Dr Tewolde Berhan was born on 19 February 1940 in a small village near Adwa town in Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. His father was an Orthodox priest and his mother the daughter of one of the founders of the Lutheran Church of Mekane Yesus who had originally been trained for priesthood in the Orthodox church. Both parents put a strong emphasis on education and Tewolde's fathers taught him to be fluent in Ge'ez, the ancient Semitic language of Ethiopia, and Amharic as well as his mother tongue, Tigrinya, before he started formal schooling.
He joined Elementary School when he was 11 years old and then won a scholarship to the General Wingate School in Addis Ababa in 1955. On joining Addis Ababa University in 1959, he decided to study science rather than languages and was granted the Chancellor's Gold Medal when he graduated with a B.Sc. in Biology in 1963. In 1966, he left to study for a doctorate in plant ecology at the School of Plant Biology, University of North Wales, and returned as Ethiopia's first qualified plant ecologist in 1969.
From the time he graduated in 1963 until 1995, Dr Tewolde's academic base was in the Department of Biology of Addis Ababa University. His main responsibilities inside academia have been as Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1974 to 1978, and then Keeper of the National Herbarium from 1978 to 1983. It was during this period that the Ethiopian Flora Project was launched. This Project had twin aims: to develop a national capacity in plant systematics and a competent national institution for research and services in this field, and also to publish a modern Flora for the country. The first part of this aim has been achieved with the National Herbarium now having a senior staff of four doctorates in systematic botany, three in plant ecology, and an editorial office. The second aim of producing an eight volume Flora is still being realized with four volumes in print and two more in press. It was Dr Tewolde's foresight and planning that enabled this long-term project to be both successfully negotiated and maintained.
Dr Tewolde's other major post in academia was as President of Asmara University in what is now the independent country of Eritrea. During that period, he successfully negotiated a substantial grant for the development of tertiary science education, particularly in the applied fields of arid-zone agriculture, marine science, geology and some aspects of engineering.
His career has also involved responsibilities outside academia. Between 1972 and 1982 he was leader of the IDRC-UNU sponsored research project "Research and Development in Rural Settings". Ethiopia was one of six countries which contributed to this international Project. In 1991, he left Asmara University to take up the post of Director for the Ethiopian National Conservation Strategy Secretariat. During the four years he was in post, a National Conservation Strategy was developed and debated in a participatory manner at all the main levels of government culminating in a National Conference where the final draft documents were debated and amended before being submitted to the Government for approval. As from March 1995, Dr Tewolde has been the General Manager for Ethiopia's environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Authority.
Internationally, Dr Tewolde participated in the negotiations for the Convention on Biological Diversity, finalized in 1992. He led the African and Like-Minded Group in negotiations for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety finally agreed in January 2000 and was a Bureau member for the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture agreed in FAO in November 2001. He has also worked with the African Union (previously the Organization of African Unity) in the development of two model laws: one for the Protection of the Rights of Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Control of Access to Biological Resources, and the other called the African Model Law for Safety in Biotechnology.
In December 2000, Dr Tewolde was awarded a Right Livelihood Award for his leadership in the biosafety negotiations, and for his work in developing and promoting community and farmers’ rights.
His responsibilities in government have involved him in representing Ethiopia in several international fora as well as preparing official documents and reports. The following are the most significant:
- Ethiopian Country Report for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), 1992.
- Ethiopian representative in the UNCED negotiating team in Geneva, New York and Rio de Janeiro; played important roles in developing the chapter on Mountains Development, Chapter 13 of Agenda 21, 1991-92.
- Co-Chairman, Panel 4, established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to study the issue of biosafety and biotechnology as a follow-up of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992-93.
- Negotiator for Ethiopia, Convention on Biological Diversity and in the debate of the developing countries on biodiversity and biotechnology, 1992 to date, and Convention on Desertification, 1994 to date.
- Chief negotiator (spokesperson) of the African Group, and Bureau Member in the Revision of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, 1997-to date.
- Ethiopia’s negotiator, chief negotiator (spokesperson) of the African and Like-Minded Group and Bureau Member in the Biosafety Working Group negotiations on a Biosafety Protocol for the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1996, to when it was concluded in January 2000.
Dr Tewolde has produced over 30 publications from both original research and analysis of interactions between society and environment in Ethiopia's history as well as internationally.
Source: http://www.ces.fe.uc.pt/emancipa/cv/gen/egziabher.html
Dr. Mohamed T. El- Ashry currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the United Nations Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, Dr. El-Ashry served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). He served as the GEF Chairman between 1991 and 2002, and was appointed the first CEO and Chairman of the GEF in 1994. Under his leadership, GEF grew from a pilot program with less than 30 members to the largest single source of funding for the global environment with 173 member countries. In 2002, donors cast an extraordinary vote of confidence by replenishing GEF's trust fund by nearly $3 billion-the largest amount ever.
