UNDP/AOSIS
PACNEWS WED JUL 26, 2000
APIA(Pacnews): Delegates attending the 2nd ALLIANCE of SMALL
ISLAND STATES (AOSIS) workshop on Climate Change in APIA, SAMOA
have been reminded of the urgent need to address problems of
climate change and sea-level rise to achieve the right balance
between economic development and environmental protection.
The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) resident
representative and UN resident coordinator in Samoa, Serge
Ducasse said today, that the continuing deterioration of the
environment and the need to address issues such as climate change
under an international framework, underscore the important
contribution an homogenous entity like AOSIS can make in
promoting international environmental protection and cooperation.
Mr Ducasse assured about 100 delegates that the UNDP remains
fully committed to maintaining its substantial support in their
efforts in climate change relates issues, especially in the
fundamental area of improving Small Island States' capacity to
respond to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
"Likewise we are committed to supporting your efforts to combine
the implementation of the Climate Convention with poverty
eradication and sustainable development goals," said Mr Ducasse.
He added that finding solutions to these issues will require
sustained efforts for the foreseeable future from everyone.
"Not only must we establish the rules, but we must also modify
them along the way and learn to adapt to change, just like, as I
was recently told, the pigs on the small Pacific atoll of Fakaofo
in Tokelau have adjusted to their local environment by learning
how to swim."
Delegates from the 43 members states of the AOSIS, universities,
friends, non-government organisations and regional organisations
are attending the 2nd AOSIS workshop of Climate Change
Negotiations, Management and Strategy in Apia, Samoa.
The AOSIS membership covers Small Island States in the Pacific,
Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.
The organisation was established in 1990.
Mr Ducasse said climate change could affect the long-term
development prospects and security of all nations, rich and poor
alike.
"By working together through international instruments such as
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, we can
help ensure that sustainable development aspirations of all
countries are enhanced rather than constrained by our
legitimately growing concerns for the environment."
Mr Ducasse added that we have the right ingredients before us to
turn an ominous environmental challenge into a win-win situation.
"What we need is sufficient resolve and political will, together
with a sense of urgency .", said Mr Ducasse.
He warned the costs of failure would be too high and the stakes
for future generations could not be higher.
SOURCE: PACNEWS
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