WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, 5 JUNE 2003 Globalization needs to learn from nature

Bern, 02.06.2003 - Globalization should not be defined purely in economic terms but needs to be a broader process, taking account of environmental and social aspects. This is the view expressed by SAEFL’s Director Philippe Roch, looking ahead to World Environment Day (5 June). To restore the balance of globalization, increased efforts will be required in the areas of trade, chemicals, climate change, water, biodiversity and biosafety.

Mr Roch argues that genuine globalization is also concerned with cultural and natural diversity, environmental protection, the alleviation of poverty, and ethical values; a model for this approach is provided by nature itself, which has developed continuously over millions of years on the basis of a few fundamental principles. According to SAEFL’s Director, the basic principles to which proper globalization should subscribe include respect for all human groups, respect for nature and the environment, and the precautionary principle.

Further measures towards a healthy environment

SAEFL is marking World Environment Day by taking stock of the situation in six key areas (cf. factsheets). The overall conclusion is that although progress has been made on many fronts, major efforts are still required.

As regards trade and the environment, SAEFL emphasizes the need to accord equal status to trade and environmental concerns.
In the chemicals field, the problems of heavy metals and endocrine disrupters are highlighted: use of these substances needs to be regulated at the international level. In addition, the chemical industry is called on to assume greater responsibility for the effects of its products on the environment and health.
In addressing the issue of climate change, SAEFL considers the Kyoto Protocol to be only the first step towards stabilization of greenhouse gases – additional measures should follow as rapidly as possible.
On the question of water, SAEFL underlines the crucial importance of ecosystems: as water is captured, filtered, stored and released by forests, wetlands and soils, the protection and sustainable use of ecosystems needs to be duly considered in water-related projects and investments.
Biodiversity comprises a rich fund of resources which should be used for the benefit of all. Conservation of these resources will require the establishment of protected areas, while also allowing sustainable use, specifically in order to respond to the needs of indigenous populations, whose traditional practices frequently make a significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity.
Finally, in the area of biosafety, SAEFL calls for rapid implementation of the Biotechnology Law (GTG) and for a wide-ranging programme of basic ecological research.

Geneva: an environmental hub

World Environment Day is celebrated traditionally at the International Environment House in Geneva by holding a roundtable on a specific theme. This year, a debate on the issue of water has been organized by the Geneva Environment Network (GEN, launched by SAEFL in 1999). In general terms, SAEFL’s Director Philippe Roch has called for Geneva’s role as a hub for international environmental policy to be further enhanced, especially in the areas of chemicals and waste.