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Second Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly Proceedings

16 octobre 2002 Chine Banque mondiale

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Second Global Environment Facility (GEF) ssembly Beijing, China October 16-18, 2002 CONTENTS Introduction 3 The Beijing Declaration 5 Inaugural and Opening Sessions 43 Plenary Reports 63 ) Statements by Representatives 99 Concluding Remarks 227 Panel Highlights 231 Note to readers: Opening sessions are presented in chronological order. Statements by country representatives are in alphabetical order and appear as provided to the GEF. Panel highlights are based on transcript excerpts and notes from rapporteurs. INTRODUCTION The Global Environment Facility (GEF), an international financial entity with 175 countries as members, acts as a major catalyst for improving the global environment. Since its creation in 1991, the GEF has allocated $4.5 . billion in grants and leveraged an additional $13 billion in cofinancing from other sources to support over 1,200 projects in more than 140 developing nations and countries with economies in transition. A recent assessment by an independent panel of experts finds that the GEF has been a "catalyst for innovative programs" and has produced "significant results" to improve the global environment. The GEF Assembly, comprised of representatives of participant states, meets every four years to determine GEF's strategic direction. In October 2002, more than 1,200 participants took part in the 2nd GEF Assembly in Beijing, including delegates representing 125 countries, 235 observers, 199 NGOs, and 155 journalists. Of the delegates who attended the meeting, 64 were government ministers or vice-ministers. Chinese President Jiang Zemin addressed the Assembly, praising GEF's "unremitting efforts in, and remarkable contributions to, the global cause of environmental protection." The Beijing Declaration, adopted by Assembly delegates, stressed that the GEF should continue to be a cutting- edge, country-driven facility that is creative, responsive and capable of programming sustainable global envi- ronmental benefits. The Declaration also offered direction for GEF's continued efforts to improve its perform- ance and efficiency. Most importantly, the Declaration affirmed GEF's commitment to assisting in the imple- mentC;ltion of the action plan agreed upon at the World Summit for Sustainable Development, taking into account the situation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. In addition to the Beijing Declaration, these proceedings of the second GEF Assembly contain the opening statement by President Jiang Zemin, statements by heads of delegations to the Assembly, plenary reports, and panel highlights. These proceedings are dedicated to our shared hopes for a healthy environment and a peaceful world. Mohamed El-Ashry Chief Executive Officer & Chairman 4 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS 6 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Second October 18, 2002 Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly Beijing, China October 2002 BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY The Second Global Environment Facility Assembly, Having met in Beijing, China, from October 16-18, 2002, ·Expressing its deep appreciation to the Government and people of the People's Republic of China for hosting the Assembly and for their exceptional generosity, hospitality and arrangements extended to all Participants, Taking note of the views expressed by Representatives of GEF Participant states at this Assembly, Recognizing that managing the global environment benefits all people, since we live in an integrated and interdependent world, and that sustainable development is essential to secure poverty eradication and greater welfare for all people, Acknowledging that the last decade has been a period of significant global change and underscoring the importance of the Millennium Development Goals and amongst those in particular the goal "to free all of humanity, and above all our children and grandchildren, from the threat of living on a planet irredeemably spoiled by human activities, and whose resources would no longer be sufficient for their needs." Welcoming the conclusions of the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August/September 2002, that deepened and strengthened the concept and principles of sustainable development, con- firmed the importance of multilateral action at the global level and the principle of common but differentiated responsibili- ties as set out in principle 7 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and endorsed as a critical priority the effective implementation of the WSSD Plan of Implementation, Noting that since the first Assembly, the GEF has produced significant results in.effectively using its resources for global environmental protection and sustainable development, has strengthened and clarified its institutional structure, and improved the efficiency and effectiveness of its management and operations, Welcoming the successful and substantial Third Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund in the amount of US$2.966 billion (SDR 2.341 billion) which includes voluntary contributions and which will provide additional resources necessary to enable the GEF to address the funding requirements of new focal areas and existing ones and to continue to be responsive to the needs and concerns of its recipient countries, Reaffirming the GE F's overarching objectives, as enunciated in the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured GEF, of providing new and additional grant and concessional funding to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures to achieve global environmental benefits within a framework of sustainable development, Noting that the GEF is a novel multilateral entity based on a partnership among member states as well as among the GEF Secretariat, STAP, and the three implementing agencies - UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank - which have made signifi- cant contributions to the evolution and success of the GEF, Welcoming the increasing partnership with the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization through expanded opportunities for executing agencies, THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 7 Also recognizing that the GEF is the only multi-convention financing facility in existence and is now the major source of funding specifically supporting the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and that the GEF is also a source of funding supporting the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Welcoming the steps that have been taken to further strengthen the relationships with these conventions, Agreeing that the GEF should continue to evolve and apply lessons learned, taking note of Council's decisions and the views and proposals of the Participants and drawing upon the analysis and recommendations from the Second Overall Performance Study of the GEF (OPS2), the third replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund and the CEO's Report on the Policies, Operations and Future Development of the GEF, Agrees that in order to further strengthen the GEF to respond to its evolving challenges: EXPANDED MANDATE OF THE GEF 1. Land degradation, primarily desertification and deforestation, and persistent organic pollutants shall be new GEF focal areas. In this regard, the decision approved by the Assembly to amend the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured GEF is appended to this statement. 2. The Assembly, recalling paragraph 39(f) of the WSSD Plan of Implementation, confirms that the GEF shall be available as a financial mechanism of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa, pursuant to paragraph 21 of the Convention, if the Conference of the Parties should so decide. In this regard, the Assembly requests the Council to consider any such decision of the Conference of the Parties with a view to making the necessary arrangements. THIRD REPLENISHMENT OFTHE GEFTRUST FUND 3. In welcoming the third replenishment, the largest ever, the Assembly calls upon countries and other entities who are in a position to do so to make additional contributions to the GEF. WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPME~T 4. The GEF should assist in the implementation of the results of the WSSD through its work, consistent with its mandate and taking into account the situation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. In particular, the GEF should take into account the importance placed by the Summit on regional and sub-regional initiatives, such as NEPAD and the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainal;>le Development of Small Island Developing States, and on public participation, stakeholder involvement and partnerships. · ENHANCEMENT OF GEF ACTIVITIES ATTHE COUNTRY LEVEL 5. Country drivenness and country ownership are essential to the success of GEF activities. GEF activities should be consis- tent with national priorities and integrated into national planning frameworks, such as national sustainable development strategies and poverty reduction strategies. The GEF should consult with each country on the range of operational tools and programming options developed for accessing GEF assistance (e.g. the small grants program, enabling activities, medium-sized projects, the programmatic approach, and strategic partnerships) so as to tap the most appropriate tools to address needs and enhance performance and effectiveness. 6. The GEF should continue to enhance its partnership with civil society, including nongovernmental organizations, local communities and indigenous peoples' organizations, at the country level. In this regard, the GEF should seek to expand the Small Grants Program to more countries, and in particular to the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. 7. National operational focal points should be strengthened to effectively carry out their responsibilities in the GEF. 8 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS CAPACITY BUILDING c 8. Capacity building is essential to achieving results and improving performance at the country level. The capacity needs and priorities of recipient countries should be identified and addressed in a systematic way if such countries are to be effective in addressing global environment issues. Where a need is identified for capacity building, removal of policy barriers or strengthening of other condition.s that contribute to project success, such capacity building needs or barriers should be addressed as a first step. 9. In addressing capacity building, the GEF should foster synergies amongst the global environmental conventions and coordinate enabling and capacity building activities to achieve effectiveness, efficiency, and better mainstreaming of global environmental issues into the sustainable development agenda. Medium sized projects should play an important role in GEF action for capacity building, particularly in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. STRATEGIC PLANNING 10. The GEF should enhance its strategic business planning for allocating scarce GEF resources to high priority areas within and among focal areas, taking into account national priorities, with a view towards maximizing the impact of these resources on global environmental improvements and promoting sound environmental policies and practices worldwide. PROJECT CYCLE 11. The GEF should continue to be a cutting-edge, country-driven facility that is creative, responsive and capable of pro- gramming sustainable global environmental benefits. In this regard, the GEF project cycle should be reviewed, in coop- eration with the Implementing and Executing Agencies as well as national operational focal points, with a view towards making it more simple and efficient and taking into account lessons learned and findings of the GEF monitoring and evaluation program. INCREMENTAL COSTS 12. GEF should continue its efforts to make more understandable the concept of agreed incremental costs and global benefits by countries and staff of the Implementing and Executing Agencies. Efforts should be aimed at linking global environmental benefits and incremental costs in a negotiating process that partner countries and the GEF would use to reach agreement on incremental costs, recognizing that the process for determining incremental costs should be transparent, flexible and pragmatic. CATALYTIC ROLE 13. The GEF should strengthen its catalytic role, through mainstreaming, cofinancing, and particularly the replication of successful activities on a much larger scale. TECHNOLOGYTRANSFERAND PRIVATE SECTOR 14. The GEF should enhance technology transfer by strengthening public-private partnerships and technology cooperation, both North/South and South/South. 15. Recognizing previous efforts to engage the private sector, the GEF should develop a new strategy, in dialogue with private sector entities, to better engage the private sector with greater emphasis on the development of an enabling environ- ment and market-oriented strategies to enhance sustainability and replication. Such a strategy should aim to further improve operational procedures so as to expand GEF partnerships with the private sector. MEASURING PERFORMANCE THROUGH STRENGTHENED MONITORING AND EVALUATION 16. The GEF should ensure that strategic goals and priorities established in the strategic business plan are linked to pro- grammatic and project performance indicators, including expected outcomes that can be monitored and measured with a view to assessing progress towards fulfilling such strategic goals. THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 9 17. In this regard, the GEF monitoring and evaluation unit, for purposes of evaluation, should. be made independent, reporting directly to the Council. The GEF should establish procedures to disseminate lessons learned and best practices to ensure more systematic use of the results and outputs of GEF projects for the improvement of planning and subse- quent activities. 18. The Assembly expresses its deep appreciation to Mohamed T. El-Ashry for his outstanding commitment and strong leadership and vision in building the GEF as the premier funding mechanism for the global environment during his decade of service as the first CEO/Chairman of the GEF. APPENDIX Decision of the Second Global Environment Facility Assembly The Second Global Environment Facility Assembly, Recalling paragraph 34 of the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured Global Environment Facility, Having considered the recommendations of the GEF Council for proposed amendments to the Instrument, 1. Approves by consensus the following amendments to the Instrument: (a) Amend paragraph 2 by adding two new subparagraphs (e) and (f), which reads: "(e) Land degradation, primarily desertification and deforestation; and (f) Persistent organic pollutants." (b) Revise paragraph 3 to read: "The agreed incremental costs of activities to achieve global environmental benefits concerning chemicals management as they relate to the above focal areas shall be eligible for funding. The agreed incremental costs of other relevant activities under Agenda 21 that may be agreed by the Council shall also be eligible for funding insofar as they achieve global environmental benefits by protecting the global environment in the focal areas." (c) Insert a new sentence before the penultimate sentence of paragraph 6, which reads: "The GEF shall also be available to serve as an entity entrusted with the operation of the financial mechanism of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants." (d) Amend the penultimate sentence of paragraph 6 to read: "In such respects, the GEF shall function under the guidance of, and be accountable to, the Conferences of the Parties which shall decide on policies, program priorities and eligibility criteria for the purposes of the conventions." (e) Amend paragraph 21 (f) to read: "Coordinate with the Secretariats of other relevant international bodies, in particular the Secretariats of the conventions referred to in paragraph 6, the Secretariats of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and its Multilateral Fund and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa." 2. Invites the CEO/Chairman of the Facility to submit these amendments to the Implementing Agencies and the Trustee and to request that the y adopt the amendments in accordance with their respective rules and procedural requirements. 3. Invites the CEO/Chairman of the Facility to inform all Participants of the effectiveness of the amendments once the Implementing Agencies and Trustee have approved them. 10 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Second October 18, 2002 Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly Beijing, China October 2002 r2002 ~ 10 J3 16-18 B:ft~t:Jit¥ff, .:£?F1*1*~i~t9=t~A~jt~o OOmtffif~DA~±?b<*Fstk:~, ,&;!t[t]~-f* ~~~~6rr~~ 1¥Ttl1fl%., ~f~~01(:J:lj:, ;'!ff. iRffl/ffi -T ~ fi'J 1:. $1£-1' ~~Ji 1t :ff i¥J ttt J'f-1: , WJJ![ ~ :BJHt ~ xt JiJT ff i¥J Ai~~ ff 5fU 1¥J, ~~. ey~-~~~•*m~~rn~~m~A~~*m~. ~~:ftrl~10~9=1.~¥~1:.Tm*~~.~ili~~T<~~~~~§~»1¥Jm~ 't'.f, :Jt;tt~!V-~§~1Fi¥Jm~~..'X.: "ft~A~. !r5t~~ffJl¥J-=f'.f1J\, ~-T1:.m1±--t-~A ~m~m~eym@~•~. ;tt~•Nili~~-~A~m~1¥J~J'f-1:1¥J~~"o ~ 8 J319 J31±i¥J ~F: i¥J ~'iJ@P'J AA~*1r 1¥Jey~~~ ~~ filJ »I tt!:J'f- fr Jilli ~iSl 1~ ili Xki!P 2002 1¥1~~. ~~~~Y*~~~~yey~-~~-*~~~; -~T1±~¥-m*~$~fi~ m i¥J m~tl:., IV-,& ( J!~'-JJ;;f-~ --'=J ~~ '§ ~) 7 rm~ !Jlij M1: ili i¥J jt ~ {8 ff JiJT [R ~Ll i¥J jf{f ~ !Jllj i¥J m~tt; ~~rew~~~cey~-~~~•tttJ'f-!r~~~~fitt~»~~--t-m~1¥Jtt5t ¥rm-, !!f'fff§;ttm-@-A~!V-*, lf~¥~B~tEtJJ~5fUffl;!t~~*1:~Hft~¥lf~~o~J,W.ey ~-~~~w~~Tm*~~.~~*~•T;lt-f*MM~. #M1:~T;!tWJJ![I~~~*l¥J :X~$~O:X~)J' xtl!P~r}J:ltt1rTPF~¥~1~n¥~1¥J~-=-{J\:fl~, -A$il!t:ll1Jo¥~1¥J~~~tm, ft;tt '21115 § L!ffi*J\:tEP'J:ittU 29.66 fl~iG (23.41 flt~~IJM1:*J\1JZ) , ~{)\:fl~~~-1~~'~1¥J$~jr THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 11 •~· *~~m~~~••~fioo~~1foom~~~~•~oo1Hi*·*~~~~~•oooo ffei ~ ~o ~a: 11= tB &m., N*<~tt&moo±~~m~~~~x#»m~~m~~oo~~§~. ~.mmfioo ~~*OO•~~tt·~~. ~-mA:tE~~~~Moom~~~~±~~m~~OOM~ft!E OO*x~ffl, iiLif~m~~~--tfi oo $ :lll~1*, ~ ~JJX:ff-! z rm ~&~m~~*]-t5~, w~tt7f:l®l ~~m~=-t~frm~c*~*~~,~mm~~~filW@fr)zOOoo*~~#~~A~ ~. ~~m~B~A~m~~OO~M~JJX:~•teTm*~·· %/f~tt1t*~~tJL~OOtJL~rm*:1JOT l=j ~ rtJLtt.l00*11=1:k1=f~~: ~~~MH~tlHr' ~~H~@fr,~~~~H~@fr,~~H~@fr,~*OO~~&aft@~, oo~aft~ M~~~o~*OOift~M~JHR. ~A1*• < iE&.il?fffef m~~~IYl1f oo Pl-$ 0£"1 iM• tJLfl5U, § mr ~ 1m $ff't'f 0£"1 » ~<~*oo~~~~m~0~»00.3::~•~*•· #~~,~~-~-~~tt1fm~~1m m 0~»~<~*00~~~-~0~»oo•~*•z-, ff!},&,~ -rg.m: ~m~~m.~m~~M~O*~l*Jn».~OO~~~iJ!I, a:g¥U:FIJJ~OO~J9l ?R:!E~&~ff-! oooog_m~omi)(. #5fLlffl~m~~~=1?t,~,f-*~~~:)(7t;tH:t~f5 cops2) , ~m ~~*~~~--~*•~<~~~fr~~r~m~~oo~•,ft*~~*~Moom~» mmte OO?ttH~*~oJtt-Sl, fI[J,&.J1 T:1Jo5.!E~m~~x1Jt::fWT~1tOO:l'jfir!tJG*~x-t~oo~~JJ = !J:XPF!ft!ff~tflffj} fii/lfl i. m.~1E±:l:!!!i!1t, .3::~~m1~1t~o***WZ1x. ~&~~tl:1ftJL~~1tA~m~~fiOO m~~9i~o :tE~1JOO, :k~1lti1E T-J9i?Jc/E, ~1~iT <~tt2Jl~il.OO±~~m~~~~X14», ~?R:!Emr*xzJ§ o 2. *~§Jwm <~~~t~MfiJJ®IfilW ~I™i~t-Sl~1rit::JGU» ~ 39Cf)~. 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THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 15 j)ff ffe: ~!*I~±.ltl~~=mi*~a~IR~ ±f:JtEf :fi~~· =fatk~, @~«~tt~m~±~~:li~~~~x#»•34m, *~T~:!i~~~-~~m~•~«x#»mmili~~~. i. l~U1J l1lj -J&1Jit flt f'txif «x 14 » 1!iiT ~11 r = w •~•2m, fr~~*~~~~m~~oo~r= " ~ ±~m~. ±~~mm~~-#~ft; ~ (f) ~Atl:1ftJLr5~4i!Jo " (b) ~• 3 m~7'1: "~J;J~~±~~:li~~mHM~~~~~~ffl~, R~~~~~m~®•=ff :k, ~11lj;E~*x~ffl:f:1J1ff~~J]}J~14o ~~~tt~-~~~. fr «21 lt!:~Cii)lfJ!D) r*~~~~:ff:km~.R~~•~tt§~m~~-m~±~~~*~~±~~ jjt~:X~. illW1-1-~~J]}J~14o " ~ fr•6mru~•2~~z~m~~~-~~~r= "~~~~~&4~7'J~~~~*~W«:k~~~tt1fm~~~~~•m~•0 » * ~'g ~ Yfj tJL ittl ~:IE 1-t 0 " ~ ~•6mffl~m2~~•n~r= "~i!~1Joo.~m¥~~~-~1J~~~m~r~~~~*~~~*I*·• ~1i*~~7'10~~§~~~-,1J~~~~m~~&~ili~~o" (e) ~~• 2I(f)m1JiiTr&7'J: "~~~1f:koo~m~~~~~*~~~.ft~~~•6mm~~~0~~~~ ~, «:k-TmnA•m~m~•~~~~~~»&~~~~~~~~~,~&«~ ~OO:k-Tft~~Fm-Tlf-*11/:e)(;m¥~1t~ 00%t~JJU~fr~~¥HllWYiti'rL¥~1t~0~'g)) ~ fM~~*1rim·~ o ,, 2. iff.Et:li~~J¥rm;tA1rB"1±m;~i!.tl±.1liJEmx:~1A1rtJLt~*11~~tJLt~. il't1rJ~1m ~~~m~~~~m5Emtti!.t1±.•JE0 3. wfEf:fi~~J¥rm;tA1rB"1±m;fr~rA1rtJLt~*11'.3t~tJLt~m&Ti!.tl:h1~JEzFoim~11 JYT:ff ~ffl ~' J.!.tl:h1~JE~ 8~~'.£~Jlo 16 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Second October 18, 2002 Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly Beijing, China Ocfober 2002 DECLARACION OE BEIJING DE LA SEGUNDA ASAMBLEA DEL FMAM La segunda Asamblea del Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial, Habiendose reunido en Beijing (China) del 16 al 18 de octub re de 2002, Expresando su profundo reconocimiento al Gobierno y al pueblo de la Republica Popular de China par haber hospedado esta Asamblea y par su excepcional generosidad, hospitalidad y atenciones ofrecidas a todos las Participantes, Tomando nota de las opiniones expresadas par las representantes de las Estados participantes del FMAM en esta Asamblea, Reconociendo que la ardenaci6n del media ambiente mundial produce beneficios para todos, ya que vivimos en un mundo integrado e interdependiente, y que el desarrollo sostenible es imprescindible para conseguir la erradicaci6n de la pobreza y un mayor bienestar para todas las personas, Reconociendo que el pasado decenio ha sido un perfodo de importantes cambios mundiales, y subrayando la importancia de las objetivos de desarrollo del milenio, en particular el de "liberar a toda la humanidad, y ante todo a nuestros hijos y nietos, de la amenaza de vivir en un planeta irremediablemente dariado par las actividades del hombre, y cuyos recursos ya no alcancen para satisfacer sus necesidades", Acogiendo con satisfacci6n las conclusiones de la Cumbre Mundial sabre el Desarrollo Sostenible celebrada en Johannesburgo (Sudafrica) en agosto y septiembre de 2002, en la que se profundizaron y consolidaron el concepto y las principios de desarrollo sostenible, confirm6 la importancia de la acci6n multilateral de alcance mundial y el principio de responsabilidades comunes pero diferenciadas tal coma se reconoce en el Principia 7 de la Declaraci6n de Rfo sabre el Media Ambiente y el Desarrollo y ratific6 coma prioridad crftica la ejecuci6n eficaz del Plan de Aplicaci6n de la Cumbre Mundial sabre el Desarrollo Sostenible, Observando que desde la primera Asamblea, el FMAM ha conseguido resultados importantes en lo que respecta a la uti- lizaci6n eficaz de sus recursos para la protecci6n del media ambiente mundial y el desarrollo sostenible, ha fortalecido y aclarado su estructura institucional y ha aumentado la eficiencia y eficacia de su gesti6n y operaciones, Acogiendo con agrado el exito y magnitud de la tercera reposici6n del Fonda Fiduciario del FMAM, par un manta de US$2.966 millones (DEG 2.341 millones), en la que se incluyen contribuciones voluntarias y que aportara las recursos adi- cionales necesarios para que el FMAM pueda cumplir las requisitos de financiamiento de nuevas esferas de actividad, · ademas de las ya existentes, y continue atendiendo las necesidades y preocupaciones de sus pafses receptares, Reafirmando las objetivos fundamentales del FMAM, enunciados en el /nstrumento Constitutiva de/ Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial Reestructurada, consistentes en proparcionar financiamiento nuevo y adicional en forma de donaciones yen condiciones favorables para hacer frente a los costos adicionales convenidos que entrarian las medidas encaminadas a lograr beneficios para el media ambiente mundial en un marco de desarrollo sostenible, Tomando nota de que el FMAM es una entidad multilateral original, basada en la asociaci6n entre los Estados miembros y y entre la Secretarfa del FMAM, el STAP tres organismos de ejecuci6n - el Banco Mundial, el PNUD y el PNUMA-, que han contribuido en forma notable a la evoluci6n y exito del FMAM, THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 17 Acogiendo con satisfacci6n la creciente asociaci6n entre el Banco Africano de Desarrollo, el Banco Asiatico de Desarrollo, el Banco Europeo de Reconstrucci6n y Fomento, el Banco lnteramericano de Desarrollo, la Organizaci6n de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentaci6n, el Fondo Internacional de Desarrollo Agricola y la Organizaci6n de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo Industrial mediante la ampliaci6n de las nuevas oportunidades de actuar como organis- mos de ejecuci6n, Reconociendo tambien que el FMAM es el unico servicio de financiamiento existente para varias convenciones o convenios · y constituye ahora la principal fuente de financiamiento orientado expresamente a apoyar el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biol6gica y la Convenci6n Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climatico y que el FMAM es tambien una fuente de financiamiento en apoyo del Convenio de Estocolmo sobre Contaminantes Organicos Persistentes y la Convenci6n de las Naciones Unidas de Lucha contra la Desertificaci6n, Acogiendo con satisfacci6n las medidas que se han adoptado para intensificar todavfa mas las relaciones con esas conven- ciones y convenios, Estando de acuerdo en que el FMAM debe continuar evolucionando y aplicando las ensenanzas aprendidas, teniendo en cuenta las decisiones de/ Consejo y las opiniones y propuestas de /os Participantes y aprovechando el analisis y recomenda- ciones de! Segundo estudio sobre los resultados globales de! FMAM (ERG2), la tercera reposici6n de! Fondo Fiduciario del FMAM y el !nforme def Funcionario Ejecutivo Principal sabre las politicas y operaciones def FMAM y su evoluci6n futura, Conviene, con el fin de capacitar todavfa mas al FMAM a responder a los nuevos desaffos que se le presentan, en lo siguiente: MANDATO AMPLIADO DEL FMAM 1. La degradaci6n de la tierra, y en particular la desertificaci6n y deforestaci6n, y los contaminantes organicos persistentes seran las nuevas esferas de actividad de/ FMAM. A este respecto, se adjunta a la presente declaraci6n la decision aprobada por la Asamblea de enmendar el lnstrumento Constitutivo de/ Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial Reestructurado. 2. La Asamblea, recordando el parrafo 39 f) del Plan de Aplicaci6n de la Cumbre Mundial sabre el Desarrol/o Sostenible, confirma que el FMAM debera actuar como mecanismo de financiamiento de la Convenci6n de las Naciones Unidas de lucha contra la desertificaci6n en los pafses afectados por sequfa grave o desertificaci6n, en particular en Africa, de conformidad con el parrafo 21 de la Convenci6n, si la Conferencia de las Partes asf lo decidiera. A este respecto, la Asamblea pide al Consejo que cons idere dicha decision de la conferencia de las Partes con el fin de adoptar las dis- posiciones necesarias. TERCERA REPOSICION DEL FONDO FIDUCIARIO DEL FMAM 3. La Asamblea, al mismo tiempo que acoge con agrado la tercera reposici6n, la mayor hasta la fecha, pide a los parses y a otras entidades que estan en condiciones de hacerlo que efectuen contribuciones adicionales al FMAM. CUMBRE MUNDIAL SOBRE EL DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE 4. El FMAM deberfa ayudar a hacer realidad los resultados de la Cumbre Mundial sabre el Desarrollo Sostenible con sus actividades, de conformidad con su mandato y teniendo en cuenta la situaci6n de los pafses menos ade/antados y de los pequenos Estados insulares en desarrollo. En particular, el FMAM deberfa tener en cuenta la importancia concedida por la Cumbre a las iniciativas regionales y subregionales, como la Nueva Asociaci6n para el Desarrollo de Africa y el Programa de Acci6n de Barbados para el desarrollo sostenib/e de los pequenos Estados insulares en desarrollo, ya la participaci6n publica, la intervenci6n de las partes interesadas y las asociaciones. FOMENTO DE LAS ACTIVIDADES DEL FMAM EN LOS PAiSES 5. Las actividades del FMAM s61o pueden dar resultados positivos si estan impulsadas y protagonizadas por los parses. Dichas actividades deberan ser compatibles con las prioridades nacionales e integrarse en /os marcos de planificaci6n de los pafses, como las estrategias nacionales de desarrollo sostenible y las estrategias de reducci6n de la pobreza. El FMAM deberfa consultar a cada pafs sabre los posibles instrumentos operacionales y opciones de programaci6n elabo- 18 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS rados para tener acceso a la asistencia de! FMAM (por ejemplo, el Programa de Pequerias Donaciones, las actividades de apoyo, los proyectos de tamario mediano, el enfoque prograniatico y .las asociaciones estrategicas) con el fin de uti- lizar los instrumentos mas adecuados para atender las necesidades y mejorar los resultados y la eficacia. 6. El FMAM deberfa continuar intensificando su asociaci6n con la sociedad civil, incluidas las orga nizaciones no guberna- mentales, las comunidades locales y las organizaciones de pueblos indfgenas, dentro de los respectivos pafses. A este respecto, el FMAM deberfa tratar de hacer llegar el Programa de Pequerias Donaciones a mas pafses y, en particular, a los pafses menos adelantados y a los pequerios Estados insulares en desarrollo. 7. Es preciso reforzar los centros nacionales de coordinaci6n de las operaciones para que asuman eficazmente sus respon- sabilidades dentro del FMAM. FORTALECIMIENTO DE LA CAPACIDAD 8. El fortalecimiento de la capacidad es imprescindible para conseguir los resultados y mejorar el desemperio en los pafses. Es preciso identificar y atender en forma sistematica las prioridades y necesidades de capacidad de los pafses receptores para que estos puedan ocuparse con eficacia de las cuestiones relacionadas con el medio ambiente mundial. Cuando se detecta la necesidad de fortalecimiento de la capacidad, deberfa abordarse en primer lugar la eliminaci6n de los obstaculos normativos o el fortalecimiento de otras condiciones que contribuyan al exito de los proyectos. 9. En sus actividades de fortalecimiento de la capacidad, el FMAM deberfa fomentar las sinergias entre las convenciones y convenios sobre el medio ambiente mundial y coordinar las actividades de apoyo y de fortalecimiento de la capacidad para lograr eficacia y eficiencia e incorporar mejor las cuestiones ambientales mundiales en el programa de desarrollo sostenible. Los proyectos de tamario mediano deberfan desemperiar un papel importante en las iniciativas de fortalec- imiento de la capacidad del FMAM, sobre todo en los pafses menos adelantados y los pequerios Estados insulares en desarrollo. · PLANIFICACION ESTRATEGICA 10. El FMAM deberfa reforzar su planificaci6n estrategica para asignar sus escasos recursos a las cuestiones de maxima pri- oridad dentro de cada una de las esferas de actividad o entre ellas, teniendo en cuenta las prioridades nacionales, con el fin de multiplicar los efectos de estos recursos en las mejoras del medio ambiente mundial y promover en todo el mundo polfticas y practicas favorables al medio ambiente. CICLO DE LOS PROYECTOS 11. El FMAM deberfa continuar siendo un servicio de vanguardia e impulsado por las pafses, creativo, flexible y capaz de programar beneficios ambientales mundiales sostenibles. A este respecto, el ciclo de los proyectos del FMAM deberfa revisarse en cooperaci6n con los organismos de ejecuci6n y las entidades encargadas de los proyectos, asf como con los centros de coordinaci6n de las operaciones en los pafses, con el fin de hacerlo mas racional y eficiente y teniendo en cuenta las enserianzas aprendidas y las conclusiones del programa de seguimiento y evaluaci6n del FMAM. COSTOS INCREMENTALES 12. El FMAM deberfa prolongar sus esfuerzos por hacer mas comprensible para los pafses y el personal de los organismos de ejecuci6n y de las entidades encargadas de la ejecuci6n de los proyectos el concepto de costos incrementales con- venidos. Dichos esfuerzos deberfan orientarse a vincular los beneficios ambientales mundiales y costos incrementales en un proceso de negociaci6n que los pafses asociados y el FMAM utilizarfan para llegar a un acuerdo sobre los costos incrementales, reconociendo que el proceso para determinar estos costos debe ser transparente, flexible y pragmatico. FUNCION CATALIZADORA 13. El FMAM deberfa intensificar su funci6n de agente catalizador mediante la integraci6n, el cofinanciamiento y, en partic- ular, la reproducci6n en escala mucho mayor de las actividades concluidas con exito. THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 19 TRANSFERENCIA DE TECNOLOGiA Y SECTOR PRIVADO 14. El FMAM deberfa fomentar la transferencia de tecnologfa intensificando las asociaciones entre el sector publico y priva- do y la cooperacion tecnologica, tanto Norte/Sur coma Sur/Sur. 15. Reconociendo los anteriores esfuerzos por implicar al sector privado, el-FMAM deberfa formular una nueva estrategia, en dialogo con entidades de! sector privado, para atraer mejor a dicho sector, hacienda especial hincapie en el establecimiento de un entorno propicio y de estrat~gias orientadas al mercado para lograr una mayor sostenibilidad y la reproduccion de las actividades. Dicha estrategia deberfa tratar de mejorar los procedimientos operacionales con el fin de ampliar las asociaciones del FMAM con el sector privado. CUANTIFICACION DEL DESEMPENO MEDIANTE LA INTENSIFICACION DEL SEGUIMIENTO Y LA EVALUACION 16. El FMAM deberia velar por que las metas y prioridades estrategicas establecidas en el plan de actividades esten asoci- adas con indicadores de desempel'io de los programas y proyectos, con inclusion de resultados previstos que se puedan supervisar y cuantificar a fin de evaluar los progresos hacia el logro de las metas estrategicas. 17. A este respecto, el equipo de seguimiento y evaluacion de! FMAM deberfa ser declarado independiente, en lo tocante a la evaluacion, y rendir informes directamente al Consejo. El FMAM deberfa establecer procedimientos para difundir las ensel'ianzas aprendidas y las practicas optimas con el fin de conseguir una utilizacion mas sistematica de los resultados y productos de los proyectos del FMAM y de esa manera mejorar la planificacion y las actividades posteriores. 18. La Asamblea expresa su profundo reconocimiento a Mohamed T. El-Ashry por su encomiable compromiso, firme liderazgo y clarividencia, que han permitido hacer del FMAM el mecanismo primario de financiamiento para el media ambiente mundial durante el decenio de su mandato como Funcionario Ejecutivo Principal y Presidente de! FMAM. APENDICE Decision de la segunda Asamblea del Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial La segunda Asamblea del Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial, Recordando el parrafo 34 de! lnstrumento Constitutivo de! Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial Reestructurado, Habiendo considerado las recomendaciones de! Consejo de! FMAM sabre las enmiendas propuestas al lnstrumento, 1. Aprueba por consenso las siguientes enmiendas al lnstrumento: a) Modificar el parrafo 2 mediante la adicion de dos incisos, e) y f): "e) Degradacion de la tierra, fundamentalmente desertificacion y deforestacion, y f) Contaminantes organicos persistentes". b) Rectificar el parrafo 3, de la siguiente manera: "Se podra recibir financiamiento para cubrir los costos incrementales convenidos de actividades orientadas a lograr beneficios para el media ambiente mundial referidas a la gestion de productos qufmicos, en la medida en que se relacionen con las esferas de actividades antes mencionadas. Tambien se podra recibir financiamiento para cubrir los costos incrementales convenidos de otras actividades pertinentes con arreglo al Programa 21 que pueda acordar el Consejo, en la medida en que sirvan para el logro de beneficios para el media ambiente mundial al encaminarse a la proteccion de este en las esferas de actividades mencionadas". 20 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S c) Anadir la siguiente oraci6n delante de la penultima oraci6n del parrafo 6: "El FMAM debera tambien estar dispuesto a actuar como entidad encargada del funcionamiento del mecanismo financiero del Convenio de Estocolmo sobre Contaminantes Organicos Persistentes". d) Modificar la penultima oraci6n del parrafo 6, de la siguiente manera: "En tales casos, el FMAM funcionara bajo la direcci6n de las Conferencias de las Partes, que decidiran las polrticas, las prioridades en materia de programas y los criterios de admisibilidad a los efectos de la convenci6n y los convenios mencionados". e) Modificar el inciso f) del parrafo 21, en los siguientes terminos: "Coordinar con las secretarras de otros 6rganos internacionales pertinentes, en particular las secretarras de la convenci6n y los convenios senalados en el parrafo 6 y las secretarras del Protocolo de Montreal relativo a las sustancias que agotan la capa de ozono y su Fondo Multilateral, y de la Convenci6n de las Naciones Unidas de Lucha contra la Desertificaci6n en los Parses Afectados por Sequra Grave o Desertificaci6n, en particular en Africa". 2. lnvita al Funcionario Ejecutivo Principal y Presidente del FMAM a que presente estas enmiendas a los organismos de ejecuci6n y al Depositario y que les pida que las adopten de. conformidad con sus respectivas normas y reglamentos. 3. lnvita al Funcionario Ejecutivo Principal y Presidente del FMAM a que informe a todos los Participantes sobre la entrada en vigor de las enmiendas una vez que hayan sido aprobadas por los organismos de ejecuci6n y el Depositario. THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 21 Second October 18, 2002 Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly Beijing, China October 2002 DEUXIEME ASSEMBLEE DU FEM DECLARATION DE BEIJING La deuxieme Assemblee du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial, Reunie a Beijing (Chine) du 16 au 18 octobre 2002, Exprimant sa profonde gratitude au Gouvernement et au peuple de la Republique populaire de Chine et Jes remerciant vivement de leur generosite, de leur hospitalite et des dispositions remarquables prises a l'egard de tous Jes Participants, Prenant note des points de vue exprimes a l~Assemblee par Jes representants des Etats participant au FEM, Reconnaissant qu'une gestion de l'environnement au niveau de la planete profite a tous dans un monde se caracterisant par son integration et son interdependance et que le developpement doit imperativement etre durable pour pouvoir eradi- quer la pauvrete et ameliorer le sort de l'humanite, Constatant que de profonds changements sont intervenus a l'echelle mondiale au cours des dix dernieres annees et soulig- nant !'importance des objectifs de developpement du Millenaire et plus particulierement celui « d'eviter a !'ensemble de a l'humanite, et surtout nos enfants et petits-enfants, d'avoir a vivre sur une planete irremediablement degradee par Jes activites humaines et dont Jes ressources ne peuvent plus repondre a leurs besoins. » Se felicitant des conclusions du Sammet mondial pour le developpement durable, organise a Johannesburg (Afrique du Sud) en aoOt-septembre 2002, qui ont developpe et renforce la notion et Jes principes du developpement durable, confir- me !'importance d'une action multilaterale au niveau mondial, rappele le principe de responsabilites communes mais differenciees enonce dans le Principe 7 de la Declaration de Rio sur l'environnement et le developpement, et place aux pre- miers rangs des priorites la mise en oeuvre effective du plan d'execution du Sammet, · Notant que, depuis la premiere Assemblee, le FEM a obtenu d'importants resultats en tirant efficacement parti de ses ressources pour preserver le patrimoine ecologique mondial et promouvoir un developpement durable, qu'il a renforce et precise sa structure institutionnelle, et que sa gestion et ses operations sont devenues plus efficaces tant du point de vue des coots que des resultats, Se felicitant de l'aboutissement de la troisieme reconstitution des ressources de la Caisse du FEM qui comprend des contri- butions volontaires et dont le montant eleve (2,966 milliards de dollars, soit 2, 341 milliards de DTS) donnera au FEM Jes ressources supplementaires dont ii a besoin pour faire face aux besoins de financement des nouveaux domaines d'inter- vention et de ceux qui existent deja, tout en continuant a etre attentif aux besoins et aux soucis des pays beneficiaires, Reaffirmant que l'objectif fondamental du FEM, enonce dans !'Instrument pour la restructuration du Fonds pour l'environ- a nement mondial, est de fournir des moyens de financement nouveaux et supplementaires destines couvrir Jes surcoOts convenus de mesures visant a ameliorer la protection de l'environnement mo ndial dans un cadre de developpement durable, Faisant observer que le FEM est un mecanisme multilateral· d'un genre nouveau reposant sur un partenariat entre ses Etats membres et entre son Secretariat, le STAP et Jes trois Agents d'execution - PNUD, PNUE et Banque mondiale - dont !'ac- tion a fortement contribue a son evolution et a son succes, 22 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Se felicitant du resserrement de la cooperation avec la Banque africaine de developpement, la Banque asiatique de developpement, la Banque europeenne pour la reconstruction et le developpement, la Banque interamericaine de developpement, !'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et !'agriculture, le Fonds international de developpe- ment agricole et !'Organisation des Nations Unies pour le developpement industriel dans le cadre du mecanisme d'elar- gissement du role des organismes d'execution, Reconnaissant egalement que le FEM est le seul organisme de financement commun a plusieurs conventions, qu'il est maintenant la premiere source de financement expressement consacree a la Convention sur la diversite biologique et la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques, et qu'il contribue aussi financierement a !'applica- tion de la Convention de Stockholm sur !es polluants organiques persistants et la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la desertification, Se felicitant des mesures prises pour resserrer encore davantage les liens avec !es instances de ces conventions, S'accordant a penser que le FEM doit continuer d'evoluer et d'appliquer les enseignements tires de son action, prenant bonne note des decisions du Conseil et des points de vue et propositions des Participants, et puisant dans les analyses et les recommandations du Deuxieme bilan global du FEM, de la Troisieme reconstitution des ressources de la Caisse et du Rapport du Directeur general sur /es politiques, /es operations et /'evolution future du FEM, Convient que pour rendre le FEM encore mieux a meme de s'acquitter de ses missions en evolution : ELARGISSEMENT DU MANDAT DU FEM 1. La degradation des sols, surtout par la desertification et le deboisement, et les polluants organiques persistants doivent devenir de nouveaux domaines d'intervention du FEM. A cet egard, la decision qu'a approuvee l'Assemblee aux fins de la modification de I'· Instrument pour la restructuration du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial est jointe en annexe a la presente declaration. 2. Rappelant la teneur du paragraphe 39 f) du Plan d'execution du Sommet mondial sur le developpement durable, l'Assemblee confirme que le FEM doit pouvoir faire office de mecanisme financier de la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la desertification dans les pays gravement touches par la secheresse et/ou la desertification, en parti- culier en Afrique, conformement au paragraphe 21 de cet instrument, si la Conference des parties en decide ainsi. A cette fin, l'Assemblee demande au Conseil du FEM de se placer dans cette perspective avant de prendre les dispositions necessaires. TROISIEME RECONSTITUTION DES RESSOURCES DE LA CAISSE DU FEM 3. L'Assemblee se felicite de la troisieme reconstitution des ressources de la Caisse, a un niveau encore jamais atteint, et appelle les pays et les autres entites qui le pe·uvent a verser des contributions additionnelles au FEM. SOMMET MONDIAL SUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DURABLE 4. Par ses travaux, le FEM doit contribuer a !'application des resultats du Sommet mondial sur le developpement durable en s'acquittant de son mandat et en tenant compte de la situation des pays !es moins avances (PMA) et des petits Etats insulaires en developpement. Le FEM doit en particulier prendre en compte l'aw~nt mis par le Sommet sur les initiatives regionales et sousregionales, comme le NEPAD et le Programme d'action de la Barbade pour le deve loppement durable des petits Etats insulaires en developpement, sur la participation de la population, !'implication des differents acteurs et les partenariats. RENFORCEMENT DES ACTIVITES DU FEM AU NIVEAU NATIONAL 5. L'action du FEM ne peut etre concluante que si le pays concerne la suscite et la reprend pleinement a son compte. Les activites du FEM doivent correspondre aux priorites nationales et etre prises en compte dans les dispositifs nationaux de planification, tels que les strategies de promotion d'un developpement durable et les strategies de reduction de !'inci- dence de la pauvrete. II faut que le FEM s'entretienne avec chaque pays de la gamme des outils operationnels et des instruments de programmation donnant acces a son aide (programme de microfinancements, activites habilitantes, THE BEIJING DECLARATION OF THE SECOND GEF ASSEMBLY 23 projets de moyenne envergure, approche-programme et partenariats strategiques) afin d'utiliser ceux qui conviennent le mieux pour repondre aux besoins et ameliorer la performance et l'efficacite. 6. Au niveau national, le FEM doit continuer a renforcer son partenariat avec la societe civile, et notamment avec les organisations non-gouvernementales, Jes populations locales et Jes organisations representant Jes populations autochtones. A cet egard, le FEM doit ouvrir son programme de microfinancements a un plus grand nombre de pays, a commencer par Jes pays Jes mains avances et Jes petits Etats insulaires en developpement. 7. Les points focaux nationaux doivent etre renforces pour assumer efficacement leurs responsabilites au sein du FEM RENFORCEMENT DES CAPACITES 8. II est indispensable de renforcer Jes capacites pour obtenir des resultats et ameliorer la performance au niveau national. Les besoins et priorites des pays beneficiaires dans ce domaine doivent etre recenses et abordes de fa<;on systematique pour permettre a ces pays d'apporter une reponse efficace aux problemes environnementaux de dimension planetaire. Lorsque !'on determine qu'il est necessaire de renforcer Jes capacites, de lever des obstacles structurels ou de favoriser des elements qui contribuent au SUCCeS d'un projet, iJ faut d'abord repondre a ces besoins OU eJiminer ces obstacles. 9. Pour renforcer Jes capacites, le FEM doit rechercher Jes synergies entre Jes conventions sur l'environnement mondial et coordonner Jes activites habilitantes et Jes actions de renforcement des capacites pour gagner en efficacite au plan des resultats comme a celui des coots et mieux faire entrer Jes questions environnementales a caractere mondial dans le cadre des politiques de developpement durable. Les projets de moyenne envergure doivent jouer un role important dans Jes actions que le FEM mene en faveur du renforcement des capacites, particulierement dans Jes pays Jes mains · avances et dans Jes petits Etats insulaires en developpement. PLANIFICATION STRATEGIQUE 10. Le FEM doit renforcer son plan d'activite strategique pour repartir au mieux ses ressources limitees entre Jes grandes priorites des domaines d'intervention et a l'interieur de ceux-ci, en tenant compte des priorites nationales, afin que ces financements aient le plus grand impact possible sur !'amelioration de l'environnement mondial et favorisent !'adoption de politiques et methodes environnementales rationnelles a l'echelle mondiale. CYCLE DES PROJETS 11. Le FEM doit continuer d'etre un instrument a la pointe du progres, ayant Jes pays pour moteur, creatif, attentif aux besoins et capable de programmer des effets positifs durables sur l'environnement mondial. A cet egard, ii convient de revoir le cycle des projets, en cooperation avec Jes Agents et organismes d'execution et Jes points focaux nationaux au niveau technique, afin de le simplifier et de le rendre plus efficace, en tenant compte des enseignements et des resul- tats issus de son programme de suivi et d'evaluation. SurcoOt 12. Le FEM doit poursuivre ces efforts pour permettre aux pays et aux services des Agents et organismes d'execution de mieux apprehender le principe du surcoOt convenu et la notion d'effets positifs sur l'environnement mondia I. II faut s'efforcer de relier Jes effets salutaires sur l'environnement mondial aux surcoOts dans un cadre de negociation que Jes a a pays partenaires et le FEM utiliseront pour parvenir un .accord sur le montant retenir, conscients que le processus de chiffrage doit etre transparent, souple et pragmatique. ROLE CATALYSEUR 13. Le FEM doit davantage mettre !'accent sur son role de catalyseur pour favoriser la prise en compte de l'environnement dans Jes projets de developpement ordinaires, faciliter la mobilisation de cofinancements et inciter a reediter ailleurs, sur une beaucoup plus grande echelle, Jes projets reussis. TRANSFERT DE TECHNOLOGIE ET SECTEUR PRIVE 14. Le FEM doit mettre !'accent sur le transfert de technologies par un renforcement des partenariats entre Jes secteurs public et prive et de la cooperation technologique Nord-Sud aussi bien que Sud-Sud. 24 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S 15. Compte tenu des efforts deja deployes pour faire participer les entreprises a ses projets, le FEM doit elaborer, en con- certation avec le secteur prive, une strategie nouvelle pour mieux associer cet acteur a son action en mettant davan- tage l'accent sur la necessite de creer un environnement favorable et de concevoir des strategies fondees sur le jeu du marche qui permettent de perenniser les acquis et de favoriser la transposition des activites. La nouvelle strategie doit avoir pour objectif de continuer a ameliorer le mode operatoire du FEM afin que celui-ci multiplie les partenariats avec le secteur prive. MESURER LA PERFORMANCE GRACE A UN RENFORCEMENT DU TRAVAIL DE SUIVI ET D'EVALUATION 16. Le FEM doit veiller ace que les objectifs et priorites strategiques etablis dans le plan d'activite strategique se rattachent a des indicateurs de projet et de programme, notamment pour evaluer les resultats attendus qui peuvent etre suivis et mesures, afin que les progres effectues dans la realisation des objectifs strategiques puissent etre quantifies. 17. A cet egard, le Groupe de suivi et d'evaluation du FEM doit, aux fins du travail d'evaluation, devenir une entite independante qui rend directement compte au Conseil. Le FEM doit adopter un mecanisme de diffusion des enseigne- ments et des methodes modeles pour que les resultats et les produits de ses projets soient reexploites plus systema- tiquement au profit du travail de planification et des futures interventions. 18. L'Assemblee remercie vivement Mohamed T. El-Ashry pour la determination remarquable, le grand esprit d'initiative et la clairvoyance qu'il a montres pour faire du FEM le premier mecanis me de financement de la protection de l'environ- nement mondial pendant les dix annees de son mandat en qualite de premier Directeur general et President du Fonds. ANNEXE Decision de la deuxieme Assemblee du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial La deuxieme Assemblee du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial, Rappelant le paragraphe 34 de l'lnstrument pour la restructuration du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial, Ayant examine les modifications que le Conseil du FEM recommande d'apporter a !'Instrument, 1. Decide par consensus de modifier !'Instrument comme suit : a) Modifier le paragraphe 2 en ajoutant les deux alineas suivants : « e) degradation des sols, essentiellement par la desertification et le deboisement ; et f) polluants organiques persistants. » b) Modifier le paragraphe 3 en le reformulant comme suit : « Le surcoOt convenu d'activites visant a ameliorer l'environnement de la planete et concernant la gestion des substances chimiques peut faire l'objet d'un tel financement, pour autant que lesdites activites se rapportent aux domaines d'intervention vises ci-dessus. II en est de meme du surcoOt convenu d'autres activites relevant d'Action 21 dont le Conseil pourra approuver la prise en charge, pour autant que lesdites activites contribuent a ameliorer l'environnement mondial en assurant sa protection dans les domaines d'.intervention. » c) Ajouter la phrase suivante avant l'avant-derniere phrase du paragraphe 6 : « Le FEM se tient egalement pret a jouer le role de l'entite faisant office de mecanisme financier de la Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques persistants. » T H E B EI J I N G D EC LA RAT I 0 N 0 F T H E SE C 0 N D G E F AS SE M B LY 25 d) Modifier l'avant-derniere phrase du paragraphe 6 en la reformulant comme suit : « Dans ces differents cas, le FEM se conforme aux directives des Conferences des Parties, qui decident des politiques, des secteurs d'action prioritaires et des criteres d'attribution des ressources aux fins des Conventions, et ii leur rend compte. » e) Modifier le paragraphe 21 f) en le reformulant comme suit : « Assurer la coordination avec les Secretariats des autres organismes internationaux concernes, en particulier les Secretariats des Conventions visees au paragraphe 6 et les Secretariats du Protocole de Montreal relatif a des substances qui appauvrissent la couche d'ozone et de son Fonds multilateral, et de la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la. desertification dans les pays gravement touches par la secheresse et/ou par la desertification, en particulier en Afrique. » 2. Invite le Directeur general et President du Fonds a presenter ces modifications aux Agents d'execution et a l'Administrateur de la Caisse, et a leur demander de les adopter conformement a leurs regles de procedure et regle- ments respectifs. 3. Invite le Directeur general et President du Fonds a informer tous les Participants de l'entree en vigueur de ces modifica- tions une fois approuvees par les Agents d'execution et l'Administrateur de la Caisse. 26 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S Second October 18, 2002 Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly Beijing, China October 2002 ,2002 Y.foi 18-16 lJ"' ,~I '~.}~I J ~ ,~_,_ll ·, ·ts:l.a \-'le. ~ UA . ...! c..>":!"-l • · · •.11 1.,jj'if, ~ :i.!\Sl '-- ...ill.JI,;;;_-; ......--- WWI • :i.:u..JI · '• o .. 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Ilpe,n:rraraeT f,D;IDIIpe.n:ce,n:aTemo oH,n:a rrpe.n:crnBHTb 3TH rrorrpaBKH yqpe)l(.lJ:eHHSIM- HCIIOJIHHTeJISIM H ,n:oaepeHHOMY JIHUY H rropyqHTb HM yTBep,n:HTb HX B COOTBeTCTBHH c HX COOTBeTCTB)'IOmHMH rrpaBHJlaMH H Tpe6oBaHHSIMH rrpoue.n:ypol. 3. Ilpe.n:rraraeT f,D;IDIIpe.n:ce,n:aTemo <l>oH.n:a rrpoHHcpopMHpoBaTo acex yqacTHHKOB o BCTyrrrreHHH 3THX rrorrpaBOK B CHJIY rrocrre HX yTBep)l(.lJ:eHHSI yqpe)l(.lJ:eHHSIMH- HCIIOJIHHTeJISIMH H ,r:(OBepeHHbIM JIHUOM. 42 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S 44 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT BY XIANG HUAICHENG FINANCE MINISTER OF CHINA The convention of the Second Assembly of the GEF in the sources of the sandstorms afflicting the area surrounding Beijing has once again attracted world attention to the Beijing and Tianjin. The fund for Improving Forest Ecology issues of environmental protection and sustainable devel- was set up in 2001 in support of key projects to protect opment, following the conferences in Monterrey and and preserve national forests considered as public goods. Johannesburg. The Assembly has provided a good oppor- These em-environmental projects are generating tangible tunity for us to review the achievements made by the GEF results. By the end of 2001, the cropland of 17.67 million over the past 10 years, to envision its future, and to pro- mu has been converted back to grassland and forests, and mote international cooperation, especially the cooperation wasteland and barren mountains of 16.46 million mu have between developed and developing countries in global been planted with trees and grasses. On water resources environmental protection. Today's seminar on "The GEF management and water and soil conservation, the Chinese and China's Environment" will serve as a useful occasion Government has allocated huge funds to water conservancy for us to voice our opinions, exchange ideas and enhance facilities and key water and soil conservation projects. As a our mutual understanding. I believe the seminar will facili- result, the em-environment and cropland resources have tate a better understanding for people from across the been protected, and soil erosion successfully brought world and especially the GEF, about China's endeavor on under control. On the promotion of technology for envi- environmental protection and the firm determination and ronmental protection, the government has increased its tremendous efforts of the Chinese government to pursue financial support in this area. Since 1991, China has sustainable development. It will also help strengthen the upgraded over 700 heavily polluted chemical factories with cooperation between GEF and China. environmental-friendly technologies, involving more than 1,000 projects. On the buildup of environment monitoring Following the Rio UN Conference on Environment and capacity, in recent years, China has built water-quality Development in 1992, China was among the leading monitoring network on major rivers, automatic monitoring countries in developing and implementing a strategy for systems for some key pollution sources, early-warning and sustainable development. In pursuit of the strategy, the monitoring systems on surface-water quality, geological nation's public finance at all levels has been dedicated to environment monitoring systems, and environmental moni- the promotion of environmental protection, and made sat- toring information systems. These projects have helped isfactory achievements. In recent years, in particular, the strengthen China's capacity to monitor the development in Chinese Government further increased its financial input in environment and resources. In addition, the Chinese this area and strengthened its policy guidance. Fiscal poli- Government has assigned special funds to protect national cies have been playing an increasingly important role in conservation areas, key geological sites, and to protect promoting the coordinated development of the economy, eco-environment conditions in sites of historical interest society and environment in this country. and tourist destinations. All of these projects have made remarkable achievements. - Increasing fiscal input to accelerate the sustainable development of the environment and resources. On - Formulating environment-related fiscal and taxa- the control of pollution, the Central Government ear- tion policies to provide legal guarantees for environ- marked over RMB yuan 40 billion from 1998 to 2001 .for mental protection and sustainable development. In the purpose of cleaning China's most polluted "three rivers recent years, in compliance with the laws and regulations and three lakes", building sewage and waste disposal sys- on environment and resources protection and the guide- tems in major cities, improving the environment around lines on sustainable development, the Ministry of Finance the Three Gorges Dam, encouraging domestic production of China has formulated and refined a series of rules and of environmental protection equipment, and promoting regulations governing the reform of the user-charge mech- comprehensive administration of the environment of anism for sewage discharge, the introduction of fee-based Beijing. Currently, all the related projects are progressing service for sewage disposal, the comprehensive manage- smoothly. On the protection of ecological environment, ment of marine resources, and the protection, develop- since 1998, budgetary appropriations in a large amount ment and rational utilization of land resources. The gov- have been used on projects to protect natural forests, con- ernment seeks to encourage maximum resources utiliza- vert cropland back to grassland and forests, and control tion and clean and green production through taxation poli- INAUGURAL AND OPENING SESSIONS 45 cies. For example, a series of policies have been put in Development Bank, so as to attract more international place to strengthen the collection on resources tax, to resources, technologies and expertise into environmental encourage the recycling of solid and gas waste, and protection in this country. With these efforts, we will be reduce pollutant discharge. able to keep the virtuous circle of a coordinated economic and social development and environmental protection. - Strengthening international cooperation and exchange, mobilizing bilateral and multilateral con- One of the basic concepts in ancient Chinese philosophy is cessional resources, and exploring new funding mech- the harmony between man and nature, which means that anisms for environmental protection. As a founder, a man is an integral part of nature and should treat nature donor as well as a beneficiary of the GEF, China has main- with tolerance and love. There is an old Chinese saying, "A tained close cooperation with the GEF. From 1994 to June thousand-mile journey starts with the first step." Let us try 2002, China obtained funds in the amount of USD 310 our best to improve the environment of the earth, and ful- million committed by GEF. GEF has assisted China in fill the bright prospect of our homeland with green moun- financing around 55 projects, covering a wide range of tains, clear water and blue skies. areas such as climate change, biodiversity protection, industrial energy conservation, renewable energy utiliza- tion, international waters protection, desertification pre- vention and control, and institutional capacity building of related organizations. These projects have either been completed, under implementation, or in preparation. In the meantime, China has received loans of over USD 45 billion in total from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for the purpose of infrastructure development and environmental improvement. These projects have con- tributed substantially to harmonizing resources develop- ment, economic growth and environmental improvement. In addition, the Chinese government attaches importance to using resources from bilateral channels, such as Japan's ODA loans and German grants, to accelerate the pace of improving eco-environment. At the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji solemnly declared to the world that China is determined to move forward unswerv- ingly on the path of sustainable development, and will work with the international community in pursuit of global environmental protection and sustainable development. To this end, China has submitted to the United Nations the Letter of Approval to the Kyoto Protocol to contribute to the global efforts to address the climate warming. As spec- ified in the Tenth Five-Year Plan for National Economic and · Social Development, the Chinese government will intensify the strategic restructuring of its economy, and vigorously implement the sustainable development strategy. In this respect, efforts will be made to strengthen fiscal support to infrastructure development, environmental protection and ecological improvement, through deepening fiscal reform, strengthening budget management and optimizing finan- cial expenditure structure. The government will continue to formulate and adjust fiscal policies related to environmental protection and actively explore market-oriented mechanisms for channeling social investment to environmental protection. China will continue to strengthen its cooperation in envi- ronmental protection with international organizations and multilateral development institutions, such as the GEF, the UNDP, the UNEP, the World Bank and the Asian · 46 AS SEM B LY P R 0 C EE D I N G S ·~' . STATEMENT BY JIANG ZEMIN PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ~~,~~~m¥~~=~~~~*~ 1£~tJ?.:Jiim7fao ~;t, ¥Xi~*q:. ~il&m~o A~,*~¥X~A~~~'~*~~~** ~~~~m•,~6~*~*~••~~ '[p . l!:I! 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Taking the Protecting global environment, achieving sustainable devel- road of sustainable development and promoting harmony opment and building a beautiful homeland for all is not between man and nature, this is the profound conclusion only a shared aspiration of the world's people but also a drown from past historical lessons and a correct choice for pressing task facing all the countries. mankind's future development. 50 AS SEM B LY P R0 C EED I N G S A sustainable development requires that we bring about account of the uneven development of all countries, and harmony among economic growth, environmental protec- abide by the principles of fairness, impartiality and rationality. tion and all-round social progress. The developed countries should take the lead in changing the ways of production and consumption that are inconsis- To develop the economy and eradicate poverty is the basic tent with sustainable development, take a more active part prerequisite for ensuring sustainable development. A sus- in addressing the global environmental issues and help the tainable development of the economy forms the material developing countries with concrete deeds. Meanwhile, the basis for environmental protection and all-round social developing countries should also work hard and promote progress. Without a proper solution to the issue of subsis- their development in their own countries along the tence, there can be no development to speak of, let alone requirement of sustainable development. sustainable development. To achieve sustainable develop- ment, it is essential for the developing countries to focus Second, the global actions of sustainable development on economic development and poverty elimination. If the should give full respect for the sovereignty of countries poverty issue of the developing countries is not properly and their independence in choosing their own path of addressed, the developed countries would find it difficult development. The ability of each country to independently to sustain their own development. choose its own social system and development model in light of its national conditions and to retain control of its To use the resources rationally and protect the environment development process is the vital guarantee to effective pro- effectively is the inevitable requirement for sustainable tection of the country's environment and realization of its development. Development at the expense of squandering sustainable development. All countries should take positive resources and undermining the environment cannot last steps, in keeping with their actual conditions, to rationally long. Natural resources are not inexhaustible, yet the exploit and utilize natural resources, protect the ecosystem demand of human development is ever growing. If the and promote a harmonious development of economic relationship between the two is not addressed properly, it growth and environmental protection. While promoting will inevitably lead to a deterioration of the ecosystem and economic development on their own soil, countries should pose serious threat to the survival and development of also be watchful against possible harm done to the envi- mankind. A recycling economy, which is based on the most ronment of other countries. efficient use of the resources and the most effective pro- tection of the environment, is the only way to achieve sus- Third, the environment issue bears on the common interests tainable development. of mankind. International environmental norms should be formulated through the equal participation of all countries To achieve all-round social progress and improve the quality and reflect their wills and interests. In doing so, the diffi- of people's life is the ultimate goal of sustainable develop- culties of the developing countries should be taken into ment. When the material and cultural needs of the people full consideration and their actual needs respected in an are constantly ignored, development cannot continue or effort to establish a sincere partnership with them. sustain. While promoting economic development, efforts should be made to provide all citizens with equal access to Fourth, since the developing countries are faced with dual development opportunities and conditions for sharing tasks of poverty eradication and environmental protection, equitably the fruits of development so as to bring into it will be very hard for them to achieve sustainable devel- fuller play their initiative and enthusiasm for economic opment without a sound and supportive international eco- development and environmental protection. · nomic environment. To them, a deteriorating environment is the result of poverty. Continuous efforts should therefore It is incumbent upon us all to conform to the trend of the be made to combine poverty elimination with environmental times, cultivate an international political and economic protection. While giving continued attention to the global environment favourable to sustainable development and issues bearing on mankind's survival and development, it is advance the sustainable development cause with redoubled necessary to help the developing countries with their own efforts. problems that have a restraining effect on their develop- ment. Reforms should be introduced to the international On this, I would like to make a few observations. finance, investment and trade regimes. More transfers of funds and technology should be made to the developing First, since there is only one earth for us to share, ensuring countries to ensure their rights to equal development in its sustainable development is the common responsibility the age of economic globalisation and promote capacity of all countries. The principle of common but differentiated building in these countries. responsibilities for the developed and developing countries must be upheld. When apportioning the responsibilities for Over the years, GEF has made unremitting efforts in and sustainable development, it is necessary to take full remarkable contributions to the global cause of environ- INAUGURAL AND OPENING SESSIONS 51 mental protections. China values the positive role played by GEF in the country's environmental protection and is ready to deepen its cooperation with GEF. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to environmental protection and unswervingly commits itself to the strategy of sustainable development. We have made a series of environmental laws, regulations, policies and measures, carried out fruitful programmes on environmen- tal protection and ecological improvement and pushed for- ward in an all-round way the harmonious development of the economy, population, resources and th environment. In recent years, China has stepped up its investment in environ- mental endeavours. From 1998 to 2002, China's investment in these areas totalled 580 billion RMB yuan. While earnestly implementing the various environmental conven- tions it has signed, China has recently approved the Kyoto Protocol. China's successful performance in the field of the environment and development has not only led to a higher environmental quality in China, but also made an important contribution to the global efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development throughout the world. I am convinced that as long as people in all countries work together, a world of lasting peace, universal prosperity and sustainable development will surely become a reality. Let us go into actions, cooperate in good faith and create a better future for the world. May I conclude by wishing the Assembly a complete success! 52 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S STATEMENT BY MOHAMED EL-ASHRY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHAIRMAN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) On behalf of the GEF, its member countries and Council, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, guests, and col- and the heads of its implementing agencies, I, Mr. leagues: Welcome to the Second GEF Assembly. As we . President, want to express sincere thanks and appreciation celebrate GEF's first decade of accomplishments, I want to to you for honoring us with your presence this morning, begin by paying tribute to the many people who have ded- and to the Government and people of China for hosting icated themselves to making the GEF what it is today. the second GEF Assembly with such great hospitality, They work, tirelessly, in our implementing agencies, the enthusiasm, and care. Secretariat, and the other GEF units. They serve with dis- tinction on our Council and are our hard working counter- The words and actions of your government have helped to parts in the countries we serve; at the conventions on bio- set the highest of standards for this meeting and for our diversity, climate change, desertification, POPs and ozone collective efforts beyond Beijing - so that this Assembly depletion; and in our executing agencies. may serve as a beacon for many years to come. We are very happy that you and our distinguished guests from Distinguished Heads of Delegations: Your voices will be China can share in its inauguration today. raised in the course of the next few days as you bring your nation's own experiences and valuable points of view to It is said that the jowney of a thousand miles begins with these deliberations. My aim this morning is simply to provide the spot beneath your feet. From GEF's launch in 1991 as the backdrop for your insights and recommendations, and a pilot program, we have indeed traveled a long way in so doing highlight ways in which you and your GEF have together. We have grown in numbers, in strength, in put our planet on a more sustainable development path. accomplishments, and in understanding. GEF today is 175 nations strong, with a portfolio of more than a thousand It is not an overstatement to say that the GEF and its projects in more than 140 countries, worth over $16 bil- implementing agencies have made concrete, positive con- lion. Yet the challenge before us is still the same. How can tributions to people's lives and the places they call home. we ensure sustainable development by bringing growth Four years ago in New Delhi, we were in a position to and environmental protection into harmony? What will it speak only of early results and promising futures. We take to protect our biological heritage, avoid devastation knew we had a winning organization in terms of principle from climate change, sustain the soil and water that give and partnerships, but it was premature to say much about us life, protect human health, and reduce the scourge of impact. Today, our maturing portfolio and monitoring and poverty and hunger? It will take leaders from all walks of evaluation efforts are bringing a much bigger picture into life - from Heads of States like you, Mr. President, to lead- focus. It looks something like this. ers in civil society and small entrepreneurs, to heads of international organizations and CEOs of major corporations. Today, thanks to you and your GEF, nations across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and the Russian Federation are all In many ways, Mr. President, we have entered one of the well down a path of eliminating the chemical compounds most creative phases in human history. Science, technology, that eat away at the ozone layer, our shield against cancer- and communications are advancing at breathtaking speed causing radiation. and offering unmatched opportunities for responsible action. We have new tools and a vastly increased understanding that Today, thanks to you and your GEF, countries the world our strength lies in working together to overcome the threats over are treating water resources with new respect. facing our planet. The world community re-dedicated itself to Success stories include cutting back on ship wastes in this task in Johannesburg just six weeks ago and the GEF, major trading seaports like Xiamen here in China; scaling with its partners and a new replenishment, stands ready to do back organic and toxic pollution in the Danube River Basin its part in the implementation of the Summit's action plan. and Black Sea; fighting invasive species and bolstering fish- eries, agriculture, and other livelihoods that depend on Thank you again, Mr. President, for honoring us with your rivers and lakes like those in East Africa; and pioneering presence. We know you have other important business to ecotourism to make the most of coastal biodiversity in attend to and that you must now leave us. Thank you for places like Belize and Patagonia. coming. INAUGURAL AND 0 PEN I NG SESSIONS 53 Today, thanks to you and your GEF, energy efficiency and As the philosopher Lao Tze wrote: renewable energy are making substantial inroads through demonstration and replication in dozens of developing and Those who are filled with life transitional economies. These cleaner technologies include Need not fear tigers and rhinos in the wilds, efficient lighting and other appliances and services that Nor wear armour and shields in battle. have reduced,demand for electricity in Poland, Hungary, The rhinoceros finds no place in them for its horn, Mexico, and Thailand; methane captured for household use The tiger no place for its claw, from coal-beds like those here in China; gas-turbine biomass The soldier no place for a weapon, technology in Brazil; and more than 600,000 solar photo- For death finds no place in them. voltaic systems in rural areas without access to electricity. Ours, ladies and gentlemen, is the business of life, for our Today, thanks to you and your GEF, endangered species generation and all others to come. and their ecosystems have new reason to hope, rather than fear, for the future. We've upgraded the care of more than half the world's parks and protected areas like Table Mountain in South Africa. Our efforts now encom- pass a full ten percent of the Amazon as well as more than 60% of the sites known to be globally important through the World Heritage program. I could go on but I believe these few brushstrokes illustrate the breadth and the depth of our collective vision, our commitment, and our follow-through where on-the- ground results are concerned. We may in reality have only scratched the surface of our problems, but we definitely are on the right track. This is why the GEF is the designated engine for action for the conventions on biodiversity and climate change, and has been given growing responsibilities with regard to the conventions on desertification and persistent organic pollu- tants. This is why our partners in sustainable development - governments, international institutions, the business community, and NGOs - have matched GEF allocations of $4.5 billion with more than $13 billion in co-financing. And this is what helped make the difference to the 32 donors who have pledged a record $3.0 billion for GEF's third replenishment and its operations over the next four years. Finally, as you may know by now, I have informed the Council that I will be leaving the GEF at the end of my term next July. There will be another opportunity during the Assembly for me to give my thank you's and farewells. But for now, let me simply say that it has been an honor and a privilege to work with all of you. Together, we have helped make a difference. Distinguished delegates and colleagues, for this new era to build on past success and fulfill its promise, giving concrete form to the Johannesburg Declaration and Millennium Development Goals, we need to strengthen our partnerships, multiply our resources, streamline our processes, improve our responsiveness, and increasingly focus on results and impacts. Most of all, there is no substitute for each and everyone of us giving our all. 54 A SS EM B LY P R 0 C EED I N G S STATEMENT BY KOFI ANNAN SECRETARY-GENERAL, UNITED NATIONS' Last month, one day after the first anniversary of the 11th It is also one of the many challenges facing the Facility during September criminal attack, I delivered my opening statement this new and exciting phase of its existence characterized to the present session of the United Nations General by the need to respond to increased expectations while Assembly, as a multilateralist, by precedent, by principle, by achieving tangible impacts of its operations. I can assure charter and by duty. you that the United Nations partners will spare no efforts in assisting the GEF family in meeting the challenges of its Indeed in fulfilling its role as a universal organization, the third phase. I wish you success in your deliberations. United Nations has helped to develop the principles and practice of multilateralism. The Organization is a unique universal instrument for addressing the critical global prob- lems that require the collective resources and cooperation of all countries. Such universal cooperation is a key prerequisite in address- ing effectively the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development. By its size, its scope and breadth, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, was the biggest-ever international conference organized by the United Nations. In my address to this historical meet- ing, I called for a new chapter for all of us, a chapter of responsibility, partnership and implementation. To this end, the Global Environment Facility has an important role to play. Indeed, the Second GEF Assembly provides the first oppor- tunity to translate the Johannesburg Plan of Action of rele- vance to its mandate into reality. Since its establishment in 1991, tlie GEF has emerged as a key player among the multilateral institutions of the global environment. At work in more than 140 countries through its 1,200 operational projects, the GEF has provided $4.5 billion in grants while leveraging $13 billion in additional financing for the global environment: As a unique partnership between the United Nations organization represented by the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Development Programme and the Bretton Woods institu- tions represented by the World Bank Group, the GEF has worked well. This was evidenced by the findings before you of the last independent review of GEF as well as by the level of its recent replenishment. The third replenishment is the biggest replenishment in the history of the GEF, donors and recipients alike. It represents a vote of confidence of all the stakeholders of the Facility. Your expected decisions will expand the areas of the GEF interventions to POPs as well as land degradation and in particular desertification. Mr. Annan's speech was delivered by Mark Malloch-Brown, This is yet another demonstration of the success of the GEF. Administrator, United Nations. Development Programme. I N AU G U RA L A N D 0 P E N I N G S E S S I 0 N S 55 STATEMENT BY MARK MALLOCH-BROWN ADMINISTRATOR, UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Just six weeks ago, most of us gathered in Johannesburg and programmes the international system has at its disposal for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. And to make it work. despite generally low expectations, I think the conference was a real success. At the request of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, I have for the past year been leading the UN system, through the UN I say that for four reasons: Development Group that I chair, in mapping out a broader strategy to support efforts to achieve the Millennium First - and most important - we were finally able to Development Goals. overcome the debate over whether the world's focus should be poverty or the environment and agreeing once This effort includes innovative thinking about what it will and for all on the inseparable link between the two. take to achieve each of the Goals; comprehensive reporting at both global and national levels of where progress is Second, through the broad endorsement of UN Secretary- being made, where it is not, and what is holding it back. It General Kofi An nan's WEHAB priorities - Water and includes an emerging campaign at the global and national Sanitation, Energy, Health, Agriculture and Biodiversity - levels to raise awareness about the Goals and help focus we were able to prioritise key sustainable development debate around them. This will necessitate increased opera- issues and show how they can be linked clearly to the tional support from all the UN Funds and Programmes as Millennium Development Goals, which were explicitly well as the World Bank and other international financial placed at the heart of the intergovernmental agreements institutions, working on development. reached in Johannesburg. But what are the implications for GEF? Third, WSSD was about implementation rather than simply agenda-setting. In contrast to Rio which was the Earth In many ways, GEF was the single most exciting and pro- Summit, Johannesburg was the "Down-to-Earth" Summit, ductive outcome of the Rio Summit and UNDP has always turning our attention towards making things happen over been very proud to have contributed to its growth and the next 10 years. achievements over the past decade as one of the three Implementing Agencies, along with UNEP and the World And fourth, WSSD marked the acknowledgement by the Bank. global community that these Goals and targets are only achievable if we draw in a much wider circle of partners We currently have G EF activities in 140 countries, with than in the past. 2,400 projects approved and 80 under preparation. Almost 300 NGOs participate directly in large projects alone. And Because the challenges are huge. Two billion people lack we are supporting 134 countries in their preparation of access to energy services and 1.7 billion do not have safe country strategies, action plans and national communications drinking water. Every day deserts grow larger, the planet under the Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification and grows warmer and the fisheries and forests that we all POPs Conventions. depend on shrink. Too big a challenge for governments and international organizations alone, we need to draw Our GEF portfolio amounts to $1.38 billion and we have much more on the dynamism of civil society, the resources managed to raise over $2 billion of co-financing. Nearly and technology of the private sector, and the knowledge three-quarters of our GEF portfolio is in biodiversity and cli- and expertise of other partners from foundations to mate change, in about equal shares, one-sixth goes to universities. international waters, and the remainder on cross-cutting issues and ozone layer protection. Land degradation, as a RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGE OF cross-cutting issue, already accounts for 30% of our GEF JOHANNESBURG portfolio and we have also started activities in persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We are very pleased that the Now our challenge is to move forward - to integrate the GEF Assembly will consider adoption of both land degra- new framework we have agreed upon with the processes dation and POPs as two new focal areas of the GEF. 56 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S We are also proud to be implementing two corporate pro- For our part, to show UNDP's commitment to mainstream- grammes on behalf of the GEF family - first the Small ing the GEF, I have placed our GEF programme at the heart Grants Programme which has supported 3,300 communi- of our Energy and Environment Practice Area - the ty-level projects in 63 countries, and second the Country biggest of UNDP's six priority areas. That is now allowing Dialogue Workshops which have brought together a wide us to take advantage of the kind of synergies and linkages range of stakeholders covering 60 countries and over to our broader anti-poverty agenda that has often been 3,000 participants. Interim evaluation of both programmes lacking in the past - and making it easier to achieve our have highlighted their effectiveness. co-financing objectives. GEF has and can continue to count on UNDP - leveraging Third, we must confront the issue of capacity development our strong country-level presence, our policy expertise and more seriously and systematically. If developing countries our capacity development experience, as well as our lack the expertise and institutions, they simply will not be unique ability to bring a wide range of partners to the able to translate the global environmental treaties into table to deliver results efficiently and effectively. action, let alone meet the MDGs. UNDP has transformed its Capacity 21 programme into Capacity 2015 - a But even as the GEF family congratulates itself on what redesigned programme to help communities better address has been achieved, we are now operating in a new con- these goals at the local level. text that requires strategic decisions about GEF's future. And fourth, bringing the contributions of civil society and I The recent independent evaluation of GEF gives us for the private sector both to real action and results so as to gather I. I first time a comprehensive analysis of what has worked well the human, financial and technical resources to meet the and what has not - and while from UNDP's perspective we challenges - community by community, nation by nation, have been very encouraged by the overall results, there are as well as through common commitment to a shared planet. certainly important areas where improvements can and must be made. Taken together, all this is an ambitious agenda for GEF. It will not be easily achieved. But all these steps are both possible And the very welcome GEF-3 Replenishment of $3 billion and necessary if GEF is to play the role we all want it to play - which includes over $2.2 billion in new money - in the new millennium: helping to change the world. makes it imperative that strategic planning be initiated to ensure that the money be spent as effectively as possible. I am confident we can rise to this challenge. A STRONGER GEF But even as we make plans for a bright, new future, let me close with a short reflection on the past by paying For a stronger GEF, we need to tackle four key issues. tribute to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the GEF, Dr. Mohamed El-Ashry. First, we have to speed up project and programme imple- mentation. We have to move from an approvals culture to Mohamed, as the first and only CEO and Chairman of the one that is focused on the delivery of quality services in a GEF, you have been a real leader - nurturing and guiding timely manner. Our UNDP GEF team has geared itself to the GEF into what it has become today- the world's pre- this new process and we are looking forward to growing eminent global environmental fund. I can think of no greater cooperation with the Asian Development Bank and the tribute than to say that - when you depart at the end of Inter-American Development Bank as well as other part- your term in July next year - you will be leaving not just the ners. This becomes very important since there is now a GEF, but our planet, a better place than you found it. large pipeline of projects ready for approval, and we have to prevent the alienation of recipient governments and This is your GEF; you have nursed it, taught it, brought it other partners who become increasingly frustrated with of age. And above all you led it - as a statesman and the time the whole process takes. visionary. And may you have many years more to enjoy what you helped conserve. Holding this meeting in Beijing Second, we need to make a much better effort to main- reminds us you are still a young man with several decades stream GEF's work into broader sustainable development of active environmental leadership left in you! challenges. We have produced a wealth of best practice experience. But much more needs to be done to get those So as a revitalized and replenished GEF moves forward as a messages out into the world - to leverage the knowledge leader in helping deliver a more environment-friendly we have built up in individual projects. earth, let me assure you that we at UNDP will do every- thing we can to help build on your legacy and make its second decade even more successful than the first. INAUGURAL AND OPENING SESSIONS 57 STATEMENT BY KLAUS TOEPFER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME Our meeting today in Beijing is a landmark event not only Second, our meeting today is also important as it coincides for the GEF family but also the environment community as with the end of a very successful phase in the existence of a whole in all its diversity. The second GEF Assembly is the GEF. During its second phase, the GEF has indeed con- indeed a landmark event for at least five reasons. solidated its position as one of the most important multi- lateral financial institutions of the global environment and First, the convening of our meeting here in Beijing, the a key instrument in the fight against poverty. capital of the largest country in the world, is a clear demonstration of the commitment of China and its people Indeed, since your last meeting in New Delhi in April 1998, to the cause of global environment management and its twenty additional countries have joined the GEF, the commitment to the Multilateral Environmental Agreements GEF/NGO network comprises now more than 460 groups (MEAs) as evidenced by China's ratification of the Kyoto · and more than 771 additional projects have been Protocol. approved. As a result the GEF has committed $4 billion and mobilised $13 billion in support to more than 1000 China is remarkable in that it has managed to de-couple projects in 160 countries and more than 3,000 small grant economic development from a parallel growth in energy projects. Twenty percent of the GEF activities are now and carbon dioxide emissions. implemented by NG Os. In order to enhance country owner- ship, more than 36 Country Dialogue Workshops including In my capacity as a member and as the Chairman for this 4 regional and sub-regional, involving more than 3,500 year of the China Council on Environmental Protection and participants were organised and more than 14 will be con- Sustainable Development, I am fully aware of these efforts. vened in the near future. The Tenth China Five-year plan for 2001 - 2005 reflects these efforts. The plan has set out phased targets for During the same period, three additional operational pro- achieving sustainable development which will complement grammes have been adopted, a major capacity building the objective of more than 120 laws, rules and regulations initiative has been launched, expedited procedures for adopted by China. Addressing adequately the major envi- enabling activities have been promoted, the Medium sized ronmental threats facing China, means also contributing to project track has become a major feature of the GEF activi- the global environment. The convening of this meeting is ties, and the partnership has been extended to seven exe- also a clear recognition by the international community of cuting agencies including four Regional Development the distinct efforts of China in promoting the environmental Banks. The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the pillar of sustainable development for the benefit of present GEF has been reconstituted and its membership extended and future generations. This is right in line with our motto: to accommodate new and emerging issues associated with Environment for Development. enhanced responsibilities. The GEF is now the financial mechanism of the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety and It is based on such recognition that the World Environment last year in Marrakech, its mandate-was extended to man- Day was celebrated here in China last June. The celebration age three additional climate change funds. coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme. It is also Indeed the partnership between the United Nations Organi- based on such recognition that a UNEP-Tongji Institute for sation represented by UNDP and UNEP and the Bretton Environment and Sustainable Development was established Woods institution represented by the World Bank Group is in May this year with a view of enhancing research, technical working well. This has been documented by the second and managerial capacities in China and other countries of Overall Performance Study on the agenda of your meeting. the region. If there is one person who is truly, personally, linked with I would like therefore to take this opportunity to congratu- the facility's success, then it is my friend Mr. Mohamed El- late the people and the Government of China for their Ashry. I salute him for his courage, stewardship and the unique contributions for the protection of the environment imaginative direction he has steered the good ship GEF and for hosting this important meeting. through calm and sometimes choppy waters to the safe harbour of Beijing. 