DEPARTMENT OF STATE Washington O C 20520 UN CONFERENCE ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT Round-up of Actions Taken This paper presents highlights of actions taken by the Conference in Stockholm June 5 - 16_ 1972 It also indicates the U S position on and evaluation of these Conference actions The opening highlights section indicates twelve Conference actions considered by the U S to be of major importance Includ d is a list of Members of the U S Delegation together with technical advisers and the text of the Declaration on the Human Environment Following this are separate sections on each of the six subject areas The text of the resolution reconnnending the establishment of a new organizational structure in the UN to co· ordinate UN environmental activities is included under S Qbject Area VI Numbers beginning with roman numerals are those given to recommendations in the Conference documents as amended at the Conference for example I-136 refers to the recommendation in paragraph 136 of the Conference document on Subject Area I Planning and Management of Human Settlements for Environmental Quality A CONF 48 6 Some numbers refer to new paragraphs developed anew at the Conference Bureau of International Scientific Technological Affs Office of Environmental Affairs June 21 1972 · - 2 - - HIGHLIGHTS OF STOCKHOI M CONFERENCE ACHIEVEMENTS SUBJECT AREA VI 1 Recommended unanimously the creation in the UN of a permanent high level environmental unit to coordinate UN environmental activities and a UN Environment Fund expected to be funded at $100 million over the first 5 years The U S has pledged up to $40 million on a matching basis III 2 Urged completion in 1972 of a global conve tion to restrict ocean dumping III 3 Recommended steps to minimize release of such dangerous pollutants as heavy metals and organochlorines into the environment III 4 Recommended a global 11 Earthwatch program to be coordinated by the UN to monitor and assess environmental trade in atmosphere oceans land and human health IV 5 Called for early completion of conservation conventions including the World Heritage Trust for natural and cultural treasures and a convention restricting international trade in endangered species II 6 Called for world programs to collect and safeguard the world's innnense variety of plant and animal genetic resources on which stability of ecosystems and future breeding stocks depend II 7 Urged strengthening of the International Whaling Convention and a 10-year moratorium on commercial wbaling IV 8 Reconunended creation of an Environmental Referral Service to speed exchange of environmental know-how among all countries V 9 Urged steps to prevent national environmental actions from creating trade barriers against exports of developing countries SUbject to Congressional action - 3 - V 10 Reconnnended higher priority for environnental values in international development assistance e g more emphasis on conservation land use planning and quality of human settlements t 11 Urged greater emphasis on population policy and accelerated aid to family planning in countries where population growth threatens environment and development goals 12 Issued a Declaration on the Human Environment containing important new principles to guide international environmental action including Principle 21 that states are responsible to avoid damaging the environment of other states or of the international realm 7 - 6 -· John Rollins President Rollins Leasing Corporation William Ruckelshaus Administrator Environmental Protection Agency William Scott Attorney General State of Illinois Elvis A Stahr President National Audubon Society John W Tukey Professor of Mathematics Princeton University Ross Vincent Member Advisory Committee on the UN Conference on the Human Environment Vice President Ecology Center New Orleans La John Whitaker Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs Robert White Administrator National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Harrison A Williams U S Senator D N J Technical Advisers Henry Brodie Deputy Director for Multilateral Programs Office of Environmental Affairs Department of State Theodore C Byerly Assistant Director Science and Education Department of Agriculture Melvin S Day Head Office of Science Information Service National Science Foundation Alden L Doud Assistant Legal Adviser Department of State - 7 - Slator C Blackiston Jr Executive Secretary Secretary's Advisory Committee Simon Bourgin Science Adviser USIA James R Fowler Special Assistant Office of the Administrator Agency for International Development Stuart P French Principal Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Fitzhugh Green Associate Administrator International Affairs Environmental Protection Agency Richard S Green Assistant Surgeon General anq Chief Engineer U S Public Health Service Department of Health Education Welfare ·Stanley M Greenfield Assistant Administrator for Research Monitoring Environmental Protection Agency William A Hayne Council on Environmental Quality Executive Office of the President Wallace Irwin Jr Sr Adviser Environmental Affairs U S Mission to the UN New York N Y• Clayton E Jensen Chief Environmental Monitoring National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Department of Commerce Donald R King Science Adviser Office of Environmental Affairs Department of State - 8 - Saul Levine Assistant Director Division of Enviromnental Affairs Atomic Energy Commission Robert Porter Science Adviser Environmental Protection Agency John W McDonald Jr Coordinator Multilateral Development Programs Bureau of International Organization Affairs Department of State Charles J Or1ebeke Deputy Under Secretary for Policy Analysis Program Evaluation Department of Housing Urban Development Robert B Rosenstock Adviser for Legal Affairs U S Mission to the UN New York N Y Logan H Sallada Deputy Director of the Executive Secretariat Department of Health Education Welfare Francis J Seidner Deputy Director Office of International Conferences Department of State Harry Shooshan Director Office of International Activities Department of the Interior John Stuart Press Adviser U S Information Agency Lee Talbot Sr Scientist Council on Environmental Quality Executive Office of the President John P Trevithick Director Science Technology Bureau of International Organization Affs Dept of State - 9 - Sidney A Wallace Captain USCG Chief Marine Environment Protection Division U S Coast Guard Department of Transportation Richard Wilbur Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Environment - 10 - THE DECLARATION ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT In its closing meeting the Conference adopted without objection the Declaration on the Human Environment consisting of a Preamble and 26 Principles This document is the result of a negotiating process which began in a 27-nation working group in New York early in 1971 in which all members of the United Nations were invited to participate It culminated in a new Working Group created by the Stockholm Conference itself on June 8 open to all participating states This group met night and day until the final day of the Conference It used as the basis of its negotiations the Draft Declaration forwarded by the Preparatory Committee as a result of the working group sessions in New York Although in the opinion of the United States Delegation the text submitted by the Preparatory Committee A CONF 48 4 was more balanced and more clearly focussed on environmental concerns it is understandable that in the final stage of Conference consideration many members who had not earlier availed themselves of the opportunity to contribute to the text should wish to do so and should press for inclusion of material expressing their main concerns The final text although uneven in the view cf the United States Delegation preserves a number of extremely important principles of conduct for states in dealing with environmental problems of international significance Chief among these is Principle 21 which declares that States have the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction Also of notable importance are such provisions as Principle 2 declaring that the earth's living and non-living resources and representative samples of natural ecosystems must be safeguarded for present and future generations Principle 6 stating that excessive discharge of toxic substances and heat into the environment must be halted to prevent serious or irreversible damage to ecosystems Principle 16 calling for application of appropriate demographic policies where growth rates or concentration of population are likely to have adverse effects on the environment or on development aud Principle 25 declaring the obligation of States to ensure that international organizations play a coordinated efficient and dynamic role for the protection and improvement of the environment - 11 - Principle 26 dealing with the effects of nuclear weapons and other means of mass destruction met inflexible opposition from China but was adopted following a statement by the Conference President noting the statement expressed by Chi·na regarding these principles Agreement could not be reached on Principle 20 of the text contained in A CONF 48 4 not principle 20 of the enclosed text owing largely to strong opposition of Brazil and it has been referred to the UN General Assembly for action This principle read Relevant infonnation must be supplied by Sta1tes on activities or developments within their jurisdiction or under their control whenever they believe or have reason to bel·ieve that such information is needed to avoid the risk of significant adverse effects on the enviromnent in areas beyond their national jurisdiction The record of the Conference will include the following U S statement of interpretation regarding four of the 26 principles of the declaration Principle 2 The U S places emphasis on the word representative which in our view ensures that the phrase means retention of a complete system with all of the complex interrelationships intact not a portion thereof Moreover the size of the sample must be sufficient to represent the size of the whole Principle 12 The u s does not regard the text of this principle or any other language contained in the Declaration as requiring it to change its aid policies or increase the amounts thereof The U S accepts the idea that added costs in specific national projects or activities for enviromnental protection reasons should be taken into account Principle 21 The U S considers it obvious that nothing contained in this principle or elsewhere in the Declaration diminishes in any way the obligation of states to prevent enviromnental damage or gives rise to any right on the part of states i o take actions in derogation of the rights of other states or of the conmiunity of nations The statement of the responsibility of states for damage caused to the environment of other states or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction is not in any way a limitation on the above obligation but an affirmation of existing rules concerning liability in the event of default on the obligation - 12 - 'Principle 26 The U S fully supports the purpose aspirations and ultimate goals contained in this paragraph We are constantly striving to meet such goals in all relevant fora including for example SALT which has recently achieved such success We regard our connnitment under this principle as identical to the treaty obligation we have assumed in connection with the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons specifically Article VI including the requirement of strict and effective international control '· We believe it obvious that agreements called for in the principle must be adequately verifiable or they will not be soundly enough based to achieve the purposes of this principle - 13 TEXT Declaration on the Human Environment The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment having met at Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972 and having considered the need for a common outlook and for common principles to inspire and guide the peoples of the world in the preservation and enhancement of the human environment proclaims 1 Man is both creature and moulder of his environment which gives him physical sustenance and affords him the opportunity for intellectual moral social and spiritual growth In the long and tortuous evolution of the human race on this planet a stage has· been reached when through the rapid acceleration of science and technology man has acquired the power to transform his environment in countless ways and on an unprecedented scale Both aspects of man's environment the natural and the man-made are essential to his well-being and to the enjoyment of basic human rights - even the right to life itself 2 The protection and improvement of the human environment is a major issue which affects the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world it is the urgent desire of the peoples of the whole world and the duty of all governments 3 Man has constantly to sum up experience and go on discovering inventing creating and advancing In our time· man's capability to transform1 his surroundings if used wisely can bring to all peoples the benefits of development and the opportunity to enhance the quality of life Wrongly or heedlessly applied the same power can do incalculable harm to human beings and the human environment We see around us growing evidence of man-made harm in many regions of the earth dangerous levels of pollution in water air earth and living beings major and undesirable disturbances to the ecological balance of the biosphere destruction and depletion of irre placeable resources and gross deficiencies harmful to the physical mental and socia 1 heal th of man in the man-made envirorunent particularly in the living and working environment 4 In the developing countries most of the environmental problems are caused by under-development Millions continue to live far below the minimum levels required for a decent human existence deprived of adequate food and clothing shelter - 14 - and education health and sanitation Therefore the developing countries must direct their efforts to development bearing tn mind their priorities and the need to safeguard and improve the environment For the same purpose the industrialized countries should make efforts to reduce the gap between themselves and the developing countries In the industrialized countries environmental problems are generally related to industrialization and technological development 5 The natural growth of population continuously presents problems on the preservation of the environment and adequate policies measures shouia -·be aclopte·c1 -as ·app ropr fate to· face these problems Of all things in the world people are the most precious It is the people that propel social progress create social wealth develop science and technology and through their hard work continuously transform the ht mian environment Along with social progress and the advance of production science and technology the capability of man to improve the environment increases with each passing day 6 A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences Through ignorance or indifference we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly erivironment on which our life and well being depend Conversely through fuller knowledge and wiser action we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in an nvironment more in ke ping with human needs and hopes There are broad vistas for the enhancement of environmental quality and the creation of a good life What is needed is an enthusiastic but calm state of mind and intense but orderly work For the purpose of attaining freedom in the world of nature man must use knowledge to· build in collaboration with nature a better environment To defend and improve the human environment for present and future generations has become an imperative goal for mankind - a goal to be pursued together with and in harmony with the established and fundamental goals of peace and of worldwide economic and social development 7 To achieve this enviromnental goal will demand the acceptance of responsibility by citizens and communities and by enterprises and institutions at every level all sharing equitably in conn non efforts Individuals in all walks of life as well as organizations in many fields but their values and the sum of their actions will shape the world environment of the future Local and national governments will bear the greatest - 15 - burden for large scale environmental policy and action within their jurisdictions International cooperation is also needed in order to raise resources to support the developing countries in carrying out their responsibilities in this field A growing class of environmental problems because they are regional or global in extent or because they affect the common international realm will require extensive cooperation among nations and action by international organizations in the connnon interest The conference calls upon the governments and peoples to exert common efforts for the preservation and improvement of the human environment for the benefit of all the people and for their posterity Principles States the cormnon conviction that -- 1 1 Man has the fundamental righ t to freedom equality and adequate conditions of life in an environment of a quality which permits a life of dignity and well being and bears a solenm responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations In this respect policies promoting or perpetuating apartheid racial segregation dis crimination colonial and other forms of oppression and foreign · qmination stand condemned and must be eliminated 2 The natural resources of the earth including the air water land flora and fauna and especially representative samples of natural ecosystems must be safeguarded for the benefit of present and future generations through careful planning or management as appropriate 3 The capacity of the earth to produce vital renewable resources must be maintained and wherever practicable restored or improved 4 Man has a special responsibility to safeguard and wisely manage the heritage of wildlife and its habitat which are new gravely imperilled by a combination of adverse factors Nature conservation including wildlife must therefore receive importance in planning for economic development 5 The non-renewable resources of the earth must be employed in such a way as to guard against the danger of their future exhaustion and to ensure that benefits from such employment are shared by a 11 mankind - 16 - 6 The discharge of toxic substances or of other substances and the release of heat in such quantities or concentrations as to exceed the capacity of the environment to render them hannless must be halted in order to ensure that serious or irreversible damage is not inflicted upon ecosystems The just struggle of the peoples of all countries against pollution should be supported 7 States shall take all possible steps to prevent pollution of the seas by substances that are liable to create hazards to human health to harm living resources and marine life to damage amenities or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea 8 Economic and social development is essential for ensuring a favorable living and working environment for man and for conditions on earth that are necessary for the improvement of the quality of life 9 Environmental deficiencies generated by the conditions of underdevelopment and natural disasters pose grave problems and can best be remedied by accelerated development through the transfer of substantial quantities of financial and technological assistance as a supplement to the domestic effort of the developing countries and such timely assistance as may be required 10 For the developing countries stability of prices and adequate earnings for primary conunodities and raw material are essential to environmental management since economic factors as well as ecological processes must be taken into account 11 The environmental policies of all states should enhance and not adversely affect the present or future development potential of developing countries nor should they hamper the attainment of better living conditions for all and appropriate steps should be taken by states and international organizations with a view to reaching agreement on meeting the possible national and international economic consequences resulting from the application of environm ntal measures 12 Resources should be made available to preserve and improve the environment taking into account the circumstances and particular requirements of developing countries and any costs which may emanate from their incorporating environmental safeguards into their development planning and the need for making available to them upon their request additional international technical and financial assistance for this purpose - 17 - 13 In order to achieve a more rational management of resources and thus to improve the environment states should adopt an integrated and coordinated approach to their development planning so as to ensure that development is compatible with the need to protect and improve the human environment for the benefit of their population 14 Rational planning constitutes an essential tool for reconciling any conflict between the needs of development and the need to protect and improve the environment 