high quality and renewable infrastructure,
encouraging innovation by focussing on ?low-carbon economy? as a priority area for University R&D,
providing support to businesses in the renewable energy and environment sectors, and to the creation of
green jobs.9
Other case studies from BioRegional Development Group include:
1. New build communities which make it easy for residents to live a sustainable lifestyle: BedZED
eco-village and One Brighton in the UK are sustainable communities being built in California, China,
South Africa, Portugal and Australia. Residents report an improved quality of life although they can
reduce their overall consumption based ecological footprint by almost 50%.
2. Sustainable paper production through a bioregional local paper loop. Paper accounts for 5% of
our ecological footprint ? recycling of office paper and buying back locally is a more efficient
system which reduces the ecological footprint of paper use by 93% and energy use by 78%
compared to virgin imported paper. BioRegional established two companies to implement this loop
linking up with existing companies.
3. Network production of local products to supply national retailers BioRegional Charcoal
company organises local producers of charcoal and firewood to supply on a local basis to national
retailers. This reduces CO2 emissions associated with transport by 85% compared to the imported
product and supporting the sustainable management of woodlands and creating jobs.

- The Welsh government repeatedly states that achieving the right balance between environmental,
social and economic objectives is of the utmost importance in its policy strategies. 10
In terms of greening workplaces, the effects felt by the employee would be negotiated by a union
representative. i.e. pushing for the need to negotiate travel plans.
Furthermore, the Education Dialogue Group produced a short position paper in 2009 outlining the
implications of the green economy.

Our analysis is summarised in our publication Prosperity without Growth? This is authored by our Economics Commissioner Professor Tim Jackson and we have provided a copy of along with this questionnaire (http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications/downloads/prosperity_without_growth_report.pdf).
Critically this analysis shows that a ?green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication? is not an issue that is separate from macroeconomic outcomes. Indeed our analysis is that the sustainable development imperative demands that conventional macroeconomic thinking makes a transition.
Our understanding of a ?green economy? is not limited to technological change in a few sectors but identifies the need for macro as well as micro economic progress toward sustainable development across the whole economy.

- There are a number of green economic policies currently being utilised within the United Kingdom, though their implementation has been mixed. The most significant are summarised below:
Carbon Budgets
The UK was the first country to adopt carbon budgets ? where climate policy for the traded and non-trade sectors is framed not by target emission rates in a certain year but by cumulative budgets of carbon emissions as this what matters in terms of avoiding catastrophic climate change. Although the carbon budgets are yet to be fully integrated in policy making in the UK they already provide a strong intellectual guide to approaching an environmental limit or threshold. The UK is now examining the case for a similar aggregate impact approach for biodiversity.
Environmental standards
Environmental standards continue to be essential as defining minimum standards. Reliance on price based policies alone can lead to investment locking-in development to high-carbon or high-resource infrastructure which will be highly costly in even a few years. For example when the EU ETS price fell following the financial crash, unabated coal-fired power stations became an attractive option. If high environmental standards were demanded of any coal-fired power station then this type of investment lock-in can be avoided.
Green Tax reform
Green tax reform has been a successful in the UK and other countries and continues to offer great potential for both driving the transition to a sustainable or ?green? economy and increasing employment throughout the economy. The UK Green Tax Commission provides a good overview9. However, Governments have failed to provide the continuity required for a policy of tax shifting both in terms of not continuing to increase ?green? taxation but most significantly failing to realise the employment benefits of what ?green? taxation there is by significantly raising rather than reducing labour taxation.
Green Investment policy
Our analysis shares the view of many that investment is central to recovering from the financial sector driven recession, to making the transition to a low-carbon economy and to eradicating poverty. However, investment is being sought in a highly turbulent context. Public finance is shrinking, private finance already highly leveraged is reducing risk, and the relationship between the two is being renegotiated. Deficit reduction plans reduce the scope for public investment yet investments for the transition to a sustainable economy often remain risky or ?below market rate? because the public policies that create such markets do not ensure correct prices or confidence in on-going commitment, even on climate change.
9 http://www.greenfiscalcommission.org.uk/
New models of investment policy are required such as establishing green investment banks and we provide evidence on this particular approach as an appendix. At the same time, as the Sarkozy Commission report10 explains, action is needed to account for environmental and social ?wealth? in economic policy. Doing so will significantly alter the risk-return profile of many investments which currently do not account for ecological thresholds, social capital or economic resilience. Community finance takes many forms and remains a very small niche in total investment terms. But it does offer an approach that has begun to balance the value of protecting and enhancing environmental and social wealth with financial return. Often such investment accepts lower or longer-term financial return in exchange for greater resilience. They also offer innovative approaches that engage communities and address poverty
Economic indicators
Economic indicators offer the potential to drive the transition to a sustainable economy. We agree with the Sarkozy Commission report that the current convention of using GDP as the prime measure of economic success is a barrier to both environmental sustainability and the eradication of poverty and inequality. We are concerned that current efforts in the UK and elsewhere to respond to the Sarkozy Commission will simply establish a contextual set of wellbeing indicators that have little traction with policy and fail to address the fundamental issue raised in the report.
Policy guidance
In the UK poverty and other possible social impacts are considered for all policy making according the guidelines laid out in the ?Green Book? produced by HM Treasury11. However, there is concern within Government that this approach needs to be improved12. We agree with these concerns, however, ultimately our analysis suggests that dealing effectively with these issues alongside environmental imperatives also requires reform of macro-economics as well.

We believe that the three pillars of sustainability are harmonic, compatible, and interrelated. When the pillars are in equilibrium, a green economy and poverty eradication occur.

- At this moment, our work with the Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) microfinance group in India is a primary activity within the economic pillar of sustainability. The country of Maldives has committed to be a carbon neutral country to lead the world to take action in ameliorating the effects of climate change. With the onset of sea level rise, Maldives will be the first country to be overtaken by the ocean.

- Poverty eradication is key to achieving a green economy. Without most of the people working and creating income, crime will ensue. This is why microfinance is so important.

WWF has not yet developed a definition of ?green economy? across its network, nor does it have a consolidated understanding of the meaning of the concept ?green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication?. The Green Economy Coalition (www.greeneconomycoalition.org), of which WWF is a member, proposes the vision of ?a resilient economy that provides a better quality of life for all within the ecological limits of one planet?. Our own Living Planet Indicators also serve as baseline for what can be considered sustainable consumption.

WWF agrees that there needs to be a clear, shared international understanding of the ?green economy? concept, particularly in light of growing tension and confusion over how ?green economy? relates to the agreed development paradigm of sustainable development. Nonetheless, WWF understands that a ?Green Economy? will probably mean different things to different countries, and that implementation may vary from country to country.

While ?green economy? has captured the enthusiasm of many, a key distinction that appears to have been lost in some instances is that ?green economy? is above all a convergence of the environment and economic pillars of sustainable development. In some cases, a green economy approach may also result in socially desirable outcomes (e.g. safe, domestically anchored jobs; compensation for local and indigenous traditional knowledge). However, in most instances, ensuring positive social outcomes (the social pillar of sustainable development) will require careful design of green economy policies and explicit consideration of their impacts on different social groups, even if integrating environmental concerns into economic development should itself help with social goals, for example poverty eradication.

What are the main examples of green economy policies that are currently in place in the country(ies) or region(s) of interest to your group? (e.g., government expenditures on green infrastructure, incentives for private investment in green sectors, subsidy reform, pricing of pollution, public procurement, other)

WWF has a number of initiatives across its network intended to decouple production and consumption patterns from growing demands on natural resources in order to achieve the twin goals of conserving biodiversity and reducing humanity?s ecological footprint. WWF works at many levels to both convince and help governments and other political bodies to adopt, enforce, strengthen and/or change policies, guidelines and laws that affect biodiversity and natural resource use.
Key policy focuses include:
- eliminating subsidies that result in environmental damage and biodiversity loss (e.g. fisheries subsidies reform in the WTO and via the EU Common Fisheries Policy; elimination of fossil fuel subsidies),
- integrating environmental considerations into public finance (e.g. 2020 target for introduction of natural resource accounting into national budgeting practices; greening public procurement) and into private finance (internalising the cost of environmental damages into business and investment decisions)
reducing the environmental impact of consumption and production patterns through technological shifts, policy changes, certification, standards and guidelines in sectors that affect the environment, such as agriculture, fisheries, timber, pulp and paper, water, mining, and energy
- strengthening national and international laws, policies, and frameworks relating to, e.g., water, wildlife, forestry, fisheries, land use, poverty, development, agriculture, energy, and CO 2 emissions.


Most of the emerging economies have some green economy policies in place, although these vary considerably in terms of their degree of both ambition & impact ? in China, the green component of the national stimulus package is one of the highest in the world at approximately 33%, while in South Africa, renewable energy feed-in tariffs have been approved, & in Brazil, considerable government support, both financial & non-financial, has been made available for biofuels.

Are poverty and other possible social impacts explicitly considered in the design of green economy policies? If so, how?

Green economy policies should be inherently compatible with social development issues such as poverty alleviation. In fact, addressing environmental concerns is an important path to socially equitable development, since the poor are hurt disproportionably by environmental degradation (water and soil contamination being prime examples). This is also the case in the area of renewable energy, for example, which has higher potential for employment creation than is the case for conventional fossil fuel and/or nuclear energy generation systems.

However, as noted in response 1, green economy policies must also have an explicit social aim or they may not always result in clear and tangible social benefits for concerned groups with immediate needs. Where that is the case, complementary policies may be needed to compensate for negative impacts or to help affected groups adapt to new economic realities (e.g. complementary policies to compensate for any negative impacts on local fishing communities where fisheries management limits access privileges.)