Dr. El-Ashry came to the GEF from the World Bank, where he was the Chief Environmental Advisor to the President and Director of the Environment Department. Prior to joining the World Bank, he served as Senior Vice President of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and as Director of Environmental Quality with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). He has held teaching and research positions at Cairo University, Pan-American-U.A.R. Oil Company, Illinois Geological Survey, Wilkes University, and the Environmental Defense Fund. He has also served as Senior Environmental Adviser to UNDP, as Special Adviser to the Secretary General of the 1992 U.N. Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), and as a member of the World Water Commission.
Dr. El-Ashry received his Bachelor od Science degree with honors in 1959 from Cairo University and his doctorate degree in geology in 1966 from the University of Illinois. He has received numerous international awards and honors and is the author of three books and more than 200 papers.
Dr. El-Ashry is a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is listed in "American Men and Women of Science" and "Men of Achievement".
As President of Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea (1980-1982) and as the Chairman of Preparatory Committee and of the Main Committee of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (1990-1992), Professor Tommy Koh of Singapore has contributed greatly to promoting international environmental cooperation. These events are only two of Professor Koh's many contributions in the international environmental arena.
Professor Koh has also published widely on the environment. For his contributions, Professor Koh received the 1996 Elizabeth Haub Prize for international environment law from the Free University of Brussels and the International Council on Environmental Law on 17 April 1997. Professor Koh has also received other international and national awards for his many contributions to the environment, academia and diplomacy.
Professor Koh is a widely respected and eminent person within Singapore and in the international arena. His passion for the environment is well known and his example of leading from the front should be emulated by all Singaporeans and aspiring environmental champions from other countries
Official Appointments and Membership of Organisations / Institutions
Patron, The Nature Society (Singapore), December 1990 to present
Patron, Singapore Association for Environmental Companies (SAFECO), February 1994 to present
Patron, Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), February 1996 to present
Leader of the Singapore delegation to the Preparatory Committee for the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment
President of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea, 1980 to 1982
Chairman of the Preparatory Committee and of the Main Committee of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, March 1990 to June 1992
Member, IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, from January 1991, then offered Honorary Membership from June 2005 to present
Member of the Earth Council, April 1993 to 1996
Member of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development, June 1993 to September 1995
Member, Asia-Pacific Council, The Nature Conservancy, USA, May 1995 to January 2004
Member, Independent World Commission on the Oceans, August 1995 to February 1997
Member, UN Task Force on Environment and Human Settlements, March to June 1998
Chairman, Singapore Conference on Model Cities, 19-21 April 1999 Chairman, Drafting Committee of the Berlin Conference, 4-6 July 2000
Chairman, Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, May 2001 to present
Chairman, Advisory Committee for the M.Sc (Environmental Management) Programme, National University of Singapore, 1 May 2003 to 31 April 2007
As General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev was instrumental in bringing the Cold War to an end and ensuring that humanity and our planet does not suffer nuclear devastation.
In 1970, he was elected to the USSR Supreme Soviet.
From 1971 till 1991, Gorbachev was a member of the Communist Party Central Committee.
From November 1978, Gorbachev was a Central Committee secretary in charge of agriculture. In 1978, Gorbachev moved to Moscow for permanent residence. In 1979 -1980, he was a candidate to the Polit Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee.
From October 1980, till August, 1991 he was a member of the Polit Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee.
On March 11 1985, Gorbachev was elected as the General Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee at the extraordinary Session of the Central Committee.
A member of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet (1985-1988).
In 1985-1988, Gorbachev radically changed the course of the Soviet foreign policy. At the XXVII Congress of the Communist Party (February-March,1986) he unveiled the Soviet program of nuclear-free world to the 2000.
From October 1988, M.G. was a chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet.
From May 1989, till March 1990 M.G. was a chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet.
Gorbachev was elected as the President at the third Congress of People's Deputies, held in March 1990.
Deputy of the 8-11-th USSR Supreme Soviet.
Deputy of the 10-11-th Russian Federation Supreme Soviet.
On August 19 1991 Gorbachev's companions-in-arms attempted to carry out coup d'etat
On August 21 1991, Gorbachev returned to Moscow after coup d'etat was failed due to the Russian authorities' efforts. Since that practically all Gorbachev's decisions were coordinated with the Russian President Boris Yeltsin.
At the end of August Gorbachev resigned from the post of General Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee.
On December 25 1991, speaking on T.V., he resigned from the post of the Soviet President. "for principal considerations".