15 Planning must be applied to human settlements and urbanization with a view to avoiding adverse effect on the environment and obtaining maximum social economic and environmental benefits for all In this respect projects which are designed for colonialist and racist domination must be abandoned 16 Demographic policies which are without prejudice to basic human rights and which are deemed appropriate by governments concerned should be applied in those regions where the rate of population growth or excessive population concentrations are likely to have adverse effects on the environment or development or where low population density may prevent improvement ·of the human environment and impede development 17 Appropriate m tional institutions must be entrusted with the task of planning managing or controlling the environmental resources of states with the view to enhancing environmental quality 18 Science and technology as part of their contribution to economic and social development must be applied to the i identification avoidance and control of enviromnental risks and the solution of environmental problems and for the common good of mankirrl • 19 Education in environmental matters for the younger generation as well as adults giving due consideration for the und privileged is essential in order to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals enterprises and communities in protecting and improving the environment in its full human dimension It is also essential that mass media of connnunications avoid contributing to the deterioration of the environment but on the contrary disseminate information of an educational nature on the need to protect and improve the environment in order to educate man to develop in every respect ' - 18 - 20 Scientific research and development in the context of environmental problems both national and multinational must be promoted in all countries especially the developing countries In this connection the free flow of up to date scientific infoi nation and experience must be supported and assisted to facilitate the solution of enviromnental problems environmental technologies should be made available to developing countries on tenns which would encourage their wide dissemination without constituting an economic burden on the developing countries 21 States have in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies and the responsib lity to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other states or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction 22 States shall cooperate to develop further the international law regarding liability and compensation for the victims of pollution and other environmental damage caused by activities within the jurisdiction or control of such states to areas beyond their jurisdiction 23 Without prejudice to such general principles as may be agreed upon by the international community or to the criteria and minimum levels which will have to be detennined nationally it will be essential in all cases to consider the systems of values prevailing in each country and the extent of the applicability of standards which are valid for the most advanced countries but which may be i inappropriate and of unwarranted social cost for the developing countries 24 International matters concerning the protection and improvement of the environment should be handled in a cooperative spirit by all countries big or small on an equal footing Cooperation through multilateral or bilateral arrangements or other appiupriate means is essential to prevent eliminate or reduce and effectively control adverse environmental effects resulting from activities conducted in all spheres in such a way that due account is taken of the sovereignty and interests of all states - 19 - 25 States shall ensure that international organizations play a coordinated efficient and dynamic· role for the protection and improvement of the environment 26 Man and his environment must be spared the effects of nuclear weapons and all other means of mass destruction States must strive to reach prompt agreement in the relevant international organs on the elimination and destruction of such weapons · - 20 - SUBJECT AREA I Planning and Management of Human Settlements for Envir onmental Quality Discussed in Committee I See Report of Committee I A CONF 48 6 for most paragraph references below I-136 Development Aid This paragraph supported by the U S contains two recommendations The first calls for all development assistance agencies international regional and national to give high priority to human settlement problems such as housing transport water supply and sewerage This is a significant action in that past development assistance has been oriented heavily toward the industrial and agricultural sectors The second reconnnendation calls for the assistance agencies to help developing countries recruit environmental staff to advise them on environmental aspects of development projects I-137 Environmental Improvement Areas This paragraph supported by the U S recommends a new international program of Environmental Improvement Areas 11 Governments are urged to designate areas varying in size from a region to a city block in which they are prepared to carry on long-term environrrental improvement emphasizing international cooperation and sharing information on their problems and solutions This program offers the possibility of important breakthroughs in community environmental progress I-138 Consultation Across Boundaries This recormnendation supported by the U S calls for bilateral or regional consultation where human settlement problems have repercussions across national boundaries I-140 Research This paragraph supported by the U S deals with research in environmental problems of human settlements It reconnnends that such research be coordinated at the intemational level by the anticipated new UN environmental unit see Subject Area VI and identifies certain priority research topics such as water supply and sewage disposal in tropical areas rural-urban migration and squatter settlements urban transport and psycho-social stresses of city life Companion reconnnendations also supported by the U S were in paragraph 141 regional research cooperation and 144 sharing of research results - 21 _ 1-146 148 149 Training These reconnnendations supported by the U S 'all deal with the need for greatly expanded training both sectoral arid interdisciplinary in all aspects of the environment of human settlements They call on all countries and the Secretary-General to step up training activities· so that the necessary personnel are available to apply sound environmental principles and practices I-150 Natural Disasters A new paper on this subject was written in Committee I in view of general dissatisfaction with the Secretariat document on this subject The reconnnendation calls for among other things greater recognition 0f the need for disaster warning and prediction systems against a wide range of disasters earthquakes typhoons tsunamis drought etc More research data are called for also better communication systems to bring immediate warning of a coming disaster to the threatened area-such as might have saved countless lives in the Bay of Bengal hurricane of 1970 Also stressed was the need for public perception of the vulnerability of certain areas to disasters The entire recommendati9n is referred to the recently appointed UN Disaster Relief Coor di nator for further action · - ' ' The un-ited States delegation took an active part in drafting this recormnendation and strongly supported it I-152 153 Water supply Sewerage These reconnnendations supported by the United States call on WHO and the UN development assistance agencies to give higher priority to supporting governments' efforts to improve water supply sewerage services and waste disposal These recommendations address some of the most critical problems faced particularly by developing nations which are rapidly urbanizing The United States supported these recommendations -154 Population Recommendation that the Secretary-General ensure that population concerns bearing on the environment of human settlement be given special attention at the 1974 World Population Conference The United States delegate to the committee Mr Rockefeller mad a statement underscoring United States support for the recommenda ion and it was passed without dissent · - 22 - 1-155 Family Planning This was a new recommendation submitted as an amendment by Norway which called for WHO and other UN agencies to increase family planning assistance to governments without delay and intensify research in this area The United States supported this recommendation upheld in Plenary vote 55-18 with 4 abstentions after long debate because of our conviction that the world population problem with i ts great environmental implications should be faced in ·this conference even though a World Population Conference is to be held two years hence I-156 Malnutrition This new recommendation proposed as an amendment by Pakistan calls on UN agencies to focus special attention on the need to combat the menace of human malnutrition rampant in many parts of the world This significant problem had not been included in the committee's original agenda The United States joined in supporting the amendment I-157 Noise This recoI11I1endation sponsored by Sweden called for the UN body to be created to work toward creating international noise emission standards which would apply internationally to the production of motor vehicles and certain kinds of working equipment Although the recommendation was passed the United States abstained regarding it as a far too limited and fragmented approach to the problem of noise pollution in human settlements I-158 International Programs for Human Settlements A new recommendation that the Secretary-General in consultation with UN bodies formulate programs to assist countries to meet growth requirements of human settlements and to improve the quality of life in existing settlements particularly squatter areas This recommendation was adopted without objection I-159 Regional Centers This was also a new recommendation calling for the creation of regional centers to provide assistance in human settlements problems through research training information exchange and financial technical - 23 - a nd materials assistance The United States voted against this r ecommendation on the grounds that it -was impractical I no number Human Settlement s Fund This recom nendation proposed by India and Libya had strong support from many less developed countries It called 'for a financial institution whose primary objective would be to strengthen national programs in the human settlements field by providlng