INFLUENCING STRATEGY FOR THE CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN 2012, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (Rio 2012) Version 3 August 2011 1
Table of Content 1) Introduction 2) Our goals 3) Rationale for IUCN participation 4) IUCN s possible contributions to the Rio 2012 conference a) The red thread: from Rio 2012 to Jeju World Conservation Congress b) IUCN s contribution to the themes of the Rio 2012 Conference ANNEX I: Background and Current status of negotiations/preparation - Calendar of events 2
1) Introduction This strategy is a living document that will evolve over time in accordance with the status of negotiations, technical findings and on-going discussions within IUCN. This version takes into account discussions as per June 2011. This Strategy focuses on the policy changes that IUCN wishes to achieve in the context of the upcoming Rio 2012 conference. This paper is a roadmap of what IUCN will undertake to influence the outcome of the Rio 2012 conference and ensure follow up through the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress and beyond. It aims to provide strategic direction and identify the global policy result(s) to be achieved at the Rio 2012 Conference and beyond; the theory of change; the targeted audience and events; the planned products, capacity building and resource needs (as appropriate); with the view to frame IUCN s collective actions towards the established expected result. 1 All IUCN s policy work related to the Rio 2012 conference must align with this strategy. 2) Our goals - Contribute to the conference so it results in realistic and practical deliverables - Contribute so that those deliverables are coherent with decisions taken in other fora such as Multilateral Environmental Agreements, WTO, MDGs process, etc. On specific themes: - Contribute to defining/shape the concept of a green economy and assess its relevance to sustainable development - Contribute to proposing realistic and practical models of governance which provides the best condition for conservation and sustainable use to take place at all levels 3) Rationale for IUCN participation IUCN has historically contributed, participated and played an important role in summits such as the Rio 2012 conference. IUCN was central in drafting the World Conservation Strategy in 1980 which then served as the basis for subsequent international environmental policy. Following on the strategy, IUCN, along with WWF and UNEP authored Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living in preparation for the Earth Summit in 1992. IUCN was instrumental in voicing the needs for conservation and in drafting the conventions resulting from the UN Conference on Sustainable Development held in 1992 in Rio, namely, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The Union was also active in influencing the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, in Johannesburg. It elaborated and implemented the Greening the Summit Initiative in collaboration with UNDP, the GEF as well as other partners. It was also active in promoting the Type 2 partnerships, and organized several events including the IUCN business day, all held at the very visible IUCN Centre near the Summit venue. The Union was active in influencing 1 See definition of influencing strategy in Secretariat Procedures for IUCN Policy Work, May 2010 3
governments on specific themes to be reflected in the Johannesburg Programme of Implementation and the Declaration on Sustainable Development. IUCN, having actively participated in all previous events, enjoys the institutional memory and knowledge to effectively influence the 2012 process so that the conference delivers concrete results that can have a positive impact on conservation on the ground. In addition, the IUCN Council at its meeting in May 2011 highlighted the importance of IUCN actively participating in this process and indicated that the issue of Green Economy should be considered a priority. Council also established a Council Task Force for Rio 2012. The fact that the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress takes place in the same year, after the Rio conference, could be an opportunity to profile the Congress as the first international event of the implementation phase of the Rio 2012 conference. This strategy aims to lay out those goals and activities that are also planned for the Congress and whose impacts can be multiplied if unfolded at the Rio 2012 Summit. This is also with the intention of using resources efficiently. 