The Road to Rio+20

The UNEP Magazine for Youth

for young people · by young people · about young people The road to Rio+20

Half the planet, one voice

Green jobs, green options 1

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 1 23/11/2011 18:31 TUNZA the UNEP magazine CONTENTS for youth. To view current and past issues of this publication online, The Bandung Declaration 3 please visit www.unep.org New beginnings at Rio+20 4 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya Half the planet, one voice 6 Tel (254 20) 7621 234 Fax (254 20) 7623 927 A week of inspiration 6 Telex 22068 UNEP KE E-mail [email protected] We were there! 7 www.unep.org In with the new 8 ISSN 1727-8902 Six minutes to save the Earth 10 Director of Publications Nick Nuttall Editor Geoffrey Lean Earth Summits and Multilateral 12 Special Contributor Wondwosen Asnake Environmental Agreements Youth Editor Karen Eng Guest Editor Daniela Jaramillo Troya Nairobi Coordinator Naomi Poulton Green jobs, green options 14 Head, UNEP’s Children and Youth Unit Theodore Oben Enjoying the BYEE buzz 16 Circulation Manager Mohamed Atani Sharing inspiration 17 Design Edward Cooper, Ecuador Production Banson Young leaders 18 Cover photo Phade71/Flickr Youth contributors Andrew Bartolo (Malta); Alina Start with yourself 20 Bezhenar (Russia); María del Refugio Boa Alvarado (Mexico); Mariana Carnasciali (Brazil); Ella Cunnison Seven steps into the future 22 (UK); Sebastien Duyck (France); Elham Fadaly (Egypt); Aghnia Fasza (Indonesia); Mary Jade P. Gabanes Beyond the art of the probable 24 (Philippines); Shakeem Goddard (St Lucia); Christopher Grant (St Vincent & Grenadines); Anisa Haernissa (Indonesia); Hu Ching (Singapore); M. Ihsan Kaadan (Syria); Alex Lenferna (South Africa); Cassandra Lin Keep up with TUNZA on your mobile (USA); Dalia Fernanda Márquez Añez (Venezuela); Michael Muli (Kenya); Andrea Nava (Guatemala); Shruti http://tunza.mobi Neelakantan (India); Arleo Neldo (Indonesia); Maryam Nisywa (Indonesia); Stephen Njoroge (Kenya); Kevin or on Facebook Ochieng (Kenya); José Humberto Páez Fernández (Costa Rica); Gracia Paramitha (Indonesia); María Reyes www.facebook.com/TUNZAmagazine (Ecuador); Sarah Ervinda Rudianto (Indonesia); Neima’t Allah Shawki (Sudan); Rishabh Singh (India); Pritish Taval (India); Ben Vanpeperstraete (Belgium); Victoria Wee (Canada); Daniel Zardo (Brazil). Other contributors Karen Armstrong; Jane Bowbrick; Yu-Rin Chung (Bayer); Severn Cullis-Suzuki; Michael Dorsey; Ginnie Guillén; James Hung; Yolanda Kakabadse; Brice Lalonde; Frank Rothbarth (Bayer); Achim Steiner (UNEP); Zonibel Woods; Rosey Simonds and David Woollcombe (Peace Child International). UNEP and Bayer, the German- Painting Competition on the Printed in Malta based multinational involved in Environment, the UNEP Tunza The contents of this magazine do not necessarily refl ect the views health care, crop protection International Youth and Children’s or policies of UNEP or the editors, nor are they an offi cial record. and high-tech materials, are Conferences, youth environmental The designations employed and the presentation do not imply the working together to strengthen networks in Africa, Asia Pacifi c, expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP concerning the legal status of any country, territory or city or its authority, or young people’s environmental Europe, Latin America and the concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. awareness and engage children Caribbean, North America and West and youth in environmental issues Asia, the Bayer Young Environmental worldwide. Envoy Program and a photo UNEP promotes competition, ‘Ecology in Focus’, in environmentally sound practices A partnership agreement, originally Eastern Europe. globally and in its own activities. This signed in 2004 and renewed in 2007 magazine is printed on 100% chlorine-free and 2010, runs through 2013. It lays The long-standing partnership paper from sustainably managed forests, using down the basis for UNEP and Bayer to between UNEP and Bayer has become vegetable-based inks and other eco-friendly implement the projects under the a public-private partnership that practices. Our distribution policy aims partnership. These include: TUNZA to reduce UNEP’s carbon footprint. serves as a model for both Magazine, the International Children’s organizations.

