Reproduced, with permission, from:
Halpern, S. 1993. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development: Process and documentation. Academic Council for the United Nations System (ACUNS) reports and papers, no. 2. Providence, RI: Academic Council for the United Nations System (ACUNS).
Preparatory Steps Leading to PrepCom and the UNCED
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1987
11 Dec GA RES 42/186 The Environmental Perspective to the
Year 2000 and Beyond
A/C.2/42/L.80" An approach to environmentally
sound sustainable development to
guide international cooperation.
GA RES 42/187 "Report of the World Commission
on Environment and Development"
A/C.2/42/L.81 Discusses sustainable development
at length and invites governments
et. al. to engage in follow-up
activities such as conferences.
WCED Report published as "Our
Common Future."
1988
6 Dec GA RES 43/55 "Protection of global climate for
present and future generations of
mankind"
A/43/905
see alsoA/45/696
and Add. 1
20 Dec GA RES 43/196 "A United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development"
A/43/915/Add. 7 Decides to consider at its 44th
session, whether to convene a
UN conference on the subject of the
present resolution.
1989
May Decision 15/1 of the "Strengthening the Role and
1989 UN Governing Effectiveness of the United Nations
Council Environmental Programme"
Reaffirms UNEP as central
catalyzing, coordinating, and
stimulating body in the field of the
environment in UN.
25 May Decision 15/3 of the "A United Nations conference on
1989 UN Governing environment and development"
Council
A/44/25 with annex Establishes basic intellectual
infrastructure for subsequent UNCED
discussions/ decisions by ECOSOC
and the GA.
1989
26 July ECOSOC RES 1989/87 On convening a UN Convention on
Environment and Development
27 July ECOSOC RES 1989/101 On strengthening international
cooperation on environment through
providing financial resources to
developing countries
19 Dec GA RES 44/171 "Integration of Women in
Development"
22 Dec GA RES 44/229 "International Co-operation in the
field of the environment"
GA RES 44/227 "Implementation of General Assembly
Resolutions 44/186 and 44/187"
A/44/227
GA RES 44/228 "United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development"
A/44/228 Sets the whole process in motion.
Calls for conference to "elaborate
strategies to halt and reverse the
effects of environmental
degradation...[by strengthening
efforts]...to promote sustainable
and environmentally sound
development in all countries."
Some specific issues to address
listed in para. 12, also to promote
the further development of
international environmental law.
Establishes Voluntary Fund to assist
developing country participation;
consultative status for
nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs). Establishes Secretariat &
Preparatory Committee (to meet five
times) to plan the conference and
draft decisions to adopt at
conference.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/44/48 Report of the
PrepCom to the GA
A/CONF.151/PC/2, Report of the UNCED SG to the
and Add.1 PrepCom. Conference on Environment
and Development '92 - Decisions of
the PrepCom (adopted 20 March 1990)
Various decisions including one
that establishes two working
groups:;
1. Working Group I
(a) Protection of the atmosphere
by combating climate change,
depletion of the ozone layer and
trans-boundary pollution;
(b) Protection of land resources
by, inter alia, combating
deforestation, desertification
and drought;
(c) Conservation of biological
diversity; and
(d) Environmentally sound
management of biotechnology.
2. Working Group II
(a) Protection of the oceans and
all kinds of seas;
(b) Protection freshwater
resources; and
(c) Environmentally sound
management of wastes,
(particularly hazardous ones) and
toxic chemicals, also prevention
of illegal international traffic
in same, and dangerous products.
Agrees to involve NGOs.
A/CONF.151/PC/CRP.2, Note by Secretariat
A/CONF.151/PC/CRP.3
See generally,
A/CONF.151/PC/2
and Add. 1.
A/CONF.151/PC/L.57 &
Rev. 1. Observers
A/CONF.151/PC/L.8 NGOs
A/CONF.151/PC/L.55 & IGOs
Add. 4.
1990
1-3 Aug Special Session of Recommends PrepCom consider:
Governing Council climate change; oceans and
of UNEP coastal areas; hazardous
substances; freshwater;
[EP&L, Vol. 20, desertification; biodiversity.
pp. 155-160] Other issues: transboundary air
pollution; financial assistance and
environmentally sound technology
transfer to developing countries.
Recommends PrepCom invite NGOs to
UNCED.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/45/46 with annex Report of the
Preparatory Committee
to the GA
Provides indication of primary
areas of concern and requests a
number of relevant studies and
reports.