4) IUCN s possible contributions to the Rio 2012 conference a) The red thread: from Rio 2012 to Jeju World Conservation Congress (WCC) IUCN s position at the Rio 2012 conference should, as much as possible, be based on the theme of the Congress. One of the themes of the Congress is Resilience: adapting and responding to change. From this concept, IUCN should stem its positions and contributions during the preparations and at the Rio 2012 conference. Without introducing additional themes, IUCN should give the established themes the spin of resilience. For instance, on the theme of Green Economy, IUCN would highlight the importance of biodiversity and ecological resilience in supporting broader objectives of social and economic development, notably in the context of managing and mitigating economic, social and natural risks. IUCN s positions on the issues covered by Rio will follow IUCN s general policy; i.e. relevant IUCN Resolutions and Recommendations as well as Policy Statements, as appropriate. The proposed IUCN Programme 2013-2016 should also be a source of inspiration for IUCN s position at Rio. And, at the same time, the Rio conference is an opportunity to profile the IUCN Programme as the practical road map to implement, as appropriate, decisions made during the conference. The Rio 2012 meeting would also be an occasion to make the programme known to governments, business sector, civil society and key players for the objectives described in the programme. It would also be an important forum to fundraise for its implementation. b) IUCN s contribution to the themes of the Rio+20 Conference: i. Green economy: IUCN s has undertaken and is undertaking various activities related to this issue. The Union is also member of the Green Economy Coalition 2. Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, IUCN is in a favorable position to convene dialogues about the place of nature in future models of economic life, due notably to the wide range of ideological positions the Union embraces. Possible outcomes of these dialogues could 2 For more information, see: www.greeneconomycoalition.org 4
be a framework, a set of principles, or a list of basic elements that these new economic models should embrace. 3 In addition to an overarching vision of what the Green Economy should be, specific issues will be subjects of a solid position IUCN will be putting forward. The messages will mainly be structured around the following main issues: Managing ecosystems and biodiversity to build resilience (e.g. regulation of water and climate; storm buffering; nutrient cycling and food security; etc.): the main argument for this approach is: healthy ecosystems represent the foundation of a resilient and truly sustainable economy. This will help to present ecosystem services as agents of resilience, drawing from examples related to disaster risk reduction, water security, food security, energy security, and adaptation to climate change. It will also emphasize the importance of complementing investments in built infrastructure with investments in natural infrastructure, focusing notably on the socio-economic benefits associated with ecosystem management and restoration.. Mainstreaming ecosystem values in the economy. The aim is to demonstrate how the economy can be adapted in such a way that it supports conservation. Emphasis will be placed on the need to change current accounting and planning frameworks to ensure that ecosystem values are reflected in indicators of economic development and growth. Also, evidence on the role that biodiversity can play in supporting a Green Economy transition by generating income and wealth will be put forward (e.g. tourism, markets for ecosystem services, eco-labels, etc.) Appropriate governance model for a green economy: it is imperative that the green economy transition be conducted based on good governance principles, namely access to information, public participation and horizontal decision making. Appropriate models of governance are essential for a green economy to be equitable. IUCN, as a member of the Green Economy Coalition will also be able to endorse common messages that are in accordance with IUCN general policy. Such messages include the request to governments to reduce and/or eliminate subsidies to fossil fuels, to use a larger indicator than GDP to measure quality of life, to put in place a financial transaction tax, among others. ii. Sustainable development governance: IUCN has historically promoted synergies and appropriate inter-linkages among relevant institutions at the national and international level for effective implementation of sustainable development objectives and environmental obligations. Rio 2012 is an opportunity to present cases where positive patterns have been identified. The case studies could range from models of land tenure to inter-ministerial set ups in specific countries. In addition, the cases must prove the resilient aspect of these models and structures; that is, the cases must point out the elements that make a governance structure resilient to change, particularly economic change. This work could be undertaken in collaboration with several components of the Union, particularly, to gather relevant and convincing case studies. The position paper will include concrete enabling condition measures that governments must put in place to 3 The shaping of the principles and elements of the Green Economy will be undertaken in conjunction with the drafting of a motion on Green Economy as required by Council in May 2011. See Report of the 31 st Meeting of the Programme and Policy Committee of Council (PPC) Rev1 5