58 A SS EM B LY PR 0 C EED I N G S Some of you may know that the initials of his name, M.E.A., Here in Chin.a, the GEF is helping with a pioneering project also stand for Multilateral Environmental Agreements. This is on biosafety, a restoration of the Yangtze River project is apt for the figure who is the CEO of one of the key financial proposed and there is a proposal for one on eco-tourism mechanisms for the MEAs. If this is the criteria for his suc- to name but three. cessor, then we will have a difficult job!! With its work programme worth more than $500 million in Third, our meeting today represents also the first major total cost in support of more than 300 activities in 144 intergovernmental meeting since the World Summit on countries, UNEP acting as one of the three Implementing Sustainable Development, the largest ever meeting con- Agencies of the GEF is proud to be a partner in this inno- vened by the United Nations, last month in South Africa. vative financial mechanism and is fully committed to play It offers a unique opportunity to agree on the contribution its role in assisting the GEF family to rise to the challenges of the GEF to the implementation of the Johannesburg of its third phase. Plan of Implementation of relevance to its mandate as well as to the Type II Partnership initiatives. The contribution of the GEF to the global environmental dimensions of sustainable development has been fully and rightly acknowledged by the Johannesburg commitments including issues related to the follow up of the Secretary General's Initiative on WEHAB. It is the mechanism for pro- viding new and additional funds to meet the incremental costs of delivering global environmental improvements. WSSD was certainly a step forward. If you see all the targets and timetables including the date of 2004 for the ratifica- tion of the Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that emerged, linked to the decision before the summit to replenish the GEF, then you can come to no other conclusion. And Fourth, your meeting will decide, for the first time, to amend the Instrument establishing the restructured GEF to include land degradation and POPs as new and distinct focal areas. By doing so, your Assembly will not only respond to one of the recommendations addressed to it by the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, but will also enhance its capacity to respond better to the specific needs of the poorest countries in the world and in particular the African countries. It will also contribute to the implementa- tion of one of the major environmental threats identified in chapter 8 of the New Partnership for Africa Development and documented by the African Environmental Outlook recently prepared by the African Ministerial Conference on Environment. The successful implementation of this deci- sion will represent one of the major challenges facing the GEP in the year ahead. Fifth, your meeting today coincides with the beginning of a new and exciting phase of the GEF. To this end, I should pay tribute to the 32 donors of the GEF for their recent decision to replenish the GEF for a third phase at the highest level since its establishment in 1991. This decision is a clear vote of confidence in the ability of our institution to meet the challenges ahead of us. INAUGURAL AND OPENING SESSIONS 59 STATEMENT BY SHENGMAN ZHANG MANAGING DIRECTOR, WORLD BANK 1 I. INTRODUCTION ~ And, we need to make the GEF funds go further in addressing pressing global environmental concerns. It is an honor for the World Bank Group to be with you at this Second Meeting of the GEF Assembly. On behalf of II. LINKING GLOBAL AND NATIONAL AGENDA Jim Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group, I would like to thank the Chinese Government for hosting Let me start with the critical task of linking the global envi- this important event. . ronmental agenda to sustainable development and poverty reduction at the local level, a task we in the Bank placed at I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the heart of our environment strategy. We have learned Mohamed El-Ashry for his extraordinary leadership of the from our past GEF experience that this integration can and GEF for over 10 years. Without his dedication and ability to must be done. foster effective partnerships for global environment man- agement, the GEF's very considerable accomplishments ~ Let me give you one example. In the early 90s the Bank would not have been possible. engaged with the Government of Mauritius in a dia- logue on two seemingly unrelated topics - power This Second GEF Assembly convenes at a time when the expansion and rationalization of the sugar industry. We international community is coming together in a broad dia- were soon to realize that utilization of sugar residues by logue on long term sustainability and global equity. Only sugar mills for production of electricity to the national weeks ago in Johannesburg leaders from governments, grid was the least cost development path for power. business and civil society shared a vision for a fair and GEF resources were linked to a Bank loan to reduce the prosperous world - a world where poverty as we know it barriers for investments in such production by the sugar today is forgotten. They reiterated a strong commitment to industry. As a result Mauritius got more power, with less reaching the Millennium Development Goals and estab- fuel, and less particulates and C02 emissions. lished important new targets for sustainable development, in biodiversity conservation, management of fisheries, We must build upon this experience. To reach a world free phasing out of toxic chemicals, and expanding energy serv- of poverty, by the middle of this century the world economy ices in Africa, all of which are directly relevant to the GEF. should quadruple, mostly through growth in low and mid- dle income countries. To be sustained, this growth has to The Assembly is also meeting at a time when donors have be environmentally sound and socially responsible. It must successfully concluded the Third Replenishment of the GEF. integrate development aspirations with achieving local and As a Trustee of the GEF the World Bank is grateful to those global environmental improvements - and we in the GEF of you, especially among the GEF Council members, who have a major role to play to ensure protecting the global have worked relentlessly to secure a high level of GEF and regional commons in the name of success in develop- funding for the next four years. ment today and in the future. With the foundation of political will; increased resources Ill. MAKING MARKETS WORK FOR THE and a decade of experience, the GEF is now in a position ENVIRONMENT of strength to further catalyze action on pressing global environmental priorities. As we gather today to take stock Next, I will turn to the role of markets and make two of the past and set the course for the future, I would like observations, both highlighting key roles for the GEF. to focus on three important points: First, the GEF must help accelerate the development of ~ We need to better link global environmental priorities efficient markets for environment friendly private goods with national sustainable development. and services. A good example is the energy-environment area. ~ We need to make sure that markets work for the envi- ronment, not against it. ~ Sustainable markets for renewable energy are required for a level playing field for alternative energy sources. 60 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS With the support of the GEF, the World Bank is cur- V. CLOSING rently working with the Chinese government to scale up renewable energy. An important component is the We cannot relent in our commitment to sustainable devel- .establishment of a regulatory framework for alternative opment and our efforts to manage the global commons energy. better. They will determine the future of our plant and the quality of life of our children. I am confident that our GEF Second, we need to correct the deficiencies of the markets partnership is set for a great journey on the road to sus- in recognizing the value of critical public goods such as the tainability and wish this dedicated Assembly all the success services ecosystems provide. in directing the trip. ~ We need to scale up innovative systems that enable beneficiaries to pay providers of em-system services. The Government of Costa Rica has demonstrated how this can effectively be done, using GEF resources accessed through the Bank. ~ We also must expand the marketplace in areas critical for the global commons - such as carbon emissions trade. The World Bank Group actively supports the development of this new carbon market through instruments like the Prototype Carbon Fund. IV. MAKING THE GEF FUNDS GO FURTHER While GEF funds are limited, the.needs of the global envi- ronment are gigantic. The challenge therefore is to man- age GEF funds for the greatest possible impact of each investment. This requires us to act on several fronts: ~ We must increase the GEF's overall financial leverage by directing scarce GEF funds to program areas where GEF's ability to mobilize new and additional resources is most promising. Since 1991, the World Bank Group has committed close to $1.6 billion in GEF grants that have been associated with an additional $8.0 billion in co~financing - and today we pledge to strive for even higher leverage in the future. ~ We must expand the use of longer term programmatic approaches for attracting resources and scaling up our activities. Successful models already exist - like the one set by the Brazilian Government in launching the Amazon Region Protected Areas Project together with the GEF, the WWF and the World Bank. ~ Working through partnerships is essential for mobiliz- ing both funds and knowledge. They are also a means to accelerating the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies, and - particularly in the case of the International Finance Corporation, our private sector arm - to promote the global environment as a busi- ness opportunity. Mr. Zhang's speech was presented by Kristalina Georgieva, Director of the Environment Department, World Bank. INAUGURAL AND OPENING SESSIONS 61 62 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S 64 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT BY JULIA CARABIAS CHAIR, GEF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL (STAP) It is my privilege and pleasure to be with you for the first operational implications to the GEF, how it has responded time and to share with you the results of STAP's delibera- to GEF demands, and how its forward-looking agenda has tions in its first meeting two weeks ago. shaped the GEF's wc;irk. First of all, on behalf of the 15 members of STAP, allow me Among its achievements, STAP provided the scientific and to express my gratitude to this Council for having placed technical elements for the GEF policy frameworks on agro your confidence in us to form part of the GEF family. biodiversity, on biodiversity conservation in forests; on per- sistent organic pollutants and adaptation to climate Let me also congratulate the GEF and especially its CEO, change; and identified the interlinkages between land Mohamed El-Ashry, for having consolidated the most degradation and biodiversity, water and climate change; important specialized financing mechanism for the interna- and alerted the GEF family to the implications of power tional agreements on global environmental matters and sector reform for renewable energy. very particularly for the achievements in the third replen- ishment of GEF. An important conclusion drawn in the report is the need for further research in support of GEF's programmes and As former Minister of Environment in Mexico I was a projects, either through targeted research projects or "heavy" user of the GEF and I can assure you that with research components in projects, particularly in those that your support we made a big difference for the environ- are complex, experimental or innovative, or carried out in mental and forestry policy in my country. GEF became in areas for which few data are available. Both pathways Mexico a real catalyst for innovative programs; it has pro- would lead to a greater involvement in GEF of scientific duced significant results to improve and conserve our envi- and technical communities at the national level, which was ronment, and has contributed to meeting our obligations one of the recommendations coming out of the first GEF under various conventions. I want to take this opportunity Assembly, and which was emphasized again in the OPS2. to thank the Council for this support. STAP II built strong relations with global, regional and I am confident in saying that the GEF is achieving its objec- national networks and institutions, which will be further tives and commitments, not without obstacles or turbu- expanded and strengthened by STAP Ill. lence. That is why I accepted the honour of being appoint- ed Chair of STAP. I hope to meet your expectations. STAP WORK PROGRAMME You have recognized that the GEF is facing a great deal of In June STAP had a familiarization seminar organized by pressure that comes from the need to manage a growing the GEF Secretariat, with the participation of the IAs, demand in a resource constrained environment. I want to which was very illuminating for all of us, and which commit myself and the rest of the STAP members, to do allowed us to elaborate a draft proposal for a work pro- our best to contribute to the success of the third phase of gramme in preparation for our first meeting taking into the GEF and the new challenges arising from the World account the business plan, the policy recommendations of Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD). the replenishment and the priorities identified by STAP II. I recognize the important role the STAP has played in the From the 26th to the 28th of September we had our first second phase of the GEF and would like to thank in partic- formal meeting to discuss our proposal with the GEF ular our predecessors for their talented work under the Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies as well as to leadership of Professor Madhav Gadgil. This work is laid receive their inputs. A second version of the work program out in the Quadrennial report of STAP II, and I have the is now circulating among the members of STAP and is soon privilege to present it to you. to be sent to the GEF Secretariat and the IAs to receive their comments and produce the final version. I want to thank The report illustrates how STAP II has advised GEF on the the Executive Director of UNEP, Dr. Klaus Toepfer, for the time state of scientific, technical and technological knowledge he has already spent with STAP. His orientations have been related to each focal area, highlighting their policy and very important for our understanding of the role of STAP. P L E N A RY R E P 0 RT S 65 I would like to mention some of the elements and underly- ming objectives, demands for better planning, STAP prepared ing thinking of this work program. a triennial work plan in alignment with the GEF's rolling three year business plan. The triennial work plan will be a -planning Firstly, we took into account the analysis and recommenda- tool that will permit a more strategic advance programming tions of the Second Overall Performance Study (OPS2) as a of resources, whilst allowing flexibility to make annual adjust- very valuable instrument, and responded to it in our work ments in response to new demands and emerging issues. programme proposal. This work plan provides a conceptual framework that iden- One of the responses of GEF to OPS2 is the new approach tifies priorities by focal areas and also a set of cross-cutting of programming according to agreed strategic priorities. issues, with an emphasis on interlinkages and integrated This is a major challenge for GEF that will require the efforts approaches, and with new issues such as knowledge man- of all the participants and very importantly the scientific and agement and sustainable patterns of consumption and technical support to maximize the impacts and results. GEF production. Five strategic objectives linked to expected programs and projects need to continue to be based on outputs by 2005 articulate where and how STAP will assist and take into account innovative methods and instruments, the GEF to achieve its goals. The plan includes a limited set cutting-edge science and new scientific findings. of priorities where STAP can make an important contribu- tion in the period 2003-2005. We have also given thought Secondly, the World Summit for Sustainable Development to ways to improve STAP operations. (WSSD) highlighted the need to implement actions not only at the national level, but also at the regional level, The outputs proposed by STAP are: recognizing the differences between regions and approaching them in an integrated way to contribute to 1. The identification of scientific and technical priorities, the alleviation of poverty. These orientations are going to emerging issues and gaps relevant to the GEF strategic influence the GEF operational programs and will definitely work plan and implementation of operational programs. need the inputs of science and technology. 2. The promotion of targeted research relevant to the GEF STAP as the body designed to bring scientific and technical strategic priorities. knowledge into GEF work and alert the GEF to emerging issues and gaps, has taken this context into account when 3. Scientific and technical advice to the GEF Secretariat elaborating the work program. and Implementing Agencies aimed at strengthening the project cycle, In the new stage which GEF is in, STAP considers that it can contribute : 4. Improved collaboration with other scientific and techni- cal bodies, communities and private sector of relevance ~ to identify priorities among the various demands based to the GEF priorities. on a broad understanding of global environmental issues; 5. A contribution to the capacity building efforts in sci- ence and technology relevant for development and ~ to identify new issues or innovative solutions scientifi- implementation of GEF projects. cally supported and socially and economically viable , considering the particularities of every situation at the We are at a time that it is very important to build an inte- regional, national and local level, that would enhance grated approach and to define as clearly as possible the the quality of GEF interventions; interlinkages between the global problems. It is necessary to propose methodologies, tools, and indicators that take ~ to help to develop indicators to measure project into account those interlinkages. impacts in each of the focal areas as well as the impacts of GEF projects on the global environment. STAP will help the GEF to incorporate science, technology, local and indigenous knowledge to develop an integrated ~ to alert the GEF to the latest findings and develop- approach and build the capacities to address biodiversity, ments in the continuously evolving cross-disciplinary land degradation, international waters, climate change, fields of environmental science and sustainable devel- persistent organic pollutants, and the interlinkages existing opment, at the levels of both policy and operations. between them. These will also help to build synergies across conventions. In light of the new challenges faced by the GEF; being the addition of new focal areas, an increasing range of activities That is how we have organized, with the support of the under the Conventions and the setting of strategic program- GEF Secretariat, the Panel on Science and the Global 66 AS SE M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S Environment: Integrated approaches: New challenges for beneficial for the project formulation. We are working to the GEF as one of the side events of the Assembly. provide a set of practices/guidelines that will enable a more targeted/focused scientific and technical evaluation The objective of this Panel is to offer a brainstorming forum of the different types of project proposals. We are also to discuss new and emerging issues in a few key areas of suggesting a review at an earlier stage before the project is the GEF and possible management responses, in light of "cast in stone" and two complementary reviewers forcer- the knowledge that changes in one area are affected by tain types of projects. multiple factors and by different processes, thereby expos- ing existing cross-sectoral interlinkages. In the presentations STAP also looked at its role in the roster review system. by the panelists the emphasis will be placed on the scientif- STAP believes that the utility of its input into the project ic tools available and required for integrated management review system could be revised in a way that would pro- approaches, as well as on the barriers to overcome for the vide greater benefit to the project team and project's suc- successful implementation of this approach. cess. Another major task STAP will take on immediately after the Assembly is the establishment of a new roster. Three topics were selected for the presentations: the impact of climate change on biodiversity; land degradation The STAP selective review is the second instrument, com- and persistent organic pollutants. A general analysis will be plementing the roster review and strategic in its scope. presented by the vice-chair on integrated ecosystem Especially at the concept stage, the STAP selective review approach and the challenges it presents to the GEF. has a strategic value. First, a very cost effective approach could be the review of a cluster of project proposals, to We hope that STAP will play an important role in helping assess strengths and weaknesses with the view to formu- GEF in its process of setting priorities. It is very important late technical guidelines for the design of future projects. to understand the impact GEF has had in the achievements Secondly, STAP should do also a review of projects which of reversing global environmental problems. But it is are in serious scientific and technical difficulties, an exam- impossible to understand the impact by just evaluating the ple of which are the solar thermal projects; and of targeted results of each of the multiple projects GEF has supported, research project portfolio. By all means STAP will work on an issue by issue approach. A new effort is needed to closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in its move from case studies and pilot projects towards a body reviews, in particular those undertaken during the imple- of comparative and critical knowledge that can be used to mentation phase of projects. design more effective and sustainable projects, that take an integrated approach. The GEF is the best source of I want to end by expressing our desire for STAP to constitute information of hundreds of local and pilot projects, with a valuable component in the partnership that GEF is, and to different experiences, views, methodologies. The analysis make a real contribution to the achievements of the GEF to of this information can provide the empirical data for the address global environmental issues, and not to be consid- development of an integrated approach and the indicators ered a mere bureaucratic procedure. We have a strong com- needed to evaluate societal - biosphere interactions. mitment to work very closely and coordinated with the GEF Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies and we look for- Finally, I would like to stress the benefits of STAP inputs in ward to receive your guidance. I hope that we can respond the project cycle, and STAP's plans to make those more to your expectations and to the needs of GEF. strategic in this phase of the GEF, for a maximum benefit in terms of quality of the projects. As you know, the two instruments in place for STAP to achieve this are on the one hand the roster of experts, and on the other STAP selective reviews at the different stages of the project cycle. With regard to the roster review sys- tem, STAP will suggest, at the May Council meeting, con- crete options for establishing a review system that would maximize the effectiveness and benefits of roster reviews towards strengthening projects. STAP is of the view that the project review process should contribute to the scientific and technical content and quality of projects in a more significant way without creating an additional hurdle or delay. Instead, the technical review should be built in the project cycle so as to be helpful and PLENARY REPORTS 67 STATEMENT BY HAMDALLAH ZEDAN EXECUTIVE SECRATARY, CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY It is an honour for me to address this second meeting of Mr. Chairman, the Assembly of the Global Environment Facility. It has also been a very important year for the Convention Biological diversity is the foundation of life, the main pillar because of the World Summit on Sustainable of human society. Its conservation and sustainable use are Development, which identified and consolidated the role an essential part of efforts to alleviate poverty and to of biological diversity as one of the key areas that urgently ensure a pattern of development that is truly sustainable. need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable devel- Biological diversity is under threat as a result of a variety of opment. The others are water, energy, health and agricul- human pressures. Unsustainable patterns of consumption, ture. The final text of the WSSD Plan of Implementation other harmful practices, institutional failings and political echoed and reinforced The Hague Ministerial Declaration neglect have all combined to jeopardize the very viability of adopted by over one hundred and twenty ministers the planet's life support system. responsible for the implementation of the Convention attending the sixth meeting of the Conference of the This year is the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Parties in April. It also endorsed the key target of signifi- Convention on Biological Diversity, the main legal instru- cantly reducing the current rate of biodiversity loss by ment that emerged from the Rio Summit to combat the 2010 but recognized that to do so will require the provi- threats to biological diversity by integrating conservation sion of new and additional financial and technical and sustainable development, and by ensuring that the resources to developing countries. benefits of biodiversity continue to flow and are shared equitably. It has been a very important year for the Both The Hague Declaration and the WSSD Plan of Convention. Last April, the Conference of the Parties Implementation represent unequivocal expressions of sup- reviewed progress in the implementation of the port for the ongoing work under the Convention. They Convention. In sum, the Conference of the Parties con- also reiterate the need for linkages and cooperation with clude that there have been significant achievements the other Rio conventions and with organizations dealing through the Convention process over the past ten years with trade and intellectual property rights. but much remains to be done. Mr. Chairman, The Convention proved to be an effective tool for consen- sus building. Work programmes have been agreed on key The Conference of the Parties has communicated to the thematic and cross-cutting issues. The landmark Cartagena financial mechanism over sixty elements of guidance, Protocol on Biosafety has been adopted and will enter into which cover some twenty-five major areas or issues under force in the near future. Strong partnerships were devel- the Convention. The size of this body of guidance is indica- oped with the Rio Conventions and other biodiversity-relat- tive of the wide scope of the Convention and the need for ed agreements and institutions with a review to fostering action on many fronts for its objectives to be achieved. As mutual supportiveness and coordination at both the such, it constitutes a comprehensive basis for the program- national and international levels. ming and allocation of resources and a solid foundation for achieving the 2010 target, an area in which the Global One of the key lessons that the Conference of the Parties Environment Facility has a fundamental role to play. drew from its review is that the objectives of the Convention will be impossible to meet until biodiversity Key items among this guidance include the need for active concerns are integrated into other sectors, particularly in funding of the implementation of national biodiversity economic and trade policies. strategies and action plans, which are an expression of country-level priorities and, hence, a vital element in achiev- But it would be equally true to say that other key develop- ing the objectives of the Convention at the national level. ment objectives will never be .met until the consequences of biodiversity loss are universally acknowledged and biodiversity It is also imperative that financial resources continue to be is mainstreamed across all sectors of national economics. provided for capacity-building in biosafety. The Cartagena Protocol, for which GEF will operate the financial mecha- 68 A SS E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S nism, already has 36 Parties and is expected to enter into impede the fulfillment of the commitments that they have force in the near future. For it to be effective, it is essential assumed. that the Parties have, at the outset, the capacity to partici- pate fully in the Biosafety Clearing-House and to make The developed countries will have to look at their policies informed decisions on the export and import of living on foreign aid, trade and debt relief. They will have to modified organisms. The need to forge ahead with the remove the economic distortions that disguise the real ongoing efforts to build that capacity has therefore costs of biodiversity degradation. They will have to make become a matter of utmost urgency. available the financial resources and technologies necessary for developing countries to free themselves from the Access and benefit-sharing related to genetic resources is downward spiral of environmental and economic decline. also an area that requires continuous further support in the coming years, particularly in terms of capacity-building The developing countries will have to create within their to apply the Bonn Guidelines and bearing in mind the call borders an enabling environment that encourages the con- by the World Summit for the development, within the servation and sustainable use of biological diversity, that framework of the Convention, of an international regime ensures that financial resources are properly allocated, and to promote and safeguard the fair and equitable sharing that gives local people a stake in the long-term future of of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic the land they live on. resources. The meetings this year in The Hague and Johannesburg The full implementation of the thematic and cross-cutting provide evidence that there is sufficient political consensus programmes of work agreed by the Conference of the and commitment to tackle both the direct and underlying Parties is essential to achieving sustainable development causes of biodiversity loss. What is needed now are the and the 2010 target for a reduction in biodiversity loss. In new and additional financial resources to make that ambi- particular, the programme of work on forest biological tion a reality. And it is here that I believe this meeting can diversity has been greatly expanded from research to prac- make a difference. tical action and will require additional financial resources for full implementation. I wish you success in your work. At the same time, there is a clear need to optimize the allocation of available resources and to maximize the effec- tiveness and efficiency of the delivery mechanisms of finance for biodiversity. The level of the third GEF replenishment is a promising start and a clear response to the call made at the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention for donor countries to substantially replenish the GEF to levels higher than the current one. This increase, however, was not elaborated within the con- text of achieving the 2010 target and its associated finan- cial requirements. It will therefore be more important than ever to seek co-financing for GEF projects and to encour- age the mobilization of additional resources for imple- menting the Convention. In that respect, I would draw to your attention decision Vl/16 of the Conference of the Parties, which requested GEF to explore opportunities to further develop and strengthen its catalytic role in identify- ing and promoting co-financing resources to take definitive actions to explore and examine innovative and creative financing modalities to leverage increased funds from the private sector and non-traditional sources of funding. But, over and above the question of financial and technical support, it is essential for all countries to take a hard look at the various institutional and structural deficiencies that P L E N A RY R E P 0 RT S 69 STATEMENT BY JOKE WALLER-HUNTER EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE Next week the eighth session of the Conference of the tinuity in the institutional infrastructure that is created with Parties to the Climate Change Convention will take place GEF funding is a concern felt by many. in New Delhi. The Indian Minister for Environment and Forests, the President designate of COP 8, Mr. Baalu, quali- The Marrakesh Accords, agreed at COP 7 in 2001, the out- fied the COP as follows: "COP-8 will serve as a milestone come of a process to set the rules and conditions for the in consolidating the implementation of the Convention in implementation the Kyoto Protocol, that started in Buenos the wake of the Marrakesh Accords and of the outcomes Aires in 1998, a few months after the first GEF General of the WSSD, and on the eve of the entry into force of the Assembly, clearly mark the transition towards implementa- Protocol". tion. In recognition of the tasks ahead, the Marrakesh Accords established three new funds: the Special Climate That simple statement reflects that we have arrived at an Change and Least Developed Countries Funds under the important moment in time: while keeping an open eye on Convention, and the Adaptation Fund under the Kyoto the future, the emphasis is squarely on implementation. Of Protocol. The Funds are to be managed by the GEF. the Convention and of the Kyoto Protocol. Political declarations by the European Community and its This, of course, has implications for the GEF as a financial member States, together with Canada, Iceland, New mechanism that supports the Climate Convention: more Zealand, Norway and Switzerland indicated their intention demands are to be expected as countries develop and to contribute 450 million euros annually by 2005. In the implement their climate policies, addressing mitigation and mean time the GEF has started to secure funds for the LDC adaptation. It will be a challenge to match needs and Fund, which supports the creation of the so-called NAPAs, resources. To get the priorities right and to jointly address National Action Programmes for Adaptation. new challenges, intense cooperation between the GEF and the Convention is required, building on the partnership Recently the scope of climate activities under the GEF which that has now been in place for ten years. In this respect until then had mainly focused on mitigation was broadened the second overall performance study of the GEF complet- to include adaptation and capacity building, as the COP ed earlier this year, provides useful insights, which led to requested in November 2001. This reflects the importance of the conclusion that the GEF should adopt a more focused addressing climate issues in the context of sustainable devel- programme in the climate change focal area, including the opment. The WSSD has reinforced this message. Opportuni- creation of enabling environments for market transforma- ties exist and should be fully utilized to pursue synergy in the tion. This reminds us of the challenge ahead. Market trans- implementation of the three Rio Conventions, climate formation is indeed needed if the objective of the Climate change, biodiversity and desertification. More and more we Convention is to be met. realize, what science has been telling us for some time, that in the end, we are all using the same resources that provide Next week the Conference of the Parties will review the GEF us the ecosystem services that are essential for development. as financial mechanism of the Convention. A synthesis docu- Enhanced cooperation among the Conventions, the GEF and . ment has been prepared building on inputs by our Parties. It the relevant implementing agencies is needed to address is interesting to note that energy efficiency and renewable national priorities in an efficient and effective manner. energy projects attracted about 65 per cent of GEF resources. Projects on reducing long-term cost of low green- Another challenge ahead of us is to ensure synergy among house gas-emitting technologies received an allocation of the activities funded by the GEF and projects generated about 14 per cent, sustainable transport projects, and short- through the use of the innovative market based instru- term measures, obtained 13 per cent of funding resources. ments that the Kyoto Protocol has created. Again, the key is integration by the host country, preferably in the context Enabling activities accounted for more than 52 per cent of of sustainable development strategies. total projects but received only 8 per cent of total funding. For the period 1999-2002, GEF funding for enabling activ- Let me conclude by expressing the full commitment of the ities was less than 3 per cent of total funding for project Climate Change Secretariat to moving full speed with the activities in its climate change portfolio. The need for con- GEF in the implementation challenge. 70 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT BY JIM WILLIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS I am pleased to address you today as Executive Secretary of third replenishment to enable the GEF effectively to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. perform its mandate; The Stockholm Convention was adopted in May 2001 and .,.. Establishing and implementing an operational program is the newest of the major multilateral environmental for POPs taking into account the decisions of the-POPs agreements. At present, there are about half the ratifications INC; and needed for entry into force, an event which would be expected in 2003. UNEP is the secretariat for the Convention. .,.. A number of other "handsf'laking" resolutions between the GEF and the Stockholm Convention COP and INC. The objective of the Stockholm Convention is to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic At the 6th POPs Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee pollutants. It does this by requiring parties to implement meeting, which took place in Geneva in June of this year, measures to reduce or eliminate releases of POPs from two relevant decisions were adopted: · both intentional and unintentional production. There are currently 12 POPs in the convention, and these chemicals .,.. One decision initiates a process to develop a memoran- are the priority for global attention. There is also a process dum of understanding between the Conference of the for adding new POPs to the Convention once it enters into Parties of the Stockholm Convention and the GEF; force that is rigorous, transparent, precautionary and based on sound science. .,.. A second decision requests the secretariat to develop interim guidance to assist Governments in developing The Convention recognizes that developing country Parties the implementation plans required by Article 7 of the and Parties with economies in transition will require new Convention. This will be relevant to the enabling activi- and additional financial resources to meet the agreed full ties implemented through GEF projects. incremental costs of implementing measures to fulfill their obligations under this Convention. To this end, it has I would now wish to draw your attention to some of the defined a financial mechanism to provide adequate and sus- work that has already begun: tainable financial resources on a grant or concessional basis. The GEF has already begun funding enabling activities on The GEF has been designated as the principal entity of the POPs. So far, more than half of all eligible countries have financial mechanism for the period between the date of approved projects, which will help promote a prompt start entry into force of this Convention and the first meeting of to countries' efforts to implement the treaty. the Conference of the Parties, or until such time as the Conference of the Parties decides on the institutional UNEP, along with the secretariat of the Stockholm structure. Convention and the GEF Secretariat has implemented a programme of regional workshops fur.ided through a GEF When adopting the treaty in Stockholm, parties also medium sized project to assist countries in implementing adopted a number of resolutions to ensure a fast start to the Convention. These workshops will involve the partici- the convention once it enters into force. pation of more than 140 countries. Some of these resolutions deal directly with the interim A number of other projects have been designed and will financial mechanism, and include: be implemented that will serve to help countries meet their treaty obligations, including the Africa Stockpiles Project .,.. Requesting the GEF Assembly to consider establishing a and projects to promote alternative technologies that avoid new focal area in order to support the implementation the release of POPs. of the Convention; Taken as a whole, these projects have led to innovative .,.. Requesting donors to the GEF Trust Fund to contribute partnerships, and have begun to strongly engage the NGO adequate additional financial resources through the community and IGOs sus:h as UNIDO, FAO, UNDP, WHO, PLENARY REPORTS 71 UNITAR, the World Bank and UNEP in assisting countries to address POPs problems. In conclusion, we are pleased that GEF has taken concrete steps in assuming its role as the principal entity of the financial mechanism of the Stockholm Convention, espe- cially its promptness in funding enabling activities, creating a new focal area for POPs and settjng financial targets for POPs in the 3rd replenishment. This has truly gotten us all off to a good start. To ensure that Convention priorities are met over the long term it will be important that communications and guid- ance between the COP and the GEF are clear. To this end, a Stockholm Convention-GEF partnership is the key to suc- cessful implementation of the Convention. In this regard, you can count on the fullest cooperation of the secretariat of the Stockholm Convention. In closing let me give you my best wishes for a successful meeting, and our common effort to protect human health and the environment from POPs. 72 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT BY HAMA ARBA DIALLO EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION It is an honour and great pleasure for me to have this needs substantial and predictable financial resources. By opportunity to address the Second Assembly of the Global calling upon this Assembly to consider making the GEF a Environment Facility. Allow me at the outset to pay tribute financial mechanism of the Convention, the World Summit to the Government and people of China for hosting this on Sustainable Development sent a powerful message of important meeting, and for their very warm welcome and support to those hundreds of millions of peoples living in cordial hospitality extended to us in this great and historic regions a~ected by desertification. city of Beijing. Since the inception of the Convention to Combat My special thanks also go to Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry, the Desertification, those who have been involved in its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the GEF, and his process on a daily basis consider these major achievements able staff for the good organisation of this meeting, and for as a result of the "Long March" in which we have inviting the UNCCD Secretariat to participate in this Assembly. engaged many years ago, together with the GEF Secretariat, in particular with the personal involvement of Mr. El-Ashry, Since the time we were last in New Delhi for the first meet- the CEO and Chairman, and which is bearing fruits today. ing of the Assembly, we have passed quite significant mile- stones in our efforts to address the global environmental We welcome the recent developments in the CCD and GEF concerns. The GEF portfolio has increased tremendously. processes, as a true reflection of the resolve of the interna- The Facility, having been enriched by two additional focal tional community to assist affected countries in their areas, POPs and Desertification, has reached its maturity efforts to effectively implement the action programmes to age. The successful and substantial Third Replenishment of combat desertification. In this regard, it is essential to keep the GEF Trust Fund constitutes an acknowledgement of in mind the fact that these countries are also amongst the these new responsibilities, and I would like to take this poorest in the world. In this respect, the World Summit on opportunity to express my gratitude to the sponsors. From Sustainable Development was quite accurate to label the the UNCCD perspective, the evolution of the GEF since Convention to Combat Desertification as one of the impor- New Delhi has opened a new chapter in the process of this tant tools at the disposal of the international community important Convention. for poverty eradication and food security in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas of our planet. By the same token, it The GEF involvement in combating desertification has been is implied that this instrument may help us to achieve the further clarified by its Council. The international community, objectives contained in the Millennium Declaration to through the Council, revisited the New Delhi Statement reduce to half abject poverty by the year 2015. and determined that, in order to enhance the Facility's sup- port to the successful implementation of the Convention When we pause to consider the environmental problems to Combat Desertification, the issue of land degradation is facing the world today, we are compelled to look more to be tackled in a stand-alone fashion, instead of address- closely at the major drivers that are behind the degrada- ing it through an implementation regime which had so far tion of natural resources. It is these factors that experts prevailed by linking it to the other four focal areas of GEF. have told us that we need to concentrate our efforts on, in order to meaningfully arrest the degradation. Within the This move was hailed by the World Summit on Sustainable realm of the United Nations Convention to Combat Development recently held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Desertification, Parties to the Convention have reported The Summit called on the Second Assembly of the GEF to that one of the key hindrances to the realisation of the take action on the recommendations of the GEF Council goals of implementation is the lack of adequate and pre- concerning the designation of land degradation as a focal dictable resources, be they financial, technical or other- area of the GEF as a means of GEF support for the suc- wise. It has also been observed that the lack of viable alter- cessful implementation of the UNCCD. native livelihood as well as production systems contributes to overuse of the natural resources, sometimes with nega- Another major development in the Convention process is tive consequences on the environment. Sixty countries the recognition by the World Leaders last month in have now developed National Action Programmes to com- Johannesburg that the implementation of the Convention bat desertification, and others are in the various stages of PLENARY REPORTS 73 doing so, with a view to looking for better ways to tackle the problem at its root causes. Needless to point out that these countries are looking up to the international commu- nity for the necessary support to enable them to imple- ment the programmes. Over the years, we have witnessed a gradual change for the better, in the way that the Global Environment Facility has been addressing the issue of land degradation, within its existing operational programmes. We have duly appreci- ated the steady support of the Council in that regard. The possible role that the GEF can play as a catalyst for positive change in the flow of resources for supporting implemen- tation of the UNCCD has been called upon by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention. Experience from other focal areas has demonstrated that the role of GEF, as a catalyst, can be effective in providing predictable and timely financial resources for project activities. We do believe that enhancing GEF support for the implementa- tion of the UNCCD requires an integrated approach, which would focus on the implementation frameworks that Parties have put in place. The elements of the Operational Programme just adopted by the Council of the GEF shall lead to a more comprehensive strategy to implement the Convention through Action Programmes at National, Sub- regional and Regional levels. As requested by the Council, the Secretariat of the UNCCD will contribute to the preparation of the Operational Programme to be discussed and adopted by the Council at its next meeting in May 2003. I am confident that through this new OP, the UNCCD will make a significant contribu- tion to a more sustainable use of natural resources in the dry lands. Indeed how could we conserve these resources without taking care of the land itself? I would like to conclude my statement by reiterating the importance of this Assembly in operationalizing the WSSD outcome, in particular with regard to the provision of pre- dictable and substantial financial resources needed for the successful implementation of the Convention. As I said in Johannesburg last month, desertification, an extreme stage of land degradation, is a global environmental problem. As such, the effective implementation of this Convention will unquestionably generate positive effects on soil protection, mitigation of climate change, and also stem the loss of biological diversity. It is our hope that this Assembly will take a decision in line with the call made by the Johannesburg Summit, to adopt land degradation as a focal area of the GEF, and also to offer to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification the availability of the GEF to play the role of a financing mechanism in this respect. I wish you very fruitful deliberations and thank you all for your kind attention. 74 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT BY MARCO GONZALEZ EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER I am honoured to have this opportunity to address the as an extraordinary success so far, there is no room for Second Assembly of the Global Environment Facility in this complacency and we still have major challenges to face. beautiful city of Beijing. Countries with economies in transition The establishment of the Global Environment Facility over The implementation of the Protocol from 1989 coincided a decade ago was a decisive step in mobilizing additional with massive changes in the political and economic sys- financial resources to assist developing countries to achieve tems of the former Soviet Union and Eastern European sustainable development in four focal areas - bio-diversity, countries that have made the implementation of the climate change, internationql waters and ozone-depletion. Montreal Protocol very difficult in these countries. Some The leadership provided by Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry has countries, that are still unable to comply with the ODS been truly remarkable and essential in making the GEF the phase-out, have agreed to complete the phase-out of largest funding institution for the global environment. Annex A and B substances by 2004, if adequate assistance is forthcoming. Because the phase-out has already been GEF AND THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL significantly delayed, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have recommended assistance by the Global Environment Under the implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Facility. Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, GEF has approved projects and activities for phasing out ozone- Developing countries depleting substances in the countries with economies in A 10-year grace period for developing countries was estab- transition of Eastern Europe. Since 1995, the Global lished under the Montreal Protocol in order to ensure equi- Environment Facility has approved more than US$ 150 mil- table treatment of all Parties. Now, the time has come for lion to UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank, which acted as developing countries to start reducing their production and implementing agencies in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, consumption. Recovery of the ozone layer can only be Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, ensured if these countries comply with the provisions of Lithuania, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Montreal Protocol. It is important for these countries to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. remain committed to the Montreal Protocol and to begin transitioning to alternative and reducing their dependence The impact of the GEF contribution to the implementation on CFCs. The global supply of CFCs will start to diminish in · of the Montreal Protocol in the countries with economies the next 5-6 years and countries may be negatively impact- in transition has been outstanding. CFC production and ed if they do not plan for and consider the potential con- consumption has been reduced from about 70,000 tons in sequences and impacts. This is a crucial challenge for the 1994, before the GEF stepped in, to about 5,000 tons in next 10 years and the Multilateral Fund and the GEF have 2001. The majority of countries with economies in transi- been, and will be, of great help to these countries. tion have· phased out most of the controlled ozone- depleting chemicals and the few that are yet to complete Illegal trade in CFCs the phase out process are expected to do so in the next The issue is difficult to address because many factors affect two years. the development and persistence of illegal trade ranging from global oversupply of CFCs to the continued produc- FUTURE CHALLENGES tion of CFC-based equipment that will be operational for decades. Illegal production of CFCs, which was recently This year, the world received encouraging news on the raised as a potential problem, and the cost implications of state of the ozone layer. The 2002 Scientific Assessment using alternatives could hinder the transition and create Panel confirmed the report that ozone-depleting chemicals market conditions that favor illegal trading and continued are now peaking and could begin to decline with recovery use of CFCs. of the ozone layer as early as mid- XX! century. However, the same panel warned that failure to comply with the Although this is a transitional issue, the Parties recognized Protocol would delay and could even prevent the ozone the seriousness of this problem and mandated imporV layer's future recovery. While the Protocol has been hailed export licensing systems in order to help countries monitor PLENARY REPORTS 75 their own imports and exports and to better monitor over- CLOSING REMARKS. all trade trends. Although on-going closure of the remain- ing CFC factories throughout the world will steadily and The results of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol firmly eliminate the factors affecting illegal trade, Parties in the last fifteen years have been outstanding and touted acknowledge that it is extremely critical to take all possible by many as a possible model for addressing other global steps to minimize illegal trade in order to ensure the transi- environmental problems. The global consumption of CFCs tion to alternatives. in 1986 was about 1.1 million tonnes. By 2000, this had come down to about 140,000 tonnes. The CFC consump- Dumping of used equipment tion of the industrialized countries, which stood at about a As mentioned, there will be a continuing demand for CFCs million tonnes in 1986, has been completely phased out to service existing equipment and there is growing concern except for a consumption of about 6,000 tonnes for essen- over the export of CFC technologies to developing coun- tial uses specifically approved by the Parties. The tries. This practice will establish continued reliance/demand Multilateral Fund was established for the implementation on these controlled substances in the importing countries. of the Montreal Protocol and since its inception has dis- Although the impact of this practice has not been fully bursed nearly $1.5 billion to fund projects and other activi- realized, Parties have acknowledged that it is inconsistent ties in over 125 countries. With the assistance provided by with the spirit of the Montreal Protocol and have taken the Multilateral Fund, the developing countries also have some measures to control the export of such products and decreased their consumption by about 16 per cent in the equipment. At the moment, there is a requirement for all last 12 years. Moreover, it should be emphasized that the Parties to adopt appropriate measures to control the Multilateral Fund has succeeded in preventing undue rise export of such products and equipment. in the consumption of CFCs. Additionally, by a concerted effort funded by the GEF, the countries with economies in Methyl Bromide transition were pulled back into the status of compliance The significance of methyl bromide, an insecticide used for with the Montreal Protocol. fumigation of soils, structures and storage, was realized late in the Montreal Protocol process and developing coun- There are many lessons from the Montreal Protocol that tries only accepted a phase-out schedule 5 years ago. At can be taken from all of the efforts and successes outlined present, methyl bromide is only used in a small number of above. First and foremost is the concept of "common but countries and only in high value crops. However, the con- differentiated responsibility" which is clearly demonstrated sumption of methyl bromide could spread to more coun- by the work of the Multilateral Fund and GEF. Global par- tries and to more uses than at present. The challenge ticipation is critical to protect the ozone layer. While devel- before the Parties is to prevent the use and dependence on oping countries had a small share of the consumption in methyl bromide before it becomes widespread. 1986 (and, hence little responsibility for ozone layer deple- tion), their increasing consumption would have nullified Many alternatives are emerging for methyl bromide in vari- the efforts by industrialized countries to phase out these ous uses. The Multilateral Fund approved a programme, chemicals. Therefore, it was key that developing countries four years ago, to demonstrate these alternatives in devel- received a grace period and technical and financial assis- oping countries and has approved total phase-out projects tance in order to implement the Protocol. since then. It is important that these efforts are continued and safe and effective alternatives to methyl bromide are Another fundamental concept that truly made the implemented. Montreal Protocol an innovative model to solve future global environmental problems was the application of the Replenishment of the Multilateral Fund "precautionary principle." The world moved forward to At the 14th MOP, which will be held in Rome next month, address the problem of stratospheric ozone depletion in Parties will take a decision on the appropriate level of the time to prevent future damage before there was certainty fourth replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for the trien- on the causes and extent of the problem. Parties were nium 2003-2005. In order to enable developing (Article proactive, but also creative and they established a review 5(1) Parties) to comply with control schedules, the mechanism in the Montreal Protocol to effectively deal Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) esti- with the uncertainty. A "Scientific Assessment" was estab- mated the total funding required for the 4th replenishment lished to periodically advise Parties to the Protocol on the of the MF to be between $548 and $600 million. further steps needed to protect the ozone layer and on the Although the exact amount is not yet known and will sure- availability of alternative technologies. In the past 15 years, ly be debated, it is clear that the continued commitment Parties have agreed to modify the Protocol five times in and financial support of Article 2 (developed countries) is accordance with such scientific, technical and economic critical to ensure the success of the Montreal Protocol and advice. ultimate protection and recovery of the ozone layer. 76 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS NOTE OF APPRECIATION I would like to conclude with the profound appreciation of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol to the GEF for the generous assistance they have provided to countries with economies in transition to help them meet their commit- ments under the Protocol. Support from the GEF has been absolutely essential in ensuring compliance by these coun- tries. I hope that GEF will continue to support the efforts of countries with economies in the next triennium as they face difficult challenges including illegal trade and phasing out other ozone-depleting substances, such as methyl bro- mide and HCFCs. PLENARY REPORTS 77 STATEMENT BY OMAR E. EL-ARINI CHIEF OFFICER, SECRETARIAT OF THE MULTILATERAL FUND FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL In a rare show of resolute leadership, clarity of vision and The achievement of the Fund can be measured through lucidity of purpose, the international community resolved the rate of payments of contributions, ODS phase-out , to create the first ever financial mechanism, dedicated to technology transfer and through behavioral and institu- reverse the course of the deterioration that plagued the tional changes it stimulated. First, the extent to which the earth's environment for decades, and to eventually restore donor community has held to its commitments to provide the natural balance that made life on earth sustainable. funding for ODS phase-out in developing countries is very impressive: more than 90°/o of the pledged contributions In the waning years of the 20th century, the Multilateral have been paid, amounting to US $ 1.46 billion out of total Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and cumulative replenishments of US $ i.6 billion since 1991. the Global Environment Facility were created. The first was to solely address Ozone Layer depletion and the latter had By the end of July 2002, the Executive Committee has a wide mandate covering several focal areas which also approved more than 4000 projects ranging from multimil- included protection of the ozone layer, not in duplication, lion dollar industrial convention investment projects to but in complimentary. capacity building and technical assistance in 120 countries, to phase out almost 200,000 tons of ODS consumption When the Montreal Protocol was agreed to in 1987, devel- and production, and disbursed US $ 1.4 billion for their oping countries accounted for only about 10% of the world implementation. Implementation of these projects has consumption of Ozone depleting substances. It was however resulted in the annual phase-out of more than 140,000 recognized by the protocol that the developing countries tons of ODS. Implementation of these projects has also required more time than developed countries, in addition to required the transfer of technologies to AS countries, some technical and financial assistance to be able to reduce their of which was being introduced in the industrial countries consumption of ODS. The Protocol therefore provided that for the first time . . any developing country with annual per capita consumption of 0.3 kg or less could delay for ten years its compliance with The Fund has been responsible for stimulating profound the protocol control measures. In this regard, the Second institutional behavioral changes. National Ozone Units Meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol amended in have been established in all developing countries, raising 1990 the protocol, establishing the Multilateral Fund. understanding of how to implement environmental regula- tions and the capacity and confidence to do so. The Fund's The main features of the Fund are: implementing agencies have learned to work with devel- oping countries and with each other, in achieving interna- ~ To meet the agreed incremental costs of phase-out of tionally set objectives for protection of the environment. ODS; Donors have learned how relatively small sums of money can nevertheless be carefully disbursed and their spending ~ The Fund shall be financed by parties other than those monitored to achieve specific set targets. operating under Article 5; allocations to the Fund were to be decided every three years by a Meeting of the Parties, Most recent data reported by developing countries indicate with contribution from the non-Article 5 parties based on that the vast majority of them have met their 1st compli- their scale for assessed contributions to the UN; ance measure, freeze in consumption and production of CFCs, and several of them are already well on their way to ~ It was to operate under the authority of the parties to achieving the 50% reduction mandated by 2005. the protocol, and to be overseen by an Executive Committee comprising seven Article 5 and seven non- The coming three years will be very crucial for the develop- Article 5 Parties; ing countries, not only to consolidate their achievement but also to implement more stringent regulations in order ~ The Executive committee could work with the assis- to achieve several compliance targets. In recognition of this tance of UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO and the World Bank, the challenge, the Executive Committee has invited article 5 · implementing agencies, in their respective areas of countries to assume full responsibility for delivering and expertise. implementing their compliance programs. For this reason, 78 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S the committee has adopted a strategic plan designed to achieve this target. It is hoped that the successful comple- tion of negotiating the fifth replenishment of the Multilateral fund in Rome will give effect to this new strategic orientation of the Fund. In closing, I am pleased to inform this assembly that the Secretariats of the GEF and of the Multilateral Fund have an excellent cooperation in the ozone protection area. Finally, I would like to pay a tribute to Dr. El-Ashry; for his outstanding leadership, dedication and vision. P L E N A RY R E P 0 RT S 79 STATEMENT BY LENNART BAGE PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT It is an honour for me to address this Second Assembly of resource base than community organizations run by the the Global Environment Facility. I join you today as resource users themselves? President of !FAD, one of the most recent executing agen- cies of the GEF but permit me to start on a personal note. To break the cycle of poverty and degradation, the rural I was privileged to participate in the meeting in Paris in poor also need access to productive natural resources and March 1990 that launched the GEF idea amidst an equal technology. In large part, this requires ensuring that mar- measure of enthusiasm and scepticism. I further had the ginalized people have secure access to potentially produc- privilege to serve as Council member up to 1996 and par- tive lands and water. To ensure that the full potential of ticipate in the landmark meeting in Beijing of 1993. Having these resources is fulfilled, there is also a significant need seen the idea of GEF grow from hope to realization, praise for the development and transfer of environmentally- should go to many who have contributed to GEFs success. friendly technologies that can improve productivity on However, no one is more deserving than Mohamed El-Ashry. small-scale farms. · Without his drive, vision, dedication, political and manage- ment skills and above all his ability to inspire and lead, GEF Also, the rural poor need access to financial services and would not have been where it is today. Allow me to pay markets. Rural finance can help provide the capital needed tribute to this remarkable and unique contribution to a to invest in preserving resources for the future. Combined better and more sustainable world. with market linkages, rural finance can also promote off- farm income-generating activities and microenterprises The campaigns against poverty, hunger and environmental that take the pressure off natural resources and reduce the degradation are not separate efforts. Nor are they compet- vulnerability of the rural poor to drought and crises. ing interests. Rather, they are mutually reinforcing processes that must advance as one if they are to have a lasting and IFAD's twenty-years of experience in China illustrates the meaningful impact. Poor people do not have the luxury of value of such strategies that increase the productive capac- the longer term view when they are struggling to survive ity of the rural poor while fostering environmentally-friend- from one to the next. ly livelihoods. In particular, this experience shows how investments in the human and social assets of the rural Tragically, the resulting deforestation, overgrazing and poor enhance their capacity to adopt improved technolo- overcultivation only mortgage the future. As the natural gies, increase the returns on their labour, enable them to resources upon which rural communities depend for survival undertake non-farm activities, and diversify their income lose their productive capacity poverty deepens, global envi- structure. This, in turn eases the pressure on the natural ronmental threats mount, and the vulnerability of the rural resource base and allows the rural poor to replace annual poor increases. To these farmers, fisher folk and herders it cropping with more appropriate permanent crops. is clear that natural resource management and development are not two separate goals and two unrelated agendas. The introduction of participatory Village Development They are in fact, one common agenda. Planning in IFAD projects in China has empowered benefi- ciaries to take ownership of their own development. IFAD projects and programs have aimed to enhance the Women, in particular, can engage in livestock and micro- productivity of the natural resources that are essential enterprises while households establish terraces for cash for the livelihood strategies of the rural poor. Hence, crops with the dual purpose of increasing income and pro- from the outset, sustainable management of land and tecting the fragile slopes. In many places, this combination other natural resources has been part and parcel of IFAD has resulted in doubling household incomes. interventions. I am pleased to report that we have made strong progress Our one quarter-century of experience has taught us much in our new role as an Executing Agency. We have been about what is needed to enable the rural poor to break identifying countries of priority focus for IFAD-GEF collabo- the poverty-degradation cycle. Chief among these is ration in 2002 and 2003. We have launched critical infor- strengthening the capacity of the rural poor and their mation-sharing activities to facilitate partnership. And, we organizations. Who better to manage the local natural have mainstreamed GEF funding potentials in the project 80 A S S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S cycle. IFAD has initiated 10 projects for GEF funding, wh,ich this on its own; but together we can - in a global part- are variously at either concept or early design stage. nership for sustainable development." This partnership could not be launched at a more promis- This global partnership cannot hope to succeed without ing moment. Equipped with the vision of the Millennium the full and equal participation of the rural poor. Three- Summit and the commitments of Monterrey, the interna- quarters of the 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty tional community must now focus on action against pover- - some 900 million people - survive in rural areas and ty. This is enhanced by the clear recognition, voiced at make their living largely through agriculture, forestry, fish- Johannesburg, that the campaign against poverty and the eries and related activities. Often, these people hold the effort to preserve our global environment must move for- ' frontlines against biodiversity loss, desertification and natu- ward hand in hand. ral resource degradation. They are the stewards of our nat- ural resources and they are essential for translating local It is in this context that the replenishment level agreed for efforts to respond to poverty into global environmental the Global Environment Facility this year is indeed wel- benefits. These rural poor hold the key to sustainable use come. By pledging an increase in resources, nations sig- of the land, water and other resources upon which their nalled, as they did in Monterrey, that they are committed future - and ours - so clearly depend. We look forward to matching goals with resources, and policies with action. to a strengthened partnership with the GEF family to achieve this goal. We welcome in this context that this Assembly will consider adding the critical issues of land degradation, desertifica- tion and deforestation, along with persistent organic pollu- tants, to the four GEF focal areas. As the agency selected to house the Global Mechanism of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, IFAD partic- ularly welcomes the new opportunities for partnership that a land degradation focal area would hold. The Global Mechanism plays a vital role in mobilizing new resources for implementation of the Desertification Convention. The Mechanism also performs the critical tasks of helping affected countries translate National Action Plans into effec- tive investment opportunities, and promoting the main- streaming of UNCCD principles into the planning and work of development institytions. This mainstreaming process is already well underway within IFAD with 70% of its activities in ecologically fragile and marginal environments. The incremental costs that GEF can finance and its partner- ship with the Mechanism would open new opportunities for collaboration and progress. Given desertification's dual nature of environmental threat and development