INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
Rio de Janeiro, June 1992

During the 12 days of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, ecologists estimated that 600 to 900 species of flora and fauna became extinct, some 160 hectares of land were desertified, the world's population increased by 3.3 million people and some 400 thousand hectares of tropical rain forests were destroyed.

Yet, during these same days, two conventions were signedthe climate convention to reduce emissions of "greenhouse gases" and the biodiversity treaty to save the world's plant and animal species. During these same days, a statement of principles to save forests was formulated, an agreement to begin work on a desertification treaty was reached, the Rio Declarationoutlining human responsibility to the earthwas approved, Agenda 21, an 800- page blueprint for environmental change into the next century, was agreed upon, and a decision to create a UN Commission on Sustainable Development to monitor the confererence's achievements was reached.

Despite conflicts and disagreements, one outcome of the Earth Summit cannot be disputed: it has helped legitimize sustainable development. The treaties signed at the conventionthe biodiversity and climate conventionsmay, as some charge, fall short of the ideal, but they do establish a framework for dealing with these two global problems in the long term.

No precedent exists for a conference, with the participation of over 170 states and over 100 heads of state. But its real measure of success, will only be known in coming years.

Israel's official positions on international environmental initiatives were outlined in an address to the Summit by the Head of the Israeli delegation, Dr. Uri Marinov. In his June 3 address, Dr. Marinov surveyed the major elements on the global agenda, including organizational and economic proposals for solutions. The six-member Israeli delegation emphasized three main needs: national and international environmental management, backed by legislation and enforcement, international financial backing for environmental issues, and regional cooperation.

Dr. Marinov's address to the Earth Summit concluded with the following message:

"Long, long ago, we, the Jewish nation received Ten Commandments which govern relations among men, and between man and his Creator. Today, we would like to suggest a set of principles, ten commandments to regulate man's relationship with the environment.

1. We must respect the environment. We are duty-bound to cherish all the creatures in the world, all the plants that grace its surface, all the waters that divide it, all the wealth that lies beneath it, and the air that drifts above.

2. We must alter our behavior, as individuals and as nations, in order to preserve the earth in all its glory. Prudence and discernment must guide our way, for each step we take has an impact on the whole.

3. We must integrate environmental considerations into all decision-making, and must countenance none but sustainable development.

4. We must improve the environment. We must use the wisdom we are blessed with to plant trees, restore rivers, establish nature reserves and parks, and to repair the damage which our ignorance has caused.

5. We must conserve the resources which embellish our environment.

We must embrace the five R's of conservation: reduction, recycling, reuse, restoration and renewal.

6. We must turn to the renewable resources that the Creator's goodness has bestowed; and we must turn away from our careless depletion of non-renewable resources.

7. We must not pollute, litter, waste or destroy.

8. We must study the environment, the wonders of nature and the processes which affect it. We must examine our own impact on the environment, and assess that of others.

9. We must enlist in the service of the environment, by taking an active part in affirmative programs, by supporting those who support the environment, and by doing as we would have others do in the interest of environmental welfare.

10. We must never forget that humanity is an inseparable part of Creation. We were given in trust a world resplendent with beauty and with wealth. We must take that trust to heart, for we are answerable to the generations of the future.

Israel Ratifies Montreal Protocol

As per a decision of the Israel cabinet, Israel acceded to and ratified the following convention and protocols concerning the protection of the ozone layer on June 30, 1992: