Agenda Item 8
Annex- B: Plan of Action for Cooperation among ECO Member States on Environment (2003-2007)
( Tehran, 21-23 July, 2003 )
EME/MENV/1st/2002/4 (Rev.I)
8th Consultative Meeting of
Executive Heads of Sub-Regional Organizations
Proposed by the participants of the Committee Meeting of Experts
held in Tehran on 15 December, 2002
INTRODUCTION
The
concept of environmental management and sustainable development was put on a
firm footing with the report and recommendations of the World Commission on
Environment and Development in 1987. The said document underscored two
significant developments in thinking: firstly, the concept of environmental
management has evolved from a localized issue to a global perspective
highlighting the urgency of taking collective actions to address the
environmental issues; and secondly, it recognized the cross-sectoral nature of
environmental problems which require comprehensive solutions.
With
the above in view, the 1st ECO Ministerial Meeting on Environment set
forth the following objectives:
OBJECTIVES
The
general objective of environment cooperation in the ECO region is to enhance
environment activities in the following areas:
Human
Environment
Natural
Environment and Biodiversity
Marine
Environment
Education
and Training
Sustainable Legal Framework Development
Aware
that Environmental Standards are understood as the concrete, and quantitative
expression of environmental quality targets which in turn represent normative
concepts with regard to the quality of man’s environment. Appreciating
the productive results of regional coherence on Environmental Compliance, and
requiring consistent, unified and comparable Environmental
Standards, ECO member states will cooperate for the Harmonization of a set of
ECO Environmental standards.
1-2: ECO Environmentally
Sound Technology Center
It
is appreciated that access to environmentally sound technology is an
important prerequisite to achieve
sustainable development objectives. Hence, ECO member states decide to assign a
task group to explore means as how to
establish an “Environmentally Sound / Clean Technology Center” to provide
technological data and expert assistance as
required for the implementation of projects. This will be in line with
the current global efforts in assessing
the technology needs of the developing countries and modalities to acquire it
under the UN conventions i.e. UNFCC and the Montreal Protocol.
1–3:
Urban Environmental Management (in relation
to air quality, Water quality and solid wastes)
Aware
of rapid urbanization in the developing world and in particular in the ECO
region, requires comprehensive
planning for protection of natural resources e.g healthy
air, water and soil, noting the importance of deployment of Urban
Environmental Management best principles and practices, hence utilization of
such exercises and experiences to
be shared amongst ECO member states
is to be pursued.
The
development of cooperative programme for monitoring & evaluation of
Trans-boundary air pollutants in the ECO
region.
1-4:
Establishing Environmental Management Systems in Production and Service Units
It
is acknowledged that as the protection of environment is important in
socio- economic development and in order to achieve a balance between
environment and human activities, establishment of proven practices in
environment management in production and service units are recognized to
be integrated amongst ECO member
states. Thus, it is urged to promote Environmental Management Systems as
practical and flexible tools, in all production and service units in ECO member
states.
1-5:
Environmental Impact Assessment for Development Projects
in
Border
Areas
Reaffirming
the importance of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and in particular for
major projects such as oil & gas explorations, refineries, petrochemical
complexes, roads, airport, railroads, agro–industries, dams and power plants
in border areas, provision of such EIAs by the host country considering the
trans boundary impacts of such projects in neighbouring countries is emphasized.
Also it is reaffirmed that member states will cooperate to reduce the
negative impacts of major constructional and industrial projects in border
areas.
2–1:
Formulation
of ECO Regional Plan of Action for the Protection of Biodiversity
Conscious
of the intrinsic value of biological diversity
and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational,
cultural, recreational and aesthetical values
of biodiversity and its components, and aware of the importance of
biological diversity for evolution and maintaining
life sustaining systems of the biosphere, and stressing the
importance and necessity of regional cooperation. Hence the need for formulation
of an ECO regional strategic Plan of Action for conservation of biodiversity is
a recognized priority.
Also
keeping in view the importance of the adverse impact of climate change on the
biodiversity, the member states agreed to review the status of Protected Areas
from a climate change perspective to understand and overcome the possible
adverse effects.