challenge, the complementary role of the GM in mobilising resources for co-financing GEF projects continues to be significant. For example, the GM has worked with the Government of China, IFAD, ADB and the private sector to mobilize resources for co-financing the GEF country programme currently under development in China. We look forward to working with GM and GEF to increase imp~ct. Ten years ago, the international community expressed a reali- ty in the Preamble to Agenda 21 that remains strikingly true: " ... integration of environment and development con- cerns and greater attention to them will lead to the ful- filment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve PLENARY REPORTS 81 STATEMENT BY JOSEPH EICHENBERGER VICE PRESIDENT, ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK On behalf of the Asian Development Bank and its time to build further. At the strategic level, RDBs have a President, Tadao Chino, I am honored to address this significant role in financing sustainable development and Assembly for the first time as a member of the GEF are uniquely well placed to identify opportunities for effec- extended family. tive collaboration between the GEF and our borrowing member countries. Certainly this is the strong expectation Our participation in this way here today is the culmination of our common member countries on whose continued of years of deepening collaboration with the GEF, dating strong support we must rely. At the project level, experi- back to its pilot phase, as well as the beginning of what ence has demonstrated that unnecessary transactions costs we are confident will be a fuller and richer partnership for and implementation delays have been an important obsta- the future. That partnership is rooted in the view, now cle to closer operational collaboration between us and the shared by many, that the Regional Development Banks GEF. We have long believed that direct access by RDBs such bring some unique capacities that will help strengthen the as the Asian Development Bank would greatly reduce this GEF, widen its impact, and advance its purposes. problem and greatly enhance our collective ability to put precious GEF resources to work as effectively as possible. We are genuinely pleased and gratified that, together with our colleagues in other development finance institutions We therefore warmly welcome the Council's recent deci- and within the GEF itself, we have been able to lay down sion to provide that direct access to Executing Agencies some significant foundation stones on which to further such as the ADB. That important step provides a major build this partnership. new avenue through which to further build our opera- tional work and our partnerships. And, of course, we rec- These include, of course, the Council's landmark decision ognize fully that integral to retaining direct access will be of May 1999 to expand opportunities for regional develop- demonstrable performance on our part. ment banks, which has been instrumental in removing some formidable barriers to RDB involvement in the selec- ADB's shareholders and Management accord high priority tion and preparation of GEF projects. Since that important to broadening and deepening our collaboration with the date ADB has been able to introduce eleven ADB/GEF proj- GEF and, through that, to delivering services of demonstra- ects into the formal GEF pipeline, covering climate change, ble value and enduring impact to our developing member biodiversity and integrated ecosystem management. We countries. We very much look forward to getting on with have also requested and been granted 6 PDF block B the work. grants to co-finance our own project preparatory technical assistance grants. This is in welcome contrast to the pre- 1999 period, when overly complex processes, uncertainty, and conflicts of interest, helped to limit the flow of RDB projects into the GEF pipeline to a mere three. As of today, four additional ADB/GEF projects have been approved by the GEF Council, including the path breaking PRC/GEF Partnership on Land Degradation considered by the Council two days ago. We at ADB are especially grate- ful to Mohamed El-Ashry, Ken King and the GEF Secretariat staff for their vision and leadership, and for the collegial spirit that has characterized all of these efforts. We are grateful, as well, to the three Implementing Agencies which have also very generously shared their experience and knowledge of GEF operations with us. So together we've made a good, if late, start in building toward the promise of the 1999 agreement. Now is the 82 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT BY KUl-NANG MAK REPRESENTATIVE, DIVISION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, UNITED NATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS Let me first of all express my warm congratulations for Johannesburg Summit. Although there was no agreement your well-deserved election, Mr. Minister, to chair this on targets for renewable energies, the Plan of Second GEF Assembly, which is of great significance and Implementation does provide us with a clear sense of import: I'm confident that this Assembly will fruit success- direction, which is the resolve of the member states to ful outcomes under your capable leadership. substantially increase, with a sense of urgency, the share of the renewable energy in the global energy supply. We view I should like to seize this opportunity to express my deep this as a significant step forward towards the objectives of gratitude to the people and Government of China, my energy for sustainable development, spelt out in CSD-9 home country for their well-organized arrangements and decision. their warm hospitality. The main focus of the Summit was, nonetheless, on imple- The significance of this Assembly which I just alluded to mentation and monitoring of the promises made before. In emanates from, among other reasons, the fact that it is Mr. Desai's words, the message that member states were being held in the aftermath of several vital international sending through the summit was that we already passed a conferences and processes which could be marked as suc- decade of commitments and promises and we now need a cessful international events. To mention two, I would cite decade of performance. That was why the concept of the Monterrey Consensus and the Johannesburg Summit. "partnerships" became another major focus and also out- come of the Summit. The number and the scope of part- As Mr. Nitin Desai, the Undersecretary for Economic and nerships announced in the WSSD process demonstrate the Social Affairs of the United Nations and the Secretary following: General of the WSSD, stated in his opening statement ~ That achieving sustainable development requires a before the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly degree of innovation in the way that development is on 30 September 2002: "Because of Monterrey and the practiced at the ground level. process which led to Monterrey, there has been a sea ~ That we need a set of concrete commitments, in terms change on the macro-economic policy front, in particular of programs and resources. with regard to the relationship between the United ~ That the major groups, including the civil society and Nations, the international financial institutions, the World the private sector, should play an important role in Trade Organization, and the regional development banks". designing and implementing the partnerships. The Johannesburg summit, which was a major step To put it in a nutshell, Mr. Chairman, the Johannesburg towards the further implementation of Agenda 21, went Summit's main message was a message of "integration", beyond what had been achieved in Rio ten years ago. that is the integration of the three pillars of sustainable Allow me Mr. Chairman to take the opportunity to express development, the economic, social and environmental our sincere thanks to South Africa for their excellent components. arrangements and leadership, which was critical to the success of the Summit. We now have to live up to the challenges of implementing the WSSD outcomes and those of the Monterrey process. The WSSD helped to advance a policy consensus on key As Mr. Nitin Desai underlined in his opening statement sustainable development issues. The Johannesburg Plan of before the Second committee of the General Assembly, a Implementation clearly reflects the resolve of the Member key challenge facing us is an integrated follow-up to the States to develop a ten-year framework of programs for Monterrey and the Johannesburg Summit. This notion well sustainable production and consumption. The Plan of matches the concept of "integration" which the member Implementation also attaches a high priority to poverty states highlighted throughout the Johannesburg Summit. eradication and meeting the needs of the poor. Another key achievement of the Johannesburg Summit was the The next session of the CSD, which is expected to be held agreed targets and timeframes for safe drinking water and in January-February 2003, will define the modalities for sanitation, health, chemicals, and biodiversity. Unlike the operationalizing the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. Earth summit, energy was given a high priority within the We are pleased to note the positive interaction and co/lab~ P L E N A RY R E P 0 RT S 83 oration between the CSD and the GEF, particularly during the WSSD process. We are also delighted to note the very constructive cooperation that we have been enjoying with the GEF Implementing Agencies. We look forward to contin- ue such close collaboration in the follow-up to the WSSD. · As I pointed out earlier, "implementation" is a key feature of the Johannesburg Summit. Therefore, strengthening the means of implementation becomes a necessity. Being a fundamental means of implementation which emerged from the Rio process, the GEF which has already done a magnificent job in supporting the objectives of Agenda 21 and sustainable development, could - and in fact should - play a key role in implementing the Johannesburg outcomes. In conclusion, allow me to express our most sincere appre- ciation to Mohamed El-Ashry for his dedication, hard work and the great success he brought to the GEF, and in fact to the achievement of the objectives of sustainable develop- ment during the eleven years of his term of office as the CEO of GEF. 84 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS ·STATEMENT BY CRISPIAN OLVER HEAD OF DELEGATION, SOUTH AFRICA, HOST COUNTRY, WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT South Africa is proud to have been the host of the World 3. WSSD has agreed on global action in priority areas such Summit on Sustainable Development, and extends its deep as water, sanitation, energy, health care, food security gratitude to the nations of the world major groups, the UN and biodiversity. It has focused this global action around and its related agencies, the Bretton-Woods institutions a set of 37 targets, which incorporate and build on the and the GEF for the considerable effort everyone put into millennium development goals. GEF is a crucial actor in preparing for such a successful event. the global efforts to achieve these targets and must carefully reflect on its role, in conclusion with other key Amongst its other preparatory activities, GEF made an global actors at national, regional global levels. important contribution to the logistical organization of the event by sponsoring a project aimed at greening the Targets of particular relevance to the concerns of GEF Johannesburg Summit, which was able to establish some relate to: important global precedents in the way summits are arranged, including focusing on areas such as water use, ..,. using and producing chemicals in ways that do not waste management and recycling, consumption measure- lead to significant adverse effects on health and ment and making the Johannesburg Summit carbon neutral. environment by 2020; I would like to make a few remarks regarding the out- ..,. developing integrated water resources management comes of WSSD and their possible implications for GEF. and water efficiency plans by 2005; These are by no means comprehensive and I am sure that there are other issues that some of you feel strongly about ..,. maintaining and restoring depleted fish stocks to that I will not be able to cover. I hope that in discussion sustainable levels by 2015; and you will be able to add to these preliminary remarks. ..,. achieving a significant reduction in the current rate 1. WSSD has strengthened and deepened our under- of biodiversity loss by 2010. standing of sustainable development and fleshed out the linkages between environmental protection, social WSSD advanced the international debate in priority development and economic growth more fully. WSSD areas such as energy, water and sanitation quite con- has highlighted that moving forward with the sustain- siderably. While a global target on renewable energy ability agenda needs us to focus on poverty and was not agreed, the balance of emphasis between inequality as fundamental obstacles to sustainable issues around access to energy and changing the pat- development. This was taken up in the strong linkages terns of energy generation and use was significant. that were made between sustainable development, the GEF needs to carefully analyse how the global debate new round of trade negotiations and the follow-up to has moved forward in these areas, and how it should the Monterrey Conference on Financing for respond to it. Development. GEF needs to take account of this new emphasis and meaning of sustainable development in 4. WSSD focused the attention of the global community terms of its operational programmes. on implementation, and particularly highlighted the importance of regional initiatives such as NEPAD, the 2. WSSD has re-emphasized the importance of multi-lateral SIDS programmes of action and other regional initia- action and joint effort as well as the principle of common tives in Asia, Latin America, Europe, etc. These regional but differentiated responsibility in addressing the prob- initiatives will in many ways form the development con- lems of environmental degradation and underdevelop- text for the coming decade, and we should take ment. Both these points have important implications account of them in the implementation of our opera- for GEF and are indeed re-affirmation of what GEF is tional programmes. For example, the GEF Council about. GEF is one of the most effective multi-lateral approved a work programme two days ago which funding mechanisms in existence today, and in its work highlighted the linkages between the African POPs give concrete expression to the common but differenti- Stockpiles Programme and NEPAD. This is something ated responsibilities of its members. we should build on in future programmes. P L E N A RY R E P 0 RT S 85 5. WSSD has called on the GEF Assembly to adopt deser- tification as a new focal area, and has lent support to the replenishment of GEF. A number of new initiatives and funding contributions in areas related to GEF's work were announced at Johannesburg, and we need to build successful linkages and partnerships between GEF and these initiatives to ensure maximum synergy. 6. WSSD was able to break new ground in the way that stakeholders participated in the global preparations and negotiations, and in the emphasis given to partnerships for implementation of WSSD outcomes. There was a broad recognition that governments were not able to achieve the objectives of WSSSD on their own, and that a partnership with business, civil society and the multi-lateral agencies was needed. Stakeholders responded to WSSD in an impressive way, showcasing best practice in sustainable development, and demon- strating the enormous technological advancement and innovation that has taken place over the last decade that gives us real hope for the future. Clearly the analysis and assessment of WSSD is a process that will continue over the months and even years ahead. What is important for us in this Assembly to note is that there are a number of potential implications for GEF aris- ing out of the WSSD. At the level of the GEF Council this assessment needs to be taken forward, and a more com- prehensive response to the challenges of WSSD developed. 86 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT BY LIANG CONGJIE PRESIDENT, FRIENDS OF. NATURE, CHINA It is my privilege to address this General Assembly on ued improvements in the application of this policy globally, behalf of the civil society organizations, including environ- regionally, and nationally. We also call for similar principles mental NGOs, indigenous peoples organizations, commu- and mechanisms to be adopted by the Implementing nity based organizations, and youth groups active in the Agencies and participating governments. Global Environment Facility. We speak for those that are most affected and can also most contribute to GEF initia- Ten years after the creation of GEF, the World Summit on tives throughout the world. Sustainable Development (WSSD) has provided a new chal- lenge to the Facility - that of putting poverty alleviation Please allow me, on behalf of the hosting country's NGOs, at the centre of global sustainable development efforts. to welcome you to China and to Beijing, both of which The question that is uppermost in our minds today is: how are rapidly developing, and to say a few words about will GEF address the Johannesburg Plan of Action? NGOs in China. How will it tackle the issue of poverty alleviation in the The emergence of environmental NGOs in China is a very context of global environmental problems? Can GEF give new development. Ten years ago at the Rio Earth Summit, greater importance to addressing root causes of environ- there was no Chinese NGO participation. This year, in mental -problems, such as unsustainable trade, investment, Johannesburg, there were already more than thirty Chinese and development policies that impact the environment? NGO participants. Today, in this meeting, we have some forty five Chinese NGOs, including NGOs from the Tibetan Particular mention should be made of the successful oper- Plateau, Inner Mongolia, and the western regions of China. ation of the Small Grants Programme, which has catalyzed action at the grass-roots level in many countries. We sup- Certainly, in light of the scale of the environmental prob- port further expansion and increased funding for this pro- lems, the Chinese NGOs are only beginning to make an gramme, with enhanced transparency and participation c:if impact. But, within ten years, the Chinese NGOs, especially civil society iri its governance. those from the grassroots level, have mobilized and edu- cated people to be more aware of environmental protec- We applaud the successful conclusion of the Third tion, and have taken the lead in initiating the development Replenishment, however, we remain aware that it is insuffi- of more environmentally-friendly lifestyles and consump- cient to achieve the GEF's mandate. We respectfully request tion patterns. Chinese NGOs have also had a positive additional voluntary contributions to the existing and new impact through their support of the government in moni- focal areas, the POPs and Land Degradation Programmes, toring violations of environmental laws. in order to reach an optimal replenishment scenario. At the same time, the work and efforts of Chinese NGOs The new focal area on Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs), has benefited from the understanding, concern and sup- under the Stockholm POPs convention, is a welcome devel- port from the Chinese government. We believe that the opment. We wish to make a special plea to the Assembly development of Chinese environmental NGOs and their that those governments that have not yet ratified the POPs good work will facilitate the improvement of the environ- Convention do so as soon as possible. ment around the world. We look forward to increased cooperation .and partnerships with the Chinese govern- We also applaud the recent addition of land degradation ment, the GEF Secretariat, the global NGO community, as a new focal area. This provides a unique opportunity to and the private sector. develop synergies between the three focal conventions. The main beneficiaries of this GEF Operational Programme Turning to NGO concerns more broadly, the strategic part- should be those who are most affected by land degrada- nership between GEF and NGO's has evolved, deepened tion and who also happen to bear the brunt of climate and strengthened over the past decade, at both the policy change and the irreversible loss of biodiversity. Key to the and the project level. We acknowledge the strong princi- success of land degradation projects is the true and full ples and mechanisms that have been established under the participation of local communities to the whole process, GEF Public Participation Policy. We look forward to contin- and linkages to policy barriers in the agricultural sector. PL E N A RY RE P 0 RT S 87 Additional financial resources will be required to build the ment and sustainable de.velopment initiatives, and should capacity of countries to implement the Biosafety protocol, not become an obstacle to project implementation. including with full indigenous peoples and local community involvement. We would also like to highlight the difficulties in clearly differentiating global and local benefits in addressing envi- As the World Summit on Sustainable Development agreed, ronmental problems. There has been much discussion on biodiversity loss must be significantly reduced by 2010. We the incremental cost approach, without results. We urge therefore request that overall GEF funding be expanded for that in the context of the GEF review of WSSD outcomes this vital focal area, with a particular focus on the nexus of the incremental cost approach be reviewed and clarified. biodiversity and poverty alleviation. Conservation in produc- tive landscapes and protected areas, as key tools for biodi- We commit to continue and to intensify our work with the versity conservation, should be designed and managed with GEF, to work with our governments, in both the donor and the participation of local communities, in order to ensure recipient countries. We commit to overcoming hurdles to their empowerment and respect for their traditional rights public participation at all levels, especially at the national of access to natural resources. level. We would also welcome improved opportunities to engage in national level dialogues and to build genuine GEF must also support the development of national capacity national level ownership of GEF projects and objectives. in the area of access and benefit sharing of biodiversity uses, taking into account the full and effective participation The NGO community appreciates the opportunity to of indigenous peoples and local communities. We also address this Assembly, and renews its commitment to request that renewed priority be given to the development meeting the challenges of the global environment in part- of sustainable financial mechanisms for biodiversity conser- nership with the GEF, its participants and agencies. vation, properly integrated in project design, and sufficiently addressed throughout the project cycle. On behalf of international NGO community present here, we also extend our sincere thanks to our host country for As the programmatic approach is put into place, and as its warm reception. the country driven emphasis is applied, particular attention must be given to ensuring the full participation of civil society in the development of national priorities. Participation by NGOs and indigenous peoples in this process must be encouraged and supported, in accordance with the spirit of the Conventions and the GEF. In particular, we suggest that the GEF national focal points further encourage and facilitate public participation in GEF initiatives through concrete mechanisms such as national consultative committees involving civil society. In this regard, public participation in energy sector policy development and private sector investment plans will be important. Overall project processes must be reviewed and stream- lined, in order to ensure cost effectiveness, transparency, and efficiency. In this regard, we should give particular attention the need to promptly improve the Medium Size Programme operation, as recommended by the external review. We also call for direct access to be granted to qual- ified NGOs in order to increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of this important programme. We recognize the importance of an aggressive cofinancing policy, but encourage GEF to remain flexible towards the valuation of in-kind contributions by NGOs, particularly in the least development countries and small island states. Community level skills, knowledge, and time should be adequately valued. Cofinancing should be an instrument for leveraging additional funds to address holistic environ- 88 A SSE M B LY P R 0 C EE D I N G S STATEMENT BY LEIF CHRISTOFFERSEN TEAM LEADER, SECOND OVERALL PERFORMANCE STUDY OF THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY I am pleased and honored to present to you an overview the GEF is that it seeks to achieve global environmental of the findings and conclusions of the Second Overall benefits. Once this understanding is clear, then other asso- Performance Study of the GEF - referred to as OPS2. ciated strategic GEF concepts become more understand- able in operational terms, such as incremental costs, new As you know, the results of this evaluation were presented and additional funding, and, adherence to the key princi- to the GEF Council at its meeting in December last year. ples of the associated global conventions. The English version of the full report was completed in January this year and it has subsequently been translated We noted that the GEF portfolio is still young. As a starting into other official GEF languages. point we examined project evaluation reports from com- pleted projects representing about 12 percent of GEF proj- With this in mind I will now attempt to provide you with a ects approved since its start. This information provided an broad overview of the key issues addressed by OPS2. important basis for a series of briefings and interviews, Hopefully it may be useful for the important discussions examination of policy and operational documents, and taking place at this Assembly. country visits to 11 countries and field visits to 23 GEF project sites. Let me first emphasize that the OPS2 results were made possible by valuable support from many different people and What did we find? institutions willing to help us conduct this task. Many of you in this audience are among those who provided such help. Let me first summarize the main findings in each focal area We are very thankful to you, including members of the GEF and then discuss our main conclusions which guided us in Council, government officials, and international staff from the formulation of our key recommendations. All of these the different GEF entities and convention secretariats, as well points are presented more fully in the OPS2 report already as NGO representatives in different parts of the world. made available to you earlier this year. Many additional copies are available at this conference center. I would like to emphasize the team effort which developed within the eight member evaluation team. It was my good Here are very brief summaries of the main findings in each fortune to be associated with seven other team members focal area: of highly respected professional competence and vast international experience. Their names deserve to be men- Under the ozone program, the GEF has been responsive to tioned on this occasion. and supportive of the Montreal Protocol and has had sig- nificant impact in 'helping to achieve meaningful reductions They are: Ogunlade Davidson of Sierra Leone and now in ozone depleting substances. Capetown University, South Africa; Maria Concepcion Donoso from Panama; John Fargher from Australia; Allen In the climate change focal area, the GEF has been most Hammond from USA; Emma Hooper from the UK; Thomas effective in promoting energy efficiency and has achieved Mathew from India; and Jameson Seyani from Malawi. some success in promoting grid-connected renewable energy. The GEF has had the least success with off-grid, I am very pleased to acknowledge that we benefited from rural, renewable energy projects. the wisdom of a High-level Advisory Panel, which included Dr. Zhang Kunmin from China, and that we were also ably In the biodiversity focal area, the GEF has improved the assisted by local consultants in the countries we visited. standards of management of protected areas through par- ticipatory approaches. However, a greater proportion of Our main task was to assess the performance of the GEF biodiversity resides outside protected areas and is facing and to provide conclusions on whether GEF projects have more serious threats. produced results of significance in a global context. GEF-supported activities under the international waters The GEF mission statement provided a primary reference focal area have contributed significantly to the implemen- point for our work. As you well know, the uniqueness of tation of existing global and regional agreements that P L E N A RY R E P 0 RT S 89 address protection and restoration of freshwater and There is a sense of urgency on this point. Our findings marine ecosystems. highlight the importance of operational guidance materials that clearly communicate how global benefits are defined Since land degradation had been designated as a cross- at the project design stage and how they will be accounted cutting program area, the results are quite modest. Some for and measured at the time of project completion. projects have built community capacity for sustainable management of land resources. We found that there is an Third, the GEF mission statement notes that the GEF urgent need to ensure a solid scientific basis for determin- should facilitate new and additional funding for GEF's ing the global, as distinct from national, environmental operations. The catalytic role of the GEF in this respect benefits in this category of projects. needs better focus - through differentiating between mainstreaming, co-financing, and replication of GEF-fund- From these thematic investigations emerged an important ed activities. overall finding - namely that, despite some difficulties and challenges, the GEF has produced significant project The OPS2 team considers the GEF's performance on co- results that address important global environmental issues. financing decidedly modest. Among the completed projects, We agreed that the GEF is moving in the right direction. At only a few account for most of the co-financing that has the same time we identified specific improvements which been generated. Furthermore, a much clearer definition of might increase the effectiveness and efficiency of GEF's the term "co-financing" is needed. There are substantial performance. inconsistencies in the co-financing databases maintained by the various GEF entities. Co-financing commitments and Three of our main conclusions relate to issues stemming actual results need to be more systematically assessed and directly from the GEF mission statement. monitored. First, as the major source of funding specifically supporting Another source of funding for achieving GEF objectives is international environmental agreements, we concluded the private sector. The OPS2 team finds encouraging evi- that the GEF has been responsive to the global environ- dence of GEF efforts to engage the private sector more mental conventions, particularly the UNFCCC and the CBD. extensively in GEF's activities. However, much more needs . to be done. · Nonetheless, we felt that close consultations with. the con- ventions are needed to ensure that current priorities are Beyond these conclusions, let me mention several other ones. correctly interpreted. Furthermore, we concluded that funding for enabling activities needs to be carefully We devoted considerable attention to country ownership assessed for effectiveness in meeting country needs and issues and the extent to which GEF projects are country- responding to convention guidance. driven. During our field visits we were faced with criticisms ·and concerns regarding country-related issues facing the GEF. Second, the need for better focus and understanding on the strategically important concepts of 'global benefits' Improvements in country level coordination had been and 'incremental costs' is another conclusion relating to strongly urged in previous GEF evaluations. We came to the core of the GEF mission statement. the conclusion that the GEF needs to make substantial improvements in this regard. We found that in-country Previous evaluations of the GEF have emphasized the understanding of the GEF is still very weak. importance of greater clarity and improved operational guidance for determining what should be covered by the The Country Dialogue Workshops have contributed signifi- term "global environmental benefits," specifically for the cantly to expanding understanding of the GEF. but this is biodiversity and international waters focal areas. not enough. There is a broader unfilled information gap about the GEF at the country level, including inadequate The OPS2 team found that many of these problems still access to up-to-date information about the country project remain, and that they also relate to land degradation proj- portfolio. We concluded that these issues must be addressed ects. Some progress has been made in deriving practical more systematically and with a sense of urgent priority. approaches for determining incremental costs at the inter- agency technical level. However, we found much confusion Many GEF projects were initiated with relatively modest or at the country level and among other stakeholders over little substantive involvement by the designated national definitions of global environmental benefits and incremental GEF Operational Focus Points. We concluded that for most costs. We concluded that the GEF should give high priority countries there is a need for better in-country mechanisms to clarifying these concepts and providing more opera- for coordinating GEF activities. GEF funding must be tional precision. aligned with national sustainable development policies and 90 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S programs and also with the country's membership contri- of .experts needs to be more carefully scrutinized butions to international environmental conventions and regarding the way it is used and how it is managed. related agreements. Moreover, scientific and technical contributions would be valuable to the assessments of project outcomes, We believe the GEF should take more forceful and effective including the extent to which global benefits have been steps to help increase the capacity of national Operational · realized. Focal Points, particularly in small and medium-sized countries. ..,.. As the GEF moves from an approval culture to a Another important conclusion relates to public consultation results- and quality-oriented culture, it needs to reduce and participation. Continuing efforts have been made to the rather rigid programming divide between the GEF make GEF's project processes both open and participatory. Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies. A better Since 1994 the GEF has had an explicit policy on public partnership approach is needed in all phases of GEF's involvement in GEF activities. operational activities. We found encouraging evidence that such objectives have ..,.. Effective monitoring and evaluation is central to a quality- been promoted under many GEF projects. However, we oriented culture because of its contribution to continuous also concluded that stakeholder participation in GEF proj- improvement. The GEF monitoring and evaluation func- ects must be addressed more systematically and that they tions should strengthen its information dissemination need to be better documented. and institutional linkages - both with the Implementing Agencies and with the Operational Focal In the global context we note increasing emphasis on alle- points and other stakeholders in each country. viating poverty and promoting sustainable development. The GEF Strategy recognizes that the activities which the We finally conclude that immediate steps should be taken to GEF supports must be placed in a larger sustainable devel- explore how GEF's institutional status might be best strength- opment context. In fact, according to its Operational ened. The GEF has been fortunate to benefit from very able Principles the GEF will fund projects that are country-driven and adept leadership since its beginning. What seems now and based on national priorities designed to support sus- both timely and appropriate is to consider strengthening the tainable development, as identified in the context of institutional character of the GEF substantially. national programs. From these conclusions we have focused on a set of key How can this be achieved? recommendations which would, in our view, improve the performance of the GEF. They have been presented very Project design issues are obviously crucially important. One prominently in our report and I shall not repeat them. demonstration of such linkages can come from co-financing of development activities associated with GEF projects. In Let me just mention that the last set of recommendations some cases it may also be possible to expect both global and relates to the need for strengthening the institutional national benefits from the same investment. The OPS2 team structure of the GEF. This should also include a substantial found many examples of such win-win situations. Generally it increase in the capacity of the GEF Secretariat, and also an will be very important to monitor and keep track of the expansion of the responsibilities of the GEF monitoring and different benefit streams. Global benefits must be able to evaluation unit. be verified separately from national and local benefits. Finally, let me make three concluding comments. Among our other conclusions let me emphasize the following: First, despite rnnsiderable operational challenges and diffi- culties experienced by the GEF during its first ten years, I ..,.. There is an urgent need for improvements in the pro- was impressed by the broad acceptance of the existence of cessing of GEF projects. In particular, it should be feasi- the GEF. its key role in supporting the global environmental ble to shorten substantially the time needed to process conventions, and by the widespread optimism expressed project proposals of Medium-Size proj~cts. about its further potential. There are hopeful signs of will- ingness to make improvements of the GEF. In this context ..,.. Small grants and medium-sized projects have produced a substantial strengthening of country partnerships will be good results. They can be effective first steps in GEF a key factor in improving the performance of GEF. programming aimed at subsequent larger projects. Second, I was continuously reminded of the goodwill, ..,.. Global environmental issues need solid scientific and energy and motivation of management and staff in the technical advice from credible sources. The STAP roster various GEF entities. This is encouraging for the future of PLENARY REPORTS 91 the GEF. Stronger inter-agency partnerships have grown up as a direct result of the GEF. They seem promising for achieving improved effectiveness within the GEF institu- tional arrangement. Third, I would like to reiterate a high sense of priority men- tioned earlier in my presentation - that the GEF must take steps to clarify further and to strengthen the operational understanding of the concept of 'global environmental benefits.' This is a concept which needs a solid scientific basis. It needs to be explained in terms that the public at large can understand. It needs to be set in a sustainable development context but, at the same time, its main mis- sion objective to achieve global environmental benefits should not be, and must not be, blurred or weakened. As the GEF becomes increasingly more effective in demon- strating that global environmental benefits are clearly dis- tinguishable in the results of its projects, then the uniqueness of the GEF is evident and its institutional credibility becomes increasingly and firmly anchored within the inter- national community. The recent World Summit in Johannesburg has forcefully reminded us about the need to pursue global objectives, which are clearly supportive of larger sustainable develop- ment objectives. They must also be supportive of the glob- al environmental conventions. This is an overall challenge for the future of the GEF. 92 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C EED I N G S STATEMENT BY YOUSSEF HOJJAT DEPUTY HEAD, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, IRAN, ON BEHALF OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES It is a great pleasure and honor for me to speak on behalf A. GEF a symbol of successful and targeted multilateral of the developing countries at this very august Assembly. cooperation among countries, Implementing Agencies; At the outset, allow me to express my congratulation to conventions, institutions, public and private sectors ... you and other members of the Bureau of the Second GEF for protection of the global environment. Continuation Assembly on your elections. I'd like to reiterate the convic- of this successful collaboration is subject to deepening tion of the developing countries for full cooperation with the countries' ownership of the GEF projects as well as you towards the success of this session. to the collective efforts of all key players in supporting the GEF activities. It is also important to maintain the The GEF Assembly provides an opportunity for al countries unique nature and model of the GEF financial assis- to elaborate the GEF work so as to make it more respon- tance to recipient countries and let it to continue. sive to the needs of developing countries. For the develop- ing world, GEF has always been a source of encourage- B. Enhancing the capacity of GEF/NEPs and their relevant ment and expectation; encouragement to renew the constituencies, particularly in the area of project prepa- efforts to preserve the environment for the present and ration, has proved to be an important element for the future generations and also expectation, for the vast work of the GEF. Therefore, it should continue the be majority of countries around the globe to be convinced among the main activities of the GEF. that their development needs have been received sufficient attention by the international community. C. There should be a an improved understanding and operationalization of the concepts of "incremental Turning to the agenda of the Assembly, we would like to costs" and "global environmental benefit" among GEF, welcome the successful third replenishment of the GEF. IAS and NFPs. Like of clear understanding of these con- The timely completion of the GEF replenishment before the cepts is one of the main impeding factor in facilitating world Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) paved the approval and implementing the project. Taking into the way for further recognition of the GEF role in various account the work that has been done, there is still paragraphs of the WSSD Plan of Implementation. The room for further work in this field among countries, WSSD Plan of Implementation encompasses two sorts of GEF and IAS. paragraphs on GEF; some with implications for the opera- tional programs of the GEF and others on the importance D. In line with paragraph 28 of the Instrument, GEF should of involvement of the GEF in inter-agency coordination promote greater coordination and cofinancing of its mechanisms within and out-side the UN system. ·1n our activities form other sources. In this regard, the relevant view, there is a need for the GEF secretariat in consultation decisions of the GEF should be fully implemented. with the Implementing Agencies (IAS) should propose to the Council at its next session, the elements of an action E. GEF direct contacts with countries will expedite the plan to make the GEF work more responsive to the inter- exchange of views, especially for project preparation, national community demands made in WSSD. contribute to making the projects more consistent with Furthermore, and to respond to the WSSD call, the GEF the national priorities, and in general, simplify a part of should express its readiness to be a financial mechanism the project cycle. Taking into account the progress that for the CCD, as it did before for the POPs. has been achieved by the GEF and IAS, care should continue to be given by them to make maximum coor- The recent summits and conferences, in particular WSSD dination in order to reduce overlapping and duplication and Monterey, all were focused on "implementation". GEF in their work which may result in prolonging the project along with its Implementing and Executing Agencies and as cycle approval. an important part of the system should also make efforts to focus on implementation of projects of the recipient countries. F. GEF is an operational system whose aim is to con- In this regard, and taking into account the OPS2 recommen- tribute to preservation of the global environment dations, CEO's report on the policies, operations and future through financing of the projects with such aim. development of the GEF as well as the replenishment discus- Participation, information-sharing, gender balancing ... sion, we have the following observations and proposals: all are positive elements that assist countries to achieve PLENARY REPORTS 93 the objective of the projects. However, these should not become the main objei::tives for the projects. GEF projects should continue to be focused on responding to the national priorities of the recipient countries which have global environmental benefits, thus increas- ing greater ownership and improved coordination at national level. · G. The implementation of any OPS2 recommendation should eventually result in streamlining and simplifying the project approval process. H. In strengthening the GEF institutionally, the key and main role of the national governments, in particular NFPs in identification of the national priorities for the GEF projects should be maintained and be emphasized. I cannot conclude my statement without saying that the GEF owes its success, to a large extent, to the personal dedication, wisdom and hard work of Dr. El-Ashry and his staff. Coming from a developing country, he made valu- able efforts to make the GEF as close as possible to its deserved position. During this period, GEF has received international re~ognition at the highest political level and has been able to be the corner-stone of the financial archi- tecture for the global environmental activities. This is the spirit which has to be continued and we would like once again to thank Dr. El-Ashry for his work and assured him of our continued cooperation. · 94 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS REPORT OF MOHAMED EL-ASHRY, CEO AND CHAIRMAN, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY, ON GEF POLICIES, OPERATIONS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT It is with great pleasure that I report to you this afternoon were covered in my remarks this morning, and more about on the policies, operations, and future development of the policies, strategies, and future directions. Global Environment Facility. My remarks are derived from various documents in your possession, including my writ- We must never forget that the GEF is, in the first instance, ten report, as well as from my experiences within the GEF a partnership between developing and developed countries from its inception. for a more sustainable world for all people. Our interde- pendence in the face of Earth's bounty, as well as its Some of you may recall that I began my report to the fragility, is at the heart of this organization's day-to-day New Delhi Assembly by quoting Thomas Jefferson on the operations and the decisions of its governing Council. need for "laws and institutions (to) go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind." Looking back at These words are often used but the financial resources you that quote, I realized the words are just as meaningful for supply to the GEF are, in fact, a sacred trust. These include us today. financial support in the form of direct contributions and co-financing from developing countries as well as developed Jefferson believed that "as the human mind becomes more ones. We know that these resources are not given lightly, developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are or easily. And we very much appreci9te the generosity, made, new truths discovered, and manners and opinions goodwill, and leadership of the 32 nations which pledged change, with the change of circumstances, institutions $3 billion to finance GEF operations over the next four must advance also to keep pace with the times." years - the largest replenishment ever. I can report to you today that the GEF is increasingly setting Since the last Assembly, the GEF Council has approved 16 the pace for global environment protection and sustainable work programs, including yesterday's. Total GEF allocations development. In Johannesburg, world leaders committed have surpassed $4.5 billion and these project resources themselves to "act together, united by a common determi- have mobilized more than $13 billion in co-financing for nation to save our planet." A number of targets and more than 1,200 projects and some 3,000 small grants in timetables were agreed upon. With a renewed political will over 140 countries. This means that during the four years and with Monterrey's additional financing for sustainable between the first and second Assemblies, some 700 projects development, these targets have a chance of being met. were launched with GEF financing of $2.25 billion and The GEF will do its part, and in partnership with others, to cofinancing equal to approximately $7.5 billion. ensure our planet's health. The GEF Council has also approved and all the GEF units The first Assembly called upon the GEF to "accelerate its - implementing agencies, STAP, and the Secretariat - operations" and similar words have been used in connec- have cooperated to put into motion more than a dozen tion with the second overall performance study and the major new initiatives in response to the first Assembly's call recently completed third replenishment. Keeping in mind for a cutting-edge, country-driven facility that is creative, that this great city will in 2008 host our Olympic athletes, I responsive, and capable of programming sustainable global would suggest that we too are in a race, not only to environmental benefits. To that end, we instituted an inno- "accelerate operations" but also to improve our perform- vative feebased system for reimbursing project implemen- ance and enhance results on the ground. tation costs. We moved carefully to ratchet up the approval process, eliminating unnecessary steps, in order to PROGRESS SINCE THE FIRST ASSEMBLY get the very best full and medium-size projects funded and out into the field where they can make a difference. We The GEF has grown tremendously since New Delhi. Our worked to make project preparation and project tracking growth is the kind measured in achievements, the scope of simpler, more transparent, and nationally driven. We our work, the wisdom of our strategies, the resilience of sought to clarify, for funding purposes, how GEF deter- our partnerships, and - quite simply - our collective mines the incremental costs of global environment benefits determination to get things done. This afternoon, I will through a variety of new studies, information materials, speak less about concrete project achievements, as they workshops, and other venues. PLENARY REPORTS 95 To strengthen country-level coordination and grassroots is embedded in countries' own sustainable development outreach and communication, we gathered and dissemi- plans and if it respects national priorities. nated best practices and lessons learned based on country experiences through written materials, video footage of With 79 countries backing it, this paper received a our projects, special meetings and exchanges for national resounding endorsement by the Rio Earth Summit. focal points, and a program of 50 country dialogue work- Following Rio, we embarked on the restructuring of the shops. All these efforts were designed to promote the GEF to turn it from a pilot to a permanent facility. That understanding and active involvement of multiple con- journey took us from Washington to Abidjan, to Rome, stituencies in GEF activities, including non-governmental Beijing, Paris, Cartagena, and, finally, Geneva in March of organizations and community groups at the local and 1994, where the final agreement on the restructuring and regional levels. The scientific community has been a special first replenishment was concluded. · target of outreach, under the leadership of STAP. With the leadership of the Council, the GEF institutional The Council listened to and took into consideration the structure and operational strategy were put in place, set- concerns of countries and the conventions for capacity ting the stage for a constantly-evolving GEF that has building for the global environment. With UNDP. we become the single largest financier of renewable energy, undertook an initiative to gauge national abilities to biodiversity conservation, and trans-boundary water man- address global environmental issues and prepared a strategy agement in the developing world. and action plan to provide enhanced and sustained assis- tance for this purpose. Over 100 countries are now in The GEF is the only multi-convention financing entity in advanced stages of preparing projects to conduct national existence, assisting developing countries in implementing self-assessments of capacity needs with GEF financing. their obligations under the global environmental conven- tions. Growing international confidence in the GEF has GEF'S JOURNEY manifested itself in an expanded mandate to manage funds such as the Special Convention Fund, the LDC But the GEF will never rest on its laurels. As we consider Fund, and the Adaptation Fund of the Climate Change our present challenges and how best to overcome them, Convention - and new focal areas like desertification we can derive hope and inspiration from all that we have and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). That confidence collectively accomplished. As the philosopher wrote: culminated in the largest replenishment ever a couple of months ago and the significant support the GEF received A tree broader than a man can embrace is born of a at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in tiny shoot Johannesburg. A dam greater than a river can overflow starts with a clod of earth I look back with a great sense of satisfaction at my partici- A journey of a thousand miles begins at the spot under pation on behalf of the GEF in the meetings of the one's feet. Conferences of the Parties to the Conventions on Climate Change, Desertification, and Biodiversity, as well as at the Just eleven years ago, we embarked together on a journey final negotiating session of the POPs convention, and the to build a new institution called the GEF. We can look Rio and Johannesburg Summits. And I look with great back with a great sense of pride at the many milestones pride and gratitude to the Council for recommending to along the way and our collective achievements. In eleven you the inclusion of desertification as a GEF focal area. short years, we have put together an effective and trans- This will go a long way toward helping poor people in arid parent entity with democratic governance and almost and semi-arid regions, especially in Africa, and demon- universal membership. We have gone from humble strates our support for the New Partnership for Africa's beginnings as a pilot to the largest funding mechanism for Development and its objectives. the global environment and have become a catalyst for sustainable development, with a portfolio worth over In all of these accomplishments, there are the unsung heroes $16 billion. We have grown from less than 30 member who work quietly and effectively in our three implementing countries to 175. agencies, the World Bank, UNDP. and UNEP. the Secretariat, STAP. and Trustee - from executive and regional coordina- Some of you in this Hall represented your governments tors and task managers in the implementing agencies to from the beginning of this journey. You will recall the early assistant CEOs, team leaders, program managers, and sup- discussion on a paper called "GEF - Beyond the Pilot port staff in the Secretariat, to legal and financial counselors Phase." This set out the principles and outlines of the cur- in the Trustee, and world class scientists in STAP. Without rent GEF, starting with the recognition that a global envi- these hard working and dedicated women and men, there ronment agenda can only be implemented successfully if it would be no vision, no strategic plan, and no portfolio. 96 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS In continuing to evolve, we now have added capacity and words, the GEF needs to.constantly drive to the next higher new partners in the regional development banks, FAO, plateau of organizational efficiency and effectiveness. UNIDO, and IFAD to help us respond efficiently to the expanded agenda and mandates. We also have clear evi- This is the only way we can succeed in the face of all the dence of the strong relationships that have developed with future holds. Two billion more people will soon be sharing international institutions both in the UN and outside the UN. this planet. Already, 800 million are not getting enough to eat. Hundreds of millions do not have access to a steady We can all be proud, ladies and gentlemen, of what the supply of water and live on seriously degraded lands. Two GEF has become, not only in its own right, but also as a billion people are without access to electricity. They need model for other international institutions. The Global our help - small as it may be. Health Fund was modeled after the GEF. And there will be others in the future as the world grapples with ways and In the GEF, we must continue to be an important partner means for dealing with the growing agenda of global for problem solving on global environment-related issues. public goods. In my view, the GEF and the Global Health We must strengthen our catalytic role through main- Fund represent the new generation of international institu- streaming, scaling up, and the replication of successful tions - small, efficient, and targeted to a specific global activities. And we must strengthen our relations with the agenda. Conference of the Parties to the Conventions (COPs) we serve. We should seek to establish an effective and mean- We must remember, and continue to build on, the reasons ingful dialogue with the COPs on strategic priorities for for our success. These include: our ability to translate vision addressing convention objectives in ways that draw on les- and concepts into viable actions and our Council deserves sons learned in GEF-financed activities at the country level. a great deal of the credit here; our unique role in advancing After all, we are the proving ground for their policies and global environmental objectives and as a catalyst for sus- priorities. In the area of convention guidance, I must say, tainable development while respecting national priorities; with all due respect, that long shopping lists will spread our role in support of the conventions; our institutional resources ever so thinly, and will not achieve the intended arrangement as a small entity, with an efficient Secretariat, results. Prioritization, focusing, and integration are needed that relies on existing, proven organizations for implement- as more and more countries strive to access GEF resources. ing its action on the ground - and the efforts by these Of course, more resources will definitely help. implementing and executing agencies to exercise flexibility and adaptability as they work within the GEF. How can we be better partners with more nations? We must keep building "country-drivenness" and "ownership" In short, I view G E F as follows: and respect for national priority into GEF's policies and ...,. G - goal oriented, taking into account country needs portfolios. Conversely, nations need to build the global and strategies; environment and sustainability into their development ...,. E - efficient, with means to ensure effective utilization thinking. GEF activities, therefore, need to be integrated of resources and produce results on the ground; and into national strategies and programs for sustainable ...,. F - financially sound investments focusing on global development. GEF's support for enabling activities such as environmental benefits and taking into account objec- national communications, national reports, and national tives of global environmental conventions. strategies must be placed in the broader framework of capacity building and integrated into national sustainable CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS development plans and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs). This is also the spirit of the outcome of WSSD. All of this, however, is not to say that the GEF is perfect. Not yet anyway. The process of self examination and We also need to improve our performance through improvement that gained the GEF the confidence of the strengthened monitoring and evaluation. We should have international community must continue. As we look an independent M & E unit reporting to the Council and a ahead, GEF must redouble its efforts to better articulate feedback loop between evaluation findings and manage- the key principles of global environmental benefits and ment activities to ensure more systematic use of the results incremental costs, prioritize its actions, focus on perform- and outputs of GEF projects for the improvement of plan- ance, and maximize impacts and results. It must be more ning and subsequent activities. And, we must weave our responsive to the countries it serves - measuring its successful projects and approaches, and those of our part- performance, extracting lessons and disseminating them ners, into a broader and stronger fabric for sustainable widely, rationalizing its administrative costs, mobilizing development. additional resources for the global environment and sustainable development, and expanding partnerships with To do this, GEF must intensify its focus as a facilitator for governments, NGOs, and the private sector. In other public-private partnerships, mobilizing to the maximum P L E N A RY R EP 0 RT S 97 extent possible resources as well as leadership from the But the noon tide is upon us and the dream has turned business community, from individual entrepreneurs right up into awakening and I need to part!" to the biggest corporations. The Johannesburg Action Plan prioritizes the need "to facilitate greater flows of foreign So the operative word, ladies and gentlemen, is not direct investment so as to support sustainable development "goodbye" but as we say in Arabic "Neshofkom Ala activities, including the development of infrastructure, of Kheir." For as I am fond of noting, the only thing I know is developing countries, and enhance the benefits that devel- the environment and sustainable development, and I will oping countries can draw from foreign direct investment." work for these always wherever I am. I look forward to The GEF has a key role to play here, not just through tech- keeping in touch. nology transfer but also to use our limited but valuable grant funds to level the playing field and assist countries as they devise legal, regulatory, and policy measures to facili- tate private investment. Likewise, our important partnership with non-governmental organizations - itself a model for other financial institu- tions - has great room for further growth and collective achievement. Building the capacities of grassroots and indigenous peoples' organizations has been a cornerstone of GEF's Small Grants Programme and should be expand- ed. The program itself should be re-examined with an eye towards further strengthening and expansion to all coun- tries that need it, especially less developed countries and small island developing states. By the same token, reliance on the medium-size project modality should be expanded, and its project cycle simpli- fied and expedited. That requires the cooperation of imple- menting and executing agencies as well as national opera- tional focal points. Medium-size projects can play an important role in a GEF action plan for capacity building, particularly in LDCs and small island developing states. In the coming months, I will intensify the GEF's work in all these areas so as to lay the foundation for the higher plateau which I referred to earlier. A FAREWELL Friends - now, I would like to end my remarks much as I began them this morning. The key words are "thank you" and they need to be said to more people than I can take time to name this afternoon - country and convention representatives, international and NGO leaders, my col- leagues in the implementing agencies, and last - but cer- tainly not least of all - my hard-working staff at the Secretariat. It has been a privilege to know all of you and work alongside you. Together, we have helped make a difference. The Lebanese poet and philosopher Khalil Gibran said: "Farewell to you, and to the days and nights I spent with you; It was but yesterday when we met in a dream and we have built together towers in the sky; 98 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C E ED I N G S 100 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF ALBANIA LUFTER XHUVELI, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT It's a pleasure for me to be part of such important meeting 300.000 USD is government contribution. Also through the and I would like to extend my special thanks to the GEF Small Grant Programme Albania received 200.000 USD in Secretariat and the Government of China for organizing 2001 and 250.000 USD in 2002. For our opinion this is a and hosting this event. good start for the GEF activities in Albania and we hope that in the future the presence of GEF project will be greater. Albania, a small country in Balkan Peninsula has different habitats and ecosystems that create the possibility for a Our Ministry had already tried to approach GEF with other broad diversity of species in fauna and flora. In Albania ter- proposals and I will like to draw the attention for the pro- ritory are found from maritime ecosystems in the coastal posal on Prespa Park that is a protected area around Lake zones to the alpine pastures and meadows in the high Prespa in the southeast of Albania, shared between three mountain ecosystems. Several lagoons, lakes and rivers countries Albania, Macedonia and Greece. In 2000 a com- made our hydrological system attractive habitats for mon declaration of the three Prime Ministers for the estab- endemic and migratory species. We include in our nature lishment of the Prespa Park open the possibility for a trilateral different types of forest such as evergreen and broadleaf cooperation, creating the Coordination Committee of bushes, broadleafforests, pine forests, etc. The landscape Prespa Park. Three members from each country, representing diversity is another attitude of our nature, and clearly func- the government institution, local government and NGOs tion as indicators of the high level of biodiversity and representative, form the Committee that had regular meet- nature treasure in Albania. ing every six months. Part of the work of the CC is the elaboration of the project proposal title "Integrated Environmental protection has become a priority for sustain- Ecosystem Management in the Transboundary Prespa Park able development of the country. Albanian government, Region", which I believe will get the GEF support in the through its newly established Ministry of Environment near future. along with other institutions is working to protect environ- ment particularly through improvement of the legislation, Among the future priorities that Albania see as potential negotiations, agreements and initiatives to conserve nature activities to be supported by GEF, is the network of pro- resources and all the ecosystems rich in biological diversity tected area that will increase in surface from 5.8 % of the and vital for sustaining human life. national territory to 14 %, including their management, combating ozone depletion activities, biodiversity enabling Albania had already ratified or access different important activities, etc. UN or other convention such as Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Climate Change, Convention to If I will made some comments on the documents present- Combat Desertification, Ramsar Convention, etc., and also ed I would like to draw the attention of the audience for collaborate as a member with several regional organisms the need of scientific assessment and research that help in as the Mediterranean Action Plan, European Environmental evaluating the undergoing project process. My feeling is Agency, etc. that we would like to see this scientific work not as a "per se" research program, but in relation to get enough knowl- I would like to take advantage of this opportunity for edge for understanding the problem and presenting option thanking the Global Environmental Facility for supporting for improvement. The motto will be "problems, question, some activities in Albania and to express my strong belief answer" to find outthe solution for implementing meas- for strengthening the future cooperation with the Albanian ures to protect environment in a sustainable manner. Government that I have the honor to present here as the Minister of Environment. The need for work coordination between GEF focal points and the other respective conventions contact person will There are three GEF projects running in Albania: 1) The help many countries to avoid overlapping of activities as Lake Ohrid Conservation Project, 2) Enabling Activities for well as to be complementary with the funds used. For the Climate Change, and 3) Project for the Conservation of majority of cases this is related to the countries obligations, Wetland and Coastal Ecosystems in the Mediterranean but sometimes the donor's community can play a signifi- Region, with a total of 4.364.000 USD, from which cant role to introduce the concept of cooperation. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES IOI One of the points, I think, is important in our activities, based on the Balkan experiences, is the implementation of the project in the regional context. The collaboration between countries with different culture and development level, guide to big profit also in the political field, obligate the government to "accept cooperation" for environmen- tal benefit and for the welfare of there population. This is an important lesson learned in our region during the last five years. At the end I would like to thank you again Mr. Chairman and the government of China for giving us the opportunity to sit together in this assembly, discussing for the improve- ment of our policy for the protection and conservation of environment. I 02 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF .ALGERIA CHERIF RAHMANI, MINISTER OF LAND PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT Je voudrais tout d'abord profiter de l'heureuse opportunite Notre rencontre constitue de ce fait, une occasion idoine qui m'est offerte pour presenter, au nom de mon pour convenir ensemble de la contribution du Fonds, con- gouvernement et de la delegation que je conduis, nos formement a son mandat, a la mise en CEuvre des decisions chaleureux remerciements aux Gouvernement et peuple adoptees au plus haut niveau, lors du deuxieme Sammet amis de la Republique populaire de Chine, ce pays berceau de la Terre et notamment le plan de mise en CEuvre de d'une civilisation prestigieuse, pour leur accueil et leur hos- Johannesbourg. pitalite dans cette legendaire ville de Beijing. Ainsi les enjeux et les defis environnementaux, Permettez-moi aussi d'adresser nos sinceres felicitations economiques, sociaux et politiques sont desormais globaux aux membres du Bureau pour leur election meritee et nos et ne peuvent plus s'accommoder d'approches et de vifs remerciements a M. Mohamed T. El-Ashry, au demarches isolees, partielles ou partiales, car des menaces Secretariat du FEM et a tous les organisateurs pour leur graves pesent sur l'avenir, voire le devenir meme de aimable sollicitude et leurs efforts qui contribueront sans l'humanite dans son ensemble. nul doute au succes legitimement attendu des travaux de notre auguste assemblee. Les situations que je viens de citer prouvent de maniere irrefutable qu'aucun continent, aucun pays ne peut et ne Permettez-moi enfin, d'adresser nos sinceres felicitations et doit se croire a l'abri de catastrophes. nos remerciements a nos representants au sein du Conseil du Fonds et les experts nationaux et internationaux, pour Cette communaute de destin est devenue aujourd'hui plus la qualite et la pertinence des documents soumis a notre evidente, de meme que la pertinence du principe de attention. responsabilite collective mais differenciee selon les Etats. Cette deuxieme Assemblee generale s'inscrit opportune- Car la responsabilite premiere incombe aux pays les plus ment dans le p~olongement de rencontres internationales riches, les plus industrialises, au regard de l'histoire, d'une importantes, notamment celles de Doha, Monterrey, Alger, part (les choix economiques et industriels extravertis, les Cartagena et plus particulierement le tout recent Sammet pertes irreversibles de terres agricoles, de forets et de de la Terre a Johannesbourg, ou plusieurs d'entres nous ressources naturelles vitales, sont les resultats des effets etaient presents et qui a mis en exergue la lourde pervers de periodes et faits coloniaux eVou de situations hypotheque sur les espoirs et perspectives de developpement de dependance economique ) et d'autre part, au regard generee par la mutilation acceleree et continue de l'envi- de leur mode de production et niveau de consommation ronnement, la surexploitation des ressources naturelles et actuels. l'amenuisement constant des capacites de reproduction de la nature. Certes nos pays en developpement assument egalement leur part de responsabilite, bien que toute relative, au regard de II n'est pas inutile de se rappeler, aujourd'hui et a cette systemes de gouvernance inadaptes et de pratiques parfois occasion precise, les impacts graves induits par la rupture obsoletes. des cycles naturels et les atteintes et pressions sur les ressources vitales telles que les eaux, les fon?ts, les sols, la Aussi toute action globale eVou regionale se doit d'integrer biodiversite' et les zones c6tieres et marines : !es responsabilites communes et differenciees des Etats, leurs capacites respectives, leurs specificites economiques et .... une exploitation effrenee des ressources naturelles par social es. les principaux pays developpes, .... les catastrophes naturelles, technologiques et sanitaires, L'environnement mondial est assurement un bien public, repetees, en Europe, mondial que se doit de gerer la communaute des nations .... les pollutions diverses et permanentes dont le nuage de maniere responsable et dans le respect permanent et brun, en Asie, bien compris de l'interet superieur de l'humanite et des ..,. la desertification, la secheresse et la famine en Afrique, generations futures. .... les menaces de disparition de pays insulaires. ST A TE M ENT S BY R E P R ES E N TAT I V E S I 03 Le principe du pollueur-payeur devrait pouvoir trouver une acees, ainsi que l'accord qui permettra enfin au FEM de application reelle et equitable a l'echelle mondiale. devenir le mecanisme financier de la Convention sur la lutte contre la desertification, la deforestation et la secheresse. Des efforts restent a consentir pour favoriser une approche rigoureuse et s'appuyer sur une contribution plus significative Ce sont autant de signaux forts, en direction de notre et ferme des pays les plus riches, en adequation avec le auguste assemblee pour un engagement commun et droit reconnu au developpement et les besoins prioritaires soutenu et de defis nouveaux pour le Fonds. et legitimes en matiere de protection du patrimoine naturel et de croissance economique durable des pays mains Cependant, c'est le lieu ici de souligner que la reconstitution developpes eVou pauvres. des ressources du Fonds ne saurait etre liee a une quelconque forme de conditionnalite etrangere aux principes fondateurs A l'heure de la globalisation et de la mondialisation a l'origine de la creation de notre institution. economique, mondialiser la solidarite et humaniser le partenariat est une exigence, un imperatif. Asa creation le Fonds, mecanisme novateur, avait suscite de profonds espoirs. Les pays industrialises et les plus nantis sont interpelles de nouveau quant au respect de leurs engagements passes Ces espoirs demeurent et se sont amplifies, meme si souvent, concernant les ressources financieres nouvelles et addition- les reponses n'ont pas ete toujours a la hauteur de certaines nelles, ainsi qu'au transfert effectif de technologies attentes legitimes. ecologiquement rationnelles et adaptees. II est indeniable que des progres notables ant ete enregistres En d'autres termes, ii s'agit de rendre plus accessibles, depuis la premiere Assemblee generale de New Delhi et techniquement et financierement, les avancees tech- notamment ces deux ou trois dernieres annees, grace en par- nologiques et scientifiques et la mise au point de systemes ticulier a l'action eclairee et la force de conviction et de rap- et de procedes plus economes en ressources naturelles et prochement de M. El-Ashry d'une part et les efforts d'adap- generant mains de pollutions et de dechets. tation et de synergie des Agences d'execution, d'autre part. II est imperatif aujourd'hui, de parvenir a une effective Durant. la deuxieme phase de son existence, le FEM a reussi conjugaison des efforts en vue de la readaptation et du a se hisser au rang de partenaire incontournable de la renforcement du systeme institutionnel environnemental cooperation multilaterale au service du developpement international dans un souci de synergie, de complementarite durable. Le plan de mise en c:euvre adopte a et de coherence programmatique et operationnelle, pour Johannesbourg en porte temoignage, tout comme les une meilleure coordination des investissements et une resultats de !'evaluation independante sur le fonction- utilisation plus rationnelle et plus efficiente des ressources nement du FEM a l'ordre du jour de nos presentes assises. et moyens disponibles et de plus en plus rares. Ainsi, en l'espace d'une decennie a peine, le FEM s'est erige Le renforcement de la gouvernance de l'environnement ne en un mecanisme de financement par excellence de la pro- saurait etre apprehende au seul niveau mondial, mais aussi tection de l'environnement et du developpement durable. et surtout a l'echelle regionale et nationale (« Pensons globalement et agissons localement »). Que !'artisan infatigable de cette realisation, man ami et frere M. Mohamed El-Ashry puisse trouver ici !'expression Ace titre, l'Algerie qui a eu l'honneur d'abriter successive- renouvelee de notre reconnaissance et notre gratitude ment, la troisieme reunion intergouvernementale sur la pour tout ce qu'il a pu realiser au service des ideaux de gouvernance internationale en matiere d'environnement et notre institution. le Sammet des ONG des pays du Sud (preparatoire au Som met de RIO+ 1O), appelle plus specifiquement a une Toutefois des efforts particuliers et soutenus restent a plus grande harmonisation et une synergie effective entre fournir et peuvent certainement etre fournis, afin que le le FEM, le PNUE, la BIRD, le PNUD, les organes de FEM puisse, mieux et davantage, se rapprocher et etre a surveillance et de mise en c:euvre des conventions interna- l'ecoute de ceux qu'il est cense servir, a travers une mise tionales en vigueur, la CDD etc. ... en place de mecanismes et de procedures mieux adaptes, facilitant l'acces aux financements requis et la mobilisation A cet egard, l'Algerie mesure a leur juste valeur et salue effective et efficiente de !'ensemble des acteurs et partenaires vivement les resultats prometteurs de la troisieme et economiques et sociaux. laborieuse reconstitution, des ressources du FEM, premier resultat concret du consensus de Monterrey, dont Jes ambi- II s'agit aussi de renforcer les mesures de simplification des tions operationnelles et programmatiques etaient men- procedures et des delais, notamment celles relatives aux 104 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS decaissements, la simplification du concept des surcouts et developpement durable, Conservatoire national de l'ancrage des operations conformement aux priorites des formation aux metiers de l'environnement, Centre pays beneficiaires. national de production de technologies propres, .... En verite, la complexite et la lenteur des procedures du 5 . Introduction d'une nouvelle fiscalite environ- FEM et des ses Agences d'execution constituent de serieux nementale : pour les carburants plus propres, la handicaps en matiere de programmation des projets et la depollution, la creation du FEDEP .... concretisation des objectifs qui les soutendent. L'Algerie souhaite pouvoir compter, pour la mise en CEuvre de Les efforts du Fonds meritent toute notre consideration et son PNAEDD, sur une contribution et un accompagnement ses progres doivent etre soutenus ; mais l'ampleur et la techniques et financiers du FEM, des Agences d'execution, nature des defis et des enjeux de protection de l'environ- des pays partenaires au titre de la cooperation bilaterale et nement et de developpement durable, exigent la mobilisation tous ceux qui nous ont fait l'honneur de participer a la et !'implication conjuguees, non seulement des Etats et des reunion internationale des bailleurs de fonds, tenue a gouvernements, mais egalement et peut-etre davantage, Alger en Juin 2002. de la societe civile et du secteur prive, dans une demarche partenariale et citoyenne, reelle et responsable. II nous plait ici, de rappeler quelques projets engages dans des domaines prioritaires, avec la pr~cieuse collaboration Ace titre, nous apprecions positivement l'elargissement du financiere et technique du FEM et de ses Agences partenariat du FEM aux banques regionales de developpe- d'execution : ment et autres institutions et organismes internationaux du systeme des Nations Unies (FAO, FIDA, ONUDI ... ). ..,. L'elaboration de la Strategie nationale et du Plan d'ac- tions national pour la mise en CEuvre de la Convention L'Algerie, a l'instar de nombreux pays membres, a dairement sur la diversite biologique. prouve aujourd'hui et par le passe, sa ferme determination ..,. L'elaboration de la Strategie nationale et du Plan d'ac- et son irreversible volonte d'honorer ses engagements et tions national pour la mise en CEuvre de la Convention etre un partenaire responsable, credible et dynamique, au sur les changements climatiques. niveau mondial et regional , avec la ratification de ..,. Le renforcement des capacites nationales et dans les conventions internationales liees au FEM, la mise en c:euvre pays du Maghreb en matiere de lutte contre les au niveau national de strategies et de programmes appro- changements climatiques. pries ainsi que les instruments juridiques, institutionnels et ..,. La gestion de la pollution marine par les hydrocarbures economiques adequats. Je citerai a titre illustratif : dans la region Sud-Ouest de la Mediterranee. 1. La creation du HCEDD : organe de reflexion et de Plus recemment, des financements ont ete accordes pour decision, compose de 12 ministres, 5 personnalites un projet national relatif a la mise en CEuvre de la scientifiques, 1 ONG nationale et preside par le chef du Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques per- gouvernement. sistants et un projet relatif a la preservation et !'utilisation durable de la biodiversite d'interet mondial dans les deux 2. L'elaboration et la validation par le gouvernement pares nationaux du Tassili et de I' Ahaggar dans le Sahara de la Strategie environnementale nationale et du algerien. plan national d'actions pour l'environnement et le developpement durable : realises avec le concours L' Algerie qui a organise l'un des tout premiers ateliers de du METAP, de la BIRD et de GTZ/ RFA et qui sont le dialogue national sur le FEM, formule l'espoir que de resultat de trois annees de consultations nationales nouveaux projets et programmes prioritaires, nationaux et intenses (ministeres, organismes specialises, scien- regionaux, puissent recevoir l'appui escompte dans un tifiques, ONG, industriels publics et prives, ... ) proche avenir. 3. La promulgation de nouveaux textes legislatifs et Une bonne gouvernance de l'environnement au niveau reglementaires : ( loi sur la protection de l'environ- national, regional et mondial offre, sans nul doute , des nement et le developpement durable, Joi sur l'ame- opportunites importantes qui contribueront a la Jutte contre nagement du territoire et le developpement durable , la pauvrete et le sous-developpement par la valorisation et loi sur la protection et la valorisation du Littoral, loi sur !'utilisation rationnelle des ressources naturelles, la creation la gestion integree des dechets sol ides, ... ). de richesses nouvelles assurant une croissance qualitative soutenue et durable. 