b. Review techn ical and economic potentials of plant nutrient sources, including national
deposits, improved organic supplies, recycling, wastes, topsoil produced from discarded
organic matter and biological nitrogen fixation.
(c) International and regional cooperation and coordination
14.87. The appropriate United Nations agencies, such as FAO, the international agricultural research institutes, and non -governmental organizations should collaborate in carrying out information and publicity campaigns about the integrated plan t nutrients approach, efficiency of soil productivity and their relationship to the environment.
Means of implementation
(a) Financing and cost evaluation
14.88. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $3.2 billion, including about $475 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of- magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Government s. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.
(b) Scientific and technological means
14.89. Governments at the app ropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional
organizations, should:
a. Develop site-specific technologies at benchmark sites and farmers' fields that fit
prevailing socio-economic and ecological conditions through research that involves the
full collaboration of local populations;
b. Reinforce interdisciplinary international research and transfer of technology in cropping
and farming systems research, improved in situ biomass production techniques, organic
residue management and a groforestry technologies.
(c) Human resource development
14.90. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional
organizations, should:
a. Train extension officers and researchers in plant nutrient management, cro pping systems
and farming systems, and in economic evaluation of plant nutrient impact;
b. Train farmers and women's groups in plant nutrition management, with special emphasis
on topsoil conservation and production.
(d) Capacity-building
14.91. Governments at t he appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional
organizations, should:
a. Develop suitable institutional mechanisms for policy formulation to monitor and guide
the implementation of integrated plant nutrition programmes thro ugh an interactive
process involving farmers, research, extension services and other sectors of society;
b. Where appropriate, strengthen existing advisory services and train staff, develop and test
new technologies and facilitate the adoption of practices t o upgrade and maintain full
productivity of the land.
K. Rural energy transition to enhance productivity
Basis for action
14.92. Energy supplies in many countries are not commensurate with their development needs and are
highly priced and unstable. In rural areas of the developing countries, the chief sources of energy are
fuelwood, crop residues and manure, together with animal and human energy. More intensive energy
inputs are required for increased productivity of human labour and for income -generation. To this
end, rural energy policies and technologies should promote a mix of cost -effective fossil and
renewable energy sources that is itself sustainable and ensures sustainable agricultural development.
Rural areas provide energy supplies in the form of woo d. The full potential of agriculture and
agroforestry, as well as common property resources, as sources of renewable energy, is far from
being realized. The attainment of sustainable rural development is intimately linked with energy
demand and supply patt erns. 5/
Objectives
14.93. The objectives of this programme area are:
a. Not later than the year 2000, to initiate and encourage a process of environmentally
sound energy transition in rural communities, from unsustainable energy sources, to
structured and dive rsified energy sources by making available alternative new and
renewable sources of energy;
b. To increase the energy inputs available for rural household and agro -industrial needs
through planning and appropriate technology transfer and development;
c. To implement self-reliant rural programmes favouring sustainable development of
renewable energy sources and improved energy efficiency.
Activities
(a) Management-related activities
14.94. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant inte rnational and regional
organizations, should:
a. Promote pilot plans and projects consisting of electrical, mechanical and thermal power
(gasifiers, biomass, solar driers, wind -pumps and combustion systems) that are
appropriate and likely to be adequately ma intained;
b. Initiate and promote rural energy programmes supported by technical training, banking
and related infrastructure;
c. Intensify research and the development, diversification and conservation of energy,
taking into account the need for efficient use and environmentally sound technology.
(b) Data and information
14.95. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional
organizations, should:
a. Collect and disseminate data on rural energy supply and demand patt erns related to
energy needs for households, agriculture and agro -industry;
b. Analyse sectoral energy and production data in order to identify rural energy
requirements.
(c) International and regional cooperation and coordination
14.96. The appropriate United N ations agencies and regional organizations should, drawing on the experience and available information of non -governmental organizations in this field, exchange country and regional experience on rural energy planning methodologies in order to promote effi cient planning and select cost -effective technologies.
Means of implementation
(a) Financing and cost evaluation
14.97. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $1.8 billion per year, including about $265 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order-of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.
(b) Scientific and technological means
14.98. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional
organizations, should:
a. Intensify public and private sector research in developing and industrialized countries on
renewable sources of energy for agriculture;
b. Undertake research and transfer of energy technologi es in biomass and solar energy to
agricultural production and post -harvest activities.
(c) Human resource development
14.99. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional organizations, should enhance public awareness of rural energy problems, stressing the economic and environmental advantages of renewable energy sources.