On December 25 1991, Gorbachev also signed a decree on transferring control over the strategic nuclear weapons to the Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Since June 1993 Gorbachev has been the President of the "Green Cross International".
On December 2 1995, in the interview to the "Novaya Ezhenedelnaya Gazeta" (the "New daily") he publicly declared his intention to take part in the Presidential elections. According to Gorbachev's words, he became firmly convinced in his decision, meeting people in the regions.
On January 27 1996, an initiative group was created to promote Mikhail Gorbachov to the presidential post. The Former Federation council Deputy, Alexey Manannikov, heads its organizing committee.
Gorbachev's address "to all democratic forces" - "Give a chance to people"-was circulated by the Initiative group on March, l 1996. It has an appeal to urgently gather the All-Russian democratic forum and to work out common strategy on the eve of the P residential elections in Russia. "All the democratic leaders, parties and movements have to unite their efforts and be the single team. It's necessary to agree upon all the key-posts in the Government before the Presidential elections. This information must be available to all people," the address says.
On March 12 1996, Alexey Manannikov told journalists that M.Gorbachev had managed to collect 1 million voters' signatures necessary to register as an official candidate by the Central Electoral Commission. The organizing committee chairman noted that a 11 the necessary documents would be delivered to the Central Electoral Commission at the end of the month. They will continue collecting voters' signatures to have some reserve.
On Mach 29 1996, at the press-conference in the Central House of journalists M.Gorbachev addressed to the Russian President Boris Yeltsin with a statement. It was called "Elections must be fair and equal". This was urged by the fact that the incumbent president had created a council to organize his reelection. Boris Yeltsin is the head of the Council. The statement stressed that Boris Yeltsin had violated legislation on election campaign. He included some official is to his election campaign Council. They are: the Russian Prime-Minister, director of FSC, as well as, president of the independant T.V. channel (NTV). The copies of the statement were sent to both Chambers of the Russian Federal Assembly, to the Constitutional Court and to the Central Electoral Commission.
On April,4 the Initiative group , promoted M.Gorbachev to the presidential post, delivered the documents necessary to register as a presidential candidate to the Central Electoral Commission. There are 1 410 000 voters' signatures in support of his candidacy. The majority of signatures were collected in St.-Petersburg (over 70.000) and in Moscow (57.000).
Born in the Amazon rainforest, Sonia Guajajara never expected she would one day make history as the first-ever Indigenous woman to become a minister in Brazil.
But that is what happened in January 2023, when President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appointed Guajajara as Minister of Indigenous Peoples. Guajajara, 50, is the first person to hold that role.
Her remarkable journey from activist leader to minister is considered a milestone for Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples, giving them an unprecedented voice in protecting nature and shaping policy about their rights, territory and future.
“Just a few years ago, no one could have imagined an Indigenous minister in Brazil. My appointment enables Indigenous Peoples to dream,” Guajajara tells the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) during an interview in her Brasília office. “Now we can speak for and represent ourselves. We understand that it is time to make a statement: It is time to put our foot down.”
Guajajara’s appointment is the latest step in a career that has seen her increase Indigenous Peoples’ representation in Brazilian politics, oversee the official recognition of Indigenous territory and champion Indigenous rights at major conferences, such as the annual UN Climate Change Summit.
To honour her activism, commitment and political achievements, Guajajara has been named a 2024 Champion of the Earth – the United Nations’ highest environmental honour – in the Policy Leadership category. She is one of six laureates in 2024.
"Sonia Guajajara is a trailblazer for Indigenous rights and a much-needed guardian for the Amazon,” says Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Her decades-long effort to protect the rainforest embodies environmental leadership at its best and is an inspiration for environmental defenders everywhere.”
Threats to land and life
Indigenous Peoples own, use or manage at least a quarter of the world’s land. In areas held or managed by Indigenous communities, nature has generally deteriorated less rapidly than in other lands, experts say.
This is vital in the Amazon – the world's largest tropical forest and a critical carbon sink and home to nearly half of Brazil’s Indigenous population, around 867,900 people.
Despite its global significance as a bulwark against the climate crisis, and its importance to the lives of Indigenous Peoples, the Amazon faces growing dangers from climate change, deforestation, mercury pollution and forest fires.
While deforestation in the Amazon has reportedly slowed since Lula took office in 2023, Indigenous Peoples continue to come under attack from illegal loggers, gold miners and drug traffickers, reports the Indigenist Missionary Council – Cimi.
Guajajara says the government is carrying out operations to “remove invaders from within Indigenous territories”, such as the Yanomami reservation, and that more raids are planned.
