The 13th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development ended tonight in New York. Matters related to water, sanitary conditions and human settlement were discussed at this session of the Commission that was established in 1992 for directing global activities concerning sustainable development. Estonia was represented at the meeting by the delegation of the Ministry of the Environment. According to Ms Annika Velthut, the leader of the Estonian delegation and Secretary General of the Ministry, the meeting was characterised by different interpretations of the subjects of the session by developed countries and developing countries. For example, the availability of clean drinking water and the situation of sewage disposal systems / wastewater treatment are very serious issues in developing countries. The developing countries expect more assistance from developed countries in dealing with these problems. Estonia also made a presentation during this session. The Secretary General of the Ministry said that four main messages were delivered, with water being the keyword. Intersectoral integration and cooperation were emphasized as keys to promoting sustainable development. In Estonia, most work needs to be done with the biggest water consumers the energy and agriculture sectors. In order to ensure intersectoral cooperation and successful implementation of water-related decisions, water management plans of river basins are being prepared in Estonia. In this context, intersectoral integration between the spheres of agriculture, fisheries, tourism, energy and biological diversity is very important. In preparing water management plans, cross-border cooperation is also developed, for example, with Russia in the case of the River Narva and Lake Peipsi as transboundary water bodies. Investments in water-related projects and, first of all, in ensuring clean drinking water supplies and proper wastewater treatment have been a priority for Estonia for a long time already. As the Secretary General of the Ministry said, Estonia as a small country has demonstrated its ability to ensure investments. In this respect, our system of environmental fees plays an essential role, since the incomings of this system are reinvested in the environment, and so far, water investments have made up the largest share of these investments. More importantly, the Estonian local authorities have assumed responsibility and made their contribution by way of cofinancing, said Ms Velthut. At the 13th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development political directions are set supporting the achievement of global targets, and the principles of monitoring and feedback are defined. It is important to give a strong signal in support of sustainable development to the Millennium Review Summit that will be held this autumn in New York where the achievement of the objectives of the millennium will be reviewed. Further information: |
