Harmony with Nature Report of the Secretary-General

General Assembly Distr.: Limited Date: 29 August 2019 Original: English

First Session Agenda item 7 Harmony with Nature Report of the Secretary-General

Summary

The present Secretary-General report addresses international discussions on the environmental impacts of human activity. Humankind has treated the planet as a means to an end. To rectify the environmental damages caused by decades of exploitation and commodification, the role of ‘Harmony with Nature’ is to promote Earth’s primal right to life. The United Nations’ Harmony with Nature agenda seeks to share best practices in environmental conservation and spread awareness about anthropogenic effects.

In April 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 63/278, proclaiming the 22nd of April to be International Mother Earth Day. This UNGA resolution commemorates the Earth as humankind’s only home and source of human life. To redefine humankind’s relationship with Nature and coexist sustainably with the planet, the General Assembly has adopted 10 resolutions on Harmony with Nature to promote Earth Jurisprudence. Specifically, a resolution entitled “The Future We Want,” adopted at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, emphasized the need for common ground between Member States to pursue a healthier relationship with Nature. This resolution further highlighted the importance of Harmony with Nature for the 2030 Agenda, or the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To engage the public, the UNGA has also made a series of efforts to raise awareness about Harmony with Nature and share progress about the agenda’s implementation. Online resources, such as the UN Harmony with Nature Knowledge Network, disseminate learnings about respect for and protection of the natural environment. The purpose of the Harmony with Nature agenda is to promote the preservation of Nature and highlight the environment’s intrinsic value regardless of its practical utility to humankind. Such international discussions seek to WFUNA International Model United Nations A(WIMUN Geneva)/1/7

convey a new understanding of ecological protection, in which the purpose of technological development is to protect the planet and ensure its sustainability. Through annual interactive dialogues on Harmony with Nature to commemorate International Mother Earth Day, the UNGA has also promoted sustainable models of production and consumption in line with SDG 12. Overall, the UN’s efforts have shown significant progress. Different branches of governments in an increasing number of Member States have adopted legislation or put forward policies on the rights of nature and the planet.

I. Context and Concept

1. In April 2009, by adopting A/RES/63/278, the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day. This resolution invited all Member States to reflect upon the environmental damages inflicted on planet Earth and pay tribute to our home and source of life. Building upon the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development adopted at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), this UNGA resolution pledges the UN’s commitment to harmonious coexistence between humankind and Earth. The UN expressed its dedication to balancing the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations.1 Growing concern over the environmental impacts of human activity, stemming from the increasing scarcity of resources and the ensuing socio-economic implications, was first recognized in the 1982 World Charter for Nature.2

2. Launched in September 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development recognized the need for an action plan to achieve sustainable development. To effectively address the implementation of the Agenda 21 Action Plan, which was adopted at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, this action plan culminated in

1 “A/CONF.151/26 (Vol. I) REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.” United Nations. www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-1annex1.htm. 2 “A/RES/37/7. World Charter for Nature.” United Nations. www.un.org/documents/ga/res/37/a37r007.htm.

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the development of Harmony with Nature. 3 4 In December 2009, the UNGA adopted its first resolution on Harmony with Nature at its 64th session, recognizing the degradation of Earth’s bounties and establishing the importance of Earth to humankind’s existence.5 This resolution marked a significant shift in thinking from a human-centered paradigm to an Earth-centered paradigm.

3. On International Mother Earth Day in 2011, the UNGA held its first interactive dialogue between Member States and stakeholders on the topic of Harmony with Nature. A panel was dedicated to a holistic discussion about sustainable development, where Member States shared national experiences on key indicators to measure sustainable development and Harmony with Nature. The panel also resulted in the creation of a website regarding Harmony with Nature and the continuation of discussions leading up to the Rio +20 Conference.

4. Through discussing Harmony with Nature, the UNGA recognized the depletion of the planet as the direct result of unsustainable consumption and production patterns, especially over the past fifty years. Documented scientific evidence reflected the alarming realization that mankind’s unsustainable socio-economic systems are causing irreversible damage to the planet. Adopted in 2015, “responsible consumption and production” is listed as Sustainable Development Goal 12.

5. As part of the holistic approach to sustainable development undertaken by Member States in 2015, the SDGs recognized that the international community must manage scarce resources and take care of the environment to provide for future generations. Over the past decade, progress achieved on Harmony with Nature has emphasized the need to achieve peace and sustainable co-existence with the planet, and to live in harmony with the Earth rather than at her expense.