seed capital and technical assistance The United States and most developed countries voted against it The United States shared the views-of Sweden the UK and Canada who spoke against the recommendation in Plenary noting that existing financial institutions were logical sources for human settlements funding - 24 - ·SUBJECT AREA I I Environmental Aspects of Natural Resources Management Discussed in Committee II see A CON 48 7 for most paragraph references AND Conservation Conventions from Subject Area IV A CONF 48 9 paragraphs 121-126 Agriculture and Soils II-46 Recommends that FAO in cooperation with other international agencies concerned strengthen the machinery for international acquisition of knowledge and transfer of experience on soil capabilities degradation and conservation The U S strongly supported this recommendation It will help to develop and apply the technology necessary for increased production of food and fiber An amendment was adopted recommending action to give value and stability to rices of agricultural raw materials in international tra e on the ground that this would provide funds for soil improvement The U S o posed this amendment pointing out that its intent was far afield and soil improvement and could in any case not be achieved by this means II-47 Recommends that Governments in cooperation with UN specialized agencies strengthen and coordinate international programs to control pests and reduce harmful effects of agrochemicals The recommendation amended to note that national and ecological variations must be taken into acc6unt in developing guidelines and standards was accepted with U S support II-48 Recommends recycling of agricultural and agroindustrial and municipal wastes through the soil Accepted with U S support Livestock II- no number A new recommendation proposed by Nigeria was added on rapid development of livestock in axeas of low productivity - 25 - Rural Development II- no number A new recommendation proposed by France was added calling for increased attention t6 rural development The U S su12ported this recommendation Forests I I-'66a Recommends that the Secretary-General take steps to ensure that UN bodies oQperate to meet needs foi new knowledge on forest management Accepted alter explanations by Man and Biosphere Program UNESCO that that program would support ecosystem research on forests to complement FAQ studies in forest management economics legislation land tenure and the like ' The U S supported the recommendation II-66b Recommends monitoring of the world's forest cover through various techniques including remote sensing by satellite The U S supported the recommendation II-67a Recommends that FAQ coordinate an international program for research and exchange of information on forest fires pests and diseases Accepted with U E support II-67b Recommends that FAQ facilitate transfer of information on forests and forest management in different climate zones and forest types Accepted with U S support It should be noted that II-66a and b and 67 a and b can contribute greatly to environmental quality especially in tropical forest ecosystems where current exploitation endangers productive capacity and stability in many areas Wildlife Including Whales II-81 Recommends that the Secretary-General insure that effects of pollutants on wildlife are considered within environmental monitoring systems The U S suppol' ted the recommendation - 26 - Wild species serve as particularly sensitive indicators of the levels of various types of pollutants such as heavy metals pesticides and plasticizers PCBs and in a broader sense are indicators of environmental health and stability They can thus play a valuable part in global monitoring systems II-82 Recommends an international program to assess the total economic value of wildlife resources The U S supkorted this recommendation Wildlife has often been overloo ed as a valuable economic resource This assessment program can help to chart future conservation policies II-83 UN agencies to cooperate with governments of developing countries to develop wildlife management training courses The U S supported Trained personnel in this field are in very short supply in developing countries · II-84 Recommends that governments consider enacting international conventions and treaties to protect species inhabiting international 'waters or those which mi rate from one countr to another and that a working group e establishe without delay to develop a broadly based convention on game regulations etc to avoid overexploitation of wildlife resources The U S supported this recommendation No single nation can protect such species adequately nor should any single nation have the right to exploit them consequently international action is required II-86 Recommends that governments agrqe to strengthen the International Whalin Commission IWC increase internationa wale researc e orts an as a matter of urgency calls for an international agreement for a ten-year · moratorium on commercial whaling The U S initiated this recommendation and strongly supported it against vigorous opposition by Japan It was stren thened b· U S amendment passed 51-3 which called or irec recommen ation or moratorium under the IWC but also including other interested governments since not all whaling nations are IWC members The U S amendment also called for increased international research efforts r - 27 - Despite regulation by the IWC world whale populations have drastically dropped to where all exploited whale species are immediately or potentially endangered or greatly depleted Present trends under the IWC would not allow rebuilding of depleted stocks and probably would result in further reduction This reconuiiendation reflects worldwide recognition that whales inhabiting the international seas are the concern of mankind as a whole-- - not solely for economic reasons but also for their rol in marine ecosystems and for their distinction as the largest and possibly the most awe-inspiring members of the animal kingdom Parks II-95 96 and 97 Recommends 1 special attention to training requirements for park pla J ning and management 2 a mechanism for international transfer of information on park planning and management techniques 3 that UN agencies assist developing countries to plan for visitor us of protected areas in such a way as to reconcile revenue and environmental considerations The U S supported these recommendations II-98 International rotection for e eos stems Recommends governments cooperate in managing ne1g or1ng protected areas 2 set a ide areas representing ecosystems of international significance for protection under international agreement The U S sup orted this recommendation noting that such greements s ould oe consistent with international law Genetic Resources II-107-120 A major set of recommendations for global cooperation program to preserve the world's immense variety of genetic resources including domestic and wild plants and animals insects and microorganisms Includes a·S-year crash· program of plant exploration and collec tion where species are endangered 110 national and regional genetic resource conservation centers 112 a network of protected areas containing samples of the world's ecosystems with their omponent wild plant and animal species lJ 3 steps to preserve germ plasm of animals 115 microorganisms 116 insects 117 a global cooperative network embracing mll these and and other activities · The need for such an ambitious new program arises from two concurrent trends man's increasing dependence on a few genetic stocks of crop planst and livestock all vulnerable - 28 - to pests and disease and his increasing impact on the biosp ere which puts in jeopardy countless living species thus threatening to reduce at an accelerating rate the variety of life forms the stability of ecosystems and the genetic resources on which man can craw in the future for food fiber aesthetic and other purposes This program is likely to be one of the major contributions of the Conference It was a U S initiative in substantial part and was adopted by consensus 1n its entirety Fisheries II-131-135 These recommendations call on governments and the Secretary-General in cooperation with FAO and other UN organizations to 1 support information exchange monitoring and assessment of fishery resources more efficient international management of fish stocks 2 ensure an adequate role for fishery agencies in preparing for the coming UN Law of the Sea Conference 3 help prevent national resource utilization from harming international fishery resources 4 s rengthen and in some areas create international machinery for developing and managing fisheries The U S supported this set of recommendations Their importance can be gauged from such facts as these In 1970 world fish catches came to 57 million tons proteins from the sea are being harvested at a rate that is increasing 6 per cent a year but potential resources are jeopardized by overfishing pollution of coasts and inland seas coastal land reclamation dredging offshore oil operations etc To protect these living resources which so largely inhabit the international realm improved international cooperation is increasingly urgent In the U S view better knowledge acquisition is especially important to this end a fisheries data center in which all nations using fishery resources would cooperate in research and furnish data on their catches would be most desirable Water II-159 Recommends that governments consider creating new machinery such as multinational river basin commissions for study and management of water resources common to more than one jurisdiction settlement of disputes over their use etc The U S supported this recommendation - 27 - Despite regulation by the IWC world whale populations have drastically dropped to where all exploited whale species are immediately or potentially endangered or greatly depleted Present trends under the IWC would not allow rebuilding of depleted stocks and probably would result in further reduction This reconmicndation reflects worldwide recognition that whales inhabiting the international seas are the concern of mankind as a whole- not solely for· economic reasons but also for their rol in marine ecosystems and for their distinction as the largest and possibly the most awe-inspiring members of the animal kingdom Parks II-95 96 and 97 Recommends 1 special attention to training requirements for park planning and management 2 a mechanism for international transfer of information on park planning and management techniques 3 that UN agencies assist developing countries to plan for visitor use ·of protected areas in such a way as to reconcile revenue and environmental considerations The U S supported these recommendations II-98 