Le texte mentionn� pr馗馘emment d馗rit les articulations entre les diverses notions 馗onomie verte, croissance verte, d騅eloppement durable. Il indique les 駘駑ents de politique publique s?appuyant sur ces diverses notions. De fa輟n plus globale ces politiques font l?objet de :
 deux cadres de coh駻ence 騁roitement li駸 en France : Grenelle de l? environnement (http://www.legrenelle-environnement.fr/) et la strat馮ie nationale de d騅eloppement durable 2010-2013 : vers une 馗onomie verte et 駲uitable (http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/SNDD-3.pdf),
 comme dans l?Union europ馥nne : avec la strat馮ie europ馥nne de d騅eloppement durable 2006 ? 2010 (http://ec.europa.eu/sustainable/sds2006/) et � pr駸ent avec l?駘aboration d?un cadre commun Europe 2020 : a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive groth (http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/index_en.htm)

The Business Forum RIO +20 canｴt conceive even in practice, a way to enter the green economy in the process of policy implementation. But he believes that government support would contribute positively to this.

No

The White House speaks about the clean or green economy in relation to its energy and environment policies, citing for example the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment of ?more than $80 billion in the generation of renewable energy sources, expanding manufacturing capacity for clean energy technology, advancing vehicle and fuel technologies, and building a bigger, better, smarter electric grid all while creating sustainable jobs.? While the language of ?green? or ?clean? economy is used, there is no overall national green economy strategy or plan per se, especially one approved by the Congress.

Within WSPA our work is developed with the Three Es in mind: Environment,
Economics and Ethics.

UK wide there is not coherent policy, rather work is done locally or regionally on a project by project
basis.
From a TUC perspective green projects such as the green workplace initiative are part of a large green
growth strategy which is linked with core green skills position. Overall, there is a need for greater integration of the social, economic and environmental issues in a
genuine green transitional strategy that involves all stakeholders.

These policies are to some extent being pursued as a part coherent strategy. The previous Government announced a Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy, which attempted to align investment, skills and training and business incentives with the need to keep the UK economy within the carbon budgets. The current Government will bring a Green Economy Bill to Parliament shortly.
It remains to be seen what impact the deficit reduction plans will have on the scope and scale of these strategies. It is also true that the strategy falls short of asking questions about the need for a transition in our understanding of growth.

Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS) is a privately funded institution that works through the Archdiocese in Kollam, Kerala in India. All of their projects are sustainable, which is very important. All of the Self Help Groups have started to save money and this is the goal of DDS.

Coherence of national policies appears to be one of the most challenging aspects of green economy transition. In many countries, commitments to greater integration of environmental considerations into economic decision-making appear to be undermined by policies & practices in various areas, including energy (particularly in the context of energy security), finance, industrial development, resource extraction and fiscal policy (in terms of subsidies & taxes that reinforce unsustainable practices).

Le principal b駭馭ice est sans aucun doute celui de contribuer � la croissance 馗onomique. Les 馗o-activit駸 fran軋ises repr駸entent des march駸 consid駻ables, qui alimenteront, dans le futur, une grande partie de la croissance.
Pourtant, force est de constater que les PME fran軋ises sont encore trop peu mobilis馥s sur ces march駸, au risque de laisser passer de belles opportunit駸 馗onomiques (le march� de l?eau � l?騁ranger, le march� de l?駭ergie 駮lienne en France?). L?enjeu se situe au niveau de l?offre, afin de rem馘ier � un certain nombre de probl鑪es auxquelles les 馗o-entreprises sont confront馥s :
 une mauvaise connaissance de la structure de la demande => inad駲uation entre l?offre et la demande.
 un manque de motivation � l?exportation de la part des 馗o-entreprises fran軋ises de petite et moyenne taille, qui ont besoin d?黎re rassur馥s et soutenues davantage.
 une insuffisance de main d??uvre qualifi馥 dans certain domaine.
 une communication insuffisante des 馗o-entreprises, dont l?activit� est trop souvent occult馥 les initiatives des pouvoirs publics.
Autant d?enjeux autour desquels les partenaires des 馗o-entreprises doivent continuer � se mobiliser, pour que les entreprises fran軋ises ne manquent pas le rendez-vous 馗onomique du d騅eloppement durable.

If this indeed does occur, countries could gain a unique opportunity for the solution of global environmental problems. However, the initiatives must come from direct and indirect users of natural resources. Businesses should contribute positively by the insertion of internal policies with mandatory guidelines in the modus operandi of their actions. The economic approach to environmental issues can not be forgotten by those who make use of natural energy matrices. Conceive the idea that the green economy is a goal, is a major challenge. Environmental education should be distributed at all levels of society, without distinction. Companies also need to learn from natural processes. It is extremely necessary to carry out an empirical study on the results of the use of natural resources of the planet by humans. Sensitivity and work ethic of care, must also be one of the goals of the green economy.

Let's consider benefits not in narrow economic terms.
SD introduced new system of policy-making, the holistic approach. It gives new criteria - not
business activity and economic growth, but intragenerational and intergenerational equity, it
launches a balance between social, economic and environmental goals and objectives in public
and private decision-making, that we often are missing here now.
Economically SD approach is supposed to play the ruling part in the transition and structural
change of the economy to promote eco-efficiency of production: to decrease consumption of raw
materials that has continuously increased; to improve resource efficiency, environmentally
friendly energy sector, establish wise pollution control technologies, etc. and finally to abolish
the most environmentally dangerous production and consumption patterns.

Depending on the degree to which it is governed by sustainability principles and values in contrast to rhetoric, it could help improve the quality of life, protect the environment, and increase economic security.

Developing a national/ regional green economy strategy, especially one that
considers the Three Es, will provide governments with greater and more creative
options to solve many of the problems they face.

Opportunities arising out of a green economy:
? More resilient and sustainable national economies, and world
economy
? The reduction of poverty
? An effective and cost-efficient approach to reducing greenhouse gas
emissions
? Fewer conflicts and significantly heightened geopolitical stability and
national security
? More prosperous societies and future generations

Ensuring sustainable fisheries is crucial to achieving a green economy and reducing poverty. According to a recent report by UNEP, approximately 20% of the global population relies on fish as a primary source of animal protein and about 520 million individuals are estimated to be financially supported by the fishing industry. Fisheries generate $35 billion in fishing household income a year and directly or indirectly support 170 million jobs. Yet global marine fisheries are facing potential collapse. Greening the fisheries sector by rebuilding depleted stocks, removing harmful subsidies and ensuring effective management, including monitoring and enforcement, could drastically increase marine fisheries catch and incidentally increase fishing revenue. With these improvements, UNEP predicts an estimated increase in total catch value from $85 billion (current) to about $119 billion a year.

? It allows for growth, within environmental limits;
? CO2 reductions, green jobs, public engagement;
? From a local government perspective it gives us an economy rooted in what we are and where we
are, rather than one borrowed from an IOCD paper;
? Huge environmental improvements in resource reduction and energy usage in workplaces which can
lead to significant cost saving.

For Government and business the main focus is on the benefits in terms of investment, exports and employment; beyond that the issues of resilience and avoiding catastrophic climate change are also considered but more as context.

If this microfinance plan were implemented throughout high-poverty regions or even countries and had responsible leadership with adequate infrastructure, poverty could be virtually eradicated in these areas. With economic prosperity comes greater business, development and educational opportunities.

The main benefits of implementing a green economy strategy would include:
? reducing currently unsustainable pressures on natural resources and ecosystems and thereby guaranteeing their resiliency into the future;
? providing fact-based support for a fundamental shift in government and business towards pro-active decision-making and investment approaches that protect and enhance the regenerative capacity of natural resources and ecosystems;
? diversification of national economies
? enhanced energy and food security
? job creation and economic growth in green economic sectors (e.g. renewable energy), particularly in small and medium-size enterprises;


As discussed above, it would also appear that the benefits of green economy-related policies are generally recognized as being potentially closely correlated with issues of sustainable development, including poverty alleviation, employment creation, conservation & sustainable consumption of renewable resources etc.

Unfortunately, however, in many emerging economies, such policies are often perceived as being at odds with traditional economic development strategies based on resource extraction & industrial development, & political leaders & policymakers are as a result forced into making trade-offs decisions based on lobbying by entrenched political interests in these sectors.

?ｫ Sustainable and effective agriculture
?ｫ Education
?ｫ Cap air pollution by heavy industry

Les 馗o activit駸 constituent un v駻itable march� porteur en France. Elles repr駸entent � elles seules 1,6% de la production nationale en 2006. Ces 馗o activit駸 s?articulent essentiellement autour de trois p�les :
- les d馗hets,
- l?eau et l?assainissement,
- l?駭ergie.

L?騁ude r饌lis馥 par le cabinet In Numeri, ｫ D騅eloppement 馗onomique et environnement : quelle place pour les PME ? ｻ montre que malgr� la pr駸ence de leaders mondiaux tels que Veolia ou Suez, les PME et TPE ne sont pas en reste sur le march� des 馗o activit駸. C?est ainsi que l?activit� des PME repr駸ente 40% de l?ensemble des 馗o activit駸 nationales. Leur poids diff鑽e selon les secteurs.

Sur le march� des d馗hets : les PME assurent une grande partie de la r馗up駻ation des mat駻iaux recyclables, profitant ainsi de l?effervescence du march� des mati鑽es premi鑽es depuis 2004. Notons toutefois un ph駭om鈩e de concentration des entreprises dans le domaine de la r馗up駻ation. La future mise en place du D3E3, dont les op駻ateurs seront les grands groupes, risque de renforcer cette concentration, au d騁riment des PME.