build or reinforce an effective environmental governance model, starting from local level. One of this could be the requirement for the establishment of channels and institutional arrangements to ensure a participatory approach to and transparency in decision making related to environmental issues. There is interest among some of IUCN Members and civil society groups in pushing this agenda at Rio. IUCN has extensive experience and case studies in this issue and can also include the issue of rights-based approach which is covered by solid general policy guidance from IUCN Congress Resolutions and Recommendations. - Recommitment to the Rio Declaration and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation: IUCN could play an important role in reminding governments about the obligations to which they have committed since 1992 and the ways in which these obligations have been and could be operational at the national and local level. Principles such as the polluter pays have not been fully and thoroughly implemented. On the other hand, there are other principles which are evolving, such that of common but differentiated responsibilities is evolving from a North/South divide towards taking into account, the individual capabilities of each country. Analysis on the implementation of these principles could be provided by IUCN in partnership with Members. In this context, the Earth Charter could be brought back to the table. Work with governments during the preparation period is crucial for this part of IUCN s intervention. IUCN could assist in analyzing the implementation status of previous commitment and help countries prepare for meaningful discussions and, where appropriate, decision to be taken at the Rio 2012 conference. The IUCN Regional Offices together with Regional and National Committees could play an important role in this undertaking. - Water and the green economy: water plays a crucial role in the green economy and there is a strong justification for including the issue of water in the IUCN package of positions for Rio. Many developing as well as developed countries expressed interest in discussing water at the conference. Access to water in the context of the MDGs and in the context of ecosystem services and resilience is a subject where IUCN can play an important role in providing relevant technical information as well as in convening major countries and players to establish an effective process. Water is central to the issue of balancing natural and built infrastructure. At the same time, water is deeply related to governance and rights issues. Through the issue of water IUCN will present concrete policies that are related to green economy and governance, the themes of the conference. Rio 2012 is also an opportunity to validate or adopt through an intergovernmental process the outcomes that will result from the 6th World Water Forum to be held in March 2012. IUCN s Global Water Programme with other components of the Union is well placed to design this part of IUCN s intervention. - Marine issues at Rio: there is great interest among some governments to include marine issues in the discussions leading to Rio, in particular the issue of Oceans governance. Some delegates are making reference to a Blue Economy. IUCN s Global Marine and Polar Programme is working on various fronts to ensure that the Rio discussions help advance negotiations on marine issues. - Forest: the issue of forest will certainly be included in discussions leading up to the Rio conference. IUCN s Global Forest Programme is working through the Collaborative Partnership on Forest (CPF) among other partnerships, to build a position for Rio. - The proposed IUCN Programme 2013-2016: the Rio 2012 conference is an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the next intersessional programme of IUCN known portraying 6
it as a practical step towards implementation of the outcomes of intergovernmental discussions. The promotion of the programme at this forum would also provide for channels to fundraise. The Policy Program and Capacity Development Group, together with the Strategic Partnership Unit in consultation with Regional Offices could lead in this intervention. - Other issues related to IUCN s specific programmes: the reports or products which the various component programmes are planning to complete by 2012, could also be included as announcement, communication material or promotion of publications of reports. Some of this could be a pre-announcement of a full report or full event that will occur during the Congress, in order to create momentum. This document will be regularly updated. It is expected that the next iteration will be launched in September 2011. For more information, contact: Constanza Martinez Constanza.martinez@iucn.org 7
ANNEX I Background on Rio 2012 and current status of negotiations In December 2009, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that contained the decision to organize a United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 in Brazil (referred to as the Rio+20 conference ). The text of the resolution may be accessed at: http://www.uncsd2012.org/files/od/ares64236e.pdf Current status of negotiations/preparation The first and second UN Preparatory Committee meeting for the Rio 2012 conference took place on May 17-19, 2010 and March 7-8, 2011 in New York, and discussed the themes of the conference: 1- Green economy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Overall, it appears that the green economy theme enjoys broad support and discussions may center more on developing a common understanding of the definition of the term. It is possible that the discussions will focus on more specific themes, such as green accounting, financing, employment and infrastructure development. The lack of clarity on the concept of green economy and its implications raises some reluctance, particularly among developing countries. 