UNEP/GCSS.II/2 Executive Director's Report
Corr. 1 and 2 and
Add. 1, 2, & 3
See also A/CONF. Note by Secretariat on Decisions of
151/PC/L.7 the Governing Council of the UNEP of
Immediate Relevance to PrepCom
A/CONF.151/PC/5 Report of the Secretary General
and Add. 1 and 2 on the Activities of the Conference
Secretariat
Covers practically the whole
sphere of conference report. Annex
contains brief overview of nine
major issues (most assigned to WGs
noted above) and several subsidiary
issues. Principle work to be:
(1) Conventions;
(2) Earth Charter (basic
principles for conduct of people
and nations);
(3) Agenda 21 for action
(concrete means to implement said
principles);
(4) Financial Resources;
(5) Technology Transfer; and
(6) Institutions.
Most important decisions to be in
the area of development and economic
policies and decision-making, since
through changes in all countries and
in the international economy most
principal environmental risks must
be addressed. Special study
initiated by Secretariat on this
last matter.
A/CONF.151/PC/6 Overview of System-Wide Activities
Relevant to Resolution 44/228
A/CONF.151/PC7 Summary of the Activities of
Intergovernmental and International
Organizations Relevant to Resolution
44/228
Read in conjunction with Annex to
document A/CONF.151/PC/5 listed
above.
A/CONF.151/PC/4 Provisional Agenda and Programme of
A/CONF.151/PC/5 Work (with recommendations made by
bureau)
Approved agenda of WGs I and II.
A/CONF/151/PC/8 Guidelines for national reports
A/CONF.151/PC/10 Preparations at the Regional Level
and PC/12
A/CONF./151/PC/ Report of WG I
WG.I/L.6
Adopts draft decisions:
A/CONF.151/PC/ Climate Change
WG.I/L./Rev. 1
(hereafter abbreviated
as L.#/Rev.#.)
L.2/Rev. 1 Ozone Depletion
L.3/Rev. 1 Transboundary Air Pollution
L.7/Rev. 1 Biodiversity
L.8/Rev. 1 Biotechnology
L.4/Rev. 2 Land Resources: Deforestation
L.5/Rev. 1 Land Resources: Soil Loss/
Desertification/ Drought
L.10 Environmental Education
L.11 Draft Provisional Agenda for Second
Session
A/CONF./151/PC/
WG.II/L.A Report of WG II
A/CONF.151/PC/
WG.II/L.C Adopts report and provisional agenda
for second session
A/CONF.151/PC/ "Protection of the Oceans and all
WG.II/L.1./Rev. 3 kinds of Seas"
Plenary Session Discussions:
A/CONF.151/PC/L.17 Transfer of Technology
L.19 Financial Resources
L.22 Decision on Environment and
Earlier draft at L.12 Development
L.18 Overview of the activities of the UN
system relevant to GA RES 44/228
A/CONF.151/PC/ (Earlier note by Secretariat)
L.25 Co-operation on Transfer of
Technology and Financial Resources
to Developing Countries
1990
21 Dec GA RES 45/211 "The United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development"
1991
4-7 March Regional Preparatory Meeting of the
UN Economic Commission for Latin
America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
for UNCED, Mexico City, Mexico
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/56/48 - Part I Report of the PrepCom
to the GA
Working Group I
A/CONF.151/PC/ Climate Change
WG.I/L.12/Rev.
See also, A/CONF.151/
PC.22 & 23
A/CONF.151/PC/ Biological Diversity
WG.I/L.14/Rev. 1.
See also, A/CONF.151/
PC/28
A/CONF.151/PC/ Soil Loss
WG.I/L.16/Rev.
See also,A/CONF.151/
PC/24 - 26
A/CONF.151/PC/ Forest Issues
WG.I/L.18See also,
A/CONF.151/PC/27 Discussion takes much of time
and Corr. 1 at PrepCom. Establishes ad hoc
subgroup on forest issues, not part
of negotiating process on an
international instrument. Agrees to
consider possible forms of a global
agreement on all type forests
management, conservation and
development (first time).
Establishes comprehensive list of
forest function principles, from
ecological, economic and social
aspects, to serve as basis
discussion at PrepCom III. Forest
protection should be included in
current climate change & biological
diversity negotiations.
A/CONF.151/PC/ Sets agenda for
WG.I/L.17 session of WG III
Working Group II
A/CONF.151/PC/ Waste Management
WG.II/L.7
Hazardous waste and toxic
chemicals, and illegal international
traffic in same.
A/CONF.151/PC/ International strategy on the
WG.II/L.8 See also, environmentally sound management of
A/CONF.151/PC/35 hazardous wastes and toxic
chemicals.
A/CONF.151/PC/ Strategy to consider:
WG.II/L.11 experience of Basel and Bamako
Conventions and other related
conventions; liability &
compensation; information flow;
developing country needs; strategy
to refer to London Guidelines for
the Exchange of Information on
Chemicals in International Trade and
the FAO International Code of
Conduct on the Distribution and Use
of Pesticides; include access to
information, transfer of technology
and monitoring, of chemical
accidents.
