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Implementing an Integrated, Multi-Sectoral Approach to Community Based Development: the EcoVillage Model
Earth Rights Institute
www.earthrights.netSpecial Seminar during the 12th Session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD12)
Thursday, April 29th 2004 Partnerships ProgramPresentation: Modeling a Sustainable Future: Success Stories in Freshwater, Sanitation and Human Settlements
Afternoon session: Human Settlements and the Information Society
Speech presented by Annie Goeke – Co-Director Earth Rights Institute
Good Afternoon
I am honored to be here today and want to thank all the organizers especially Richard Jordan, Johnann Winchester, Frank Lui, and Joanne Cheng my translator. I feel very strongly that this special conference has great significance and importance to the CSD12 initiative and objectives. To be honored by such a large Chinese delegation, many members representing different facets of the Chinese society, to be here today with their expertise, skills, visions and commitment brings me much hope.
We all realize how very important China’s position is in the world and how their participation to achieve sustainable development and eco-restoration is vital for the whole humanity. It will enable us to enter into a new era – A Greening the Globe Era.
Only together will we be able to achieve to unity of our awareness that we all depend on the Earth’s vitality, diversity, and beauty. It is now, today, our responsibility is to pass them on, undiminished and even improved, to the next generation and generations to come.
I was asked to speak a little about the Global Greens movement. As an elected representative of the Global Greens Coordination, our group represents over 100 Green Parties and ecological political movements worldwide. Many of us have been elected and have an understanding on how to initiate and implement green practices into communities through a political mechanism. Greens are a resource, they will share with you their skills, tools and political knowledge and expertise.
When governments, civil society, international organizations, economists, and business leaders form partnerships based on seeking actions and commitments to promote a global increase for sustainable development that is when we accomplish our goals. And the prime way to do this is by sharing, exchanging information that strengthens our links, networks, and supports one another’s commitment to creating a healthy, peaceful and harmonious global village.
An example of such an exchange is the following:
A serious and paramount concern of sustainable development is to insure that energy is efficiently manufactured, used, and recycled. Far too many western corporations are not seriously concerned with saving energy. However, some small companies are developing highly efficient technologies. Technologies that deliver basic infrastructure functions of human settlements such as water treatment and air conditioning. Access to technological information for sustainable energy technologies has been hampered in the past, especially in China.
Now that the channels of information are opening, the information is beginning to flow into China, providing Chinese firms the real opportunity to invest in this sustainable, efficient energy technology.
I introduce you to Andrew Mongar, who is here and willing to speak to anyone during the break of this conference. In December 2002, Andrew initiated and spearheaded a partnership between a small Shanghi textile firm and an even smaller US based firm. Two years of intensive effort in China has resulted in the world’s most efficient air conditioning technology. Moreover, it does not pollute the environment with CFC’s but rather it cleans and dehumidifies indoor air. One unit was installed in the Beijing People’s Hospital where the SARS patients were received last June. It cleaned the indoor air so well that no more cases of cross-infection have occurred there. This air conditioning system can be run on hot water from district heating or any type of fuel gas rather than electricity. More Chinese investment would help to speed these types of products to the market. This is a type of information exchange that can help us formulate better partnerships amongst ourselves. I leave you with these words, the motto from the world social movements that “Another World is Possible”. Being here today, seeing you all makes me feel like that world is already here.
Thank you.
I Background
In the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002, the UN reviewed the implementation of Agenda 21, highlighting best practice and successful partnership initiatives, and identifying where gaps in implementation still exist. To support all stakeholders in carrying out the sustainable development strategies, the CSD11 adopted a work plan through to the year 2015, with every alternate year devoted to policy formation.
Two years ago, Premier Zhu Rongji headed a delegation to attend the WSSD. Given the background of globalization, economy, ecology and environmental protection have become a common urgent theme for human beings. As the largest developing country in the world, environmental protection and green industry are very important to the transformation of the domestic economy, increased employment and promotion of overall national strength. From a wider perspective, the linkage of China’s environmental protection and green industry with the world is a renaissance national development strategy in the development of a prosperous society in China. The continuous promotion of China’s position in the world to achieve sustainable development is being dynamically communicated with the rest of global society through forums such as this.
II Objective
The sense of environmental safety and creation of a Paradise Planet initiative with committed action and practice of green economic principles and the development of green industry and organic agriculture, technology transfer and promotion of an active culture of ecological and environmental protection in China and abroad, will promote the sustainable development of social and economic structures.
For China, it is important to learn from foreign experience through meetings, enhanced cooperation, advanced innovation, and development of clean production methods. In addition, the promotion of construction based on environmentally safe building methods through studying and visiting Eco-Villages that are based on sustainable design principles will attract more foreign investment into China through wide exchange with foreign governments and private sector enterprises.
http://www.earthrights.net/archives/csd12/sanitation.html