6. The basic principles of Harmony with Nature recognize that the international community must devise a new model of sustainable production, consumption and economic growth to meet the needs of present and future generations. Earth’s bounties are finite, which calls for the development of different and ecologically- conscious economic models. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals approach environmental concerns through a new lens by linking development to sustainability.

3 “Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.” United Nations. www.unmillenniumproject.org/documents/131302_wssd_report_reissued.pdf. 4 “United Nations Conference on Environment & Development Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992. Agenda 21.” United Nations Sustainable Development. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/Agenda21.pdf. 5 “A/RES/64/196. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 2009.” United Nations General Assembly. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F64%2F196.

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The SDGs and Harmony with Nature mark the shift from a human-centered approach to one where the Earth takes the main role. Furthermore, among the indicators and monitoring framework used to keep track of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, an important indicator to consider is Indicator 12.8. This indicator ensures that by 2030, people everywhere will have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in Harmony with Nature.6

7. Adopted in 2000, the Millennium Development Goals addressed global challenges such as poverty and development, setting goals to provide access to clean water and sanitation, prevent the spread of deadly diseases and ensure access to primary education.7 Adopted in January 2015 and officially brought to action on 1 January 2016, the Sustainable Development Goals expanded upon the Millennium Development Agenda, including therein the growing need for action concerning environmental degradation.8 Harmony with Nature emphasizes the importance of co- existence with the Earth.

8. Rapid loss of biodiversity, climate change and depletion of the ozone layer are several examples of the effects caused by mankind’s disregard for nature. Since the Industrial Revolution in the nineteenth century, mankind has not perceived the opportunity cost of exploiting the Earth’s resources as threatening the survival of mankind itself. Harmony with Nature aims to shift this focus such that the industrial and technological development of mankind can be achieved without costing human life its existence. To meet the needs of the rapidly growing world population and ensure the prosperity of human life, mankind must understand the imminent threat of resource scarcity and depletion, and subsequently act on the need to preserve the planet and its natural resources.

9. The ten resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature to date aspire to change humankind’s relationship with Nature and with its own existence. The central aim of the interactive dialogues and the establishment of the Harmony with Nature agenda is to raise awareness worldwide and mobilize respect for Earth. This new relationship with Earth would redefine the foundation of human action, which will no longer be solely based on human concerns, rather on what course of action would best suit sustainable development for the planet and all of humankind.

6 “Indicators and a Monitoring Framework: Launching a Data Revolution for the Sustainable Development Goals.” United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. http://indicators.report/targets/12-8/ 7 “United Nations Millennium Development Goals.” United Nations. www.un.org/millenniumgoals. 8 “Sustainable Development Goals.” United Nations Development Programme. www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html.

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10. The General Assembly has set a further stepping stone towards the manifestation of humankind’s new relationship with the Earth. At the UNGA’s 66th session, the resolution entitled “The Future We Want” was adopted in September 2012.9 This document recognizes progress thus far towards preserving nature, and it also seeks to renew commitment to the cause. The central focus of the document is to address the need for common ground among Member States and continue progress towards Harmony with Nature.

II. Challenges

10. Many challenges are facing Harmony with Nature, the most pressing of which being climate change. The latest report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on 7 October 2018 warns the international community of a 2030 deadline to achieve global emission targets.10 In light of this pressing climate crisis, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will convene a Climate Action Summit on 23 September 2019 at the UN General Assembly.11

11. The proliferation of plastic waste over the past few decades is another contributing factor to the loss of biodiversity and pollution. Approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, of which 8 million tons are dumped into oceans. This greatly aggravates marine pollution and increases the toll on maritime biodiversity. Notably, plastic packaging is the largest market segment contributing to the mass production of plastic, accounting for roughly 40% of total plastic use. It is also estimated that 500 billion tons of plastic bags are produced every year, each with usage of approximately 15 minutes. The large amounts of plastic dumped into the ocean is a direct and negative impact resulting from human lifestyles and non- renewable consumerist practices. It is a significant challenge to redefine mankind’s relationship with natural resources, but reusing and recycling is key to accomplishing Harmony with Nature.