A/CONF.151/PC/ Protection of Oceans
WG.II/L.12 See also,
A/CONF.151/PC/30 Recommends UNCED SG take into
account certain issues such as
relationship between trade and
living resources, costs of
management, funding, role of women,
and impact of sea level rise on
small island states and low coastal
areas without duplicating work of
IPCC, UNEP, and others.
A/CONF.151/PC/ Protection of
WG.II./L.14. See also, Freshwwater Resources
A/CONF.151/PC/32
A/CONF.151/PC/ Recommends UNCED SG identify
WG.II/L.12 main elements of an action
programme to be reviewed as a basis
for Agenda 21. Decides to take into
account actions of UN International
Law Commission in developing legal
instruments re: management of
transboundary water resources. Need
to take into account role of women,
indigenous peoples - Invites the
International Conference on Water
and the Environment to be held in
Dublin, Ireland, in January 1992 to
consider an action framework on
sustainable development and
mangement of freshwater
resources.
A/CONF.151/PC/ Sets agenda for sesssion of WG III
WG.II./L.13
Working Group III
A/CONF.151/PC/L.31 Legal, Institutional and Related
Matters, Group established
Decides to: prepare annotated
list of existing international
agreements; examine feasiblity of
elaborating environmental principles
of general rights and obligations of
States; consider issues referred to
it by other working groups or
plenary; review role of UN in
environmental matters; examine
planned implementation of UNCED.
A/CONF.151/A/46/48 Draft "Earth Charter"
Work on Earth Charter, later
known as "Declaration of Rio," the
most difficult task of Working Group
III.
A/CONF.151/PC/ Elements for a Resolution on
WG.III/L.1 Settlement of International Disputes
Concerning the Environment
Tentative draft proposal
submitted by the Pentagonal
countries before working group.
A/CONF.151/PC/WG.III/2 Provisional List of Agreements &
Instruments and Checklist of
Principles to assist WG III
deliberations
A/CONF/.151/PC/L.30 UNCED SG roster of recent UN
Statements
A/CONF.151/PC/78 UNCED SG roster of previously
of 26 July 1991 adopted principles
A/CONF.151/PC/WG. Discussion of matters as noted
III/L.2/Rev. 1 in PC/L.31 as well as legal and
institutional aspects of cross-
sectoral issues
A/CONF.151/PC/ Sets agenda for second WG session
WG.III./L.3
Plenary
A/CONF.151/PC/L.37 Hereafter abbreviated as PC/##.
Adopts agenda, including discussion
of cross-sectoral issues and reports
of the WGs
PC/L.34 Requests UNCED SG to continue
development of proposals for Agenda
21 for discussion in third session
PC/L.38 UNCED SG to take into account
"traditional knowledge and practices
of indigenous people for sustainable
use, conservation, etc. of natural
resources"
Cross-sectoral Issues
PC/17 Transfer of Technology
PC/18 Financial Resources
For both, see also UN GA RES
A/45/849 Add. 1, adopted without a
vote, 12 December 1990.
PC/21 Environmental Education and Public
Awareness
PC/19 Environmental Health
PC/15 Poverty and Environmental
Degradation
PC/16 Environment and Development. See
also, GA RES A/45/850, adopted
without a vote, 12 December 1990
PC/36 Institutions
PC/14 Report of the UNCED SG on Agenda 21
To consist of three major
sections:
(1) Basis for action (describing
state of the environment and
sustainable development);
(2) Action agenda (programmatic
approaches); and
(3) Instruments for action.
PC/L.37 Discussion of Role of NGOs
Proposes procedure for
determining NGO competence and
relevance to work of PrepCom.
PC/L.28/Add. 1 Approves UNCED SGs list of NGOs
recommended for accreditation
1990
12 Dec A/45/850 Report of the Second Committee on
the UNCED
Contains 2 draft resolutions:
1) requests UNCTAD to study trends
between environmental issues and
international trade;
2) establishes dates (June 1-12)
and location, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
In a number of sectors PrepCom II asked the Secretariat to elaborate on the proposals or provide further information; this is in addition to producing the separate series of Agenda 21 papers. The Reports of the Secretariat are designated as Document Number A/CONF.151/PC ##; the Working Group or Plenary documents corresponding to the same topic, are designated Document Number A/CONF.151/PC/WG#/##, and follow the Secretariat's listing in square brackets. The same designations are used in PrepCom IV.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/46/48 Part II The Report of the Preparatory
Committee to the General Assembly
A/CONF.151/PC/42 Initial Draft Agenda 21
Add. 1-10 Specific topics are noted below:
Plenary
A/CONF.151/PC/39 Organizational Documents
through PC/44,
and PC/48
A/CONF.151/PC/45 Cross-Sectoral Issues
through PC/47 and
PC/49 through PC/56
A/CONF.151/PC/56 Progress Report to the Working
Groups
Working Group I
A/CONF.151/PC/WG.I/L. Atmosphere
24/Corr.