(d) Capacity-building
14.100. Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional
organizations, should:
a. Establish national institutional mechanisms for rural energy planning and management that would
improve efficiency in agricultural productivity and reach the village and household level;
b. Strengthen extension services and local organizations to im plement plans and programmes for
new and renewable sources of energy at the village level.
L. Evaluation of the effects of ultraviolet radiation on plants and animals caused by the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer
Basis for action
14.101. The increase of ultraviolet radiation as a consequence of the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer is a phenomenon that has been recorded in different regions of the world, particularly in the southern hemisphere. Consequently, it is important to evaluate its effects on plant and animal life, as well as on sustainable agricultural development.
Objective
14.102. The objective of this programme area is to undertake research to determine the effects of increased ultraviolet radiation resulting from stratospheric ozon e layer depletion on the Earth's surface, and on plant and animal life in affected regions, as well as its impact on agriculture, and to develop, as appropriate, strategies aimed at mitigating its adverse effects.
Activities
Management-related activiti es
14.103. In affected regions, Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional organizations, should take the necessary measures, through institutional cooperation, to facilitate the implementation of research a nd evaluation regarding the effects of enhanced ultraviolet radiation on plant and animal life, as well as on agricultural activities, and consider taking appropriate remedial measures.
Notes
1/ Some of the issues in this programme area are presente d in chapter 3 of Agenda 21 (Combating poverty).
2/ Some of the issues in this programme area are discussed in chapter 8 of Agenda 21 (Integrating environment and development in decision -making) and in chapter 37 (National mechanisms and international co operation for capacity -building in developing countries).
3/ Some of the issues are presented in chapter 10 of Agenda 21 (Integrated approach to the planning and management of land resources).
4/ The activities of this programme area are related to som e of the activities in chapter 15 of Agenda 21 (Conservation of biological diversity).
5/ The activities of this programme area are related to some of the activities in chapter 9 of Agenda 21 (Protection of the atmosphere).
Agenda 21 – Chapter 15
CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
15.1. The objectives and activities in this chapter of Agenda 21 are intended to improve the conservation of
biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, as well as to support the Convention on
Biological Diversity.
15.2. Our planet's essential goods and services depend on the variety and variability of genes, species,
populations and ecosystems. Biological resources feed and clothe us and provide housing, medicines and
spiritual nourishment. The natural ecosystems of forests, savannahs, pastures and rangelands, deserts,
tundras, rivers, lakes and seas contain most of the Earth's biodiversity. Farmers' fields and gardens are also
of great importance as repositories, while gene bank s, botanical gardens, zoos and other germplasm
repositories make a small but significant contribution. The current decline in biodiversity is largely the
result of human activity and represents a serious threat to human development.
PROGRAMME AREA
Conservation of biological diversity
Basis for action
15.3. Despite mounting efforts over the past 20 years, the loss of the world's biological diversity, mainly
from habitat destruction, over -harvesting, pollution and the inappropriate introduction of forei gn plants and
animals, has continued. Biological resources constitute a capital asset with great potential for yielding
sustainable benefits. Urgent and decisive action is needed to conserve and maintain genes, species and
ecosystems, with a view to the su stainable management and use of biological resources. Capacities for the
assessment, study and systematic observation and evaluation of biodiversity need to be reinforced at
national and international levels. Effective national action and international coo peration is required for the
in situ protection of ecosystems, for the ex situ conservation of biological and genetic resources and for the
enhancement of ecosystem functions. The participation and support of local communities are elements
essential to the success of such an approach. Recent advances in biotechnology have pointed up the likely
potential for agriculture, health and welfare and for the environmental purposes of the genetic material
contained in plants, animals and micro -organisms. At the same time, it is particularly important in this
context to stress that States have the sovereign right to exploit their own biological resources pursuant to
their environmental policies, as well as the responsibility to conserve their biodiversity and use thei r
biological resources sustainably, and to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not
cause damage to the biological diversity of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national
jurisdiction.