12. The burning of fossil fuels remains the largest driver of the greenhouse effect, totaling over 1.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year in the United States alone. Efforts undertaken in North America decreased emissions by 15-20% between 2005 and 2014, as research continues to unveil fossil-fuel-free methods of producing energy. While the research and development costs of innovative electricity production are certainly one major factor perpetuating ongoing fossil fuel use, the most significant hindrance driving the carbon challenge is a lack of political will from public

9 “Future We Want - Outcome Document.” Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org/futurewewant.html. 10 “Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/. 11 “Climate Action Summit 2019.” United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/. 5

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authorities and government institutions. Climate statistics show that Africa is the continent least aware of the increase in global temperature and its causes, followed by Latin America and Asia. Although North America is home to the highest rates of climate awareness, recent waves of climate skepticism have hindered efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

13. Global warming and climate change are also central causes of other global challenges. Extreme weather events such as severe droughts, deforestation, or heat waves can disrupt entire ecosystems. Other examples include the melting of glaciers in the North and South Poles, water and food shortages, and increasingly frequent wildfires such as those experienced in California in 2015. The most alarming and visible consequence of global warming is disasters caused by temperature shifts, such as Hurricane Harvey, the largest hurricane on American soil since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hurricane Harvey developed from a heatwave in the Atlantic Ocean, which met a colder wave and formed a storm that displaced over 30,000 people in Texas. This is one example of the many natural disasters that have wrecked the natural environment over the past fifty years, and their frequency is growing at an alarming rate. Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005, caused more than USD100 billion in damages.

14. Deforestation is another issue that has had a serious and negative impact on the environment, largely due to exponential growth in the human population. Forests once beaming with ecosystem and biodiversity have been replaced for farmland and urban development. Forests have also been devastated to supply the demand for lumber wood and housing space, as population sizes surpass urban capacities. To achieve sustainable development and provide for the constantly growing population, Harmony with Nature seeks to redefine humankind’s relationship with Earth and the environment.

15. The diverging positions of public authorities and Member States with regards to global warming reflect the difficulties facing the international community in reaching common ground. Therefore, the purpose of the UNGA’s interactive dialogues on Harmony with Nature is to promote discussion on relevant issues such that consensus can be reached. The stepping stones to building this common ground are standardizing various measures of environmental protection that would be widely accepted by Member States.

16. As described by Bolivian President Evo Morales Ayma at the proclamation of International Mother Earth Day in 2009, the international community must agree upon the need to fight for the rights of Earth, just as it agreed that humanity must fight for the civil rights of minority populations. Notably, this new Earth-centered

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paradigm can be implemented through the development of new legislation. At the forefront of this shift are, among others, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and New Zealand. The purpose of Harmony with Nature is to unify Member States under a coordinated perspective - the fight for Nature will not halt technological advancement. Rather, Harmony with Nature will make innovation and prosperity possible and sustainable for all future generations.

III. Future priorities

17. A main priority under the Harmony for Nature agenda is undoubtedly the adoption of a Universal Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth. The overarching objective of Harmony with Nature is to create a platform for all nations to understand the connections between humanity and Earth. Shifting from a human-centered approach to an Earth-centered approach entails not only awareness but active engagement in pursuing a value system that places humankind and nature on the same level. To describe this new paradigm, new language and terms should be shared through public platforms. To advance the Harmony with Nature agenda, Member States should continue to develop public engagement and raise awareness through technological networks.

18. The most recent interactive dialogue on Harmony with Nature was held on 22 April 2019. Under the theme “Mother Earth approach in the implementation of Education and Climate Change,” this interactive dialogue was convened by the President of the General Assembly pursuant to UNGA resolution A/RES/73/235.12 The resolution calls for “inclusive, equitable and equality education” on climate action, specifically in relation to issues of “development, poverty eradication and climate justice.”13 The concept note affirms the intersection of SDG 4, quality education, and SDG 13, climate action, further emphasizing the importance of capacity-building for non-state actors and sub-national authorities.

19. The third interactive dialogue on Harmony with Nature held in April 2013 discussed economic approaches to ensuring a healthier and more ethical relationship with Earth.14 The sociological and anthropological discussions at this interactive dialogue approached economic systems from a different perspective. The meeting concluded that a healthy relationship with the environment will benefit humanity as a whole, including its social-economic well-being. Today, resource scarcity is arguably the

12 “Interactive Dialogue of the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature in Commemoration of International Mother Earth Day.” United Nations - Harmony with Nature. http://files.harmonywithnatureun.org/uploads/upload772.pdf 13 Ibid. 14 “Interactive Dialogues of the General Assembly.” United Nations - Harmony with Nature. http://www.harmonywithnatureun.org/dialogues/. 7

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most significant cause of conflict between nations and between non-state actors. To preserve Earth would also mean to strive for a more equal distribution of resources, subsequently promoting a more harmonious and peaceful international community. This sentiment was echoed in the 2018 Secretary-General’s report on Harmony with Nature.