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Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 2 23/11/2011 18:37 uring the UNEP Tunza Children and Youth Conference 2011, participants worked on forging Da strong, concrete global youth statement to be taken to world leaders at Rio+20. In the weeks leading up to the conference, a youth steering committee of Tunza Youth Advisory Council members and leaders of youth organizations around the world gathered ideas and statements to create a draft of the Bandung Declaration. Over three days participants read, discussed and amended the draft, and at the closing plenary, the delegates put the ﬁ nishing touches to the declaration. Here are a few of the highlights. The BANDUNG DECLARATION We … are united in calling upon world leaders to move to a sustainable development pathway that safeguards the Earth and its people for our generation and generations to come.

Rio+20 … marks a generation since the 1992 Earth Summit – the fi rst effective global recognition of the environmental, social and economic costs of unrestrained development. Our governments … promised to reduce poverty, stem environmental degradation and enhance equity. Businesses and multi-national corporations have pledged to respect the environment, green their production and compensate We call upon business leaders to collectively commit to: for their pollution. Yet, our planet’s future – our future – is • implementing effective corporate social and environmental in peril. We cannot wait another generation, until a Rio+40, responsibility through a new economic model that ensures before we act. sustainable resource use; • [being] accountable for the sustainability of their supply We pledge the following commitments to make the Rio+20 chain and production patterns; Earth Summit a milestone for change: • [increasing] investment in environmentally benefi cial scien- • lobby our governments to make the Rio+20 Earth Summit tifi c research and development … a top priority; • adopt more sustainable lifestyles and educate our local We need to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the communities, including indigenous communities, sharing established international institutions and assess new knowledge at the same level. institutional structures that guide us toward a sustainable green and fair economy. We believe such structures should: We urge the Rio+20 Earth Summit to agree that all green • focus on implementing existing international agreements economies should: and plans of action; • protect and value natural resources and ecosystems, • hold governments, corporations and civil society organ- on which all life depends, and recognize the traditional izations accountable to their promises and obligations on knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples and local sustainable development; communities; • further the implementation of the precautionary principle • invest in education and social entrepreneurship which and demand reparations of damages, such as applied to engenders sustainable development values; new technologies and practices; and • engage citizens to protect the environment in their everyday lives… We believe that good governance at the country, state, province and city levels should: We call upon world leaders to come to Rio to collectively • meaningfully engage all stakeholders in the decision-making reinvest political will in: process, considering the views and opinions of minorities, • developing national green economy transition plans and the underprivileged, illiterate, and the unemployed; agendas for action; • protect and defend the rights of young and future • responsibly phasing out subsidies that are harmful to the generations. environment; • incorporating environmental and social considerations in economic policy formation and adopt alternative measures To read the full text: http://www.tunza2011.org/index.php/ of development to gross domestic product … agenda/bandung-declaration

The road to Rio+20 3

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 3 23/11/2011 18:31 23/11/2011 18:31 IISD report, in this Towards a Green

, suggests that 2 per cent , suggests M. Schroeder/Argus/Still Pictures Schroeder/Argus/Still M. Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Green Economy of global GDP invested in 10 key in 10 key of global GDP invested by smart public sectors and backed policies, can grow the global eco- employment and generate nomy the shocks and while avoiding economic crises of the current trajectory. from the A timely example International Year of Forests, is the Forests, of Year International 0.034 estimate that an additional per cent of global GDP invested equivalent to in forestry annually, could boost the $40 billion now, value of the forestry sector by 20 by per cent to $600 billion a year 2050. More than half the investment on into planting forests go would degraded land and the remainder into conserving a variety for forests from reducing purposes, of key en- sions to house gas emis green supplies. And jobs in hancing water Development and Poverty Eradi- UNEP’s report, UNEP’s cation