Sur le march� de l?eau et de l?assainissement : les grands groupes ont un quasi monopole de la distribution et du traitement de l?eau. De leur c�t�, les PME sont tr鑚 pr駸entes sur l?installation et la gestion de r駸eau, et tout particuli鑽ement sur le champ de l?assainissement autonome non collectif. Les PME et TPE assurent 70% de cette activit� encore trop peu connue. Cette derni鑽e s?articule autour de quatre m騁iers : la conception, la fabrication, l?installation et l?entretien. L?ensemble de ces activit駸 pr駸ente des potentialit駸 d?activit駸 tr鑚 importantes, notamment en ce qui concerne la fabrication, l?installation et surtout la r馼abilitation.

Sur le march� de la production et de l?installation d?駲uipements de production d?駭ergie :
Ce march� comprend quatre types d?activit駸 prometteuses en termes de potentiel d?emploi, o� les PME sont d?ores et d駛� tr鑚 pr駸entes :
 Les syst鑪es solaires thermiques (� destination des m駭ages).
 Les pompes � chaleur domestiques.
Cette activit� doit faire face � un manque de main d??uvre qualifi馥. Un des enjeux se
situe dans l?am駘ioration de la formation professionnelle concernant l?installation des
pompes � chaleur, une activit� qui requiert un savoir faire tr鑚 sp馗ialis�.
 Le chauffage domestique au bois4.
 L?isolation thermique / La r駭ovation de fen黎re.
Stimul馥 par le Grenelle de l?environnement, c?est l?activit� promettant le potentiel d?emploi le plus important ! Mais les professionnels font encore une fois preuve d?inqui騁ude face � la p駭urie de main d?oeuvre qualifi馥 dans la profession.

En r駸um� Les PME et les TPE occupent une place consid駻able dans le domaine des 馗o activit駸. Largement impuls馥s par les pouvoirs publics, les 馗o activit駸 pr駸entent un potentiel de croissance tr鑚 int駻essant en France mais aussi � l?騁ranger. Les march駸 les plus prometteurs concernent les biens et services offerts aux m駭ages, li駸 aux performances 駭erg騁iques de l?habitat. Ces potentialit駸 sont toutefois d駱endantes de deux facteurs : d?une part, le niveau de la demande des m駭ages ; d?autre part, la qualit� de la formation professionnelle et la capacit� des entreprises � trouver cette main d??uvre qualifi馥 en quantit� suffisante.

Energy sector, petroleum, automotive, construction, urbanization, food industry. chemical industry, telecommunications and extraction.

Health, education, eco- tourism and everything concerning "human economy", renewable
energy and related technologies and all resource un-intensive activities, banking, trade that has
low environmental impact being increased with globalization and many others must be
mentioned here.

They are all important. In terms of immediate impacts on climate and environment, energy/transportation, food/agriculture, and housing are important targets. In terms of getting political support from citizens, the sectors of mass media and education are critical.

The food production and distribution sectors as well as the tourism sector are
extremely important in building a green economy in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication. The food production and distribution sectors in
particular are dominated by the idea that large scale, resource intensive agriculture
is the best way forward. This may not necessarily be the case, especially as we move
away from unsustainable patterns of consumption and production It is important to
encourage dialogue between countries and regions on best practices and holistic
approaches to address emerging issues while achieving sustainable development and
the protection of social justice.

The focus should be on developing an integrated and systemic
approach to the green economy that focuses on key consumption and
production clusters (food, mobility, buildings) within a broader policy
framework.

? Energy industry, renewables are the core of SD;
? Building and construction, transport, agriculture, tourism and leisure and knowledge/technology, all
relying on training and education;
? All sectors have a role to play ? the greening of all jobs needs to take place across the board and
across all workplaces. We need to be looking at green industry and green skills at where it is needed
most across each region in the UK. North east it is especially needed with carbon capture and
storage;
? The technology challenges of making cement, ceramics, glass, vehicles and other high energy use
practices. The energy inefficiency here is a negative and can be a cause of carbon leakage.

As mentioned above our analysis is a whole economy analysis as set out in Prosperity without Growth? Please refer to answer to question 1.

While all four economic sectors are important, the primary sector (extraction and production of raw materials) and secondary sector (transformation of raw or intermediate materials into goods) would make the greatest impact in all three pillars of sustainability. These are the sectors that most often enable the eradication of poverty. By doing this ?ground up? approach, a ripple effect on the tertiary and quaternary economic sectors will occur. These changes need to be coupled with public awareness and education of citizens and youth for the best results.

Key sectors for a green economy transition in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication would depend on national circumstances, but would likely include agriculture, forestry, water and waste management, fisheries, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing & finance. In addition, in the context of economic diversification mentioned above, key sectors include knowledge & service sectors such as education, information technology & telecommunications.

In general, transnational green economic policies achieved in a framework of international cooperation.

Plusieurs moyens (ou politiques) peuvent 黎re d駱loy駸 pour d騅elopper l?馗onomie verte.
 Mettre en place des politiques 馗onomiques qui prennent mieux en compte les externalit駸 environnementales :
o D駑ant鑞ement des aides et subventions qui p駭alisent l?environnement notamment dans les domaines de l?agriculture et de l?utilisation de l?駭ergie,
o Transfert progressif d?une partie de la fiscalit� pesant sur le travail et les investissements vers une fiscalit� sur les ressources naturelles et les pollutions (ces politiques auraient de surcro�t un effet b駭馭ique pour l?emploi),
o Tarification (par la fiscalit�, par des quotas n馮ociables ou par des contraintes r馮lementaires) des externalit駸 environnementales n馮atives.
 Pour ces politiques 馗onomiques veiller � :
o Les instituer dans un cadre stable de long terme permettant une pr騅isibilit� pour les investisseurs (entreprises, m駭ages, administrations),
o Assurer les protections aux fronti鑽es de fa輟n qu?elles ne conduisent pas � une concurrence d駘oyale, � des d駘ocalisations et � des fuites de pollution vers des r馮ions moins contraignantes sur les mesures environnementales.
 Favoriser et dynamiser les orientations vers une 馗onomie verte :
o Simplifier la r馮lementation qui encadre les activit駸 馗onomiques,
o Aider (financements, incitations fiscales, etc.) l?馗o-conception et les 馗o-innovations,
o Accompagner la diffusion de bonnes pratiques par une politique de normalisation et de labels officiels
o Donner la pr馭駻ence � ces produits dans les march駸 publics et � travers des politiques d?approvisionnements des entreprises
 D騅elopper l?information et la formation des chefs et responsables d?entreprises et des consommateurs
o L?une des missions du r駸eau des chambres de commerce et d?industrie en France est pr馗is駑ent d?accompagner les PME et de leur mettre � disposition des outils et comp騁ences.
o Assurer la promotion des d駑arches de management environnemental et d?馗olab駘isation
Plus sp馗ifiquement, concernant l?action des CCI en France, les aides peuvent prendre la forme d?un accopagnement :
1. dans l?acc鑚 aux financements,
2. individualis�, � travers la mise � disposition d?outils et de comp騁ences. Ces partenariats sont souvent bas駸 sur un r駸eau ou prenne la forme d?incubateur.
3. vers l?export et l?internationalisation

1. le soutien financier
Pour b駭馭icier de ce soutien � l?innovation, les entreprises doivent chercher � comprendre la psychologie des 騁ablissements de financement. Cette phase de r馭lexion et de questionnement leur permet de mettre toutes les chances de leur c�t�. Mais c?est aussi une forme d?auto騅aluation de son propre projet, essentielle dans la d駑arche d?innovation.
Les interventions de cette table ronde soulignent une fois encore le potentiel 馗onomique que repr駸entent les 馗o-activit駸. Dans un contexte de prise de conscience du ｫ one planete living ｻ, et sous l?impulsion des pouvoirs publics, des enjeux 駭ormes se profilent dans ce domaine. La transition 駭erg騁ique est engag馥. Elle entra�ne dans son sillage la croissance de march駸 tels que celui de l?駭ergie solaire ou du transport durable.


En France, plusieurs actions exemplaires ont 騁� men馥s :

Les aides de l?Etat pour le financement de l?馗o-innovation : OSEO
Les opportunit駸 d?innovation sont nombreuses dans le domaine 馗ologique. Loin de se limiter au changement climatique, les enjeux concernent aussi la transition 駭erg騁ique, le stress hydraulique ou encore l?駱uisement des sols et des mati鑽es premi鑽es. On constate un envoledu march� am駻icain des 馗o-technologies depuis trois ans.
Dans ce contexte, OSEO finance des projets d?innovation ayant des perspectives concr鑼es
d?acc鑚 au march�. Il propose trois programmes de financement � destination des entreprises innovantes :
- un programme d?aide � l?innovation (pour des projets li駸 � une seule entreprise).
- un programme d?innovation strat馮ique industrielle (pour des projets collaboratifs).
- le pacte PME, pour inciter les PME et les grands groupes � travailler ensemble.
Enfin, OSEO dispose d?une base de donn馥s lui permettant de recenser les entreprises, les start up et leurs activit駸.

Une op駻ation collective r馮ionale d?馗o-innovation : le cas du groupe AFNOR
Le groupe AFNOR construit actuellement un programme d?accompagnement des PME dans leur mise en place d?une d駑arche d?馗o-innovation. Ce programme fonctionne sur la base d?un r駸eau de partenaires (ADEME, Etat, Europe, OSEO?) qui mettent � la disposition desentrepreneurs de la r馮ion Centre des comp騁ences techniques et de terrain.
Le dispositif d?AFNOR est s駲uenc�. Il est actuellement � mi parcours de sa version finale. Deux phases p馘agogiques, dont l?ambition est de s駘ectionner les entreprises qui b駭馭icieront d?un accompagnement, ont 騁� r饌lis馥s � ce jour:
- En amont, une phase de sensibilisation � travers des ateliers interactifs. Il s?agit d?aider les entreprises � se faire une repr駸entation de ce qu?est l?馗o-innovation.
Ce travail p馘agogique s?appuie sur une plateforme internet apportant informations et illustrations6. Cette phase de sensibilisation est un pr饌lable essentiel pour engager ensuite un travail de projection et r馭l馗hir � un futur projet.
- Une phase d?auto-騅aluation, qui int鑒re les entreprises dans un questionnement L?agenda pr騅oit ensuite une phase de d馭inition de projet, un syst鑪e d?accompagnement personnalis� et enfin une phase de communication (un retour d?exp駻ience, � l?horizon 2010).

