Posted on the official web site of the Jo'burg Summit on 15/8/02 3:13 PM


Less than two weeks ahead of a world summit on the environment, rich and
poor nations remain deeply divided over how to develop the planet
sustainable basis, Environment Minister Valli Moosa said on Tuesday.

Four preparatory meetings have failed to produce consensus on a draft
declaration to be adopted at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg. Moosa told a media briefing that while
there "had been some movement", there was still disagreement about the
degree of responsibility developed and developing nations should take for
conserving the environment, and who should pay for it.

While countries had agreed to goals such as halving the number of people
who lack clean water by 2015, there was no unanimity on proposals to set
similar targets for access to proper sanitation, or to commit countries to
using renewable energy sources, he said. Countries also disagreed on
whether the summit should address the issues of market access and
distorting subsidies, and whether development should be linked to good
governance.

Government negotiators hoped to reach an acceptable compromise during
informal negotiations scheduled for two days before the actual summit begins
on August 24.

Moosa was optimistic about a favourable outcome, saying he was unaware of a
single country that planned to boycott the summit. "I think countries can
find each other. "What we want the summit to achieve is to emerge with an
implementation plan and programme" to conserve the environment, Moosa said.

UN agencies and other organisations have released a series of reports
warning that the earth's resources are being eroded, and detailing how
billions of people lack clean water, sanitation and other basic services.
                          --  Sapa-AFP

To follow the proceedings, visit the official web site of the Jo'burg
Summit at www.josummit.com

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