people, nancial crisis, more young nd work in the informal sector, the sector, in the informal nd work

surviving on less than $1.25 per And since the person per day. ﬁ particularly and the in Latin America only been able to have Caribbean, ﬁ ‘black economy’. 1986 Declaration on The UN’s says the Right to Development should have that everyone of opportunity … in ‘equality their access to basic resources, education, health services, food, housing, employment and the How fair distribution of income’. that to grow economies in a way enough decent jobs – generates footprint humanity’s while keeping within planetary – will be bounds a burning question when world 2012. in Rio in June leaders convene that in our world forget And never of 7 billion, 1.3 billion people are and over un- or under-employed, decade another 500 million the next people will startyoung looking work. for How can Rio+20 respond to these enhanced and deliver challenges employment across the globe? And can the environmental dimension, strengthened in Rio, contribute to the economic pillar that supports currently the right to development, the hopes over of the few the prize and dreams of the many? J. Boethling/Still Pictures Boethling/Still J. ve, and ve, s the world prepares for for prepares s the world after Rio+20 – 20 years the 1992 EarthSummit

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UNEP’s Executive Director Achim Steiner, who spent many of his who spent Achim Steiner, Director Executive UNEP’s that the world about the issues talks in Brazil, years formative in June 2012. Rio de Janeiro in will confront community

A beginnings at Rio+20 beginnings New Even in countries where youth in countries where youth Even employment seems encouraging, simple statistics can mask the The International Labour reality. a partner in Organization (ILO), initiative, Green Economy UNEP’s estimates that about 28 per cent of remain people in work all the young in households poverty, in extreme in some countries the number is in some countries the number is higher. even Globally, young people make up make people young Globally, a quarter but of the workforce 40 per cent of the unemployed. countries of NorthIn many East, youth Africa and the Middle 23- around unemployment hovers 29 per cent or more, the reality of ‘Arab a partwhich played in the In other parts of Africa, Spring’. unemployment is as high youth as 70 per cent. And in Asia, young people are 4.7 times more likely than adults. to be unemployed employment crisis But the youth one region ned to any conﬁ isn’t in countries: or just developing unemploy- youth the Eurozone, ment has jumped to one in ﬁ set the stage for contemporaryfor set the stage – youth sustainable development as a emerged unemployment has central preoccupation. M. Edwards/Still Pictures Edwards/Still M.

C. Boonjarus/UNEP Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 4 Malcolm Keith Hill/UNEP 5 23/11/2011 18:31 nally bear full The road to Rio+20 The road ourish, ﬁ ourish,

nancial crisis and other Design Pics/Still Pictures Pics/Still Design The last two or three years have have three years or The last two harsh by fear, been marked some a sense of and for words the face of the in powerlessness global ﬁ for – climate change challenges But it has also been an example. extraordinary time of intellectual debate and discussion in which and con- of creative a wide array for- a fresh way ideas for structive ern- across gov has emerged ward mental ments, academia, non-govern organizations, civic leaders and business, within the UN, and through the unique lens of the people. young world’s Rio+20 is now providing the food thought, the fuel and the focus for this this global awareness, for to lead us from sense of endeavour the end of an era into a new and civilization. optimistic moment for Brazil, host of the Rio Earth Summit in 2012, is very part much of that fertile debate. Could Rio+20 represent a moment in time where the ideas, directions and values that link our common been humanity – which have maturing since the UN itself was born – fully ﬂ ‘Our right to participate is the result Sebastien Duyck (24), France, Rio+20s (24), France, Duyck Sebastien http://rioplustwenties.org/ of hard work by young people before us, so now we must make sure our fruit? Young people – and the rest of Young fruit? – will know in just a few the world time. months’ voices are heard, ambitious and un- compromising. If we don’t get politicians to think long term, we will never get what we need. Our role is to bring new solutions to the table.’ for workers in nearby workers for