A/CONF.151/PC/57 Climate Change
PC/58 Ozone Depletion
PC/59 Transbounday Air Pollution
PC/60 Sectoral Issues
PC/42/Add.1 Agenda 21
Land Resources
A/CONF.151/PC/61 Agriculture, Environment, and
Development
PC/62 [WG.I/L.29] Desertification
PC/63 Integrated Management of Land
Resources
PC/42/Add. 2 Land: Agenda 21
Forests
PC/64 Background
PC/65 Principles
PC/42/Add. 3 Agenda 21
Conservation of Biological Diversity
A/CONF.151/PC/66 Background
PC/42/Add. 4 Agenda 21
[WG.I/L.28]
Environmental Sound Management of Biotechnology
A/CONF.151/PC/67 Background
PC/42/Add. 5 Agenda 21
[WG.I/.38/Rev. 1]
Working Group II
WG.II/L.22 Add. 1/ Oceans
Rev. 1 and WG.II/
Misc. 4
A/CONF.151/PC/69 Oceans: Coastal Development and
Enclosed Seas, Marine Pollution,
Living Marine Resources, and Impacts
of Climate Change
PC/42/Add. 6 Oceans: Agenda 21
PC/70 Global Ocean Observing System
PC/71 Land-based sources of marine
pollution
PC/72 Effect of Gulf Crisis
Freshwater Resources
A/CONF.151/PC/73 Background
PC/42/Add. 7 Agenda 21
[WG.II/Misc. 5]
WG.II/L.19/Add. Environmentally sound management of
wastes, etc.
Toxic Chemicals
A/CONF.151/PC/74 Background
[WG.II/Misc. 2]
PC/42/Add. 8 Agenda 21
Hazardous Wastes
PC/75 [WG.II/Misc. 4] Background
PC/42/Add. 9 Agenda 21
Solid Wastes
PC/76 Background
PC/42/Add. 10 Agenda 21
Working Group III (first substantive meeting)
A/CONF.151/PC/77 Survey of Existing Agreements and
[WG.III/L.9/Corr. 1] Criteria for Evaluation
PC/78 Principles on General Rights and
Obligations (Elements of the Earth
Charter)
WG.III/L.8/Corr. 1 Chair's consolidated draft of August
27
WG.II/L.13 Chair's Summary of August 27
WG.III/L.8/Rev. Chair's consolidated draft of August
30
WG.III/L.17 Other Country Versions
A/CONF.151/PC/None "Informal Consolidation Draft No. 2"
No. 9, August 23, 1991 Non-official draft, officially
distributed.
PC/79 Progress Report on Transboundary
Waters
PC/80 Institutional Issues
PC/103 Studies Evaluating 100 International
Treaties
1991
16 Dec GA RES A/46/785 "United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development"
Endorses PrepCom II, III Reports.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
UNEP/GCSS.III/5 Introductory Statement
UNEP/GCSS.III/2, "Saving Our Planet: Challenges and
Corr. 1, Add.1 & Hopes"
Add.1/Corr.,UNEP/
GCSS.III/Inf. In depth look at planetary
conditions twenty years after
Stockholm. In most instances the
environment has deteriorated.
UNEP/GCSS.III/3, "Status of Desertification and
Corr. 1/Rev. 1, Implementation of the UN Plan
Add.1 & Add.1/Corr. 1, Action to Combat Desertification
UNEP/GCSS.III/Inf. 2 and its Financing"
Expanding rate land degradation
and desertification amounts 25%
world land area and 1/6 population.
UNEP/GCSS.III/4, "Consolidated Report on the further
Corr. 1 & Add. 1 follow-up to General Assembly
Resolutions 42/186 and 42/187"
UNEP/GCSS.III/L.1-3 Three draft decisions by Committee
of Permanent Representatives
Organizational Matters: Because the topics considered in this fourth and final PrepCom are so numerous, some organizational documents are listed first.
Action/Doc. No(s)., Title/Description
A/CONF.151/PC/96 also, Agenda
L.28 & Add., L.55 &
Add. L.58
A/CONF.151/PC/L.56 List of Documents before 4th session
& Add.