Les produits financiers destin駸 aux entreprises 馗o-innovantes
L?id馥 est de se mettre � la place de ceux qui assurent ou financent, et de comprendre leur raisonnement et leurs crit鑽es.
L?assureur : l?exemple d?AXA Entreprises
Le m騁ier d?assureur consiste � 騅aluer des risques. Avant d?assurer une 馗o entreprise l?assureur se pose trois questions :
- Quel est le domaine d?activit� de l?entreprise ?
- Quel produit fabrique-t-elle ? Dans quelles conditions ? Et quelle est sa diffusion ?
- Quelles sont les r馭駻ences de l?entreprise ?
A titre d?exemple : dans le cas d?une entreprise fabriquant des buches de paille compress馥s, l?assureur va appr馗ier les conditions de stockage des buches de paille (ex : pr駸ence d?eau) ; pour une activit� li馥 aux d馗hets, le tri et la s駱aration des d馗hets sera 騅alu�, etc.
Dans le domaine du b穰iment, chaque mat駻iau utilis� requiert un certificat de fiabilit�, dont la dur馥 d?obtention est de trois ans. AXA propose, � travers son PASS Innovation, un premier.


2. La mise en r駸eau

La mise en r駸eau est un levier pragmatique et pr駸ente de nombreux int駻黎s :
 Il cr馥 un espace de rencontre et d?馗hange entre entreprises, ainsi que des passerelles entre les entreprises et le monde de la recherche. Cela permet de cr馥r des contacts, de s?associer sur un projet, et de faciliter l?馗hange de bonnes pratiques.
 Il facilite l?acc鑚 des entreprises membres au march� national et international
 Il constitue un espace de communication pour les 馗o-entreprises.
 Sa fonction de veille fait de lui un espace d?intelligence, dont l?objectif est d?aider les chefs d?entreprise � prendre la bonne d馗ision au bon moment.
 Il permet de mettre en commun des moyens.
 C?est un outil gr稍e auquel les entreprises r饌lisent un v駻itable gain de temps


Le r駸eau est un facteur d?attractivit� territoriale comme le prouve l?exemple du p�le Eco-Industrie d?Al鑚.

Cr馥 il y a 8 ans, sous l?impulsion et le contr�le d?un comit� de pilotage, le p�le 馗o-industries Al鑚 C騅ennes propose des solutions pragmatiques pour les 馗o entreprises de ce bassin d?emploi. Il identifie et r駱ertorie les activit駸 des 馗o-entreprises et cherche des solutions pour les accompagner dans leurs projets (avec notamment la cr饌tion d?un label SPL5, pr馗urseur des p�les de comp騁itivit�).
Ce r駸eau propose notamment :
- Une mise en relation : Faire en sorte que les entreprises se rencontrent entre elles, au cours de r騏nions th駑atiques, et les inciter � s?associer pour d騅elopper un produit. Le r駸eau constitue en cela un v駻itable facteur d?attractivit� territoriale, facilitant l?int馮ration de nouvelles entreprises. Avec le temps, le r駸eau 騅olue et les r騏nions se font de plus en plus informelles. En effet, il est difficile de trouver des sujets communs � tous les types d?馗o-entreprises. Ces derni鑽es pr馭鑽ent alors se retrouver en petit nombre, de mani鑽e informelle, ce qui leur permet de pousser plus loin les 馗hanges entre elles.
- Un potentiel scientifique : Le r駸eau compte sur la pr駸ence de l?馗ole des Mines d?Al鑚,
- Une action de communication : afin d?aider les entreprises � acc馘er au march� en les faisant conna�tre.

L?outil plateforme de veille 馗onomique : l?exemple du r駸eau alsacien
L?Alsace se distingue par une forte concentration d?馗o-entreprises (dont 90% de PME) au sein de son territoire. Pour aider ces 馗o-entreprises, la CCI de Colmar a impuls� un r駸eau, dont elle assure l?animation.
Ce r駸eau est tr鑚 pr駸ent en termes d?intelligence 馗onomique, gr稍e � sa plateforme de veille 馗onomique. Chaque 馗o-entreprise peut disposer d?un tableau de bord personnalis�, dans lequel sont recens駸 appels d?offres, actualit�, r馮lementation?Elles peuvent aussi b駭馭icier d?un syst鑪e d?alerte par e-mail, ou encore r馘iger directement leur newsletter � partir de la plateforme. Le but est de faire gagner un maximum de temps aux chefs d?entreprise et de faciliter leur prise de d馗ision.

Strat馮ie de d騅eloppement : l?exemple du r駸eau Bretagne D騅eloppement Durable
Les huit CCI de la r馮ion Bretagne ont choisi de collaborer ensemble dans le domaine du d騅eloppement durable. Sous la marque Bretagne D騅eloppement Durableｮ, chacune d騅eloppe un ou plusieurs champs d?expertise dans lequel elle est sp馗ialis馥 (Ex : la CCI des C�tes d?Armor est comp騁ente dans le domaine des d馗hets industriels). Elles mettent ensuite leur savoir � disposition de l?ensemble des entreprises bretonnes.
Outre la mise en r駸eau de comp騁ences, cette coordination des CCI bretonnes sous une m麥e marque cherche aussi � donner une meilleure visibilit� � leurs actions, encore trop occult馥s.

Quel r�le pour les CCI ? La strat馮ie du r駸eau consulaire en mati鑽e d?馗o-entreprises
La strat馮ie du r駸eau consulaire est bas馥 sur :
1. ? Un recensement des 馗o-activit駸 au niveau local et national
2. ? Des actions de communication : aujourd?hui les 馗o-entreprises fran軋ises ne savent pas vendre ce qu?elles produisent. Ces derni鑽es font face � un manque de reconnaissance et de lisibilit� de leur activit�.
Au regard de ces constats, la CRCI a mis en place :
 un syst鑪e de classification des 馗o-entreprises.
 une plateforme sous forme d?un site internet gratuit : www.eco-entreprises.fr.
Pour am駘iorer son action, la CRCI estime qu?il faudrait :
- Renforcer les partenariats, notamment avec la r馮ion,
- Promouvoir une v駻itable ｫ offre France ｻ, et augmenter le nombre de PME exportatrices,
- Faire davantage conna�tre les actions et l?expertises des CCI, afin qu?elles profitent � tous les r駸eaux.


3. L?internationalisation

Les march駸 騁rangers, qu?ils soient europ馥ns ou plus lointains, sont des opportunit駸 pour les 馗o-entreprises fran軋ises de petite et moyenne taille, qu?il ne faudrait pas laisser passer. La gestion de l?eau, en particulier, s?affiche comme un march� significatif, surtout dans les nouveaux pays membres pouvant pr騁endre � des fonds europ馥ns.


Plusieurs partenaires se mobilisent pour aider les 馗o-entreprises � acc馘er aux march駸
Internationaux.

Les acteurs au service de l?internationalisation des entreprises : L?AFCI et UBIFRANCE
UBIFRANCE est l?agence fran軋ise pour le d騅eloppement internationale des entreprises. A ce titre, elle accompagne individuellement les entreprises dans leurs d駑arches � l?exportation, � travers ses trois missions : informer, conseiller, soutenir (en organisant par exemple les VIE).
R馗emment, l?agence a lanc�, en partenariat avec OSEO, un cr馘it � l?exportation.
Ces derni鑽es ann馥s, UBIFRANCE a connu une r馭orme structurelle. Outre son rapprochement avec les missions 馗onomiques, elle est organis馥 par fili鑽es sectorielles, ce qui permet aux entreprises d?avoir un interlocuteur sectoriel.
I
Il semble que la France ait un probl鑪e de motivation dans le domaine de l?exportation. La balance commerciale nationale n?est plus exc馘entaire depuis 2003.
Pour qu?une PME exporte, il faut que son chef remplisse trois conditions :
- parler anglais,
- avoir des fonds propres,
- avoir envie d?aller � l?exportation.

Pour rem馘ier � cette situation, le gouvernement fran軋is a fix� des objectifs ambitieux : il compte sur UBIFRANCE pour emmener 10 000 entreprises suppl駑entaires � l?exportation en trois ans, via la cr饌tion de V.I.E.
Les C(R)CI ont aussi un r�le � jouer pour r駱ondre � cette d駑otivation fran軋ise � l?exportation :
 en donnant des exemples de r騏ssite, afin de motiver les chefs d?entreprises � exporter, ou les aider � d駱asser des 馗hecs.
 en d騅eloppant des partenariats avec UBIFRANCE. Il s?agirait pour les CCI d?騅aluer le potentiel export de leurs entreprises ? de d騁ecter des talents - et de les mettre en relation avec UBIFRANCE.

Le plan export des 馗o-entreprises (PEXE)
Lanc� � l?initiative du club ADEME International, PEXE est une association assurant la promotion internationale d?une centaine d?馗o-entreprises fran軋ises, et plus particuli鑽ement de PME-PMI.
Cette association s?appuie sur un partenariat public/priv�. Elle fonctionne en r駸eau afin de favoriser la collaboration entre ses entreprises membres. Des p�les th駑atiques sont mis en place en fonction des activit駸 propres � chaque territoire (ex : le p�le mer sur le territoire brestois).

An improvement in the ethics of production processes, emphasizing the need to guarantee the natural resource for future generations, but with greater emphasis on present generations. Companies should be aware of this responsibility. The treatment approach and the economic environment can not be carried away by individual interest. The responsibilities and ethics in the use of natural resources must be shared.