The next generation generation next The Conference, At the end of the Tunza the people issued the young 3) as Bandung Declaration (page an input to the Rio+20 process. The gen- declaration underlines the next the for concerns eration of leaders’ future of the planet and the future of decent work. of a time 1992 was The year ership. It is time again for lead a justice, and for leadership, for new pact with the global public for social progress that can sustain the and hopes of this livelihoods lives, a A time for and future generations. the that takes right to development long view rather than a right to get rich quick. carry ing ores from the mines. ing ores from carry costs about by barge Transportation by road it $10 a tonne whereas and $60 a tonne, $40 costs between is another driver and road building So REDD+ offers of deforestation. carbon the chance not only to keep out of the atmosphere, but also owing in order to ﬂ rivers to keep and minimize remain competitive of other the environmental footprint ing industries. Indonesia is also look assistance in creat- to REDD+ for in natural resource ing employment management cities and towns. Imagine if we put them all together, how quickly could we change the world! I’m developing a crowd- sourcing site, a place to gather, map, and share different ideas, where they can be moderated and voted on. Over time, the best ideas can gather collaborators and peer funding. Advocacy is important, but if we can offer alternative solutions, it could be far more powerful.’ J. Boethling/Still Pictures Boethling/Still J.

Indonesia’s oil palm, a highly Indonesia’s driver crop but a key tive lucra will only be of deforestation, planted on degraded land. And the country has also made the and forests healthy link between more sustainable mining: there in is evidence that deforestation the uplands is leading to severely ows in the dry ﬂ diminished river season, meaning that these rivers port barges sup can no longer Reduced Emissions from Deforest- Reduced Emissions Degradation ation and Forest that (REDD or REDD+), an initiative out of the UN Climate is evolving is one possible source Convention, funds. Under the of additional scheme, Indonesia, the host of this Children International Tunza year’s is receiving Conference, Youth and And up to $1 billion from Norway. Indonesia is trail-blazing some of the more pioneering strategies, not but only to combat climate change as to accelerate a green economy of implementing the broad a way aims of sustainable development. plans example, In Kalimantan, for using a Green Corridor to develop the REDD+ funds as a catalyst are at an advanced stage. forestry would be likely to rise from forestry be likely would worldwide, 25 million to 30 million if not more. ‘The great thing about young people Kevin Ochieng (24), Kenya, Tunza Tunza Ochieng (24), Kenya, Kevin Advisory Council, 2009-2011 Youth is they have ideas. I think the Tunza network, and global youth in general, must nd ﬁ a way to harness the brains of Earth’s massive population to effect change. Every engineering graduate I know in Africa has done a project. Where do all these ideas go?

YOUNG VOICES YOUNG J. Powell/Specialist Stock Powell/Specialist J. Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 5 Half the planet, one voice

rom the colourful national costumes to the excited The message of the conference was clear: young people, babble of many different languages spoken at once, who make up half the world’s population, stand to lose the Fthe UNEP Tunza International Children and Youth most if the world continues on a growth trend that is out Conference represented humanity at its most diverse and its of line with what the planet can sustain. Many youth are most uniﬁ ed. These 1,400 young people from 118 countries already experiencing the effects of food and water shortages, gathered in Bandung, Indonesia, from 26 September to pollution and climate change in their own countries; mean- 1 October 2011, to discuss the state of the planet and ways while around 40 per cent of the world’s unemployed are to take an active role in shaping their future during the between 15 and 24 years old. run-up to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development – Rio+20. Yet, as UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner noted in his opening address, young people are in a good position not Through plenaries and workshops – many facilitated by just to call for change, but to take part in creating it. ‘The children and youth themselves – the Tunza conference gave older we become, the more we ﬁ nd reasons why things can’t participants the opportunity to discuss Rio+20’s themes: be done,’ he said. ‘Tunza is about allowing you to see you international environmental governance, sustainable devel- are not alone, and that nothing has to be as it always has. op ment and the green economy, as well as learn how to make It’s people who change what happens in government, so you their voices heard. have great power.’

A week of inspiration By Cassandra Lin (13), USA and Ella Cunnison (12), UK

he UNEP Tunza Children and Youth Conference was Ttough, but inspirational and exciting, too. We all contributed to the Bandung Declaration, ensuring that leaders attending Rio+20 will hear children’s voices, helped plant Bandung’s ﬁ rst city forest, and got to experience Indonesia’s traditional music, toys and crafts. Here’s what some of us had to say about the week’s experience.