International rotection for ecos stems Recommends governments cooperate 1n m naging ne1g oring protected areas 2 set aside areas representing ecosystems of internitional significance for protection under international agreement The U S suprorted this recommendation noting that such agreements s ould oe consistent with international law Genetic Resources II-107-120 A major set of recommendations for global cooperation program to preserve the world's immense variety of genetic resources including domestic and wild plants and animals insects and microorganisms Includes a 5-year crash program of plant exploration and collection where species are endangered 110 national and regional genetic resource conservation centers 112 a network of protected areas containing samples of the world's ecosystems with their omponent wild plant and animal species 113 steps to preserve germ plasm of animals 115 microorganisms 116 insects 117 a global cooperative network embracing jall these and and other activities · The need for such an ambitious new program arises from two concurrent trends man's i ncreasing dependence on a few genetic stocks of crop planst and lives-tock all vulnerable - 28 - to pests and disease and his increasing impact on the biosp ere which puts in jeopardy countless living species thus threatening to reduce at an accelerating rate the variety of life forms the stability of ecosystems and the genetic resources on which man can craw in the future for food fiber aesthetic and other purposes This program is likely to be one of the major contributions of the Conference It was a U S initiative in substantial part and was adopted by consensus 1n its entirety Fisheries II-131-135 These recommendations call on governments and the Secretary-General in cooperation with FAQ and other UN organizations to 1 support information exchange monitoring and assessment of fishery resources more efficient international management of fish stocks 2 ensure an adequate role for fishery agencies in preparing for the coming UN Law of the Sea Conference 3 help prevent national resource utilization from harming international fishery resources 4 strengthen and in some areas create international machinery for developing and managing fisheries The U S supported this set of recommendations Their importance can be gauged from such facts as these In 1970 world fish catches came to 57 million tons proteins from the sea are being harvested at a rate that is increasing 6 per cent a year but potential resources are jeopardized by overfishing pollution of coasts and inland seas coastal land reclamation dredging offshore oil operations etc To protect these living resources which so largely inhabit the international realm improved international cooperation is increasingly urgent In the U S view better knowledge acquisition is especially important to this end a fisheries data center in which all nations using fishery resources would cooperate in research and furnish data on their catches would be most desirable Water II-159 Recommends that governments consider creating new machinery such as multinational river basin commissions for study and management of water resources common to more than one jurisdiction settlement of disputes over their use etc The U S supported this recommendation - 29 I I -160 a b c d Recommends steps b ' the UN system to 1 establish regional centers for training and information exchange on water resources manag mant problems 2 provide technical and £inancial assistance to governments and create a roster of experts to advise them in this field 3 assess the environmental effects of man's continental water management on the oceans which are the ultimate repository of water runoff and water-borne wastes from the land The U S supported these recommendations Minerals II-175 Recommends an appropriate vehicle be provided to exchange informatibn on mining and primary mineral processing and to provide information to developing nations on technology for preventing adverse health safety and environmental effects associated with the mineral industry The U S supported this recommendation Energy II-196 a b c Recommends steps to develop data and exchange information as part of the world monitoring effort on environmental effects of present and future production and use of energy • These data are to be developed in the framework of studies drawing on the expertise of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and are to take account of new technology The first report would be made in 1975 The U S supported this recommendation Resource Development Environmental Assessment I I-201 Recommends 1 environmental audits pre-audits where feasible of resource development projects in representative ecosystems of international significance and 2 steps to assess the environmental impact of alternative approaches to the survey planning and development of resource projects The U S supported this recommendation with the interpretation that ri ghts -under i nternational law would be guaranteed - 30 - Environmental Impact of Development Assistance II-203 b Recommends that development assistance agencies in cooperation with recipinet governments broaden the criteria of development project analysis to incorporate environmental impact consideration The U S supported this recommendation Synthetic Versus Natural Products II-203 c Recommends the appropriate UN agencies undertake studies on the relative costs and benefits of synthetic versus natural products serving identical uses The US supported this recommendation Biosphere Research II-203 d Recommends that the international program of biosphere research be vigorously pursued This was construed to refer to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program The U S supported this recommendation Development and Climate II-204 Recommends that the World Meteorological Organization initiate or intensify studies on the inter-rel tionship of resource development and meteorology The U S supported this recommendation Remote Sensing II-207 Recommends further development of remote sensing technology in resource surveys and appropriate sharing of the use of these devices The U S supported this recommendation Marginal Lands II-227 b Recommends that the Food and Agriculture Organizatio expand its present program on stabilization of marginal lands The U S supported this recommendation - 31 - Conservation Conventions IV-124 World Heritage Recommends that governments with assistance of UN specialized agencies and other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations continue preparation of present and future conventions required for conservation of world's natural resources and cultural heritage Consideration to be given to possible technical and financial assistance to governments for protection of elements of national heritage of universal value The U S supported this recommendation IV-125 a b World Heritage Trust Convention Endorses the World Heritage Trust draft convention as a significant step towards the protection on an international scale of the environment and proposes that all governments be invited to examine the convention draft with a view to its adoption at the next General Conference of UNESCO autumn 1972 The U S initiated and strongly suptiorted this recommendation The World Heritage Trust proposedy President Nixon in February 1971 calls for international recognition and protection to areas of natural or cultural heritage of universal significa ri'ce Experts meeting at UI-JESCO in April drafted and call on governments to adopt it at the UNESCO General Conference this fall IV-125 c Wetlands The Conference invites all interested Governments to sign the Convention on Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance approved at the Conference of RAMSAR Iran The Convention is not entirely satisfactory to tne U S since we do not believe it goes far enough in the protection of wetlands an objective which we strongly support The U S nevertheless supported the recommendation as a step in the right direction IV-125 d Islands for Science Recommends that the Secretary-General make arrangements in consultation with the competent agencies of the United Nations system and the non-governmental organizations concerned for a detailed study of all possible procedures for protecting certain islands for science The U S supported this recommendation - IV-125 e 32 - Endangered Speci es Recommends that a plenipotentiary conference be convened as soon as possible to prepare and adopt a convention on export import and transit ol certain species of wild animals and plants in order to protect them from overexploitation or extinction The U S supported this recommendation Under the terms of the Enaangered Species Act of 1969 the U S is to hold such a conference and has been working with IUCN and interested governments to develop a draft convention - 33 - SUBJECT AREA III Identification and ontrol of Pollu tants of Broad Interna-tional Significance Discussed in Committee III see · A CONF 48 8 for most paragraph ·references below IrI-21 1 Climate Recommends governments be mindful of activities in which there is an appreciable risk of effects on climate and evaluate the potential for resulting climate changes The long-range effects of increases in particulate matter and carbon dioxide for example ar e unc ertain and the need for further study is obvious The U S supporte l this recommendation I II-219 · Dangerous Substances Recommends governments use the best practicable means to minimize environmental release of toxic or persistent substances particularly heavy metals and organochlorine compoµnds- if their release otherwise would produce unacc eptable risks Although the language is unclea it is our interpretation that such substances would not b e exempt merely bec use their use is considered essential to human health and food production in such cases benefits shpuld 1 e weighed car efully against risks However the wording of the recommendation is unclear in this respect The U S supported this recommendation TII--220 Pollutant Standards 'Recommends that national standards ·for pollutants of ·inter national significance take account of internationally accepted standards and act in concert with competent international organizations and other concern e d government s This approach by governments would represent considerable s avinCJS in manpower time and ·funds The U S supported this recommendation - III-222 34 - Knowledge Recommends governments Join in international programs to acquire knowledge for the assessment of pollutant sources pathways exposures and risks nd also assist developing countries to participate The U S supported this recommendation III-223 Pollutant Warning Recommends that the UN system and all