Objectives
15.4. Governments at the appropriate level, with the cooperation of the relevant United Nations bodies and
regional, intergovernmental and non -governmental organizations, the private sector and financial
institutions, and taking into consideration indigenous people and their communities, as well as social and
economic factors, should:
a. Press for the early entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity, with the widest
possible participation;
b. Develop national strategies for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of
biological resources;
c. Integrate strategies for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of
biological resources into national development strategies and/or plans;
d. Take appropriate measures for the fair a nd equitable sharing of benefits derived from research and
development and use of biological and genetic resources, including biotechnology, between the
sources of those resources and those who use them;
e. Carry out country studies, as appropriate, on the c onservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources, including analyses of relevant costs and benefits, with
particular reference to socio -economic aspects;
f. Produce regularly updated world reports on biodiversity based upon national assessments;
g. Recognize and foster the traditional methods and the knowledge of indigenous people and their
communities, emphasizing the particular role of women, relevant to the conservation of biological
diversity and the sustainable use of bio logical resources, and ensure the opportunity for the
participation of those groups in the economic and commercial benefits derived from the use of
such traditional methods and knowledge; 1/
h. Implement mechanisms for the improvement, generation, developmen t and sustainable use of
biotechnology and its safe transfer, particularly to developing countries, taking account the
potential contribution of biotechnology to the conservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources; 2/
i. Promote broader international and regional cooperation in furthering scientific and economic
understanding of the importance of biodiversity and its functions in ecosystems;
j. Develop measures and arrangements to implement the rights of countries of origin of genetic
resources or countries providing genetic resources, as defined in the Convention on Biological
Diversity, particularly developing countries, to benefit from the biotechnological development and
the commercial utilization of products derived from such resources. 2/ 3/
Activities
(a) Management-related activities
15.5. Governments at the appropriate levels, consistent with national policies and practices, with the
cooperation of the relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, intergovern mental organizations and,
with the support of indigenous people and their communities, non -governmental organizations and other
groups, including the business and scientific communities, and consistent with the requirements of
international law, should, as appropriate:
a. Develop new or strengthen existing strategies, plans or programmes of action for the conservation
of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, taking account of education
and training needs; 4/
b. Integrate strategi es for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of
biological and genetic resources into relevant sectoral or cross -sectoral plans, programmes and
policies, with particular reference to the special importance of terrestrial and aqua tic biological
and genetic resources for food and agriculture; 5/
c. Undertake country studies or use other methods to identify components of biological diversity
important for its conservation and for the sustainable use of biological resources, ascribe val ues to
biological and genetic resources, identify processes and activities with significant impacts upon
biological diversity, evaluate the potential economic implications of the conservation of biological
diversity and the sustainable use of biological an d genetic resources, and suggest priority action;
d. Take effective economic, social and other appropriate incentive measures to encourage the
conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources, including the
promotion of sustainable production systems, such as traditional methods of agriculture,
agroforestry, forestry, range and wildlife management, which use, maintain or increase
biodiversity; 5/
e. Subject to national legislation, take action to respect, record, protect and promote the wider
application of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities
embodying traditional lifestyles for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use
of biological resources, with a view to the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising, and
promote mechanisms to involve those communities, including women, in the conservation and
management of ecosystems; 1/
f. Undertake long-term research into the importance of biodiversity for the functio ning of
ecosystems and the role of ecosystems in producing goods, environmental services and other
values supporting sustainable development, with particular reference to the biology and
reproductive capacities of key terrestrial and aquatic species, inclu ding native, cultivated and
cultured species; new observation and inventory techniques; ecological conditions necessary for
biodiversity conservation and continued evolution; and social behaviour and nutrition habits
dependent on natural ecosystems, where women play key roles. The work should be undertaken
with the widest possible participation, especially of indigenous people and their communities,
including women; 1/
g. Take action where necessary for the conservation of biological diversity through the in situ
conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats, as well as primitive cultivars and their wild
relatives, and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural
surroundings, and implement ex situ measures, preferably in th e source country. In situ measures
should include the reinforcement of terrestrial, marine and aquatic protected area systems and
embrace, inter alia, vulnerable freshwater and other wetlands and coastal ecosystems, such as
estuaries, coral reefs and mangr oves; 6/
h. Promote the rehabilitation and restoration of damaged ecosystems and the recovery of threatened
and endangered species;
i. Develop policies to encourage the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of
biological and genetic resources on private lands;
j. Promote environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas
with a view to furthering protection of these areas;
k. Introduce appropriate environmental impact assessment procedures for proposed projects lik ely to
have significant impacts upon biological diversity, providing for suitable information to be made
widely available and for public participation, where appropriate, and encourage the assessment of
the impacts of relevant policies and programmes on bi ological diversity;
l. Promote, where appropriate, the establishment and strengthening of national inventory, regulation
or management and control systems related to biological resources, at the appropriate level;
m. Take measures to encourage a greater unders tanding and appreciation of the value of biological
diversity, as manifested both in its component parts and in the ecosystem services provided.