4. La creation d'organes et institutions nouvelles : (Observatoire national de l'environnement et du ST A TE M E N T S BY RE P R ES E N TAT I V E S I 05 Aussi, ii est important que les orientations et les decisions auxquelles aboutira notre auguste assemblee a la veille de la troisieme phase dans !'existence de notre institution, puissent s'articuler prioritairement sur les objectifs de pro- grammes et de mesures concretes en faveur de la lutte contre la desertification, la degradation des sols, la deforestation et la secheresse; la satisfaction des besoins croissants en eau et en energie; la protection et la valorisa- tion de la diversite biologique et la gestion integree des zones c6tieres et marines ... Autant de problemes et de defis auxquels sont confrontes nos pays et particulierement ceux concernant la desertification, la degradation des sols, la deforestation et la secheresse qui affectent gravement man pays, ainsi que plus d'une centaine d'autres a travers les continents et qui interpellent, aujourd'hui plus que jamais, la communaute internationale pour engager resolument des actions diligentes et concertees en faveur des pays les plus demunis ou en difficultes, notamment sur le continent Africain. Ce continent Africain auquel une attention toute particuliere devrait etre accordee eu egard, non seulement aux extraor- dinaires potentialites qu'il recele et aux difficultes lancinantes dans lesquelles ses populations se debattent quotidien- nement pour leur survie, mais aussi et surtout, en raison de !'initiative recente de !'Unite Africaine, initiative ambitieuse, novatrice et responsable, en !'occurrence le NEPAD. Ce NEPAD, fonde sur une demarche resolue de developpe- ment durable et de bonne gouvernance, s'inscrit dans le projet global de protection et de promotion du capital ecologique et environnemental de l'Humanite. II plait a la delegation de l'Algerie, un des pays geniteurs et promoteurs de cette initiative determinante pour le continent Africain, de feliciter et remercier le FEM et M. El-Ashry pour leur contribution volontaire, diligente et fort precieuse, pour la composante environnementale du NEPAD. Cette deuxieme Assemblee generale nous offre une occa- . sion tres opportune pour consolider les efforts engages, reaf- firmer nos engagements mutuels en adequation avec notre communaute de destin, permettre des avancees decisives et irreversibles a la hauteur des enjeux et defis communs et des espoirs places dans le Fonds et ses partenaires, pour . contribuer a la sauvegarde et !'humanisation de notre planete, notre maison commune et unique et enfin leguer au generations futures, un heritage environnemental riche et des possibilites de developpement et de vie a la mesure de leurs esperances et de leurs droits legitimes. Nous rendrons ainsi justice egalement a l'histoire millenaire de notre pays hate en jetant les bases d'un partenariat renove au service du developpement durable et d'une alliance grandiose entre l'homme et son environnement. I 06 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF ARGENTINA RAUL ESTRADA OYUELA, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Muchas gracias, senor Presidente. Quiero felicitarlo por su fundadas manifestaciones de preocupaci6n por el estado elecci6n y expresarle mi confianza en que su conducci6n del ambiente y por el deterioro que ha sufrido en estos de esta asamblea nos llevara a un exitoso resultado. ultimas 1o anos. Tambien quiero manifestarle mi agradecimiento por haber- LQue ha ocurrido? nos invitado a Beijing. Ello me ha dado la ocasi6n de dis- frutar otra vez de la hospitalidad de este gran pafs, donde El GEF no fue creado para contribuir a resolver todos los tuve el honor de representar a mi gobierno durante mas problemas ambientales. Los pafses en desarrollo lo propusi- de tres anos. mos asf pero no fuimos escuchados. Finalmente se decidio que el campo de acci6n del GEF este limitado a los proble- Quiero expresar tambien mi agradecimiento por las mas que consideramos globales ya las areas focales acor- inspiradoras palabras del Presidente Jiang Zemin al inicio dadas. Pero aun dentro de esta limitacion no es posible de esta asamblea. En esas palabras encuentro el pen- hoy estimar cual ha sido el impacto global de las acciones samiento fundamental del Grupo de los 77 y China sobre encaradas por el GEF. las materias que nos ocupan y me complazco en endosar- las plenamente. · Enumerar los distintos proyectos y enfatizar los resultados especfficos de cada uno de ellos sean en la costa patag6ni- Los mas viejos en esta sala recordamos el papel que ca argentina o en las cumbres de Nepal, no da la respuesta desempef\6 el Grupo de los 77 y China en el proceso de que deseamos. reestructuraci6n del GEF y estamos convencidos de que esa influencia debe perdurar y reforzarse. Una conclusion basica del analisis del estudio sobre los resultados globales es que nos falta una apreciacion global La noticia del alejamiento de Mohamed nos causa pena. de esos resultados. Esa apreciaci6n solo podra lograrse con En estos anos hemos aprendido a estimarlo. Es sabido que monitoreo y adecuados indicadores de resultados que hoy no siempre coincidimos en nuestros puntos de vista, pero no estan disponibles. tambien es cierto que siempre terminamos por entendernos. La segunda duda o grupo de dudas que inspiran los Designar un sucesor no sera una tarea sencilla. El proceso informes sobre resultados y sobre polfticas, operaciones y debera ser transparente y conffo en que el Grupo de los 77 desarrollo futuro se refiere a los recursos financieros. y China hara llegar en breve sus puntos de vista sobre los parametros que deben guiar la busqueda del sucesor. Ya es un lugar comun serialar que los recursos puestos a disposicion del GEF no guardan relaci6n con las cantidades Mucha agradezco la presentacion del segundo estudio necesarias estimadas en el Programa 21 para las respectivas sobre resultados globales y del informe sabre polfticas, areas focales. operaciones y futuro desarrollo del GEF. En su introducci6n Mohamed nos dijo que en estos 10 En esta breve intervenci6n me limitare a compartir con anos se han movilizado 16.000 millones de dolares suman- ustedes las dudas que despues de 10 a nos se me hacen do financiamiento del GEF y cofinanciamiento. Esto signifi- evidentes. ca 1.400 millones por ano. LComo se com para esa suma con los 1.000 millones de d61ares diarios en subsidios agrf- Podrfamos suscribir las conclusiones del segundo estudio colas hoy en vigor? sobre resultados globales, pero con la sensacion de que algo rios esta faltando. A veces parece que nos estuvieramos Si se tiene en cuenta que esos subsidios simultaneamente entendiendo dentro de una burbuja, sin contacto con el empobrecen a los pafses en desarrollo limitando su comer- mundo exterior. cio y estimulando el deterioro de! ambiente, puede encon- trarse un principio de explicaci6n a la contradicci6n que Hemos escuchado elogios merecidos a las actividades que enfrentamos. ha encarado el GEF en estos anos ya la vez escuchamos ST AT E M E N TS BY RE P R ES E N TAT I V ES I 07 La celebrada reposici6n de fondos para el pr6ximo cua- trienio no promete ningun cambio en esa tendencia. La reposici6n es claramente insuficiente. Me pregunto c6mo se consult6 a los 6rganos de las con- venciones antes de esa reposici6n. Hasta donde yo se no se hizo con la UNFCCC y como presidente del SBI propon- dre el analisis de este punto. Unas palabras mas sabre el uso de los recurses financieros. El GEF fue establecido sabre la base de instituciones inter- nacionales preexistentes para evitar nuevos gastos. El costo de la participaci6n de las agencias de implementaci6n y de la propia Secretarfa del GEF es hoy materia de preocu- paci6n para todos. Estas son, senor Presidente, dudas cuya respuesta queda en manos del Consejo Ejecutivo. I 08 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF AUSTRALIA RAYMOND BARGE, DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL POLICY AND RESEARCH, AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT It gives me great pleasure to address this, the second and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. In 2002, Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). I would these efforts have translated into the first recorded reduc- like to thank you, Mr Chairman, for successfully guiding us tion in twenty years of atmospheric levels of chlorine through our deliberations at this Assembly. I would also derived from the breakdown of ozone-depleting substances like to thank the Government of the People's Republic of in the atmosphere. Continued compliance with the China for hosting the Assembly. Montreal Protocol is expected to repair the ozone layer by 2050, avoiding a world with levels of ozone depleting sub- This Assembly comes in the wake of the third, and highest, stances five times higher than today's and resulting in UV-B replenishment of the GEF. The pledge of nearly US$3 billion radiation double current levels in the Northern Hemisphere is a resounding vote of confidence in the work of the Facility. and quadruple current levels in the southern hemisphere. Australia's GEF3 pledge repr~sents an increase of almost The success in reducing ozone-depleting substances is 58% over the funding Australia provided in 1998 for the proof that global action can combat what for many might 2nd Replenishment period. Australia's percentage increase in have been considered intractable problems. We need to funding reflects a significant ongoing financial investment ensure that the lessons from this exercise are applied to for Australia. It also reflects our confidence in the achieve- the new challenges facing the GEF, such as persistent ments of the GEF in promoting global environmental protec- organic pollutants. tion within the framework of sustainable development. Our confidence in the GEF was confirmed by the findings This Assembly is being convened only a few months after of the Second Overall Performance Study (OPS2), which the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). concluded that the Facility has been a catalyst for innova- Australia was pleased with the positive and practical out- tive programs and has produced significant results since its comes of the WSSD, especially on oceans, fisheries and establishment. The addition of desertification and persistent energy, as well as the focus on partnerships. We were also organic pollutants to the GEF's focal areas and for new cli- pleased that the importance of the Doha Development mate change funds under the Marrakesh Accords (adopted Round and the Monterrey Consensus were reconfirmed as at COP7) to be managed by the GEF are further testa- fundamental for sustainable development. ments to the confidence of donors in the Facility. The summit also served to reaffirm the importance of the At the same time, the Facility must not lose sight of areas GEF. The GEF is unique in its focus on global environmental for further improvement as outlined in OPS2, and as noted issues, which correspond directly to several of Australia's in the CEO's report. Australia sees stakeholder participa- core environmental concern·s. tion, country-level operations and working more closely with the private sector as key areas in which the GEF The Facility has produced a broad range of results that are should be focussing its efforts. beginning to demonstrate significant positive impacts and that have laid the foundation for even more substantial Progress in these areas and others, such as development of results in the future. Broader impacts should also be expected performance indicators, are critical if the GEF is to retain through the replication, with other sources of funding, of the high levels of donor support it currently enjoys. Other successful GEF project outcomes. These results would most issues that require addressing include mainstreaming, co- likely not have been achieved in the absence of such a financing and replication of GEF activities. unique facility and are significant enough to warrant con- tinuing strong support for the GEF by its member countries. While GEF resources alone are inadequate to halt or reverse the conditions responsible for today's global environmental The GEF, for example, has had a significant impact in problems, they can serve as catalytic stimuli for both public reducii:ig ozone-depleting substances in Eastern Europe and private sector actors to enter the arena. This is particu- and Central Asia in support of the Montreal Protocol. The larly true if GEF action is associated with activities that meet effective implementation of the Protocol over the last the urgent development needs and aspirations of both the decade has led to substantial reductions in the production governments and people of GEF-eligible countries. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 109 Australia places a high degree of importance on other p~ograms need to be integrated into national priorities for sources of funding. The GEF is certainly not, and should sustainable development, as noted in the CEO's report. The not be, the only source of funding for the environment. It challenge here is to demonstrate that global environmental is important that countries expend further effort to protection and development are intrinsically linked. mobilise greater domestic public and private investment to fund environmental activities, within the context of broad- In conclusion, Australia would like to put on the record its er poverty reduction strategies. recognition of the untiring efforts and personal role of the · CEO in the significant accomplishments achieved by the In this context, governments have an important role to GEF to date. The GEF is a unique financial facility and play in facilitating an attractive business environment to Australia looks forward to continuing to work with the encourage private investment. The mobilisation of domes- GEF both at the policy and operational levels to address tic resources, facilitating foreign direct investment flows, global environmental imperatives. pursuing the benefits of trade liberalisation, as well as the catalytic role of official development assistance and the work of other multilateral agencies and non-government organisations are all important elements of a much broader picture. I need not emphasise the importance of good national gov- ernance in creating this enabling environment and continuing to attract both foreign and domestic investment. Australia believes that the commitment of countries to the effective management of domestic affairs and resources is at the heart of meeting the challenge of sustainable development. This commitment is essential if countries are to reap the long- term benefits of the activities funded by the GEF. The increasing demands being placed on the GEF will undoubtedly raise new challenges. In considering these we need to constantly remind ourselves that a central premise in the international agreement to establish the GEF was that it would not become a new institution, but would rely on the capacity of existing organisations. As the pressure to do more with less intensifies, this will inevitably mean finding new ways to do business. Development agencies the world over are under unprece- dented pressure to demonstrate impact, to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of their operations. The GEF is not immune to this. The Council, at its next meeting, will be considering moves towards a programmatic approach linked to country-based programs. This approach will be needed if the GEF is to achieve the higher order impacts that are required to main- tain donor support. It is important too that we examine this option seriously as one means of addressing the very real threat to the GEF's capacity to manage an ever-increas- ing number of projects. The Gffmust continue to be a learning organisation. It must continue to remain open and accountable, building on the monitoring and evaluation systems already in place. It must continue to work on developing performance indi- cators both at the institutional and programmatic levels to measure impacts. At the country level, GEF objectives and 110 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF AUSTRIA WALTER RILL, DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL FINANCE INSTITUTIONS, MINISTRY OF FINANCE I am deeply honored to be able to speak to you on behalf after huge floods in central Europe and in our host country of Austria at this second Assembly of the GEF. This being China. Particularly flooding incidents related to changing the second major meeting organized by the people's weather patterns seem to increase in their numbers, caus- republic of China in 2002 in the context of a multinational ing considerable negative effects to follow. I can only reit- institution after the Annual meeting of the Asian erate the need to continue our common efforts to raise Development Bank in Shanghai, I can only repeat our the level of awareness of governments and societies that expression of gratitude and respect to the Chinese authori- the fight against poverty coincides with the fight against ties for the excellent organizatior:i of these meetings. environmental degradation. It is in this context, that I would like to point out that many of the transition coun- Since its inception in 1991 and the restructuring in the mid tries including those who have turned into EU-accession 90s, this assembly is only the second after New Delhi in countries in the meantime will need continued assistance 1998. Since then, we have seen further highly worrying for the foreseeable future albeit with differing areas of trends of environmental degradation in many fields. As Mr. emphasis and intensity. A gradual and flexible approach El-Ashry has stated in his CEO's report on the policies, broadly in line with the policies of the World Bank with operations and future developments of the GEF, it is unre- respect to this group of countries seems to be appropriate. alistic to expect from the GEF to halt or reverse deteriorat- ing global environmental trends single-handedly within a The GEF has achieved great merits in enabling developing short period of time, particularly considering the Gffs rel- and transition countries to gain greater awareness and atively short existence and the limited amount of funds raise financial means to tackle a number of global environ- available. Nevertheless, the Gffs activities have produced mental problems. Over the years the GEF has adapted its a number of important results we can really be proud of policies where appropriate including the strengthening and I am confident that, with the reaffirmed and sustained country level coordination, thus contributing to increased commitment of now 173 member countries we have a country ownership and substantially growing awareness at chance to halt or even reverse the trend of environmental country level. In this context, the further development of degradation in the medium and long term. the programmatic approach for planning and providing longer term financial support as adopted by the GEF The substantial level·of the third replenishment as well as Council will be very important as countries implementing the inclusion of two new focal areas, i.e. land degradation, GEF-projects could integrate much better into their national primarily desertification and deforestation, as well as per- strategies and plans objectives related to the global envi- sistent organic pollutants, as documented in the proposed ronment. Scope and depth of projects should benefit from amendments to the Instrument, are proof of the successful this incorporation. Undoubtedly, further strengthening of acting of and a vote of confidence for the GEF. Just as a GEF activities at the country level shall remain high on the formal point for the record, I would like to state explicitly GEF agenda. As the absorptive capacity of the participating that Austria fully supports and approves these amendments. countries and of the executing agencies is growing, strategic planning of resource allocation is gaining even more weight My confidence that global environmental problems can be in view of the existing funding limitations of the GEF. solved is based also on the observation that awareness of these problems related to unsustainable production and The GEF has also been engaged in catalyzing substantial consumption patterns which will turn out to be, in a broad amounts of co-financing, including broadened access of sense, too costly and even unaffordable, is growing at all additional IFls and UN-organizations as executing agencies. levels of society throughout the world. For instance, in In addition, the GEF-management has adapted its policies many developing, transition, and even developed coun- in line with new findings and challenges and has worked tries, as we have been witnessing only very recently, the on the implementation of the recommendations of the potential cost of environmental degradation and pollution First Assembly, thus paving the way for a growing accept- can become a substantial budgetary burden, taking as ance of its activities. examples the health sector for the treatment of diseases resulting from environmental pollution, or the necessary Looking at these twelve recommendations of the first reconstruction of homes, infrastructure and other facilities Assembly it might be a difficult task to do better in this STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 111 assembly; those recommendations - or should we call them commandments - are still valid and we should encourage the CEO, the secretariat, the implementing as well as the executing agencies to continue their efforts to follow them in their actions. I think that the policy recom- mendations we have agreed to more recently for the GEF- 3 period in the framework of the third replenishment should be considered as adjustments to these earlier rec- ommendations as far as the future development of the GEF is concerned. The OPS-2 study has already provided substantial and valu- able input to this discussion, and has confirmed the validity of the GEF concept and its successful implementation. Further improvements in measuring performance through strengthened monitoring and evaluation should contribute as well to a broad acceptance of the GEF as the leading multi- lateral financing mechanism for global environmental issues. In conclusion, I would like to point out that one should see the difference between Rio ten years ago and Johannesburg just a couple of months ago as another sign of widespread acceptance of the GEF. While the GEF itself was basically a baby that came to life at the Rio Conference on sustainable development in 1992, in 2002 the GEF has to be acknowl- edged as being one of the major contributors in the prepa- ration and conduct of the Johannesburg Summit. In line with many other countries, but in particular with the other European Union member countries, I would like to express our full and continued support for the GEF as a multilateral effort to help in the resolution of global environmental problems; and the substantial nominal increase of our con- tribution to the third replenishment of the GEF is, I believe, a clear proof for that support. Allow me one personal comment: I believe to a large extent the achievements of the GEF can be attributed to the leadership of Mohamed El-Ashry as the CEO of the GEF. I have participated myself - almost without interrup- tion - on behalf of my country in most of the major negotiations during the development of the GEF from its pilot phase to the GEF as we know it now; I am convinced that the GEF would not even have survived the restructuring discussions some 8 years ago if it were not for Mohamed El-Ashry's patience and ability to bring back to the center those parties with quite diverging views on particular issues during long and extended nights of negotiations. Therefore, knowing that this will be the last assembly Mr. El-Ashry will attend as the CEO of the Global Environment Facility, I would like to use this opportunity to express our deep appreciation of his achievements for the GEF. 112 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF BANGLADESH SABIHUDDIN AHMED, SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS At the outset let me express, on behalf of the Government have enormous coping capacities, efforts must be made to of Bangladesh, the delegation and myself, our sincere grat- expand activities that require community participation for itude to the Government of the People's Republic of China enhanced disaster prevention and mitigation, that is ensur- for the excellent arrangement and warm hospitality ing sustainable livelihood programs. In tackling this, we extended to us. have to synthesize local knowledge and expertise with transfer of international best practices. As we all know, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg recognized the contribution The issue of climate change calls for a paradigm shift in of GEF in advancing the global environmental objectives of the development concept of Bangladesh as the change Agenda 21 adopted at the United Nations Conference on threatens people's livelihood, economy, culture, environment Environment and Development in 1992. Since the first GEF and the natural resources system. Development planning Assembly in 1998, the greatest challenge that has guidelines from the climate change perspectives require emerged is to ensure sustainability for our future genera- location-specific predictions over time and state of art tion. GEF's mission is therefore, in my view, to strengthen technology. Rethinking of the development process in the all possible links between sustainable economic develop- climate change context involves the issue of impact assess- ment and protection of the global environment and ment, anticipatory adaptation measures at the physical, between environmental security and a stable social order. biological, social and institutional levels and multi-criteria analysis. However as we continue working on Adaptation Moral commitments made over the last ten years since the Programs, we must not forget the mitigation measures are Rio at different international fora and convention by rich equally important. nations still remain promises only. Progress towards efficient and equitable management of natural, biological and Preparation of the NAPAs is not an end in itself but a generic resources continues to be very limited. We all must means based on which the prioritized projects are expect- acknowledge that environmental degradation, poverty and ed to be implemented. We fear that the resources available deprivation anywhere on the globe is a threat to all in the LDC fund may not be sufficient for even the prepa- nations. Bangladesh thanks all partners of GEF for agreeing ration of NAPAs for all LDC countries. Substantive Funds to the 3rd replenishment that will allow GEF to continue its would be required for implementation of the adaptation worth effort as reconfirmed in Johannesburg. projects based on the outcome of the NAPAs. I call upon the Assembly to ensure sufficient funds for this purpose. Here I may say with some pride that the present government under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia has through its You are all aware that adaptation as an area of funding is actions proven to be an environmentally pro-active govern- common to all three Funds established under the Climate ment. Hard and sensitive decisions have been taken to Convention and the Protocol. The source of these arrest the degradation and improve the overall environment resources is clear for the Adaptation Fund but remains to of the country. Banning of polythene shopping bags, pro- be specific for the other two Funds. hibition of vehicles with two stroke engines, stopping of hill cutting etcetera coupled with measures for massive Similarly, LDCs remain concerned about what would be the afforestation are only a few examples. criteria of financing from the Special Climate Change Fund, which is meant for adaptation, technology transfer We may claim of having set an example of how radical and diversification of fossil-fuel dependent economies. environment-friendly policy decisions can be successful by Environmental additionality and incremental cost criteria of sensitizing, mobilizing and involving all strata of people. GEF funding guideline will not work in adaptation projects, as they will contribute not to global benefits in the usual Because of its geographical location, Bangladesh is sense of the term, but mostly to local or national benefits. exposed to various types of natural disaster. That is why Therefore this Assembly needs to take a clear-cut decision Bangladesh is often considered as a model country in on this. Project preparation, placement of funding and respect of disaster management experience. Although the implementation process should also be made easier and communities living in the vulnerable zones of Bangladesh simplified. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 113 The CDW held last March in Dhaka was able to sensitize different stakeholders on GEF Projects. We are committed to undertake and implement medium size and small grants projects. Together with the GEF Secretariat we hope to embark on a more active partnership with the stakeholders. As a member of the LD.C Group, Bangladesh supports all initiatives undertaken by the GEF. Despite limited resources, Bangladesh hosted the NAPA workshop for LDC countries in September 2002 in Dhaka. The Government of Bangladesh reassures her commitment to provide all possi- ble support to work for the interest of the LDC nations. In conclusion I hope this Assembly will chart a course to provide a framework of actions through which the devel- oping countries can face the future with hope; for the globe is the only abode we have and we should all endeavor to protect it for ourselves and conserve it for our future generations. 114 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF BARBADOS ELIZABETH THOMPSON, MINISTER OF PHYSICAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT Let me first thank the people and the Government of been maximized, since enough has not been done to sensi- China for their warm hospitality_and courtesy. tise local communities in individual islands of its availability. I am pleased to have the opportunity to address this Effective action at the global level mandates full and effec- distinguished group on the occasion of the Second GEF tive engagement at the local and community level. This is Assembly. an area. where there is still much work to be done in the GEF. Further, for GEF programmes to b.e truly meaningful, As a member of the group of Small Island Developing we must remove and or alter those long and arduous States which is faced with unique challenges and limited processes which frustrate non technocrats. The Small resources, I am encouraged by the pivotal role which the Grants Programme needs continued support and strength- GEF has played in furthering the important work of the ening, particularly in the areas of information services, global community in the area of sustainable development. publicity, coordination and the documentation of successes There still exists much work to be done, if we are ever to and failures, so as to avoid repetition of past mistakes and achieve the goals which this Organisation has set, and if move towards a system of best practices. Indeed, this we are to realize the hopes and dreams of our people on should apply to all GEF programmes. whose behalf we speak. We endorse the provisions for Barbados and the nine I speak today to the past experiences and the future aspi- countries of the Eastern Caribbean to be serviced out of rations of my country, which has been a member of the Barbados and for the inclusion of Land Degradation and GEF since 1994, within the context of our membership of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) under the recent the largest multi-country constituencies. While there is no Replenishment exercise. These new areas particular impor- questioning the astute leadership which the GEF has tance to us as a Small Island Developing State. demonstrated in the international community through its programming activities, there still exists a wide dearth of The CEO's Report on the Policies, Operations and Future information and presence at the national and local level Development of the GEF speaks to a number of strategic about its work. There are still some difficulties in under- areas which the Government of Barbados fully supports. standing the ultimate role of focal points and the modali- We however urge greater consistency in the fees charged ties of accessing GEF funds. Here we must commit some by implementing agencies, and for consideration of attention towards reaching resolution. Agencies such as the Caribbean Development Bank, which have accrued substantial experience in managing and I congratulate the Team that prepared the Second Overall financing projects in the Caribbean. Performance Study of the GEF (OPS-2), in which Barbados participated. I am happy to note that our concerns are To this I would like to emphasis the need for greater recog- largely reflected in the document. We remain concerned nition for countries which are small economies as well as however, that the Operational Focal Point has been unable small island developing states. My Government will contin- to secure a wider national buy in and hence access to a ue in all fora, to press for special and differential treatment, larger portfolio. This has resulted in some sceptism and and for greater sensitivity to be demonstrated at all levels in apathy towards the work of the GEF at the national level. resource allocation for projects coming from the SIDS, tak- ing into consideration our peculiar vulnerabilities. The lack of full time dedicated resources and limited capacity both technical and financial of the Operational In closing, let me wish the GEF well, for together we must Focal Point as well as the coordination issues are perhaps first identify, acknowledge and then respond collectively to the main reasons for this. On this basis therefore, we wel- the challenges presented to us, in our stewardship on come the addition of the country support team. behalf of Planet Earth and for the sustainable development of all our people. In terms of the Small Grants Programme, Barbados has some experience with this, but we are of the view that active involvement of local people and communities has not STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 115 STATEMENT OF BELARUS VASILY PODOLYAKO, FIRST DEPUTY MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Pecny6nV1Ka 5enapycb, KaK cTpaHa c nepexo,QHol(1 3KOHOMVIKoll1, onV1palOU,\8ll1CH Ha 3HeproeMKOe VI MaTepVlanoeMKOe npOV1380,QCTBO, VICnOilb3YIOLL\81(1 3a\.laCTYIO ycTapeBWVle VI aarpH3HHIOLL\Vl8 OKpy>KalOLL\YIO cpe,Qy TSXHOilOrlllVI, yHaCI18,QOBaila 3H8\.IVIT8IlbHOe KOilVl\.ISCTBO npo6neM B 3KOI10rlll\.18CKOll1 ccpepe. 0cHoBHol(1 4eilb10 nepexo,qHoro nepVlo,Qa Hawero rocy,qapcTsa Ha COBpeMeHHOM 3Tane HBilHSTCH He TOilbKO noBblWSHVle 3cpcpeKTVIBHOCTVI 3KOHOMVIKVI VI KpaTKOCpO'"IHOll1 VI ,QOilrocpo'"IHOH nepcneKTVIBe, HO VI npo,QBVl>KSHVIS K ycTOH\.IVIBOMY 3KOHOMVl\.18CKOMY pa3BVITVllO. B . COOTBSTCTBVIVI c PVIO-,Qe- )f(aHeHpCKOH ,QSKilapa4V1eH no OKpy>KalOLL\SH cpe,qe 3KOI10rlll\.18CKaH npo6neMaTV1Ka B HaweH CTpaHe CTaHOBVITCs:I \.laCTblO npo4ecca pa3BVITVl51 . .Qns:i peweHVls:I B03HVIKWVIX npo6neM B pecny6IlVIK8, H8\.IVIHas:i c 90-x ro,QOB, 6blilVI paapa6oTaHbl VI B OCHOBHOM pea!lVl30BaHbl KoMnileKCHble nporpaMMbl no oa,qoposneHVllO VI oxpaHe oKpy>KalOLL\SH npVlpO,QHOH cpe,Qbl, pa4V10HailbHOMY VICnOilb3088HVllO npVlpO,QHblX pecypcos. c y\.leTOM KOHKpeTHOH 3KOI10rlll\.18CKOH CV1Tya4V1V1, 3TVI AOKYMSHTbl npe,qycMaTpV1BailV1 CVICTeMy no CTPYKTYPHOH nepecTpoi::1Ke Bcero npm13BO,QCTB9HHOro KOMnileKca Ha OCHOBe BH9.Qp9Hllls:I . 6e30TXO,QHblX, M8IlOOTXO,QHblX VI pecypcoc6eperalOLL\VIX TSXHOilOrVIH, COBepweHCTBOB8HVl51 ynpaBilSHVIH VI KOHTpOilH B o6naCTVI npV1pO,QOnOilb3088HVIH VI oxpaHbl oKpy>KalOLL\SH cpe.Qbl. 5b1na aKTVIBVl3VlposaHa pa6oTa no coa,QaHV110 \.leTKOro VI 3cpcpeKTVIBHOro npV1po,QooxpaHHoro 38KOHO,QaTSilbCTBa, VICnOilb30BaHVllO 3KOHOMVl\.19CKVIX MSTO,QOB ynpaBilSHVIH VI KOHTpOilH aa npV1po,qononbaosaHV1eM VI oxpaHol(1 oKpy>KalOLL\SH cpe,Qbl, peanviaa4V1V1 nporpaMMbl 3KOI10rlll\.18CKOl(1 cne4viam1cToB scex oTpacnel(1 Hapo,QHoro xoaHHCTBa VI nosb1WeHV110 aKonorn\.lecKoH KYilbTYPbl HaceneHVIH. rlBils:IHCb CTopOHOH OCHOBHblX KoHBeH4V11(1 no npo6neMaM rno6a!lbHOH oKpy>KalOLL\eH cpe.Qbl, Pecny6nV1Ka 5enapycb ,QOil>KHoe BHV1MaHV1e y,qenHeT 116 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS :· .,, o6513aTeflbCTBaM, nplilH51TblM B paMkax COOTB9TCTBYibL1.\lllX Me>K,QyHapop,HblX comaweH111iii. 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Kn10Yesoiii no cno>1<HocT1t1 flBilfleTcfl asap1t1fl Ha LlepHo6blflbCKoiii A3C (YKpa1t1Ha), STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 117 KOTOpas:i, Haps:ip,y c 3KOI10n.14eCKlt1Mlt1, lttMeeT 3KOHOMlt14eCKlt1e, Ye!lOBeYeCKltte lt1 cp1t1HaHcoeb1e noc11ep,cTB1t1H. nocne eapbrea YepHo6blilbCKoro s:ip,epHoro peaKTopa e 1986 rop,y e 6e11apyc111 Bbrnano cebrwe 70% pap,111oaKT1t1BHb1x ocap,Koe, e peaynbTaTe 6brno aarps:iaHeHo noYT1t1 23% ee Tepp1t1Top111111. l/la-aa BblCOKOro ypoBHH aarpH3HeHlt1H X03HHCTBeHHaH p,es:iTe!lbHOCTb aanpell..\eHa noYTltt Ha 3% ecex naxoTHblX aeMe!lb. KpoMe Toro, YepHo6brnb oKaaan orpoMHoe soap,eMcTs111e Ha cyp,b6br mop,eH - oKono 137000 YenoeeK 6brn1t1 nepeceneHbl c Tepp1t1Top1t1M c BbrcoK1t1M ypoeHeM pap,111a4111111. Cerop,Hs:i Ha aarps:iaHeHHbrx Tepp1t1Top111s:ix npo>K1t1BaeT 6011ee 1,5 MilH. 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Hawa pecny6111t1Ka nop,p,ep>1<111aaeT npoeop,111My10 no111t1T1t1Ky 111 ,D,eSlTSilbHOCTb r1106a!lbHOro 3KOI10n.149CKOrO cpOH,D,a, HanpaBilSHHYIO Ha yKpen11eH1t1e Me>K,D,yHapO,D,HOro COTpy,D,Hlt149CTBa lt1 np1t1BI1949Hlt1e cp111HaHCOBblX cpep,cTB p,ns:i peweH1t1H npo6neM oxpaHbl mo6anbHOH 0Kpy>1<a10ll..\SH cpe,D,bl, e nepeylO OYepe,D,b B TaKlttX TeMaT1t1YeCKlt1X 0611aCTS1X, KaK yTpaTa 6111011ornYeCKOro pa3HOo6pa3lt1H, coxpaHeHltte IlSCHblX 3KOClt1CT9M, lt13M9H9Hlt1e KillttMaTa, p,erpap,a4111s:i TpaHcrpaH1t1YHblX eop,oeMoB, 1t1CTOLl..\eH1t1e oaoHoeoro cnos:i. Mb1 C4111TaeM aKTya11bHblM1t1 111 nop,p,ep>1<111aaeM npep,11arae~b1e nonpaeK1t1 e lllHCTpyMeHT C03,D,aHlt1H peopraHlt130BaHHOro r3¢ no np1t1,D,8Hlt1IO npo611eMe 118 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS ,a,erpa,a,a41t11t1 3eMenb 1t1 npo6neMe CTO~Klt1X opraH1t14ecK1t1X 3arpfl3HfllOU,\lt1X eeu..iecTB cTaTyca TeMaT1t14ecK111x o6nacTe~ 13<l>. 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Pa41t10HanbHoe np111po,D,onoilb30BaH1t1e B 06U,\eM1t1pOBOM MaCWTa6e BblrO,lJ,HO BC9M >Klt1TemlM nnaHeTbl. no3TOMY coxpaHeH1t1e 1t1 03.QopoeneH111e oKpy>Kaiou..ie~ cpe,D,bl ,D,On>KHbl cTaTb no6y,a,1t1TenbHblM MOTlt1BOM Wlt1pOKOro BOBne4eHlt1fl HaceneHlt1fl nnaHeTbl lt1 KOHKpeTHoro rocy,a,apcTBa B pean1113a41t1io KOMnneKca Mep, HanpaeneHHblX Ha yny4weH111e cpep,b1 061t1TaH1t1fl 1t1 ycT0~4lt1Boe pa3Blt1Tlt1e o6u..iecTea. 5naro,a,apio 3a BH1t1MaH1t1e! STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 119 STATEMENT OF BELGIUM GASTON VAN DUYSE-ADAM, AMBASSADOR TO CHINA My delegation would like to congratulate you on your Agreements that Global Environment Facility serves directly election to the Chair of this Second Assembly of the or indirectly, and which are ever evolving. Global Environment Facility, and we would also like to thank the government and the people of China for their With regard to the increasing complexity of the interna- hospitality by hosting this important meeting. tional environment agenda, Global Environment Facility has an essential role to play for the promotion of greater The Second Assembly of the Global Environment Facility coherence and synergies in the implementation of the comes at an important moment. The successful Third Multilateral Environment Agreements. This can be Replenishment of the Global Environment Facility has been achieved, inter alia, by promoting the integration of the concluded recently at the highest level ever in the still . various national environment action plans into the national young history of the Facility. Belgium is proud to again be poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies. part of this international effort and will continue to actively participate in its activities. By providing supplemental con- In order to effectively and efficiently fulfill its mandate in tributions, Belgium joins a number of donors to reach the this changing context, the Global Environment Facility threshold of 3 billion US dollars. needs to further improve the response towards its partners, in particular, the Least Developed Countries, the flexibility Also, the Second Assembly follows only a few weeks the and streamlining of its procedures and the sustainability of World Summit on Sustainable Development and can take. its operations. At the same time, we would expect all the advantage of the useful deliberations that resulted in the partners to gear up their cooperation and performance, so Plan of Implementation, a guiding tool for our actions in that the Global Environment Facility can succeed in it the future. endeavour. After the Piiot Phase and the First Replenishment Period, Since Rio, we have been unable to halt the continuous which constituted the learning age, it is fair to state that degradation of the global environment: its impacts are the Global Environment Facility has developed into a increasingly felt by all of us, and in particular by the popu- mature institution, and has become the principal financial lations of developing countries. More than ever, in the mechanism for the global environment during the Second years to come, the Global Environment Facility has to contin- Replenishment Period. For this, we would like to thank all ue displaying leadership in tackling the global environment members of the Global Environment Facility family and, in problems. Belgium reaffirms its support to the Global particular, the tireless work of Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry and Environment Facility in this difficult task and stands ready his team. to take up its active part in what we consider to be an important international effort to attain a sustainable Indeed, a lot has been done over the last years, as shown human development worldwide. by the Second Overall Performance Study, and Global Environment Facility-supported projects have produced significant results in tackling global environmental prob- lems. The Facility has been responsive to the global envi- ronmental conventions and the recipient countries in a mood of participatory preparation and partnership-led implementation. While we can be satisfied with the progress to date, the road ahead brings us new challenges. We welcome the opening of two new focal areas which will help to address land degradation and desertification, as well as the problems caused by Persistent Organic Pollutants. At the same time, there is the continuing guidance from the Conventions and the developments in other Multilateral Environmental 120 A S S E M BLY P R0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF BENIN LUC-MARIE C. GNACADJA, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, HABITAT AND URBANISM C'est pour moi un grand honneur de prendre la parole au Le Conseil d' Administration vient d'accepter l'ouverture nom de mon pays, la Republique du Benin devant ce parterre d'une fenetre sur la lutte contre la desertification et sur la de personnalites et d'experts a !'occasion de la deuxieme gestion des polluants organiques persistants. Cette inscrip- Assemblee du Fonds pour !'Environnement Mondial. tion de la lutte contre la desertification est une demande du continent africain qui souffre le plus des consequences Notre presence ici temoigne de l'interet tout particulier de ce fleau. que mon pays le Benin accorde a cette institution majeure de mecanisme de financement de l'environnement mondial La deuxieme Assemblee du Fonds pour l'environnement qu'est le Fonds pour l'environnement mondial. mondial qui validera ces decisions du Consefl d'Administration marquera de ce fait un pas tres important Le Benin, pays d'Afrique occidentale n'est pas en marge des dans la lutte contre la degradation de l'environnement et la defis environnementaux regionaux et mondiaux du xx1· reduction de la pauvrete. C'est la consecration de tant d'ef- siecle. Etant du groupe des pays les mains avances, les defis forts, la satisfaction des attentes de centaines de millions de sont encore plus grands d'autant plus que les questions de femmes et d'hommes qui esperaient que la communaute developpement et de preservation de l'environnement internationale jette un regard sur leur vie quotidienne et restent encore totales. C'est pourquoi, la plupart des prenne enfin en compte les preoccupations qui sont les conventions environnementales internationales sont leurs dans la resolution de fat;;on durable des grands defis signees et ratifiees par mon pays. environnementaux aux niveau local, regional et mondial. Le Fonds pour l'environnement mondial (FEM) dont la voca- En effet, ii ne suffit pas d'ameliorer la qualite de vie des tion premiere est d'appuyer et d'encourager les nombreuses populations ; nous devons aussi nous assurer que les gains initiatives en faveur de l'environnement dans le monde et n'entravent pas les opportunites deja limitees de dans les pays en developpement et en transition en parti- developpement futur. culier a un role capital a jouer. En ayant com me objectif de couvrir les surcoOts lies a !'adoption de mesures de protection La gestion de l'environnement est en consequence une et de gestion de l'environnement mondial, ii devrait con- condition essentielle de la croissance economique a long tribuer au developpement durable puisque la prise en terme et des ameliorations du bien etre des populations de compte de l'environnement ou !'integration de la dimension maniere perenne. II est egalement de plus en plus evident environnementale n'est pas encore reellement acceptee que !'attention portee aux aspects environnementaux et dans les differentes demarches de croissance economique. sociaux de developpement de l'activite economique accrolt la competitivite internationale de nos pays. Cependant au bilan, nous constatons avec amertume que l'Afrique en general et le Benin en particulier n'ont pas pu Je ne doute pas un seul instant que des programmes cibles s'approprier toutes les opportunites qu'offrent le FEM a sur la reduction de la pauvrete necessiteront de mettre travers la mise en CEuvre des conventions et autres accords davantage d'accent sur les aspects locaux des defis envi- multilateraux dont ii est le mecanisme financier ; je veux ronnementaux mondiaux, sur la diminution des impacts de dire la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les la deterioration du patrimoine environnemetal mondial et, changements climatiques, la Convention sur la diversite sur des interventions soigneusement ciblees pour qu'elles biologique, la Convention sur la protection de la couche . beneficient aux pays en developpement et aux commu- d'ozone, la degradation des sols, la gestion des produits nautes locales. chimiques, la gestion des eaux internationales ... Mon souhait est que cette deuxieme Assemblee donne C'est pourquoi, Mesdames et Messieurs, un travail d'infor- davantage de ressources, de vitalite et de force au Fonds pour mation, de sensibilisation et de formation des differentes l'environnement mondial pour qu'il joue veritablement son categories d'acteurs est a entreprendre, pour que nos pays role et que les pays et les peuples qui en ont le plus besoin puissent enfin beneficier de toutes les opportunites de puissent beneficier de toutes les opportunites existantes. financement que nous offre le Fonds pour l'environnement mondial. Plein de succes aux travaux de la deuxieme Assemblee du FEM. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 121 STATEMENT OF THE ROYAL KINGDOM OF BHUTAN SAN GAY THIN LEY, SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE I would like to join the previous speakers in congratulating We support the decision of GEF that activities should be Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry and the GEF Secretariat for the country-driven and concerted efforts made to strengthen excellent technical support. I would also like to thank the country ownership of GEF projects. The GEF country dia- Government and people of China for the warm hospitality logue workshop held in Bhutan was an important and use- extended to my delegation. ful forum. We would also like to place on record our appreciation for the valuable support provided by UNDP, The timing of the Second GEF Assembly soon after the the implementing agency for GEF in Bhutan. World Summit on Sustainable Development is indeed appropriate. In Johannesburg we recognized the urgent The New Delhi Statement of the First GEF Assembly recog- need to finding a common path in a world that respects nized that GEF shou.ld remain a facility at the cutting edge and implements the vision of sustainable development. and be innovative, flexible and responsive to the needs of We also recognized the challenges that we face during this the recipient countries. This role is still relevant. With the millennium in eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable support of GEF Bhutan established the first environmental consumption and production patterns and in protecting trust fund, in 1992. This fund remains an effective conser- and managing the natural resource base. vation grant-making organisation to protect the country's rich biodiversity - a global heritage. However, inspite of We are concerned that despite all our efforts, the global all our efforts we in Bhutan have not been spared the environment continues to suffer. That loss of biodiversity impacts of urbanization, industrialization, land-use change continues, lands are degraded and natural disasters occur from the increased pace of development. We face contin- more frequently. Therefore, GEF as one of the most ued threats and ecological stress on our rich biodiversity important source of funding for global environmental and are hopeful that through the Integrated Ecosystem actions, it must continue to play an important role in Management Window GEF will provide further support to ensuring that we are all able to tread the path of sustain- the trust fund. able development. At the national level we are committed to preserving our It is important that at this GEF Assembly we agree to pro- rich natural resources. Our country still has 72.5% of the vide GEF with the necessary political support and adequate country under forest cover. This includes 26.23% protected resources so that GEF can continue to play its useful role area and 9% biological corridors. Our first national inven- and make a difference. We need GEF support to imple- tory of greenhouse gas sources and sinks show that ment the World Summit on Sustainable Development Plan Bhutan sequestered 3,321 kilo tonnes of carbon in 1994. of Implementation. In the light of GEF's experience in sup- We remain committed to follow the present environmental porting environmental adions for over a decade, we feel policies and remain a net sequester of greenhouse gases. that GEF can play a catalytical role in realizing the Plan of We feel that such serious and successful conservation Implementation agreed to in Johannesburg. efforts of a least developed country should be recognized and supported adequately with the necessary technical and Bhutan welcomes the Third Replenishment of the GEF financial assistance, to enable it to adapt to potentially Trust Fund as it will enable GEF to continue its role in devastating impacts of climate change and continue with promoting global environmental goals and sustainable its conservation efforts and policies. development. We urge developed nations to provide sup- port generously to the GEF Trust Fund. We also look for- Bhutan recognizes the important role that GEF has played ward to support for the Least Developed Countries Fund in addressing complex environmental issues in a very prac- under the United Nations Framework Convention on tical and pragmatic way in our countries. We look forward Climate Change. The LDCs remain the most vulnerable to future cooperation and partnership with GEF to protect- and least able to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate ing the global environment. change. We would like to thank GEF in supporting the preparation of National Adaptation Programme of Action. But the preparation of NAPAs is only a first step. We look to further support in its implementation. 122 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA JADRANKO PRLIC, DEPUTY MINISTER, FOREIGN TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS I kindly appreciate the Invitation of the GEF Secretariat to by the international and donors community as priorities Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate at the Second during the reconstruction process of Bosnia and Meeting of the GEF Assembly in Beijing. We are very grate- Herzegovina, bring us to the situation, that was not easy ful for this opportunity and the first attendance of my to establish an efficient capacities to deal with the envi- country to any of GEF conference or meeting up to now. ronmental issues and accumulated tasks of this sect9r in my country. Therefore I will, in my brief statement at this highly distin- guish Meeting, just resume what we were doing and what Therefore, we concluded at the state and entities' levels, we are planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina in environment that the first our priorities in this field are: protection and implementation of the international envi- ronmental treaties. ..,,. To establish an all-over organisational and institutional structure for co-ordination and management of envi- As you know Bosnia and Herzegovina as the independent ronmental issues, implementation of international envi- state assessed to the GEF, as the last European country, in ronmental treaties (Conventions and Protocols), includ- October 2001. This late assessment to the GEF and late inclu- ing management of sustainable development issues; sion in the GEF World programmes for environment protec- ..,,. To establish a wide environmental co-operation with tion through the implementation of the five UN Conventions the key international organisations programmes and covering by the GEF activities does not mean that we were mechanisms operating in this field and develop a bilat- out of the international co-operation in this field. eral co-operation especially within the Region of CEE & NIS countries and South-eastern Europe Immediately after signing of the Dayton Piece Agreement ..,,. Preparation and implementation of National for Bosnia and Herzegovina, there were initiated some Environmental Programmes and Action Planes in vari- urgent environmental projects namely whose aims were ous fields of Environment protection through environ- revital.isation of the highly devastated nature and environ- mental joint and national projects. ment during the war activities such as: water drinking sources, waste depots, rivers and forests as well as prepa- What we have done up to now? ration of the first Environmental legislation and they were implemented within the Revitalisation and Reconstruction More of the activities in this regard we had performed in Programme, with the technical and financial assistance of last two years and the most of them we did this year, after UN Agencies and European Commission. Among the Bosnia and Herzegovina assessed to the GEF, such as: International Organisations, UNDP. the World Bank and Delegation of European Commission to Bosnia and ..,,. We were developing the National Programme, ODS Herzegovina were the most active ones. phasing-out projects and other activities for Ozone Layer protection, which we are implementing with the Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very specific and complex significant support of the Multilateral Fund for the constitutional and institutional set-up, established in accor- Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and by tech- dance with the Dayton Accords at four levels (state, entity, nical assistance of UNIDO, canton, municipality). On one side, there are the most of ..,,. The first National Assessment-Report on Sustainable responsibilities for the Environment protection issues at the Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the WSSD entity's and cantonal levels, on another site all country's in Johannesburg was prepared by our experts, and international relations, and bilateral as well as multilateral organised several workshops for its public consideration co-operation are established at state level. ..,,. National Steering Committee for Environment and Sustainable Development was established Lack of general and particular environmental legislation ..,,. New package of the (five) environmental laws (on enti- at state and even at entities' levels, weak economic ties' level) prepared with assistance of the European background of the country, lack of enough professional Union are in the last stage of adoption and experienced human capacities and the fact that ..,,. In preparation is the first law on environment protec- envimnmental issues were not recognised and supported tion at state level STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 123 ..,. Finally, at the state level were adopted ·new organisa- tional and institutional structures such as: ~ National Sub-committees for the main UN Environmental Conventions (Climate Changes, Biodiversity, Ozone, International Water Protection, POPs, Basel Convention), with their Secretariats and which will be managed by the National Operational Focal Points located in the State's or Entities' Institution, but acting on behalf of State of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in their co-operation with the International stake-holders ~ National GEF Secretariat and (5) National Operational Focal Points, located in different State's and Entities' Ministries ~ First Institutional Unit for Environment protection, at the State level Administration We are aware, those are first steps, we have done in beginning of the comprehensive activities in implementa- tion of internationally agreed tasks and programmes for which we need all kinds of international support and assis- tance, mainly through GEF mechanism and their imple- menting and executive agencies. 124 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S STATEMENT OF BRAZIL AFFONSO CELSO DE OURO-PRETO, AMBASSADOR TO CHINA I would like to express the gratitude of the Brazilian delega- date with the inclusion of the new focal areas of Persistent tion to the Chinese Government for its hospitality and for Organic Pollutants and Land Degradation. Progress in these its efficiency in organizing this important event. On behalf two areas is fundamental in the struggle against environ- of my Government, I also wish to pay tribute to Mr. mental degradation and poverty, especially in rural areas of Mohamed El-Ashry, for his constructive and efficient leader- the developing world. · ship as CEO and Chairman of the GEF. Every organization is indelibly marked by its formative process. Mr: El-Ashry has In view of the growing responsibilities assumed by the decidedly contributed to the innovative shape and personality Facility, we welcome the conclusion of the Third of the GEF. We are grateful for his invaluable effort. Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund. Yes, we are grateful. No, it's not enough. This calls to mind the very pertinent This has been an important year in the quest for an equitable remarks made by the head of the delegation of Argentina and sustainable world; ten years after the Rio Conference, this morning, when he reminded us that the resources world leaders have gathered first in Monterrey and later in allocated to farm subsidies by OECD countries amount to Johannesburg to seek concrete means of achieving the one billion US dollars daily. The very success of the GEF in goals of poverty eradication and sustainable development. fostering initiatives towards sustainable development creates The decisions taken unanimously in Rio constituted the basis an ever greater demand for additional resources, which of what made Johannesburg a Conference oriented towards largely surpasses the availability of funds. It is therefore establishing agreements that could translate into action the paramount that the limited resources be allocated, first evolution of the concept of sustainable development. and foremost, according to the environmental relevance of the projects. We must continue to abide by the incremental Brazil's commitment to environmental protection and sus- cost directive. Environmental protection, development and tainable development can be attested by many recent ini- poverty eradication are inextricably correlated. GEF tiatives. One of the best known is the Amazon Region resources should be seen together with those provided by Protected Areas program. It is "the biggest tropical forest other national and multilateral entities devoted to funding conservation initiative in history," according to the World development and poverty alleviation in general. Many of Bank. It will assure the conservation of an area of tropical these have increased the funds allocated to co-related forests twice as big as the United Kingdom. This Brazilian environmental projects. We firmly believe that the GEF initiative has received the support of the GEF as well as the must maintain its unique role in the environmental area. World Bank, WWF and other partners. GEF was created because the international community rec- Brazil greatly benefits from the GEF's resources. The global ognized the clear need for new and additional funding for environment has also greatly benefited from GEF financed environmental initiatives. There are many reasons for the projects in Brazil. This mutually beneficial relationship is a shortage of funds for environmental projects. The first and confirmation of the GEF's sound conceptLJal basis. It also more obvious relates to poverty itself and the severe budg- reflects the continuous efforts of the implementing agen- etary constraints faced by developing countries. The alloca- cies and the GEF Secretariat on the one hand, and the tion of scarce resources tends to be directed to satisfying Brazilian focal points and sectorial agencies on the other, immediate and basic needs. Although some environmental to develop a fluid and efficient dialogue. This assessment requirements should fall within this category, others of no coincides with the findings of the Second Overall less importance do not, because the results tend to be Performance Study, which also pointed to the significant achieved in longer terms. Furthermore, several initiatives in involvement of stakeholders and Brazilian civil society at this area, such as the establishment of trust funds, which large, in consonance with the spirit of country ownership can and should achieve long term sustainability, require ini- of GEF activities. tial investments not readily available. Additionally, the inno- vative nature of many of these environmental projects, and In accordance with the recommendations of the First the fact that they are directed towards the attainment of Assembly, the GEF should remain an innovative, flexible global, and not only local or national benefits, make it dif- organization, always responsive to new demands. Brazil ficult to find their appropriate insertion in the budgetary therefore fully supports the expansion of the GEF's man- process. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 125 All of these reasons lead us to believe that we should con- sider with great caution the suggestion that levels of co- financing be adopted as criteria for the inclusion of projects in the work program. The concurrence of other sources of funding is a goal to be sought, but it should not become the decisive criterion. The GEF and the implementing agen- cies can play an increasingly active role in further engaging other actors and potential financial players in the GEF's activities. Building upon the useful examples of previous multilateral initiatives, we were able to create a unique institution that has to fulfill a unique role. The GEF is today a consolidated, albeit expanding facility. We believe it has truly made a dif- ference in increasing global awareness of environmental problems and needs and effectively supported programs and projects designed to address these concerns. We are sure its next decade will only increase its relevance and impact on the global environment and sustainable development. 126 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF BULGARIA FATH ME ILIAZ, DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND WATERS The Government of Bulgaria fully supports the findings In addition, we will endeavor to cooperate with the GEF and recommendations of the Report on the Policies, Implementing Agencies and provide potential national Operations and Future Development of the GEF. In particu- stakeholders with project formulation skills in the GEF focal lar, we welcome the recommendations for enhancement of areas, and also with specific knowledge about the related GEF activities at the country level, and for designation of incremental cost evaluations. We feel that tailor-made work- land degradation and persistent organic pollutants as new shops will be needed in order to strengthen the country's focal areas of the GEF. absorptive capacity. The Government of Bulgaria would like to applaud the We think that the country ownership of GEF operations Second Overall Performance Study of the GEF as well. We will grow when, and if, GEF support really reaches the believe that its conclusions will contribute to more effective local level. The very positive ongoing Bulgarian experience GEF interventions in the national contexts, as well as to an in GEF-assisted municipal energy efficiency demonstrations increased global impact of the GEF efforts for environmen- shows that the importance of preserving the global envi- tal protection and sustainable development. ronment is only internalized properly when translated to local circumstances. The Government of Bulgaria is com- Bulgaria will continuously try to diversify its GEF portfolio mitted to cooperate with the local authorities and NGOs in in its strive to integrate global environmental objectives order to facilitate any sustainable development initiatives at. into the national policies and programmes. In this respect, the community level, which would complement GEF-funded let me take the opportunity to share with you a couple of interventions. issues stemming from the activities that GEF has been sup- porting in my country. Here I would like to express my country's strong desire for inclusion into the GEF Small Grants Programme, for which We benefit from our good cooperation with the GEF we have recently re-applied. The Bulgarian authorities and Secretariat, and with the GEF Implementing Agencies, and the Bulgarian NGO sector are committed to invest their we highly appreciate our partnership and our excellent joint efforts into the programme with the aim of supporting working relationships with UNDP and the World Bank. We local actions for global environmental benefits. also appreciate the support provided by GEF to the coun- try's GEF Operational Focal Point, which is conducive to In terms of co-financing sources, we will try to raise higher sensitizing stakeholders about the GEF mission and activi- awarene~s about the GEF focal areas and programming ties. We are committed to expand our cooperation with mechanisms among the bi-lateral donor community. We the GEF and to foster the country's ownership of GEF feel that, currently, the general knowledge on GEF among interventions and results. foreign missions in Bulgaria is relatively low. We would appreciate a high-level lobbying by the GEF Secretariat The Country Dialog Workshop held in April 2002 was very leading to the inclusion of global environmental concerns instrumental in enhancing the national awareness about the into the funding frameworks of bilateral donors. GEF mission, operations and priorities. The preparation of Bulgaria's Capacity Self-Assessment to address global environ- Concerning the GEF project preparation, submission and mental management is also underway, facilitated by UNDP. approval sequence, we have encountered a problem with the length of the cycle, leading to difficulties in the evalua- My Government appreciates the added value of the above- tion of baseline and alternative scenarios. Two years ago, .referred initiatives. However, we insist that regular follow-up we started developing with UNDP support a GEF project is needed in order to ensure their long-term sustainability. proposal targeted at the design of nature park manage- The relatively high human turnover among central and ment plans in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains Region. local government officials could lead to a situation in Since the Government has regarded the future project as a which the people trained today are not involved in GEF- key component of the development strategy for the supported activities one or two years from now. We would region, the GEF initiative has been integrated into the rely on GEF assistance for a systematic awareness raising overall national plans and efforts for sustainable develop- and long-term capacity buiRding at the national level. ment of the Rhodope. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 127 Thus, after two years of preparatory interventions, it has become difficult to distinguish the baseline situation from the GEF alternative. According to the current guidelines, the preparatory interventions will have to be considered part of the project baseline at the time of the forthcoming project brief submission. It could be recommendable that, in cases similar to the above, GEF-supported project activities that take place between the onset of project conceptualization and the submission of the project proposal be considered part of the overall GEF effort. The above example leads us to a more general point. The Government of Bulgaria believes that global environmental issues are one of the pillars of the country's national plan- ning, and that GEF support should be integrated into this planning. However, as this integration occurs, the distinc- tions between base line, GEF alternative, co-financing and incrementaf cost will become more diffuse. We regard this as an issue to be addressed during the new GEF-3 period. In closing, I would once again like to applaud the GEF Secretariat and the OPS2 Team for their excellent work. I would also like to commend the GEF for its commitment to improve its performance at all levels and support the conservation of our global environment. 128 AS S EM B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF BURKINA-FASO DJIRI DAKAR, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT Je voudrais tout d'abord au nom de son Excellence, Le Burkina Faso ne peut que se rejouir d'une te/le attention Monsieur Blaise Compaore, president du Burkina-Faso et du de la part du FEM. Cependant, le defi a relever et qui est peuple burkinabe, remercier les autorites chinoises pour mentionne comme action prioritaire du gouvernement en l'accueil chaleureux qui a ete reserve a notre delegation a matiere de protection de l'environnement a savoir « !utter cette deuxieme session de l'Assemblee generale du FEM. contre la desertification et la pauvrete » demeure dans toute integralite. Pour ce faire, des actions urgentes L'Assemblee generale du Fonds constitue pour nous l'ultime doivent etre entreprises dans ce sens. C'est pourquoi, moment de faire le bilan et surtout de mesurer les progres Monsieur le President, nous avons salue recemment au realises dans le cadre de ce vaste partenariat mondial de Sammet mondial pour le developpement durable tenu a type nouveau qu'est le Fonds pour l'environnement mondial Johannesburg, la recommandation appuyant l'ouverture (FEM). du mecanisme financier qu'est le FEM a la lutte contre la desertification en Jui octroyant un domaine specifique d'in- New Delhi en avril 1998, au cours de la premiere Assemblee tervention. generale a ete l'occasion de sonner l'alarme sur le grand deficit pluviometrique qu'enregistrait la sous-region ouest Notre auguste assemblee doit constituer le cadre ideal africaine avec comme consequence economique et sociale pour appuyer sans reserve cette volonte de la communaute la penurie en eau potable pour les grands centres urbains internationale a faire de la lutte contre la desertification de plus d'un million d'habitants tels que Ouagadougou, la l'une de ses preoccupations majeures. capitale du Burkina Faso. Au regard des progres enregistres depuis la premiere Cet appel a ete entendu par le Conseil d'Administration et Assemblee generale tenue a New Delhi (lnde), c'est pour le Secretariat du Fonds qui a travers Jes agences (Banque moi !'occasion de feliciter le President-directeur general, le Mondiale, Programme des Nations Unies pour Secretariat et Jes membres du Conseil du Fonds ainsi que l'environnement, Programmes des Nations Unies pour le le Conseil scientifique technique, pour leur engagement au developpement) ant appuye et autorise l'elaboration d'un quotidien. certain nombre de programmes comme reponses aux deficits pluviometriques consecutifs qui on affecte la sous- Avant de quitter cette tribune, je reitere le VCEUX que nous region Ouest Africaine. On peut citer entre autres: puissions clore nos travaux avec la conviction de disposer tres prochainement, grace a l'ouverture du Fonds des .,.. le « Project de gestion integree des ressources en eau moyens efficaces pour combattre la desertification en vue et des terres du bassin de la Volta » dont l'objectif dans d'une reduction a echelle reelle de la pauvrete a travers le un premier temps est de mettre a la disposition des monde. pays concernes (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali et Togo) un plan d'action strategique. .... le projet « Inversion de la tendance a la degradation des terres et des eaux dans le bassin du fleuve Niger » sous la conduite de l'Autorite du Bassin du Niger (ABN). D'autres actions majeures ant vu le jour au Burkina Faso allant de la decouverte du FEM par Jes differents acteurs a travers un atelier-dialogue, des ateliers de sensibilisation a travers les subventions annuelles d'appui au point focal operationnel et aux points focaux des conventions (changements climatiques et diversite biologique), du demarrage eminent du projet de Partenariat pour l'amelioration de la gestion des ecosystemes naturels (PAGEN) qui va engager des acteurs divers (structures gou- vernementales, ONG, Associations villageoises). ST AT E M EN T S BY R E P R ES E N TAT I V ES 129 STATEMENT OF BURUNDI GAETAN NIKOBAMYE, MINISTER OF LAND MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM Permettez-moi de vous adresser Jes salutations du peuple !'Organisation des Nations Unies pour le developpement burundais et exprimer au nom de ma delegation et en lndustriel (ONUDI) et soumis a !'approbation du Fonds pour mon nom propre, notre profonde gratitude au Fonds pour l'environnement mondial. Mais jusqu'a present, ii n'y a pas l'environnement mondial (FEM) pour !'invitation qu'il a encore eu de suite. · bien voulu adresser a mon Pays. Nous esperons que bient6t le Fonds pour l'environnement Notre gratitude est egalement adressee au peuple et au mondial y reservera une suite favorable. Gouvernement de la Republique populaire de Chine pour l'accueil chaleureux et amical qui nous a ete reserve et Pour ce qui est de la degradation des terres, le Burundi, est pour le climat de travail si agreable dans lequel se en train de finaliser le Plan national de Jutte contre la deroulent Jes travaux de la presente auguste Assemblee. degradation des sols. A cet effet, nous nous rejouissons de la decision du conseil d'administration du Fonds pour Apres dix ans de guerre fratricide dans laquelle se trouve l'environnement mondial faisant de la degradation des terres plonge mon pays le Burundi depuis octobre 1993, des l'un des six domaines prioritaires du Fonds. lueurs d'espoir pointent petit a petit a !'horizon, suite a la signature de I' Accord de Paix d'Arusha en aoOt 2000 et Ma delegation se rejouit egalement de la decision du suite aux negociations de cessez-le-feu en cours a Dar-Es- Conseil qui vient de designer le Fonds pour l'environnement Salaam en Tanzanie, avec l'appui du mediateur, le mondial comme mecanisme financier de la Convention sur la president Nelson Mandela. Jutte contre la desertification, repondant ainsi positivement a l'appel qui Jui lance par le Sammet de Johannesbourg. C'est pourquoi nous esperons que d'ici peu le Burundi aura retrouve la paix, condition sine qua non pour envisager un La delegation du Burundi invite a cette occasion la developpement durable. En s'engageant sur la voie du Conference des parties de a Convention a profiter de cette developpement durable, mon Pays s'engage egalement a heureuse decision du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial la mise en ceuvre des Conventions issues du Sammet de d'etre le mecanisme financier de ladite Convention. Rio en 1992 et du NEPAD contenu dans le plan d'action adopte au Sammet de Johannesbourg en septembre 2002. A cet effet, nous demandons au Secretariat du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial, en collaboration avec le C'est I' occasion pour le Burundi d'adresser au Secretariat Secretariat de la Convention sur la Jutte contre la desertifica- et au Conseil du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial nos tion de tout mettre en ceuvre pour assurer le financement remerciements pour toutes Jes activites deja financees au des programmes et projets contenus dans le Plan national Burundi en matiere de la Convention-cadre des Nations de Jutte contre la degradation des sols que le Burundi est en Unies sur Jes changements climatiques, la convention sur la train de finaliser. La Jutte contre la degradation des terres diversite biologique, les eaux internationales et en particulier deviendra ainsi une des voies et un des moyens de Jutte le Lac Tanganyika, la Convention de Vienne sur Jes contre la pauvrete. substances qui appauvrissent la couche d'ozone et le Protocole de Montreal. Avant de terminer mon propos, je voudrais annoncer a cette auguste Assemblee que mon pays le Burundi se Nous attendons du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial rejouit des differents partenariats conclus dans le cadre du des financements consistants pour la mise en ceuvre des Sammet de Johannesbourg, et en particulier le partenariat plans d'Action relatifs aux conventions ci-dessus. relatif au fleuve Congo. II sied de rappeler que mon Pays fait partie integrante du Bassin du fleuve Congo et qu'il est Mais ii ya des Conventions ou presque rien n'a encore ete par consequent indique d'integrer mon pays dans le parte- fait au Burundi. C'est notamment le cas de la Convention de nariat couvrant ce Fleuve. Stockholm sur Jes polluants organiques persistants et la Convention sur la Lutte contre la Desertification. Pour ce qui Nous demandons au Secretariat du Fonds pour concerne Jes polluants organiques persistants, un document l'environnement mondial de dOment tenir compte de cette de projet a ete elabore par le Burundi avec l'appui de appartenance du Burundi au Bassin du fleuve Congo !ors 130 ASS EM BLY PR 0 CE ED I N GS de !'elaboration de projets et programmes de mise en ceuvre de ce partenariat pour le Bassin du Congo. En terminant mon propos, je souhaite plein de succes aux. travaux de la deuxieme Assemblee generale du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial. Vive le Fonds pour l'environnement mondial ! Vive la cooperation internationale ! Vive le Nouveau partenariat pour le developpement de l'Afrique. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 131 STATEMENT OF CAMBODIA KHIEU MUTH, DIRECTOR GENERAL, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I would term socio-economic needs, and for responding to the like tQ thank H.E. Mr. Chairman for his leadership and ded- grave impacts of devastating floods and droughts that icated efforts in making this meeting very promising. I also have happened in the last three years consecutively. As a thank the Government of The People's Republic of China result, the country can co-finance a GEF project only and the people of Beijing for their hospitality and for hosting through financial support from other donors or loans. If this very important meeting. the co-financing is a loan, our concern is that this will increase the country's debt, which does not always have The Government of Cambodia recognises that preserving positive impacts on the country. We call for a better sup- the natural environment plays an integrated part towards port for the co-financing part and that the co-financing poverty reduction. The crucial link between poverty reduc- part should more strongly address social, ethical and equity tion and environmental conservation is a central theme of aspects of environmental management. the Government's policies and strategies. In this regard, the Government is committed to work with the international It is important to have big projects to reverse negative envi- community to protect the global and local environment mnmental trends at the global, regional, national or ecosys- through various mechanisms and partnerships, especially tem levels. However, designing a multimillion project for GEF the GEF. co-funding requires a strong proposal preparation capacity, country co-financing capacity, which is limited for most Due to its recent history, Cambodia started to actively par- least developed countries, and is a time-consuming process. ticipate in implementing GEF projects quite recently. In 13ecause in most developing countries livelihoods of the 1999, we started the first two GEF enabling activity projects majority poor, who are the most vulnerable to environmental for climate change and biodiversity. To date, GEF country changes, depend directly on natural resources, it is important projects are extended to developing national capacity at to have an expedited, flexible and responsive funding mecha- both national and field levels. Cambodia fully understands 11ism to help them adapt to the changing environment and the important role GEF plays in protecting global environ- to address the country-specific threats at grass-root level. In ment. The progress GEF has achieved is significant. The this regard, GEF Small Grant Programme may be very rele- achievements are noted on better cross-institutional coordi- vant for the poorest and most vulnerable countries, which nation, increased public awareness, attracting wider partici- normally have also relatively low absorptive capacity. Projects pation, better capacity and protection measures, and better under this programme should be small-scale, designed with national driven process. However, the challenges are many consideration of indigenous knowledge and implemented which need to be addressed. We think that there is room with greater local people participation. Priority should be for improvement, especially in the areas of political commit- 9iven to community-based natural resources management ment, leadership, coordination, capacity and sustainability, and disaster management, improving food security, effective as outlined by the recent WSSD in Johannesburg. flood control system, small-scale irrigation projects, water sanitation, small-scale energy efficiency projects, ecotourism, To benefit both the local and global environment, we integrated farming, community forestry, affordable public would like to call upon the GEF to be more responsive to health care, establishment of early-warning systems down to the needs and priorities of the poorest countries by assist- local level, access to portable drinking water by the poor, ing them to strengthen their legislative, institutional and education and awareness raising, etc. technical capacity to mitigate and address the specific envi- ronmental problems. National ownership, leadership and If GEF objectives are to be integrated into national priorities capacity building should be considered as key elements in for sustainable development, GEF projects need to better GEF project formulation and implementation if we want to address national priorities and urgent needs, especially reflect the sustainability of the project. poverty reduction programmes. The focus on only global environmental benefits without taking equity and ethics Although co-financing is crucial to ensure country commit- into account may lead to inequitable allocation of GEF ment to a GEF project, it has also its drawback. A country resources, leaving those countries with lower proposal like Cambodia has been used most of its available financial preparation capacity but higher vulnerability to environ- resources for post-war rehabilitation, for addressing short- mental threats in greater disadvantage. 132 AS SEM B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S To expand and enhance GEF activities at the country I.eve! will require a comprehensive assessment of a country's technical, institutional and legal capacity needs, develop- ment priorities, etc. It is, therefore, important to have expert missions to work with relevant national counter- parts to conduct such an assessment, which subsequently should lead to the establishment of a comprehensive national GEF strategy. Finally, I wish this meeting to be very constructive and fruitful. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 133 STATEMENT OF CAMEROON CLARKSON OBEN TANYI MBl.t~NYOR, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY Je voudrais d'abord au nom de man pays le Cameroun, •~ les activites habilitantes sur Jes polluants organiques adresser mes sinceres remerciements au Gouvernement chi- persistants nois pour l'accueil chaleureux qui m'a ete reserve ainsi qu'a •~ le Programme sectoriel foret et environnement pour un la delegation qui m'accompagne; ii en est de meme. pour cadre coherent des interventions dans ces des domaines. les efforts deployes a cet effet, sans oublier les facilites qui nous ant ete accordees pour rendre agreable notre sejour La partie septentrionale de man pays etant sahelienne, en terre chinoise. Je m'en voudrais si les memes sentiments done vulnerable a la desertification, nous attendons que la de satisfaction n'etaient pas exprimes a l'endroit du Convention en la matiere soit mise en ceuvre dans cette Secretariat du FEM pour la qualite des documents de travail zone pour faire reculer le desert et attenuer les effets mis a notre disposition, a l'animateur et coordonnateur de destructeurs de la secheresse. cette equipe, M. Mohamed T. El-Ashry. Qu'il trouve ici notre soutien et nos encouragements pour le travail Par ailleurs, des projets de conservation de ressources impressionnant abattu depuis pres de dix ans a la tete du biologiques dont les financements arrivent bientot a Fonds. E!cheance exigent un renouvellement d'appui du FEM en vue de la sauvegarde des acquis. Mon pays qui a eu ces dernieres annees l'insigne honneur d'etre le mandataire de la circonscription Afrique Centrale En somme, le renforcement des capacites est au centre de au sein du Conseil, voudrait devant cette auguste assemblee nos preoccupations. exprimer la preoccupation de notre sous-region, deuxieme massif forestier du globe apres celui de l'Amazonie, de ne Pour ce qui est des mecanismes du Fonds, ii faudrait leur pas beneficier du FEM tout l'appui qu'elle merite dans son clonner plus de souplesse et amorcer deja une decentralisa- portefeuille comme grand reservoir de biodiversite, mal- tion au niveau des circonscriptions du Secretariat base a heureusement l'appui en cours est sans rapport avec le Washington, ce qui lui permettrait de mieux vivre les realites veritable poids ecologique de cette region du globe. de terrain. A cet egard, une cooperation sous-regionale se doit d'etre Dans le meme sens, ma delegation recommande vivement developpee pour promouvoir Jes projects transfrontaliers, que les points focaux soient de plus en plus impliques dans car Jes ecosystemes n'ont pas de frontieres. If? suivi-evaluation des projets et beneficient de ce fait d'un appui financier plus accrO. En ce qui concerne particulierement mon pays, le Cameroun a eu a beneficier du FEM depuis 1995 d'un appui financier de huit millions de dollars environ pour la mise en ceuvre de principales conventions de Rio. En raison des resultats satisfaisants sur le terrain nous ne pouvons que nous rejouir de ce concours. Cependant mon pays, par ma voix, veut encore plus, compte tenu des besoins sans cesse grandissants qui decoulent des pressions et pertes de toute nature sur la biodiversite et l'environ- nement des diverses zones ecologiques du Cameroun, Afrique en miniature au vu de la diversite de ses paysages phytogeographiques. Dans le sens de ces preoccupations qui nous interpellent a nous doter davantage de ressources humaines specialisees, des projets de renforcement de capacites sont en prepara- tion ou en demarrage, a savoir : ~ la creation du reseau national de la biodiversite I 34 A SS E M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF CANADA ROGER EHRHARDT, DIRECTOR GENERAL, INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DIVISION, CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to Second, the GEF must strengthen its partnerships. To us, thank you for the opportunity to speak this afternoon. this means engaging more effectively with existing and potential partners in all phases of its activities. We need to I would also like to thank the government and people of place greater emphasis on innovative partnerships with China for their warm hospitality and for the excellent donors, institutions, the private sector, and civil society. We organization of this meeting. Canada sees Beijing as a very must pay more attention to partnerships with the global fitting location for the second GEF Assembly. environmental conventions. Canada is very pleased to be here to conclude the successful Third, the GEF must encourage a responsive and collabora- replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund. Countries have made tive relationship among the members of the GEF family. substantial efforts to increase the level of funding for the The objective is to improve access to the GEF through bet- GEF. The new replenishment clearly highlights the interna- ter inter-agency cooperation. tional community's commitment to addressing global envi- ronmental issues and to strengthening the role of GEF. Finally, we would like to express our appreciation to Mohamed El-Ashry for his outstanding leadership over the We are enthusiastic about the expansion of the GEF's man- past decade. Mohamed, you should take great pride in date to include two new focal areas. As many here know, knowing that in July 2003 you will hand your successor an Canada worked hard to bring about an international treaty organization well placed to face the challenges of the next on persistent organic pollutants. We see GEF support as decade. That is a powerful legacy! critical to assist countries to control and eliminate POPs in an effective and timely manner. We strongly support a greater GEF contribution to combating land degradation. In our view, GEF's new work in this area should build on the efforts that have already been made under the UNCCD. It should focus on implementing country- driven strategies and action plans, particularly those that reflect the close links between land degradation and poverty reduction. In this context, we are pleased with the support GEF has provided to. the NEPAD environment process. Canada has also supported the evolution of the GEF's responsibilities in existing focal areas. Last year, we com- mitted $10 M (Cnd) to launch the Least Developed Countries Fund, which will be administered by the GEF. The GEF has come a long way in its first decade. While we are pleased with its performance, we - like others who have spoken earlier - see scope for improvement. We would like to highlight three challenges in particular. First, the GEF must improve its ability to measure and report on results. As OPS-2 recommends, we need to move from a culture of approval to a culture of results. For this reason, we welcome the creation of the independent Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and a stronger role for the STAP in the work of the GEF. ST AT E M E N T S BY R E P R ES E N TAT IV E S 135 STATEMENT OF CHILE. BENNY POLLACK, AMBASSADOR TO CHINA Chile agradece la realizaci6n de este encuentro y felicita el Saludamos, como pafs, a todos quienes hacen posible el funcionamiento del GEF. Se ha transformado en un impor- funcionamiento del GEF, que junta a los esfuerzos de cada tantfsimo instrumento de apoyo a los esfuerzos de la pafs permitira un buen futuro a nuestro planeta. comunidad internacional por mejorar la proteccion del media ambiente. Nuestro pafs no es ajeno a esta tarea. lnvertimos cerca del 1 % de nuestro producto interno bruto en el media am- biente, contabilizando los aportes publicos y los privados. Estamos decididos a mejorar nuestra competitividad como pafs, con productos generados desde un territorio que avanza en las practicas amigables con el media ambiente. Durante los mismos proximos cuatro arias que durara el recien acordado refinanciamiento del GEF, Chile espera duplicar los ecosistemas bajo proteccion oficial. Llegaremos a tener el 10% de la superficie de nuestros ecosistemas relevantes bajo protecci6n oficial; alcanzaremos a tener bajo tratamiento el 80% de nuestras aguas de alcantarillas (casi cuatro veces la situacion actual); eliminaremos los episodios crfticos de contaminacion del aire en nuestras grandes ciudades; y estamos depositando el 80% de nuestros residuos domesticos en rellenos sanitarios de alta seguridad ambiental. Este ario ratificamos el Protocolo de Kyoto. Avanzamos hacia una posible ratificacion del Protocolo de Cartagena y de la Convenci6n de Estocolmo. Vemos el GEF coma un recurso "semilla ", que estimula la inversion ambiental en temas prioritarios para el pafs y para la comunidad internacional. A ese esfuerzo deben confluir capitales publicos y privados nacionales que ase- guren la sustentabilidad. Saludamos la decision del GEF de apoyar la lucha contra la degradacion de las tierras, problema que aflige a mas del 40% de nuestro territorio. Nos interesa levantar proyectos en esa area, sabre todo vinculados a la protecci6n de nues- tra biodiversidad y a las acciones mitigadoras del cambio climatico global. Asf fue resuelto en un importante Taller de Dialogo Nacional realizado hace tres semanas con ayuda de la Secretarfa del GEF y el PNUD. Empresarios, ONG y sectores del Gobierno acordaron las prioridades nacionales en el uso del GEF en Chile: decidieron contar con un mecanismo transparente y participativo de selec- ci6n y evaluacion de proyectos; tambien resolvieron establecer dos perfodos anuales para postulacion y selec- cion de los proyectos, para resguardar las prioridades. 136 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S STATEMENT OF CHINA XIE ZHENHUA, MINISTER OF STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADMINISTRATION The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) gresses in economy, society, and environment in China. has just been concluded in Johannesburg and we are now Particularly during the last five years of the last century, a here for the Second Global Environment Facility Assembly. large number of technically-backward and heavy-polluting May I, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, extend our enterprises and products were phased out in line with the warm welcome to all the delegates and friends participating drive of strategically economic restructuring, cleaner pro- in this event. duction was promoted, the idea of recycling economy was initiated and introduced. Thus, the economic structure had To achieve sustainable development is a common challenge also been optimized. Under an average annual economic for all the countries in the world. In 1992, the UN growth of 8.3%, the national total discharge of major pol- Conference on Environment and Development in Rio iden- lutants decreased by 10-1 5 % . The deteriorating trend of tified the principles and targets for global sustainable environmental pollution has been basically controlled. Even development as well as the action plans. Over the last though the per capita GDP is less than USD800, China has decade, the international community and every nation also embarked upon a large-scale pollution treatment ini- have made unremitting efforts toward sustainable develop- tiative in major regions, river basins, cities and coastal ment and committed major steps in integrating economic, areas. The environmental quality of some cities and regions social and environmental development. However, we must has therefore been improved. At the same time, a policy of recognize that the deteriorating trend of the global envi- attaching equal importance to pollution prevention and ronment is yet to be arrested. The sustainable production treatment and ecological conservation has been followed. and consumption patterns of the developed countries have The programmes of retiring arable land to grassland and not changed. Hunger and poverty still threaten a quarter forest, as well as virgin forests·protection have been imple- of the population in the developing countries. The desert is mented. Projects of integrated soil erosion management in still rampant, forest continues to disappear, fresh water is 7 major river basins such as Yellow River and Yangtze River still scarce and greenhouse gas emissions continue to have been carried out. The efforts to combat desertifica- increase.· tion have been strengthened and ecological conservation has been further promoted. To tackle these problems, the WSSD took the challenges and hammered out specific implementation plans and The Government of China makes environmental protection objectives. Again, it has demonstrated the resolve, courage and ecological conservation work as the major investment and wisdom of humans to rise to the common challenges. area in the course of a proactive fiscal policy, which has Today, we are here together, to discuss the approaches to effectively increased the input for environmental investment. address the global environmental issues and it is very From 1998 to 2002, a total of RMB580 billion yuan was important. invested in environmental protection and eco-system con- servation, accounting for 1.29% of the country's GDP of China, a country of importance in the environmental the same period and 1.8 times of the combined investment arena, makes a positive contribution to the global environ- in this area from 1950-1997. ment by addressing its own environmental problems well. The Government of China has been attaching great impor- . While making great efforts addressing its domestic envi- tance to environmental protection and it identifies environ- ronment.and development issues, China has been very mental protection as a basic state policy, and sustainable active in tackling international environmental issues. It has development as a primary strategy. In the course of drafting signed and ratified an array of important multilateral envi- and implementing a series of laws, rules and regulations to ronmental conventions and registered widely hailed protect environment and natural resources, significant and achievements in fulfilling its obligations and responsibili- effective efforts have been made toward sustainable devel- ties. Recently, the Government of China approved the opment. Kyoto Protocol, which further demonstrates China's resolve in participating in the international cooperation and pro- Through a decade of unremitting efforts, the sustainable moting world sustainable development. As a responsible development strategy has been integrated into all fields of big country, China will continuously make efforts in inter- social and economic development, coordinating the pro- national environmental cooperation and fulfill its responsi- ST A TE M EN T S BY R EP RE SEN TAT I V E S 137 bilities in achieving sustainable development and protecting GEF Country Program Fr.amework (CPF) combating land global environment. degradation" has been undertaken. The implementation of these projects and the research conducted have promoted Even though significant progress has been made in envi- the development of relevant strategies and action plans, ronmental protection and sustainable development, China establishment of demonstration projects, capacity-building is still facing tremendous environmental pressure in the for convention implementation, as well as raising the public long run, due to a large population, low per capita natural 1;,nvironmental awareness. resources, vulnerable ecological system and uneven regional economic development. To meet these challenges, the l:nvironmental issues have global implications and transcend Government of China has drafted the Tenth Five-year Plan national boundaries and regional divisions. Protecting envi- for National Environmental Protection (2001-2005), and a mnment is the responsibility of all human beings and it blueprint for environmental protection in the beginning of 1·equests the common action of the international community. the new century. In the next several years, greater efforts In the course of international cooperation, it should take will be made to control the total discharge of pollutants full account of the history and reality of uneven economic and improve ecological conservation, in line with the development of each country. By adhering to the principle strategic economic restructuring. It is anticipated that the of fairness, justice, and rationality, it should strengthen the total investment input in pollution prevention and treatment dialogues, seek for common grounds while shelving the during the Tenth Five-year Plan period will reach RMB700 differences, benefit each other and help each other, so as billion yuan. By 2005, the total discharge of major pollutants to promote cooperation. With regard to protecting the will decrease by 10% against that of 2000, the ecological 9lobal environment, the principle of "common but differ- deteriorating trend will be basically arrested, and the rural entiated responsibilities" should be followed. For the and urban environmental quality, particularly in large and developed countries, since they have brought about bigger medium-sized cities will be improved. All these are a better impact on global environment in their development demonstration of coordinated economic, social and envi- process, and they have both the technical and economic ronmental development. capability and capacity to assume more responsibility for environmental protection, they should utilize their advantage Under efforts of Mr. El-Ashry, CEO of GEF and all his col- and actively help the developing countries to solve environ- leagues, GEF, as a financial mechanism for global environ- mental problems. For the developing countries, they mental protection, has been developed from a pilot pro- ~;hould strengthen environmental protection and try to gramme to the largest investor in global environmental reduce the impact on environment from their economic protection. It has delivered great successes in the areas development, and play a role in international programmes including mitigating climate change, conserving biological up to their capability. diversity, protecting international water, protecting ozone layer and preventing land degradation. GEF has extended To address the global environmental issues of the new cen- effective assistance to the developing countries in taking tury has posed an unprecedented challenge to GEF. We part in the drive of protecting the global environment and appreciate the Report on Policies, Operations, and Future it has been playing a more and more important role in Development of GEF made by Mr. El-Ashry. In our view, tackling the global environmental issues. All that has been (jEF is now at a critical moment of its development: on fully endorsed in the OPS2 of GEF. one hand, the continuously deteriorating global environ- ment requests GEF to assume niore responsibilities, and China pays high attention to the positive role of GEF in the the international community also expects it to become the efforts of protecting China's environment. As a member financial mechanism for an increasing number of interna- country of GEF, China has enjoyed a sustained and close tional environmental conventions; on the other hand, the relationship with GEF. China is among a few of the devel- appeal for more funding for GEF is not fully supported. To oping donor countries and has played a positive role in further enhance the function of GEF and improve interna- GEF fund replenishment. Meanwhile, GEF has also provided tional environmental cooperation, the Chinese delegation China with effective financial and technical assistance in would like to hereby propose the following: protecting environment and implementing international conventions. By June 2002, there have been more then 50 I. The Government of China appreciates the effective and GEF projects in China which are either completed, being fruitful efforts made by GEF in addressing global envi- implemented or under preparation. These projects cover ronmental issues. For GEF, a financial mechanism for biodiversity conservation, industrial energy conservation, global environmental cooperation, we recognize the renewable energy, international water protection, preven- importance of adequate, stable and predictable financial tion and treatment of land degradation as well as related resources. Otherwise, GEF will not be able to rise to the institutional capacity-building. Recently, sponsored by the new challenges and fulfill its own missions. We there- Asian Development Bank and GEF, the project "China and fore call for concerted efforts by the international com- 138 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS munity to explore an effective replenishment mecha- eration. When we are faced with more severe environmen- nism for GEF. Based on the principle of "common but tal challenges in the 21st century, we have more reasons differentiated responsibilities," the developed countries and responsibilities to strengthen this cooperation. The should continue to provide new and additional financial best way to implement the outputs from WSSD is to honor resources to protect the global environment, to our commitments, and take immediate actions - from enhance the support for GEF, and to ensure the timely now on. arrival of committed funds so as to help GEF execute planned programs. It is important to mobilize private I am convinced that this meeting will provide new momen- funding for GEF activities, but these private contribu- tum and provide new energy for GEF. Under the joint tions should not substitute the support to GEF by efforts by all nations, GEF will play a more important role donor countries, particularly the developed countries. in promoting global sustainable development and it will become more productive. II. During the process of project planning, execution and fund disbursement, it is important for GEF to acknowl- To conclude, I wish all of you a good stay in Beijing and edge the realistic situation and actual demands of the every success of this assembly. recipient countries and they should be given more flexi- bility in decision-making and be more actively involved. When the effectiveness of the funded projects in recipient countries is evaluated, the difficulty and complexity of global environmental protection should be given full consideration. Unrealistic additional conditions and policy requirements should be refrained. At the same time, efforts should be made to improve the recipient coun- tries' overall capability for GEF project preparation and implementation, through training and capacity building of national GEF focal point and coordinating and implementing institutions. Ill. The Government of China supports the addition of per- sistent organic pollutants and land degradation into GEF focal areas. It supports that GEF becomes the financial executive entity of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. It also supports that GEF becomes a financial mechanism for the Convention to Combat Desertification and it also calls for new and additional funding for the effective implementation of the conventions. IV. In light of the new situation of global sustainable development, GEF should reform its operational proce- dures, improve management level and work efficiency, and simplify review and approval procedures. It should also increase the number of implementing agencies, speed up fund disbursement, and reduce the prepara- tion and implementation cost of recipient countries. In the meantime, it is hoped that GEF and other interna- tional institutions further distinguish their own roles, unite and collaborate, utilize their own strength, and jointly promote an expeditious development of GEF operations.' There is only one earth. It is our common homeland, to help others is to help ourselves, and to contribute to tack- ling global environmental problems is to contribute to the well-being of our future generations. The UNCED in 1992 ushered a new epoch of south-north environmental coop- ST AT E M E N T S BY R E P R E S E N TAT IV E S 139 STATEMENT OF COSTA RICA RICARDO ULATE CHACON, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Mll\llSTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY En nombre del Gobierno de Costa Rica, agradecemos al El Programa 21 encontro diferentes manifestaciones a traves Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial par brindarnos la de las cuales se impulsaron reformas legales y programati- oportunidad de compartir nuestras preocupaciones sabre cas de manera tal que se acercaran las polfticas nacionales las prioridades de nuestro pafs en relacion con las polfticas al marco orientador generado en la Cumbre para la Tierra. y desarrollo futuro de este mecanismo. Asimismo expreso En nuestro pafs se experimentaron avances significativos en mi agradecimiento a las autoridades de la Republica el campo legislativo e institucional, que le dieron un giro Popular de China parser el anfitrion de la reunion. trascendental a la gestion publica ambiental, y tangencial- mente al modelo de desarrollo nacional. Hace poco mas de un mes, el Presidente de Costa Rica, Dr. Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, manifesto ante la Cumbre de No obstante lo anterior, las principios, compromisos y Desarrollo Sostenible de Johannesburgo que las diferencias orientaciones que se gestaron durante la cumbre de desa- entre las pafses pobres y ricos deben dar paso a las rrollo sostenible, no se han consolidado plenamente dentro · coincidencias ya la cooperacion. La reposicion de fondos de! marco de la planificacion de la polftica nacional de desa- realizada recientemente es un paso muy positivo en esta rrollo, en particular dentro de las esquemas operativos de direccion, y sera sin duda un aliciente para.continuar en la gestion publica de las entidades relacionadas con esta busqueda de las objetivos y anhelos que se sembraron en materia. Par ello, la accion gubernamental en este campo Rio en 1992 y se afianzaron en Johannesburgo. debe estar respaldada al mas alto nivel; consecuentemente, se requiere una reflexion sabre el papel del Estado en el Consecuente con su tradicion, nuestro pafs aboga par cumplimiento del precepto constitucional que establece el convertir la globalizacion economica en un proceso de derecho a un media ambiente sano. globalizacion de! desarrollo humano y de la justicia: la justicia contra la corrupcion, la justicia en el comercio y las Lo anterior implica, sin duda, la necesidad de replantear el relaciones internacionales, la justicia en la relacion de! ser tema ambiental en la estructura de las valores sociales humano con la naturaleza, la justicia en el acceso a la tec- sabre la base de una nueva etica, y asf debera reflejarse en nologfa, La justicia en el cumplimiento de las responsabili- la asignacion de recursos financieros, humanos, materiales dades comunes pero diferenciadas y la justicia inmersa en y logfsticos; pero lo mas importante, debera partirse de el principio precautorio. No puede ser que el crecimiento una vision compartida par mas altas autoridades de toma de economico se convierta en un fin en sf mismo, en nombre decisiones. La gesti6n ambiental no debe verse unicamente de! cual se destruye el planeta, se mancilla la dignidad coma una labor de gendarmerfa, sino que deben revalo- humana, se tolera la corrupcion y se tornan simbolicos las rarse el aporte a las procesos y las actores del desarrollo derechos humanos. nacional, dentro de un concepto de armonfa entre las diferentes elementos involucrados. Nuestro pafs ha puesto una importante cuota de esfuerzo en esta direccion. Hemos asumido la responsabilidad de En otras palabras, en nuestro pafs se requiere·de una polftica proteger el 27% de nuestro territorio continental, siendo la de Estado en la que se reflejen claramente las intereses mitad de proteccion absoluta. Cerca de un 50% del pre- nacionales, mas alla de las puramente institucionales; y supuesto de! Ministerio de Ambiente se dedica al Sistema que debe sobrepasar el concepto de politica ambiental y de Pago par Servicios Ambientales; conjuntamente con las coadyuvar a la consolidaci6n de una polftica nacional de restantes pafses centroamericanos, hemos creado un desarro/lo sostenible. El debilitamiento de la funcion Sistema Regional de Areas Protegidas; el Corredor estrategica que la planificaci6n juega en las procesos de Biologico Mesoamericano ha entrado en una etapa de desarrollo nacional es quizas uno de las errores que se consolidacion coma estrategia fundamental de reduccion han cometido. Eso le ha restado autoridad politica a la de la pobreza y la vulnerabilidad en nuestra region. Junta necesidad y urgencia de establecer claros mecanismos de con Colombia, Ecuador y Panama, hemos convenido crear concertacion, racionalidad, e intersectorialidad en las pro- un corredor marina de conservacion y desarrollo sostenible cesos de elaboraci6n y seguimiento de politicas publicas. que une las islas de Galapagos, Malpelo-Gorgona, Coiba y Nada hacemos con avanzar en el piano de! crecimiento el Coco. economico si vamos acumulando un costo ambiental que debera pagarse, con creces, en el futuro. Las instituciones 140 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS de! sector publico deben asumir conciencia plena de la interior de! Siste'ma de lntegracion Centroamericana, necesidad de establecer nuevas formas de hacer polftica y particularmente de la Comision Centroamericana de gestion institucional en materia ambiental. Ambiente y Desarrollo. En este sentido, celebramos las esfuerzos que pueda seguir hacienda el Fonda para el Hacia la consolidacion de esa nueva vision, orientada a la Media Ambiente Mundial en la promocion de esfuerzos generacion de un nuevo concepto de "Gestion publica regionales que han demostrado un alto grado de respon- Ambiental Responsable" estaran orientados nuestros sabilidad y compromiso con los principios de! desarrollo esfuerzos en las proximos ar'ios, y seran la lfnea orientado- sostenible. ra de las esfuerzos de gesti6n institucional, incluyendo la cooperacion internacional. Los siguientes son algunos de Sin duda alguna las prioridades nacionales de! momenta las elementos mas relevantes que se estan incorporando son basicamente compatibles con las orientaciones presentes en el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo en materia ambiental: en el lnforme sabre las polfticas y operaciones futuras de! Fonda preparado par el Ejecutivo Principal. Solo estamos a ..,. Consolidacion de un sistema nacional de planificacion la espera de que se concreten las mecanismos para deter- en materia de desarrollo sostenible, en donde la minar con mayor claridad las prioridades de trabajo con las gesti6n ambiental debe ser un eje transversal. Agencias Ejecutoras, para lo cual estamos deseosos de que ..,. Modernizacion de! marco jurfdico institucional de la se concreten los mecanismos para la definicion armoniosa gesti6n ambiental, cumplimiento de las compromisos y conjunta de un plan de accion de largo plaza, en donde internacionales y potenciacion de oportunidades de se !ogre establecer la coherencia necesaria entre las cooperacion internacional, sabre la base de la necesidad acciones desarrolladas a nivel nacional y regional, y las de que todas las entidades publicas asuman su cuota acciones globales. de responsabilidad en materia ambiental, y deje de percibirse coma una responsabilidad unicamente de las Ministerios de Ambiente . ..,. La consolidacion de las anhelos y aspiraciones de las y las costarricenses deben plasmarse en la Constituci6n Polftica con la incorporacion de un capftulo de Garantfas Ambientales . ..,. Consolidacion de la capacidad institucional para garan- tizar la armonfa entre las actividades productivas y de servicio y la sostenibilidad ambiental con sentido de responsabilidad intergeneracional. ..,. Consolidacion de! Sistema de Areas Protegidas, de las Recursos Forestales y de Biodiversidad a traves de la implementacion de! Plan Nacional de Desarrollo Foresta! y de la Estrategia Nacional de Biodiversidad . ..,. Avanzar en la modernizaci6n de! marco legal e institu- cional para garantizar la gestion integrada de las recursos hfdricos . ..,. Se elaborara el Programa Nacional de Conservacion y Desarrollo Sostenible de las Recursos Marinos y Costeros . ..,. Se continuara promoviendo el Ecoturismo Sostenible particularmente a traves de la Certificacion Turfstica Sostenible . ..,. lniciaremos el diser'io de una estrategia nacional para enfrentar las retos derivados de! manejo y uso de sus- tancias qufmicas, peligrosas, daninas y persistentes en forma integral, y no en forma aislada. Muchos de estos elementos han sido reflejados en el Marco Programatico de Biodiversidad preparado par el pafs para continuar avanzando en la busqueda de! desarrollo sostenible en una forma integral y ordenada. Muchas de las acciones previstas se complementan con esfuerzos regionales e internacionales que estamos realizando al STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 141 STATEMENT OF COTE D'IV.OIRE GILBERT BLEU-LAINE, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT C'est avec un grand plaisir que j'adresse, au nom de la Les succes des negotiations et les chemins parcourus par le Cote d'Ivoire, mon pays, mes remerciements et mes vives FEM comme mecanisme financier pour les principales felicitations au Gouvernement et au peuple chinois pour conventions internationales, reaffirment les engagements !'organisation dans cette belle cite de Beijing, de la des gouvernements au relevement des defis environ- deuxieme reunion· de l'Assemblee du Fonds pour nementaux globaux par des innovations institutionnelles l'environnement mondial (FEM). appropriees. Je les remercie egalement pour la qualite de l'accueil Cependant, le FEM devrait profiter des experiences passees reserve a ma delegation. en prenant en compte Jes recommandations de la seconde E~tude de performance globale, la'rgement discutee par nos Permettez-moi de vous feliciter pour la qualite de votre representants tant au niveau du Conseil, qu'au cours des rapport et de reconnaltre tous les efforts que vous avez negotiations relatives a la reconstitution des ressources de deploye depuis la restructuration du FEM dont le depart a !'institution afin d'atteindre des resultats plus durables. eu lieu a ABIDJAN en decembre 1992 pour prendre fin en mars 1994 a Geneve. Le renforcement des capacites nationales est egalement une necessite. Par ailleurs, le FEM devrait attirer d'avantage Ces efforts nous ont permis d'avoir aujourd'hui un fonds le secteur prive a s'interesser de plus en plus aux prob- revigore. Ce resultat nous vous le devons et nous vous en lemes de l'environnement pour ainsi obtenir le maximum remerc;ions, de meme que tous vos collaborateurs. de ressources. Malgre l'insuffisance des moyens mis a sa disposition, le L.a Cote d'Ivoire, pour sa part, malgre ses modestes moyens, FEM a obtenu d'importants resultats en consacrant une est l'un des rares pays d'Afrique contributeur au FEM. Elle bonne partie de ses ressources pour la promotion de la s'honore d'avoir participe a la troisieme reconstitution des preservation de l'environnement mondial et du developpe- ressources de ce Fonds et participe recemment au dernier ment durable. Sammet mondial su.r le developpement durable de Johannesbourg qui, meme s'il n'a pas repondu a toutes ses Aussi, la nouvelle reconstitution des ressources du FEM attentes, a permis de raffermir les relations de solidarite et permettra-t-elle a cette institution de renforcer ses acquis cle cooperation internationales. en faveur non seulement, des pays developpes mais, surtout des pays en developpement et cela, pour soutenir Notre pays a obtenu des resultats encourageants dans le ses objectifs connus relatifs a : clomaine des activites habilitantes relatives aux conventions citees plus haut. II a pu beneficier de dix huit (18) .projets ..,. la Convention sur la diversite biologique ; nationaux et regionaux finances par le FEM . ..,. la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur Jes Enfin, Monsieur le President, Madame et Monsieur les changements climatiques et le protocole de Kyoto ; Vices-Presidents, chers collegues, distingues delegues, ..,. la Convention de Vienne et le Protocole de Montreal ; ii est aujourd'hui temps de rompre avec les declarations cl'intention non accompagnees de mesures concretes, auxquels sont venus s'ajouter si heureusement, les nou- cl'echeanciers et de financements permettant la realisation veaux domaines suivants que nous appuyons fortement et cl'objectifs precis. qui sont: C'est pourquoi, la Cote d'Ivoire, mon pays, a apprecie a sa ..,. la Degradation des terres et la lutte contre la juste valeur, le sens et la portee du theme du dernier Desertification ; Sammet mondial sur le developpement durable qui invitait taus les gouvernements, la societe civile et le secteur prive, ..,. les Polluants Organiques Persistants (POPs). a passer de la parole a l'action fondatrice de l'humanite, au nom du developpement durable. 142 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Consciente des defis du sous-developpement et de la mon- dialisation qui ant pour consequences, entres autres, la degradation de l'environnement et le recul de la biodiversite, la Cote d'Ivoire a entrepris et poursuit des actions de reha- bilitation, de correction et de promotion. Elle est prete a contribuer a la mise en CEuvre des decisions que nous allons prendre ; elle invite solennellement les autres nations a se mettre a l'ecoute des peuples en souf- france et a se soumettre a la loi de la survie universelle. Au total, notre pays a obtenu des resultats encourageants dans le domaine de la rehabilitation de son environnement, grace a l'appui de la communaute internationale. Cependant, la Cote d'Ivoire attend de cette deuxieme reu- nion de l'Assemblee du Fonds pour l'environnement mondial, des decisions et des mesures concretes de nature a mobiliser les appuis necessaires a un renforcement des capacites institutionnelles, techniques et humaines et SUrtout a promouvoir et a mettre en CEUVre les decisions du Sammet mondial sur le developpement durable de Johannesbourg. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 143 STATEMENT OF CUBA DANIEL CODORNIU PUJALS, FIRST DEPUTY MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT Una vez mas el pueblo y el Gobierno de la Republica necesidades de los pafses en desarrollo y con los recursos Popular China nos han mostrado su proverbial hospitalidad que hoy se dilapidan en el mundo desarrollado. y su capacidad de organizacion para la realizacion de i..,.. Promover formulas de acceso a los fondos que permitan grandes eventos, por lo que quisiera expresar en nombre de a los pafses receptores desarrollar proyectos con una mi pars las mas sinceras felicitaciones por los esfuerzos rea- adecuada interrelacion entre los beneficios ambientales lizados para que esta Asamblea transcurra con todo exito. mundiales y las prioridades nacionales de desarrollo sostenible definidas por estos parses. Nos reunimos en un momenta particularmente importante I..,. Los mecanismos y formulaciones que hoy estamos cre- pues hace apenas un mes que concluimos la Cumbre de ando para un acceso mas efectivo a los fondos con los Johannesburgo, esfuerzo colectivo colosal en la busqueda que hoy contamos en el GEF deben promover que en de formulas para combatir, entre todos y con justicia, los todas las circunstancias este acceso sea justo, problemas que hoy nos afectan. incluyente y no discriminatorio. I..,. La simplificacion de los procedimientos del GEF fue uno Cuba esta convencida de que tenemos que redoblar los de los pedidos de los parses en desarrollo en la Primera esfuerzos para lograr cumplimentar, sobre la base de nues- Asamblea. No permitamos ahora que en aras de la tras responsabilidades comunes pero diferenciadas, los busqueda de una mayor eficiencia, se introduzcan acuerdos alcanzados en Johannesburgo, tanto en su Plan mecanismos, indicadores y procedimientos que, en de lmplementacion como en su Declaracion. lugar de facilitar el acceso a los recursos del GEF, se conviertan en nuevas barreras o condicionantes para Hoy el mundo se enfrenta a desastres y eventos naturales, nuestros parses en desarrollo y por ende afecten el mucho mas impactantes de lo que podramos prever cuando cumplimiento de los objetivos de los convenios y con- nos reunimos en la Primera Asamblea en Nueva Delhi, que venciones de los que son Partes ya los cuales el GEF van desde parses que enfrentan la dramatica disyuntiva de sirve como mecanismo financiero. desaparecer por la elevacion del nivel del mar hasta el ,.... Las reposiciones del GEF deben ser cada vez mayores e aumento de la frecuencia e intensidad de eventos climaticos incrementadas pues las cada vez mayores y complicadas tan diversos como las intensas precipitaciones en Europa o realidades que debemos enfrentar indican que los fondos temporadas ciclonicas tremendamente activas en el mar deben crecer a medida que las situaciones crrticas a Caribe. La improductividad de las tierras, en Africa y en resolver se hagan mayores. otras partes del mundo, se hace particularmente dramatica ,.... Continuar trabajando ordenadamente para expandir coma resultado de la degradacion de los suelos, lo que las oportunidades del GEF a otras instituciones que tiene como consecuencia directa el aumento de la pobreza puedan efectivamente encargarse de ejecutar los y el hambre. proyectos del GEF, como forma de aprovechar de manera optima las ventajas comparativas de cada una de las El trabajo desarrollado por el GEF durante una decada de agendas. existencia, es sin duda una positiva experiencia como contribucion a la solucion de los problemas ambientales Nos gustarra dar la bienvenida a la inclusion de dos nuevas mundiales y que se sitUa en el camino hacia el logro de un <lreas focales, lo cual expresa la voluntad de seguir traba- desarrollo sostenible, segun fuera identificado en el jando en el logro de los intereses comunes. lgualmente Programa 21 y ratificado en Johannesburgo. Mucho nos apoyamos que esta Asamblea envre un mensaje a la falta aun por hacer y asf ha sido reccinocido por todos. Conferencia de las Partes de la Convencion de Lucha contra la Desertificacion y la Sequfa, expresando la disposicion del Por tanto consideramos que el GEF debe continuar buscando GEF a servir como mecanismo financiero, si asr le fuera alternativas que permitan: solicitado por las Partes en esta Convencion . ..,.. Captar cada vez mas recursos para la solucion de los Ratificamos en esta tribuna el compromiso de nuestro principales problemas ambientales. La Tercera pueblo y gobierno para seguir constituyendo una sociedad Reposicion ha sido sin dudas un resulta.do positivo pero mas justa con un modelo de desarrollo sostenible en que el no es suficiente si lo comparamos con las inmensas hombre ocupa el lugar central de las metas de desarrollo. 144 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS i I_ " Luchemos por que el Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial siga adelante y fortaleciendose al tiempo que expresamos que solo teniendo la conciencia clara de que la supervivencia de nuestro mundo depende de expresar con hechos nuestra voluntad de protegerlo, estaremos en capacidad de poder legar a las generaciones futuras la esperanza de un mundo mas justo donde el principio de la equidad desplace al lamentable flagelo de la pobreza. ST AT E M E N T S BY RE P R E S E N TAT IV E S 145 STATEMENT OF DENMARK CARSTEN STAUR, STATE SECRETARY. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS We meet for this Assembly in Beijing, ten years after Rio I am confident that the GEF family will succeed in increas- and some six weeks after Johannesburg, to take stock of ing co-financing and in generating additional funds. The what has been achieved by GEF and to set directions for private sector should be included in these efforts. The the future. establishment of policies that will attract private invest- ments and non-profit funding for sustainable development The results achieved at the Johannesburg World Summit will also benefit the global environment. The GEF should on Sustainable Development, together with the results of work with countries to create such enabling environments. the WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha in November 2001 and the results of the Conference on Financing for Denmark fully subscribes to the recommendations grown Development in Monterrey in March 2002, have estab- from the second Overall Performance Study and further lished a new basis for international co-operation and our deliberations. GEF has produced significant project results common objective to reach the Millennium Goals. The in its first decade of activities, but its future role demands goals are set and the means identified. The focus now is a strengthened emphasis on quality and results. We have on implementation. confidence that the work already undertaken by the GEF Council and the Secretariat will follow up on the recom- For the first time in many years, new and substantial com- mendations in a thorough and timely manner. mitments of development assistance have been forthcoming. From 2006, the global volume of developing assistance will Projects alone do not generate the respect that GEF enjoys. increase by some 25 percent. Mr. El-Ashry, your able leadership and diplomatic acumen has contributed substantially to bringing GEF to the fore- In this context, the third replenishment of the GEF Trust . front of international environmental co-operation. I wish Fund stands out with an increase of up to 50 pct. beyond you all the best for the years to come. the previous replenishment level. The GEF - its secretariat as well as its members - can be proud of this result. Denmark and other EU member states, by pledging addi- tional voluntary contributions to GEF-3, have done our part to underline the importance we attach to the Facility. GEF is an increasingly important actor for the global envi- ronment and its problems. When the Kyoto Protocol enters into force, it will become even more important. It must be recognized, however, that GEF in itself does not possess the capacity for making a global impact. What GEF does is to provide examples on how things should be done - to inspire sound environmental policies and to demon- strate how to integrate them into national strategies for sustainable development and poverty reduction strategies. In this way, the effect of the Facility is much greater than its funding levels indicate. Increased focus on activities at country level wil.1 prove this even further. Capacity building is essential for the performance at coun- try level. In particular, the least developed countries have special needs for assistance with regard to developing the capacity necessary for environmental policies to the benefit of all. 146 AS SEM B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF ECUADOR JUAN RS ALAZAR SSANCISI, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Seame permitido expresar la felicitaci6n al Gobierno de la Simplificaci6n procedimientos Republica Popular China por la impecable preparaci6n de la presente conferencia, a la vez que agradecerle por su Es importante considerar medidas practicas que permitan amable hospitalidad. simplificar los tramites y por consiguiente acortar los tiempos para la obtenci6n de financiamiento a traves del GEF y su Deseo felicitarlo por su elecci6n y reiterar todo el apoyo de ejecuci6n a traves de las agencias de ejecuci6n. Esta medida la delegaci6n de Ecuador para asegurar exitosos resultados permitira reducir las costos de preparaci6n e implementaci6n en la presente asamblea. De hecho, el eficiente trabajo de de los paises receptores y, al propio tiempo, que nuestros la secretaria del GEF facilita enormemente nuestro pafses den un fiel cumplimiento a los objetivos contenidos accionar. en los diversos convenios y convenciones. Johannesburgo Roi organismos y ONGs Esta segunda Asamblea General se realiza luego de la Los organismos internacionales cuentan con estructuras Cumbre de la Tierra, efectuada en Johannesburgo, en la s61idas y recursos humanos muy capacitados, que deben cual se puso en evidencia que los desaffos ambientales, aprovecharse para lograr un mayor impulso al oportuno econ6micos, sociales y polfticos son globales y no pueden tratamiento de los diversos problemas. Una apropiada ser tratados en forma aislada. Toca ahora implementar el coordinaci6n permitira ademas el logro de la deseada contenido de su importante declaraci6n y de su plan de sinergia. Se deben desterrar practicas inaceptables de acci6n. competencia por recursos financieros y recordar que es el pais quien dicta sus prioridades. Dentro de esta lfnea de GEF/Ecuador pensamiento apreciamos la ampliaci6n del partenariado del GEF con otras instituciones internacionales. El Ecuador se ha beneficiado de los fondos GEF y por ello deja expresa constancia de su agradecimiento con esta ONG I Empresa privada ocasi6n. Actualmente se encuentran en cartera varias nuevas propuestas que estamos seguros contribuiran a La amplitud y naturaleza de los problemas obligan una beneficiar los graves problemas mundiales ambientales. consideraci6n conjunta de los gobiernos, sociedad civil y empresa privada. El Ecuador, de hecho se encuentra traba- Reposici6n Fondos jando en esta linea. Acogemos con entusiasmo la tercera reposici6n de fondos Fortalecimiento puntos focales nacionales para el pr6ximo cuatrienio, fruto de los acuerdos logrados durante la conferencia de Monterrey. No obstante, obser- En el proceso de planificaci6n y ejecuci6n del GEF debera vamos que estos fondos solamente permitiran continuar tomar en cuenta el papel asignado a los puntos focales con la misma tendencia que en el pasado pues sus recursos nacionales que son los llamados a definir y otorgar el aval son insuficientes para enfrentar la lista de importantes de sus prioridades. Tambien es importante utilizar, en la desafios en los diversos continentes. Por ello, es importante preparaci6n e implementaci6n de los proyectos, a los tecni- I reiterar la necesidad de que se realicen esfuerzos adi- cos y cuadros nacionales. Sera importante robustecer la cionales tendientes a incrementarlos. estructura tanto de los puntos focales nacionales como de sus respectivas constituyentes y otorgarles diversas facili- I Cofinanciamiento dades, entre otras de caracter financiero, que contribuyan I para ello. El tratamiento del importante tema del cofinanciamiento debera tener en cuenta el importante principio que rige Conclusion desde un inicio en nuestras deliberaciones, esto es de una responsabilidad comun pero diferenciada. Seame permitido realizar dos comentarios finales. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 147 Dejar constancia de nuestro agradecimiento al Sr. El-Ashry y a la Secretarfa del GEF par su importante dedicaci6n y esfuerzo en impulsar la implementaci6n de nuestros pen- samientos en acciones concretas. Concordar en pensamiento con quienes consideran que en un mundo globalizado es necesario mundializar tambien la solidaridad. 148 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF EGYPT AYMAN ABU HADID, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AGENCY I would like first of all to extend my sincere congratulations implementing those objectives that fall under its mandate. to the People's Republic of China for its election to chair the This should include the assessment of the financial implica- Second Global Environment Facility Assembly, and to express tions, as well as the operational requirements needed for my deep appreciation for the distinguished organization of implementation. the Conference, as well as the hospitality with which the friendly Chinese people have received us in Beijing. Egypt has enthusiastically participated in the Facility's activi- ties since its establishment in its experimental phase in I would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the 1991. We have succeeded to develop a fruitful participation efforts of Professor Mohamed El-Ashry, the Chief Executive with the international community through a number of Officer of the GEF, during his three tenures on top of this important national, regional, and global projects. This is in important international body. No doubt, his distinguished addition to an efficient cooperation with the Small Grants contributions, and valuable efforts will remain as a shining Program, which truly responds to the interests and needs turning point in materializing international cooperation for of developing communities, through awareness-raising the preservation of the global environment. campaigns and effective participation in the implementation of activities, and practical solutions that directly benefit to The Second Global Environmental Facility Assembly is being those needy of assistance, and support their environment held a few weeks after the World Summit for Sustainable enhancing initiatives. Development, which stressed the international community's commitment to pursue the path towards sustainable devel- We have gone through the Second Overall Performance opment with its mutually supportive economic, social, and Study, as well as the excellent report prepared by the CEO environmental pillars. It reiterated the principles and goals of on the important issues facing the GEF in the upcoming the Earth Summit in Rio, which had its far-reaching impact period, and his views and recommendation for responding on developing the mandate of the Global Environment to these challenges. Facility in the way that has made it the primary international body in financing and supervising the implementation of In this respect, we would like to stress the following: projects with common benefits to the global environment, through international, regional, and national activities. The above mentioned reports clearly reflected the aware- ness of the international community and of the GEF's In this regard I would like to stress that the principle of administration of the necessity of supporting the sense of "common but differentiated responsibilities" is one of the project ownership in recipient countries, particularly most important Rio principles, which the WSSD reiterated. through consultations with relevant national institutions, We consider the GEF a practical embodiment of this princi- with a view to incorporating GEF's priorities into national ple in the environmental field that covers its mandates. The policies and priorities. The experience of the past decade Summit also called on the Facility to take action concern- proves that the process should be a two way exercise. ing the designation of land degradation (desertification Projects should also reflect the priorities of the recipient and deforestation) as a focal area, and consider making countries. If we were to guarantee that GEF's projects have GEF a financial mechanism of the UN Convention to a real sustainable effect, we should ensure that capacity Combat Diversification, thus complementing GEF's focal building activities provide training to relevant national insti- areas, and making it truly respond to the requirements of tutions to enable them to identify their own priority areas, poverty alleviation and sustainable development, according and shape them in the form of real projects eligible for to the real needs of the developing countries. finance. Resorting from the start to the implementing agencies for the preparation of projects, often reinforces The WSSD Plan of Implementation as well as its Political outside dependency in contrast with the objective of sus- Declaration included also new objectives and concepts tainability and renders the project isolated irrespective of within the mandate and focal areas of the GEF. These new its benefits. objectives and concepts need follow up and implementa- tion. We invite GEF to consider the activities that can be The reports brought up ideas related to follow-up and developed to contribute in understanding, evaluating and evaluation, including monitoring, and measuring countries' ST AT E M E N T S BY RE P R ES EN TAT I V ES 149 financial and material contributions in sharing the costs of work on a systematic basis prior to the regular Council projects co-financed by the Facility. The participation of meetings. This could be done in cooperation with experts recipient countries in co-financing no doubt reflects com- from the Secretariat, or from the implementing agencies. It mitment and a sense of project ownership. Yet, we believe should include all concerned national institutions and inter- that this criterion should not rule over the approval of new national agencies relevant to GEF activities at the national projects. In effect, by doing so we only create hidden con- level thus enhancing transparency, and efficient resources ditionalities that do not reflect the objectives behind the and projects management. creation of the GEF, and do not realize the priorities of its members. In this regard, we should not ignore the fact There is no doubt that observing most of these criteria will that the participation of recipient or beneficiary countries automatically lead to the simplification of the adoption in co-financing is only one of many means of co-financing. and approval procedures for new projects, through an effi- The most important of these means, in our point of view, cient flow of information, and the transparency of under- is providing finance from other donor countries, interna- taken measures. It would thus avoid complications arising tional governmental and non-governmental organizations from the lack of coordination or of information sharing. It as well as the private sector. would prevent competition over specific projects by agencies or national institutions. This leads us to another important issue related to the projects' social impact. The CEO's report rightfully men- Egypt has benefited from its participation in the GEF during tioned that GEF's mission included strengthening the link the past decade through the implementation and financing between environmental security and a stable social order. of a number of pioneer projects that have raised the social There is no doubt that the social dimension has an intangi- awareness in Egypt and neighboring countries with the ble cost that should nevertheless be taken into account. importance of GEF and its global objectives. At the same Applying rigid economic criteria only on GEF projects and time, Egypt has a number of other projects under the final activities may in the end lead to the negligence of impor- ~;tages of examination after conducting the initial feasibility tant aspects that could undermine the overall assessment studies. The National Focal Point has also organized several of the impact of GEF activities. The criteria of selection independent activities to inform about GEF and its mandate, should pay appropriate attention to the project's social via- and invite the private sector and the civil society to draw bility. On the other hand the co-financing indicators should benefits from the opportunities it provides. We are in the reflect the principle of differentiated responsibilities that process of consultation with a number of implementing governs international cooperation in the field of sustain- agencies to prepare additional projects in the fields of able development. monitoring biodiversity, the mitigation of the impact of cli- mate change, and the safe use of sewage water to irrigate Moreover, and in order to complete the different perspec- man-made forests. We believe in this regard that adopting tives of selection, monitoring, follow-up and evaluation, the proposed amendment to the GEF Instrument to incor- the priorities of recipient countries should be observed. porate persistent organic pollutants and land degradation, The extent to which they draw actual benefits from the desertification and aforestation, will have a clear effect on project should be measured by indicators such as leaving C:iEF's role, and the impact of its activities at the global level. behind either a sustainable institutional structure which contributes to environmental preservation, or an activity that could be replicated, or better that is actually replicat- ed, at the national, regional or maybe the international level in a way that ensures social, environmental, and eco- nomic viability. In addition to this, priority should in particular be given to projects for which the initial feasibility studies were prepared by GEF or in coordination with it. This while providing adequate flexibility to accommodate new factors that might arise and adequately respond to national per- spectives in this respect. It would also be appropriate that the Council and the Secretariat consider too elaborate a mechanism for regular coordination on the domestic and regional levels with regards to GEF projects. The mere almost verbal encour- agement to coordinate is not enough. Real capacity build- ing and true value added depend on developing a model mechanism for coordination at the national level that can 150 AS SE M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF FINLAND RITVA JOLKKONEN, DIRECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION, MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS The delegation of Finland would like to express its sincere be country-driven and they should reflect country owner- thanks to the Government and People of China and the ship and priorities. Mainstreaming the environmental City of Beijing for organising this very important Assembly, dimension into the nationally owned poverty reduction and for the hospitality extended to us. Let me also join the strategies is crucial. The GEF must be part of the PRSP- other delegations in congratulating you, Mr. Chairman process. It should also be part of a well-coordinated con- upon your election to preside over this Assembly. certed donor effort to support national priorities in poverty reduction. Capacity building is essential in this respect. This Second Assembly of the Global Environmental Facility, which takes place only a few weeks after the World Now I would like to turn to the new challenges for the GEF. Summit on Sustainable Development provides an excellent This Assembly will decide about two new focal areas namely opportunity to look ahead to the future work of the GEF. combatting land degradation and sustainable management of persistent organic pollutants. Finland strongly supports the Finland has been a firm supporter of the GEF from its very widening of the GEF mandate to these focal areas. Therefore beginning. Today the GEF's mission - to strengthen the we support the amendment of the Instrument accordingly. links between sustainable economic and social development and protection of the global environment is more relevant The work of the GEF will cover five conventions in the and urgent than ever. The GEF has an important role to future. Multiple focal areas need more attention. One of play in the implementation of the Johannesburg commit- the challenges is to develop cooperation and find synergies ments and the Millenium Development Goals. Finland in the implementation of the conventions at the national would like to see the GEF to evolve and become an even level. The GEF should encourage country programmes, stronger partner in enhancing sustainable development. which address multiple issues like climate change, soil pro- tection in drylands, deforestation and biodiversity. We are therefore very pleased that a consensus was achieved in Washington earlier this year on a substantial The GEF will manage the new climate funds namely the third replenishment of the GEF. With the supplemental Least Developed Countries Fund, The Special Climate Change contribution of some European Union countries the GEF Fund and the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund. This is a good has now reached a historically high replenishment level of example of the GEF's synergies as an instrument which can about 3 billion US dollars. This will enable the smooth con- take onboard new emerging needs from the conventions. tinuation of the valuable work of the GEF. In order to secure predictability and efficiency of the GEF operations, it The widening of the GEF mandate will require strong prior- is vital that all contributions are paid timely. ity setting. These. priorities should be reflected in the workprogrammes and allocation of financial resources. At Finland appreciates GEF's catalytic role. Over the past 10 the same time we have to pay attention to measuring the years the GEF has managed to mobilize funding from other results and impact, and develop indicators for that purpose. sources roughly threefold its own funds. We encourage the GEF to continue and strenghthen its fundraising efforts My country and our close neighbours are arctic countries. particularly towards private sector, as the present trend The recent studies by the Arctic Council indicate increased seems to be downwards. concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in the region. They also indicate that ozone depletion has When reviewing the progress made since the first been severe during recent years and that the polar regions Assembly and conclusions and recommendations by the may suffer very seriously from climate change. All this second overall performance study, it is clear that the GEF accumulating information has made us even more sensitive has been able to produce significant results in the protection to the emerging global environmental problems. of the environment. There are, however, important messages coming from the performance study which should be duly I am convinced the GEF is able to respond to these global reflected in the future work of the GEF. challenges. The Global Environment Facility represents international partnership and solidarity for sustainable The central message is that GEF supported activities should development which we all depend on. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 151 STATEMENT OF FRANCE TOKIA SAIFI, VICE-MINISTER, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT It is with great pleasure that I find myself among you in environmental issues in overall development policy, improv- Beijing for the 2nd General Assembly of the Global ing GEF evaluation mechanisms, and reinforcing the role of Environment Facility (GEF). the Science and Technology Advisory Panel (STAP). First, I would like to congratulate and thank our host, the In addition, my country strongly approves the creation of People's Republic of China, for a flawless organization of :specific fields of intervention, such as persistent organic the event and a warm hospitality. I am glad that this great pollutants (POPs) and land degradation. I wish, for the lat- GEF meeting, which marks 11 years of existence, be held ter, that a particular intervention tool allow an increase in here, a few months only after the Johannesburg summit. GEF presence in Africa and least-developed countries. There, China committed to sign the Kyoto protocol, thereby showing its will to combine economic development with These new mandates require additional resources. For this environmental protection. r·eason, the replenishment amount of GEF-3 - nearly 3 billion US dollars today - on the basis of the Washington I also wish to address sincere thanks to GEF Chairman and agreement of August 2002, and the voluntary contribu- CEO Mr. Mohamed Al-Ashry, for the considerable work tions of many member-countries, are major successes. achieved under his three terms. These results demonstrate the considerable efforts made So much progress has been made since 1992, when the by contributors in general, and countries of the European Facility was called upon to become the joint financial Union in particular. mechanism for the Rio conventions. The GEF now comprises 173 countries. It regroups civil society, governments, and France is no exception, with an overall contribution to GEF- the main international development banks and agencies. 3 of 164 million euros, up from its GEF-1 and GEF-2 con- The Facility deals with five of the main threats that affect tributions (134 million euros). This amount represents 7% global environment: climate change, reduction in biodiver- of GEF's basic resources. sity, degradation of international waters, the thinning of the ozone layer, and land deterioration. In addition to this effort, France participates in environ- mental protection with substantial bilateral contributions, The new millennium has been synonymous with change at via the French Global Environment Fund (FFtM). This Fund, the GEF. After a strong development of its activities since as you know, works in similar areas as the GEF. That is why 1994, and subsequent restructuring, the Facility has both funds often work together through co-financing, reached the symbolic threshold of having to face more with particular emphasis on the African continent. But the demands than its resources could answer. To deal with this FFEM is also very active elsewhere, and I will seize the growing popularity, and with new challenges in the global opportunity of this trip to Beijing to visit one of its projects agenda lying ahead, it was vital for the GEF to draw con- concerning energy efficiency. clusions from the work accomplished so far, and to define new policies. This was achieved through the comprehen- I would like to call to your attention that the FFEM, which sive performance evaluation carried out from September is a pluri-annual instrument, will receive 16,75 million 2000 to February 2002. euros in 2003. France agrees with the positive conclusions of the Overall France's two-prong effort reflects our broader determina- Performance Study, which sheds light on the significant tion to fulfill our commitment in terms of North-South soli- results in terms of environmental protection, obtained by darity. The French President has reassessed this commit- the Facility over a decade. ment at the Johannesburg summit: a 50% increase in our amount of development aid over five years, so that it may, On this basis, it is important to pursue efforts, and to put in 10 years, represent 0.7% of GDP. Development aid into practice the recommendations that you have expressed should amount to 0,39% of GDP as soon as next year, as in your study, Mr. President. Among them, I would like to was announced at the last Development Committee in draw particular attention on: better taking into account Washington. 152 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS At the Johannesburg summit, the French President has also reaffirmed France's concern that global resources be better managed. Futhermore, he pointed to the need for a World Environment Organization in order to ensure the enforce- ment of the Rio conventions. I am convinced that a reformed Global Environment Facility, armed with new resources, will reinforce, over the next few years, its presence and action in the field of global ecology. More broadly, I firmly believe that the GEF will contribute to further integrate environmental protection, development and poverty reduction, thereby placing itself in the direct heritage of Johannesburg. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 153 STATEMENT OF GERMANY HANS PETER SCHIPULLE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT On behalf of the German Government, I wish to thank the dating the institutional structure, which builds on the Chinese government sincerely for hosting the Second GEF experience and strength of the main international Assembly. The invitation of this great country, which organisations for environmental and development co- always has played an active role within the GEF, and the operation, such as the World Bank, UNDP and UNEP. fact that now 173 member states are represented in this Consensus emerged for a strengthening of the GEF meeting, demonstrates that the GEF has evolved into a Secretariat to make it an effective tool for managing truly universal mechanism, where developing and developed the GEF and helping to implement Council decisions. countries, international organisations, non-governmental Opportunities for executing agencies were further organisations and the scientific community are joining expanded to participate and contribute to the GEF efforts in the implementation of their commitments under- venture. The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel was taken in Rio and renewed in Johannesburg. May this strengthened in order for the GEF to be able to rely Assembly be considered as a vote of confidence after a continuously on the best available scientific and technical period of lohg and sometimes controversial discussions input for the permanently evolving challenges of global about the role and status of the GEF. environmental protection. 1~ We will strive for strengthening the monitoring and China as a key partner in international efforts for the protec- evaluation function of the GEF, making it more system- tion of the global environment and sustainable development, atic and independent. The bigger the GEF grows, the has achieved important successes in global environmental more complex the institutional environment becomes protection in recent years. The GEF has been able to play an and the broader the mandate grows, the more impor- important role in facilitating China's efforts. Co-operation tant it is to have an independent assessment of the between Germany and China in questions of environment performance of the GEF on a continuous basis. The and sustainable development was taken to a new qualitative independent M&E unit has the chance to clearly define level in 2000 when we held the German-Chinese Conference global environmental goals and monitor GEF perform- on the Environment. Therefore we know how fruitful a co- ance on these goals, with the aim of improving project operation with the host country of the Assembly can be. and programme quality and the strategic orientation of its work. The GEF has developed considerably since our last •~ We support the improvement of strategic business Assembly. The latest major step in its development has cer- planning and the use of performance criteria, while tainly been the successful third replenishment. We are building on country-driven project development and proud to have reached a total of US$3 billion of available implementing the guidance provided by conventions. resources for the next four years, the largest sum for a GEF replenishment ever. We especially appreciate the flexibility Let me take this opportunity to thank Mohamed El-Ashry shown by some donors in making supplementary contribu- for his continued and tremendous services he provided to tions in an effort to provide sufficient funds for the impor- the GEF from its restructuring in 1994 through the success- tant tasks we have added to the GEF portfolio .. ful management of difficult challenges in its relationship to the conventions and the evolution into a consolidated However, the replenishment not only concerns funds. The instrument for tackling global environment problems. Second Overall Performance Study, as well as our own Those who had - as I did - the privilege to work with experiences with the GEF have provided the basis for an him over the last decade can testify how decisive he was in ambitious reform agenda. We have seen broad consensus forging and motivating a team of dedicated professionals on the issues on the table and we see a great opportunity who helped, together with the Council, the STAP, the in the years ahead to fully implement these reforms Implementing Agencies and the broader GEF family devel- through our work in the Council and with the help of all oping countries in translating commitments into reality. I the organisations and people in the GEF family. Let me want to thank you, Mohamed; for your leadership in this name a few of these issues: endeavour. ..,. During the replenishment process, we have seen The CEO's report on the policies, operations and future progress in clarifying roles within the GEF and consoli- development of the GEF provides an excellent overview 154 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S and accurately reflects what was discussed over the last purpose is integrating global environmental issues into our few months in the replenishment negotiations and in the development agenda. We are witnessing a continued dete- Council. rioration in global environmental trends. We cannot expect the GEF alone to change this, since a funding mechanism Nevertheless, let me name a few challenges for the GEF is only one side of a problem solving strategy. It is however that need to be addressed thoroughly: an important factor. We have already seen funding con- straints within GEF. Innovative funding· mechanisms could, ~ Strong GEF performance at country level and good in our view, contribute a great deal to a much stronger GEF. relations to conventions are indispensable for the fulfil- Co-financing of the private sector is certainly a promising ment of the GEF's mandate, which includes funding avenue to be followed. The challenge of global environ- projects and programmes based on national priorities mental degradation calls for strong and innovative partner- and under the guidance of the conventions, for which ships. The GEF is the most effective facilitator in doing this it operates as the financial mechanism. The GEF needs and therefore merits all the support we can provide also in to continue to support country level co-ordination and the future. provide better information on its funding instruments and scope. It is, however, the task of the countries to guarantee ownership for GEF activities and use the available funds for global environmental prote.ction in the context of sustainable development. It is the task of the parties to the conventions to ensure that the guid- ance given to the GEF is consistent and takes into account the principles on which the GEF is based. ~ The new funds on climate change and mainly on adap- tation should not inflict on conventional GEF business. Adaptation is a major task for the decades to come. It relates to a global environmental problem, but its bene- fits are mostly local or regional. The GEF alone will not be able to take on this task. The international commu- nity needs to mainstream adaptation in the joint efforts for sustainable development. The GEF can only play a catalytic role and trigger new developments. If we want to make adaptation under GEF a success we need, in particular, to provide resources for the new funds. ~ The new focal areas of land degradation and persistent organic pollutants represent an opportunity to strengthen the profile of the GEF in its member states. Both focal areas have a strong impact on local and regional living conditions. In providing support to com- bat land degradation we need to define clearly how local stakeholders participate and how social concerns are taken into account. In providing support in the area of persistent organic pollutants, there are many oppor- tunities to substantially leverage private resources. ~ In the focal area of biodiversity, the issues of access to genetic resources and benefit sharing are increasingly important and merit GEF engagement. The same is true for the issue of biosafety. The GEF should continue to provide support, while implementing the spirit of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Finally let me say a word on the role of the GEF in the institutional landscape of sustainable development and the great challenges we need to face. GEF is the central fund- ing mechanism for the global environment, closely linked with institutions for environment and development. The GEF is a faciiitator for action through funding. Its main ST AT E M E N TS BY R E P R ES E N TAT IV E S 155 STATEMENT OF GREECE NIKOLAOS SYMEONIDIS, DiRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND POLICIES, MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE It is a great pleasure and a privilege to address the 2002 Again, we feel very confident with the adaptive character Second Assembly Meeting of the Global Environment Facility. of the GEF in swiftly approving by its Council of an initial strategy for the entry into force of the Cartagena Protocol Let me first join previous speakers in whole heartedly on Bio Safety and the approval of initial guidelines for thanking the Chinese Government and Authorities for taking enabling activities of the Stockholm Convention on the initiative to invite and host this very important event for Persistent Organic Pollutants. the GEF in Beijing. I wish, also, to express my appreciation to the Governing Body of the GEF and the Implementing We very much feel that the GEF is not merely a mechanism Agencies for their dedicated service to our institution and, allowing the launching of initiatives only for the environment in particular, for their efforts to ensure that the GEF works but, also, a very important factor in the approach for a for the benefit of all. global sustainable development not only for the developing countries but for all humanity. We also join previous speakers in acknowledging that GEF is the most important institution for financing global envi- Regarding Greece, I would like to inform you that we have ronment initiatives and programmes to tackle environment participated in all activities of the GEF so far and we have problems of a global interest. been very keen and punctual with our financial contribu- tions to the first two Replenishments of the GEF. It is important for the international community to under- . stand the necessity for strengthening and reinforcing this We have taken part in the deliberations and negotiations Facility to make it capable of fulfilling its role and tasks. for the third GEF Replenishment and I am pleased to let you know that we have secured the funds that will permit We feel that full transparency in the GEF operations, the us to make our contributions according to the agreed selection of its programmes as well as finding the most schedules. We are not in a position right now to make any appropriate ways for extending its financial assistance to additional contributions, apart from those already agreed- the recipient countries are a must. We feel confident and upon, but we can not preclude, should our financial situation comfortable with the achievements of the GEF so far and remain stable and do not deteriorate due to unforeseen we also feel that they are moving in the right direction. externalities, the case for an additional financial effort in the future, for the GEF. GEF should combine the priorities and needs of the inter- ested countries with the initiatives and priorities of the In Greece, we are very sensitive with the environment for International Community, when dealing with global envi- one additional reason. We are fast approaching the year ronmental issues and concerns. In this respect, we look :2004, in which the Olympic Games will be organised in forward to seeing not only country-oriented initiatives but Athens. We have gone to great lengths to ensure, first of rather initiatives of a broader, regional and interregional all, a very strict environmental discipline in Athens and · character and nature. On the other hand, country specific wherever Olympic Games will take place in Greece. We are activities should be pursued with a view to targeting the confident that the results of our effort will be very clearly resolution of particular problems afflicting specific popula- seen during the Games, in the summer of 2004. tions under the broader understanding of country owner- ship of GEF projects. The recovery of the global economy, which started at the beginning of this year, seems to be less robust than initially Talking about the broader targets of the GEF, we feel that expected and losing steam. The outlook, although on bal- it will be a success for the GEF to include among its main ance positive, is clouded by uncertainty and significant target-areas, apart from the climate, ozone, bio-diversity downside risks. We hope that this downturn in the global and water the very important issue of land degradation with economics will not have adverse repercussions on the pro- particular emphasis on desertification and deforestation. This tection of the environment. This in turn, could produce issue tends to become a very important one, especially in Sub setbacks in the developed world, that would ultimately Saharan Africa and to a lesser extent in some countries of jeopardise the securing of funds indispensable for the con- the Mediterranean including even some parts of my country. tinuation of programmes aiming at the protection of the 156 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS global environment. To counter these risks and preserve the stability of the international economic system, it is absolutely necessary, in my view, to reaffirm and reinforce our commitment to international cooperation. The uncertainties surrounding the global economic outlook also make it important to pay particular attention to the possible effects of macroeconomic and financial shocks on developing countries. Our commitments taken in Monterrey and Johannesburg must be followed by action, especially for the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where the Millennium Development Goals are most at risk of not being met. The GEF supported by its bilateral and multilateral sponsors, donors and other international stakeholders and with the good services of its implementing Agencies, should make special efforts to take this commitment forward. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 157 STATEMENT OF GRENADA RICKIE MORAIN, PROJECT OFFICER, MINISTRY OF FINANCE It is with great pleasure that I extend warmest regards on reduction you would recall Madam Chair, remains one of the behalf of the Government and people of Grenada and the major objective of the WSSD. It is in this regard there- as well as on the behalf of the delegation from Grenada fore that Grenada encourages the GEF to give the required here in Beijing. :;upport to the realization of these objectives. We extend sincere appreciation to Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry, (3renada highlights the above issues madam chair, to fur- CEO and chairman of the GEF for the very outstanding ther underscore the need for greater synergies for the results of the GEF which continues to be manifested under above programme at the national and regional levels. his directorship. In its recent assessment on Sustainable Development since Grenada, in particular has benefited tremendously from lfo, in 1992, Grenada's report clearly highlights the urgent programmes under the GEF particularly in the area of need for greater financial as well as human resources in Biodiversity and Climate Change and continue to pursue order to achieve the desired success with regard to the opportunities under the small grants programme. implementation of the Agenda 21 Programmes emanating Grenada continues to work hand in hand with the United from the earth summit in Rio, as well as the specific pro- Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the undertaking qrammes under the GEF. of the above mentioned programmes. C3renada is particularly please to note that the allotment to Grenada is a small island development state which is char- the GEF was matched three fold by the international com- acterized by a small open and vulnerable economy which munity toward the implementation of the various pro- relies mainly on tourism, and agriculture, in which fisheries 9rammes under the GEF. This by itself clearly underscores play a great role the confidence and commitment of the international com- munity for the GEF in the achievement of its objectives. It is in this context therefore that the emerging issues of land desertification/degradation and Persistent organic pol- In this regard, Grenada and the Caribbean looks forward lutants are so important to Grenada. Grenada therefore to a more expeditious processing and disbursement of fully supports the GEF in the broadening of its focus areas funds under the GEF programmes, and looks forward to to include issues of Persistent organic pollutants and land e~arly opportunities aimed at clarifying the responsibilities desertification/degradation. of the various implementing agencies of the GEF Programme - this Grenada considers will go a long way Grenada expresses its full confidence in GEF's ability to toward the elimination or overcoming some of the hiccups assist in achieving the desired outcomes in these new or delays as was experienced in the past as it relates to the focus areas given GEF's relative comparative advantage for drawdown of the funds under the GEF programme. the execution of these programme. Further, Grenada sees the setting up of a regional Grenada has also meaningfully participated in the just con- Sustainable Development Center, encompassing the vari- cluded World Summit on Sustainable Development ous environmental programmes now forms the focus areas (WSSD), and joins the rest of the international community of the GEF, and also include the programmes following the in underscoring the importance of the need to work objectives of the WSSD as part of its regional mandate. together with all development partners including the pri- vate sector in ensuring the objectives of the WSSD which C3renada believes this initiative madam chair, will put the include, Social Progress, Economic Growth and Caribbean region in a better position to realize the out- Environmental Protection are achieved. comes of the synergies of the various programmes as was articulated earlier in our meeting here in Beijing yesterday. Grenada is well on the way of completing its poverty erad- Further the region will further realize greater benefits ication Strategy and action plan aimed at reducing poverty, which will result from the technology transfer, capacity which is estimated at 30% of its population according to development and sustainable economic and social develop- the United Nations Poverty Index. The Issue of poverty ment which will accure from this initiative. 158 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS In conclusion on the behalf of my delegation, I extend · . appreciation to the international community for the keen support for the GEF as manifested here in Beijing over the past two days. Further, Grenada extends sincere appreciation to the People's Republic of China, for the hosting of such a well organized and successful meeting here in Beijing, China. We are very appreciative of the hospitality of the Chinese people. Finally, we wish to applaud the People's Republic of China for the own progress and initiatives undertaken under the GEF. Your achievements China are very commendable. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 159 STATEMENT OF INDIA SANJEEVA KUMAR, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS First of all, on behalf of the Indian delegation I would like grammes into national priorities. However, for this we will to thank the GEF and Government of People's Republic of have to find ways and means to create more awareness China for providing me this opportunity and also for excel- about GEF projects and to ensure peoples' participation. lent arrangements that they have made for this Assembly. Further, in order to make GEF more relevant, its activities As our friends are aware, India had had the honour of will have to be holistic to include the concerns like poverty organising the first GEF Assembly four years back in New elimination inequality and sustainable development, as Delhi. Since then, GEF has grown from strength to these issues cannot be separated from environmental pro- strength and seen many positive changes under the able tection in the developing world. guidance of its CEO Mr. El-Ashry. It has clearly emerged as a leader on the matters concerning environment. Lastly, I would like to thank the people of China for their warm hospitality. They have really lived up to their reputa- The Assembly in China is a step forward, more so because tion of being excellent hosts. it is being held in the backdrop of recently concluded 3rd Replenishment, which despite its ups and downs ended successfully. India is the founder member of the GEF and is both a recipient of and donor to the GEF and we join other members in expressing our satisfaction about the clear mandate on financial resources. We are happy to note that GEF is broadening its mandate to include new focal areas and more executing agencies. The absorptive capacity of th~ host countries has also increased significantly in the last few years. All this, howev- er, requires more financial resources. Given the scarcity of resources, emphasis now is on new parameters like impact maximization, performance and accountability, but there is need to make the implementing agencies more accountable and responsive too. More trans- parency and responsiveness on the part of Implementing Agencies will go a long way in creating better enabling environment for effective implementation. Also, insistence on new parameters should not create difficulties for developing and least developed countries in accessing the meager resources and guiding principle of "common but differenti- ated responsibility" should not be lost sight of. As mentioned earlier, we support the inclusion of new activities, especially land-degradation as the focal area of GEF. Flood and soil loss as a consequence of land-degradation are major problems in many countries and we are sure that preventive measures to combat flood and soil loss will qualify for GEF funding under the new focal area of land- degradation. It is heartening to note that the importance of country ownership and capacity building is now being realised and attempt is being made to integrate GEF objectives and pro- 160 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN YOUSEF HOJJAT, DEPUTY HEAD, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on your done a magnificent job in providing support to developing well-deserved election as chairman of the Second GEF countries and countries with economies in transition. Assembly. I am confident that under your leadership we According to the figures, during the first decade, GEF allo- will be able to reach tangible and fruitful results. I take this cated US$ 4.2 billion in grants. This contribution, supple- opportunity to thank the Chinese Government for hosting mented by US$ 11 billion in co-financing for more than this important Session and also her warm hospitality in the 1000 projects in 160 developing countries and the countries beautiful and ancient city of Beijing. My thanks also go to with economies in transition. Dr. El-Ashry and his staff for doing their job in an excellent manner. The achievements of GEF in protection of forests, supporting renewable energies and energy efficiency, helping eliminate The convening of the Second GEF Assembly, in this year, the ozone-depleting substances, and rescuing endangered coincides with the end of the first decade of the United waters are considerable. As a result, an independent Nations Conference on Environment and Development in assessment of GEF's performance came up with the con- Rio. We already took part in WSSD in Johannesburg, the clusion that GEF "produced significant results" for global largest ever held gathering at such a high level in the environmental protection and sustainable development. world, to review our achievements in the past 10 years and came up with new plan for implementation. Before We commend the emphasis that GEF places on the participa- that, we participated in the International Conference on tion in the projects of all stakeholders including the govern- Financing for Development in Monterrey with certain out- ments, non-governmental organizations, community-based comes in order to establish at various levels a sound foun- organizations and private and public sectors. We regard dation for financing the development. The results were good governance, transfer of new, sound and appropriate regarded, more or less, steps forward to forge sustainable technologies, enhancement of public awareness, education, development objectives. Therefore, the second GEF employment of expertise, and utilization of the traditional Assembly is of particular importance to us. We take note knowledge of the local people, essential for success of the with satisfaction of these developments and acknowledge projects. We call the performance of the GEF a significant that reaching the goals enshrined in the outcomes of these and historic development in financing sustainable develop- major international forums is out of question, without sin- ment at international level. cere cooperation of all states and their firm political will. Nevertheless, it is imperative for the Second Assembly to ·At WSSD, we listened carefully to the messages that the analyze how far the recommendations made by the First representatives of the governments and non-governmental GEF Assembly, held in 1998 in New Delhi, have been organizations sent to the international community con- implemented. We still emphasize the need for the imple- cerning the successes and failures in the implementation of mentation of the recommendations, such as simplification Agenda 21. It goes without saying that all delegations of project cycle and more flexible application of the princi- expressed in principle their satisfaction with the achieve- ple of incremental cost, etc. It is worth mentioning that ments made in advancing the principle of sustainability for managing the global environment in an appropriate way environment and development during the past decade. At benefits all people across the globe. Therefore, strengthening the same time, many delegations, particularly from the and at the same time directing the work of the GEF, as the developing countries, questioned the adequacy and effec- leading multilateral funding mechanism for sustainable tiveness of the financial and technical assistance that have development, should be a vital long-term objective. been made available to developing countries since Rio in supporting the development in a sustainable manner. This A number of projects suffer from prolongation of the proj- position makes us review carefully the performance of GEF ect cycle. Adequate attention in any project must be paid during the period under consideration. to local and national priorities of the recipients in terms of environment, as well as social and economic develop- The Second Overall Performance Study now before us is a ments. In addition, a more balanced distribution of GEF good source of information concerning the strengths and projects among recipient countries is seriously felt and weaknesses of the GEF. There is no doubt that the GEF has should be taken into account. · STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 161 In view of the outcomes of WSSD and the observations this happens. Given the .fact that dry lands cover approxi- made by developing states, GEF should move further mately 43% of the lands on Earth and that desertification towards acting in the context of "Sustainable ·and land degradation have been appeared for a long time Development", rather than purely "global environmental as a major threat to both environment and development of benefits". Hence, increasing the relations between the GEF many societies especially in developing countries, we and the UN system should be expanded. believe the adoption of the two new focal areas would serve the accomplishment of the outcomes of the recently The increasing emphasis by GEF on the need for "co- held WSSD. It is hoped this development would result in financing" and the envisioned scale for such co-financing increased support by GEF to the implementation of the is a matter of concern for many developing countries. This desertification projects in developing countries. trend might limit GEF projects to a selected number of countries, which are also hosting large foreign investments; Last but not least, the opening up of GEF to new UN or certain projects, which are of interest to donor countries agencies as well as regional development banks, which has rather than recipient ones. been taking place during the last few years, is a welcome development. More direct access by these agencies to GEF We are pleased with the new "programmatic approach" of resources would provide a fair competition among imple- GEF in financing projects and regard it as a good step to menting agencies, which could finally result in the better enhance the sustainability of GEF projects and their impacts. implementation of GEF projects. We believe that the door Nonetheless, we believe that it should not result in new con- of GEF should also be opened to the other MEA's, such as ditionality in funding projects in developing countries. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, whose activities have a major impact on the focal areas. The conclusion of the negotiations on the Third Replenishment of GEF was a question of two folds. On one side, the largest amount of contributions, ever pledged to fund the operations, was highly encouraging. My government welcomes the consensus recently reached among the donors on a US$ 2.92 billion replenishment of the Global Environment Facility for the next four years. We thank the donors for their generosity and commitments to the cause of the sustainable development. We look at this development as a positive step forward. On the other side, the prolongation of the negotiations and thus the recent failure of GEF to finance its projects led to the eliminating or downsizing some of the projects and became a source of serious concern. This period of time was disappointing, particularly for the policy-makers and the practitioners in developing countries who were actively and energetically involved in the projects. And, I have to inform you that the recipient countries are still suf- fering from the adverse impacts of that event. I would like to take this opportunity and underline that the level of the third replenishment is far short of the increasing needs and the demands for the sustainable development and protection of the global environment. The concern over the level of the existing funds rises when we take into account the additional resources which require for the two new focal areas envisaged to be added to the existing four focal areas. - The Assembly is expected and encouraged to adopt the recommendations made by the GEF Council on designat- ing the "Land Degradation, primarily Desertification and Deforestation" as well as "Persistent Organic Pollutants" as two new focal areas of GEF. We are enlightened to see 162 AS SEM B LY PR 0 C E ED I N G S STATEMENT OF ITALY AUGUSTO ZODDA, DIRECTOR GENERAL, TREASURY DEPARTMENT, MINISTRY OF ECONOMY & FINANCE It is a great pleasure for me to address the Second and national strategies; the strengthening of the monitor- Assembly of the Global Environment Facility. I would like to ing and evaluation system through the establishment of a express our gratitude to the Government and the people set of clear and measurable indicators to review progress of China for their generous and kind hospitality. and implementation, also taking stock of the lessons learned; and a closer attention to the environmental proj- The Second GEF Assembly is taking place after a year that ects with a clear impact on poverty reduction. has seen major challenges to the world economy, but also unprecedented opportunities to promote sustainable devel- There is a broad consensus that closer coordination and opment and reduce poverty. The Conferences at Doha, cooperation is needed between the multilateral and bilateral Monterrey and Johannesburg delivered a very balanced funding agencies which finance activities with global envi- message, in which development is seen as a joint responsi- ronmental objectives. Improving working relationships bility of the developing and the developed countries, and between the GEF and other funding agencies is essential confirmed the widespread consensus on the adoption of to maximize the effectiveness of the donor community's the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as common efforts. Coordination between the three Implementing objectives of development policies. Actions to pursue these Agencies and the new Executing Agencies also needs to goals will have to be framed within the PRSP approach and be strengthened. through appropriate pressure from regional groupings of countries. In this regard, we see the New Partnership for The catalytic role of the GEF also needs much more focus. Africa's Development, as a significant step towards The third replenishment of the GEF that has been recently increased ownership by African countries of their develop- concluded can be considered a major success. However, ment strategies. the amount of resources made available by the donors may appear to be small in terms of the magnitude of the Since the first Assembly in New Delhi in 1998, the GEF has problems we are facing and the increased activity and substantially strengthened its role as the leading multilateral scope of the GEF. Consistently, it will be critical for the GEF financial mechanism providing grants and concessional to be able to replicate its project models and attract new resources for global environmental protection. We would cofinancing. Leveraging private sector resources is also like to stress the importance, for the GEF, to keep to this important. Bearing this in mind, we recognize that a relatively path, under continuous review, effectively using its mandate, modest amount of money can have a tremendous impact, financial resources and capacities, to help to implement the and high-value grant resources can be multiplied many global partnership for sustainable development envisioned · times over if certain conditions are met. by the Earth Summit and reconfirmed in Johannesburg. Italy welcomes the inclusion of land degradation, particularly We welcome the Second Overall Performance Study of the desertification and deforestation, and Persistent Organic GEF and wish to express our great gratitude to all those Pollutants as new GEF focal areas. We are convinced that who have contributed to the study. Although our general the GEF has clear comparative advantages in operating in assessment on the outcome of the study is positive, we these sectors. In this respect, we urge the GEF to work would like to highlight a few weaknesses that emerge in closely with the United Nations Convention to Combat the analysis of the conclusions of this study. Desertification and the Stockholm Convention to explore synergies and maximize the impact of GEF activities in We believe that, in general terms, much more should be these areas. done to make GEF operations more effective at the country level. Country ownership of GEF operations continues to We would also like to emphasize the work of the GEF in be critical to achieving sustainable results. Capacity building one of the focal area that Italy believes to be crucial: climate is essential for achieving targets and improving performance change. In this respect, we applaud the results of the work at the country level. carried out by the GEF as the entity entrusted with the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework In our view, what the GEF needs to improve its overall per- Convention on Climate Change. We welcome the efforts formance is: a better integration between the GEF projects made by the GEF so far to provide financial resources for ST AT EM EN T S BY R E P R ESE N TAT I V ES 163 such activities as technology transfer and capacity-building, in accordance with the priorities expressed in the guidance adopted by the Conference of the Parties of the Climate Change Convention. At its May 2002 meeting, the GEF Council requested the Secretariat to mobilize resources for three new climate funds based on an assessment of financing needs, taking account of the guidance approved by the Conference of the Parties. The GEF will play a key role in managing the establishment of these three new funds. It will be impor- tant to avoid duplication and guarantee complementarities and synergies between the activities that are usually financed by the GEF and those that will be related to the three funds. We must also realize that the added-value of this new and additional financial resources is that it will trigger the process towards broadening participation in more inclusive and longer-term global co-operation based on full and balanced partnership, taking account of the need to moving towards a globally equitable distribution of greenhouse gas emissions. From the outcome of the OPS-2 study, it also emerges that major efforts are needed to improve the quality of the GEF operations. To attain this objective it is crucial to strengthen the GEF monitoring and evaluation system by better meas- uring results and taking stock of the lessons learned, and increasing complementarities. Finally, let me express our appreciation for the successful conclusion of the third replenishment of the GEF. The final outcome is very satisfactory. However, we are confident that the increased leverage of the GEF resources can have a multiplier effect on donors' resources. Italy remains one of the major donors to the GEF, and has been able to com- plete negotiations for the third replenishment by maintain- ing its share at the current level, even though this entailed an increase of more than 60 per cent, in nominal terms, above what we committed for the GEF-2. We are confident that the GEF will continue to play a cru- cial role in linking environmental projects with human and social development issues. Italy strongly supports this activ- ity and wishes to express its appreciation for the strong leadership of Mr. El-Ashry in dealing with global environ- mental issues. 164 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF JAPAN KAZUNORI TANAKA, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FINANCE It is a great honor for me, as representative of the ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED WITH REGARD TO Government of Japan, to have this opportunity today to THE GEF address the Second Global Environment Facility Assembly. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the warm I welcome the successful conclusion of the Third hospitality of the people and the Government of the Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund in August with the People's Republic of China. largest total size ever. Japan was able to maintain its position as the second-largest contributor to the Third Replenishment Also, we have witnessed Mr. El-Ashry's splendid leadership after the U.S., in spite of its severe financial situation. and excellent performances, for which I would like to express sincere gratitude and respect. While all the findings and the recommendations of "The Second Overall Performance Study of GEF" and "CEO's Report on the Policies, Operations and Future Development JAPAN'S ACTIVITIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES of the GEF" are undoubtedly crucial, I would like to focus on the following four issues, in light of the vital importance The Johannesburg Summit of making the most effective use of the limited financial . I would like to congratulate the success of the World resources. Summit on Sustainable Development, or "the · Johannesburg Summit" in September. The most important First of all, I would like to stress the importance of the task ahead is to successfully put in practice "the Plan of GEF's "catalytic role". Up to now, cofinancing has account- Implementation". ed for more than three times the amount of GEF funds, and it is important to continue increasing this ratio in the Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi participated in the future. Furthermore, it is important that GEF projects have Summit. He announced the "Koizumi Initiative", which out- sufficient replication effects. While I am well aware that it lines the concrete actions the Japanese Government plans will require a relatively long period of time to assess and to take for sustainable development. It includes provision of evaluate such effects, I urge the Secretariat to make a environment-related capacity building for 5,000 people over proactive follow-up on this point. I hope that these actions a five-year period starting in Fiscal Year 2002. Thi's is firmly will further enhance GEF's catalytic role. based upon our recognition that the 21st century will be a time of apocalypse unless the issues of global environmen- Secondly, it is becoming increasingly important to enhance tal degradation, which are serious threats to the continued countries' ownership of GEF operations. From this view- existence of humankind, are tackled now. point, GEF programs should be firmly integrated into the development strategies of individual countries, and the The Kyoto Protocol work of the GEF should be more widely recognized within This June, Japan ratified the Kyoto Protocol, and revised those countries. Furthermore, the "CE O's Report" refers to the relevant domestic law in order to plan and take con- the use of indicators in measuring the country ownership crete actions in compliance with the Protocol. I am very for each project, and I sincerely hope that the Secretariat pleased to note that a num.ber of countries referred to make strenuous efforts toward this important task. early ratification of the Protocol at the Summit, which may pave the way for the entry into force of the Protocol. Thirdly, it is an important task to reduce the time taken for processing and implementing projects. If too much time is The Third World Water Forum consumed, environmental circumstances may worsen during Lack of access to water and decline in water quality have this period. Therefore the Secretariat should expedite con- been worsening on a global scale. The Third World Water crete measures to shorten the time. Forum is scheduled to be held in Kyoto, Osaka and Shiga next March. I look forward to a great number of partici- Lastly, monitoring and evaluation activities require further pants at the Forum to be engaged in concrete and fruitful improvement. It is essential that the lessons learnt through deliberations to resolve these essential water issues in the these activities are properly reflected in processing subse- global community of the 21st century. quent projects. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 165 CONCLUSION I live in Kawasaki City, next to Tokyo. While being one of Japan's largest industrial zones, it used to be regarded as a severely air-polluted city about thirty years ago. However, with substantial efforts made by the people concerned, the air pollutant emission from factories was drastically reduced. Sustainable development requires simultaneous achievement of economic development and environmental protection. I am firmly convinced that concerted efforts of developed and developing countries should be a strong driving force for the protection of the global environment. I sincerely hope that the GEF continue playing an effective role with its limited financial resources, under the efficient and expe- ditious management. 166 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF JORDAN KAMAL KHDIER, DIRECTOR, WATER AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT, MINISTRY OF PLANNING It is a great pleasure to be with you here in Beijing to dis- We believe that GEF did a lot in many areas, and there are cuss various issues directly affect our human being life and a lot have to be done in other areas such as; the clean pro- to focus the world attention toward the environment. duction, the effect of WTO on environment, the climatic changes and the effect of weather cyclicities on our water The best thing in working with the environment is that you resources and ecosystem, and the right of people to access don't have to be politician or to have certain centralized self to clean water and proper sanitation. New studies indicate, agenda; environmental concern is a global issue, and envi- that more than 75 million will die from water-related disease ronment does not recognized the geographical boundaries. by 2020 even if we achieve the United Nations Millennium Goals of cutting the proportion of people without clean And the best what I believe is that; we; the current genera- drinking water by half. It is more than any other disease. tion, don't own anything, but we borrow from our children life needs. So we are obliged to keep for them clean and And finally the issue of transboundary waters, where this save environment to enjoy. As such the life should continue. problem mounted over the last decades in many areas over the world. But the bad news is that our earth is being stolen from our children day-by-day through reckless resources use, the Let me share with you a global environmental disaster creation of toxic substances, and the destruction of our going to happened unless an immediate action is taken. ecosystems. This problem challenging the existence of the most ancient, historical lake on the earth, it is the Dead Sea, the Developed and developing countries, are proceeding with Jordan's biggest lake, the lowest point on the earth (-400 their development and economical growth regardless the meter below sea level), the saltiest water on the earth (ten effect of their development on the environment - and of times average sea water salinity). course with different proportion. Which left huge overbur- den on our environment and environmental problems have The Dead Sea level is receding on average of one meter been mounted a cross the globe. per year for the last two decades, the surface area has been shrinking from a 1000 square kilometers in the The Buddhist Vietnamese Monk Thich Nhat Hahn says 'to 1960's to less than 700 square kilometers nowadays. If no hear the sound of the earth crying'. GEF Ladies and action taken, experts warn that the Dead Sea and its Gentlemen, and during the last decade, hear the sound of unique ecosystem will be gone in 50 years. the earth and recognized the serious degradation of our ecosystem and it took a bold step in adopting international Furthermore, the declining in the Dead Sea water's level strategies that included guidance on addressing internat.ional causes withdrawing the shoreline by several meters each environmental issues within the framework of sustainable year, affecting the geo-stability of the area where land sub- development. sidence and sink-hole phenomena with up-to 40 meters diameter and tens of meters depth are becoming very fre- Jordan as many countries in the world has benefited from quent, imposing dangerous risk to the human life. GEF, and GEF projects in Jordan have helped the nation to address the climatic changes problems, to combat desertifica- And most importantly, the drop in the Dead Sea water's tion, to protect the natural reserves, and many other areas. level cause the seepage of fresh ground water from the adjacent aquifer system into the Dead Sea to balance the And Jordan took the initiative in developing GEF projects hydraulic system in the area. Jordan loses up-to 100 million into an income generating projects, where the poor people cubic meters per year from its groundwater into .the Dead can make living out of it, beside the main objective of pro- Sea. These waters are the life supporting system for the tecting the environment. For example, we have the Dana unique biodiversity along the coast line of the Dead Sea, Nature reserve, where the people develop new environ- including the natural reserves along wadis breaching to the mental terminology such as; the eco-food, eco-transporta- Jordan River and the Dead Sea. tion, eco-facility, and eco-services .... etc. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 167 At last but not least, countries are counting on GEF in helping them solving their problems and protecting their environment. Industrial countries should continue supporting GEF and the recipient countries should use GEF financial resource in very efficient way, and in this regard I would like to suggest strengthening the operational focal points in countries and to create GEF Project Management Unit in each country to find the synergies and linkage between the different project components. Finally, I would like to invite you to have your next Assembly in Jordan, at the shoreline of the Dead Sea. 168 A SSE M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AITKUL SAMAKOVA, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION On behalf of the Government of the Republic of support provided only to national projects amounts to 20 Kaz.akhstan let me thank the Global Environment Facility million of USD. Taking this opportunity, I once again would and Government of Chinese People's Republic for the like to thank GEF for this support. excellent organization of the Second GEF Assembly. Kazakhstan also allocates considerable funds for environmental At the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development, protection activities. For these purposes last year from differ- President Nazarbayev, once again confirmed commitment ent sources were allocated more than 100 million US dollars. of Kazakhstan to the ideas of environmental safety and sustainable development. He underlined the aspiration of Due to conducted environmental protection activities, as well our country to further integration at international, regional as implementation of a number of social programmes, we and sub-regional levels. experience positive changes in the field of environment pro- tection, social partnership, combating poverty and unemploy- Republic of Kazakhstan joined the Global Environment ment, which facilitate sustainable development of our country. Facility in 1998. The major GEF priorities, such as biodiversity conservation, reduction of greenhouse gases emission, pro- We carefully analyzed the Report on the Policies, tection and rational use of water resources fully coincide Operations and Future Development of the GEF. We favor with Kazakhstan's environmental protection policy priorities. the GEF activities, and are very pleased with the results All these priorities were reflected in State Development achieved in solving global environmental issues. We support Strategy "Kazakhstan 2030", national legislation and are decisions of the GEF, especially in the field of project circle implemented in governmental plans and programmes. optimization and simplifying approval procedures for the projects submitted by Focal Points. Kazakhstan ratified 18 environmental protection conven- tions. Among them - Convention on Biological Diversity, We believe that it is necessary to establish special bodies under Convention to Combat Desertification, Framework the National Councils on Sustainable Development, which will Convention on Climate Change, Viena Convention on the monitor and coordinate GEF projects in countries, and ensure Ozone Layer Protection, Aarhus Convention on Access to adherence to the sustainable development priorities. Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. Kazakhstan supports the GEF Chairman proposal on improvement cost-sharing system. If necessary the cost- Kazakhstan signed the Kyoto Protocol and declared obliga~ sharing policy may be corrected taking into account interests tions on reduction of greenhouse gases emission. This of the parties. We consider essential introduction of the opens new perspectives for our further, broader coopera- practice on including domestic funding of environmental tion in frames of WSSD and GEF priorities. protection activities as cost-sharing of the GEF projects. This will more precisely reflect involvement of the countries in Presently we work on complying national legislation to rati- implementation of the GEF policies and projects on the fied international agreements. Up to date Kazakhstan environment protection and sustainable development. adopted main legislative acts in the sphere of the environ~ ment protection. Special attention should be given to Small Grants Programme. Thematically small grants should correspond to We plan to adopt a number of new laws relating to waste medium-sized and full-sized projects, which are implemented utilization, emissions reduction and combating desertifica- at national and regional levels. This will facilitate achievement tion, which will considerably strengthen our legislative of maximum effect from their implementation. framework for implementation of the GEF priorities. In conclusion, I would like to say that the Second GEF Kazakhstan with active support of GEF Implementing Assembly would undoubtedly make considerable contribution Agencies on national and regional levels implements pro- in solving global environmental issues and sustainable grammes and projects in almost all spheres of the environ- development of the World. ment protection. Among them are projects on biodiversity conservation and Caspian Environment Programme. GEF I wish you all success and fruitful work in the important field. ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES I 69 STATEMENT OF KENYA FRANCIS MUTHAURA, PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES On behalf of the Government and the People of the of paramount importance for the operational focal points Republic of Kenya, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to be involved in the whole project cycle. Benefits derived to the Government and the People of the Republic of from good and efficient projects are immense. For example, China, for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to strengthening of operational focal points will add great us since we arrived in this beautiful city of Beijing. May I value to the projects through establishment of synergy also congratulate you, Mr. Chairman, on behalf of my del- between these projects and national policies, particularly egation for the able manner in which you are guiding this on co-financing and replication. There is also need for regular meeting. dialogues between the operation focal points and the implementing agencies, executing agencies and project After ten years since the launching of GEF, the Facility has management. In this regard, we welcome the proposal for developed from an idea into the largest environmental the preparation of semi-annual GEF country activities financing facility. We commend the development partners report, by operational focal points. for their substantial contributions to the Facility. It would be a wishful thinking to expect poor developing countries 3. BENEFIT SHARING BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES: to implement the growing list of multilateral environmental conventions without the support of the facility. We also Our challenges as the people of the earth, a people with a congratulate the GEF Secretariat, particularly the Chief common future, is to ensure that, we all benefit from sus- Executive Officer and Chairman, Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry for tainable development. However, as the Chief Executive the dynamism and flexibility they have given to the Facility. Officer notes in his report, poverty eradication and greater The environmental challenges are many and global; never- welfare for all people is a necessary condition for sustain- theless with a strong will and unity of purpose it is possible able development. Poverty impacts directly on national and to raise sufficient resources to meet.the challenges. global resources. GEF should, therefore, accord sufficient attention to poverty related environmental programs. In We welcome Report of the Chief Executive Officer and the this regard, the Johannesburg Plan of Action for sustain- study of the team that carried out the second overall per- able development has set targets requiring, among other formance. These reports are indeed very constructive and activities, substantial increase of resources to spend on therefore their recommendations will go a long way to poverty reduction strategies, conservation and manage- improve on the performance and program delivery of GEF. ment of natural resources and for effecting changes in pat- I wish to comment on some of these recommendations. terns of consumption. Countries and communities conserv- ing biodiversity have to be empowered to benefit more I. GENERATION AND USE OF SCIENTIFIC from their conservation efforts so that they have a greater KNOWLEDGE: motivation to conserving biodiversity sustainably. There is need for the GEF to develop mechanisms for the 4. EXPANDED AREAS OF FOCUS: scientific and technological communities, including aca- demic and research institutions, at the national level, to be The poor people of the world are serious affected by actively involved in GEF project development and imple- poverty, desertification and effect of drought. It is in this mentation, by providing incentives. This will enhance proj- respect that I wish to recognize the efforts of all those who ects performance, since decision making process will be tirelessly labored towards designating land degradation as based on scientific facts. a focal area, and are in the process of preparing a GEF operational program for the prevention and control of 2. CAPACITY BUILDING ATTHE NATION LEVEL: desertification through sustainable land management. This is underpinned by the conclusions of the World Summit on Lack of adequate capacity for project identification, prepa- Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg ration, monitoring and evaluation at the national and which recommended to this Assembly that it confirms that regional levels as well as the loose linkages between the the GEF shall be available as a financial mechanism of the operational focal points and project implementation need UN Convention to Combat Desertification. We are looking to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Furthermore, it is forward to this Assembly's decision to adopt land degrada- 170 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S tion as a focal area of GEF, and to fulfill the wishes of; WSSD and make GEF a financing mechanism of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Concrete programs and projects aimed at reversing land degradation, particu- larly desertification and deforestation have to be imple- mented as a matter of priority if we have to achieve the objectives of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. This additional responsibility of GEF together with the focus on the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants call for sub- stantial additional resources to enable the fund to live up to its expectation. In addi_tion to my delegation's comments on the two reports, may I take this opportunity to appreciate the com- mendable support GEF has offered the various activities so far undertaken in Kenya in the areas of biodiversity, climate change, land degradation and international waters. Specifically I wish to mention the following projects which have benefited the people of Kenya, our region and the global community. These include, among others, the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Program; the Reduction of Loss of Biodiversity at Cross-Border Points covering Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania; Dry Lands Vegetation Management, a regional project being imple- mented in Kenya, Botswana and Mali and a project on energy implemented in partnership with the private sector. So far we are convinced that the GEF supported programs in the East African sub-region have been able to product significant results that address important global environ- mental problems. Kenya has been privileged to be a member of the Council for the last ten years and indeed we are grateful for the cooperation we have from the other Council Members, the secretariat and of course the Eastern Africa Constituency. Finally, it would be an omission on my part to fail to thank the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of GEF, Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry, for all that he has put into GEF since its inception in 1991. As mentioned by the previous speakers all that he has done speaks for itself and perhaps without him as a person we would not have the stable fund mech- anism that has gone a long way to solve global environ- mental problems. We wish him all the best and success wherever he will be after retiring from the GEF Secretariat in July 2003. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 171 STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA IM HONG-JAE, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AFFAIRS BUREAU, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE At the outset, I would like to extend my deep appreciation into account each country's unique needs, more assistance to the Chairman and to the Chinese government for their should be geared towards capacity building, as it is essential excellent preparation of this meeting. to achieving results and improving performance. To this end, it would be advantageous for the GEF council to posi- I am sure all of us here at this second GEF gathering wel- tively consider allocating special funding to organize regular, come the approval of the designation of land degradation in-country GEF portfolio review workshops, as recommended as a new focal area. Northeast Asia has long been plagued by the OPS -2. by region-wide dust storms that are the result of degraded pastureland. Second, GEF partnership should be enhanced. Already, executing agencies are expanding direct access to GEF So, today's decision will surely come as great news for the funds, and, by strengthening cooperation with the private region, raising hopes that more GEF resources will be sector, we can further improve the quality of GEF projects mobilized to address this serious environmental problem. by increasing leverage in the private sector. Today's decision clearly attests to the continuous efforts of the GEF to adapt to the ever-growing environmental chal- In our efforts to further engage the private sector, the GEF lenges of the ever-changing world. project cycle needs to be drastically streamlined. Although many reforms have been introduced to address this issue When reflecting on the progress of the GEF, there are cer- as the CEO's report notes, the GEF project cycle is still tainly a number of positive accomplishments to celebrate. regarded as one of the most complex and cumbersome Membership in the GEF has increased to 173 countries. procedures. Therefore, the adoption of a distinct and clear The Second Overall Performance Study (OPS-2) found that project procedure is a prerequisite for the GEF to success- GEF-supported activities have produced significant results fully comply with its broadened mandate for the third GEF in addressing important environmental problems. Also, period. donor countries have pledged their largest amount ever for the third GEF period. These developments clearly point to Finally, by enhancing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms the fact that the GEF is moving in the right direction. within the GEF, we will be better able to assess the quality and results of GEF projects. The development of concrete However, as pointed out in the OPS-2, there is still room performance indicators and feedback mechanism can go a for improvement in the operation and institutional struc- long way toward maximizing the efficiency of GEF project ture of the GEF. While we are certainly pleased with the operation. record funding, the growing demands for GEF resources significantly exceed the "Green Funds" available. All in all, the GEF has, in a relatively short period, made great strides and evolved into a major pillar of global partnership in With a broader mandate for the third GEF established from advancing global environmental protection .. The recogni- new focal areas and new conventions and protocols, effec- tion of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in tive and strategic planning should be made a key priority in Johannesburg highlighted the GEF's successes. future operations. And, in doing so, we need to focus on enhancing the quality and results of projects. In this regard, Before concluding, I would like to draw your attention to I support the recommendations set out in the CEO's report the TumanNET signing ceremony to be held tomorrow. The and urge the GEF council to make concrete implementation latest GEF-funded Strategic Action Program will be formally measures for the recommendations an urgent priority. adopted by the Northeast Asian countries. The TumanNET SAP is a set of strategies and national commitments to Now, in highlighting lessons from Korea's experience with protect water resources, conserve ecosystems, and secure the GEF, as both donor and recipient, I would like to stress green investment in Northeast Asia's border area. a few points that, I believe, will help enhance the outcome of GEF projects. We are very pleased to be able to sign the TumanNET SAP during this 2nd GEF Assembly, and look forward to contin- First, it is important that high priority be given to the ued environmental cooperation with the international strengthening of GEF activities at the national level. Taking community via GEF and TumenNET. 172 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS '.•' ',' ')'·'" STATEMENT OF KYRGYZSTAN K. CH. DJANUZAKOV, DEPUTY MINISTER, MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS no380JlbTe MHe 8blpa3111Tb rny6oKyto 611aro,qapHOeTb npa81/1T91lbeTBY Ill Hapo,qy K111Tas:1 3a oKa3aHHblH np111eM 111 111114Ho roeno,q111Hy A11b-Awp111 3a npeKpaeHyto opraHlll3aL..\llllO pa6oTbl HaeTOflU.,\ei-1 AeeaM611e111. 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STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 173 Kb1prb1acTaH BblCOKo 04eHV1BaeT BTopoe scecTopoHHee Vl3y4eHVle peay.nbT8TOB ASHTS.nbHOCTVI r3ct> VI ,QoKnaA 0 CTpaTerVIVI, ASHTe.nbHOCTVI VI Aa.nbHec:iweM pa3BVITVIVI r3ct>, VI no.nHOCTblO nOAASP>KVIBaeT COA9p>Kal.l.!Vl9CH B 3TVIX AOKyMeHTax peKOM9HAa4VIVI. BMeCTe c TeM, XOTe.nocb 6bl nOA49PKHYTb - VI 3TO y>Ke OTMe4a.nOCb 8 BblCTyn.neHVIHX MHOrVIX opaTOpOB, - 4TO ASHTe.nbHOCTb r3c:D AO.n>KHa CTpOVITbCH Ha OCHOBe VICTOpV14eCKVIX peweHVIC1 CaMMVITa 8 liloxaHHec6ypre, HOCVITb 60.nee CVICTeMHblc:i, KOMn.neKCHblc:i, MS>KCeKTopa.nbHblc:i xapaKTep, nocKO.nbKY npo6.neMbl 3KO.nOrVIVI VI ycTOC14VIBOro pa3BVITVIH VIMSIOT TeCHYIO 83aVIMOCBH3b c sonpocaMVI co4V1a.nbHOC1 3al.l.!VITbl VI 3KOHOMVl4eCKoro pocTa. B 3TOC1 CBH3VI npeACTaB.nHeT 6o.nbWOC1 VIHTepec pa3BVITVle onepa4V10HHOC1 nporpaMMbl r3ct> no KOMn.neKCHOMY ynpas.neHVllO 3KOCVICTeMaMVI nOA HOMepoM 12, KOTOpaH Ha4a.na BHSAPHTbCH c MapTa 2000 r. VI, Ha Haw. B3rnHA, VIMeeT 60.nbwyio npaKTVl4ecKyio nepcneKTVIBy, nocKo.nbKy, KaK H y>Ke rosopVl.n, Me>KceKTopa.nbHblc:i. nOAXOA K peweHVllO 3KO.norVl4eCKVIX npo6.neM 8 KOHTSKCTe YCTOC14VIBOro pa3BVITVIH AO.n>KeH npVIATVI Ha CMeHy ceKTopa.nbHOMy. 3To oco6eHHO cnpaBeA.nVIBO B OTHOWSHVIVI ropHblX 3KOCVICT9M. V1 K 3TOMY npV13blBalOT Hae VITOrOBble AOKyMeHTbl liloxaHHec6ypra. Kb1prb1acTaH TpaAVl4VIOHHO npVIAaeT sa>KHoe aHa'-leHVle Me>KAyHapoAHOMY coTPYAHVl'-leCTBY Ha cy6perV10Ha.nbHOM, pervioHa.nbHOM VI r.no6a.nbHOM ypoBHHX. 111 3AeCb H npV1coeAV1HH10Cb K CBOVIM Ko.n.neraM-coceAHM no WeHTpa.nbHO- AaVlaTcKoMy cy6perV10Hy Vl3 KaaaxcTaHa VI Ya6eKVICTaHa, rosopVIBWVIM o Ba>KHOCTVI peweHVIH npo6.neMbl Apa.nbCKOro MOpH, VIM9IOLL.!9rD r.no6a.nbHOe 3H849HVl9. XoTeJl 6bl OTMSTVITb, 4TO 8 paMKaX nOArDTOBVITe.nbHOro npo4ecca K CaMMVITY B LlloxaHHec6ypre cTpaHbl WeHTpa11bHOC1 AaVIVI BblABV1Hy.nV1 VIHV14V1aTV1BY o pa3pa6oTKe VI pea11V1aa4V1V1 WeHTpa.nbHO- AaVlaTcKoc:i noaecTKVI 21, cy6pervioHa.nbHOC1 CTpaTerVIVI no ycTOlli'-IVIBOMY pa3BVITVllO, KOTOpaH Haw.na aaKpen.neHV1e B VIToroBblX AOKyMeHTax perV10HanbHblX coBeLL.1aHV1C1 E3K OOH, 3CKATO, CaMMVITa a liloxaHHec6ypre (nnaH ocyLL.1eCTBJleHV1H peweHV1C1 BCYP) VI B napTHepCKVIX VIHVIL1V1aTV1Bax. 3Ta VIHV14V1aTV1Ba npeAnonaraeT VIM9HHO Me>1<ceKTopa11bHb111i, CKOOPAVIHVlposaHHbllli noAXOA c y4acTV1eM WVlpoKolli 061.l.!eCTBeHHOCTVI K peweHVllO npo611eM OKpy>Ka10LL.1elli cpeAbl VI YCTOlli4VIBOro pa3BVITVIH. XOT9Jl0Cb 6bl HaASHTbCH, '-ITO r3ct> o6paTVIT BHVIMaHVle Ha Hawy 174 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS lllHlllL\lllaTlllBY Ill nop,p,ep>KlllT ee. 3TO 6y,QeT Ha'-lanoM npaKTlll'-19CKOi':1 peaml3al...\llllll peweH111!':1 VloxaHHec6yprcKoro CaMMlllTa s cy6pernoHe IJ,eHTpanbHOH Aa111111. B aaKn1-0'-leH111e ~ xoTen 6b1 no6naro.o.ap111Tb .QOHopos 111 noa.o.pas1t1Tb scex np111cyTcTBY1-0LI.\lllX c ycnewHblM aasepweH111eM TpeTbero nononHeH1t1~ TpacTosoro cpoH.Qa r3¢ 111 sb1paa1t1Tb Ha.Qe>K.Qy, '-!TO 3Tlt1 pecypcbr nocny>KaT Ha nonbay sce1':1 nnaHeTe. 6naro.o.ap1-0 Bae aa BH1t1MaH1t1e! STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 175 STATEMENT OF LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC XAYAVETH VIXAY, DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT AGENCY It gives me a great pleasure to address this meeting today. international conventions and agreements I would like to congratulate Mr. Chairperson who has been pi.. Improved coordination and cooperation between nation- elected to the presidency of this important conference and al lihe agencies, local authorities and the private sector we believe the Chairperson will lead the conference well pi.. Improved data availability and quality, thus contributing and to a successful conclusion. to informed decision making pi.. Raised public awareness I would also like to take this opportunity to express my pi.. Sharing experience with neighboring and other coun- gratitude and thanks to the Government and people of tries through conferences, workshops, etc. China for hosting this important conference and my appre- ciation for the excellent work of the secretariat of the con- As key-outputs and main benefits, this has contributed to ference for their good organization. creating a strong basis for our own sustainable development. We would also like to express our appreciation for the many Regarding the future challenges, we ask the GEF GEF activities that have been carried out and achieved since the First Assembly. We would like to thank to GEF for assist- pi.. To continue to strengthen GEF activities in Lao PDR at ing many countries in the world - including my country - national and local level including capacity building for in the protection of the world environment. institutions and operational GEF National Focal Points; I>-. To assist the Lao PDR's efforts for balancing national and We have seen much progress made concerning the First international concerns through providing direct support Assembly's twelve adopted recommendations aimed at to project identification and formulations, which reflect improving the performance and impact of the GEF. national development objectives and policies; However, from the Lao PDR's point of view the following .,._ To assist GEF Focal points and line organizations in the fields still need special attention: Lao PDR to access available information about financing mechanisms, programs and their requirements; ..,.. GEF projects should be country driven efforts with a .,._ To assist the Lao PDR to better access and utilize avail- strong country ownership. Projects should be national able GEF-funds, e.g. the Small Grant program, for cre- projects; the national involvement in regional and sub- ating such local and national level solutions in the fields regional activities needs to be strengthened of prevention and mitigation of environmental problems, ..,.. Project .definition I proposal should reflect both national which generate global environmental benefits; conservation and development policies and internation- .,._ To continue and intensify its support to the Lao PDR for al concerns . raising public awareness on GEF-focal areas. ..,.. GEF's response time between proposal and decision mak- ing for enabling activities should be shortened further. The Lao PDR hosts GEF financed projects at national level, which relate to the Biodiversity and Climate Change focal areas. Lao PDR is in the process of putting together addi- tional national projects for submission to GEF for consider- ation and financial. support. Lao PDR also supports and participates in regional/sub-regional project initiatives relat- ed to Climate Change and Biodiversity. The Lao PDR benefited and still benefits from GEF-support- ed activities in the following ways: ..,.. Capacity building for national staff in technical and managerial aspects ..,.. Supporting the Lao PDR to meet its obligations from 176 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF LESOTHO LEBO HANG NT'SINYI, MINISTER OF TOURISM, CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Let me begin by thanking the Government and the people December 1992, requires that implementation of pro- of China for their hospitality and for the excellent arrange- grammes and projects should take into account the needs ments they have made for this Assembly. Let me also pay and capacities of the recipient countries. tribute to Dr. Mohamed El-Ashry for the able manner in which he has steered the affairs of GEF during his chair- We endorse the policy that as recipient countries, we manship of the Facility. We regret to learn that he will be should be responsible and accountable for the pro- terminating his service with GEF in July, 2003, and we grammes and projects that are implemented in our coun- would like to take this opportunity to thank him most sin- tries. My country, in cooperation with the UNDP is already cerely for his efforts and for his commitment to GEF. ·taking the necessary initiatives in that regard. This Assembly comes at a very opportune time, ten years Lesotho is happy to note the significant pledges that have after Agenda 21 was set in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and less been made by the developed countries for the replenish- than two months after the World Summit on Sustainable ment of the Global Environment Fund, both at the WSSD Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. and after. We believe that the emphasis of the fund in our developing countries must increasingly be on poverty erad- GEF has scored many successes during the past decade, ication and on combating desertification, and also assist us and we wish to commend it, in particular, for its initiatives towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals for in facilitating the transfer of technologies as well as for sustainable development. working with governments, civil society, and international organizations to solve environmental problems at regional, GEF must consider giving special attention to financing national and the grass roots levels. The achievements that areas and projects that give sustainability to development have been made within the context of the partnerships efforts of developing countries. One such area is rural elec- with the implementing agencies of the United Nations sys- trification. We all agree that energy is the engine for devel- tem (the World Bank, UNDP and UNEP) are commendable. opment. Without reliable and modern sources of energy, rural communities will continue to engage in uncontrolled Lesotho has benefited and continues to benefit from the deforestation, which in turn causes land degradation, thus assistance, financial and otherwise, of the UN Agencies perpetuating the vicious circle of desertification and poverty. and in particular GEF through the UNDP office in Lesotho. Lesotho is a small country, a greater part of whose territory We are happy to acknowledge that the review of the consists of mountains. We believe that the resolution of implementation plan of Agenda 21 for Lesotho in accor- the United Nations which declared the year 2002 as the dance with the decisions of the WSSD, will be undertaken International Year of the Mountains is of great importance with the financial support under the GEF capacity building because it brings to the attention of the international com- programme, Capacity 21. munity the unique problems and development challenges of the mountainous countries. GEF must associate itself GEF will also assist Lesotho with the implementation of the with this trend and assist the mountainous countries by National Biosafety Framework Project which is aimed at financing projects that are aimed protecting the wetlands formulating procedures and guidelines for Lesotho in order and biodiversity of mountainous states, as well as other to address the issues of safety from the potential hazards projects that are of general development in nature. of genetically modified organisms. Equally, a project on the management pf Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Montreal Convention, also financed by the GEF, will soon commence. Lesotho welcomes the new project implementation modal- ity for the United Nations supported projects which, in accordance with the General Assembly 47/119 of STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 177 STATEMENT OF LUXEMBOURG GEORGES HEINEN, HEAD, MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCING, MINISTRY OF FINANCE Since its creation in 1991 as a pilot programme to address the cofinancing aspect of GEF operations. We are told that global environmental concerns, the GEF has come a long the leveraging ratio of GEF funds in that regard is about 3:1 way in terms of the range of projects financed as well in overall, with a slightly better performance for projects terms of institutional links forged. We support the exten- implemented by the World Bank (in the range of 5: 1). sion of the GEF from its original four focal areas (ozone However this is definitely not good enough if a critical depletion, climate change, biodiversity and international mass for initiatives to protect the global environment is to waters) to two additional domains covered by global envi- be mobilised: we simply cannot afford acknowledgements ronment conventions, namely land degradation (especially that although the GEF has pioneered innovating approaches desertification and deforestation) as well as persistent to address global environment problems, it has failed to organic pollutants. Similarly, Luxembourg welcomes the halt or reverse any overall negative trends because its own decision to move beyond the initial group of implementing limited financial base. In our view, the best way out of this agencies (World Bank, UNDP and UNEP) to grant the status constraint is to resolutely scale up the cofinancing oppor- of executing agencies - some even with direct access to tunities, be it with other multilateral institutions and/or the GEF funding - to the regional multilateral development private sector: here the experience of the international banks as well as to FAO, IFAD and UNIDO. With this wider financial institutions that deal directly with the private sector, mandate shared with more institutions, it is however like IFC or EBRO, should be of particular relevance to GEF, imperative to guard against any dilution of GEF's mission and we urge Management to take advantage of this special statement: the notions of « global environmental benefits » asset in the family of its executing agencies. and « incremental costs » need to be strictly adhered to in order for projects to qualify for GEF financing. Let me close by reaffirming Luxembourg's commitment to global environmental issues. This commitment has most The Second Overall Performance Study (OPS2) submitted obviously shown itself in the subsequent GEF replenish- to this Assembly provides a very useful benchmark for ments, where - owing to the minimum contribution assessing what went right over the last decade of GEF requirements - we have regularly provided supplemental operations, and where weaknesses remain. Luxembourg contributions three times as high as our calculated basic highly appreciates the numerous achievements identified share. Outside of the GEF, through our co-operation with by OPS2, notably the sizeable reduction of ozone depleting international financial institutions, we have become substances in transition economies, the successful promo- involved in pilot-projects exploring the opportunities created tion of energy efficiency measures, as well as the enhance- by the Kyoto Protocol - like clean development mecha- ment of biodiversity protection through the introduction of nisms (CDM) and joint implementation (JI); we also support better management standards. We can therefore fully sub- nuclear safety measures that aim at decommissioning dan- scribe to the declaration at World Summit on Sustainable gerous power plants in Eastern Europe or putting a protec- Development recently held in Johannesburg, recognising tive shelter around Chernobyl; in the area of agricultural the important contribution that the GEF has made to research, we are active in in-vitro conservation to preserve advance the global environment objectives of Agenda 21 the biodiversity of staple food crops, and contribute to the adopted in Rio de Janei.ro ten years earlier. On the other development of non-chemical pesticides by way of innovative hand, we have noted the areas pinpointed by OPS2 where public-private partnerships, just to name a few examples. not so much progress could be achieved since our first Assembly in New Delhi: among those figure prominently We wish the GEF every success in advancing its important the relative lack of country-ownership characterising GEF agenda during the second decade of its existence. projects, the Facility's overall poor visibility, as well as the rather cumbersome and lengthy project cycle. We look for- ward to have Management take another hard look at these issues with a view to improving the situation well before our next Assembly in four years' time. There is one area where we believe that significant progress has to be achieved even more rapidly: it concerns 178 A S S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF MALAYSIA ZULKIFLI IDRIS, DIRECTOR, CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT First of all, my delegation would like to express our heart- efficiency efforts, as well as significantly reduce green- felt thanks to the people and the government of the house gas emissions from local industries. We therefore Peoples' Republic of China for hosting this Assembly in like to register our appreciation to GEF for such support. Beijing. I would also like to join other delegates in con- gratulating you as the Chairman of the Assembly. I believe However, through our own experience, we found that the that under your able leadership, this Assembly would be process of formulating project proposal is quite tedious able to achieve its objectives. and lengthy which took up a substantial amount of our time. We therefore urged GEF to come out with a much Since its inception in 1991, GEF has been providing financial simpler process of formulating project proposal without support to developing countries to address environmental sacrificing the important elements needed. degradation in four main areas, namely, biodiversity, climate change, ozone layer and the international waters. Recently, the GEF has widened its scope of support to cover persistent organic pollutants and also desertification. Malaysia therefore welcome this wider coverage since it provides those countries faced with desertification with the financial means to address the problem. We also believe that persistent organic pollutants have a profound and long-term effect to the health of the people. We need to inventorize the PoPs in the country and identi- fy any stockpiles of obsolete PoPs. To do this, we need financial and technical support from the international com- munity, especially the international institutions. We there- fore support the inclusion of persistent organic pollutants as another focal area of coverage by GEF. While we most welcome this noble effort, we sincerely hope that this wider coverage will not entail the division of the GEF existing fund in such a way that each of the 4 ear- lier areas received smaller proportion of financial support. Therefore, we urge that the replenishment of the GEF is carried out readily and the developed countries, in particular, the OECD countries will generously make bigger contribu- tion to support GEF's mission. Malaysia is one of the countries that have benefited from GEF. We managed to secure some funding from the GEF to carry out several projects under the climate change and biodiversity focal areas. Under the climate change focal area, we have recently secured funding of about USD 20.8 million for a four-year period froni the GEF for the Malaysian Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Project (MIEEIP). This largest single project in Malaysia under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) is expected to provide Malaysia with a strong institutional foundation for energy ST AT E M ENT S BY RE P R ES E N TAT I V E S 179 STATEMENT OF MEXICO SZEKELY FRANCISCO, DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT • Reconocimiento a la labor que ha desempeiiado el proyectos especrficos y, par ello, es difrcil medir su Fonda en el desafro que plantea la soluci6n de proble- impacto global. Esto es particularmente importante mas ambientales globales, coma son el cambio climati- dada la restricci6n cr6nica de recursos con la que se co y la conservaci6n de la diversidad biol6gica. desenvuelve el Fando. • Convicci6n de que el Fonda tiene un importante poten- • Una estrategia para usar de manera mas eficiente los cial para consolidar el papel, hacienda mas eficientes recursos del GEF consiste en contribuir al fortale- sus mecanismos de operaci6n, atendiendo de manera cimiento de las plataformas de aquellos parses que han mas puntual las prioridades de las parses y ampliando avanzado en el proceso de integraci6n de sus polrticas su ambito de acci6n a fin de atender necesidades hacia el desarrollo sustentable. Ciertamente, Mexico ambientales urgentes para las parses en desarrollo. esta interesado en ser uno de los parses que podrra generar un ejemplo demostrativo de este enfoque • Dos ejemplos del potencial de capacidad de respuesta integrador. que reconocemos: la ampliaci6n de las actividades del GEF a las cuestiones de desertificaci6n y perdida de productividad del suelo y la contribuci6n a la consoli- daci6n del Grupo de Parses Megadiversos Afines. Ambos temas son de alta prioridad para Mexico. • Los fondos GEF han representado, para muchos parses, un factor importante para el logro de objetivos ambien- tales nacionales, en particular las relacionados con la diversidad biol6gica. • Para Mexico, la cartera de proyectos del GEF ha contribui- do a las esfuerzos y complementado las capacidades nacionales en materia de cambio climatico y diversidad biol6gica, tanto en la esfera gubernamental coma en diversas ambitas de trabaja que son atendidos par diversos grupos de la sociedad. • Mexico expresa su interes en integrar el conjunto de proyectos en un marco programatico que contribuya al desarrollo institucional en materia de monitoreo y eval- uaci6n de proyectos; la reorganizaci6n institucional en materia de desarrolla sustentable y los programas de apoyo para instrumentar las convenciones interna- cionales relevantes. • El GEF tiene retos por delante para lograr su enorme potencial: • Necesidad de contar con procedimientos simplifica- dos para la evaluaci6n de proyectos y la cana- lizaci6n de recursos financieros. • Redefinir prioridades y afinar sus estrategias, porque hasta ahora sus actividades se concentran a nivel de 180 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA GEORGE DUCA, MINISTER OF ECOLOGY, CONSTRUCTION AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT At the very beginning I would like to extend my sincere nities for sustainable development requires economic and gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry, GEF social development, sustainable resource management and Executive Officer and Chairman, the Government of China environment protection". This is especially important for and the people of this beautiful country for their kind hos- countries with economies in transition. Agricultural pro- pitality and excellent conditions for our work. May I also duction in Moldova stagnated during the last years due to thank Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his initiative and unfavorable weather conditions, many natural calamities, commitment in preparing and holding this crucial Summit. frequent droughts and also as a result of a transition to market economy principles in land use. The intensive uti- When about ten years ago the United Nations held the Rio lization of land as well as water resources during previous Conference, my country was just about one year after decades together with a large scale livestock activity pro- becoming independent. During this decade we have voked a dangerous situation with freshwater in my country. learned many lessons and implemented many useful steps. Today Moldova is a democratic country with an economy in As a country with practically no traditional energy transition. We can prove through our experience that there resources Moldova expresses its support and highest inter- are no contradictions between promoting sustainable devel- est in the initiatives on renewable energies presented here opment and respecting democracy norms by assuring the by Germany. largest participation of our citizens in all processes, includ- ing those dealing with sustainable development. And We fully support the European Water Initiative, launched today I have the honor to convey the message from the yesterday in the Wate~ Dome. This is an example of estab- President of the Republic of Moldova that our Parliament lishing of a regional partnership for the solving of one of will ratify the Kyoto Protocol before the end of this year. the most important problems in the world and in our region - the problem of access to safe drinking water and The Secretary General of the United Nations proposed to conservation of water resources. concentrate our efforts on five major areas of sustainable development. Let me touch on some of them, which are My Government adopted the National Program on water of most cruC:ial importance for .our society. supply and treatment and is fully committed to introduce more advanced technologies in using fresh water in agri- Agriculture provides about 60% of the budget income of culture, as well as in social sector. The necessary programs Moldova and we need, like most other developing countries, are being elaborated and we are looking for more part- an instant access to respective markets. As a new member ners, ready to significantly help us in solving the problems of the WTO we will actively make our part of the way for of water supply and treatment, protecting biodiversity and the early conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda. restoring the environmental balance in this ecologically so Our delegation strongly supports the renewed European sensible part of Europe. Union commitment to "support developing countries in building up their capacity to benefit from free trade nego- Despite many difficulties that we have faced during the tiations and market access" and express our hope that last decade, my country still owns many resources for a countries with economies in transition will also benefit better sustainable development. We are looking for help in from this support. a better using of them. For instance, by converting only some of the former soviet military complex units situated At the Monterrey Conference on Financing for in Moldova in working industrial plants, filled with ecologi- Development we reached the consensus that financial sup- cally friendly technologies we can significantly reduce port for sustainable development must be more available unemployment and use the huge intellectual potential and especially after a country meets conditions and accept accumulated for many decades. responsibility for the handling of respective financial help. We call on donor countries to follow this agreement. Situated in the Danube-Black Sea region Moldova actively participates in many regional initiatives. Together with our The Secretary-General in his Report Agenda 21 rightfully neighbors we are working for a more efficient and safe mentioned that "reducing poverty and improving opportu- exploration of Prut and Nistru rivers, taking into account STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 181 that previous industrial calamities and extensive use of their waters for industrial and agricultural purposes put an extensive pressure on the ecological balance of their basins. Unfortunately, the existence of the separatist regime in the Transnistria region creates serious obstacles in realizing many environmental programs for the Nistru river basin, compiled with the support of international partners. We are grateful to those countries that have provided us with safe equipment for the liquidation of the non-transportable stockpiles of foreign weapons placed on our territory during the Cold War. The Republic of Moldova supports the international initia- tives, and first of all NEPAD, directed to help African peo- ples in solving the most serious challenges they are facing. We salute the creation of the African Union and hope that it will help to realize as soon as possible those new efforts in order to put an end to the conflicts that are still under- mining the sustainable recovery of this grate continent. My delegation shares the view that Agenda 21, the Millennium Development Targets, the Doha Agenda for Development and the Monterrey Consensus consists the main building blocks for future development. This summit must succeed in producing the real mechanisms for their implementation, for making each and every country equal partners in the Globalization process. 182 AS SEM B LY P R 0 C EED I N G S STATEMENT OF MOROCCO MOHAMED EL YAZGHI, MINISTER OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT Au nom du Royaume du Maroc, je voudrais exprimer a Nous sommes convaincus que le FEM continuera a nous !'occasion de l'Assemblee generale du FEM, mes felicita- appuyer dans la mise en CEuvre de notre PANE. La reussite tions sinceres et mes remerciements au Gouvernment et au des projets menes ou en cours d'execution au Maroc avec peuple de la Republique populaire de Chine, pour la l'appui du FEM nous encourage a consolider davantage chaleur de l'accueil reserve aux participants, pour la qualite notre collaboration et nos engagements resolus vers le exceptionnelle de !'organisation de cette manifestation, et developpement durable. pour taus les efforts deployes pour faciliter nos travaux. Le Maroc, en organisant la septieme session de la Depuis la creation du FEM en 1991, son apport a ete Conference des parties a la Convention-cadre des Nations appreciable dans !'orientation des politiques et strategies Unies sur les changements climatiques qui s'est tenue a environnementales, la mise en a:uvre des accords interna- Marrakech en novembre 2001, a voulu demontrer a la tionaux et la sensibilisation de taus les partenaires aux communaute internationale !'engagement de l'Afrique problemes de l'environnement mondial. Le FEM a ainsi per- entiere pour avancer dans le processus des negociations mis durant les deux premieres phases de son existence sur le climat. La Declaration de Marrakech adoptee par la d'asseoir dans plusieurs pays les bases d'un developpement COP7 a marque en effet un tournant decisif dans les nego- durable. ciations pour la mise en a:uvre du Protocole de Kyoto. Mais si des progres ont ete accomplis, la tendance a la Je voudrais a cette occassion saluer toutes les parties qui degradation de l'environnement continue de menacer ont deja ratifie le protocole et lancer un appel a taus les serieusement l'avenir de notre planete et les moyens finan- etats pour qu'ils prennent des mesures energiques fac~ aux ciers mis a la disposition du FEM sont insuffisants au defis que representent les changements climatiques et regard des besoins notamment dans les pays en voie de leurs effets nefastes afin de promouvoir un developpement developpement. Cette situation est aggravee par la deteri- soutenable. Le FEM a un role important a jouer dans ce oration de la situation economique de ces pays avec une domaine et ce en appuyant les pays a mettre en a:uvre nette augmentation de la population vivant au-dessous du leurs plans d'adaptation et en renfon;;ant leurs capacites a seuil de la pauvrete. maTtriser les nouveaux mecanismes financiers du protocole notamment le MDP. Face a ces defis qui nous interpellent et conscients de l'enchevetrement des solutions qui appellent une approche Cette deuxieme Assemblee, la premiere de ce millenaire, concertee et globale tenant compte egalement des aspects represente une occasion marquante pour ouvrir un nou- socioeconomiques ; seule une cooperation internationale veau chapitre dans l'histoire du FEM, cette institution qui a permettra de contribuer efficacement a relever ces defis. etendu, recemment, les possibilites d'aider les pays a pre- parer et executer Jes projets, a d'autres institutions et Certes, compte tenu du nouvel esprit de solidarite instaure organisations regionales et internationales. par le Sammet de Johannesbourg et !'engagement pour renforcer le FEM et etendre ses activites, nous pourrons a Cependant, l'ampleur des defis a relever, les limites des moyen terme, depasser les contraintes actuelles et assurer moyens disponibles et la nature resolument multidimen- un developpement durable. sionnelle du developpement durable plaident en faveur d'une mise en place d'un cadre favorable a la coordina- Le contexte global au Maroc semble etre de plus en plus tion, tant au niveau local qu'au niveau des Agences d'exe- favorable a une prise en charge effective des principaux cution du FEM. Ces dernieres devraient etre specialisees, problemes environnementaux. Des actions concretes ont chacune dans un type bien determine d'actions qui soient ete identifiees et definies dans le cadre consensuel du Plan elegibles pour le FEM, afin d'eviter tout chevauchement ou d'action national pour l'environnement (PANE). Ce plan conflit des competences. d'action, adopte en fevrier dernier par le Conseil national de l'environnement est la synthese d'une quantite considerable La mise en place d'un systeme de suivi efficace des projets d'informations et d'une longue reflexion a laquelle ont finances par le FEM s'avere egalement necessaire afin de participe les differents acteurs de la societe marocaine. mesurer les progres accomplis et l'impact des resultats ST AT E M E N T S BY R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S 183 obtenus et ameliorer ainsi l'efficacite des projets et pro- grammes. Le FEM gagnerait certes en efficacite en simpli- fiant les procedures d'approbation des projets, en s'ouvrant davantage sur les ONG, notamment en augmentant le volume du portefeuille des programmes de micro finance- ment et en associant le secteur prive en soutenant Jes ini- tiatives visant a promouvoir les technologies non polluantes. Enfin, nous tenons a souligner notre entiere satisfaction envers la nouvelle et importante reconstitution des ressources du FEM. Je suis egalement persuade que le Fonds pour l'environnement mondial, en etendant son eventail d'activites aux deux nouveaux domaines, longue- ment attendus, a savoir : les polluants organiques persistants (POPs) et la desertification, va pouvoir apporter un nouveau jalon a la mise en CEuvre, au niveau national, des Conventions s'y rapportant et contribuer ainsi a repondre de maniere concrete aux recommendations du Sommet de Johannesbourg. Je voudrais, avant de terminer mon intervention, rendre un grand hommage a Monsieur le President du FEM pour la qualite de son travail et sa contribution durant toute une decennie au developpement du FEM, qui est devenu aujourd'hui un instrument universe! incontournable. 184 AS S EM B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS SWED ER VAN VOORST TOT VOORST, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS It is a great honor to take part in the Second GEF like to underline the importance of disseminating the les- Assembly here in Beijing, where we have been received sons learned. It will help us improve the quality of project with such a warm hospitality. design and implementation. Since Rio and indeed also after Johannesburg the Global We are satisfied that the Conference of the Parties of the Environment Facility has proven to be the largest investor in Climate Change Convention has requested the GEF to global environment. The Third Replenishment of GEF manage the 3 new climate funds. It is important that the amounting up to 3 billion US$, or should I say Euro, is a GEF Council and management of the Facility ensure that major accomplishment of the Summit. I am proud that The the new funds are being implemented consistent with the Netherlands is the 8th largest contributor with a share of GEF Principles. 