Those which engage and empower a broad range of organizations to contribute to this vision with ideas, practices, products and services, and political support. Without enlightened public support there will be no green economy.

Examples of specific, high-leverage policies to be implemented for a
green economy:
? Instituting a socially fair carbon tax
? Freeing up the length of the working day, week and year
? Adopting a 100% reserve in the banking sector as opposed to our
current fractional reserve banking system
? Putting a stop to urban sprawl and increasing the density of existing
urban centres
? Discouraging car use, especially in urban areas, and investing heavily
in efficient and comfortable public transportation options and selfpropelled
infrastructure (i.e. car-free spaces)
? Establishing and implementing a global index that measures and
promotes human and ecosystem wellbeing rather than economic
growth as an end goal in and of itself
? Retrofitting existing buildings to a minimum of PassivHaus norms
? Implementing choice editing to remove ?unsustainable choices? from
the market place
? Undertaking virtually all public purchases through green procurement
? Downgrading and reforming the WTO so that it serves to promote fair
trade

Sustainable agriculture
? Polluter pays principle/Internalization of external costs (including
environmental, social justice, biodiversity and animal welfare costs) via
?Pigovian? taxes.
? High legislative standards (on environment, working conditions, animal
welfare etcetera)
? Green public procurement
? Responsible lending (according to conditions concerning sustainability
issues)

The only policy we have interfaced with directly is microfinance through Desinganad Multi-State Development Cooperative Credit Society Limited (DDS). It is quite successful and is sustainable.

Subsidy reform, the integration into government and business decision making and investment of the true costs and benefits to society linked to natural resource use, and more effective implementation and enforcement of existing environmental regulations would be powerful building blocks of a green economy.

Furthermore, integrating ecosystem services into national accounting systems ? that then can be reflected in GDP figures ? is a key component of greening the world?s economies. So long as ecosystem services and natural capital are understood to be free by our accounting systems, economies will have no incentive to preserve them.

In the case of emerging economies, the most effective (and politically acceptable) polices are those arising from direct (primarily financial) public intervention in certain sectors, for example renewable energy feed-in tariffs, or incentives for development & manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. In contrast, policies related to enforcement of sustainability standards on the part of the private sectors in these countries, or the removal of perverse subsidies, as well as punitive policies such carbon taxes, are far less palatable.

Directly addressing the issue, without being carried away by individual interests. The planet must learn to conceive the idea of green economics, under the overall look and not individual.

In long run the green economy in the context of sustainable development will successfully
fight poverty and underdevelopment.

Creating and maintaining ?green jobs? is one element. The adoption and integration of new measures of wealth and progress can help shrink the gap between financially rich and poor, putting more emphasis on increasing cultural capital after basic needs are met, in contrast to the currently accepted competitive race for status based on financial symbols of personal and organizational success. Extremes of wealth are the other side of extremes in poverty ? we cannot overcome poverty without also addressing the cultural system which celebrates extremes of individual wealth. We need to cultivate cultural values which celebrate community wealth.

Pigovian? taxes in the form of carbon taxes have reduced the growth of CO2
emissions. For example, according to IEA 2005 Review of Norway, Norway's CO2 tax
is its most important climate policy instrument, and covers about 64% of Norwegian
CO2 emissions and 52% of total GHG emissions. Various studies in the 1990s, and an
economic analysis by Statistics Norway, have estimated the effect of the CO2 tax to be
a reduction of 2.5-11% of Norwegian emissions under a business-as-usual approach.
However, although potentially very effective, Pigovian taxes have been rare and only
focused on one issue (in most cases CO2, but also for example waste). So far, to our
knowledge, no Pigovian taxes exist on social justice issues like public health and
animal welfare.
High legislative standards- Animal welfare standards in the EU have considerably
contributed to better welfare of calves, pigs and laying hens.
Green public procurement is successful in several countries like Austria, Denmark,
Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and the UK, reducing waste, GHG
emissions, environmental pollution, promoting fair trade, animal welfare et cetera.
Responsible lending. Banks like the Triodos Bank have financed sustainable
development projects aimed at poverty reduction, gender equality, alternative energy
sources, preventing deforestation, protecting bio-diversity and enhancing animal
welfare.

? Green industrial development around major industries of the future;
? Job creation around renewable energy;
? Burgeoning Co-operative schemes and community schemes such as community gardens benefit all
sectors of society and can privilege the unwaged;
? Building links with people?s energy usage at the workplace and energy usage in the home.

Fuel poverty is a greater problem in the UK than most countries. There is a careful balance to be struck between increased fuel prices and investment in the housing stock to eradicate fuel poverty. To date, although public spending programmes have been introduced to increase energy conservation in the homes of the fuel poor this problem remains a significant issue.

By providing funds and educational support to members of Self Help Groups, it keeps members motivated and able to pay off their loans. These members? small individual businesses grow and may employ other people in need of income/jobs, thus eradicating poverty within their region.

The principal link between green economy policies & sustainable development objectives such as poverty alleviation and education, is that the poor are disproportionably affected by environmental degradation. Though greening the economy will not in itself guarantee social equity in development, the latter will not be possible without the former. It also appears to be through the process of employment creation and training initiatives in sectors such as renewable energy. Other areas such as Payment for Ecosystem Services are far less well-developed at this stage.

Through political force, greater engagement between the international practices and local policies. The approach of the green economy is one of the pillars of this new model. We can not just get carried away by economics. Instead, we need to foster education that actions are guided by the ethical enterprise, even the threat of shortage of capital.

The reasons are different. In Russia the success of such projects depends on the rewards that
the state is expecting to receive from the green business activities and green investment (again,
the example is carbon emissions trade)

Values of working together toward common aims will get our world closer to sustainability and economic security than values celebrating a country, community, or individual?s ?competitiveness.? The more we are able to see ourselves as part of a larger global living system rather than competing countries, races, tribes and companies the more we will be able to invest our scarce natural and other resources to addressing the world?s most series crises ? many of which are precisely due to the absence of such a sense of common identity and fate.

? Availability of relevant institutional or technical capacity, strong political support;
? Knowledge transfer across the transition movement and the engagement of civil society;
? Employees seeing the links between environmental improvement and business improvement and
the role the union in assisting with this energy and cost saving initiative;
? Using legislation to the advantage of stakeholders;

Successful policies have been brought forward when the longer term case for strong measures is made clearly and the policies themselves are well thought through and coordinated with other policies.

The microfinance project is successful due to its structure. The structure of Self Help Groups is supported by the infrastructure of the Catholic Church and through regular educational meetings to foster success of the groups.

The success of certain green economy-related policies in various emerging economies is closely related to high-level political support, as well as to the necessary degree of understanding & capacity within public sector policymakers ? particularly at operational level. Furthermore, in certain instances, broad consultation with business, labor & civil society has resulted in support from these sectors for various green economy policy interventions. In general, however, it appears that these policy interventions are confined to specific areas or sectors, as opposed to cutting across all areas of economic policy.

A good approach to corporate actions with social and humanistic approach, and considering aspects of the natural environment. The appreciation of man as an integral component of the environment, without forgetting its commitment to conservation. The action and the business contribution to a green economy, should start from the inside out. Self reflection and review of activities is an important element for the implementation of the green economy in the company.

The more the public, community leaders and policymakers understand their role and the dynamics of the living systems in which they are interdependent, the more they will be able to make sensible decisions about those systems. We need to move beyond policies and values which essentially celebrate greed towards those which will lead us to mining the unexplored wealth within our collective humanity. There are hundreds of examples of efforts throughout our society moving towards making our economy more sustainable ? whether or not it is called ?green? or ?fair? or ?ethical.? There is no one ?step? but a wider range of actions and efforts which need to be identified and celebrated.

The media is very influential and this can be leverage to change public perceptions and behaviours. Green
messages around recycling and sustainability have been effective in mobilising activity, as have negatives
around coal and the aviation industry.
Building relationships between sectors has also proven effective. For instance, in response to the banking
crisis the Welsh Assembly Government set up a cross-sector economic forum with government agencies,
business, banks and trade unions to look at what were the primary areas to focus on. Amongst this forum
energy efficacy was at the forefront of a response to the crisis from this partnership
In the workplace, building ownership amongst employees around adaption measures at the workplace.
Rather than a top down approach from higher management, the TUC has a consultative framework and
takes a bottom up approach. Union representatives have the ear of the people on the front line and are well
placed to push for behavioural change through peer-to-peer approach. Any union involvement means
people are at the heart of the decision and their rights are always considered in any adaption measures.
This consultative approach improves ownership of projects.

The carbon budgets were introduced due to widespread engagement of the public and politicians. For households the most effective measures have been those that make it cheaper and easier for them to do the right thing.

Public awareness campaigns are necessary for educating and energizing the public to take actions towards a green economy and society. Also, having multistakeholder meetings aides in creating ownership of best practices and causing participants to act voluntarily which is necessary for sustainability.

Popular support for green economy policies is generally easier to obtain in instances where such polices can demonstrate clear conservation outcomes, or where they result in clear economic benefits or cost savings. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to establish a clear link between these outcomes and green economy policy interventions, partly due to the incomplete or inappropriate measures that are applied to evaluate the impact of these policies.

They certainly exist, but these studies are not dedicated to the economy as a whole, but focus
on the concrete sectors of the economy. Most of them identify such and other different factors in
our energy sector (energy efficiency, renewable energy, etc.)

There are the studies commissioned by UNEP and other UN agencies. There is also the controversial literature going back to the 1972 ?Limits to Growth? study, which over the years have been challenged, dismissed, then reexamined and reconsidered based on new data and trends. In the current discussion the concept of ?green growth? is just as controversial as the critiques of the growth paradigm. From Herman Daly?s work on steady-state economy to the more recent works by Peter Victor (Managing Without Growth, 2008), Tim Jackson (Prosperity Without Growth, 2009), Juliet Schor (Plenitude, 2010).