The plight of the Yanomami people, who live in Brazil’s largest Indigenous reserve, is the most high-profile example of the nation’s fight against illegal mining and environmental destruction in protected areas.
“With these operations, we want to hand the territory back to Indigenous Peoples so they can live in dignity and according to their own customs,” Guajajara explains.
Brazil has recognized 13 territories as Indigenous land in the last two years. Guajajara says that is nearly the total number approved in the preceding decade.
The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples says over 520 Indigenous territories are officially recognized, with nearly 270 more in different stages of the demarcation process. Indigenous territories cover 14 per cent of Brazil's land mass, according to Guajajara.
She would like to see the process accelerated but says it faces opposition from lawmakers who support business interests and consider protected Indigenous areas “unproductive and unprofitable".
“We need to be valued more as Indigenous People,” she says. “When Indigenous rights are at risk, it is not just biodiversity and the environment that are threatened, but also humanity.”
Inspiration and influence
Gujajara worked in teaching and nursing before dedicating herself fully to activism in the early 2000s, with key roles in organizations such as the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon and The Articulation of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil.
In these positions, Guajajara says she sought to not only raise awareness of Indigenous issues and influence policy, but to build alliances and train other indigenous leaders.
“Now, people look at me not just as a minister of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, but as a minister of the Indigenous Peoples of the world,” Guajajara says.
In 2018, she became the first Indigenous person to appear on a presidential ticket. While that run was unsuccessful, in 2022, Guajajara was one of two Indigenous women elected to the National Congress as part of the Bancada do Cocar (Headdress Caucus), which works to advance Indigenous rights.
As minister, she is striving to increase Indigenous participation in politics, implement Indigenous-focused policies and protect biodiversity in the face of the climate crisis and illegal logging and mining.
In the Amazon and across Brazil, Indigenous Peoples are dealing with grave threats, such as droughts, forest fires and malnutrition. They are also subject to violence, intimidation, criminalization, and murder for protecting their land and the environment, says the UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights.
The priority for Guajajara as minister is to establish more territory as Indigenous land, which grants legal protections under Brazil’s constitution.
“Demarcating Indigenous territories and respecting rights is key to combating the climate crisis,” Guajajara says. “Indigenous People are the greatest guardians of the planet; we are the barriers that prevent greater destruction.”
Guajajara is already looking ahead to next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in the Brazilian city of Belem. It is the first time a COP will be held in the Amazon, and Guajajara is focused on ensuring that Indigenous delegates are not just heard but included in decision-making.
“We must continue to communicate the importance of Indigenous Peoples and territories – for Brazil, for the world, for the climate,” she says.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is popularly known as 'The Man of the Arab Environment'. Under his leadership, development activities have touched all aspects of life in the UAE with agriculture and afforestation as the focus of his main concerns
One of Sheikh Zayed's most remarkable and enduring achievements is the greening of the region's deserts. Under his guidance, 100 million trees have been planted in the UAE - all in an effort to stem the encroachment of sand onto agricultural land and urban areas. Using various irrigation techniques, including the ancient Aflaj (efalf) system and the latest technology in desalination, sewage and farming, today the UAE produces 20% of the world's date palms and myriad species of plants and flowers now flourish. Thank to his vision, his dream of a greener country was realized.
Animals likewise receive attention from Sheikh Zayed. To ensure the protection of his country's biological diversity, he outlawed hunting more than a quarter of a century ago. He went further by creating, on his own island reserve of Sir Bani Yas, a sanctuary for endangered species, such as the Arabian Oryx and the sand gazelle. Thanks to his efforts, the symbol of Abu Dhabi - the Dorcas Gazelle, is a protected species whose numbers are increasing under special programmes. Under an agreement with international conventions such as CITES, turtles are also protected as are the rare Arabian Leopard, the ibex and the dugong (manatee).
In addition, to ensure the preservation of the country's flora and fauna, Sheikh Zayed established the Higher Environment Council.
In 1995, Sheikh Zayed received a gold medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, for his agricultural development efforts, not only in the UAE, but in other developing countries. In 1997, he was honoured by the President of Pakistan with a special award for his role in environmental conservation. This was the first time that Pakistan bestowed such an accolade on a Head of State. That same year, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and President Emeritus of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) presented Sheikh Zayed with the "Golden Panda" - WWF's highest award. This was the first time in the history of the award that a Head of State was so honoured. Again in 1997, he received the region's first ever Gulf Business Award for Environmental Action.