competent bodies provide warning of deleterious effects of manmade pollutants on human health and well being both short-term and long-term To accomplish this an inter-calibration program for s ampling and analytical techniques to provide meaningful comparisons of data is essential Although we do not obje ct to a registry of data on chemicals the U S noted that requiring hard-to-get data on pathways from factory to ultimate disposal would unduly hamper the effort The U S supported this recommendation which we consider basic However we voted against an additional paragraph which was adopted in committee calling for creation of an international registry of data on chemicals in the environment although we favor the idea of such a registry we regarded the inclusion of a provision for data on pathways from factory to ultimate disposal as unworkable III'- 223 a Radioactivity registry Recommends establishing an international registry of significant radioactivity releases from the growing nuclear power industry This implements a 1970 proposal by the U S Government The U S supported this recommendation and stated its readiness to continue working with IAEA on registry of such releases expected to go beyond national boundaries III-224 Pollutants and Health Recommends a major effort to obtain data on agents to which man is exposed WHO is recommended as the agency most compete t to coordinate an international collection and - 35 dissemination system to correlate medical environme nt 11 and family-history data The U S supported this recommendation III-225 National Air and Fresh Water Monitoring Recommends that WHO further assist Governments especially in developing countries in monitoring their air and fresh water sources particularly in areas where there m ly pe a risk to health from pollution Although WHO has performed this function for many years the U s agrees that there is urgent need for increased support in· some areas The U S supported this recommendati on III-226 Food Contaminants Recommends an FAO-WHO program of res earch and monitoring to help prevent food contamination by chemical and biological agents and provide early warnings The U S supported this recommendation III-227 Atmospheric monitoring Recommends a network of 10 baseline II stations remote from pollution sources and over 100 regional-level stations to provide data needed to determine the nature and extent of atmospheric pollution and direction and rate of change so as to predict long-term effects on climate The U S supported this recommendation I II-228 Terrestrial Ecology Recommends coordinated research in terrestrial ecology through appropriate international agencies and the man and biosphere program and surveillance of the effects of pollutants on ecosystems It should be noted that recommendations 203 d 227 and 234 together with 228 are all essential to the development and implementation - 36 - of a global environmental monitoring program The U S supported this recommendation III-228 a Air Water and Food Standards A recommendation that WHO together with competent international organizations continue to study and establish primary standards for the protection of human organisms especially from pollutants that are common to air water and food as the basis for establishment of working limits Recommendation was approved without objection III-229 Food Contaminant Control Recommends steps to increase the capabilities of FAO and WHO to assist the Codex Alimentarius Commission in developing international standards for pollutants in food and to guide developing countries in the field of food control The U S supported this recommendation III-230 Pollutant Limits Recommends that UN agencies develop procedures for setting derived working limits for concentrations of pollutants in ambient air and water based on internationally agreed criteria Although mention of WHO was deleted over U S opposition as the key agency for this action the U S supported this recommendation III-231 Information Exchange of Pollution Research and Control This recommendation to utilize the proposed international referral service to make available information which may be requested by governments on pollution research and pollution control activities including legislation Approved without objection - 37 III-232 Activities of Pro-posed UN Environm enta l Body Recommended tasks of Environmental Body to include Development of internationally accepted procedures for identification of pollutants appointment of intergovernmental bodies to assess exposures risks pathways and sources of pollutants of international significance examination of needs for technical assistance from member states review of international cooperation for pollution control Adopted without objection III-233 Marine pollution General Recommends that governments 1 accept and carry out existing international instruments on control of maritime sources of marine pollution e from oii tankers 2 control ocean dumping and continue work on ocean dumping conventions 3 refer the draft ocean dumping convention to the Seabeds Committee for its comments and to a conference to be held in the United Kingdom for final consideration if possible befo e end of 1972 3 4 participate in the approaching Law of the Sea Conference and the 1973 IMCO Marine Pollution Conference with objective of bringing all significant sources of pollution in marine environment including radioactive pollution fr m nuclear vessels under appropriate control and eliminating completely by middle of present decade all intentional discharge of oil from ships 5 strengthen national controls over land-based sources of marine pollution The U S strongly supported paragraph 3 cf this recommendation as offering the best possible opportunity for prompt conclusion of the work on the ocean dumping convention first proposed by U S in June 1971 The U S also supported the entire recommendation as it urges states to take legal measures nationally regionally - 38 - and internationally to bring major sources of·marine pollution under control The U S has misgivings · about carte-blanche endorsement of' all avaiial le - •· instruments and believes case-by-case review tr· necessary especially of non-binding instru rrients in form of resolutions etc of internatiofiai organizations The U S does not accept that r f f hces in paragraphs 2 and 3 constitute endorserfient't¢ f i · jurisdiction other than that widely accepted· n international law It believes appropriate controis nuclear defense vessels should be national controls taking into account recommendations of the IAEA arid other competent agencies which governments should undertake to follow as closely as possible on III-234 Knowledge Recommends that governments support national esearch and monitoring efforts that contribute to internationai programs provide data to the UN FAO and UNCTAD and make the International Oceanographic Commission IOC a more effective coordinator The U S strongly supported this recommendation as essential to an efficient scientific approach to marine pollution control and as a key part of Earthwatch III-235 GESAMP Recommends IOC's Group of Experts on Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution GESAMP reexamine annually its Review of Harmful Chemical Substances and provide advice on scientific aspects of marine pollution The U S supported thi s recommendation III-236 Research Recommends 1 methods be developed to combine world statistics on the mining production processing transport and use of potential marine pollutants 2 GESAMP propose guidelines to evaluate the toxicity of these substances - 39 - 3 FAO WHO roe and IAEA encourage study of the effects of high priority pollutants on man and other organisms and 4 toe with PAO and WHO explore creating an institute for tropical marine studies The U S supported these recommendations rII-237 Monitoring Recommends that roe with WMO and other bodies promote monitoring of marine pollution preferably within the Integrated Global Ocean Station System IGOSS The u s supported this recommendation as aid to Earthwatch and as a scientific approach to marine pollution control III-238 Information exchange Recommends steps to assure that information from marine research and monitoring be made available in a form usable by governments also possible expansion of data centers and referral systems to meet new needs The u s III-239 supported this recommendation See under IV-137 Control of Marine Pollution Recommends that governments 1 endorse the marine pollution principles and statement of objectives reported from the Ottawa meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Marine Pollution November 1971 2 control land-based sources of marine pollution and concert thereon regionally and internationally Also recommends the Secretary General and appropriate organizations provide guidelines to governments for this purpose The U S opposed this recommendation stating that although there is much we approve of in the Ottawa principles and objectives these have wide-ranging implications for law of the sea problems and vessel operation outside purview of this conference The U S therefore believes the proper fora for examining these subjects are the LOS Conference and the 1973 IMCO conference rrr-240 UN Support Recommends that th anticipated new UN environmental mechanism should provide needed advice to Governments on marine pollution · - 40 - The u s supported this recommendation since the magnitude of controling marine pollution makes early dissemination of such advice to all governments desirable and economical III-241 Developing country role in pollution work ' Recommends additional financial support to enable developing countries to participate in international programs of research monitoring and control of pollutants The U S supported this recommendation We believe it essential that the widest possible participation in international pollution control work be achieved _ - 41 - SUBJECT AREA IV Educational Informational Social and Cultural Aspects also Conservation Conventions Discussed in Committee I see A CONF 48 9 for paragraph references IV-111 Continuous Social Diagnosis Recommends arrangements for continuous diagnosis to measure social and cultural impacts of environmental developments This would include UN financial and technical assistance to governments for a preparing national reports on the environment b developing social and cultur l indicators for the environment with a view to a common methodology for assessing environmental quality in this area and c organizing the exchange of infonnation on methods for continuous social diagnosis The U S supported this recommendation It will help foster needed data collection and assessment methods in the area of social