3.3% and an extra voluntary contribution of some 3 million US$. A further effort should be made to strengthen the GEF sys- tem at the country level. The Facility has an important task The Third GEF Replenishment is the largest ever, enabling in undertaking needs assessments and in providing further the Facility not only to support activities in its existing focal guidance. Operational tasks, however, should be entrusted areas but also to take up activities in the newly added to the Implementing and Executing Agencies. focal areas 'land degradation' and "persistent organic pol- lutants." Both new focal areas should not be viewed upon My country has been one of the first to promote that land from a narrow perspective. Our challenge is rather to devel- degradation should become a new focal area of the GEF. op an integrated approach building on existing efforts. Land degradation is one of the root causes of poverty in developing countries. It has adverse impacts on ecosystems · The fact that the GEF over the years has expanded in many that are critical for survival in so many ways. It clearly ways forces us to go back to the 'basics.' By that I mean relates to the other focal areas of GEF. taking up the discussion on the concept of incremental costs and the term global environmental benefits. A dis- Finally, GEF has actively contributed to the success of the cussion that, by the way, is long overdue. Both need to be WSSD. It is up to us now to take up the accomplishments further operationalized and simplified. We welcome the of Johannesburg and translate them into concrete actions. suggestions made by the OPS-2 team to that end. The Government of The Netherlands is doing so and will be presenting its own plan of action to mainstream the There are several areas where there is a need for further results of WSSD in its own international co-operation policy. improvement. I will give 2 examples: The Plan of Implementation and the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development offer ample 1. the mainstreaming of global environmental objectives in opportunities to the GEF to further contribute to sustain- the policies and programs of the Implementing Agencies able development. and national governments can be improved; 2. the GEF relations with Conventions: the GEF should remain the funding mechanism or a major source of fund- ing for the Conventions. It is up to the Conference of the Parties to these Conventions to provide clear and consis- tent guidance to the GEF that can be translated into prac- tical operational activities. At the same time we consider it important that the synergy between the Conventions is enhanced. The GEF should promote the development of joint working programmes to this effect. We are very pleased with the proposals on strengthening the monitoring a.nd evaluation of GEF projects. We would ST AT E M EN TS BY R E P R ES ENT AT I V E S 185 STATEMENT OF NEW ZEALAND KRISTINA RYAN, POLICY OFFICER, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE It is with real pleasure that I take this opportunity to forward, we know that participants' capacity and need for address the GEF Second Assembly on behalf of New new projects is likely to exceed the GEF's resources. This Zealand. requires us to learn from past experience and to prioritise carefully so that available resources achieve the best possi- Just a few weeks ago, world leaders met in Johannesburg ble results across all of the GEF's focal areas. The need to for the World Summit on Sustainable Development - an increase available funding and improve implementation event that marked the tenth anniversary of the Rio Earth through public /private partnerships was one of the key Summit and the first eleven years of the Global themes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Environment Facility. We recognise the value of public/private partnerships in order to make the best use of leveraged financial and The Summit was a time for looking both backwards and technical resources and see a valuable role for the GEF in into the future. The GEF Chairman's report to the Summit catalysing such partnerships. highlighted the significant work that has been carried out through the GEF and its partners over the past decade, With these observations in mind, we welcome the guid- especially in the areas of ozone depletion, climate change ance provided by the Second Overall Performance Study of and biodiversity. And yet, as the Chairman of the GEF the GEF's operations and fully support the CEO's recom- noted at WSSD, we still have much work to do. The mendations on the future development of the GEF. Summit should spur action on challenging targets and goals for the future, in areas relevant to the GEF. These In closing, New Zealand wishes to thank the Government include reducing biodiversity loss by 2010, the Millennium of China for hosting this Assembly, to acknowledge the Development goal of halving the number of people with- united efforts of the GEF implementing and.executing out access to safe drinking water by 2015, reforms to the agencies, the country focal points and NG Os who all con- energy and fisheries sectors, and increasing public/private tribute to the GEF's success, and to express New Zealand's collaboration to achieve sustainable development. ongoing commitment to the vision of a global financial institution dedicated to improving the environment. New The GEF remains the pivotal instrument to enable us to Zealand is looking forward to working cooperatively with collectively achieve these goals. We therefore welcome the GEF members and Secretariat when we begin our the third replenishment of the GEF and congratulate the eighteen-month term as the Council Member for our con- participants for their commitment and cooperation in con- stituency _with the Republic of Korea and Australia, in mid cluding the negotiation of the highest ever replenishment 2003. amount. We fully support the expansion of the GEF to include new focal areas for land degradation and persist- ent organic pollutants. We also support efforts to address the special needs of Small Island Developing States. We would like to see the GEF engage more actively with Small Island Developing States on actions outlined in the WSSD Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. We see an urgent need for the GEF processes to take into account the limited capacity of these States to access its funds. In this regard, we strongly support the establishment of a regional steering committee for the GEF small grants programme in the Pacific Islands. We are mindful of the need for ongoing improvements to streamline and simplify the processing of GEF projects and to ensure that they deliver sustainable outcomes. We sup- port the work done to improve the GEF's monitoring and evaluation process, and to manage project fees. As we go 186 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S STATEMENT OF NICARAGUA EDUARDO MARIN, VICE-MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES En nombre del Gobierno de Nicaragua a traves del biologica, aguas internacionales, degradacion de la capa Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (MARENA), de ozono, y degradacion de las tierras aridas. En este sentido reciban un fraterno saludo. aplaudimos la decision para racionalizar el ciclo de proyec- tos y promover una mayor transparencia e identificacion de Los parses de Centroamerica, y especialmente Nicaragua, · los parses, lo cual redundara en una mayor agilizacion de han realizado importantes y significativos avances en mate- los procesos de presentacion y aprobacion de los proyectos. ria de consolidacion de la paz y de la institucionalidad Aprobamos la propuesta de emprender una planificacion a democratica. Sin embargo, nos hemos quedado rezagados mas largo plazo para obtener maximos beneficios para el en materia de ambiente y desarrollo sostenible. Para ambiente mundial, integrando los objetivos y programas enfrentar la nueva generacion de desafros que surgen en del GEF en las polrticas y estrategias nacionales de desarrollo esta difrcil pero necesaria ruta al desarrollo, Nicaragua · sostenible. Estamos totalmente de acuerdo con la desig- requiere fortalecer sus capacidades de toda rndole, en el nacion de la degradacion del suelo, fundamentalmente sector publico, en el sector productivo y en las diferentes desertificacion y deforestacion, asr como tambien de los organizaciones de la sociedad civil. contaminantes organicos persistentes como areas focales del GEF. Los fondos que son provistos por los paises desarrollados a traves del GEF, deben incidir de manera significativa no Nuestro Gobierno ha iniciando una nueva era de trans- solo en la conservacion de la biodiversidad, sino tambien parencia y honestidad que se manifiesta en la declarada en el ambito del desarrollo socieconomico especialmente "Lucha contra la Corrupcion", y solicitamos que nos sigan de Centroamerica como una region priorizada por su alta acompatiando y solicitamos recibir asistencia a traves del biodiversidad, constituyendo un nuevo enfoque integral y programa de pequetias donaciones, lo cual es un aporte permanente para su revalorizacion, desde una perspectiva necesario para la conservacion y desarrollo sostenible, innovadora, optimista y creativa. especialmente dirigido hacia la sociedad civil. Para ello es necesario desarrollar una nueva vision para proyectar a la region con toda su diversidad, con sus con- trastes entre parses y regiones dentro de parses, pero con sus continuidades ecologicas que no reconocen fronteras. Este enfoque es de vital importancia para enfrentar el gigantesco problema de reducir significativamente la pobreza que aflige a tantos centroamericanos, siendo necesario apoyar y fomentar iniciativas que cum plan · simultaneamente tan variadas y complejas metas. Una de ellas, el pago por servicios ambientales, promueve un desarrollo productivo respetuoso del medio ambiente, y beneficia especialmente a la poblacion local que habita, para que conviva y conserve esa espectacular diversidad biologica del tropico mesoamericano. De esa manera, contribuimos a cerrar el cfrculo del desa- rrollo humano sostenible, sumando al progreso economico, a la gobernabilidad democratica y a la equidad social, el necesario componente del respeto al medio ambiente y el uso sostenible del capital natural de la region. Finalmente quiero destacar el esfuerzo que el Directorio del GEF ha hecho a favor de la conservacion del ambiente en Nicaragua en lo relativo a cambios climaticos, diversidad ST AT E M E N T S BY R E P RE S E NT AT IV E S I87 STATEMENT OF NIUE CROSSLEY TATUI, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS I must at the outset thank the Government of the People's Together, we can each do our part to help care for our Republic of China and its People for hosting this important environment. meeting, the 2nd Assembly of the Global Environment Facility family of diverse and dedicated membership. Thank you for the kind hospitality accorded to my delega- tion since arriving in Beijing. I especially honor the warm welcome, given the fact that my presence at this noble Assembly provides full representation by one of the smallest, if not the smallest, member state of the GEF. It gives me great pleasure to pronounce Niue's strong sup- port to the principal mission of the GEF, and that is, its his- torical and significant undertaking to help conserve and protect our environment. My country appreciates and highly recognizes the financial and assistance provided through the Climate Change, Biological Diversity International Water Projects and other sister programs. The assistance has enabled us to involve the key stakeholders, the civil society, private sector and Non-Government Organizations in the decision making process on how effective we the present generation can achieve gradual improvements to the environment. The assistance from GEF, UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank have enhanced the capacity of Small Island States like Niue, with limited resources and opportunities to partici- pate in the global goals and also the capacity of all people to participate full in setting policies and strategies to care for the environment. The assistance of other international and regional organi- zations like SPREP. Forum Fisheries Agency, Secretariat of The Pacific Community, University of the South Pacific and SOPAC is also greatly acknowledged. Niue is committed to greater participation in the GEF envi- ronmental programme to help maintain the quality of the environment and natural resource bane for future genera- tions. We owe it to them and I believe it is indeed a funda- mental obligation for our leaders and all of us to be able, not only to adopt one common language for GEF, but to ensure that we practice what we promote to achieve. Niue has a special duty, small or large it may be, to make in supporting the goals of GEF forwards the protection of the environment and management of natural resources in an appropriate and ecologically sustainable manner. 188 AS SE M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF NIGERIA IMEH TITUS OTUEKONG OKOPIDO, MINISTER OF STATE, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Allow me first to convey the tribute of the President of the ority environmental problems in the country. Nigeria is Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to the also upgrading the capacity of its operational focal point to Government of China for hosting the Second Assembly of facilitate proper co-ordination of efforts of the various con- the Global Environment Facility (GEF). I would also wish to ventions and achieve sound environmental policies and thank the organizers of this meeting for the warm welcome frameworks. they have accorded my delegation since our arrival here. Thus, Nigeria is now in a unique position and fully pre- Indeed, it is a great honour and privilege for me personally pared to take greater advantage of the funding available to address this distinguished audience. I congratulate the from GEF to complement her internally generated but limited GEF Governing Structure for its remarkable strides in the resources. This shall be done by packaging new projects in areas of assigned responsibilities as confirmed by the those areas identified under the New Partnership for Second Overall Performance Study of the GEF. My country Africa's Development (NEPAD), the African Process on the acknowledges GEF efforts towards participatory approaches Development and Protection of Coastal and Marine in the conservation of biological diversity, the promotion of Environment and its resources, and the GEF supported energy efficiency and renewable energy, and reversal of enabling activities. By this, Nigeria should in the nearest land degradation particularly in Africa. Nigeria also appre- future expand its GEF portfolio, which is presently limited. ciates the efforts of the GEF Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies in carrying out GEF Council decisions Permit me at this juncture to add that Nigeria requires GEF relating to country ownership of GEF projects and capacity partnership with the oil and gas industry in the country to building. assist the sector in achieving the target of natural gas flare-out by the year 2004. An accomplishment of this I am, especially delighted at the successful outcome of the objective will give a tremendous boost to our collective recently concluded Third Replenishment of the GEF Trust fight against global warming, while at the same time cre- Fund, which made provision for additional resources to ating the requisite opportunities for sustainable industrial enable the GEF to fulfil its expanded mandate. In this development and poverty alleviation. regard, I wish to re-iterate Nigeria's support for the amend- ment of the Instrument of the Restructured GEF to designate In considering the policies, operations and future develop- land degradation and persistent organic pollutants as the ment of the GEF, it is pertinent that GEF should develop two (2) new focal areas of the GEF. innovative mechanisms to encourage beneficiary countries to increase the quantum of their contribution by way of Coming on the heels of the just concluded World Summit co-financing in order to ensure greater ownership and ·on Sustainable Development (WSSD), the Second GEF project sustainability. In this regard, GEF should promote Assembly should provide the policy guidance for imple- the development of institutional mechanisms among recip- menting those responsibilities assigned for the GEF in the ient countries fashioned along its own structure. This will Action Agenda of the Summit. The GEF Ministerial help to secure greater commitments of recipient countries Roundtables on Financing the Environment and to environmental projects. Sustainable Development held earlier in Monterrey Mexico and Bali, Indonesia indeed helped to enrich the final out- My country would also like to envisage a future role for come of the WSSD. G EF in the area of international debt management for pro- moting global environmental benefits. This may be in Since the first GEF Assembly held in New Delhi, India in form of third party intervention between debtor nations 1998, Nigeria has made significant strides in building and their creditors. Of course, this would imply a substan- national capacity, strengthening institutional framework tial increase in future replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund. and in developing action plans for addressing national and global environmental challenges. With the return to dem- I wish to add that the Monitoring and Evaluation system ocratic governance in 1999, we have ensured greater which is already in place should continue to concentrate transparency and effectiveness in the use of the ecological on how GEF can deliver greater outputs at lesser costs. fund, which was established by government to tackle pri- This may be achieved, for example, by reducing the budget ST AT E M E N T S BY RE P R ES E NT AT IV E S 189 for project preparation and other intangible .costs of proj- ects, releasing extra savings for concrete deliverables, increasing use of national experts and emphasizing on value for money. There is the need for GEF to show greater interest in iden- tifying linkages between the GEF focal areas and issues of poverty, health, trade and investments and other relevant issues that hinder the requirement for sustainable develop- ment as a new world order. GEF programmes should con- tinue to promote synergy between the focal areas and such paramount issues of concern to the survival of humanity within a healthy ecosystem. I do hope that GEF will intensify efforts to help bridge the divide between the poor and the rich through improving access to natural resources, food security, commodities, information and technology. A properly managed environment is a collective duty. This is where GEF is making a positive impact. It should continue to make a difference. 190 AS SE M B LY PR 0 C E ED I N G S STATEMENT OF NORWAY /OLAV KJ0RVEN, STATE SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Johannesburg Summit has brought the world commu- We agree with the recommendation of the OPS that GEF nity closer to a common understanding of the greatest should give particular support to countries with effective challenges we face, and made it clearer than ever that the national policies that promote measures to stabilize the cli- time has come fcir action. Meeting the Millennium mate, stem the loss of biodiversity and phase out toxic Development Goals represents an enormous challenge. In chemicals. order to make sound, long-term progress, these goals must be met while, and by, moving towards sustainability. The links between poverty and land degradation are obvious. For this we need, and we must use, the Global Since the latter has now become a new focal area, it will Environment Facility. The GEF can help the world make the be essential for GEF to act in the closest possible under- required transitions to sustainability. standing with host governments on how its resources can be put to meaningful use. Close coordination with other The Government of Norway believes the GEF is on the donor agencies in each country will also be imperative. right track in this regard. The replenishment is providing a This does not mean that we favour any dilution of the solid basis for moving ahead. Two new focal areas have incremental cost principle. We accept, however, that the been included. We welcome the new climate funds and incremental cost concept can at times be difficult to apply particularly the least developed countries' fund. We are in practice, and support further clarification where necessary. pleased to contribute new and additional resources for this fund. We are also prepared to discuss with the GEF new GEF will now also be providing substantial resources in co-financing opportunities related to the so-called WEHAB support of the Convention on Persistent Organic areas, to which Norway pledged significant fresh resources Pollutants. An excellent early example is. the African at the World Summit. Stockpiles Programme. Norway attaches great importance to keeping the door open for measures to also phase out The key test for GEF's ability to live up to its name is, in heavy metals like mercury and other dangerous substances. our view, whether it can make significant progress as a multiplier of financial resources, both public and private. We also hope to see continued GEF support for phasing Co-financing and partnerships that can catalyze and multi- out persistent toxic substances and for biodiversity and cli- ply investments in the global environment must be a key mate projects in North West Russia and the Arctic. priority. If not, this grand venture which the GEF is, may fail to meet our expectations over the next few years. I The performance study points to necessary improvements think the recent Overall Performance Study - a thorough internal to the GEF family in order better to tackle the report that we highly appreciate - brings this out very challenges ahead, not least that of becoming a better mul- clearly. tiplier. We are pleased to note that these are well under way. The increased independence and strengthening of the In this regard, we welcome the expanded opportunities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit should help strengthen the Regional Development Banks and other agencies. and ensure quality, learning and accountability. Norway takes it for granted that they will also play their part in mainstreaming GEF objectives and bringing in the Finally, this statement would not be complete without a trib- private sector and civil society so that they, along with the ute to Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry and the excellent way in implementing agencies, can be true multipliers for the which he has run the GEF ever since the beginning. Allow global environment. me to be a bit personal. I had the fortune of watching, at close range, the GEF come into being as I laboured under Given that demand for GEF funds now outstrips supply, I Mohamed as my principal boss at the World Bank in the would like to stress the need for strategic planning and early 1990s. I know that without his skilful leadership and strict priority setting. Equally important, of course, is real ability to get people to agree on the best solutions, GEF country ownership. Countries must show that they are today would be a far less significant player when it comes to willing to integrate GEF objectives and programmes into tackling global environmental problems. Mohamed has set a national priorities and strategies, not least poverty reduc- very high standard. May his successor not be deterred by this tion strategies. standard, and may we all allow her or him to live up to it. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 191 STATEMENT OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN JAWED ALI KHAN, DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and my delega- munity level initiatives through small grants programme tion, I wish to congratulate the Government of the has strengthened environmental initiatives at local level. I People's Republic of China and the people of Beijing for am also pleased to report that we are at the final stage of hosting the Second GEF Assembly. As a delegate coming submission of Desertification Action Plan and Bio Safety from Pakistan which has best of friendly relations and Guidelines to the Cabinet for its approval. We look for- cooperation with China, I wish to express my sincere felici- ward for GEF assistance in these areas. tations to His Excellency President Jiang Zemin, for providing us valuable guidance and inspiration for attainment of the Notwithstanding our commitment and results we have noble objectives of this Assembly. My special gratitude is already achieved, Pakistan continues to face serious prob- also for Dr. Mohamed El-Ashry for his stewardship of the lems of water scarcity, drought, deforestation, soil erosion GEF Programme. and desertification. The Second GEF Assembly is significant as it is being held As a developing country, Pakistan would require immediate against the backdrop of the World Summit on Sustainable financial support to carry forward its environmental Action Development (WSSD) that concluded only six weeks ago at Plan and its undertakings to implement the environmental Johannesburg. This Assembly reflects the growing aware- strategies and targets. ness and commitment of the global community to the environmental issues. The holding of this Assembly pro- Please allow me to make a suggestion that this Assembly vides yet another promising opportunity to translate the should include in its Declaration/Communique a call on the "Johannesburg Declaration" and the "Plan of developed countries and funding agencies to provide addi- Implementation", into action. tional financial resources and technological assistance to developing countries to enable them to meet the objectives The GEF has already established its credibility as a multilat- of the GEF Programme. eral mechanism. The developing countries now look at the GEF mechanism as one of the important arrangements for the promotion of Millennium Development Goals as well as. the targets set by the WSSD and Rio Conventions. Pakistan; like other developing countries, has greatly bene- fited from the GEF Multilateral Fund in addressing Ozone Layer, Biodiversity and Climate Change issues. Pakistan has already demonstrated its will to respond to global environ- mental commitments by phasing out 26 percent of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in 2002 i.e. three years ahead of schedule. Similarly all the four Petrochemical refineries in Pakistan are producing lead free gasoline. This national target was set to be attained by the year 2005. Pakistan has also made substantial success in introducing pollution free alternate fuel i.e. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport sector, making it the third largest global user of this environmen- tally clean fuel. This also demonstrates the commitment of our Government to the objectives of this Assembly. The Government of Pakistan is grateful to GEF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP and UNIDO for their generous support and assistance. UNDP support to com- 192 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF PANAMA LUIS BARRIA MOSCOSO, DIRECTOR, TECHNICAL COOPERATION, NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY Permftame dar inicio a esta intervencion, expresando la incremento de las ya existentes puesto que de no ser asf complacencia del Gobierno panamerio y de la autoridad podrfamos encontrarnos, en un corto tiempo, ante un nacional del ambiente de nuestro pafs por su atinada elec- poco gratificante escenario en el cual se vean menguadas cion como presidente de esta segunda asamblea general de manera significativa, las cuatro actuales esferas de del Fondo para el Medio Ambiente Mundial. actividades del FMAM y no se logren implementar al nivel esperado los proyectos enmarcados dentro de las dos Corresponde tambien reconocer la extraordinaria labor del nuevas esferas de accion. Funcionario Ejecutivo Principal, quien ha venido realizando todos los esfuerzos necesarios para el debido cumplimiento El Gobierno de la Republica de Panama quiere efectuar un de los fines y objetivos de este organismo y para la reali- importante llamado a todos los pafses que forman parte zacion de esta asamblea. del FMAM tanto a los donantes como a los beneficiarios, para que la orientacion, los proyectos y las polfticas que en Permftame tambien agradecer al gobierno de Beijing y por el futuro siga este organismo, vayan de la mano con el consiguiente al milenario pueblo de China por haber cumplimiento de los compromisos adquiridos en brindado su suelo patrio para la celebracion de esta segunda Johannesburgo, de manera tal que el FMAM !ogre consoli- asamblea; por la excelente organizacion que han dar y fortalecer los objetivos para los cuales fue constituido demostrado en la realizacion de este evehto y por la mara- hace mas de 10 arios y brinde el impulso necesario a los villosa atencion que nos han brindado a todos los repre- nuevos objetivos mundiales adoptados en la Cumbre. sentantes de las diferentes naciones que conformamos el FMAM y que hemos viajado de diversas partes del mundo Como serialara la Presidenta de mi pafs, la Excelentfsima para estar aquf presentes. Senora Mireya Moscoso, en su intervencion ante la quin- cuagesima quinta sesion de la Asamblea General de las Es meritoria la labor que el FMAM ha venido realizando Naciones Unidas, celebrada en la ciudad de Nueva York el desde su constitucion inicial en el ario de 1991 y con pos- pasado mes de septiembre, "el progreso de las naciones · terioridad a la primera Cumbre para la Tierra celebrada en debe darse en funcion del desarrollo sostenible". Por ende el hermano pafs de Brasil en el ario de 1992. Ahora, la proteccion de nuestro ambiente y la reversion de los despues de haberse realizado hace dos meses la segunda darios que, durante el siglo pasado, causaron las polfticas Cumbre para la Tierra en Johannesburgo (sudafrica), el de desarrollo de nuestra civilizacion, solo sera posible FMAM se encuentra frente a una nueva etapa de su vida cuando las naciones tanto del Norte como del Sur hayan organica, previendo nuevos desaffos ante un mundo en logrado establecer e implementar acciones que realmente constante cambio y con una nueva perspectiva respecto al coadyuven a este prop6sito. rol que este organismo debe jugar en la proteccion del medio ambiente mundial. Es, sobre la base de lo anterior, que siempre hemos sido, somos y seremos unos convencidos de que ese desarrollo Como pafs latinoamericano, vemos con agrado la inclusion sostenible solo podra llevarse a los niveles anhelados por de las dos nuevas esferas de actividad que estara atendiendo todos nosotros cuando realmente se !ogre una armonica el FMAM a partir de I.a fecha. Nos referimos por supuesto colaboracion entre los pafses desarrollados y los pafses en a los temas de degradacion de la tierra, fundamentalmente vfas de desarrollo, y por ende, que mejor manera de desertificacion y deforestacion y a los contaminantes demostrarle al mundo nuestra decision de cumplir los come organicos persistentes. Por consiguiente instamos a las promisos adquiridos en Rio en 1992 y reiterados en demas naciones aquf representadas a que alcancemos el Johannesburgo en 2002, que manteniendo a este organismo consenso y ratifiquemos sin mayores obstaculos las fuera de los intereses politicos ajenos a la verdadera razon enmiendas propuestas por el Concejo. de su constitucion y dejando que cumpla los cometidos para los cuales fue creado. No obstante lo anterior, es nuestro deber serialar que la inclusion de estas dos nuevas esferas de actividad en el Esperamos pues que al finalizar esta reunion hayamos FMAM, debe ir acompariada de la consecucion de nuevas alcanzado los acuerdos necesarios y regresemos a nuestros fuentes de recursos economicos y del fortalecimiento e pafses seguros de que el FMAM ha logrado definitiva- ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 193 mente superar las oscuras nubes que hace algunos meses hacian lucir sombrfo su futuro y podamos asf sentirnos con las garantfas necesarias para comunicar a nuestros gobier- nos que este organismo cumplira con la misi6n para la cual fue creado. Que Dias nos ilumine y nos gufe en la busque- da de esta legftima aspiraci6n. 194 AS SE M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF PERU CARLOS LORET DE MOLA, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT It is an honor for me, as representative of the Government funds are required and if we can show that by mobilizing of Peru, to have this opportunity today to address the them for sustainability we can curve down on wars, illicit Second Global Environment Facility Assembly. I would like drug dealing and the need for subsidies - we can really to express my sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality go a long way. of the people and the government of the People's Republic of China. But funds alone don't take us too far. Three decades ago the environmental subject got into the For sustainable development it is very important every- world agenda. · body's participation, as we know. In this respect, the involvement of local communities in tackling this subject is At that time I was finishing college and reading most desirable. Buckminster Fuller's Operation Manual for Spaceship Earth. Think global - act local, can't be better applied than on Years after Mr. Kofi Annan delivers to the world an early environmental concerns. warning system that allows us to get a better grasp of our spaceship. I like to imagine the symbol of the new world society as a pyramid in which each corner represents: local governance, With the help of satellites, internet and television this global education, communications and private participation. The world is becoming a different place and gives us one more different synergies between these concepts can help take a time the opportunity of making it right. holistic approach in taking care of the environment. Visiting the Great Wall and seeing all those terraces I It is in these areas that GEF can help develop and make couldn't avoid relating to the Great Inca Trail that unites the world sustainable. the Andean countries some time in the past and the andenes (Andean terraces) and think that some time long Peru has come a long way on the subject. Today wehave time ago the world was too globalized and sustainable. more than 13% of our territory under protection and I want to thank the council for approving close to 15 MM What happened? US$ to help upgrade surveillance and monitoring for man- aging these areas. The conquest of the western culture over all other cultures and the lack of respect for other ways· of life made it happen. Today Peru has made real progress in relation to the envi- ronment thanks to the access to small and medium size Today war - buying and selling guns - illicit trafficking of funds provided by outfits such as GEF. drugs and combating it, and subsidies of all kinds - where we apply the concept of equal but different - in It is in the replication of successful programs and the the wrong context, are only some of the main problems analysis of those who failed that we can develop a real that make this. world not sustainable. environmental conscience in our people and let them take course of their lives in a sustainable way. What is it that makes these subjects and fighting them back more marketable? - when they deal with death. Finally, I want to mention my predecessor Mr. Carlos Soldi who was involved representing Peru at GEF for many Why can't GEF raise larger funds when it deals with some- years. As a long time friend of Mr. Soldi I had a chance to thing as valuable as life is? talk to him about GEF and I have to say - he was very fond of the organization and its people. I am very sure I Environment and health deals with sustainable develop- will continue to rely on him for sound advice on subjects ment which is life - our most precious value. related to GEF. These reflections I express to make the point that larger ST ATE MEN TS BY REPRESENTATIVES 195 STATEMENT OF PORTUGAL ANTONIO GONCALVES-HENRIQUES, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT On behalf of Portugal, I would like to thank the People the Convention to Combat Desertification. This and the Government of China for hosting this Second GEF Convention is the multilateral agreement where environ- Assembly and for the friendly hospitality in Beijing. I ment protection and poverty alleviation are more closely believe that this Assembly will be a major milestone in the linked. Therefore, Portugal strongly supports the initiative process launched ten years ago with the creation of GEF. of GEF to include land degradation and deforestation amongst its focal areas, and to explore the links with the Let me take this opportunity to express the gratitude of other global environmental issues. the Government of Portugal to Mr. El-Ashry for his dedica- tion to, and enlightened leadership of, GEF. I am certain Finally, I would like to address the issue of international that GEF and the global environment processes are marked waters. We know that the proportion of the world's popu- · by his valuable legacy. lation exposed to water stress is increasing dramatically. We must do more for the protection and rational use of As this Second GEF Assembly is the first global multilateral the world's water resources, and seek the right multilateral meeting after the World Summit on Sustainable instruments to achieve this goal. Unfortunately, the 1997 Development, my first words are to stress the importance UN Convention on International Waters has not merited of the message we are now sending to the world. In fact, the attention it deserved. We must proceed our work, the decision on the third replenishment of GEF taken last building upon the bilateral and regional experiences of co- August was a clear signal and a crucial contribution for the operation in water management already in place and over- success of the Summit. Now we must put in practice our come the difficulties in order to reach a global agreement beautiful ideas on sustainable development and to reinforce on the protection of the world's water resources . . action, involving all partners, to achieve clearly defined tar- gets, as we agreed in Johannesburg. Here and now we must demonstrate that we are in the process of moving from words to action: we must use all the opportunities and seek to make the most out of the limited means'we have at our disposal to achieve those targets agreed in Johannesburg. I am sure that the means we have now at our disposal will grow as long as concrete results are achieved. We, in the World Summit of Johannesburg, built upon the Rio principle of common but differentiated responsibilities: GEF is an important instrument for applying such principle. We must explore, to the full extent, the opportunities pro- vided by GEF to contribute to address the most stringent global environmental challenges. I believe that the most challenging global issue we face nowadays is climate change: we must continue to put pressure on the quick entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, and to encourage all those that have not done yet to join this fundamental multilateral instrument. We know that the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol is not an easy task. However the time urges and we must make all efforts to put into practice its provisions, and to convoke everybody to join this global initiative. Another important global issue is land degradation and deforestation which must be addressed in the context of 196 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION l.F. GLUMOV, DEPUTY MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES Let me first of all on behalf of the Russian Federation amendments to the Montreal Protocol. In this regard we express gratitude to the Government and the people of will positively continue our cooperation with the GEF. the People's Republic of China for the excellent organiza- tion of the 2nd GEF Assembly. And of course my special As a point I would also like to stress the importance of GEF · thanks go to Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry, who as a geologist operations in protection of international waters. The GEF- knows all the painful spots of the planet and selects for implemented projects to support respective regional pro- implementation the most effective projects beneficial to grammes (particularly on the Black, Baltic and Caspian the whole humanity. seas) are, to the most extent, aimed at supporting the implementation of existing global and regional agreements Since the first GEF Assembly in 1998, the GEF has attained that address protection and restoration of freshwater and considerable progress in assisting sustainable development marine ecosystems. and. strengthening the conne(tion between economic development and environmental protection both on the The Russian Delegation accepts the conclusions achieved national and the global levels. Today we can say with con- during the Overall GEF Performance Study concerning the fidence that the GEF is a leading mechanism accumulating efficient use of financial resources and the results of GEF funds for the purposes of solving global environmental operations in major directions. problems as well as for the environmental protection of single countries and regions. Since the first GEF Assembly, the international community has presented the GEF with new tasks within the frame- Russia attaches great importance to cooperation with the work of its major activities and in view to solve the prob- GEF in realization of the projects and programmes aimed lems of persistent organic pollutants and land degradation. at implementation of modern approaches to environmental Russia supports these aims. In the light of the recent signing problems that are of special significance to us and at the of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic same time have a global nature. The topics of GEF activities Pollutants, it is especially important for us to make this almost completely correlate to the priorities of Russia's issue a principle guideline in GEF activities. national environment protection policy. The cooperation with the GEF helps Russia fulfill the obligations we have As for major subjects finance share, we believe that the taken under the international environment protection con- general structure of use of resources, including grants, tak- ventions and agreements as well as achieve national goals ing into consideration the agreed-upon directions of GEF in environmental protection and sustainable use of natural activities, should be kept without chan.ges. resources. We have actively considered the CEO's Report on the In 2001, as a result of the GEF full-scale project Policies, Operations and Future Development of the GEF, "Preservation of Biodiversity in Russia," we adopted the and may say that the Russian Delegation supports the con- National Biodiversity Preservation Strategy and the National clusive recommendations to be adopted by the Assembly. Biodiversity Preservation Plan for the period up to the In particular, Russia does not object to confirmation of the year 2010 as our contribution to implementation of CBD Council's recommendation on amendments to the GEF obligations. Instrument, and especially favours the recommendations concerning strengthening GEF operations at the country In December 2000 the Russian Federation completely level. We fully share a view that real interest, participation stopped the production of ozone-depleting substances and initiative role of countries are necessary preconditions being a significant step in implementation of Russia's obli- for integrating efforts to solve global environmental prob- gations under the Montreal Protocol. Since then Russia has lems into national sustainable development planning. been effectively compliant with the Protocol. It was much contributed to by the full-scale project on the Russian terri- Russia on its part will take every possible step to elaborate tory within the framework of GEF activities to help countries national and regional strategies and plans, to deepen to phase out the use of ozone-depleting chemical agents. understanding in our country of GEF operations and priori- Russia is currently considering the question of adopting ties, and to maintain proper coordination as well. ST AT E M E N TS BY RE P RE S E N TAT I V E S 197 STATEMENT OF RWANDA PATRICIA HAJABAKIGA, SECRETARY GENERAL C'est un plaisir pour moi de prendre la parole devant vous Les defis environnementaux a couvrir pour mieux repondre pour remercier le Peuple chinois de l'hospitalite dont bene- aux principes generaux arretes au premier Sammet de la ficiee ma delegation ainsi que le Secretariat du FEM qui a Terre a Rio de Janeiro en 1992 et recemment au Sammet facilite notre participation aux presentes assises. de Johannesburg sont nombreux. Les evenements tragiques qu'a traverse le Rwanda en Toutes les intiatives de developpement doivent integrer les 1994 ont modifie sa structure demographique. Le genocide trois elements de base interdependants, en !'occurrence la a provoque une perte de plus d'un million de vies croissance economique, le developpement social et la pro- humaines sans perdre de vue la disparition d'autres tection de l'environnement. especes animales et especes vegetales. Le genocide a place le Rwanda dans une situation alarmante si bien que l'apres La Strategie nationale de l'environnement retouchee en genocide a ete caracterise par la concentration des efforts 1996 dans le chapitre de la protection de l'environnement dans la gestion de l'urgence et dans la recherche de /'unite et gestion des ressources naturelles releve les preoccupa- nationale et de la reconciliation. tions prioritaires suivantes : Le Rwanda vient d'adherer recemment au FEM par la ~ la pauvrete, l'insecurite alimentaire et la crise signature de la notification y relative et c'est la premiere energetique : fois qu'il participe a l'Assemblee du FEM. ~ 96,4 % des menages utilisent le bois comme source Peu de projets ont ete soumis au Secretariat executif pour d'energie financement. Actue//ement, seuls deux projets ont demarre ~ 69 % de la population vivent en dessous du seuil de grace a l'appui du FEM a savoir : pauvret~ ~ Le Projet de gestion integree et de protection des ~ la necessite de planifier !'utilisation des terres selon les ecosystemes fragiles (critiques) IPMCE relatif a la caracteristiques et le potentiel des divers ecosystemes Convention sur la diversite biologique (CBD) dont la touches; phase preparatoire PDF Block B pour un montant total ~ le probleme de la deforestation, de la perte de la bio- de USD 350.000 a debute en octobre 2001 et sera masse et de la diminution de la biodiversite ; d'une duree d'un an. Son objectif est la conservation et !'utilisation durable des ressources naturelles des zones Suivant les indicateurs de developpement du Rwanda 2001 humides de grande importance. Le projet IPMCE pro- ~ le devenir des zones humides et des bassins versants ; prement dit a une premiere phase d'une duree de quatre ~ la gestion des catastrophes ; ans et dont le financement accorde est de USD ~ la gestion des dechets urbains et la Jutte contre Jes 4.3000.000. polluants. ~ Projet d'e/aboration de la communication initiale Face a taus ces problemes, le Rwanda n'est pas reste les nationale sur les changements climatique relative a la bras croises, ii a deja ratifie et adhere aux conventions Convention - Cadre des Nations Unies sur Jes internationales en matiere environnementale suivantes : Changements Climatiques (CCNUCC). Au titre des articles 4 et 12 de ladite Convention, le Rwanda Partie a ~ Convention sur la diversite biologique (CBD), le 18 la CCNUCC doit remplir ses engagements en etablissant mars 1995, sa communication initiale nationale sur l'inventaire des ~ Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les change- gaz a effet de serre et Jes mesures d'attenuation. Ce ments climatiques (CCNUCC), le 30 mai 1998, projet d'une duree de 30 mois sera couvert par un · ~ Convention sur la lutte contre la desertification (CCD), montant de USD 330.000. le 22 octobre 1998, ~ Convention de Vienne sur la couche d'ozone et le Protocole de Montreal, le 11 octobre 2001, 198 AS SE M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G S ~ Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques persistants (POPs), le 29 mai 2002. Toutes les conventions qui restent seront bientot soumises aux instances habitees pour ratification ou adhesion. Un certain nombre de projets viennent d'etre endosses et transmis au Secretariat du FEM, a savoir : 1. Projet d'electrification rural par des microcentrales hydroelectriques presente par le ministere d'energie, de l'eau et des ressources naturelles (MINERENA) et dont l'Agence d'execution sera l'ONUDI. 2. Projet de restauration de la biodiversite des aires pro- tegees des forets de montagne presente par le ministere des Terres, de la Reinstallation et de la Protection de !'Environnement (MINITERE). 3. Projet d'elaboration des activites habilitantes facilitant la mise en CEuvre de la Convention de Stockholm sur les polluants organiques persistants (POPs). 4. Projet du programme de gestion de l'agro-ecosysteme dans la limite du bassin de la riviere Akagera (sous- regional) Compte tenu des repercussions du genocide sur l'environ- nement humain et physique, nous demanderons au Conseil du FEM/GEF d'attirer une attention particuliere a ces projets soumis par le Gouvernement rvvandais, car actuellement, les problemes d'erosion, glissements deter- rain, deforestation, et stocks de pesticides perimes necessi- tent des interventions d'urgence. Quant a notre gouvernement, je reitere nos engagements relatifs a la mise en CEUVre des differentes Conventions environnementales ainsi que les recommandations du Sammet sur le developpement durable tenu a Johannesbourg. ST AT E M E NT S BY R E P R ES E NT AT IV E S 199 STATEMENT OF SENEGAL MODOU FADA DIAGNE, MINISTER OF YOUTH, ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH C'est pour moi un reel plaisir de prendre la parole devant Le Processus africain pour la protection de l'environnement cette auguste assemblee pour exprimer l'interet que man marin et cotier vient de terminer sa phase preparatoire par pays, en tant que representant du college electoral A de la la presentation d'une centaine de projets et programmes CEDEAO au sein du Conseil d'administration du Fonds pour d'action nationaux, regionaux et sous-regionaux dont la !'Environnement Mondial, accorde a la presente rencontre. mise en ceuvre a ete recommandee au sortir de la Conference du partenariat tenue a Johannesbourg le 2 . En effet, cette assemblee se tient apres le Sammet de septembre 2002. Johannesbourg OU d'importantes decisions ant ete prises dans le but d'asseoir le developpement durable, non II a ete retenu la creation d'un secretariat interimaire du seulement sur la planete tout entiere, mais specialement valet Environnement du NEPAD que le Senegal va abriter dans notre continent l'Afrique qui souffre beaucoup de la en sa qualite de coordonnateur. pauvrete et des consequences negatives des phenomenes mondiaux sur l'environnement (Changements climatiques, A cet effet, je lance un appel pour que les procedures du · desertification, inondation, perte de biodiversite etc. .. ) FEM soient mieux connues en Afrique, a travers la multipli- cation des rencontres intitulees « Dialogues du pays autour Le plan d'action de Johannesbourg consacre son chapitre 8 de !'institution FEM ». aux initiatives de developpement durable pour l'Afrique. La realisation de cette initiative pourrait contribuer a ren- Et comme vous le savez, les luttes contre la desertification forcer les capacites de recherche de partenariat qui con- et la degradation des terres constituent des elements cles stitue la vision fondamentale du NEPAD, espoir de de !'elimination de la pauvrete dans les pays saheliens dont l'Afrique. je suis le porte parole. Le Sammet mondial pour le developpement durable a Je me rejouis done que la presente Assemblee generale vecu, c'est maintenant que commence pour nous, pays en puisse prendre des decisions pertinentes pour ouvrir le developpement, !'obligation de reussir l'objetif fondamen- Fonds pour l'environnement mondial (FEM) au financement tal, qui est de reduire d'ici 2015 de moitie le taux de popu- d'activites de lutte contre la desertification, en rapport avec lations pauvres. les impacts des changements climatiques et la perte de la biodiversite. C'est pour cela que !'engagement politique de la communaute internationale exprime dans la declaration Je lance done un appel a la communaute internationale politique de Johannesbourg doit se realiser par la mise a pour que cette opportunite offerte puisse etre concretisee disposition de moyens financiers adequats pour executer le rapidement comme resultats du Sammet. plan d'action. Je profite de cette occasion pour saluer la troisieme Je ne saurais terminer sans remercier le Gouvernement de restructuration financiere du FEM, qui a inscrit parmi ses la Republique Populaire de Chine pour l'accueil chaleureux priorites ces actions relatives a la lutte contre la desertifica- et !'organisation impeccable de la rencontre que nous tion et la degradation des terres. tenons aujourd'hui. Le president Abdoulaye Wade, president de la Republique du Senegal a en charge, dans le cadre du NEPAD, la coor- dination du valet Environnement. Un plan d'action environnemental du NEPAD est en ~ours d'elaboration grace a l'appui du FEM que je sollicite encore, au nom des pays africains, pour renforcer l'appui apporte en vue d'assurer !'execution et le suivi des projets el abores. 200 A SSE M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S STATEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA CRISPIAN OLVER, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM It is clear that the GEF has become the leading multilateral The GEF has made good ground and progress in imple- mechanism providing approximately US$ 4 billion in grant menting the recommendations of the 1st Assembly, which and concessional financing and mobilizing an additional was aimed at improving the performance and effectiveness US$12 billion in financing for global environmental protec- of the GEF. The OPS-2 also indicated in its findings that the tion. It has increased its membership to 173 participating "GEF has produced significant results for the global envi- states and has funded over 1000 projects in 160 countries. ronmental protection and sustainable development". The South Africa congratulates the GEF on the role it has played GEF in implementing the recommendations of the 1st and its achievements in global environmental protection. Assembly has achieved various positive impacts in South Africa. We welcome the recently agreed level of the third replen- ishment of the GEF Trust Fund an.d believe it is a positive One of the recommendations stated that "GEF activities move in the right direction. We urge countries to make should be country driven and efforts should be strength- contributions to the GEF Trust fund so as to enable the ened to achieve country ownership of projects". In April GEF to address the funding requirements of the existing 2000 South Africa became the first country to host the and new focal areas and continue to be responsive to the Country Dialogue Workshops. The workshop, which was needs and concerns of its recipient countries. Furthermore attended by over 100 participants contributed greatly to: we encourage the GEF to leverage additional funds from ~ Informing a broad-based national audience about the key public and private organizations, improve the manage- GEF - its mission, strategy, policies and procedures. ment of funds trough more speedy and streamlined proce- ~ Facilitating national stakeholder inputs and information dures and simplify its project cycle. sharing on the country's GEF program so as to ensure it reflects national priorities for GEF assistance. South Africa is a large country with a diverse ecological, ~ Providing practical information on how to access GEF social and economic landscape confronting a range of resources and how to propose, prepare and implement pressing social and economic problems, most notably GEF-financed activities, including dissemination of widespread poverty and socio-economic inequities, and information on best practices and lessons learned. global environmental management concerns. The Government recognises that efforts to secure global envi- Furthermore the Country Dialogue Workshop played a cat- ronmental benefits need to be nested within a larger alytic role in the Department establishing a South African framework for sustainable development that addresses the GEF management and endorsement system. The workshop root causes of environmental degradation, promotes the also stimulated discussion on the development of a South development of livelihoods compatible with global environ- African GEF medium term priority framework. mental management objectives, secures the participation of all sectors of society in the decision making and imple- In Early 2001 South Africa developed with the support of mentation framework and contributes to pushing back the the GEF and its Implementing Agencies the South African frontiers of poverty. This is critical to build the foundations GEF medium term priority framework The purpose of the for long-term sustainability. document was to spell out a framework for prioritising GEF supported activities in South Africa over the next 3 The Global Environment Facility (GEF) presents South Africa years, as the more detailed long-term programmatic with a vehicle for advancing global environmental objectives approach is being developed. This document was tabled within the context of national development policies and before the Cabinet and approved in June 2001. The priority programmes. South Africa is strongly committed to imple- framework document has planted the GEF initiatives within menting its commitments under the various Multilateral the South African national development agendas giving the Environmental Agreements and has assumed a leading role GEF portfolio strategic alignment and focus, and making on the sub-regional level through SADC, on the regional the GEF programme in South Africa truly country driven. level through the African Union and the New Partnership These developments directly relate to the 1st Assembly rec- for African Development (NEPAD) and on the international omme.ndations that the "GEF should undertake longer- stage at events such as the World Summit on Sustainable term planning and multi-year programs with a view to Development which was recently held in Johannesburg. maximising global environment benefits". ST AT E M E NT S BY R EP R ES EN TAT I V E S 20 I The United Nations General Assembly bestowed a great and ensuring that these programmes are anchored within honor on South Africa by accepting our invitation to host the sub-regional and regional development agendas such the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in as NEPAD. It should be noted that the GEF and UNEP Johannesburg. For us it was not only a great honor to host together with the African countries are working together a Summit to address the challenges for the "People", the on developing the environmental component of NEPAD "Planet" and for "Prosperity" but to have you the global namely, the "Environment Initiative". community as guests in our beautiful country. We hope that that your visit to South Africa has left you with special South Africa supports the idea of "Enhancement of GEF memories of a warm people and a country alive with pos- activities at the country level". However, we believe that sibilities. Even though the World Summit on Sustainable the GEF has not clearly identified and documented firstly Development was the biggest international gathering ever the roles and responsibilities of Focal Points and secondly, held in Africa, the (WSSD) left Johannesburg, cleaner and clearly highlighted the activities and impacts on developing greener. Greening the WSSD ensured that the Summit was countries related engaging with the GEF. Countries are organised along environmental "best practice" lines, and informed as to the GEF, its mission, priorities and proce- that the impacts generated by the 37000 delegates were dures to access funding without clearly been informed as minimised. to the implications both human and financial that is required from them. The GEF in collaboration with the UNDP, the IUCN and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation, It would be useful if the GEF would undertake a study to Environment and Land Affairs played key role in making identify the new roles and responsibilities of Focal Points the Greening Initiative come to fruition. The Greening and Constituencies as well as identify the requirements Initiative was not only a unique and novel attempt at both human and financial on developing countries in terms reducing the environmental impacts of a major UN Summit of engaging with the GEF especially in the light of imple- but it also made a statement highlighting the cutting edge, menting the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit. innovative, flexible and responsive ways the GEF can con- Furthermore the GEF should, within its mandate, provide tribute to assisting developing countries in address global financial resources to developing countries, in particular environmental challenges. least developed countries and small island developing States, to meet their capacity needs for training, technical The OPS-2, which was a very useful exercise, managed to know-how and strengthening national institutions in reliable, expose a number of challenges that face the GEF in effec- affordable, economically viable, socially acceptable and tively addressing the global environmental challenges. One environmentally sound energy, including promoting energy of the major challenges is the strengthening the GEF activi- efficiency and conservation, renewable energy and ties at the country level. South Africa believes that improv- advanced energy technologies, including advanced and ing country ownership and capacity building are essential cleaner fossil fuel technologies; in improving performance and achieving sustainable results. From our experience with working with the GEF it The release of persistent organic substances, including has become apparent to us the extent of the bureaucratic some pesticides and industrial chemicals is recognised as a and administrative load the GEF has placed on govern- serious problem in South Africa in light of the serious ment, and the lack of any institutional support or capacity threats to human health and bioaccumulation within the to deal with this load. food chain. In terms of land degradation some 25% of South Africa's lands are classed as severely degraded. 90% South Africa is of the opinion that the GEF Focal Point has of the national territory, which is dominated by arid and a much greater role in effectively managing the overall GEF semiarid lands, lies within a desertification risk area. programme within the country so as to ensure that the GEF initiatives are nested within the national development South African supports the Council's decision to amend agendas, enhance the GEF's financial leveraging capacities, the "Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured and improve prospects for replicating and sustaining inter- GEF" to designate land degradation, primarily desertifica- ventions. tion and deforestation, and persistent organic pollutants as new GEF focal areas. The GEF should ensure that sufficient Furthermore much of the focus has been limited to the resources are made available for these new focus areas country level. From a South African perspective we are par- without negatively impacting on the resources for existing ticipating in environmental initiatives of global significance focus areas. not only on a national level but sub-regionally (SADC), regionally (African Union) and globally. We believe that the In terms of land degradation we would like the Assembly GEF constituencies can play a greater and more pro-active to consider making the GEF a financial mechanism of the role in developing sub-regional and regional programmes Convention, taking into account the prerogatives and deci- 202 A 5 5 E M B LY P R0 C E E D I N G 5 sions of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention · mechanisms to complement the work of the GEF monitor- and recognizing the complementary roles of GEF and the ing and evaluation unit. Global Mechanisms of the Convention in providing and mobilizing resources for the elaboration and implementa- In 1992 the Earth Summit called on the GEF to promote tion of action programmes. sustainable development and protect our global environ- ment through concerted global, regional and national Given the limited GEF resources available to address the action. The World Summit on Sustainable Development in vast global environmental challenges it is desirable that the Johannesburg had opened the way for the world to take GEF develop strategic business plans for the allocation of new strides in the foremost challenge of our time - the these resources within and among focal areas with a view eradication of poverty and closing the gap between rich to maximising their impacts. However, South Africa togeth- and poor, combined with protection of the environment. er with a few other countries has embarked on a process The GEF should integrate the Johannesburg Summit out- to develop a long-term programmatic approach. Apart comes in its activities and programmes. South Africa looks from the allocation of resources within and among focal forward to continued fruitful cooperation with the GEF areas we are interested to ascertain how the GEF intends and its family in our unified fight to addressing the global allocating resources for medium and long-term pro- environmental challenges and pushing back the frontiers grammes of countries. of poverty. South Africa endorses the idea that the GEF should strengthen its catalytic role, through mainstreaming, co- financing, and particularly the replication of successful activities on a much larger scale. We believe however that the GEF needs to adopt a pragmatic approach to the issue of co-financing in relation to the global environmental challenges. It is evident that not all GEF participating coun- tries have the same ability to mobilize the kind of co- financing to leverage GEF resources. In the absence of a flexible and pragmatic co-financing policy it would be diffi- cult for those countries to attract the GEF resources even though the environmental challenges they may face are great and the impact on global environmental benefits high. Increased private sector co-operation and pioneering com- mercial approaches to delivering environmental benefits through developing and expanding effective market demand in developing countries will definitely enhance the sustainability and replication. South Africa supports the idea of the GEF Secretariat, in collaborati_on with the Implementing agencies and Executing Agencies, develop a new strategy to better engage the private sector. However, we feel that the GEF Focal Points can play a crucial role in engaging with the private sector and urge the GEF to take into consideration the role of country focal points when developing the strategy. A greater role of the country focal point in private sector engagement will greatly enhance the country driven-ness of the GEF initiatives. Measuring performance through specifically designed indi- cators and strengthened monitoring and evaluation is an important element in ensuring that the strategic.goals and priorities are achieved. Furthermore the monitoring and evaluation should be transparent and independent, reporting directly to Council. South Africa believes however, that the monitoring and evaluation can be enhanced and maximised through capacitating the countries through the focal points to develop in country monitoring and evaluation ST AT E M E N TS BY R E P RE SE N TAT I V ES 203 STATEMENT OF SPAIN ANGEL MARTIN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR MULTILATERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ~ Me gustarfa en primer /ugar agradecer al Gobierno de ~ Y queremos referirnos de forma especial a la desig- la Republica Popular China par acoger esta II Asamblea naci6n de la degradaci6n de tierras (desertificaci6n de/ FMAM y darnos la oportunidad de intercambiar y deforestaci6n) coma una nueva area focal del posturas y abordar las desaffos en el futuro pr6ximo. FMAM. Espana ha venido apoyando desde hace anos la definici6n de este grave problema medioam- ~ Desde la I Asamblea celebrada en Nueva Delhi en 1998 biental coma problema global. Nos comp/ace la han tenido lugar diversos acontecimientos de destaca- adopci6n de la recomendaci6n para que el FMAM da importancia para la comunidad internacional. En el sea el mecanismo financiero del Convenio. ano 2000 se fijaron /os Objetivos de Desarrollo de/ Milenio, cuya consecuci6n sera nuestro reto para las Todas estas decisiones son fie/ reflejo de la confianza que pr6ximos anos. En la Conferencia sabre la Financiaci6n a nivel internacional tiene el Fonda par el buen trabajo para Desarrollo de Monterrey se establecieron nuevas realizado. acciones conjuntas entre las pafses desarrollados y en desarrollo, para que sabre la base de la responsabilidad ~ El segundo mayor reto que tenemos frente a nosotros mutua se consigan las recursos necesarios para el cre- es el incremento de la capacidad de absorci6n de las cimiento sostenible y la erradicaci6n de la pobreza. En pafses participantes y el aumento de la capacidad de Johannesburgo se ha dado un paso mas, al adoptarse ejecuci6n de las entidades que realizan las proyectos. nuevos compromisos y metas, en el acceso y Los logros a/canzados en este ambito han dado /ugar a saneamiento de/ agua, las productos qufmicos, la salud, una escasez de recursos financieros. la agricultura, la biodiversidad, etc. ~ Par esta raz6n no queremos dejar .de referirnos a la ~ Ahora que hemos alcanzado un consenso sin prece- Tercera Reposici6n del FMAM a la que Espana ha con- dentes en la definici6n del desarrof/o sostenible coma tribuido aumentando en cerca de un 50% su contribu- un objetivo que debe guiar nuestras polfticas econ6mi- ci6n en moneda nacional. Nuestro pafs tenfa, coma cas, sociales y medioambientales, es necesario convertir muchos otros, importantes expectativas respecto a esta las ideas y las planteamientos compartidos en acciones Reposici6n que, lamentablemente, no han sido satisfe- concretas. chas en su totalidad. Crefamos que era el momenta de dar un paso decidido para consolidar el papel del ~ La Cumbre de Johannesburgo debe ser un hito en la FMAM asumiendo retos importantes y revisando trayectoria del FMAM y hacernos pensar que muchos algunos aspectos que dificultaban su labor. Sin embar- de las retos planteados en la anterior Asamblea del go, no fue posible abordar estos desaffos satisfactoria- FMAM persisten aun y que a el/os hay que anadir otros mente. Aun asf, ce/ebramos el hecho de que se alcan- nuevos. zara un acuerdo que contribuy6 al exito de la Cumbre de Johannesburgo. ~ En primer lugar estamos asumiendo nuevos mandatos par parte de las convenios ambientales internacionales, Para esta nueva etapa que ahora se inicia, Espana quiere · que incluyen: insistir en algunos aspectos que consideramos estrategicos: ~ La administraci6n de tres nuevos fondos: el Fonda 1. En primer lugar, creemos que el papel catalizador Especial de Cambia Climatico, el Fonda para las desempenado par el FMAM necesita ser potenciado, Pafses Menas Adelantados y el Fonda de de forma que tanto las tres organismos de ejecuci6n Adaptaci6n. coma las entidades encargadas de ejecutar las proyec- tos sean capaces de obtener financiaci6n adicional para ~ La aplicaci6n de/ Protocolo de Cartagena sabre las proyectos, de forma que las recursos del FMAM seguridad de la Biotecnologia y la actuaci6n coma puedan tener un efecto multiplicador. mecanismo financiero de/ Convenio sabre /os conta- minantes organicos persistentes. 2. En segundo lugar, en coherencia con lo anterior y con vistas a obtener una mayor implicaci6n del sector priva- 204 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S do en las proyectos apoyados par el FMAM, defen- demos la revision, a la luz de la experiencia de las organismos de ejecuci6n, de la definici6n de las castes incrementales y las "beneficios globales". Tambien queremos resaltar la importancia de desarrollar metodologfas para evaluar el cumplimiento de nuestros objetivos ambientales. 3. En tercer lugar, creemos que deben continuarse los esfuerzos realizados con objeto de clarificar las fun- ciones y responsabilidades de todas las instituciones que participan en la toma de decisiones del FMAM, con vistas a una simplificaci6n del ciclo de las proyectos. Creemos que la complejidad de las procesos existentes supone uno de las elementos mas desincentivadores de la participaci6n, tanto de agentes gubernamentales coma de empresas. Par tanto, no deben escatimarse los esfuerzos para obtener una mejora en la trans- parencia y el seguimiento de las proyectos financiados par el FMAM. 4. Par ultimo, Espana cree que el FMAM debe ocupar un lugar protagonista en el marco internacional del Desarrollo Sostenible y que para ello debe hacer un particular esfuerzo en lo que se refiere a su distribuci6n geografica. Es cierto que las beneficios del media ambiente global no dependen de la ubicaci6n geografica sino de la eficiencia de las proyectos realizados. Creemos mas bien en la importancia de diseriar instru- mentos que todas las partes, donantes y receptores, consideren suyos, yen las que tengan cabida la partici- paci6n equilibrada de todos. El FMAM naci6 con esta vocaci6n: el media ambiente global es la contribuci6n de todos en beneficio de todos. Y quiza este es el mayor reto para las pr6ximos arias. Muchos de estos desaffos estan ya siendo abordados y, sin duda, entre todos iremos alcanzando nuestros objetivos. En un momenta tan crucial en la trayectoria del FMAM coma nos encontramos ahora, Espana apoya, de forma decidida coma lo ha venido hacienda desde su creaci6n, a un instrumento que ha demostrado ser, ante todo, vivo e integrador. y creemos que este espfritu debe seguir dirigiendo nuestros pasos. STATE M ENT S BY REP RES ENT AT IVES 205 STATEMENT OF SWEDEN RUTH JACOBY, STATE SECRETARY FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Allow me first to thank the Government of China for host- groups, governments, the civil society and the private sector. ing this 2nd Assembly of the Global Environment Facility We expect as an outcome a visionary yet pragmatic report, and the people of Beijing for the warm hospitality they which suggests priorities for the provision of GPGs, prag- have shown. matic ways for delivery and financing, and guidance on who should be expected to take initiatives and to follow up. We have a huge and challenging task ahead of us. The Millennium Development Goals, complemented by the The 2nd Overall Performance Study of the GEF shows that decisions reached at the Doha Conference on Trade and the Facility has performed well in its task of providing new Development, the Financing for Development Conference and additional funding for global environmental concerns. and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, have It is important that the mandate of the GEF; to finance the set the agenda for the global community for the next provision of Global Public Goods in the field of environment, decade. These goals do not just show the tremendous does not get diluted, but is kept as the guiding light for responsibility we bear. The goals also point out how central future policy development. environment is for a decent life and a life in dignity. They also set a framework for the environmental conventions But environment can neither at the local, nor at the that guide the GEF. national or global levels, be seen as a separate issue. Today, we have wide knowledge of the importance of environment The World Summit on Sustainable Development in for sustainable development. But knowledge is .not Johannesburg illustrated that in a globalised world, an enough. We must also increase our efforts if this knowl- increasing number of issues cannot be handled at the edge is to be mainstreamed in development co-operation. national level alone. The only viable way forward is To succeed, for example more coherent policies and better through increased co-operation at the regional and at the integration of environment into development co-operation international level. This insight is indeed not new. For a are needed. The GEF has an important role to play in this long time we have had a discussion on the need for better aspect. It must continue its efforts to facilitate the integra- global governance. And we have made progress. In the tion of global environmental challenges into national plan- field of environment there are already a number of global ning processes, and to help build capacity for this purpose. and regional instruments in place for concerted interna- The Facility must also continue its efforts to mainstream tional action on Global Public Goods. They are all well global environmental issues in the work of the known to this audience. One of the most innovative inven- Implementing and Executing Agencies. tions in the area of financing Global Public Goods is how- ever the reason why we are all gathered here; the Global Furthermore, it is important that the efforts to use GEF Environment Facility. The creation of the GEF was a major means as a catalyst for increased co-financing and leverag- step forward. It remains an innovative mechanism for dealing ing of other sources, including the private sector, are rein- with new challenges without fragmenting our institutional forced. High priority should also be given to strenghtening and operational capacities. It builds upon the complemen- the Monitoring and Evaluation function within the GEF, as tary strenghts of the UN and Bretton Woods systems. a necessary instrument to make progress in the complex mandate of producing global environmental benefits. There is however a need for more systematic thinking, and action, when it comes to providing and financing global Global environmental issues have been on the develop- and regional public goods. We need to prioritise among ment agenda since well before the Rio-summit, but the them. The responsibility for this must be shared between way we approach this subject has changed considerably. all countries. The financing also has to come from a multi- The lessons learned include the importance of stakeholder tude of sources. These are complicated issues. participation, and an integrated approach to solving our common environmental concerns. Also, local ownership of It is for this reason that Sweden, together with France and investments in environment must be developed. Users and UNDP. has launched an international and independent Task other stakeholders must participate as governors of the Force on Global Public Goods. It will work in a highly con- resources in local management and planning. In many sultative manner and seek input from different regions, developing countries, it is the women who have the main 206 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C E ED I N G S I responsibility for day to day management of the natural resources; they bring home water and fuel wood, and they produce the food. It is therefore of particular importance to involve them in decisions. Finally, we welcome the decision by the Assembly to desig- nate land degradation and persistent organic pollutants as focal areas, as well as the confirmation that the GEF is available to serve as an entity entrusted with the operation of the financial mechanism of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. We also welcome the substantial replenishment of the GEF that will enable the Facility to fulfil these extended tasks, while still maintaining its activities in existing focal areas. We are especially happy that some of the recipient countries in the GEF have found it possible to contribute to the fund as donors. Sweden is proud to maintain its share of the fund, and we have already announced our intention to contribute a supplementary amount of 100 million SEK to GEF for the 3rd replenishment. We call upon other donors, who have not already done so, to follow suit. We all have a responsibility in the further development of this mechanism of global responsibility and innovation. We must not let it down. ST AT E M E N TS BY R E P RE S E NT AT IV E S 207 STATEMENT OF SWITZERLAND PH I LIPPE ROCH, STATE SECRETARY I am grateful for the opportunity to speak before the I would like to thank those participating in the Third Second GEF Assembly. First of all, I would like to join others Replenishment of the GEF and the establishment of the in expressing my sincere gratitude to the Government of three new Climate Change funds that are in the process of China for its gracious hospitality. We are impressed by the being established. These are highly significant achievements high degree of professionalism demonstrated by our host, that serve to translate many of the important commitments and all others who have assisted, in securing the flawless of Johannesburg into action that make a real difference at organization of this important event. Thank you. the ground level. We have lived some difficult moments in the replenishment process and at one point had to post- Turning to the issues before us, I want to state that consid- pone the conclusion of the negotiations, because one erable progress has been achieved in protecting the global donor country refused to support a higher level of funding. environment since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. It is now Switzerland and others used this interval for diplomatic well established that many of the most vexing environmental interventions at the highest government levels. Thanks to problems facing us today are of a transboundary nature, the flexibility demonstrated by the United States, we were underlining the need for collective action to slow and eventually able to conclude negotiations at a significantly eventually reverse the existing trends of human-induced higher replenishment level. environmental degradation. The GEF itself has its roots in the historic processes leading up to the Rio Conference I am also convinced that the set of policy recommendations and it still stands out today as an innovative and pioneer- that forms part of the GEF Replenishment has the potential ing institution. The Monterrey Conference earlier this year to significantly increase the efficiency and impact of GEF issued a call for closer cooperation between the Bretton interventions, as will the various efforts at organizational Woods institutions and the United Nations. Those of us streamlining, as based on the OPS-2 recommendations. familiar with the GEF were aware that such cooperation has been a reality in the GEF since its inception more than Again, I want to express my gratitude to all those that a decade ago. have contributed to these achievements. A special thanks goes to the CEO of the GEF, Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry. It is At the World Summit for Sustainable Development in hard to see how we could have succeeded the way we did Johannesburg, the international community has reaffirmed with the replenishment without his skillful, if not masterful its commitment to sustainable development. A "Plan of conduct of these difficult rounds of negotiations. Anyone Implementation" was adopted, but it is rather short on who has followed the performance of Mr. El-Ashry as CEO concrete time-bound commitments and ta.rgets. On the of the GEF know that he possesses a rare combination of other hand, the fact that the WSSD-outcome is vague in personal and professional qualities. His uncontested profes- many regards has in fact significantly enhanced the profile sional competence in environmental management is paired and relevance of the GEF. with fine political sensibility and impressive diplomatic skill. His exceptional abilities have contributed to a very large The Johannesburg Conference also constitutes a further degree to the continuing improvement of GEF operations. important step towards general recognition that The same can be said about the strong improvements we Environmental Protection is a condition for Poverty have seen over the years in the relations between the GEF Reduction and sustainable socio-economic development. and the Conventions it serves. And needless to say, after Here the GEF plays a crucial role. Many of its projects have every "family fight" within the GEF we were always better multiple benefits and promote sustainable livelihoods for off than before, due to the CEO's talent for finding fruitful the poor, while protecting the environment and the natural solutions to complex problems. resource base of economic development. Now that GEF funds have been replenished and its structure and processes As I mentioned before, the GEF plays a pivotal role in enhanced, we can expect it to become even more off a translating the important commitments made at WSSD catalyst, by initiating coordinated actions and targeted and in the context of multilateral environmental agree- cooperation at the global level, to implement the agreed ments into action. It is clear, however, that GEF resources strategic responses to global environmental problems. alone cannot achieve the monumental tasks before us. The GEF has already demonstrated a remarkable ability to forge 208 A SS E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S new partnerships, to launch innovative approaches, and to its functioning. COP 8 of the FCCC which begins next mobilize additionai resources. For the next phase of the week represents the next opportunity to streamline such GEF we are all called upon to help increase the leverage of guidance to make it more useful. GEF interventions and to enhance their sustainability. As everything in the GEF, this will require a collaborative As you know, the GEF mandate is being significantly effort. We can all be of direct assistance from within our expanded by this Assembly. As you know, Switzerland has areas of responsibility. Cofinancing arrangements need to been among the outspoken advocates for the inclusion of become more firm and more plentiful, but at the same chemicals and land degradation. We also strongly support time we should refrain from introducing overly rigid targets. a clear message to the COP of the UNCCD that the GEF The Implementing Agencies and all specially designated stands ready to serve as financial mechanism for this Executing Agencies of the GEF must in this next phase of Convention, should the COP decide accordingly. In both of the GEF continue with their efforts to mainstream global the GEF's new focal areas it will be important to work from environmental concerns in their regular operations. the outset in an integrative manner to take full advantage of obvious synergies. In all focal areas of the GEF it will be crucial to secure an increased engagement by the private sector and national This brings me to a theme that runs like a thread through governments alike. Regarding the private sector, we must all GEF activities and actually links them together: In all continue to facilitate innovative ways to engage it more areas of the GE F's work we need more integrated effectively in the GEF. The GEF should not shy away from approaches and better coherence to ensure that GEF project dismantling any unnecessary procedural barriers to private interventions are mutually reinforcing and that they deliver sector participation, even if that entails the delegation of sustainable and measurable impact. For me, this issue is commitment authority for GEF funds. At the same time, directly linked to the need for more integration and direct however, the GEF must insist on the timely delivery of con- cooperation among the numerous multilateral environmental crete results by actors from the private sector. On both agreements. accounts, there is currently ample room for improvement. We look forward to the new strategy to be presented to The issue of Water is a good example of this. Here it the next Council meeting and would like it to be assessed makes little sense to focus on distributional aspects alone, very carefully before adoption. For this purpose, we plan to while failing to preserve the underlying resource base. The organize a consultation among private sector and Agency sustainable management of water resources must begin representatives and Council Members, just prior to the with effective and integrated management of ecosystems. Council meeting next May. If we fail to protect forests and wetlands, if we do not manage soils with precaution, water will become increas- Increased private sector participation will also be required ingly scarce and polluted. The GEF must contribute to the to better demonstrate and establish sustainable use in the development of more integrated approaches and build on Biodiversity focal area. The adoption of guidelines for the obvious synergies among biodiversity, forest, wetland access and benefit-sharing was a major success, but the and soil management. words now need to be translated into deeds. Here we clearly cannot succeed without the meaningful and sincere Anoth,er topic that comes to mind when speaking of inte- participation of the private sector. grated approaches is Climate Change. The very nature of Climate Change requires that we tackle it with a long term Regarding the relations between the GEF and the view. However, it is precisely the long timeframes required Conventions it serves as financial mechanism, I am pleased for systemic changes in the energy sector that make it nec- to note that these relations have improved significantly essary to launch concrete measures without delay. We can after being rather contentious for years. Now, government ill afford non-participation in the international agreements negotiators should also become more mindful of the exist- on Climate Change that we have spent years to establish ing division of labor between the Conventions and the within the framework of the UN. GEF. This should be reflected in the Guidance of the Conventions issued to the GEF as financial mechanism. In this focal area, the GEF has done valuable work to pro- · Such guidance must in future be more focused on strategic mote renewable energy and to remove barriers to their issues and better prioritized. We have to depart from the adoption. Switzerland is proud to have facilitated a major current model in which long and incoherent lists of overly strategic review of the use of Solar PV in this. We are detailed requests are issued on an annual basis, with little pleased to hear that a similar review is now being planned consideration for the institution at the receiving end that is for wind energy. We categorically support such efforts arid supposed to translate it all into action in a way that pleases call on Council members to engage in these efforts to better everyone. The GEF cannot but work with the resources at define the strategic priorities of the GEF. its disposition and on the basis of the agreed processes for ST AT E M E N T S BY R E P R ES EN TAT I V ES 209 Integrated approaches are also needed in the new Chemicals focal area, which is initially focussed on the Stockholm POPs Convention. If not, we may narrowly focus on the elimination of obsolete POPs stockpiles while, for example, allowing for the continuation of detrimental waste-related practices such as those covered by the Basel Convention. In the Chemicals area I attach great impor- tance to one of the few real successes of WSSD, which is the agreement to forge an overarching Strategy on Chemicals. I expect UNEP to take the lead and begin this work without delay, with active support of the GEF. In closing, let me turn briefly to the inner workings of the GEF. Here I very much appreciate the recent agreement on operational procedures and responsibilities between the GEF Secretariat and the Implementing Agencies. Such agreements are never easy in this rather unique settihg of multiple bureaucracies we have in the GEF. Thanks to the efforts of the CEO and the Implementing Agencies, we can now expect much closer and improved cooperation within the GEF family. The GEF is a great idea and a great achievement. It gives hope in a puzzled world in search of new values. The GEF offers concrete solutions and concrete action. Switzerland has been a strong supporter of the GEF from the begin- ning, and we will continue to engage with energy and conviction. for a successful GEF. 210 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF TAJIKISTAN RUSTAN LATIPOV, FIRST DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION npe>K,Qe BCero MHS XOTSJlOCb 6bl npLtlCOS,D,VIHVITbC~ K Bblpa>KSHVl~M 6narop,apHOCTVI npaBVITSJlbCTBY VI Hapop,y KV1Tas:I 3a OKa3aHHblll1 pap,yWHbJJ/1 npVleM VI rocTenpVIVIMCTBO, a TaK>Ke rocnO,D,VIHY Anb-AWpVI 3a npeKpaCHYIO opraHVl3aL.IVllO pa6oTbl HacTOs:lll\8111 AccaM6neVI. 