(b) Data and information
15.6. Governments at the appropriate level, consistent with national policies and pr actices, with the
cooperation of the relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, intergovernmental organizations, and
with the support of indigenous people and their communities, non -governmental organizations and other
groups, including the busine ss and scientific communities, and consistent with the requirements of
international law, should, as appropriate: 7/
a. Regularly collate, evaluate and exchange information on the conservation of biological diversity
and the sustainable use of biological res ources;
b. Develop methodologies with a view to undertaking systematic sampling and evaluation on a
national basis of the components of biological diversity identified by means of country studies;
c. Initiate or further develop methodologies and begin or conti nue work on surveys at the appropriate
level on the status of ecosystems and establish baseline information on biological and genetic
resources, including those in terrestrial, aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as
inventories undertaken with the participation of local and indigenous people and their
communities;
d. Identify and evaluate the potential economic and social implications and benefits of the
conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic species in each country, building upon
the results of country studies;
e. Undertake the updating, analysis and interpretation of data derived from the identification,
sampling and evaluation activities described above;
f. Collect, assess and make available relevant and reliable information in a timely manner and in a
form suitable for decision -making at all levels, with the full support and participation of local and
indigenous people and their communities.
(c) International and regional cooperation and coordination
15.7. Governments at the a ppropriate level, with the cooperation of the relevant United Nations bodies and,
as appropriate, intergovernmental organizations, and, with the support of indigenous people and their
communities, non -governmental organizations and other groups, including the business and scientific
communities, and consistent with the requirements of international law, should, as appropriate:
a. Consider the establishment or strengthening of national or international capabilities and networks
for the exchange of data and inf ormation of relevance to the conservation of biological diversity
and the sustainable use of biological and genetic resources; 7/
b. Produce regularly updated world reports on biodiversity based upon national assessments in all
countries;
c. Promote technical and scientific cooperation in the field of conservation of biological diversity
and the sustainable use of biological and genetic resources. Special attention should be given to
the development and strengthening of national capabilities by means of human r esource
development and institution -building, including the transfer of technology and/or development of
research and management facilities, such as herbaria, museums, gene banks, and laboratories,
related to the conservation of biodiversity; 8/
d. Without prejudice to the relevant provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity, facilitate
for this chapter the transfer of technologies relevant to the conservation of biological diversity and
the sustainable use of biological resources or technologies tha t make use of genetic resources and
cause no significant damage to the environment, in conformity with chapter 34, and recognizing
that technology includes biotechnology; 2/ 8/
e. Promote cooperation between the parties to relevant international conventions and action plans
with the aim of strengthening and coordinating efforts to conserve biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources;
f. Strengthen support for international and regional instruments, programmes and action plans
concerned with the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological
resources;
g. Promote improved international coordination of measures for the effective conservation and
management of endangered/non -pest migratory species, including approp riate levels of support for
the establishment and management of protected areas in transboundary locations;
h. Promote national efforts with respect to surveys, data collection, sampling and evaluation, and the
maintenance of gene banks.
Means of implementa tion
(a) Financing and cost evaluation
15.8. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this chapter to be about $3.5 billion, including about $1.75 billion from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.
(b) Scientific and technological means
15.9. Specific aspects to be addressed include the need to develop:
a.
Efficient methodologies for baseline surveys and inventories, as well as for the
systematic sampling and evaluation of biological resources;
b.
Methods and technologies for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable
use of biological resources;
c.
Improved and diversified methods for ex situ conservation with a view to the long-term
conservation of genetic resources of importance for research and development.
(c) Human resource development
15.10.
There is a need, where appropriate, to:
a.
Increase the number and/or make more efficient use of trained personnel in scientific and
technological fields relevant to the conservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources;
b.
Maintain or establish programmes for scientific and technical education and training of
managers and professionals, especially in developing countries, on measures for the
identification, conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological
resources;
c.
Promote and encourage understanding of the importance of the measures required for the
conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources at all
policy-making and decision-making levels in Governments, business enterprises and
lending institutions, and promote and encourage the inclusion of these topics in
educational programmes.
(d) Capacity-building
15.11.
There is a need, where appropriate, to:
a.
Strengthen existing institutions and/or establish new ones responsible for the
conservation of biological diversity and to consider the development of mechanisms such
as national biodiversity institutes or centres;
b.
Continue to build capacity for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable
use of biological resources in all relevant sectors;
c.
Build capacity, especially within Governments, business enterprises and bilateral and
multilateral development agencies, for integrating biodiversity concerns, potential
benefits and opportunity cost calculations into project design, implementation and
evaluation processes, as well as for evaluating the impact on biological diversity of
proposed development projects;
d.
Enhance the capacity of governmental and private institutions, at the appropriate level,
responsible for protected area planning and management to undertake intersectoral
coordination and planning with other governmental institutions, non-governmental
organizations and, where appropriate, indigenous people and their communities.