Dr. Massoumeh Ebtekar served as Vice President of the Islamic Republic and Head of the Department of Environment from 1997-2005 during the reformist government of Seyyed Mohammad Khatami. Dr. Ebtekar believes that the remarkable achievements of this period were made possible due to the tireless efforts of a coherent and competent team of scholars , directors, experts and personnel particularly environment rangers within the DOE . Also she believes that the widespread transformations in all related sectors and the integration of environmental concerns in the development process would not have been possible without the partnership of directors and experts and scholars NGOS , media and people from all walks of life , particularly at the highest levels of decision making and before all the President himself who envisioned the unrelenting support for the environment as an integral aspect of his agenda. International collaboration and support was also forthcoming in this regard. This was in effect a collective partnership and effort that enjoyed the blessings of the Creator in bringing the hearts and minds of a diverse group of people together. Re-engineering The Iranian Department of Environment (DOE) underwent major re-engineering and restructuring during her tenure leading to a strengthening of its status among national and international institutions. The organizational chart of the DOE was enhanced on the basis of studies performed on the issue more than 1500 new posts were appointed, an educational upgrading of the personnel leading to 70% with academic education in 2005 as compared to only 25% in 1997, a decentralization policy led to the establishment of 57 new DOE offices in smaller cities from 1997-2005. The DOE was facing a new era of capacity building and empowerment , 10 new research centers were established in provinces , the Biodiversity Museum was established and Pardisan Park underwent major transformations. A well equipped and modernized network of 50 research and measurements laboratories for water, soil and air pollution was established and upgraded. The 3 thousand man Environment Ranger’s Force and their scheme and equipment has also faced major transformation in these years enabling them to better protect the natural heritage of the country. Natural Heritage During this era with the untiring efforts of the DOE personnel the area of protected land in Iran rose from 4.75 % of the country’s area to 7.75% amounting to 11 million hectares. A major GIS survey and project leading to the publication of an atlas of the country’s protected areas was initiated and major improvements in management including the involvement of local societies. A well managed wildlife and game policy enabled the biodiversity in many protected areas to flourish. Research centers for , the houbara bustard, the wild ass, the yellow deer , and marine turtles were established and supported. A major strategy to protect the pristine natural forests of the country led to the protection of 10% of all forests in 1998, the establishment of 3 new forest national parks, a serious curbing of logging in the northern sections of country, and the adoption of standards for sustainable management of forests in the Supreme Council of the Environment. Civil Society A major strategy pursued by the DOE during these years was support and advocacy for the civil society . During a environmental campaign initiated by the Head of the DOE people were encouraged to engage in nongovernmental activities in favor of the environment. The government and DOE provided legal , training and basic support for this type of social activity . The result was a fascinating upsurge of environmental NGOs from 20 in 1997 to more than 650 in 2005. These NGOs were active at local ,provincial and national levels. With the support of the DOE they established provincial networks in 2001, regional networks in 2002 and in 2003 the nation-wide network of environmental NGOs was formally established , all with democratic elections and processes. The DOE also embarked on a strategy to train and educate members of 30 thousand local councils in the country on sustainable development. Education During these years with the collective efforts of the DOE and NGOs a major upsurge in environmental education, news and awareness ensued. Environmental education was included and upgraded in the formal school curriculum, at least 20 new degree programs on the environment were established in universities and 20 new research centers affiliated to universities were established with the support of the DOE. Hundreds of publications intended for all target groups including specifically women, rural societies, children and students were published. A dynamic website including thousands of pages of information , news , research data and an interactive museum of biodiversity was launched. A nation wide media campaign for environmental awareness led to significant attention of the public during these years. The national radio and television networks devoted 5% of their time to environment related programs supported by the DOE. The DOE for the first time conducted 8 rounds of annual Environment Awards encouraging and creating incentives for all strata. In an international effort to promote environmental awareness the DOE conducted 4 rounds of the International Green Film Festival introducing hundreds of national and international films to the public at a nationwide scale. (1011 cities were involved in the fourth festival ).Surveys done indicated that the general public was sensitized on environmental issues. Research The DOE established a research council in 1997 led by the Head and provincial councils nationwide, more than 300 scientists and scholars from over 80 academic centers in Iran were engaged in a collective effort to enhance the quality and quantity of environmental research . The DOE followed the principle of ” decisions only based on sound scientific research “ during these years. For the first time an annual Environment Research Letter was published. Environmental Policy The DOE embarked on a serious campaign to influence development policy at all levels in government and private sector enjoying the overall support of President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami. The DOE led the creation of the first National Plan for the Environment in 1997 and the third 5 year development plan1999-2005 reflected strong environmental directions due to the major changes in government policy and attitude. During this period all development sectors made major efforts to implement environmental standards. The fourth 5 year development