STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE, MR. YVES
BERTHELOT, TO THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
"ENVIRONMENT FOR EUROPE"
24 June 1998
Aarhus, Denmark, 23-25 June 1998
I should now like to make a few remarks in my capacity as
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe.
The "Environment for Europe" process is, of course,
a pan-European exercise; however, it also has strong
trans-Atlantic and Central Asian elements. It is normal that some
of the problems it tackles are primarily of interest to one part
of this vast region. Nevertheless, I think that particular
emphasis should be put on the needs and priorities of the region
as a whole and that all the countries that compose it should
benefit from our political, intellectual and financial resources.
None can be neglected, for the deterioration of the environment
in one country affects many others.
The report on the state of the environment indicates that much
work still has to be done, starting with the collection of the
necessary data to determine the exact state of the environment in
the different parts of the region. It is true that outstanding
achievements have been made, notably on policy levels, but the
quality of the environment has not improved at the rate of the
commitments made and more attention should be placed on the
implementation of decisions taken and instruments adopted.
The pace at which international environmental law develops is
quite remarkable. Since the Sofia Conference, two ECE Conventions
have entered into force: that on Transboundary Watercourses and
International Lakes and that on Environmental Impact Assessment
in a Transboundary Context. As for the Industrial Accidents
Convention, it could enter into force as soon as 1999.
In the course of this Conference, you will adopt and sign the
Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and that on
Heavy Metals to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air
Pollution. In this regard, I am pleased to note that the
International Negotiating Committee for a global agreement on
POPs will hold its first meeting next week in Montreal and will
use these protocols as examples for world-wide action. This is
but one example of conventions negotiated under the auspices of
the ECE that, de facto, contribute to the establishment of
global instruments. I would also like to inform you that the
negotiating mechanism under the Air Pollution Convention is now
well established and working at full speed: negotiations are
under way for a new protocol on pollutants affecting health and
the environment. Moreover, it is working in close cooperation
with the scientific community at the negotiation level but also
to assist in the implementation of the instruments already
adopted.
The Aarhus Conference will also adopt and sign the Convention
on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making
and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. This will crown
an intense preparatory process, which was entrusted to the ECE by
the Sofia Conference. In his statement the Secretary-General
expressed all the significance and importance which he attached
to this Convention.
Never before in the UN context has civil society been so
closely involved, from the first drafts, through the
negotiations, to the final consensus. This is a good start to a
rapid ratification and effective implementation. I take this
opportunity to insist, once again, on the implementation of
instruments that have been adopted. It goes without saying that
they are of value only if effectively used. The Conference could
invite Governments, the relevant institutions and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to concentrate their
efforts to this end.
Mr. Chairman,
The implementation of the Environmental Programme for Europe,
as endorsed by Ministers at Sofia, is one of the key elements of
the "Environment for Europe" process, as the Programme
is intended to be a long-term response to the policy challenges
posed by the findings on the state of the environment. I welcome
the proposal to continue reviewing the Programme in detail. This
would enable us to identify the activities particularly tied to
the implementation of instruments. It could give new vitality to
the pan-European elements in our work and bring forward new ideas
which have not received sufficient attention so far.
According to the wish expressed by the Ministers at Lucerne,
the ECE has now implemented a Programme to review environmental
performance. Despite the limited resources and the difficulties
encountered in carrying out these reviews, the results are
promising. The environmental performance reviews not only allow
us to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of the situation in the
countries concerned, but they also foster a debate on policies to
improve the environment. The recommendations, made individually
to each country, are as demanding and realistic as possible.
It is increasingly clear that progress in the environment is
linked to - and affects - that in other sectors. The ministerial
process Environment and Health benefits from the progress made in
other sectors. The Transport and Environment Conference in Vienna
will enter into an implementation phase that will be difficult,
but essential for the environment as well as for the development
of transport.
The UN/ECE has been heavily involved in the substantive and
practical preparations for this Conference. Cooperation with the
Danish authorities and a number of other organizations and
institutions was close and constructive. I am pleased about this.
We now have a flexible and effective framework for the
preparation and follow-up of conferences in which organizations
and Governments work in a coordinated and complementary manner. I
can assure you that the ECE is itself ready to contribute
actively to the process in the years to come.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to
the Government of Denmark and, in particular, to Minister Svend
Auken for having devoted so much energy and resources to the
preparation and organization of this Conference. I am certain
that it will be a success and that the euphoric atmosphere of
Nordic summers will contribute to making it a memorable event.