20. An important sub-topic on Harmony with Nature discussed during the interactive dialogues and highlighted in the Secretary General’s report of 2018 is the support of local efforts to preserve Nature, especially indigenous communities. Indigenous communities often share a spiritual or emotional connection with their land and nature, and indigenous approaches to preserving their way of life must be considered in international dialogue.15 The notion of Harmony with Nature notes that indigenous communities subsist almost solely from nature, reflecting mankind’s overall reliance on the planet’s resources. In the Secretary-General report, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Bolivia highlighted that Bolivia’s Constitution enshrined the indigenous principles of “Buen Vivir” for ‘living in harmony, balance, equity, and solidarity with the Earth.’16 Respecting indigenous rights is a critical component of promoting Earth’s fundamental needs and rights. To further progress on Harmony with Nature, it is crucial for the international community to consider local communities and indigenous cultures.

21. While civil society has actively engaged in the United Nations’ discussions to promote a healthier planet, experts responsible for international negotiations are often unaware of the central paradigm of Harmony with Nature - shifting focus from man to Earth. The new value systems and language required to entertain such negotiations start with education. It is imperative to promote an environmental language that uses a holistic approach, rather than the utilitarian terms, to describe the Earth and our relationship with the planet. This need calls for a massive shift in education systems and requires the international community to develop programs that support this change in mentality among younger and future generations.

22. As eloquently described by President Evo Morales Ayma of the Plurinational State of Bolivia upon the proclamation of International Mother Earth Day, promoting Earth’s rights is the goal of efforts on Harmony with Nature. The first virtual interactive dialogue on Harmony with Nature took place between April and June of 2016. The dialogue discussed measures to support Earth jurisprudence and respect the planet’s natural cycles, specifically through institutions, laws, policies and ethics.

15 “A/73/221. Harmony with Nature – Report of the Secretary-General.” United Nations General Assembly. https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/73/221. 16 Ibid. 8

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It is central to continue this discussion in the future as a crucial strategy to achieve the SDGs.

23. Harmony with Nature emphasizes that fundamental human rights cannot be fully implemented until the rights of Nature are respected. This agenda item is growing in importance and urgency as the consequences of human-induced environmental degradation are ever more evident. To sustain peace among communities and with the planet, the international community must shift away from perceptions of Earth as commercial property. It is imperative to see Earth as an entity to whom humankind belongs, entitled to her rights that are key to human survival, peace and harmonious co-existence.

V. Further reading

“Future We Want - Outcome Document.” Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org/futurewewant.html.

“Programme.” United Nations - Harmony with Nature. http://www.harmonywithnatureun.org/

“Indicators and a Monitoring Framework: Launching a Data Revolution for the Sustainable Development Goals”. United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. http://indicators.report/targets/12-8/

IV. Bibliography

“A/68/325. Harmony with Nature – Report of the Secretary-General.” United Nations General Assembly. https://undocs.org/A/68/325.

“A/CONF.151/26 (Vol. I) REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.” United Nations. www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-1annex1.htm.

“A/RES/37/7. World Charter for Nature.” United Nations. www.un.org/documents/ga/res/37/a37r007.htm.

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“A/RES/64/196. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 2009.” United Nations General Assembly. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2F64%2F196.

“Climate Action Summit 2019.” United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/.

“Future We Want - Outcome Document.” Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org/futurewewant.html.

“General Assembly Sixty-Third Session – 80th Plenary Meeting.” United Nations General Assembly. www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2F63%2FPV.80&referer=%2Fenglis h%2F&Lang=E.

“Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/.

“Harmony with Nature - First Interactive Dialogue.” Harmony with Nature. www.harmonywithnatureun.org/index.php?page=view&type=12&nr=7&menu=198.

“Interactive Dialogues of the General Assembly.” United Nations - Harmony with Nature. http://www.harmonywithnatureun.org/dialogues/.

“Kyoto Protocol.” United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. www.unfccc.int/kyotoprotocol/items/2830.php.

“Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.” United Nations. www.unmillenniumproject.org/documents/131302_wssd_report_reissued.pdf.

“Sixth Interactive Dialogue of the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature.” Harmony with Nature United Nations. http://www.harmonywithnatureun.org/dialogue/rsIs7kXmI0+AjflvVMtft3guB3VCtwygB0 BFPs4QGvJFnBX!Q2Rx1MkJZsiQzOurPaDlUQD8agWNhCc0DBKCgA==.

“Sustainable Development Goals.” United Nations Development Programme. www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html.

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“'Sustaining Peace' Strategy Must Cover Entire Peace Continuum – UN Deputy Chief.” UN News. www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=57435#.WcAF2siGPIU.

“United Nations Conference on Environment & Development Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992. Agenda 21.” United Nations Sustainable Development. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/Agenda21.pdf.

“United Nations Millennium Development Goals.” United Nations. www.un.org/millenniumgoals.