plan became a reflection of this major shift in policy; more than 20% of this economic, political, and social plan was devoted to environmental legislature. DOE director generals in all provinces and cities were appointed to national planning and development committees thereby gaining the opportunity to directly influence regional and local policy in the direction of sustainable development. Regulation and Incentives : Stick and Carrot Approach Establishment of an office of environment in every ministry became obligatory in 1999 and inter-sectoral cooperation became a major policy of the DOE. A nation wide policy of incentives and regulation was implemented as a win-win policy for the economic and industrial sectors. Industries were regulated in a systematic manner , fines and legal prerogatives were taken very seriously by local implementation authorities of the DOE. On the other hand, a series of incentives intended to encourage and promote environmentally friendly policies were implemented. The DOE convened an annual competition for industrial units entitled “ The Green Industry Award” this prestigious award became an important incentive for the industry and private sector and was used in their advertisement as a prestigious credit. In order to promote environmental technologies, environmental achievements in private and government sectors an annual International Environmental Exhibition was held for 6 years attracting hundreds of national and international firms and tens of thousands of visitors each year. As a result of these comprehensive policies every year hundreds of industries initiated programs to implement environment management and standards in their firms, 20 large industrial cities harboring over 3000 industrial units established wastewater purification and reuse sytems, and implemented environment management systems . The DOE began the enforcement of automotive emissions regulation in 1999 , in a matter of three years 15 production lines proved incompatible with national standards and were closed down 53 car production lines successfully improved their systems to comply to more stringent standards (Euro II) leading to the reduction of pollutants in emissions by 80%. Also important was the establishment a modern national research and standard test center for automotive emissions in 2004. Greening of Petroleum Sector The petroleum sector is potentially one of the most polluting economic sectors. Following the policy shift, the strong regulation and the support of the DOE, the Ministry of Petroleum took major initiatives to correct past practices and measures and to implement environmental policy . As a result , the nationwide out-phasing of leaded gasoline was possible in 2002, 10 large refinery complexes in the country implemented environment management schemes ( spending each up to 30 M USD) for air water and soil contamination control , 12 large petrochemical complexes in the country implemented ISO 14000 standards and gained DOE approval for their emission standards again spending millions of dollars to implement environmental technologies, pipeline control and the execution of environmental impact assessment results. The promotion of natural gas in industries , power plants and vehicles was also initiated and supported by the DOE in spite of hurdles and difficulties created. The Minister of Petroleum was awarded the National Prize for the Environment in 2003 for his spectacular performance in promoting environmental standards and regulations in all sectors of the ministry. Abatement of Air Pollution Since 1999, studies on air pollution in Tehran were compiled by the DOE and a comprehensive plan to combat air pollution was drawn up. After adoption of the plan by the cabinet and allocation of resources the plan was implemented in 7 major projects. Success percentages of the projects indicate the great achievements in this area : Installation of mechanized inspection centers 100% , technical and policy support for natural gas bus production line 100% ( more than 2000 natural gas buses now roam the streets of Tehran). Traffic improvement schemes 100%, inspection and control of car 100 %, motorcycle and bus emissions 75%. Overall the plan in its 5th year of implementation has resulted in the improvement of air quality in Tehran. Similar air pollution abatement plans have also been implemented in 7 other major cities of the country , promising better air quality for more than 20 million citizens . In all projects the major impetus has been set by the DOE. Waste Management The DOE spearheaded a nationwide project for proper planning and management of urban waste in 1998. The plans included a nationwide Clean Earth Day mobilizing NGOs , municipalities and people from all walks on the issue of recycling and proper waste management. Also,the DOE prepared the first comprehensive bill on waste management in 2002 it was finally adopted in the Cabinet in 2003 and in early 2005 the Parliament adopted the National Law on Waste Management . This breakthrough provided new grounds for regulation and management for all types of waste . During these years more than 50 large cities began or enhanced the implementation of waste management and recycling projects amounting to hundreds of thousands of tons of waste being recycled. Data and Information Management The DOE lacked any reliable statistics or database prior to this period. During this period two major projects on the development of a database and statistics for the environment were launched resulting in the creation of the environmental statistics database. Also in 2003 the first project for the preparation of a National State of the Environment report was launched the first SOE was published in 2004 and the second SOE more compatible with international reporting on the environment in 2005. One four year performance report 2001 and one eight year report 2005 were published. The DOE also published the first and second environmental performance scorecard for all development ministries. By 2005 most DOE offices were performing with dynamic software providing management information systems MIS in related areas of specialization such as wildlife management, laboratory management, pollution control , regulation and inspection and other related areas.
President Thabo Mbeki and the people of South Africa’s commitment to cultural and environmental diversity and their efforts towards achieving the goals encapsulated in the Millennium Declaration of 2000 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation adopted at the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002 are noteworthy.