Prosperity without Growth: Economics for a Finite Planet
Tim Jackson
Prosperity Without Growth says that the current global recession should be
the occasion to forge a new economic system equipped to avoid the shocks
and negative impacts associated with our reliance on growth. Ahead of the
G20 Summit in London, the report calls on leaders to adopt a 12-step plan to
make the transition to a fair, sustainable, low-carbon economy.
http://www.sdcommission.
org.uk/publications/downloads/prosperity_without_growth_report.
pdf
New Economics Foundation: The Great Transition: A tale of how it
turned out right
Creating a new kind of economy is crucial if we want to tackle climate change
and avoid the mounting social problems associated with the rise of economic
inequality. The Great Transition provides the first comprehensive blueprint for
building an economy based on stability, sustainability and equality.
http://www.neweconomics.org/publications/great-transition

TUC REPORTS AND STRATEGIES
Greener Deals: Negotiating on Environmental Issues at Work, TUC
This guide gives detailed information on the need for employers to green their workplaces and on the
practical methods that can be used to make workplaces greener and more sustainable. It highlights the
important role that Trade Unions can take in ensuring that these changes take place. In Section 9 of the report a list of case studies is given which highlight the success of some of these green strategies in
different organizations across the UK.12
TUC Green Workplaces Project 2006?7, TUC
This report summarises the outcomes of the TUC?s pilot project into greening workplaces. The project
consisted of training for ?green reps?, training days with environmental speakers and union-led management
negotiations. The initiatives were well received and produced significant environmental benefits in terms of
workplace energy-saving and awareness of climate change.13
Unions and climate change, TUC Survey
A survey of Union reps conducted by the Labour research department in 2009 highlighted the positive
effects that Unions can have on tackling environmental issues in the workplace. It also highlights the failure
of some employers to make the necessary changes and the concerns that some are having on the
transition to a green economy. Some of these concerns include potential job losses, particularly of those
jobs that simply cannot be ?greened?, the effect that the transition will have on economic recovery, the
prevalence of ?token green gestures? that have minimal environmental benefits, and the climate change
skepticism that a significant number of employers seem to exhibit.14
The Education Dialogue Group has worked with Professional Associations looking at on-going ESD
implementation within professional training structures, e.g. Royal Society of Engineers, however it feels that
the UK TDA (Teacher Development Agency) has not fully grasped the challenge. From the learning
perspective, the clearest key outcome of the Summit would be an international commitment to implement
ESD throughout all vocational training and learning, and the incentivisation or mobilisation of innovation of
SD related course provision across all employment sectors. This is a precursor to a green economy and the
EDG believes it could be realised through Education having its own Chapter in any Green Agenda 21.

Links have been provided above but we add the work of the Committee on Climate Change: http://www.theccc.org.uk/

No

For general information, see for example, WWF Global Initiatives, including Market Transformation, China for a Global Shift, Smart Energy, Smart Fishing, Forest Conservation )

For reports and publications from these areas see:
Market Transformation
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/businesses/transforming_markets/news/

China for a Global Shift
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/businesses/transforming_china/resources/

Smart Energy: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/footprint/climate_carbon_energy/energy_solutions/resources/

Smart Fishing
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/footprint/smart_fishing/fishing_news/

Forest Conservation
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/conservation/forests/publications/

?ｫ A transnational commitment to expanding the green economy in line with socio-economic development.
?ｫ Provide a success, challenge and risk analysis that can be used by youth to target the main issues in the coming years.

A Key outcome is to establish mechanisms and criteria to evaluate green and socially just claims relating to energy technologies. Biomass technologies , Bioenergy proposals and bio-economy political strategies should not be automatically included within the definition of 'renewable' or 'green' policies unless they meet a very high standard of social justice, equity consideration, do not erode earth systems and genuinely attack the causes of poverty. Similar higher standards of critical consideration should be applied across other energy sources that are currently classified as renewable or 'green' by some definitions (eg Nuclear power, large hydropower, electricity production from coal with carbon sequestration etc)

Instruments of coercion could arise commercial, political and international, for those who were to continue and the unsustainable practices that no longer fit the concept of green economy. Moreover, the economics associated with the natural environment, is also a great challenge. Odem, with it, value more than the market requires, and remain subject to further concepts and items that have own men. The valuation of the natural environment is very dangerous, since it can be extremely biased in some productive sectors. The hypothesis favoring those countries that today holds great potential for energy can promote an imperialist nationalism, totally unlike the democracies of the planet. We take the utmost care so that the concept of green economy s not restricted to only the natural character. The association of the social nature is of great value.

One concrete outcome that would be instrumental to a strengthened implementation
of Sustainable Development is an agreement on new headline indicators of progress.
There is by now a large body of literature showing very convincingly that the current
key indicators (GDP and GDP/capita) have serious shortcomings. Especially for
middle and high income countries these measures are not well correlated with more
direct measures of human wellbeing, while, at the same time, increases in GDP tend
to go hand-in-hand with growing GHG emissions and resource consumption.
We strongly believe that a reorientation of development towards sustainability needs
to be guided by a more relevant progress indicator than GDP. We therefore hope that
the UNCSD could (a) recognize the need for new headline indicators of progress to be
used instead of, or as complements to, the traditional GDP measure, and (b) agree on the need to allocate adequate resources to developing, testing and disseminating such
indicators.
・What we could obtain from our experience is the
importance of providing incentives for greening economy
to both production and consumption sides. Sharing the
importance of incentives among member states will be one
of the main outcomes. Simultaneously, common
understanding between countries on the methodology for
provision of incentives may also be one of the key
successes, if possible.
Economy and society have close linkage between each
other, therefore, building social system on which nations
could live their safe and comfortable lives, such as
upgrading and expanding employment, training and
social welfare, will be one of the key outcomes of
promoting green economy.

My point of view is that UNCSD in Rio should demonstrate the developing countries, the
countries in transition and to the whole world the failure of business as usual scenario to prevent
global ecocatastrophe. This includes the revision of the concept of economic growth. The idea
(and it is just an idea, it was never proved) that economic growth and only it will prevent from
poverty is not just insinuated as I argue 3 , but it is the strongest obstacle for further
environmentally friendly development. If we are favoring the growth as an idea that it must be
shown that it is associated with much more less intensive energy and resource use and less
pollution. These are my expectations from Rio-2012.

Our expectation is not necessarily for any legally or morally binding agreement that adequately addresses all of our hopes, concerns and priorities around the ?green economy? discussion, but rather for greater media and public attention to the nature and significance of that discussion. The more widely engaged different groups become in this discussion, especially those normally outside the familiar UN circle of ?civil society? organizations, the more chance there is of building public understanding and political support for these aims and policies. The more we are able to build that public understanding and support, the more chance we have of implementing the ideas and proposals now under the ?green economy? banner.

? A definition of the green economy that encapsulates all aspects of global sustainability.
? A commitment from the UN to reduce its global footprint to a sustainable level.
? A commitment from all nations to reduce their global footprint to a sustainable level.
? The development of an all encompassing global sustainability vision for the planet and a plan to achieve it that crosses all sectors. A vision for our planet in 2050. www.igbp.net

One Earth would like to see the following approach adopted in the
context of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, and the
following leadership by governments.
Approach:
A green economy calls us to
? Make sustainability a political priority
? Develop a bold, new economic vision
? Think in terms of systems, and act on the high leverage points
(structures and mindsets)
? Plan for the long term
? Live within safe ecological margins, and redefine our relationship to
the natural world and to each other
? Address unjust disparities of wealth and income
? Prioritize meeting the needs of the world?s poor (in both high- and
low-income countries) while simultaneously reducing the
unsustainable Ecological Footprint of the world?s rich along a global
framework of ?contraction and convergence?
? Redefine prosperity in more than simply economic and consumptive
terms, and adopt new measures of progress and wellbeing
? Recognize that a country cannot ?go at it alone?, and that reciprocity
is a key pillar of global wellbeing
Governance:
? Governments, as overseers and guarantors of the public good, play a
central role in changing unsustainable consumption and production
patterns
? Governments must set strict ecological and social boundaries that
set the ?rules of the game? along which a market economy should
function, as opposed to a laissez-faire approach
? Values such as transparency and participation need to be upheld to
allow citizens to engage in decision making
? Ideas and solutions need to be developed and ?framed? according to
their target audiences?emphasizing that sustainability and the green
economy are opportunities for better lives and livelihoods

Enhanced international governance and more effective collaboration between State, regional and international institutions is urgently needed to address the crisis facing the marine environment. Particularly, fisheries management organizations should urgently be reformed to become ocean management organizations with a broad ecosystem conservation focus. States must ensure management measures adequately address overcapacity, destructive fishing practices, harmful subsidies and IUU fishing. Management decisions must follow scientific advice and utilize the precautionary principle and ecosystem approach. Additionally, sustainable fishing practices must be advanced in developing States, including through capacity building, technology transfer and financial assistance, and through equitable and sustainable fisheries access agreements. Finally, steps must be taken to ensure that adequate areas of high seas are set aside to preserve biodiversity.

Issues at the WTO around trade barriers, fair trade, equitable trade need to be addressed.
? There needs to be progress around financial and economic instruments supporting climate change
and biodiversity.
? Information sharing around policy levers that have been effective in different states.
? Green workplace initiatives should be included in a toolbox of options advocated at the UNCSD for
member states.
? Building on links with the environmental movement and trade unions.
? The green economy emerges as a key focal point, with the notion of ?a just transition? at its core; the
idea of sharing the burden and easing the transition with social support.
? Support for green economy growth is committed to at a high level, with serious money backing this
commitment and a push for stakeholder engagement at a national level.
? Partners and major groups could decide what the destination of a Green Economy would look like ?
and what steps need to be taken to get there.
? A re-doubled commitment by the people?s of the earth to intergenerational equity ? and a
commitment by today?s young people to devote their lives to ensuring that there is habitable planet
left for their grand-children to live on in the next century.