A/CONF.151/PC/DEC/3/31 Organization of the work of the 4th
session
A/CONF.151/PC/L.73 Draft Report of PrepCom to
Conference
List of Participants
A/CONF.151/PC/INF. 8 Delegations
A/CONF.151/PC/L.55/ Intergovernmental Organizations
Add. 1- Add. 3
The secretariat drafts are designated by Document Numbers A/CONF.151/PC/Corr. 1 and Add. 1-27, Working Group Drafts corresponding to the same topic are designated Document Numbers A/CONF.151/PC/WG#/##, and follow the listing of the secretariat's document in square brackets.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
Add. 1 Overview of Agenda 21 &
Implementation Mechanisms
Add. 2 Combating Poverty, Changing
Consumption Patterns and Demographic
Dynamics and Sustainability
Add. 3 International Policies to Accelerate
Sustainable Development in
Developing Countries and Related
Domestic Policies
Add. 4 Safe and Environmentally Sound
[WG.II/L.19/ Management of Radioactive Wastes
Add.2/Rev.1,
WG.II/L.29]
Add. 5 Protection and Promotion of Human
Health
Add. 6 Education, Public Awareness and
Training
Add. 7 Promoting Sustainable Human
Settlements Development
Add. 8 Integration of Environment and
Development in Decision-Making
Add. 9 Transfer of Environmentally Sound
Technology
Add. 10 Science for Sustainable Development
Add. 11 National Mechanisms and
International Cooperation for
Capacity Building
Add. 12 Information for Decision-Making
Add. 13 Strengthening the Role of Major
Groups
Add. 14
[WG.I/L.25/Rev.2/ Protection of the Atmosphere
Add.1,
WG.I/L.47/Corr.1]
Add. 15 Integrated Approach to Planning and
[WG.I/L.41] Management of Land Resources: Soil
Loss
Add. 16 Combatting Deforestation: Options
[WG.I/L43/Corr.1] for Agenda 21
Add. 17 Managing Fragile Ecosystems:
[WG.I/L.39 and Rev.1] Combatting Desertification and
Drought
Add. 18 Managing Fragile Ecosystems:
[WG.I/L.40] Sustainable Mountain Development:
Soil Loss
Add. 19 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
[WG.I/L.42.and Corr.1] and Rural Development: Soil Loss
Add. 20 Conservation of Biological
Diversity
Add. 21 Protection of Oceans, All Kinds
[WG.II/L.16/Rev. 1; of Seas, Including...and the
WG.II/L.25]' Protection, Rational Use and
L.25/Corr. 1; Development of the Living Resources
L.25 Add. 1;
L.25 Add. 1/Corr. 1;
L.25/Add. 2;
L.25/Add. 2/Corr. 1;
L.25/Add. 3;
L.25/Add. 3/Corr. 1;
L.25/Add. 4; and
L.25/Rev. 1]
Add. 22 Protection of the Quality and
[WG.II/L.17/Rev. 1 Supply of Freshwater Resources
and WG.II/L.29]
Add. 23 Environmentally Sound Management
[WG.II/l.19/Add.3/ of Toxic Chemicals
Rev.1, see also
documentation listed
for hazardous wastes,
below]
Add. 24 Environmentally Sound Management
[WG.II/L.26/Corr.1, of Hazardous Wastes
WG.II/L.28, WG.II/L.
28/Corr. and
WG.II/L.30]
Add. 25 Environmentally Sound Management of
[WG.II/L.19/Add.1/ Solid Wastes & Sewage-related issues
Rev. 1]
Add. 26 Role of Regional Organizations and
Cooperation
Add. 27 Environmentally Sound Management of
Biotechnology
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
WG.III/5 Working Group III
WG.III/8.1/Rev.1/Add.1 Proposals, etc. from different
WG.III/L.20-28 countries
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/CONF.151/PC/ WG I
WG.I/L.48
A/CONF.151/PC/ WG II
WG.II/L.31
A/CONF.151/PC/WG.II WG III
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/CONF.151./PC/101 Financial Resources and Mechanisms
Discusses financing and cost
evaluation; and questions of
governance and coordination. Read
in conjunction with earlier
discussion of financial resources in
document numbers (A/CONF.151/PC/18
and A/CONF.151/PC/51).
A/CONF.151/PC/102 Institutional Proposals
A/CONF.151/PC/103 and Survey of Existing International
Add. 1 Agreements and Instruments and Its
Follow Up
Based on the findings of twelve
consultants' studies, published
separately asResearch Paper:
No. 24: General Environmental
Concerns;
No. 25: Nature Conservation and
Terrestrial Living Resources;
No. 26: Atmosphere and Outer Space;
No. 27: Environment and Marine
Pollution;
No. 28: Marine Living Resources;
No. 29: Hazardous Substances;
No. 30: Nuclear Safety;
No. 31: Working Environment;
No. 32: Liability for Environmental
Damage;
No. 33: Environmental Disputes;
No. 34: Sample Bilateral Agreements;
and
No. 35: Relationship with Trade and
Development Instruments.