The people of South Africa have not just made substantial progress in the sustainable development of their own country, they have provided leadership and support for the continent as a whole. President Mbeki is well known as one of the architects of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which has a strong environmental component. South Africa also provided the perfect stage for WSSD, which it hosted under the slogan “People, Planet, and Prosperity”. Holding WSSD in South Africa gave delegates a valuable insight not only into the many formidable challenges that Africa faces, but also into how Africa can and will rise to those challenges.South Africa’s implementation of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation is well on track to meet the Johannesburg targets on water and sanitation. It is also a world leader in conservation practices, through its innovative use of a wide variety of available management tools and its spearheading of the groundbreaking sponsorship of the Peace Parks concept to support cross-border conservation of critically important wild habitats.
With the declaration of four new Marine Protected Areas in 2004, it has also brought almost 19 per cent of its coastline under protection, already nearly achieving the 20 per cent target set at WSSD.As well as being a party to more than 43 multilateral environmental agreements, South Africa has enacted a wide range of domestic legislation, backed up by specialist environmental courts, to protect South Africa’s environment. Laws passed by President Mbeki’s government include instruments to safeguard biological diversity, improve air quality, promote environmental impact assessments in business and industry, implement waste management strategies, and curb the pollution of the environment by plastic bags. South Africa also deserves recognition for the unity with which it is pursuing its sustainable development goals. In the words of Martinus van Schalkwyk, South Africa’s Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, speaking on World Environment Day 2004, there is a “groundswell of support with one shared central theme: the absolute imperative to protect, preserve and promote our natural environment.” Millions of South Africans are striving to make a positive difference. “In homes, businesses, factories, schools, churches and community centres we are experiencing a quiet greening revolution.”There is no doubt that this revolution is taking its lead from the top. As President Mbeki said at the opening session of the meeting of Heads of State and Government at WSSD, “we can and must act in unity to ensure that there is a practical and visible global development process that brings about poverty eradication and human advancement within the context of the protection of the ecology of the planet Earth.” President Mbeki and the people of South Africa are setting an example for the world to follow.
Excerpt from President Thabo Mbeki’s address at the welcome ceremony at WSSD:
“South Africans of many races, colours, cultures and religions are hard at work to achieve peace and national reconciliation.
Proud of the fact that they are Africans and moved by the fact that the peoples of Africa share a common burden of conflict, poverty and underdevelopment, they are determined to work hand in hand with their brothers and sisters throughout the continent, to end five hundred years of suffering and the treatment of Africans by others, as less than human.
These South Africans, who occupy the land that is the cradle of humanity, also know what has happened to the natural environment that enabled the evolution of all life on earth, and the emergence of humanity itself.
Around them they see the degradation of the soil. They know the central importance of water to the sustenance of life. They have seen how the natural forests were decimated.
They know of the depletion of the resources of the giant oceans that meet along our southern coast. They experience the pollution of the earth, the air, the rivers and the seas, caused by human activity. They know of droughts and floods. They experience the environmental suffering borne by slum-dwellers and others immersed in poverty.
Understanding the umbilical cord that ties us to the planet earth, they are determined to do everything possible to save the earth from ourselves, to save the earth for ourselves, to ensure that as it took millions of years for humanity to evolve and emerge, so must humanity survive and develop for millions more years on the basis of a healthy partnership between people and the planet, on the basis of a sustainable relationship between a prosperous world and a healthy environment.
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, known in Europe as the 'Green Patriarch,' has taken the lead among religious leaders in his concern for the environment. His Holiness has initiated seminars and dialogues to discuss the need for the mobilization of moral and spiritual forces to achieve harmony between humankind and nature. One of his environmental initiatives, which is part of Religion, Science and the Environment, is the Symposium entitled The Caspian Sea - Linking People and Traditions, scheduled to take place aboard a ship, which will circumnavigate the Caspian Sea from 17-25 June 2005. The symposium also aims to encourage understanding and a dialogue between the Christian and Islamic faiths.
Writing in a 2004 issue of UNEP's flagship magazine Our Planet on 'Seas, Oceans and Small Islands', His Holiness called for more attention to be paid to marine pollution.
"At the foundation of the world, 'in the beginning ... the spirit of God swept over the face of the waters' (Genesis 1:1-2). The Judeo-Christian scriptures speak of water as a sign of blessing and peace (Deuteronomy 8:7). The way we relate to God is reflected in the way we respect water. Water pronounces the sealed covenant between God and the world; drought and thirst announce the rupture of this binding relationship, an apostasy from the divine commandments (I Kings 17). The heavens, too, are set among the waters (Revelation 4). Marine pollution is nothing less than the violation of a hallowed promise.[...]