Maryam Nisywa (15), Indonesia ‘It was great to see so many kids from around the world enjoying my home city.’

Stephen Njoroge (11), Kenya ‘I feel like I‘ve done something important for the world, but actions speak louder than words, so I would like to do something practical.’

Pritish Taval (14), India ‘Sustainable development is our only future. Natural resources are being used up day by day, so we need to ﬁ nd alternatives for a better and safer future.‘

Shakeem Goddard (14), St Lucia ‘When we ask our parents to buy us stuff, we are part of the economy – so we can participate in the green economy, too. I feel privileged to have contributed to the Bandung Declaration, not many children have the opportunity to do that.’

Andrea Nava (13), Guatemala ‘Remember we have to save our planet because it is the only one that we have.’

Ella Cunnison (12), UK ‘We, the younger generation, promised to make the world a more sustainable place. I’m proud to have been a delegate and hope all we’ve done here will be noticed by world leaders at Rio+20.’

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housands of citizen activists, including youth, participated Tin the Earth Summit of 1992. And several of those youth participants joined the Bandung Tunza conference as facilitators, offering advice, context and encouragement to Tunza delegates as they head down the Road to Rio.

James Hung ‘The internet is a powerful tool that we didn’t have 20 years ago. But it’s now been used very effectively in the climate change movement and was fundamental to the Arab Spring, so encourage each other to use social media effectively. And remember not everyone will get to Rio+20, so within your group, make sure all regions of the world are represented together with minorities and indigenous people.

‘One thing we did well as youth in the earlier Rio process was vigorous debate and discussion around the issues. So I encourage you to disagree, because through disagreement and dialogue you come to understanding.

‘It’s also important to understand and respect different strategies. There’s a time and place for speeches, meetings, planning, direct action. Some of you will be in non-governmental or national delegations, others will be outside activists. The important thing is solidarity. You’re in this together and speaking with one voice. We had solidarity at Rio’92: in spite of internal debates about strategies, we had a foundation of understanding.’

Zonibel Woods ‘One of the things I wish we’d paid more attention to is what happened afterwards. Think about what happens after Rio+20, so that when you get a commitment from countries to work on new ideas, you can follow it up and ensure accountability. As far as civil society participation is concerned, in the UN it’s all about precedent. I encourage you to study the Global Fund for Tuberculosis and Malaria and UNAIDS, where civil society sits and makes decisions alongside government ofﬁ cials.’

Michael Dorsey ‘The good news is that the green economy is growing even in this worldwide depression. Although markets deliver efﬁ ciencies, they were never designed to deliver justice, equity and ecological or socio-cultural harmony, so you have serious and difﬁ cult work to do. But young people already lead the forces of change – even if not always in the limelight. Big leaps in solutions come from below, from collective resistance. You are the catalysts of hope Photos: Karen Eng amongst your peers.’

Hu Ching (21), Singapore, Bayer Young resource and energy efﬁ ciency are Mariana Carnasciali (25), Brazil Environmental Envoy 2007 bigger problems. www.cala-bocajamorreu.org

‘The declaration process has posed ‘I was also a youth participant at COP- ‘I think it’s good for Rio that the Summit some challenges. In Asia-Paciﬁ c there 15, the Climate Conference in Copen- is coming back. When a country hosts are many differences between deve- hagen, where countries were focused on an event like this, it must rethink the loped and developing countries so it their own positions, impeding progress. way it deals with environment, forcing it was difﬁ cult to reach a consensus. Rio’s focus will be broader, more holis- to deal with garbage problems, poverty Within Southeast Asia, some of the main tic, and will encompass a wider range of problems. Brazil has made many envir- issues are protecting forests and pov- issues. Hopefully we can achieve more onmental improvements already, but erty eradication, whereas in Singapore, from Rio.’ there’s still much to do.’ YOUNG VOICES YOUNG

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Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 7 23/11/2011 18:31 very two years, Tunza conference delegates elect new Emembers to the Tunza Youth Advisory Council (TYAC). The winners – one or two young people representing each UNEP In with the NEW region – assist and advise UNEP on better ways to engage young people.

