sustainable development 20 years on from the ... - José Eli da Veiga

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Box II.1
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN IN INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL FORUMS
ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD): Latin American and Caribbean countries have
participated actively in CSD since its establishment in 1992. At its thirtieth session held in San Juan in <strong>20</strong>04, the
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) decided to create a Regional Implementation
Forum on Sustainable Development feeding into the two-year cycle of CSD Meetings on Regional Implementation
of the Johannesburg Summit, pursuant to the Summit mandate to the Regional Commissions. a
Forum of Ministers of the Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean: Established in 1982 under the
Secretariat of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Forum brings together the region’s 33
environment ministers or equivalent and heads of environment agencies or committees, who meet regularly to agree
joint positions before global organizations and to conclude regional cooperation agreements. The Forum has a
regional action plan that serves as an important cooperation platform.
Latin American and Caribbean Initiative for Sustainable Development (ILAC): ILAC was adopted in <strong>20</strong>02 by
the Governments of Latin America and the Caribbean within the framework of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg. Its main objective is to assess progress and take effective action towards <strong>sustainable</strong>
<strong>development</strong> in countries of the region. In <strong>20</strong>03, the Forum decided to support a project for producing national
environmental indicators, as well as any economic, social and institutional indicators required to assess progress in
implementing ILAC.
Meeting of Ministers and High-level Authorities of the Housing and Urban Development Sector in Latin
America and the Caribbean (MINURVI): MINURVI is the main entity facilitating intergovernmental
coordination and cooperation among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in the area of <strong>sustainable</strong>
<strong>development</strong> of human settlements. It has prioritized improving the urban environment and reducing environmental
vulnerability as a key focus of its work. At its most recent meeting held in Asunción in September <strong>20</strong>11, MINURVI
agreed to promote the <strong>development</strong> of territorial <strong>sustainable</strong> <strong>development</strong> policies with a view to creating synergies
among the environmental, economic and social aspects and highlighting the environmental and social costs. It also
agreed to appoint Argentina as Permanent Technical Secretariat with technical support and coordination provided by
ECLAC and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT).
Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD): Established in 1989 as part of the
Central American Integration System (SICA), it has acquired great importance as a subregional forum for
environment ministers or equivalent authorities. Based on joint positions, a series of agreements for the subregion
were proposed in such areas as biological diversity, hazardous waste and forests, which are accompanied by a
portfolio of environmental projects and a successful financial strategy.
Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR): Established in 1991 by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay to
promote the integration of the States Parties, since 1996 it has included a subworking group on environment. It
adopted a Framework Agreement on the Environment with a corresponding action plan, as well as cooperation
initiatives on specific issues.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM): CARICOM was established in 1973 to stimulate economic cooperation within
the Caribbean common market, forge closer political and economic relations between Member States and promote
educational, cultural and industrial cooperation between CARICOM countries. Since its establishment, CARICOM has
led projects in such areas as renewable energy <strong>development</strong>, climate change adaptation and food safety.
Association of Caribbean States (ACS): The Convention establishing ACS was signed on 24 July 1994 in Cartagena,
Colombia, with the aim of promoting consultation, cooperation and concerted action among all the countries of the
Caribbean. It comprises 25 Member States and three Associate Members. Eight other non-independent Caribbean
countries are eligible for associate membership. There are five special committees on trade <strong>development</strong> and external
economic relations; <strong>sustainable</strong> tourism; transport; natural disasters; and budget and administration.
Andean Community: In 1999 it approved the establishment of the Andean Committee of Environmental
Authorities, as a forum for dialogue and consensus-building on the environment.