2-2:
Joint Efforts for Conservation of Trans-boundary Wetlands and Water Bodies
Recognizing
the importance of wetlands as natural ecosystems in the stabilization of nature
and biodiversity. Stressing the role of trans-boundary Rivers and other
effective streams in supporting the existence of wetlands. Thus conservation of
wetlands, rivers and other trans-boundary water bodies is emphasized.
Cognizant
of the importance of wetlands from biodiversity point of view, urged the ECO
member states who are not signatory to the important International agreements on
Wetlands Management Conservation i.e. the Conventions on Wetlands of
International Importance (RAMSAR),Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD),
Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS),
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
(CITES), the World Heritage Convention(WHC), World Conservation Union(IUCN),
International Waterfowl and Wetland Research Bureau (IWRB), to consider signing
these important agreements as early as possible. In this context they agreed to protect wetlands and habitats
of migratory birds/waterfowl and other fauna and to cooperate
for conservation of wildlife
habitats shared by the neighbouring countries.
2-3:
Preservation and Management of
Water Resources:
Realizing
the importance of water for human life and maintenance of the environment, and
aware of the problems of water logging and salinity, floods, surface and ground
pollution of rivers through industrial wastes and saline effluent disposal and
lack of drinking water facilities in the rural areas, underlined the need
to find ways and means to improve the multi sector water resource planning and
management for all users and to enhance strategies for pollution control
(organic, as well as inorganic) of fresh water resources in conjunction with
waste water sources.
The
Member States agreed on sharing of expertise on harnessing of river basin
management. They underlined the need to share
technological expertise on building of dams, desiltation, water logging
and salinity.
Fulfilling
the UN discussion on the International Year of Freshwater, they support the
holding of the Dushanbe International Forum in September 2003.
The
Member States may keep in
mind the international legal considerations for trans-boundary projects
already in place or to be undertaken in future with the assistance of
International financial Institutions and other organizations.
2–4:
Conducting Joint Studies on Wildlife Migration Patterns, Mortality Rates, and
Contagious Diseases
Aware
of the fact that wildlife species do not recognize conventional political
boundaries set by human beings. Conscious of the importance of
conservation of animal species migrating through such boundaries between various
countries and knowing that the conservation and management of migratory
species of animal (especially
migratory birds) requires coordinated and joint action by the countries.
Therefore, joint studies and a conservation program on migratory species and
their travel routes in ECO member states are to be conducted.
2-5:
Well-coordinated Management of ecosystems Relating to Endangered Species
Aware
of the destructive effects of the extinction of species in ecosystems and
particularly in food cycles. Knowing that the ecosystems are stable in
their highest level of diversity. Aware of the importance of protection
of genetic resources and considering that the ECO countries in various
ways have all been struggling with the problem of extinction, reinforced
by the destructive human activities in the past century. Hence, well-coordinated
management of ecosystems and endangered species are to be focused upon.
Aware
of the fact that the habitat degradation and fragmentation is of greater
ecological concern to most of
countries and is a major threat, member countries
agreed to report on annual basis to the ECO Secretariat progress in this
context and propose future plans for their conservation.
2-6:
Sustainable Development of ecotourism in
ECO Countries
2-7:
Restriction
on the Introduction of Alien Fauna
and Flora
Noting
the danger of introduction of invasive and alien species in to water and soil
ecosystems, aware of the role of controlling the entrance and exit of
species in decreasing the danger of interrupting the natural ecosystems, and realizing
the necessity of joint cooperation in this field. Emphasis is placed by
the ECO member states on controlling the introduction of alien fauna and flora.
2–8:
Exchange of Taxidermy Specimens
Keeping
in mind
the importance of Natural History Museums and their value for future
generations, stressing the importance of updating and equipping these museums,
and seeking to facilitate the exchange of museum specimens for scientific
purposes, a clear need has been determined for joint cooperation in updating our
Natural History Museums and facilitating the exchange of Natural History
specimens.
2-9:
Combating Desertification, Deforestation and protection of mountain ecosystems
Keeping
in view the adverse impact of desertification and deforestation on the
environment of the ECO region, the member states agreed to carry out a
comprehensive joint study phenomenon
in the region and recommending comprehensive steps to combat them.