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Oaa60YeHHOCTb cocTos:iHllleM oKpy>KalOLl.\SM cpeAbl WeHTpanbHOH Aa111111 111 Heo6XO,QlllMOCTb aKTl/lBl/l3al...\llllll COBM9CTHblX ASHCTBl/lH B peweHl/llll 3KOnOrllll.f9CKl/lX npo6neM coa,Qan111 npeAnocbrnKy .Qns:i paapa6oTKlll PernoHanbHoro nnaHa ASHCTBlllH no oxpaHe oKpy>KalOLl.\SM cpeAbl. B anpene 1998 ro.Qa ns:iTb MlllHlllCTpoe cTpaH WeHTpanbHOH Aa111111 aas:ie111n111 o Heo6xo.QlllMOCTlll paapa6orK111 TaKoro nnaHa. B HaCTOs:lll.\ee epeMs:i no.QroToeneH Ans:i 06cy>K.QeH111s:i npoeKT "noA.Qep>KKlll BHe.QpeH111s:i PernoHanbHOro nnaHa ASHCTBlllH no oxpaHe oKpy>KalOLl.\SH cpe.Qbl WeHTpanbHOH Aa111111". Per1110HanbHb1C1 nnaH .QeHcTBlllH s:iens:ieTcs:i ea>KHblM waroM .Qns:i peweHllls:i He TOnbKO 3KOnOrllll.f9CKlllX, HO Ill COL\lll8nbH0-3KOHOMl/ll.f9CKl/lX npo6neM. npo6neMbl 3KOnOrllllll T9CHO CBs:l3aHbl CO CTpaTerneC1 YCTOHl.flllBOro pa3BlllTllls:I, noaToMy Heo6xOAlllMO ccpoKyc111po0aTb BHV1MaH111e Ha 111HTerpa4111111 eonpocoe oKpy>KalOLL\SM cpeAbl c aK0HoM111YecK111M111 111 co4111anbHblMlll 0onpocaM111. He ceKpeT, YTO MHorne aKonor111YecK111e npo6neMbl_ WeHrpanbHOH Aa111111 s:iens:iioTcs:i cne,QCTBllleM 6e,QHOCTlll Ill Hlll3Koro K81.f9CTBa co4111anbH0-6blTOBblX ycnOBlllH HaceneH111s:i. B aaKn10YeH111e s:i xoTen 6b1 noa.QpaBlllTb AOHopoe c ycnewHblM 3aeepweH111eM TpeTbero nononHeH111s:i TpacToeoro cpOHAa 13¢> 111 Bbrpa31/lTb Ha.Qe>K.Qy, YTO np111 pacnpe.QeneH111111 cpeACTB npo6neMbl oKpy>KalOLL\eL.1 cpe.Qbl 111 ycTOHYlllBOro paa0111T111s:i l_\eHTpanbHOH A3111111, e TOM Y111cne 111 Pecny6m1K111 Ta.Q>KlllKlllCTaH, 6YAYT YYTeHbl AOn>KHblM o6pa30M. 212 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF THAILAND WANEE SAMPHANTHARAK, DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND PLANNING On behalf of the Government of Thailand, I wish to express mented in Thailand by local communities, NGO's and aca- our deep appreciation to the Government and the people demic institutes. The programme in Thailand encourages of the People's Republic of China for so graciously hosting local people and communities to take actions and involve the Second GEF Assembly. I would like to congratulate in the decision making to solve environmental problems. you, Mr. Chairman, for your assumption to this very impor- Even though it is seemingly small in scope, but in working tant position. I would like also to express.my Government's with grass-root communities and other stakeholders, the gratitude to Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry for his dedication that GEF small grant programme plays an important role in makes GEF achieve remarkable progress at present. · environmental protection with a certain degree of accom- plishment. GEF has evolved from a pilot scheme in 1991 into a more transparent and effective multilateral financial mechanism In closing, Thailand would like to express our appreciation as it is today. The third replenishment of almost $3 billion to the GEF Secr.etariat for the support provided to us. The to the GEF Trust Fund clearly demonstrates the international devotion of time and energy by the Secretariat staff con- community's strong confidence in the institution. tributes significantly to the success of this meeting. I also Therefore, we would like to thank the donors for their take this opportunity to thank the Government and people generous support to GEF. As the scope of GEF activities of China for the excellent arrangements made for this has been expanded remarkably, it is necessary for GEF to meeting and the warm hospitality accorded to us since our be provided with adequate resources in the manner com- arrival. mensurate with its responsibilities. My delegation also see an increasingly important role of GEF becoming a vehicle for strengthening regional and sub regional cooperation. Both the Implementing and Executing agencies of GEF should look into the possibility of promoting more projects at the regional and sub regional levels, and the need for countries to implement .the projects to cope with environmental challenges together. As the world's overall environment continues to deteriorate, the role of GEF has become increasingly crucial to support global efforts to address and rectify the situation. My dele- gation, therefore, shares the views of others that the issue of land degradation constitutes an area which GEF should place high on its agenda. In this regard, Thailand would like to support the designation of land degradation as a new focal area for GEF's assistance, as called for by the Plan of Implementation for the WSSD. Another important issue recognized in the CEO's report is the "Capacity Development Initiative" (CDI) which requires an 18 month consultative process to make a broad needs assessment for capacity building, particularly in the area of biodiversity, climate change and land degradation. We strongly support this initiative as it will enhance the capacity building of developing countries. Thailand is very much supportive to GEF small grant pro- gramme. There are currently 149 projects being imple- STATEMENTS BY REP RES·E NTATIVES 213 STATEMENT OF TONGA JAMES CECIL COCKER, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT It is indeed an honour for the delegation of the Kingdom tries which participated, at the recently concluded World of Tonga to participate in this Second Assembly of the Summit on Sustainable Development. Global Environment Facility (GEF) which is currently held here in Beijing, China during 16-18 October, 2002. On To conclude accept please once again our sincere gratitude behalf of my delegation, please allow me to convey to the for the opportunity to address this GEF Assembly and I government of the People's Republic of China our most look forward to a successful conclusion. sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the most kind hospitalities that have been extended to us since our arrival in this most friendly and beautiful country. May I also congratulate you and the vice-chairpersons on your election to chair this Assembly. Please allow me further to thank the Chief Executive Officer of GEF, Mr. Mohamed El-Ashry, for his invaluable contributions to GEF, and the GEF Secretariat for the assis- tance which have made our participation at this Assembly possible. This is the first time for Tonga to attend any GEF- related meeting and given this, we are hopeful that our participation here will allow us to know more about GEF and thus put us in a position where we can plan a more effective role toward the global goal of protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development. With regard to Tonga's relationship with GEF, His Majesty's government wishes to place on record our appreciation to GEF for the support and assistance rendered to Tonga since the establishment of the Department of Environment in July 2001. Without this support and assistance, we could not have achieved what we have realized. Allow me to comment briefly on the outcome of the Second Overall Performance Study of the GEF. My delegation generally supports the recommendations, in particular those which are relevant to small island developing states. More particularly, we support the need to expedite access to the UNDP/GEF Small Grants Scheme by all the Pacific Small Island States without further delay. In terms of rein- forcing the capacity of GEF, my delegation welcomes the 3rd replenishment and the increased contributions to the Trust Fund and accordingly, we add our vote of thanks to the countries concerned. Tonga is a small country and our capacity to participate effectively in environmental protection and sustainable development is limited. We therefore need to increase efforts in capacity building and welcome technical assis- tance to assist us in playing a more effective role at the · national and international levels as expected of all coun- 214 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF TUNISIA SALAH HAMDI, AMBASSADOR TO CHINA First of all, I would like to thank the friend Chinese obligations that could not be realized without a narrow Government for the cordial welcome and the perfect coordination and an active international cooperation. organization of this meeting. Our thanks are also addressed to the promoters of this meeting in particular Tunisia has effectively committed itself in a partnership the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the continuous action and established relations of cooperation with several efforts it makes to realize all peoples' aspirations, namely bilateral and multilateral partners. It is within this framework the protection of global environment, as a fundamental that the cooperation with the GEF and its execution agencies factor of sustainable development. occupies a privileged place. I have also the pleasure to express to you, Mr. President, Indeed, this cooperation has been evolving and developing and the other members of the Bureau, the heartfelt con- thus contributing, for several years, both on the financial gratulations of the Tunisian delegation for your brilliant and capacity building levels to realize many projects. These election at the head of this honorable Assembly. actions have been undertaken in the different fields of intervention of the GEF. Our meeting is an important contribution, or even a great · step on the way of sustainable development of our planet The financial support provided by the GEF sustained the especially that it takes place after the important efforts made by my country to set its strategies and to Johannesburg Summit. reinforce its capacities in the protection of the biologic diversity, especially, in the setting up of a legislative frame- In effect, the consultation within the large family of the work, the protection of the ozone layer and the climate GEF will permit to reach the objective which has been set changes. by all of us: namely the protection of the world environ- ment in relation with sustainable development. Furthermore, we note with great satisfaction, the decision taken during the Johannesburg Summit, to extend the fields My country opted since 1987, for an integrated strategy of intervention of the GEF to include the persistent organic for sustainable development and environment protection pollutants and the land degradation. Tunisia gives a partic- characterized by realistic objectives and a continuous ular importance to these fields. The desertification threptens implementation. The approach drawn by his Excellency Mr. more than 75% of our national territory. The agricultural Zine El Abidine Ben Ali integrates the human factor in the and pastoral lands are submitted to a continuous deteriora- development process in the framework of an action tion essentially due to different forms water and wind ero- favouring the continuous bettering of welfare state. Man sion, to the salinisation of the land and to the overgrazing. being at the same time an actor of the development and All of these phenomena are aggravated by the climate its ultimate recipient. change that our country underwent these last years. Our economic and social development strategy takes great Moreover, we wish that the projects that will be care of the protection of environment and preservation of financed within this new window would be concrete and natural resources. In this context, our country is among the have positive and immediate impacts on the urban envi- first to have signed and ratified international conventions ronment and on the improvement of the quality of life. It such as the convent.ion on biodiversity, the framework con- is of utmost importance to get a firmer commitment vention on climate changes as well as the convention to among the different concerned actors in order to guaran- combat desertification, all of them operational fields of tee the implementation of this new mechanism. action of the GEF. Appropriate policies and concrete actions have been taken by reference to the commitments Also, and in order to concretize the quick realization of provided by these conventions. these orientations, it is appropriate to simplify the projects elaboration and selection procedures. Moreover, several components of the national environmental policy have been elaborated taking into account the global Tunisia calls to a mobilization of all concerned parties in environmental stakes inspired by the multiple international order to give a decisive impulse and a consolidation of pro- STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 215 grams and means contributing to the protection of the global environment. The experiences of these last years have shown the difficulties encountered by many countries to balance the economic development and the protection of the environment, which is considered a pillar of sustain- able development Our wish is that this new millennium marks a new stage of the regeneration of the world conscience in order to pre- serve our planet and to realize the sustainable develop- ment objectives on the basis of the international solidarity. It is within this context that H.E. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali presented his initiative to create an International Solidarity Fund. An initiative that has been adopted by the international community within the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Tunisian delegation hopes that efforts could be made in order to identify the means and mechanism? permitting to realize this initiative by the effective establishment of the Fund in order to contribute in the fight against poverty in different zones of the planet in the framework of global sustainable development approach. 216 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF TURKEY AYSEN KULAKOGLU, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, UNDERSECRETARIAT OF THE TREASURY First of all, I would like to state my pleasure to be here in It is important to note that the results of the world summit order to evaluate the activies performed by the global envi- on sustainable development focus on key challenges of ronment facility until today and to discuss the vision and environment and development facing both north and priorities of the facility in the following period. south and where the GEF and its partners have gained sig- nificant experience including sustainable energy; forests As we all have observed, the world summit on sustainable and biodiversity; land and water; innovative financial mech- development held in Johannesburg have put forward the anisms; capacity building; and sustainable development. contribution of the GEF to the objectives and targets on environment and sustainable development until today and Within this context,· regarding the scope and mission of strongly displayed that it is the most important and major the work, the outcomes of the johannesburg summit initially formation in this field. addresses the Global Environment Facility. We have the opinion that GEF, therefore should take the new and recent I would like to congratulate GEF for its capacity over the priorities introduced by the outcomes of the Johannesburg years to react and to formulate a number of new policies Summit as a reference on its subsequent work. and strategies. Although GEF is getting well equipped it has to implement and operationalize them. What counts are not What we have to do in this end is to diversify the focused so much the good policies but the tangible impacts of the activity fields of the GEF, which are biological diversity, operations, which bring the proof of GEF's adequacy and international waters and climate change and to determine effectiveness in responding to its clients' needs and thus con- the sub-captions of the present fields, particularly with tributing to the realization of the global environmental goals. regard to the requirements of the recipient countries. Because, the aforementioned summit have reaffirmed that Through our national implementations, the concentration the initial condition for achieving sustainable development of support particularly on the conservation of biodiversity and removing the environmental problems is closing the in the previous periods has led to the neglect of other resource gap of the developing and least developed countries problematic fields. Within this scope, GEF should include and restructuring and therefore strengthening the interna- the pollution sources and their removal within its priorities tional financial organizations. together with the receiving bodies and environs. Among such sources of contamination, non-point sources of pollu- Successful completion of the third replenishment before tion are in the lead, in particular the contamination origi- the summit proved our collective credibility. We believe nated from agricultural activities. In addition, the marine that additional resources are absolutely essential to the pollution caused by other land based sources are among continued viability of the GEF as the principal entity for the other subjects waiting for a solution in the world. addressing global environmental concerns. The satisfactory level of the replenishment will permit the financing of GEF On the other hand, resources to be allocated by GEF for operations during the next four years and therefore bolster the development of renewable energy sources of dependent the implementation of the current GEF portfolio. and relevant technologies which was brought forward as one of the problematic fields in Johannesburg, clearly carry On this occasion, I would like to take this opportunity to a great importance. thank Mr. El-Ashry and the GEF secretariat for its zealous efforts for the success of replenishment discussions. In our opinion, a strategy for sustainability of project out- puts and outcomes after GEF funding ends should be As we all recognize, demands on GEF resources are grow- included in the design of all projects. In this context, ing particularly in the light of designation of new focal enhancing local capacity for project development and areas such as land degradation and persistent organic pol- implementation is of utmost importance and still a major lutants. The needs of existing focal areas as well as the problem in achieving project objectives. To foster the more needs of emerging areas can only be addressed by donors' efficient usage of the GEF resources, especially the small willingness and ability to clear their outstanding arrears and medium sized supports, GEF should focus on training and to make their contributions for GEF-3 in time. and capacity-building initiatives during the subsequent STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 217 process, as such sources are important for invoking the to develop and imply this vision and should be treated and consciousness of the major interest groups. In this regard, assessed as one of the major formations expected to fur- we strongly encourage the secretariat to organize seminars ther this vision. or workshops on the procedure to access GEF resources in recepient countries in order to improve better understanding. Finally, please allow me to join others in thanking the People's Republic of China and the city of Beijing for host- The projects executed or still being executed by GEF in ing GEF assembly with such a unique combination of more than 160 countries to support the sustainable devel- grace, warmth, and efficiency. opment and the protection of environment until this date have extremely considerable dimensions. In addition to this, through allocating sources for the priorities deter- mined by the regional environment and sustainable devel- opment programs, GEF could address a more widespread geography and global problems. Among such programs, the Mediterranean action plan and Black Sea environment program, in which Turkey is also participating, are in the lead since not only they cover the objectives of the GEF but also they inhabit the capacity for the most efficient usage of the GEF resources. Taking this opportunity, I would also like to state that the aforemen- tioned programs, with regard to the dimensions of the environmental problems encountered within the region, require additional technical and financial assistance of GEF. The international aid dollar is becoming increasingly scarce. It is vital that GEF, the executing agencies and other inter- national development banks assess where their comparative advantage lies in the delivery of environmental assistance. This must occur to ensure resources are used effectively and duplication is avoided. Another important point to be considered 1s to remove the 1nsuff1c1enc1es 1n the management of the self-owned sources w1th1n the cooperation performed with other inter- national 1mplement1ng agencies. The co-operations established in the above mentioned type should not hinder the autonomy of the GEF on the self-owned sources and the autonomy of GEF regarding this fact should be strengthened. Private sector partnerships and mobilization of additional private funding are also important as the role and opportu- nities for the private sector in the environment is generally increasing. We believe that these types of partneships enhance the chances of a project to be replicated and can create an appropriate environment for the project to be catalytic. Moreover, partnerships created throughout the life of a project can provide greater participation, con- tribute to sustainability and facilitate vital communication networks and contacts. This new process initiated with the Johannesburg has made the development of a new vision and approach com- pulsory within the following period. What we believe is that the GEF has the capacity to execute its resporisibility 218 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF TUVALU PAANI K. LAUPEPA, HEAD OF DELEGATION, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND TOURISM Please allow me to congratulate you on your election to the should be expanded to include all countries in any of the Chairmanship and also on the guidance you have provided GEF regions. throughout the deliberations of the Assembly. I would also like to put on record our sincere appreciation to our host, With regards to funding for the National Adaptation Plans the people and the government of China for their warm of Actions (NAPAs) under the United Nations Framework hospitality and excellent arrangements for the meeting. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and adminis- tered through UNDP, we noted also with dismay, the addi- Tuvalu welcomes both the Overall Performance Study and tional bureaucratic requirements that small island states are the Report of the CEO. This type of reporting ensures that being asked by GEF's executing agencies to comply with. the Global Environment Facility is always "fine tuned" to Tuvalu would like to see the process simplified and expedited meet the specific needs of member countries. We also wel- to enable us have access to the funds as per the original come the timely 3rd replenishment of the GEF and addi- intention of the NAPA rather than spend our meagre tional contributions to the Trust Funds. The role that GEF resources on overcoming unnecessary reporting require- has played in achieving the objectives of sustainable devel- ments imposed on us. opment by focussing on the mandated focal areas under the leadership of its outstanding CEO has been exemplary The outstanding performance of the SGP should be the and should be continued. very reason for reviewing Medium Sized projects guidelines. The minimum period of 12 months or more required for However, for some of the smallest and vulnerable countries processing a medium sized project is far too long for such as Tuvalu, we find that due to the lack of resources Tuvalu and other SIDS. My government would like to see and capacity, accessing GEF funding, can be compared to guidelines reviewed and streamlined to ensure that a deci- "a one legged person trying to scale Mount Everest with- sion is reached within a maximum period of six months out oxygen tanks". Tuvalu would therefore like to request from the date of submission of the final approved project special recognition in terms of simplified and expedited document. Furthermore, expedited procedures should be procedures for accessing funding modalities such as the developed for SIDS and LDCs across ALL focal areas. GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) and Medium sized projects. Likewise delivery mechanisms should also be streamlined Let me elaborate on the above. to ensure that GEF's funds are not diverted for "project fees". Other innovative means should be explored to We heard in the GEF Council meeting yesterday that the address this issue because Tuvalu believes that the continu- SGP has been very effective and successful in addressing ation of the existing conditions actually reduces the overall the environmental challenges directly at the grass root long term impact and effectiveness of GEF. level. One of the obvious reasons for its effectiveness is due to its simplified and expedited procedures. But despite Tuvalu feels that the existing project executing arrange- that, there is still a need to review some of its operational ments for SGP and Medium Sized projects are too cumber- guidelines to make it even more effective. I refer specifically some and should be reviewed - thus the novel idea of Mr Chairman to the fact that the SGP can only operate in promoting in-country based executing agencies, compris- only one country in each of the GEF regions. Compare that ing of government and civil society or just NGOs should be to other GEF funding modalities where there are no such explored to give an even greater sense of community own- restrictions. ership, of GEF projects and facilitate streamlined delivery mechanisms, both for SGP and Medium Sized projects. Tuvalu believes that we are putting a cap on the effective- ness of the SGP by limiting it to just one country per Tuvalu calls on the GEF to recognise the special and unique region every year. Tuvalu therefore calls on GEF to do away needs of Small Island Developing States as recognised also with this restriction because the SGP has obviously pro- by the WSSD. As such, serious consideration should be gressed beyond its "pilot" nature to a fully-fledged pro- given to the idea of appointing an appropriate coordinator gram of its own. Moreover, the report of the SGP at the for Pacific Island Countries within the GEF headquarters Council meeting demonstrated that this is one of the more who should be tasked with coordinating all GEF related effective funding windows of GEF, therefore its coverage activities from this particular region or sub region. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 219 Let me conclude by reminding all of us here today that we should not be afraid or shy away from adopting new or innovative ideas, policies or tools as suggested herein and elsewhere, that would improve the overall effectiveness and impact of GEF projects, because after all, this is one of the twelve recommendations of the First Assembly where, and I quote, "GEF should remain a facility at the cutting edge, innovative, flexible and responsive to the needs of its recipient countries, as well as a catalyst for other institu- tions and efforts," end quote. Tuvalu's ability to climb its own future "Mount Everests" would, depend largely on the GEF Council's willingness to take on board the challenges raised in this Assembly and thereby provide us with the appropriate "climbing gears and oxygen tanks" to compensate for our one legged ness and inbuilt handicaps. 220 A SSEM B LY PR 0 C EE D I N G S STATEMENT OF UNITED KINGDOM SALLY KEEBLE, PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION The UK has always been a strong supporter of the GEF. We agencies. Its operation and modalities were largely followed were very pleased that the negotiations for the third in establishing the global health fund. However, as the sec- replenishment were concluded successfully in August. In ond overall performance study makes clear, there is more recognition of the importance that the UK gives to the role that can be done, particularly in involving the private sector of the GEF in dealing with global environmental issues, I more systematically in GEF's programmes. This should not am pleased to announce formally today that the UK will be on the basis of subsidies, but using demonstration pro- provide an additional voluntary contribution of £15 million grammes to try and develop cost effective and affordable to the third replenishment. solutions to, for example, the creation of broader markets for renewable energy in developing countries. I want to use this occasion to reflect on the outcome of WSSD and the implications it has for the GEF in the medium Secondly, on integration, the GEF is well placed to influence term. The UK believes that WSSD was a success. Along the way global environmental issues are handled at country with the Millennium Assembly in 2000 and the major con- level. Environmental considerations cannot be dealt with in ferences in Doha on trade and in Monterrey on financing isolation. The underlying causes of environmental degra- for development, Johannesburg built on the achievements dation often relate to inappropriate economic and social of the other conferences, integrating sustainability into the policies, an inadequate legal framework, institutional agendas agreed at Doha and Monterrey, adding access to weakness and poor public awareness. Therefore the GEF sanitation to the Millennium Development Goals, and has moved away from financing isolated projects, and has emphasising the importance of implementation. begun constructive policy dialogue with a number of its major partners, so that lending is given in stages, depend- Clare Short consistently highlighted the summit as an ent on agreed performance criteria being met. Over time, opportunity "to bring the development and environment this will improve the sustainability of the GEF's operations movements together in a systematic effort to both reduce and its environmental impact. poverty and pursue sustainable development". This is very much what happened in Johannesburg - environment Finally, on implementation, the GEF has a proven record in Ministers from developed countries were pursuing agendas the field. The financial statistics tell an important story. more commonly associated with their development col- Since its formation in 1991 the GEF has committed almost leagues; and environmental NGOs were arguing for more $4 billion, and disbursed about $1.4 billion. But these action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. direct commitments are only a small part of the story. Whilst Rio in 1992 focussed on environmental issues, Independent evidence suggests that for every dollar the Johannesburg identified poverty eradication, and its clear GEF invests, it levers in three times as much from other relationship to sustainable development, as the top priority. sources. The latest estimate is $12.4 billion extra in co- There was also a clear emphasis on partnerships to deliver financing. This is an important achievement, but if the GEF progress on these agendas. is to achieve its maximum effectiveness, it must take on board the lessons of the monitoring and evaluation unit. In I believe that the GEF has much to offer on all of these particular, the GEF must be rigorous in establishing and fol- WSSD outcomes, particularly on partnership, integration lowing through on priorities. Despite the favourable out- and implementation. come of the third replenishment, and whatever the out- come of future replenishments, funds will always be limit- Firstly, the GEF is a unique partnership, bringing together the ed, and the GEF must concentrate on interventions and World Bank, UNDP and UNEP. In its operation, it comprises modalities that maximise the impact on global environ- the best of the Bretton Woods institutions and the UN sys- mental trends. It must be careful not to dissipate the funds tem. From the start, NGOs have had an active role in shap- by spreading them too thinly as between countries and ing the GEF and working with it in a variety of ways, making operational programmes. it probably the most open and transparent public organisa- tion. The GEF has also shown its ability to be flexible by So following on from this assessment of WSSD, what are bringing new agencies into the partnership, such as the the priorities the GEF should address as it moves towards regional development banks and some of the specialised UN its second decade? I suggest there are three main ones: STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 221 ~ More emphasis on the policies that can influence the integration of global environmental issues into normal government programmes, backed up by programme lending and the building up of appropriate domestic institutional capacity; ~ Strengthening of its catalytic role, through mainstream- ing, co-financing and particularly the replication of suc- cessful activities on a much larger scale ~ Much increased co-operation with the private sector to pioneer commercial approaches to delivering environ- mental benefits through developing and expanding effective market demand in developing countries In conclusion, the GEF can make an important contribution to ensuring that global environmental issues are dealt with effectively, and through the Council and the Assembly, that we make the best use of the scarce funds that are avail- able to help to arrest, and finally, reverse the deterioration in global envir.onmental trends which we have seen over the last decade. 222 ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS STATEMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILLIAM SCHUERCH, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS AND SPECIALIZED DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS I want to thank the Government of China for hosting the mitment to the third GEF replenishment of $500 million, a Second GEF Assembly in the great city of Beijing. I 16% increase over GEF-2. remember well the successful First GEF Assembly in New Dehli. So GEF is doubly honored to have its initial assem- Yet, funding alone is not enough. We also share the blies hosted by two large developing nations that are mak- broad vision for GEF that Mohamed has laid out in his ing significant progress in poverty reduction. I also want paper, which sets the tone for expeditious implementation to thank the GEF leadership and its staff, who have of all GEF-3 policy recommendations. worked hard to organize this event. This third replenishment represents a progressive strength- THE GEF ROLE AND CHANGES WITHIN ening of GEF's mission and operational capacities. The United States particularly welcomes GEF's dedication to We all support GEF in order to measurably improve the hard analytics: adopting strategic and performance-based world's environment for future generations. We estab- allocations of resources; embracing independent monitoring lished the GEF as the preeminent environmental fund and evaluation to provide feedback and course correction; addressing four areas of great importance: biodiversity loss, and undertaking to measure progress against a set of pri- climate change, degradation of international waters, and ority results. These actions should deepen GEF's impact ozone depletion. We are now calling upon GEF to expand beyond the project level and should help strengthen its focus to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as well as enabling environments. The United States also believes to land degradation. It is evident from our experiences that the enhanced private sector collaboration and greater with the GEF, from the Second Overall Performance Study competition, from providing direct access to executing (OPS2), and from other program studies that valuable les- agencies, will increase effectiveness. sons are being learned regarding how to improve effective- ness. Applying these lessons to improve the effectiveness To build upon the GEF's successes, we must focus on the of GEF operations in terms of delivering real results - by challenge of implementing these ambitious reforms. The project, by country, and more globally - will be an impor- Council will need to support the next CEO's efforts to tant part of the institution's efforts going forward. move GEF to this higher operational level. We believe the potential benefits are well worth the concerted effort. As we look to the future, it is appropriate to express our views about the person who has led the GEF since its beginning, Mohamed El-Ashry. His departure represents the first change in GEF leadership in over 10 years. His dedication and leadership have earned all of our respect. He leaves a remarkable legacy having managed the strate- gic development of the GEF through new operational pro- grams, new policies, and, shortly, new focal areas. His skill at brokering consensus among diverse bodies and con- . stituencies is evident. It will be difficult to see this friend, this distinguished American, move on. We wish him all the best. And he leaves us with no more important deci- sion at this transition point for the GEF than finding equally talented and energetic leadership. A SUCCESSFUL REPLENISHMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD The U.S. strongly supports the GEF and cooperation between all countries to address global environmental threats. We are demonstrating that support with a com- ST AT E M E N TS BY R E P RES E NT AT IV E S 223 STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN KHALILULLA SHERIMBETOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE STATE COMMITTEE FOR NATURE PROTECTION Allow me to greet you on behalf of the delegation of the ment of the situation in the Aral Sea area is responsibility Republic of Uzbekistan and thank you for the possibility to not only of the Central Asia but also of the entire humanity. take part in such a significant event. We hope that GEF will further effectively support the region, and first of all, the projects aimed at overcoming Global Environment Facility is a unique financial mechanism consequences of the Aral Sea crisis. and its activities are very important to solve global environ- mental problems. Its projects have a very wide geography Uzbekistan highly values and supports GEF efforts in desig- of support in areas of biodiversity conservation and climate nating land degradation, primarily desertification and change as well as in international waters and protection of deforestation, and persistent organic pollutants as new ozone layer. GEF focal areas. The decision to approve expanded oppor- tunities to access GEF funds for regional development GEF always co-finances projects which are highly relevant to banks and three UN organizations also deserves supporting. national priorities and innovative ones. Therefore, countries It will, in our opinion, allow to utilize strong sides and with transitional economies, such as Uzbekistan, consider experience of these organizations in the field of environ- GEF as the main partner in addressing global environmental mental protection. problems at the national and regional levels. During the last two to three years GEF has been supporting a number In conclusion, I would like to thank the Government of of projects in Uzbekistan in the areas of biodiversity, climate China and GEF Secretariat for excellent organization of the change and ozone layer protection. Implementation of Assembly, to thank the Governments of donor countries these projects allows Uzbekistan to realize its national contributing to the third GEF replenishment, which will strategies and action plans, preparations of which were provide significant support to the activities of international also supported by GEF. The approach of involving general community aimed at improvement of the global environ- population itself into solution of ecological problems as mental situation and assure you that Uzbekistan will put all demonstrated by a number of GEF projects deserves special efforts to fulfill its international obligations under global attention and approval. This approach allows to partially environmental conventions. addressing poverty issues as well as core environmental problems, thus breaking the vicious circle "poverty - envi- ronmental degradation - poverty". Discussion of the Aral Sea problems was one of the topics at the Summit of Heads of States of the Central Asian Cooperation Organization in the beginning of October 2002. As you know, problems associated with the desicca- tion of the entire sea in the arid zone led to land degrada- tion and deterioration of water quality, led to loss of biodi- versity of such unique ecosystems as tugais (gallery forests), led to irreversible changes in regional climate and eventually to deterioration of socio-economic conditions of population. Therefore, Heads of Central Asian countries have agreed to develop a Programme of concrete actions in this region for 2003-2010. lmpleme'ntation of this Programme will lead to reversing trends of land and water resources degradation, biodiversity loss, etc. Thus this Programme creates a framework for GEF activities at the regional level and these activities will be a vivid example of synergies between all the global environmental conven- tions financed by GEF. The Summit has adopted the Dushanbe Declaration, which emphasizes that improve- 224 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S STATEMENT OF VENEZUELA EMMA PERALTA, COORDINATOR OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS Venezuela quisiera expresar su agradeci.miento al Gobierno y al pueblo de la Republica Popular China, por hospedar esta Segunda Asamblea del FMAM. Asimismo, nuestro pafs agradece la oportunidad que brinda el Fondo para partici- par en estas discusiones. lgualmente desea el mayor exito a esta Asamblea, especialmente en beneficio de los pafses en desarrollo. Venezuela, como pafs megadiverso tanto biol6gica como culturalmente, esta consciente del valor que ello representa y lo ha incorporado en su Constituci6n y su legislaci6n nacional. En este sentido, vemo5 con interes todos los esfuerzos queen materia de cooperaci6n y financiamiento ha venido ofreciendo el GEF, y esperamos que estas ayudas se incrementen en el futuro. Sea propicia esta oportunidad para expresar nuestra com- placencia por la ·decision adoptada durante la Cumbre Mundial sobre el Desarrollo Sostenible, celebrada reciente- mente en Johannesburgo, en el sentido de recomendar que este Fonda pase a constituirse como mecanismo financiero de la Convenci6n de las Naciones Unidas de Lucha contra la Desertificaci6n. Con relaci6n a los mecanismos de aprobaci6n y asignaci6n de recursos financieros, Venezuela quisiera resaltar la necesidad de que los mismos sean mas expeditos en cuanto a las respuestas que, a traves de las agencias de imple- · mentaci6n, se dan a los pafses solicitantes de cooperaci6n. Otro aspecto que quisieramos destacar es el relativo a la nueva voluntad por parte de las pafses donantes, en cuanto al cumplimiento del compromiso de mantener activo el Fonda, en su objetivo de ayudar a los pafses en desarrollo. Asimismo, sea propicia la oportunidad para expresar el agradecimiento de! Gobierno de Venezuela, por selec- cionar a nuestro. pafs para realizar el Taller de Divulgaci6n Nacional sobre el Fonda para el Media Ambiente Mundial. STATEMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVES 225 STATEMENT OF YUGOSLAVIA AN DJ ELKA MIHAJLOV, MINISTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT It is my honor to speak today. First of all let me greet you ..,.. Importance of country driven projects and coordination on behalf of the Government of FR Yugoslavia, one of the mechanisms between national policies and strategies youngest countries in GEF family (became member just lit- with GEF and other financial institutions and mecha- tle bit more than one year ago on the occasion on the nisms. In that case, steps are and will be bigger and International Ozone Layer Protection Day). really goal oriented to succeed: ..,.. Importance of the action through and to infrastructure I would like to remind you on some basic facts. The people projects to include environmental dimension as the of Serbia are for the first time in the (recent) history having condition for GEF operations, making them continuously government performing economic reforms with social and and more effective on country level. environmental support. The Government of Serbia, and me as the Ministe.r for the Protection of Natural Resources and The Government of the Republic of Serbia is taking oppor- Environment as the member of reform team declared infra- tunity and challenge to make as much as possible big steps structure projects as the very first priorities. toward sustainable development. Mr. Chairman, GEF will continue to play a crucial role at the global scale and To try to put in front of you, dear GEF Assembly delegates, appreciate very much future role in Serbia and honorable and respected for the work you have done Mr. Montenegro. El-Ashry, dear Chinese kind host country representatives, two years ago country started to realistic step-by-step rein- Thanking you very much Mr. El-Ashry and GEF for consid- tegration to international community, as well as remediation ering our common interest. GEF support and assistance is and development in the frame of National Reform Strategy; additionally motivating us to make bigger steps. each step what we made, and a lot of steps in front of us, need financial mechanisms and financial sources as the sup- port and one of the conditions to succeed. I would like to thank GEF and implementing agencies UNEP, World Bank, UNDP. EBRD and others for supporting this process. Just to mention that we started with enabling activities for climate change with UNDP, and applied for biodiversity (UNDP) and POPs (UNEP), preparing request for biosafety (UNEP). Right now we are hosting in Belgrade joint Workshop with World Bank on Environment and Poverty Reduction Program. And, having in mind that waste, as well as wastewater management, are our environmental short-term very first priorities, we welcome very much GEF expanding focusing areas on POPs and land degradation. In addition, if we take multimedia and integral dimension of environment, we are pointing out concept of integral solutions, i.e. solu- tion of waste and/or wastewater problems lead us to waste and wastewater generators, what means to industry and other sources, and to climate change and ozone depleted substances issues. Taking these in account, step-by-step procedure with the essential help and financial mechanisms implemented, I would like to highlight importance of some issues, in the spirit of post-Johannesburg Summit: 226 A SS E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S 228 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S CONCLUDING REMARKS BY XIANG HUAICHENG FINANCE MINISTER OF CHINA The Second Assembly of GEF is coming to a conclusion after Fourth, sustainable development calls for broad participa- two days of tight meeting. As the Chair of the Assembly, I tion. The quality of the environment is closely related to would like to pay tribute to Mr. El-Ashry, Madam Tokia Saifi, the living standards of all people, therefore, our ultimate Dr. lmeh T. Okopido, and all the delegates for your active goal is to ensure that everyone share the benefit of sus- participation and great contribution. The assembly could tainable development. The general public should be the not be such a success, without your efforts. dominant force in promoting economic growth and sus- tainable development, and the government is their repre- It is my honor to Chair such a great assembly. During the sentative. So the public and the government should join assembly, many delegates have shared with us their hands and every citizen should be fully aware of their insights on the cause of global environmental protection responsibility in protecting the environment and promoting and sustainable development. I would like to try to sum- sustainable development. The NGOs' active participation marize their observations in the following points. in this assembly shows that people do care and are enthu- siastic about environmental protection, which is the driving First, all countries should make unremitting efforts to force behind the sustainable development. assume their responsibility. Countries, regardless of their development stages and the priorities to pursue sustain- Fifth, the international community should support and able development, must bear common responsibility. strengthen the role of the GEF as a financial mechanism. Developed countries should make greater contributions to The GEF is the only financial mechanism that covers several global environmental protection, and take concrete actions international environment conventions. The financial sup- to help developing countries. For developing countries, port of the international community is crucial for the there is a need to formulate appropriate policies to make future development of the GEF. After the completion of effective use of external assistant resources, and promote the third replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund, the present economic growth in a sustainable way. task for us all is to translate commitments into action and keep on providing more resources into the Facility. Second, independent choice and ownership are essential to ensure the effectiveness of development and environmental Sixth, the GEF should advance with the times and make protection efforts. Only when a country chooses to pursue continued progress. In this Assembly "Innovation" and sustainable development of their own will, can the. environ- "Implementation" have bec"ome the main focuses. We mental protections endeavor and assistance from the inter- have calls for concrete actions, as well as constructive sug- national community achieve meaningful and lasting impact. gestions. Meanwhile, the Assembly adopted a new opera- International cooperation should serve as the complement tional program that designates land degradation and per- to the country strategies of sustainable development. sisting organic pollutants as two new focal areas. Therefore, we are confident that the GEF will play a Third, economy development and environmental protection greater role in the future. should be brought into harmony. In order to better protect the environment, we need to solve the issue of survival and We just approved the Beijing Declaration. It expresses our development. Economic growth does not necessarily lead common understanding for sustainable development and to the deterioration of the environment. On the contrary, our expectation of GEF. The significance of consensus is to poverty and environment degradation often reinforce each provide guidance to concrete actions. Only actions can other and fall into a vicious cycle. In fact, the experiences make a difference. Our future generations may not of many developing countries have demonstrated that eco- remember what we said today but they will benefit from nomic growth can go in tandem with environmental what we will do for sustainable development. We hope improvement and poverty reduction. Therefore, developed the Beijing Declaration will be turned into global actions. countries should step up transfer of technologies to devel- oping countries, help equip them with means of clean and green production, and assist them in their efforts to pro- . mote coordinated development of the economy, society and environment. C 0 N C LU D I N G R E M A R KS 229 230 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S ( 232 AS S E M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S GEF ASSEMBLY EMINENT PERSONS PANEL CHAIR: desertification, to achieve the next "stage" of GEF effec- Maurice Strong, Secretary General of the UN Conference tiveness. Cavalcanti said the implementing agencies must on Environment and Sustainable Development (Rio apply more social science and political science to better Earth Summit) understand local conditions in each country. PANELISTS: Still discussing effectiveness, Odhiambo said the GEF should Henrique Cavalcanti, Intergovernmental Forum on concentrate on wealth creation, which when combined Chemical Safety with the "ecosystem" approach, will be especially effective Istvan Lang, Hungarian Academy of Sciences for agriculture, agrobiodiversity, and tropical biodiversity. Gertrude Mongella, Advocacy for Women in Africa Thomas Odhiambo, African Academy of Sciences The theme of partnership was stressed repeatedly by pan- Mostafa Tolba, International Center for Environment and elists, particularly with the private sector and NGOs. Development Strong said Small Grants Programme generates the most publicity for the GEF, and should be expanded, because it is "down to earth" and reaches local people and community Strong opened the panel by declaring the GEF "one of the groups. Tolba also said the SGP is doing a good job with most promising institutions that has emerged in the history partnerships, but that business associations are reluctant to of the environmental movement." He was amazed at work with the GEF because the process is too complicated. what the GEF has been able to accomplish with such a So there is a need to make it easier for partnerships with small secretariat staff. At the same time, he was dismayed the private sector. "The GEF must tap the private sector" that the small size meant much had not been done, and said Strong, but has yet to find the formula to do so. urged a stronger internal professional capability. He also urged a separate identity for the GEF, which he considered Other points mentioned by panelists: "inevitable," although governments are not ready for this yet, he said. ~ Lang called on GEF leadership to forge new method- ologies and approaches to sustainable development, as Strong concluded the panel by emphasizing the GEF's "sys- everyone is enthusiastic about sustainable development temic" cross-convention role. Each international environ- but doesn't know how to do it. But the GEF should mental convention has a discrete mandate from which it not become a "sustainable development organization." can't "escape"; but the issues themselves cannot be so ~ Strong was pleased to note that the GEF had included compartmentalized. This is what the GEF can and should land degradation in its activities. do: link the conventions and allow them to treat the ~ Tolba urged a 5-year plan to forge a separate identity issues more systemically. Although the GEF cannot force for the GEF. the integration of the various conventions, it cari facilitate ~ Odhiambo said more attention should be paid to the such integration. This may be one of the most important moral and ethical values underpinning environment, in contributions of the GEF. addition to market forces and scientific approaches. ~ Mongella stressed ownership of projects by local people. GEF effectiveness was both praised and analyzed through- ~ Cavalcanti said involvement of NGOs was very important out the panel. Odhiambo said the quality of GEF work has to projects for protected areas. been "extremely impressive." Mongella called the GEF ~ Odhiambo, Strong and Tolba said the STAP should have "pioneering" and said it was more effective than other stronger capacity and more influence on the GEF, in organizations with thousands of people. However, its particular with social science. effectiveness could be increased further with more autono- my to work directly "in partnership" with the implement- The panel's concluding remarks reiterated points already ing agencies, civil society, women, young people, and made on indigenous knowledge, social science, reaching indigenous people. Odhiambo said environment and cul- local communities, sustainable development, synergies ture cannot be separated, and that local/indigenous people between conventions, and a separate identity for the GEF. must be involved, especially for land degradation and PANEL HIGHLIGHTS 233 PANEL OF PARLIAMENTARIANS ON THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Particular attention was also devoted in his presentation on KM Khan, Parliament of India the need for the Convention on Biological Diversity to pro- vide adequate protection for genetic resources, and an PANELISTS: active public involvement to develop adequate legislative and Panat Tasneeyanond, Senate of Thailand regulatory actions required to implement WSSD outcomes. Augusto Baculio, House of Representatives of the Philippines The House of Representatives of the Philippines was repre- Mercy Almona-lsei, House of Representatives of Nigeria sented by Augusto Baculio, Chairman of the House Qu Geping, Parliament of China Committee on Ecology. In a detailed presentation, he described different strategic actions in his country, such as marine ecosystem protection programmes, with the aim of The Honorable KM Khan, Member of Rajya Sabha, preserving biological diversity in a significant number of Parliament of India, chaired the Panel of Parliamentarians islands; protected areas programmes to preserve fisheries on the Global Environment, which was convened on and classified forests in the North of the Philippines; national Friday, 18 October, and organized by the Global Legislators policies for renewable energy, including utilization of bio- Organization for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE). In addi- fuels and advanced solar technology; water and sanitation tion to the Chair's introductory remarks, the Panel consisted through the clean water act aimed at addressing sanitation of three presentations, followed by commentaries and a dis- problems and resources management; national acts for bio- cussion session. The Panel objective was to envision and ana- diversity conservation through the promotion of ecological lyze the role of legislators after WSSD and the GEF Assembly. balance; and national legislation in the field of chemicals and POPs to regulate hazardous material management. In his introduction, the Chair highlighted the distinctive GEF performance, and encouraged it to continue catalyz- He further stressed the importance to engage local com- ing actions for the benefit of the environment. He also munities in environmental programmes and projects, taking underlined the GLOBE's important role in motivating legis- into account their legal title rights, and establish appropriate lators, promoting legal frameworks, and coordinating institutional mechanisms. There is still a long way to go at information for national implementation. People participation the institutional level. Enforceability is a key element to is a key factor. but it can be ensured only with legislators ensure that agreements are duly fulfilled. Adequate man- involvement, whose active role is required to develop agement authorities are also required to integrate different implementation activities. He noted that poverty eradication agencies dealing with environment issues. In this regard, was an integral part of sustainable development, and in he described how the Philippines is integrating its environ- this context, emphasized the contribution to be provided mental agencies and creating a separate watchdog entity by national legislators. that will have jurisdiction powers and an adjudication office. Senator Panat Tasneeyanond, Chairman of the Senate Mercy Almona-lsei, Chairwoman of the House Committee Committee on Environment, Parliament of Thailand, on Environment, Parliament of Nigeria, was the third panelist. explained the programmes developed in Thailand to She underscored the need to prioritize the protection of increase the use of renewable energy, including biomass, marine environment from land-based sources of pollution. micro-hydropower and solar water heating, with particular A number of Nigerian areas are under threat, so it is for emphasis on village systems for remote locations. He the legislators, who represent peoples, to address this con~ stressed the active role by legislators in fostering this issue, cern. To face land degradation through GEF support is a as well as the importance of GEF support for these projects. matter of priority, as well as coastal mangrove management, and the prevention of pollution from shipping activities in Tasneeyanond requested GLOBE to advance a loan initiative line with IMO regulations, while taking into account their to mobilize resources for the promotion of renewable ener- transboundary effects. gy. No success can be expected in the field of renewable energy without finance, while the importance of testin·g The role of parliamentarians for an effective implementation cost-effective initiatives in this regard must be stressed. was also stressed in her presentation. She suggested the 234 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S creation of a forum with agencies participation, including the GEF, to review the implementation needs. The GEF role was also highlighted as a complement to education pro- grammes to clarify responsibilities. She further emphasized the need to involve communities and legislators, as their representatives, in a way that governments are influenced at all levels to include parliaments in the formulation and implementation of environment-related policies. In responding to a question regarding oil-spill regulations, Mercy Almona-lsei explained that oil-spill caused no coastal erosion but land degradation, and that Nigeria had estab- lished a national agency for oil-spill detection. The Philippines, Mr. Baculio said, is finalizing two legislations, one for oil-spill prevention and clean-up, and the second for accumulated oil discharge in ports. Also in response to a comment from the audience, Mr. Qu Geping from China explained that many foreign companies followed their home country environmental standards, which tend to be stricter than Chinese environmental regu- lations, though sometimes not all those companies obey the norms. He underscored the importance of enforcing Chinese rules and legislation. In his concluding remarks, Chair KM Khan stressed that the GEF Assembly offered an opportunity to better under- stand how legislators and civil society can get involved in such key environmental areas as climate change, energy, lar:id degradation, and marine pollution. The Assembly Declaration was an important reference for·such purpose. He emphasized that people participation in the implemen- tation of Agenda 21, WSSD and the GEF Assembly out- comes was only possible through legislators involvement. Legislators need to be involved both at the policy-formulation and implementation levels. Cooperation between parliamentarians was also under- lined at the conclusion, as a way to face environmental problems jointly, including protection from env.ironmental hazards, and identify solutions to promote a better world. GLOBE will continue to play an instrumental role for the implementation of environment protection programmes, as well through efforts aimed at involving legislators from dif- ferent countries and regions. PA N E L H I G H L I G H TS 235 PANEL ON GEF AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN CHINA CO-CHAIRS: H.E. Xiang Huaicheng, Minister of Finance, described the Zhu Guangyao, Vice Minister of State Environment substantive mobilization of resources towards environmental · Protection Administration (SEPA), China protection in China, including the use of economic instru- Jin Liqun, Vice Minister of Finance, China ments such as the formulation of appropriate fiscal and taxation policies. He concluded with an affirmation of PANELISTS: China's commitment to strengthening international coop- Zhou Dadi, Director, Energy Research Institute, State eration on environmental protection. In response to a Development and Planning Commission, China question from the floor, (ESCAP representative) Minister Huang Dawei. Director, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Huaicheng mentioned the "revitalization of the Nation Academy of Science through the Science and Education" initiative, of which Wang Dehui, Deputy Director General, Nature environmental education is an important component. Conservation Department, SEPA, China Joseph B. Eichenberger, Vice President, Asian Minister Xie Zhenhua, head of the State Environmental Development Bank Protection Administration, emphasized the priority that Omar E. El-Arini, Chief Officer, Multilateral Fund for the environmental protection was for China. In his response, Montreal Protocol · Dr Klaus Tepfer, Executive Director of UNEP, praised China's Mohamed T. El-Ashry, Chairman and CEO, Global progress and explained how economic growth must be Environment Facility (GEF) decoupled from environmental degradation. The following Kristalina Georgieva, Director, Environment Department, speakers each described the success stories, achievements World Bank and challenges in their respective sectors. In particular, H.E. Gao Guangsheng, Director General, Office of National Madame Jiang Zehui, President of the Chinese Forestry Coordination Committee on Climate Change Policy, Sciences Academy, described China's activities to combat State Development and Planning Commission, China land degradation; Mr. Wang Dehui and Mr. Huang Dawei Xiang Huaicheng, Minister of Finance, China presented the issues linked to implementation of the Frank Pinto, GEF Executive Coordinator, UNDP Convention on Biological Diversity in China; Mr. Liu Xianfa, Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, UNEP Mr. Gao Guangsheng, and Mr. Zhou Dadi described various Liu Xianfa, Deputy Director General, Energy Conservation aspects of China's climate change policy and China's and Resources Utilization Department, State Economic impressive success in keeping the increase of energy con- and Trade Commission, China sumption and greenhouse gas emissions lower than eco- Liu Yi, Director General, Foreign Economic Cooperation nomic growth. Finally, China's experience and the lessons Office, SEPA, China learned from the implementation of the Montreal Protocol Jiang Zehui, President, Chinese Forestry Sciences Academy were discussed by Mr. Liu Yi. In her response, Ms. Xie Zhenhua, Minister of SEPA, China Kristalina Georgieva explained how these lessons learned could help in implementing the new Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The meeting format included presentations by each of the Chinese panelists, followed by a commentary from one of In closing the discussion, Vice Minister Zhu Guangyao the international experts, and a discussion opened to all reminded participants that although much remained to be participants. Co-chair Vice Minister Jin Liqun welcomed the achieved, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a large audience - approximately 150 persons - to the single step". meeting, and emphasized that the driving force for reforms in China was coming from within and not from without. In his opening remarks, Dr El-Ashry pointed out that, whilst the road to environmental sustainability was still long, the history of the association between China and the GEF was a model for successful partnerships that had resulted already in approximately US$ 400 million of GEF grants leveraging US$ 2 billion in co-financing. 236 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S PANEL ON GEF AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS CHAIR: Marco Cerezo of the Foundation for Eco-development and Liliana Hisas, Universal Ecological Foundation, Argentina, Conservation of Guatemala presented an analysis of the GEF/NGO Network Central Focal Point various ways in which GEF projects are fostering the involvement of NGOs in Latin America. This covers a wide PANELISTS: range of varying intensity, from consultation of NGO and Esther Carmac, lxa Ca Vaa Association for Indigenous civil society organizations, to co-management or manage- Development and Information, Costa Rica ment of national protected areas and participation in the Marco Vinicio Cerezo, Foundation for Eco-development governing bodies of national environmental organizations. and ConseNation (FUNDAECO), Guatemala Jesus Cisneros, World ConseNation Union (IUCN), Esther Carmac of the lxa Ca Vaa Association for Costa Rica Indigenous Development and Information in Costa Rica Clifton Curtis, Toxics Program, World Wildlife Fund presented an overview of Indigenous Peoples' issues. She Liao Xiaoyi, Global Village, China stressed the need to fully involve Indigenous Peoples who live in biodiversity rich areas. Their legal rights have to be promoted and their traditional knowledge be put to best The large attendance at this panel session, 30-50 persons, use for their benefit. For example, inventories can be carried provided further evidence of the importance and vibrancy out by indigenous peoples themselves. of the involvement of NG Os in GEF activities. The panel was chaired by Liliana Hisas, of the Universal Ecological Finally, the panel was closed by a representative of the Foundation of Argentina and GEF/NGO network Central host country, Ms Liao Xiaoyi, founder of the Global Village Focal Point, and included representatives of international of Beijing. Ms Xiaoyi stressed the difficulties of involving and national NGOs. grassroots organizations, particularly in a large country like China where communications with the implementing The GEF Assembly had just approved the creation of a'new agencies of the GEF can be difficult. She recommended focal area for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and it that NGOs be given a larger role in the GEF, that their par- was therefore timely to open the panel with a discussion ticipation be a criteria in the evaluation of GEF projects, of this new area of GEF intervention. Clif Curtis, head of and that a small grants program be established for China. WWF's Toxic Program, highlighted the responsibility and the opportunity for the GEF to ensure the effective and The lively discussion that ensued covered a variety of sub- prompt implementation of the Stockholm Convention on jects. The Small Grants Programme was discussed (in POPs. He noted the progress already made through GEF attendance were both the manager and deputy manager funding of National Implementation Plan development of the Programme), in particular the need to establish link- (GEF enabling activities) for a large number of countries, ages between large GEF projects and small grants projects, and lauded the approval by th.e GEF Council of the first as well as the difficulty in "graduating" from small grants phase of the African Stockpile Program, a model of sus- to medium-sized or full sized projects. Also much discussed tainable development in action. He also acknowledged the was the importance of the engagement of all stakeholders support received from the GEF Secretariat in facilitating in GEF projects, and the importance of the ,GEF responding NGO involvement in GEF funded POPs projects. to the growing requests in the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to take into account Jesus Cisneros from IUCN Costa Rica presented an analysis and address the rights of indigenous peoples. of the Small Grants Program in Costa Rica. Overall, the program has been helpful in strengthening of the technical and administrative capacity of NGOs. A number of challenges do exist, however, including the difficulties in reconciling local and global benefits. Global environmental benefits are a requisite outcome for all GEF activities, from small grants to large projects, but this can be difficult to align with the needs and interests of local communities. PA N E L H I G H L I G HT S 237 PANEL OF HEADS OF IMPLEMENTING AND EXECUTING AGENCIES ON INTEGRATING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT' CHAIR: Mr. Eichenberger spoke to the local dimensions of sustain- Mohamed El-Ashry, CEO and Chairman, Global able development and efforts to alleviate poverty, and also Environment Facility (GEF) noted the need to learn more effectively from experience. He suggested the critical importance of the Asia region to PANELISTS: global problems, and argued that true mainstreaming can Shengman Zhang, Managing Director, World Bank only occur at the local level. He further added that more Mark Malloch-Brown, Administrator, United Nations could be done to put "our own house in order" with Development Programme respect to environmental issues in general. Lennart Bage, Director General, International Fund for Agricultural Development Mr. Toepfer spoke to the outcomes of the WSSD and noted Joseph Eichenberger, Acting Vice-President, Asian the large number of targets that had been endorsed (more Development Bank than 30), many of relevance to the GEF such as with Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, United Nations respect to water quality. He highlighted issues related to Environment Programme chemicals, energy, and consumption patterns and suggest- ed that UNEP could play a leading role in all three. He con- cluded with reference to the importance of the February Mohamed El-Ashry began the session by briefly noting that meeting of the UNEP Governing Council as an opportunity the focus of the program would be on specific implemen- to revisit the international response to these issues. tation issues, and what each agency could bring to it. Mr. Zhang described four areas as priorities for the Bank's The discussion focused on the challenges of financing efforts to link the global environment to sustainable devel- activities unattractive to the private sector, the importance opment. These were an ecosystem approach, forestry con- of quantifying the costs and benefits of sustainable devel- servation, water management, and financing for sustainable opment efforts, the need to avoid "reinventing the wheel" energy (particularly renewable energy). He noted that one in designing new programs, and the need to take into means for implementation would be the PRSPs. He also account the social dimensions of poverty. The meeting raised the need to include consideration of sustainable closed with comments on a post-WSSD "wish for the GEF" production and consumption issues. (Toepfer): responses included the prompt implementation of a land degradation program; more focus on partner- Mr. Bage highlighted IFAD's contribution to eradicating ships; and more success in learning from experience. poverty through a focus on th.e role of agriculture and rural communities. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing greater resources and noted IFAD's efforts to build partnerships with the rural poor. He also noted link- ages between agriculture and both biodiversity and energy. Finally, he pointed to experience in China as a source of encouragement for efforts to restore marginal lands. Mr. Malloch-Brown spoke primarily of the need to build coordination and cooperation among agencies. He further emphasized that in a time of constrained resources, building partnerships with the private sector would be crucial. He admitted that the experience to date in realizing such part- nerships was not nearly as successful as had been hoped,. and suggested that much more could be done to learn from experience. In contrast, he pointed to the GEF Small Grants Programme as a particularly successful effort that Attendace was limited to heads of delegation and included about should be enhanced and expanded. 200 persons. 238 ASSEMBLY PR 0 CE ED ING S SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL (STAP).: PANEL ON SCIENCE AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: vant to people; (ii) development of integrated models; (iii) Julia Carabias, Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel Chair positive rather than negative language, e.g., land manage- ment as opposed to degradation; and (iv) more efforts to OPENING STATEMENT: understand winners and losers from specific policies. Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme Timothy Williams, International Livestock Research Institute, emphasized the need to understand the impor- PANELISTS: tance of livestock production, especially in drylands. He .Robert Watson, World Bank gave numerous examples of the impacts of livestock on Michael Stocking, University of East Anglia· drylands and the opportunities for more positive approaches Timothy Williams, International Livestock Research Institute to enhance soil fertility, promote seed production and dis- Frances Gichuki, International Water Management Institute semination, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from Karlheinz Ballschmiter, University of Ulm soils. He also referred to the social dimensions and values Xu Xioa-bai, STAP member involved in these issues, and concluded with references to Habiba Gitay, STAP member the need for better indicators and measures. Frances Gichuki, International Water Management Mr. Toepfer spoke to the importance of STAP and the rele- Institute, spoke primarily to the information challenges and vance of combining experience in science and politics as possible solutions in the context of land and water manage- reflected in the chair. He noted the expanded membership ment. He noted the problems that result from integrating of STAP as a reflection of the growing scope of the GEF data of different quality, spatial, and temporal dimensions. and the need to address linkages and synergies between He proposed research to fill data gaps and build capacity conventions. He gave the example of conflict between the for information collection and assessment. climate and ozone conventions, insofar as the latter has resulted in growing use of a chemical that does not threaten Karlheinz Ballschmiter, University of Ulm, spoke on the the ozone layer but is a greenhouse gas. magnitude and characteristics of the POPs problem, noting increasing scientific understanding and extremely worrisome The panel was framed around several presentations by sci- public health implications. He called for greater research entific exp.erts followed by several responses by STAP mem- and public awareness, as well as a particular effort on bers. Robert Watson, World Bank, spoke on the impacts destruction methods. of climate change on all the WEHAB issues including water, energy, health, agriculture, and biodiversity. He Responses were given by two STAP members, Xu Xioa-bai, noted the connection to poverty alleviation and the need to who focused on the importance of the new research on integrate environmental response measures with national POPs, and Habiba Gitay, who spoke to the evolving GEF development policies. He gave the example of biodiversity operational programmes in adopting a more integrated corridors and hot spot protection efforts, which will need ecosystem approach. to be much wider in order to accommodate the effects of climate change on habitat. Michael Stocking, University of East Anglia, addressed inte- grated approaches to land degradation and also emphasized the complex linkages among land degradation, GEF focal areas, food security and poverty alleviation. In his view, these linkages were still poorly understand and could not be addressed through established methods limited to indi- vidual components. He saw benefits in GEF operational program 12 and its integrated ecosystem approach. In his conclusions he recommended more focus on (i) issues rele- PA N EL H I G H L I G HTS 239 240 AS SE M B LY P R 0 C E E D I N G S For more information, please contact: The GEF Secretariat 1818 H Street, NW Washington DC 20433 USA Telephone: 1 (202) 473-0508 Fax: 1 (202) 522-3240, 1 (202) 522-3245 E-mail : secretariat@thegef.org Printed on Environmentally Friendly Pa

Informations clés

Organisation Groupe de la Banque mondiale

Type de document Working Paper

Date d'adoption 16 octobre 2002

Pays Chine

Source Banque mondiale