?Green? economy is not a subset of the existing economy neither is it a case of incremental changes in technology in a handful of sectors. At its heart it is about rethinking economic growth and its relationship with a finite planet, poverty eradication and well being.

Key outcomes would be establishment of multistakeholder meetings in regions throughout the world, establishing a public awareness campaign, dissemination of environmental education to our youth worldwide via a program such as Youth Voices, and creation of sources of microfinance for Self Help Groups to eradicate poverty.

WWF is still developing its position and objectives on green economy for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012. These will depend in part on the ability of the preparatory process to clarify the relationship between green economy and sustainable development in order to eliminate the possibility that Conference discussions become bogged down in political debate. The UNCSD 2012 should be an opportunity to capitalize on the enthusiasm captured by green economy but in a way that reinvigorates global commitment to sustainable development ? that is, economic and social development that can be perpetuated at no harm to future generations.

In that sense the Conference would be successful if it pushes green economic development to the top of the economic development agenda while addressing significant obstacles to poverty eradication. This can be done by increasing financial flows from the developed to the developing world, for example for livelihood related initiatives linked to the Payment for Ecosystem Services, but 2012 should primarily be about changing the drivers of environmental degradation by shifting the economic incentives.

In addition, Conference preparations and discussions should devote considerable attention to using alternative measures of progress and well-being such as those related to the concept of ?Beyond GDP?.

?ｫ As said, the green economy has often been portrayed as conflicting with economic development. We think this conflict should be explicitly addressed in order to achieve a strategy that both developed and developing countries, all striving for greater economic development, can commit to.

a) This isnt addressed. That is the problem. There is no proper valuation
of resources yet in Economics (despite 20 years of MSc courses in
environmental economics at major universities. eg London - first
MSc in Env Econ started in 1990). Can life forms that have evolved
over millennia be valued as a resource? It appears so far not yet in
a way that conveys the sacred, talismanic nature that they have.
Look into the eyes of a dog, a horse, or any animal. Can that soul
be valued as equal to money? to be a resource?
b) Too often in the last 20 years, Economic policies are crafted and implemented
as if they were a sacrosanct science, as if economics
was a factual art, independent of ecology. In the run up to the Rio
Summit in 1992, there were hopes that at long last economics
would be seen as a subset of ecology, mindful of the Greek roots of
the two words ? eco-logos (the structure of the house) and economos
(the laws of the house).
c) Australia relies upon cheap coal being exported to China with no consideration
of the impact to people?s health - see
www.gaslandthemovie.com There can?t be a greem economy if
there is economic growth. It occurs more and more that they are
mutually exclusive

In the case of Bioeconomy policies (biomass, biofuels, bio-electricity, bio-based chemicals) There are very clear conflicts (eg land rights, impacts on food, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, land use change and biodiversity loss) that have not been addressed in framing the initial policies.

the green economy has a direct and indirect relationship with all these factors. and Rodenticide impossible to consider the concept of green economy, without taking into consideration all these factors. The companies participating in the Forum, expressed a strong fear of rejection by the concept of society itself, which currently calls for actions more specific and more effective solution to current global environmental problems. In developing countries, where poverty rates are very high the only factor that could be worth an instrument for the implementation of the green economy is environmental education. The business sector needs to invest heavily in this issue, since environmental education can occur at all levels. Children and teens today may be tomorrow's future business managers.

The effects of green economy policies depend on each
economic composition, but our experiences tell us that
green economy policies are compatible with other policies
or policy domains. It will be beneficial if we could focus on
the economic sectors which will provide win-win solution
and invest our funds on those sectors intensively.
However, there is an increasing danger that the current
emphasis on Green Economy (GE) and Green Growth
(GG) may overshadow the concept of SD, which is much
broader and incorporates both the above mentioned elements. The overuse of the GE/GG concepts may be
used as an excuse for BAU behavior.

Government plays a crucial role in determining national policies and establishing
interrelations between environmental sector, economy as a whole and other policy domains. I'd
not stress the cases of conflict (that certainly might emerge), but rather stress the political
commitment of the leaders of the state. In the case of strong commitment all other questions,
conflicts, etc. are becoming insignificant. If Government chooses to stimulate investment in
green technologies and sectors as part of its industrial and technology policies, it will soon bring
considerable even economic benefits at the national and international levels.

As to ?risks,? there are a huge number of politically conservative if not reactionary publications, blogs and media broadcasts attacking the basic principles and values of the green economy and sustainability ? not to mention other UN-based initiatives ? as ?socialist? and promoting ?world government,? which has intimidated many American policymakers. These are the same pundits and extremists who claim that climate change is a ?hoax? and part of an anti-business conspiracy by self-interested, unethical researchers and socialists to ruin the US economy. This anti-sustainability movement is a serious risk to more than the green economy but to many other important efforts, including poverty eradication.

The greatest risk arises from avoiding the scale of the change that is
required based on the science. Technical data suggest that
sustainability requires an absolute 50% reduction in the consumption of
energy and material by the global economy over the next few decades.
However, because the wealthiest 20 % of humankind consumes in
excess of 80 % of natural resources, and the earth is already beyond
carrying capacity, justice demands that the rich vacate some
?environmental space? to make room for the poor.

Obvious conflicts exist between green economy and free or fair trade. With the complexity of international
trade there is a need to give a bit of leeway and not be totally local. Also, European Partnership
agreements are negotiated to protect the future of some of the world?s poorest peoples. Conflicts could
also exist in areas like local food and traded foods, local employment and competition.
At a workplace level conflicts can exist if workplaces transition to greener working practices might be
passing costs of this onto their employees. For instance, companies closing offices and forcing employees
to travel a lot further to get to work. In this way they are outsourcing their carbon emissions and doing it in
the name of environmental action, when essentially they are doing it in the name of saving money. To
address this union represenatives can undertake an environmental risk assessment and ensure there is not
a cost for employees.

It is these relationships which are key; if the transition to a green or sustainable economy does consider these at a macro and micro level it will not be successful ? please see Prosperity without Growth? Here we argue that sustainable development requires these to be re-negotiated.

There have been no conflicts in the realm of microfinance. In the environmental sector, new processes and protocols may need to be established in order to be ?green.? This may entail making changes such as collecting certain fish during particular seasons for fisheries, selective harvesting in forestry, or crop rotation in farming. These types of actions ensure sustainability and have few, if any, effects on the economy.

The risk of conflict between green economy policies and those related to other areas are related to continued real and perceived trade-offs between economic and environmental outcomes. The evaluation of real trade-offs is currently skewed by perverse economic incentives and policies and the failure to internalize the true costs to society of natural resource extraction and environmental pollution in government and business decision-making and investment. Reforming perverse subsidies and policies is the first step in realigning that evaluation.

Some perceived trade-offs can be addressed by building up and disseminating evidence-based information about the positive economic benefits, and social benefits where they exist, that can arise from green economy-related policies, particularly when measured according alternative indicators such as ?Beyond GDP? which more fully capture the value of natural capital and ecosystem services in our present model of development.

It looks as if there has been effective synergies, and coordination, between
the CSD and other instruments and processes, keeping them all together on
the same page. It isn?t so clear whether CSD has been able to drive the
agenda towards 2012, and it looks as if a strengthened UNEP with an
enhanced mandate might be better at leading this in future, and steering the
global efforts to protect and sustainably manage the biosphere. Since 2002
there has been an explosion of civic groups across the world ? the biggest
movement in human history ? as individuals and community based
organsiations realize that to-date Governments, and international
organisations, appear incapable of seizing the opportunity to slow down the
destruction of the planet. By not having set up stronger coordination
mechanisms, and leadership responsibility earlier, the world now needs to
take bolder steps to confer even more authority and responsibility on UNEP
as an organ that not only catalyses multi-country action, but synergises
existing activities, and coordinates as loosely as it can alternatives in action
around the world lead in preserving the biosphere on which all life depends.

Closer cooperation between UNEP and CSD could focus on identifying synergies
between the CSD and MEAs, along with the processes central to UNEP. Thus,
GEMF/GC meetings could be held back-to-back with CSD meetings and outcomes
could be reported from one meeting at the other. As for implementation gaps, more
cooperation should be sought in the One-UN initiative so as to align UNEP/CSD
priorities with the UNDAF.

A world environment organisation could coordinate all of this.

A new implementing agreement under UNCLOS would provide the necessary structure and mandate to ensure effective coordination between existing inter-governmental instruments and processes. This agreement would complement the two existing implementing agreements (on deep sea-bed mining and highly migratory fish stocks and straddling fish stocks) that have preceded it. These existing agreements have been instrumental in providing an effective framework for international cooperation for the protection and conservation of the marine environment. However, international governance of the high seas is still inadequate. The UNCSD has the opportunity to initiate a negotiating process towards a new, comprehensive and legally binding implementing agreement. With a mandate to govern based on the precautionary principle and ecosystem-based management, this agreement would build upon the existing provisions of UNCLOS and provide a vital framework for cooperation in the conservation and management of marine resources.

Specifically, under this framework, governments could address:
? The establishment of regional ocean management organizations;
? Comprehensive prior environmental assessments and strategic environmental assessments, together with ongoing monitoring of the marine environment;
? Identification, designation and management of a global representative network of high seas marine reserves;
? The establishment of a regime for access to and sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction;
? The provision of access to and dissemination of information, and transparency in decision-making processes;
? The establishment of an effective centralized monitoring, control, surveillance, compliance and enforcement mechanism for human activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction;
? New targets and financing mechanisms; and
? Mechanisms and impetus for implementation at local, national and regional levels.