2- Improving governance, in particular international environmental governance or sustainability governance, was another issue considered for the agenda and the second theme supported by countries to be discussed as the Rio 2012 conference. Negotiations on this issue are partly a continuation of the discussions on UNEP and the ways to reinforce the environmental component in the UN system. The differences in positions on this issue are quite important. The discussions may need to be more concrete and specific to move forward. Leadership for Rio 2012 Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, was designated to serve as UNCSD Secretary-General. He is supported by two executive coordinators, staff from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and other agencies staff on secondment. There would also be coordination of inputs from the UN system by the Executive Committee of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) for the Environmental Management Group, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for the UN Development Group. The following countries and individuals were elected members of the Bureau: Maged Abdelaziz (Egypt); Charles Thembani Ntwaagae (Botswana); Park In-kook (Republic of Korea); Asad Majeed Khan (Pakistan); Jirí Hlavácek (Czech Republic); Tania Valerie Raguž (Croatia); John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda); Anna Bianchi (Argentina); Paolo Soprano (Italy); and John Matuszak (US). The PrepCom also decided that John Ashe and Park In-kook will serve as PrepCom Co-Chairs and Tania Valerie Raguž will serve as Rapporteur. Brazil, as host country, will also serve as an ex officio member of the Bureau. 8
Related processes: the Global Sustainability Panel On 9 August 2010, the Secretary-General launched the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability (GSP) that brings together renowned world figures to formulate a new blueprint for a sustainable future on a planet under increasing stress resulting from human activities. Recognizing that climate change, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, the destruction of ecosystems and shifting demographic and consumption patterns require bold new approaches to ensure that the world can meet the Millennium Development Goals and other development objectives, the Panel seeks to explore approaches for building a low-carbon, green and resilient economy that can eradicate poverty and ensure a dignified life for all. The GSP will issue its final report by the end of 2011. Its inputs will feed into inter-governmental processes, including preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio 2012), and the annual meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Panel is supported by a small secretariat within the Secretary-General s office in New York. For more information see http://www.un.org/wcm/content/site/climatechange/pages/gsp The GSP represent an additional entry point to influence the outcome of the Rio 2012 process. With this in mind, in March 2011 IUCN organized a meeting of experts and Key players from the environment and sustainable development community to provide inputs to the GSP. The meeting was supported by the Swiss government s contribution. The results of the discussions formed the basis of a set of recommendations related to implementing sustainable development in the 21st century which were made available to the Panel to help prepare its report to the UN Secretary General. For more information see http://www.iucn.org/?unewsid=7133 9
Calendar of events relevant to Rio 2012 and beyond DATE AND PLACE 2011 EVENT June 13-16 Lima, Peru IUCN Regional Conservation Forum - SUR July 5-8 - Brazzaville, Congo IUCN Regional Conservation Forum - PACO August 23-26 Brisbane, Oceania IUCN Regional Conservation Forum Australia September 3-5 Bonn, Germany UN Department of Public Information (DPI) 64th Annual Conference of NGOs on Rio September 6-9 - Bonn, Germany IUCN Regional Conservation Forum Europe September 19 -Ottawa, Canada IUCN Regional Conservation Forum - Canada September 20-22 - Johannesburg, South IUCN Regional Conservation Forum ESARO Africa September 20 Washington DC, USA IUCN Regional Conservation Forum - USA September 27-30 Incheon, South Korea IUCN Regional Conservation Forum Asia October 4-5 Rabat, Morocco IUCN Regional Conservation Forum Mediterranean October 6-7 Santo Domingo, Dominican IUCN Regional Conservation Forum ORMA Republic November 4-5 France G20 meeting November Deadline for inputs to the CSD secretariat on the Rio themes November 16 18 Bonn, Germany The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus- Resources in the Green Economy November 28 December 9, South Africa UNFCCC COP 17 December 15-16 New York 2 nd Intersessional Meeting of CSD for Rio 2012 February 20-22 Nairobi, Kenya UNEP Governing Council and Global Ministerial Environmental Forum February 20-24 6 th Global Oceans Conference March 5-7 New York 3 rd Intersessional Meeting of CSD for Rio March 12-17 - Marseille, France 6 th World Water Forum May 28-30 Rio Third and last Preparatory meeting of Rio+20 June 4-6 Rio Rio +20 Conference June Mexico G20 meeting September 6-15 Jeju, Republic of IUCN World Conservation Congress Korea October 8-19, India CBD COP11 10