Latin America & the Caribbean

Dalia Fernanda Márquez Añez (22), Venezuela Studies: Law, with a special interest in human rights. Also runs a Venezuelan youth NGO. Region’s concerns: High rates of deforestation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Indigenous About me: I am a defender of human rights, especially the right of everyone to live in a José Humberto Páez Fernández (20), Costa Rica healthy environment. Studies: Computer programming and management of natural resources. María del Refugio Boa Alvarado (22), Mexico Region’s concerns: Indigenous peoples are Studies: Natural resource management. the most affected by climate change, and Region’s concerns: Climate change, water suffer from a lack of environmental education. pollution and availability, loss of biodiversity About me: My passion is the protection of natural and deforestation, solid waste management resources and the empowerment of young people on About me: I am interested in developing public environmental issues. policies based on making quality education available, as well as creating jobs within a green economy.

Europe

Andrew Bartolo (but people call me Chucky) (18), Malta Studies: Architecture. Region’s concerns: We have problems with urbani zation and deforestation, lead ing to a lack of biodiversity. The Mediterranean Sea also suffers from pollution and overﬁ shing. About me: My greatest passion is giving voice to the voiceless. It’s why I got involved with UNEP.

West Asia

M. Ihsan Kaadan (23), Syria Studies: Medicine. Region’s concerns: Water shortages, deserti ﬁ cation, pollution and climate change. A key aspect to these environmental threats is the dynamic, inter active relationships between them. About me: As a medical student, I study the impacts of different types of environmental pollution on human bodies.

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Shruti Neelakantan (20), India Studies: Journalism. Region’s concerns: Drought, ﬂ oods and other effects of climate change are a great concern for farmers in India, who play a major role in the country’s economy. Our coastal regions are also being affected by sea level rise. About me: Besides my environmental activities, I plan to pursue further education in sustainable development and policy making.

Gracia Paramitha (22), Indonesia Studies: International Relations graduate, now working in Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment. Region’s concerns: Many are confused by the green economy concept. The most important thing is education, and action: recycling materials, creating jobs for the poor, encouraging ecopreneurship. About me: Few people, especially youth, know how to address environmental issues in a negotiation process. I want to share knowledge about diplomacy with youth.

Africa

Neima’t Allah Shawki (20), Republic of Sudan Studies: Forestry. Region’s concerns: Desertification and the lack of water resources. About me: I am passionate about forests and forestation. I have worked a lot on Sudan’s forests and encourage people to save our green lands, to protect them from desertiﬁ cation.

Elham Fadaly (20), Egypt Studies: Electronic engineering, mechatronics engineering. Region’s concerns: Access to energy services. About me: I’m passionate about pursuing com munity service and sustainable development work within my ﬁ eld of study. I dream of creat ing zero-waste cities in my region.

Photos: Karen Eng

Daniel Zardo (24), Brazil, BYEE 2010 Rishabh Singh (17), India

‘We have everything we need to live sustainably – money, ‘A country will always prefer to industrialize than to technology, knowledge – but what’s really hard to change is “environmentalize”. India has developmental aspirations, culture and lifestyle. and the government is looking at the short-term beneﬁ ts of ‘I’ve recently formed a group of youth working together as a big economy rather than a stable and sustainable economy. the Brazilian Agency of Innovation and Sustainability. We offer That’s the challenge we face: to convince our governments to young entrepreneurs training and support to help make their make long-term investments. Our delegation asked to add businesses sustainable. In Brazil, the young people I know intergovernmental cooperation to the Bandung Declaration, are excited about Rio+20. We hope that the world’s nations because it’s also about countries helping each other. The can make and implement big decisions that allow sustainable environment is not divided by borders, and every country is a YOUNG VOICES YOUNG development.’ part of the planet.’