The ICE Coalition has suggested the formation of a single global environmental institution, namely a World
Environment Organisation (WEO), to facilitate coordination and synergy between sustainable development processes and institutions. It has been suggested that the WEO could work closely with the ICE and a
science advisory panel to ensure that policy decisions are made with a clear understanding of the law and
science.

The CSD may need to have a meeting among its constituents to establish common themes and goals. Enabling each representative to speak openly about concerns or to make suggestions is essential to this process. Creating strategies for projects, either singularly or jointly, will conjoin and bond the organizations in their missions.

It is important to restore the institutional imbalance between the three pillars and promote greater convergence among the environmental, social and economic pillars.

The environment pillar is currently characterized by incoherence, fragmentation, lack of synergies, inefficiency and ineffectiveness resulting in duplicative processes and imposing heaving meeting and reporting burdens on developing countries in particular. The reform of International Environmental Governance (IEG), by enhancing synergies among international environmental institutions including the multilateral environmental agreements, must be a priority.

There is a need for one overarching institutional body that follows and has influence over how other agencies are integrating environment/social/economic aspects. Before discussing the form of the institution that is appropriate, we would suggest to focus on the functions and accountability of this institution as a first step.

There is a need for more effective inter-agency coordination to ensure greater information sharing and cooperation among all UN entities within a sustainable development framework.

There is a need to effectively include the role Bretton Woods institutions and GEF into the institutional framework for sustainable development.

Functions of Secretariats of MEAs could be clustered
for cost-efficiency and better transfer of knowledge,
information and synergise implementation between
related MEAs. Clustering could happen thematically, by
region or by function (scientific assessment, monitoring,
review etc).
・Care must be taken when placing centres of expertise
around the world so that human resources are evenly
distributed globally. Especially, experts are needed in DCs
to strengthen science-policy interface and governance over
all.
・An additional option to further strengthen the country
level presence of UNEP could happen through building
implementation of MEAs into the United Nations
・Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF?s).This
could ensure that attention is being paid to national commitments when developing environmental projects ?
as the most significant coordination efforts will emerge
from the bottom up rather than top down.
・The General Assembly should decide to authorise the
UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial
Environment Forum to adopt the Medium-Term Strategy
of UNEP as a system-wide instrument constituting an
integral part of the United Nations Strategic Framework.
・Global trade rules and MEAs have conflicting priorities
(pushing green economy vs. avoiding protectionism).
There is a need for organizational streamlining.
・Implementing an international financial transaction tax
to generate funding for and discourage fund pushing by
international companies.
・A financial Tracking System that keeps count of the
various multilateral and bilateral resources flowing
through the GEG system could be created to increase
effectiveness of financial resource allocation.
・The IEG system should link more meaningfully to other
areas on global policy, to mainstream environmental
considerations into economic and security decisions, and
to ensure meaningful coherence between environmental
and other global public policy spheres.

Strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development is important but it is to be
done together with establishing new institutions and - at the same time - change mandates of the
existing institutions. But all this is not so crucial as improvement of coordination between the
existing bodies.

The formation of a single World Environment Organisation, as mentioned above, would ensure effective
coordination.

All of the participating agencies may want to have regularly occurring coordination meetings in person or over the internet to discuss successes and re-work any unworkable processes within their programmes.

Earth Partners is a new charity, and doesn?t yet have the corporate memory to
answer this.

There are SD councils, or advisory councils for environmental policy and/or related
areas, in 16 EU member states (plus two neighboring countries).
An SDC should be a key player in the national preparations fro UNCSD, in particular
for the aspect of "webbing into society" and between sectors; the facilitation might be
done by the government. As already recommended by the EU SD strategy 2006,
countries are encouraged to establish SD councils where they do not exist. For
UNCSD the establishment of a multi-stakeholder preparatory committee would be a
good starting point.
Some countries have several councils (for certain aspects, with different composition
and remit: e.g. more expert or more stakeholder; more environment/sectoral policy or
more SD).

Russia used to have the national SD Council within the structure of President - then - V. Putin
Administration, but currently it does not operate (was liquidated, this structure was a consultative
committee and didn't have any real power functions).

No, the United States does not have an active national sustainable development
council in place. In 1994 the United States did have a Presidential Council on
Sustainable Development.
Yes, the United States may better facilitate national preparations for UNCSD and
improve outreach to its citizens, federal agencies, universities and businesses in a
more coordinated manner if there was a NSDC in place.

The UK does not have an active NSDC and there is some doubt whether such an organisation would help
with national preparations for the UNCSD. However there is a need to mobilize widespread stakeholder
participation. Stakeholder Forum, among other organizations, is attempting to achieve this through its
engagement work.
For effective stakeholder engagement towards Rio+20, support from the international community and
national governments is imperative.

Following the election in May 2010 the Coalition Government has decided to make new arrangements in England “to mainstream sustainability, strengthen the Government’s performance in this area and put processes in place to join‐up activity across Government much more effectively” and has withdrawn funding with effect from 31 March 2011. As a consequence new arrangements are also now being considered in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is hoped that the new governance arrangements for sustainable development in the four countries will be clear before March 2011.
There are some national preparations for UNCSD underway within Government but this has not involved any stakeholders.

India has the India Council for Sustainable Development which is currently coordinating with the country of China. Active NSDCs worldwide would be likely candidates for collaboration and cooperation because there is a common goal of sustainability in mind.

They have promoted integrated decision-making, but the jury is out whether or
not this decision-making is at the quality needed to inform policy development.

Unfortunately, as far as I know we have not got any.

Across education, UK strategies have been successful; however the majority of other mainstream
strategies have failed to promote any sort of new integrated decision making.

The publication of Securing the Future, the UK Sustainable Development Strategy in 2005 has been critical in ensuring Government departments have addressed SD in decision-making. A number of achievements:
o A renewed Government commitment to SD was adopted by the whole of the UK and a strengthened for the SDC as Government｡ｦs watchdog on sustainable development.
o The Strategy set out the five principles of sustainable development which would be the framework for all action and decision-making. The five principles are shown in Figure B.
o The Strategy focused the efforts of departments in improving their performance and progress on sustainability via the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) Framework and the Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) process.
o Groups and networks formed to share best practice and innovative approaches to improving as a result of the Strategy｡ｦs existence.
?h The Welsh Assembly Government is one of only a few Governments in the world to have a statutory duty with regard to sustainability14 and in 2009 it made a commitment to make sustainable development the ｡･central organising principle｡ｦ of Government in Wales in its One Wales: One Planet Strategy.
?h Scotland has established a clear Purpose for Government and a National Performance Framework which is broadly compatible with sustainability goals. The civil service and Government has been reformed to remove ｡･silo｡ｦ working and encourage all action in Government to address economic, social and environmental outcomes.

No

There is no a significant role currently played by them at the moment. (However they were
playing it in 90s.) Read more about it: Helena I. Glushenkova. Environmental Administrative Change in Russia in the 1990s. In:
Environmental politics, Vol. 8, No 2, Summer 1999, pp. 157-164. Frank Cass, London. Also: Helena I. Glushenkova.
Environmental politics. Moscow, MNEPU, 2010. (in Russian) And: Helena I. Glushenkova. Sustainable
development as a conceptual framework of Russian strategy of national security. Moscow, IMEMO, 2004. (in
Russian)

In the UK, local agenda 21s played a significant role in influencing local government, until their name was
changed in about 1999. However local governments have, and are, addressing issues such as recycling,
energy conservation and ?green? transport, with the aim of achieving local and national targets.

While we are full supporters of Agenda 21, we do not formally implement it. We help to facilitate multistakeholder meetings which have definite local and regional best practices, strategies, and actions which occur as a result. Some of these results may be in line with Agenda 21.

N/A. WHILST EARTH PARTNERS FOUNDATION brings together policymakers,
lawyers and management advisers active on environmental advocacy
since Rio 1992, working particularly with the European Commission in Brussels,
we are a relatively new charity, and haven?t yet been majorly involved in
sustainable development at local levels.

In federal countries and alike there are typically regional SD/environmental councils
(BE, DE, ES, UK); they are also members of EEAC (the European network of
advisory councils for SD and environmental policy)

Public hearing - 1
Scientific panels - 2
Inclusion in international delegations - 3
Multi-stakeholder consultations - seldom
Participation in policy development - used seldom
Partnerships - seldom

In the UK, sub-national and local sustainable development councils have not played a significant role in
implementing policies since Rio 1992.

Local Government initially played a strong role in implementing Local Agenda 21 strategies since Rio but many have refocused their activities as other priorities have taken over. The SDC has provided guidance to local government, both directly and through financing mechanisms, on the implementation of SD and a key area of activity has been to assist local authority auditors (the Audit Commission) with guidance on SD implementation when assessing local authorities? performance.

participation in policy development
public hearings
scientific panels
inclusion in international delegations

Yes.

Business, that influences environmental politics and policy-making crucially.
Business here becomes the strongest anti-environmental lobbyist. (Watch the previous
attachment, why.) One can find here a strong anti-environmental NGO propaganda, launched by
business, such as - ENGOs claims are against Russian national interests (Watch the previous
attachment, why they consider this), they make their living earning money "from ecology", and
this money comes from the WEST, so all of them are ? American, English, etc.?.spies?.
And expert society, to a certain extent.
NGOs and general public are still the outsiders of the policy process.

Participation in policy development
Multi-stakeholder dialogues
Public hearings
Multi-stakeholder partnerships
Scientific panels

Yes and No
The general consensus in the UK is that stakeholder involvement in decisions has not significantly
increased, although the Education Dialogue Group believes it has. Previously it has been suggested that
coordination amongst stakeholders has increased since 1992.

No.