Also
appreciating the prevailing mountainous environment within the ECO region and
whilst acknowledging the International Year
of Mountain 2002 (UNEP/IYM) and Bishkek Global Mountain Summit member
states agreed to study the joint development of regional plans and measures to
protect and sustainable use of such eco-systems.
3-1:
Exchange
of Experience on Marine Environment Monitoring Practices, in Particular
Biomarkers
Appreciating
that the measurement of contaminant in water and sediment are important to
determine the actual extent and degree of contaminants and pollution, planning
for the pertinent ECO member states to carry out these kinds of measurements in
a proper fashion utilizing the biomarkers methodology is stressed.
3-2:
Formulation
of a Set of Unified Guidelines on Marine
Environment
Monitoring
Recognizing
that in order to control and reduce environmental health degradation, different
parameters of the environment should be monitored. Aware of the need for
a regular sampling program in sensitive or potentially polluted areas. Aiming
to establish necessary guidelines for different disciplines to unify the
sampling procedures, standardize the analysis, and to facilitate the comparison
of results, necessitates the formulation of joint efforts within ECO member
states.
3-3:
Investigation
on Climate Change Phenomena Using Marine
Life
Indices
Knowing
that any climatic change such as global warming will have a direct effect on sea
level. Recognizing that a gradual rise in sea level can be recorded by
specific marine organisms, such as coral reefs, it is urgent to develop
national plans for the prediction of the rate and future influence of climate
change on the coastlines and their human communities. This effect should also be
studied on the marine bio-diversity and marine life as well. The ECO Member
States concerned agreed to share information
in this area.
3-4:
Establishing
Marine Pollution Emergency Response and Preparedness Centres
In
line with the objectives of the International convention for the prevention of
pollution from ships (MARPOL 73/78) and the International convention on oil
pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (1990 OPRC) and also
emphasizing that oil and
other hazardous / harmful substances are the most frequent sources of pollution
in the region with great impacts on marine lives and related ecosystems. Appreciating
that setting up Emergency Response and Preparedness Centers (ERCs) would
increase the capacity of ECO member states for combating any of afore-mentioned
sources of pollution, the member states agreed to setup a working group to
explore the possibility of establishing such centres.
3-5:
Program for Monitoring Alien Species
Acknowledging that in recent years, many marine alien species have been transferred mainly through trans-boundary movements. Appreciating the very severe impacts it may impose on the biodiversity and ecological balance of the environment. Hence, the member states emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive and well–designed plan of cooperation amongst ECO member states by setting up a working group leading to sound management of the regional marine environment.
4-1:
Joint Short Environmental Courses, Workshops and Scientific Conferences
in the ECO Region
Recognizing
the important role of partnerships
in the protection and construction of environment . Aware that applied
research, formulation of
legislation and setting targets for environmental education as means to
alleviate poverty, illiteracy, improvement of social justice and environmental
conditions together with awareness raising campaigns to complement formal and
informal environmental training are considered important for ECO member
states. It is thus required to explore ways to design appropriate joint
environmental programs, courses, workshops and scientific conferences. The
member states agreed to offer technical level courses in the various related
environmental fields.
4-2:
Establishment of “ECO Environmental College” and “University
Scholarships”
Appreciating
the need to have highly skilled and educated human resources in the field of
environment. Aware of the general social, cultural, economical and
geographical circumstances of the ECO member states, granting university
scholarships for environmental sciences, management and engineering is
considered invaluable to the region. Thus, in addition to scholarships for
students and other facilities to promote the exchange of academicians between
the ECO member states, the proposal by the Islamic Republic of Iran to jointly
establish an “ECO Environment College” to provide environmental higher
education suited for the region is welcomed and the institutional and financial
mechanisms to make this happen are urged to be developed amongst ECO
member states.
