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NEWS RELEASE
Canada at the World Summit on Sustainable Development
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INCREASES FUNDING TO THE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME AND ITS
WATER QUALITY PROGRAM
JOHANNESBURG, August 29, 2002 – Canadian Environment Minister David Anderson and Canadian Minister of International Cooperation Susan Whelan today announced Government of Canada funding to strengthen international environmental protection. Canada is increasing its contribution to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by $5.7 million over four years, more than double its current contribution, to influence environmental governance. Canada is also increasing its support for UNEP’s Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) Water Program in Burlington, Ontario by $1.5 million over three years.
"Over the past year and a half, as President of the United Nations Environment Programme Governing Council, I have led work with environment ministers from around the world," said Minister Anderson. "We determined how we can achieve more results from the international environmental agreements, programs and activities that already exist. We agreed that a stronger UNEP has to be one part of the answer; more support for science and knowledge has to be another. Canada is backing that up with investments in both."
"Canada recognizes that a sustainable way of life for all nations must be based on the effective and environmentally responsible use of natural, human and economic resources," International Cooperation Minister Whelan said. "Canada’s support for UNEP will help developing countries address global environmental challenges such as wildlife conservation, the impacts of global warming, protecting water resources and coping with land degradation."
Minister Anderson and UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer, who joined
Minister Anderson for today’s announcement, also signed a Memorandum of
Understanding outlining Canada’s increased contribution of $500,000 annually
for three years for the GEMS/Water Program. The GEMS/Water Program improves
water quality monitoring and assessment capabilities in participating countries.
It determines water quality status and trends internationally.
The additional funding more than doubles Canada’s current contribution of $450,000 per year to GEMS/Water. This reflects Canada’s commitment to building the science and knowledge necessary for effective policies.
Dr. Toepfer expressed his appreciation for the additional commitment from the Government of Canada. "We believe that UNEP is going to have an increasingly important role in turning the decisions made here at WSSD into action. This new support from Canada will play a valuable role in generating results."
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is leading Canada’s delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) during the High-Level Session. He is being supported by Environment Minister Anderson, International Cooperation Minister Whelan and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie) Denis Paradis. At WSSD, Canada is focusing on four key areas: health and environment; partnerships; African development; and international sustainable development governance.
For further information, please contact:
In Johannesburg Kelly Morgan |
In Canada Suzanne Meunier |
(Également offert en français)
Courtesy of Environment Canada's Media Room
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