monitoring A great deal more study is required before meaningful international reports on socio-cultural environmental quality can be envisioned IV-114 Education Recommends that the Secretary-General and the organizations of the UN system especially UNESCO establish an international environmental education program The program is t o be interdisciplinary and experimental in approach and to be directed towaras all levels of the education contiuurn including preschool primary secondary and adult education The U S f _Upported this recommendation This program would include technical and financial support for an inventory of existing systems of education which deal with environment exchange of infonnation on such systems environmental training and retraining of teachers and other professionals expert groups to exchange experience between countries with similar environ ental conditions new materials and methods for environmental education IV-115 Training Recommends UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere Program - 42 - WHO FAO UNIDO WMO the scientific unions etc should aevelop innovations in environmental training of specialists and technicians and foster environmental training at the regional and international levels The U S supported this recommendation IV-116 Volunteers Recommends that international organizations for voluntary service and in particular the International Secretariat for Volunteer Service in consultations with the United Nations Volunteer Program of UNDP include environmental skills among the services they provide The U S supporte this recommendation IV-119 Public Information Recommends an information program to create public awareness on environmental issues and elicit contributions from non-governmental organizations an annual international environment day translation and circulation of Conference documents integration of environmental information into public information work of the United Nations system and cooperation on environmental information among United Nations regional economic commissions The U S supported this recommendation IV-120 Environmental Information in Development Programs Recommends that certain international development programs be adapted to disseminate environmental information and strengthen community action on environmental problems U S supported this recommendation IV-126 Duties·of Secretary-General A recommendation that the ments to be kept informec environmental management experiments and research of information adopted by Secretary-General make arrangeof national pilot schemes for assist countries on request with and organize international exchange consensus - 43 - IV-137 Exchange of Information Referral Service Recommends Secretary-General to establishment of an international Referral Service for efficient interna tional exchange of infonnation on environmental problems and solutions This U S -introduced Recommendation was approved unanimously Hundreds of environmental infonnation services and data are in operation but except to relatively small user constituencies are relatively unknown and unused The Referral Service would be a modest and practical tool to tell what information services exist where they are and how to gain access to them It would in effect place countries requesting infonnation of all types in contact with appropriate information resources in support of local national or international environmental programs - 44 - SUBJECT AREA V Environment and Development Discussed in Committee II see A CONF 48 10 for paragraph references Of 8 recommendations on Environment and Development the U S supported 5 and abstained on V-31 Role of regional organizations Recommends active participation by regional organizations in developing areas including those of the UN as well as others in environmental work including attention to environmental problems c_ommon to the region especially those of the least developed countries ana countries exposed to marine pollution exchange of information and experience between regional organizations on environmental problems common to developing countries worldwide training development personnel in environmental skills research education health human settlements and soil problems The U S V-32 supported this recommendation International trade Recommends five principles of which the U S supported three and opposed two later seeking unsuccessfully to have them amended abstaining on the whole paragraph Specifics 1 Endorsing key principie that participating countries not use environmental actions as a pretext for disc ciminatory trade practices U S supported 2 Calling for compensation to exporting countries especially developing countries when environmental actions hamper their exports U S opposed pointing out that many forces affect export earnings and to single out any of these such as environmental actions for compensatory treatment would be wrong in principle and a disincentive to environmental responsibility but stated readiness to deal wit h any complaint that its environmental actions violate GATT obliqations - 45 - 3 That existing machinery of GATT be used to examine trade nd environment question U S supported 4 Calling for advance consultation on planned environmental actions affecting trade and assistance aimed at removing obstacles to trade which these actions create U S opposed because the recommendation is too vague and general to permit effective implementation i 5 Stating a principle that environmental standards in given products or processes need not be uniform in all countries where environmental disruption to obher countries is not involved and that the purpose of these standards is to protect the environment not to gain trading advantages U S supported this principle V-33 Action by UN system Recommends UN agencies identify environment and export problems and remedies also help governments negotiate international standards on traded products U S supported this important recommendation wh ch will help reduce arbitrary and discriminatory trade actions V-34 Action by GATT and UNCTAD Recommends these agencies monitor and report on trade barriers arising from environmental policies u s supported this recommendation V-36 World distribution of industry I Recommends A that developing countries consider establishing industries in which their environmental situation may confer comparative advantages but avoid creating the environmental pollution problems in the process and B that the UN review the implications of environmental concerns for future world distribution of industry especially in developing countries The U S abstained on this recommendation noting that the study called for in B would be meaningless generalities if made on a global basis since relevant factors vary so widely from country to country - 46 V-38 International Financing Recommends a UN study of appropriate mechanisms for financing international environmental action The U S supported this recommendation V-39 Environmental technologies Recommends studies of means to make environmental technologies widely available to developipg countries The U S supported this recomrnenaation V-40 Development strategy and aid flows Following adoption of Indian amendment in Committee recommends A that the UN review and appraisal 0€ the International Development Strategy Second Development Decade 1971-80 take into account environment considerations and B that developed countries' environmental preoccupations not affect aid flows to developinq countries which should be adequate to meet the additional environmental requirements of such countries U S abstained on this recommendation pointing out that the resolution on Institutional Arrangements see Subject Area VI contains in paragraph 10 a good formulation on this subject which the U S supports anc that the Conference should avoid varying recommendations on this important matter - 47 SUBJECT AREA VI International Organizational Implications of Action Proposals Discussed in Committee III text of draft resolution attached The Conference action on this subject consists of a single recommendation in the form of a Conference resolution recom' mending a new organizational structure in the United Nations with the following elements 1 A Governing Council for Environmental Programs to consist of 54 member states elected for three-year terms on the basis of equitable geographic distribution and to have among its functions a the promotion of international environmental cooperation b general policy guidance for direction and coordination of environmental programs in the UN system c review of reports on implementation of these programs and d review and approval of programs financed by the Environment Fund see below The Council is to report to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council the latter to comment on coordination and on relation to other economic and social matters under its jurisdiction J · small Environment Secretariat headed by an Executive Director to be established as the focal point for cooperation coordination and effective management of environmental activities in the UN system The location of the Secretariat will be decided by the General Assembly this fall At least ten sites have been offered by various countries 3 An Environment Fund administered by the Executive Director under the guidance of the Governing Council The Fund will finance the new environmental initiatives coming out of the Stockholm Conf ren e 4 An Environmental Coordinating Board chaired by the Executive Director and designed to en 9ure cooperation and coordination among all of the UN agencies involved in environmental programs This will be considered by the General Assembly at its 27th session in New York this fall The Delegation worked long and hard to develop the consensus which enabled the Conference to adopt this resolution unanimously• We are pleased with the results and believe an effec- · - 48 - RESOLUTION ON INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS The United Nations Conference on the Hwnan Environment' convinced of the need for prompt and effective implementation by governments and the international community of measures designed to safeguard and enhance the hwnan environment for the benefit of present and future generations of mankind recognizing that responsibility for action to protect and enhance the hwnan environment rests primarily with governments and in the first instance can be exercised more effectively at the national and regional levels recognizing that environmental problems of broad international significance fall within the competence of the United Nations system bearing in mind that international cooperative programmes in the environment field must be undertaken with due respect to the sovereign rights of states and in conformity with the United Nations charter and principles of international law mindful of the sectoral responsibilities of the organizations of the United Nations syst m Conscious of the significance of regional and subregional cooperation in the field of the Human Environment and of the important role of the Regional Economic Commissions and other regional intergovernmental organizations emphasizing that problems of the hwnan environment constitute a new and important area for international cooperation and that the complex interdependence of such problems requires new approaches recognizing that the relevant international scientific and other professional communities can make an important contribution to international cooperation in the field of the human environment conscious of the need for processes within the United Nations system which would effectively assist developing countries to implement environmental policies and programmes compatible with their development plans and to participate meaningfully in international environmental programmes convinced that in order to be effective international cooperation in the field of the human environment requires additional financial and technical resources aware of the urgent need for a permanent institutional arrangement within the United Nations for the protection and improve- _______ _ ment of the human environment ·and-governing co -ilfor environmental programmes ·· · 1 Recommends that the General Assembly establish the governing council for environmental programmes composed of fifty-four members elected for three-year terms on the basis of equitable geographical distribution - 49 - 2 Recommends further that the governing council have the following main functions and responsibilities A To promote international cooperation in the environment field and to recommend as appropriate policies to this end B To provide general policy guidance for the direction and coordination of environmental programmes within the United Nations system C To receive and review the periodic reports of the Executive Director on the implementation of environmental programmes within the United Nations system D To keep under review the world environmental situation in order to ensure that emerging environmental problems of wide international significance should receive appropriate and adequate consideration by governments E To promote the contribution of the relevant international scientific and other professional communities to the acquisition assessment of exchange of environmental knowledge and information and as appropriate to the technical aspects of the formulation and implementation of environmental' programmes within the United Nations system F To maintain under continuing review the impact of national and international environmental policies and measures on developing·countries as well as the problem of additional costs that might be incurred by developing countries in the implementation of environmental programmes and projects to ensure that such programmes and projects are compatible with the development plans and priorities of those countries G To review and approve annually the programme of utilization of resources of the environment fund 3 Recommends further that the governing council report annually to the General Assembly through the Economic · and Social Council which would transmit to the Assembly such comments on the report as it may deem necessary particularly with regard to questions of coordination and to the relationship of environment policies and programmes within the United Nations system to overall economic and social policies and priorities Environment Secretariat l ' - 50 - 4 Recommends that a small Secretariat be established in the United Nations with headquarters in ••• ••• to serve as a focal point for environmental actions and coordination within the United Nations system in such a way as to ensure a high degree of effective management 5 Recommends further that the Environment Secretariat be headed by the Executive Director who shall be elected by the General Assembly on the nomination of the SecretaryGeneral and who shall be entrusted inter alia with the following responsibilities a To provide substantive support to the governing council b Under the guidance of the governing council to coordinate environmental programmes within the United Nations system to keep under review their implementation and assess their effectiveness c To advise as appropriate and under the guidance of the governing council intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations system on the formulation and implementation of environmental programmes d To secure the effective cooperation of and contribution from the relevant scientific and other professional communities from all parts of the world e To provide at the request of all parties concerned advisory services for the promotion of international cooperation in the field of the environment f To submit to the governing council on his own initiative or upon request proposals embodying mediurnand-long-range planning for United Nations programmes in the environment field g To bring to the attention of the governing council any matter which he deems to require consideration by it h To administer under the authority and policy guidance of the governing council the environment fund i To report on environment matters to the governing council j To perform such other functions as may be entrusted to him by the governing council - 51 - The Environment Fund 6 Recommends that in order to provide for additional financing for environmental programmes a voluntary fund be established in accordance with existing United Nations financial procedures · 7 Recommends further that in order to enable the governing council to fulfill its policy guidance role for the direction and coordination of environmental· activities the fund finance wholly or partly the costs of the new environmental initiatives undertaken within the United Nations system These will include the initiatives envisaged in the action plan adopted by the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment with particular attention to integrated projects and such other environmental activities as may be decided upon by the governing council The governing council shall review these initiatives with a view to taking appropriate decisions as to their continued financing 8 Recommends further that the fund be used for financing such programmes of general interest as regional and global monitoring assessment and data-collecting systems including as appropriate costs for national counterparts improvement of environmental quality management environmental research information exchange and dissemination public education and training assistance for national regional and global environmental institutions promotion of environmental research and studies for the development of iridustrial and other technologies best suited to a policy of economic growth compatible with adequate environmental safeguards and such other programmes as the governing council may decide upon In the implementation of such programmes due account should be taken of the special needs of the developing countries 9 Recommends that the costs of servicing the governing council and providing the small core Secretariat be borne by the regular budget of the United Nations operational programme costs programme support and administrative costs of the fund shall be borne by the fund 10 Recommends further that in order to ensure that the development priorities of developing countries are not adversely affected adequate measures be taken to provide additional financial resources on terms compatible with the economic situation of the recipient developing country To this end the Executive Director in cooperation with competent organizations will keep this problem under continuing review - 52 - 11 Recommends that the fund in pursuance of the objectives stated in paragraphs 7 and 8 be directed to the need for effective coordination in the implementation of international environmental programmes of the organizations of th e United Nations system and other international organizations 12 Recommends that in the implementation of programmes to be financed by the fund organizations outside the United Nations system particularly those in the countries and regions concerned also be utilized as appropriate in accordance with the procedures established by the governing council such organizations are invited to support the United Nations environment programs by complementary initiatives and contributions 13 Recommends that the governing council formulate such general procedures as are necessary to govern the operations of ·the fund Coordination 14 Recommends tqat in order to provide for the maximum efficient coordination of United Nations environmental programmes and environmental coordinating board chaired by the Executive Director be established under the auspices and within the framework of the administrative committee on coordination 15 Recommends further that the environmental coordinating board meet periodically f9 the purpose of ensuring cooperation and ·coordination among all bodies concerned in the implementation of environmental programmes and that it report annually to the governing council 16 Invites the organizations of the United Nations system to adopt the measures that may be required to undertake concerted and coordinated programmes with regard to international environmental problems taking into account existing procedures for prior consultation particularly on programme and budgetary matters 17 · Invites the regional ec onomic commissions and the economic and social office in Beirut in cooperation where necessary with other appropriate regional bodies to further intensify their efforts aimed at contributing to the implementation of environmental programmes in view of the particular need for rapid development of regional cooperation in this field - 53 - 18 Invites also other intergovernmental and those nongovernmental organizations which have interest in the field of the environment to lend their full support and collaboration to the United Nations with a view to achieving the largest possible degree of cooperation and coordination 19 Calls upon governments to ensure that appropriate national institutions shall be entrusted with the task of coordination of environmental action both national and international 20 Recommends that the General Assembly review as appropriate at its Thirty-first Session the institutional arrangements which it may decide upon in pursuance of this recommendation bearing in mind inter alia the responsibilities of the Economic and Social Council under the charter