4-3:
Organization of ECO Environmental Clearing House Mechanism and Consultancy
Institute
Recognising
the
need for facilitating mechanisms to exchange environmental
information and also creating a forum for consultancy services amongst
ECO member states. Appreciating the urgent need for a regional
data bank. Stressing the appropriateness of creating an “ECO
Environmental Clearing House Mechanism” webpage. Exchanging of
environmental software, educational materials and formation of an
Institute for Environmental Consultants belonging to ECO member states,
are encouraged as means of public sector / private sector partnership
exercises. Keeping in view the need to collect data, member states agreed to
establish a regional environmental database.
4-4:
ECO Green Industries Award
Bearing
in mind the
adverse effects those industrial units may impose on the environment through the
discharge of a variety of pollutants. Acknowledging the available clean
technology practices. Noting that improvement of the living environment
requires environmentally compatible industrial units. It is recognized
that promotion of “Green Industries” and activities leading to
rehabilitation of an existing polluting industry and converting it into a Green
Industry, the member states agreed to institute an “ECO Green Industries Award” granted annually
to the best practices, as a valuable incentive to encourage and accelerate
the rehabilitation of existing industries into Green Industries.
4-5:
ECO
Environmental Award
Aware
of
the progress made in the developed countries within their scientific communities
and the benefits derived by the ECO Region Environment from that progress. Acknowledging
that scientific recognition encourages promotion of environmental
progress suited for the region. Thus the “ECO Environmental Award” is
considered a promotional tool for appreciating the services of
eminent people from the scientific communities, as well as governmental and
non-governmental organizations. Hence the ECO Secretariat is mandated as
the implementing agency to arrange for such awards including “ECO Green
Industries” award.
4-6:
Joint
Production of Environmental TV and Radio Programs
Appreciating
the essence of environmental information collection as one of the most important
instruments of planning and policy, the member states agreed to encourage
and promote the role of mass media, the joint production of environment
dedicated television and radio programs.
4-7:
ECO
Quarterly Bulletin on Environment
Considering
the importance of Environment education at all levels, the member states
stressed the need for a quarterly Bulletin dedicated to news, subjects and
recent environment developments mainly relevant to the ECO region, to be
published by the ECO Secretariat in collaboration with the relevant
international organizations/institutions to be circulated in the ECO member
states.
4-8: Research & Development on environment friendly sources of Energy
Realizing
the importance of advanced fossil fuel technology and renewable sources of
energy to improve the living environment in the ECO region, the member states
agreed to recommend to the concerned bodies in-charge of Energy in respective
countries to share their experiences and facilities with other ECO member
states.
5:
Sustainable Legal
Framework Development
5-1:
International Financial Assistance for ECO Environmental Activities (ECO
Environmental Fund)
Conscious
of the environmental areas in need of empowerment, strengthening and capacity
building for implementing activities foreseen in the Johannesburg “Plan of
Implementation”, with particular emphasis on regional cooperation. Establishing
financial instruments and mechanisms, namely an “ECO Environmental Fund”,
through promotion and gaining support from international organizations
and institutions, is considered an essential pursuit by the ECO member
states.
5-2:
Establishing an Environmental Monitoring Legal Framework
Aware
of the importance of Environmental Monitoring Activities. Identifying the
challenges due to the lack of coherence between national and international laws.
Stressing the benefits of co-ordinated environmental remedial actions in
the ECO region, the member states considered it necessary to develop an
appropriate Legal Framework in compliance with Sustainable Development Goals and
Objectives.
MEANS
OF IMPLEMENTATION
A
Working Group is to be established according to the ECO procedures which would
prepare the implementation plans for cooperation in the different fields of the
Environment, mentioned in the adopted Plan of Action.
The ECO Secretariat together with the relevant authorities in the member
states and national focal points nominated by them should play an active
supportive and coordinative role in the implementation of all actions identified
in the plan. The Secretariat would also seek arrangements with
multilateral agencies which may be supportive to the organization in this
regard.
The
member states shall submit semi-annually national progress report on the
implementation of the Plan of Action to the ECO Secretariat which shall be
integrated and circulated by the Secretariat to member states and submitted for
the review by the Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR). The Secretariat
shall also present an annual report on the status of implementation of the
activities envisaged by the Plan of Action to the meeting of the Regional
Planning Council (RPC). The 2nd ECO Ministerial Meeting on
Environment would review the implementation of the Plan of Action.
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