A/CONF.151/PC/103/ Appended document: an annotated list
Add.1 of international agreements and
instruments
A/CONF.151/PC/104 and Oceans
Add.1 and A/CONF.151/
PC/113 Compilation of documents and
proposals submitted to the UNCED SG,
through October 1991, with later
submissions in addenda.
A/CONF.151/PC/105 Proteccion y Ordenacion de los
Recursos de Tierras: Programma 21
A/CONF.151/PC/106 Deforestation
PC/107 Atmosphere
PC/108 Biological Diversity
PC/109 Biotechnology
PC/110 Desertification
PC/114 Women in Environment and
Development
PC/118 Drought & Desertification,
Activities in the Sahel & Sahara
PC/119, PC/122, Recent Actions of
PC/123 Relevance By Other
Bodies
See A/CONF.151/PC/ End PrepCom IV - Consensus on role
CRP.3/Rev.3 and of SG, Economic and Social Council
GA RES 45/264 for a (ECOSOC)
revitalized ECOSOC
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1979
First World Climate World Climate Programme
Conference established as main framework for
UN inter-agency climate
activities.
1987
18 June Decision 14/20 of the "Global Climate Change"
Governing Council
of UNEP
11 Dec GA RES 42/184 Agrees to attach importance to
A/42/184 problem of global climate change,
work with World Climate Programme,
etc
GA RES 42/202
1988
June Recommendations "The Changing Atmosphere:
published in Implications for Global Security,"
EP&L, Vol. 18, Toronto, Canada
pp. 237-238 (1988).
Nov Intergovernmental Established by the UNEP and
Panel on Climate the World Meterological
Change (IPCC) Organization to assess scientific
information re: climate change
issues.
WG I: Scientific Assessment of
Climate Change;
WG II: Environmental and Socio-
Economic Impacts of
Climate Change; and
WG III: Response Strategies;
Special Committee on the
Participation of
Developing Countries.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1988
6 Dec GA RES 43/53 "Protection of Global Climate for
Present and Future Generation of
Mankind"
A/43/49 Endorses IPCC and requests it
provide comprehensive review of
following on climate change:
(l) state of science;
(2) social & economic impact;
(3) possible response strategies;
(4) uses of relevant international
legal instruments; and
(5) elements for inclusion in
possible international treaty.
1989
20-22 Meeting of the Legal Statement entitled,
Feb and Policy, Experts "Protection of the Atmosphere"
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada A/C.2/44/2
25 May 1989 - "Global Climate Change"
Decision 15/36 of
the Governing Council Requests UNEP and WMO to
of UNEP. begin preparation for a FCCC.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1989
11-13 Conference on Global One half focused on "The Changing
Sept Environment, Tokyo, Atmosphere"
Japan
Chairman's Summary
reprinted in EP&L,
Vol. 20, pp. 60-63
(1990).
6-7 Ministerial Conference Declaration on Atmospheric
Oct on Atmospheric Pollution
Pollution and Climate and Climate Change
Change, Noordwijk,
The Netherlands
A/C.2/44/5 Requests IPCC investigate
quantitative emission targets for
CO2; notion of CO2 equivalence; and
goals for net forest growth.
14-18 A/C.2/44/7, annex Declaration on the Global Warming
Nov of the Small States Conference on
Sea Level Rise, Malé
17-21 World Conference on Declaration entitled, "The Cairo
Dec Preparing for Climate Compact" Convened by Climate
Change, Cairo, Egypt. Institute, UNEP and Egypt
Reprinted inEP&L,
Vol. 20, pp. 59-60
(1990).
19 GA RES 44/862 "Protection of Global Climate for
Dec Future and Present Generation of
Mankind"
A/44/862 Summarized existing documents
before PrepCom.
GA RES 44/172 "Implementation of Plan of Action to
Combat Desertification"
22 GA RES 44/205 "Possible Adverse Effects of
Dec Sea-Level Rise on Island and Coastal
Areas, Particularly Low-Lying
Coastal Areas"
GA RES 44/207 "Protection of Global Climate for
Present and Future Generations of
Mankind"
Emphasizes the urgent need to
begin drafting framework convention
on climate change.
Reviewed work of the three IPCC working groups (on science, impacts, and response strategies) and to ensure adequate coordination towards complete report. Reviewed Noordwijk Declaration. [See summary in EP&L, Vol. 20, pp. 70-71 (1990)].