In Eastern Orthodox iconography, blue is interchangeable with green. These colours are predominantly used for foregrounds and backgrounds, being reserved also for the depiction of the celestial. As in the viewpoint from space, so also in the perspective of icons: both heaven and earth are blue! We tend to call earth our habitat; yet, in many ways, water might be more appropriately hailed as our home or natural environment. If there were no water, there would be no world. Marine pollution is nothing less than the devastation of our earthly premise.
There is, then, something sacred, almost sacramental in the very fabric of water. The meaning of water somehow conceals the very mystery of God. In this respect, Orthodox theology proposes a model of environmental action based on the spiritual significance of water. On a planet where oceans and rivers are polluted, we would do well to remember the original and radical relationship between living sources of water and the life-giving spirit of God. In a world where the unjust demands of the few stifle the fundamental survival of the poor, water reminds us of the need to live simply and simply to live. At a time when wastefulness has become so rampant and pervasive, we are challenged to recall the implications of our actions as well as to assume responsibility for a society where water is justly shared and where everyone has enough.
In light of this commitment, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has to date organized five international, inter-religious and inter-disciplinary symposia: in the Aegean Sea (1995), on the Black Sea (1997), along the Danube River (1999), around the Adriatic Sea (2002) and in the Baltic Sea (2003). A sixth is currently being prepared for the Caspian Sea in the summer of 2005. The purpose is to call attention to the plight of our seas; to attract religious leaders, scientists, environmentalists, politicians and journalists; and to raise awareness about collective responsibility for our environment for future generations. None of us is able to resolve the environmental crisis alone; 'everyone has a part to play', as we stated in a Common Declaration with Pope John Paul II at the closing ceremony of the Adriatic symposium.
All of us know that we are surrounded by rivers, seas and oceans. What we do not immediately recognize is the way in which these are intimately and innately connected to one another as well as to our environment. We may not immediately discern the close relationship between the world's waterways, the world's people and the world's Creator. There is an interconnection and interdependence between the water of baptism, the sap of plants, the tears of humans, the bloodstream of animals, the rainfall of a forest and the flow of rivers to the sea.
We are called to avow water as the wonder of life if we are ever to avert the world crisis in water pollution and distribution. In order to correct the wrongful politics of water by those who regard it as their rightful property, we must first celebrate water as the irreplaceable patrimony of all humankind; we must accept the indiscriminate and inalienable right to water for all people in the world. Water can never be reduced to a marketable commodity for profit - especially for the affluent, especially for the few. It must always be protected as part of the fundamental quality of life - especially for the more vulnerable, especially for our children.
On the third day of creation, 'God gathered the waters under the sky into one place; and God saw that it was good. ... So God created every living thing, with which the waters swarm. And God saw that it was good.' (Genesis 1:9-21). The Greek word for 'good' implies beauty and harmony. The very least that we owe God, this world and our children, is to preserve the beauty of our planet's water, to leave behind a world that remains good."
When she was growing up in an Inuit community in northern Quebec, Sheila Watt-Cloutier never rode anything faster than a dog sled.
Now the 50-year-old grandmother jets across the globe speaking out on environmental issues and warning of the impending catastrophe that is global warming.
Her people are witnessing first hand the devastating affects of climate change and its relentless assault on their traditional way of life.
And if there is one place on the planet where the effects of the "great warming" are immediately felt it is in the Arctic. As President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (Canada) in 1995 and re-elected to the position on a full-time basis in1998, Watt-Cloutier represents some 155,000 Inuit in Canada, the USA, Russia and Greenland.
The minutest change in the Arctic changes everything, every eco system. The changes in climate have brought a lot more insects and bugs, and new species of birds never before seen in the arctic are appearing every year.
Watt-Cloutier is fully involved in United Nations work and has for years been working on the treaty to eliminate the use persistent organic pollutants, or POP's.
As President of ICC Canada, Ms. Watt-Cloutier maintains a seat on the international ICC executive council, working in cooperation with Inuit leaders from Greenland, Alaska and Chukotka (Russia). She also holds the position of Vice-President of the national Inuit organization, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada.
Ms. Watt-Cloutier is now applying her vast experience at the international level. She is an effective spokesperson on a wide range of Arctic and Indigenous issues, and has made numerous presentations to governments and international bodies
Some 50 nations have signed on to the new treaty making it one of the fastest ratified UN treaties on record. But the global work to get there took some 15 years.
Watt-Cloutier is one of the environmental heroes featured in The Great Warming, a three-part documentary narrated by Alanis Morissette and Keanu Reeves, which premiers Earth Day, April 22, on the Discovery Channel.
