Environment and Development

Environmental degradation is a serious threat to the developing world, hindering and undermining development. The rural poor in particular depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods, and poor people are most vulnerable to the effects of environmental disasters and pollution. Despite this, there is still widespread belief that environmental protection requires curtailment of growth and development rather than an expansion of economic opportunities. The truth is that continuing high rates of environmental degradation undermine prospects for long-term economic and social development, and may offset short-term gains in poverty reduction. On the other hand, investing in the environment can offer high economic and social returns. Therefore, it is widely recognized by the international community that in order to achieve lasting poverty reduction and sustainable development, the environmental dimension needs to be taken fully into account in all development activities.

The establishment of a high level UN panel in development, humanitarian assistance and the environment in February 2006 is evidence of the  importance given to environmental issues by the international community.

Global development and biodiversity Some of the world’s least developed countries are located in hotspot areas of high importance for biodiversity. This map displays Human Development Index (UNDP) by country and hotspot regions overlaid on that.

Relationship between biodiversity and poverty in Africa- This map may be used to show areas in which biodiversity is threatened in relation to poverty on a continental scale. Areas where high percentage of underweight children - used as a proxy for poverty - coincide with a high occurrence of amphibian species and endemic bird areas - a proxy for biodiversity - may indicate areas in which poor people likely have no other choice than the unsustainable extraction of resources, in turn threatening biodiversity .

Global environmental trends Environmental degradation trends from all the continents are alarmingly increasing. The areas which are focused on in this graphic are: degradation of land, forest, and marine and coastal zones, pollution of the atmosphere, and fresh water, loss of biodiversity and urban and industrial contamination.

International Commitments
Malmo Declaration - 2000
Nairobi Declaration - 1997
Rio Declaration - 1992
Agenda 21 - 1992
Stockholm Declaration - 1972

The international community have committed to environmental sustainability in Millennium Development Goal 7.

Targets: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources. By 2015, reduce by half the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water. By 2020 achieve significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers.

Irish contribution:
Irish Aid is committed to protecting the environment and to sustainable development in order to conserve scarce natural resources for present and future generations. Direct environment-related expenditure increased from €0.97 million in 2000 to €1.88 million in 2001 and €1.98 million last year.

Irish Aid steps up its commitment to the environment

Climate Change and Development Cooperation

NGOs contribution:

Citing Agenda 21 in their last statement of CSD14, NGOs called on the developed countries to "take the lead" by (1) redirecting IFI funds to sustainble energy projects, (2) phasing out fossil fuel and nuclear subsidies and redirecting those resources to the poor; and (3) transfering sustainable energy technology

Sources of Information:

World Resources 2005 - The Wealth of the Poor: Managing ecosystems to fight poverty World Resources Institute

Facts and Figures on World Bank Lending for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency World Bank Group Doubles Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Commitments in 2005

Role of the EU’s programme "Environment in developing countries" The EU acknowledges that environmental sustainability is an essential precondition for sustainable development. It is therefore identified as a cross-cutting issue that should be addressed in all development activities undertaken by the EU. 

European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES) aims at enhancing the collaboration between European researchers and researchers in the developing world to fight hunger and disease. EAGLES has been launched by the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB). The project is being supported by the European Commission and is a collaboration between EFB and scientific partners in Europe, China, Egypt, Ghana, South Africa and the Philippines. Members of the Steering Committees include prominent scientists from China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Syria and Thailand.