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1990
2 Apr Decisions of the
Governing Council of
the UNEP on Frame-
work for Climate
Change Convention,
IPCC and the Second
World Climate Change
Conference
2-4 May International Calls for umbrella convention
Conference on Global to protect atmosphere, lists
Warming and Climate elements for convention to
Change: African contain, states urgent need
Perspectives, for protocols on CO2 and
Nairobi, Kenya other greenhouse gases.
Recommendations
reprinted in EP&L,
Vol. 20, pp. 234
(1990).
June IPCC Report of Special Identifies factors which
Committee on the inhibit participation:
Participation of insufficient information;
Developing Countries insufficient communication;
limited human resources;
EP&L, Vol. 20, institutional difficulties;
pp. 230-231 (1990). limited financial resources.
August Decision SS.II/3B With resolution 2.6/1
of the Governing (EC-XLII) of 22 June 1990 of
Council of UNEP. the Executive Council of WMO, to
follow work of IPCC for framework
convention on climate change and
relate legal instruments, to
incorporate, as appropriate other
major related meetings including
the Second World Climate Change
Conference.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1990
31 Aug IPCC Scientific Calls for immediate 1-2%/year
Assessment Report, reduction in CO2 emissions to
(IPCC First stabilize by mid 21st
Assesment Report century; 15-25% reduction
1990) CH4. CO2 contributes 55% to
global warming, CFCs approx. 24% and
CH4 15%. 75% CO2 comes from
industrialized countries: USA & the
former USSR account for 40%.
Simulates temperature rise if
business-as-usual and three other
scenarios. Identifies elements for a
framework convention.
24-26 First Meeting Ad Hoc Convened by UNEP & WMO
Sep Working Group following IPCC Report.
Government Repre- Recommends establishment of
sentatives to Prepare single negotiating process to
for Negotiations on discuss policy issues and
a Framework respond to Assembly
Convention on Climate decisions.
Change (FCCC)
UNEP/WMO, Prep./
FCCC/L.1/REPORT
29 Oct-
7 Nov Second World Climate First week devoted to
Conference, Geneva, scientific and technical
Switzerland bases of climate change, IPCC
Report considered. Second week
was a ministerial conference,
Declaration issued.
A/45/696/Add. 1
21 Dec GA RES 45/212 "Protection of global climate for
present and future generations of
mankind."
A/45/212 Based on reports of the Second
Committee, Document Number
(A/45/851). Establishes single
Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee under its auspices (also
supported by UNEP and WMO) for
preparation of an effective
Framework Convention on Climate
Change ready for signature at UNCED
(INC/FCCC). IPCC function is
technical and scientific
assistance.
Dec Report of the UNCED SG "Protection of global climate for
A/45/696/Add. 1 present and future generation of
mankind."
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/AC/.237/6 Convention should cover: emissions;
sinks; technology transfer;
financial resources & funding
mechanisms for developing countries;
international scientific &
technological co-operation; measures
to combat adverse effects climate
change, particularly small islands,
low-lying coastal areas, flooding &
drought prone areas.
A/AC.237/L.5 Adopts decisions on organizational
matters.
Establishes WG I - to prepare
text dealing with appropriate
commitments limiting CO2, technology
transfer, special needs developing
countries: WG II - to consider legal
& institutional mechanisms, such as
entry into force, monitoring,
scientific cooperation. General
feeling frustration, main stumbling
block how to reduce CO2. European
States want binding agreement, USA
does not.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/AC/.237/9 Decided that WG I should also
address issues of principles and
See EP&L, Vol. 21, definition, compilation
pp. 193-195 (1991). of principles available at end of
session. Re: commitments, "Pledge
and review" concept proposed --
states unilaterally propose specific
actions, etc. to curb greenhouse gas
emissions, then international body
reviews its performance. Proponents
argue: would ratchet towards
stricter commitments by states;
review promotes transparency and
accountability) and transfer of
financial resources and
technology.
A/A.237/Misc. Set of Informal Papers Provided by
17/Add. 1-10 Delegations Related to the
Preparation of a Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/AC.237/12 Report of the Work of the INC
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/AC.237/13 Revised Provisional Agenda
A/AC.237/15 & Corr. 1 Report of the work of the INC
A/AC.237/L.100 Draft Provisional Agenda for 5th
Session
A/AC.237/Misc. 1/Add. Informal Papers and Notes
15, Misc. 14, Misc.
14/Rev. 1
A/AC.237/12 and Consolidated Working Documents
Add. 1-9
See also, A/A.237/ Text from WGs consolidated
Misc.17 & Add.1-8 into single document containing
eight sections. Extensive
discussion of joint implementation,
a clearinghouse mechanism, tradeable
emission permits and "pledge-and-
review."
1991
19 Dec GA RES 46/169 "Protection of the Global Climate
for Present and Future Generations
of Mankind"
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/AC.237/16 Provisional Agenda
A/AC.237/L.12 Report of the INC
A/AC/.237/18, Revised consolidated text under
Misc.18, Misc. 20 negotiation
Text of convention agreed to May 9, 1992, opened for signature, will remain open until June 19, 1993.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
1992
9 May Resolution on Requests UNCED SG to arrange
Interim Arrangements for a session of the Committee
and the First Session of the
Conference of the Parties. Appeals
for voluntary contributions.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
Decision 14/26 of Decides to investigate the
the Governing Council desirability and possible
of UNEP Establishing formation of an umbrella
Ad Hoc Working Group convention to rationalize
of Experts in current activities in the
Biological Diversity field of biological
(WG/EXBIO) diversity. To collaborate with
the the Food and Agriculture
UNEP/GCSS.II/2 & Organization of the UN, the
Corr.1, paras. 43-45, UN Educational Scientific and
UNEP/GCSS.II/2/Add. 3, Cultural Organization and the
paras. 18-32 International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources Subworking group on
biotechnology.
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
UNEP/Bio.Div.1/ Report prepared by WG/EX/BIO
Inf. 1
UNEP/Bio.Div.1/2 Note by the Executive Director
Discusses "complimentarity"
between certain conventions in
area of habitat protection,
migratory species protection and
trade in endangered species.
See summary, EP&L, Other Discussions and
Vol. 19, pp. 6-7 Recommendations
(1989).
Need to reach common
understanding of the meaning of
conservation of biological
diversity, etc.
1989
25 Decision 15/34 of "Preparation of an International
May the Governing Council Legal Instrument on the
of the UNEP Bio-Diversity of the Planet"
UNEP/GC/DEC/15/34
1990
2 Apr Decision of the "International Legal Instruments on
Governing Council the Bio-Diversity of the Planet"
of the UNEP
UNEP/GC/DEC/SS/II/5
UNEP/GC/SS/II/2/ "Priority Evolving Environmental
and Add. 3 Issues"
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
UNEP/Bio.Div/WG.2/2/2 Preliminary Draft Convention
Group renamed Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Biological Diversity (INC/BD).
Date Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
UNEP/Bio.Div/WG/2/3/3 Revised Draft Convention on
Biological Diversity
1991
16 Aug The Hague
Recommendations on
International
Environmental Law
23 Sep-
2 Oct Meeting of INC/BD
25 Nov-
4 Dec Meeting of INC/BD
Geneva, Switzerland
1992
6-15 Meeting of INC/BD,
Feb Nairobi, Kenya
11 Feb IV World Congress Releases Global Biodiversity
on Parks and Protected Strategy prepared by IUCN in
Areas, Caracas, collaboration with UNEP and
Venezuela World Resource Institute.
20 Feb Declaration of Canela Statement of the common
biodiversity goals of the five
southern most American
countries.
1992
18-21 Final Meeting of Originally unscheduled
May INC/BD, Nairobi, meeting before UNCED to try
Kenya to work out language. Agreement
reached 21 May 1992.
Resolution 1 Interim Financial Arrangements
Reprinted in ILM, Invites the Global
Vol. 31, p. 843 (1992). Environmental Facility to operate
the financial mechanism until first
meeting of the Conference of the
Parties.
Resolution 2 International cooperation for the
Conservation of Biological Diversity
and the Sustainable Use of its
Components Pending the Entry into
Force of the Convention on
Biological Diversity
Reprinted in ILM, Calls for various forms of
Vol. 31, pp. 843-5. international cooperation such as
contribution of monies and providing
of information until the Convention
enters into force, after
ratification by thirty signing
states.
Resolution 3 The Interrelationship Between the
Convention on Biological Diversity
Reprinted in ILM, and the Promotion of
Vol. 31, p. 846. Sustainable Agriculture
Resolution 4 Tribute to the Government of the
Republic of Kenya
Not reprinted in ILM.
United States In signing the final text,
Declaration Made At the U.S. delegations supports
the United Nations the conservation of
Environment Programme biodiversity, regrets that a
Conference the number of issues of concern
Adoption of the to the U.S. have not been
Agreed Text on the resolved, finds the text's
Convention on treatment of intellectual
Biological Diversity property rights, finances and
technology transfer and
biotechnology unsatisfactory, and
believes the preparation of the
Convention deprived delegations of
the ability to consider the
Reprinted in ILM, text as a whole before
Vol.31, p. 848 (1992) adoption.
Action/Doc. No(s). Title/Description
A/CONF.151/5 and UNCED Recommends that the General
/6/Rev. 1 Assembly Endorse its Statements at
its 47th Session.