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Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 9 23/11/2011 18:31 Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 10 don’t know whatisn’t possible. call theirelders ontheiractions.Youth people seethingsfor whatthey are and interests andulterior motives. Young actions, even thoughthey have multiple reminded oftheconsequences oftheir of –thevoice ofyouth. Adultsneedto be speaks to theneedfor –andthepower think it’s still sopopularbecause it getting asecond wave ofattention. I year after year. Now, withYouTube, it’s video, whichwe distributed onrequest, being taped: theUNlater sentusthe resonant now. We didn’tknow itwas why itwassomeaningfulthen,andstill from myself,andI’ve often wondered long, theevent almost feels separate for theenvironment. Yet it’s beenso as ayoung person whoisconcerned my life travelling theworld speaking Severn: Since thatspeech,I’ve spent of anadult? Summit speechfrom theperspective TUNZA: How doyou view your Earth she hopesfor from Rio+20. what’s changedsince 1992,andwhat spoke to heraboutlife after Rio, its government andto Rio+20.TUNZA Canadian voices to theattention of an initiative to bringthediversity of attend Rio+20aspartof‘WECANada’, Canada –Severn ispreparing to archipelago onthewest coast of mother livinginHaidaGwaii–an in ethnobotany. Now a32-year-old vision show, andearnedadegree launched athink-tank, hosted atele- Severn has since written abook, don’t realize it’s two decades old. all over the world, many ofwhom YouTube, continuing to inspire youth the speechisstill makingrounds on World for 6Minutes’, thevideoclipof known as‘TheGirlWhoSilenced the of theenvironmental movement. Now to tears and shotto fame asanicon we love. Severn moved heraudience of economics orpolitics,butfor those there notto protect Earthfor thesake uncles, reminding themthatthey were as parents, grandparents, auntsand to world leaders notaspoliticiansbut eloquence andpassion, sheappealed Six minutes to save theEarth 10 I the EarthSummitinRio.With Severn Cullis-Suzuki spoke at n 1992,12-year-old Canadian Vol 9No3 TUNZA in theprocess. world’s population –are now included – whorepresent more than half the Rio+20 couldn’t bemore timely. about governance thatwilltake place at tions we already have. Theconversation strengthen thesystems andinstitu- it hasfacilitated. Butwe doneedto person doesn’trecognize theprogress public relations system, sotheaverage these? TheUNdoesn’thave agreat before, andwhere would we bewithout protection where there were none processes inplace for environmental commons, we now have systems and ing nationstogether to govern the now. Thanksto theUN’s work bring- Protocol, it’s notasbigaconcern layer, butbecause oftheMontreal 1992 we were worried abouttheozone Certainly somethingshave changed.In to measure theirimmediate impacts. in socialawareness, but itcan behard Severn: inspiring meannothinghaschanged? still ﬁnd your speechsorelevant and TUNZA: Doesthefact thatpeople grandparents. not just politiciansbutparents and and remind themwhothey really were: the conscience ofthedecisionmakers, have to bediplomatic. We wanted to be someone elsedropped out.SoIdidn’t only invited to aplenary session when governmental organization, andwere a ﬂ uke: we’d signedupasanon- organizations. Gettingto speakwas Eventually, we gotsupportfrom other were crazy, especially bymyparents. young people. We were asked ifwe there wasnoprocess for engaging When myeco-group went to Rio, It’s alsoworth notingthatyouth There have beenbigchanges

Nick Wiebe/GNU FDL/Wikipedia level. In NorthAmerica, for example, change atthe cultural, infrastructural people are overpopulating the world?’ environmental problems whenother problem, sowhyshould we address can say:‘We don’thave apopulation for inaction.Thedeveloped world be usedto blame,andasanexcuse frame theconversation, because itcan care hasto betaken inthewaywe countries useupresources. Great to seetherates atwhichvarious example, atecological footprints about consumption –looking, for the planet.Butpopulationisreally Severn: It’s certainly taking atoll on population growth? speech. Whatare your views on grown bynearly 2billionsince your TUNZA: Theworld’s populationhas for change. handle badnews ifthere’s anavenue ﬁ ‘What can we do? Let’s ﬁ information withoptionsfor action: as amotivator isto partnerscary The best wayto usehard facts at thegrassroots level. see thatchangeispossible, especially what we’ve accomplished –sopeople messages –thisiswhere we’re going, be acareful mixofempowering A more constructive approach would Severn: sages topeople? how we present environmental mes- TUNZA: Doyou feel we shouldrethink x it.’Theyoung, particularly, can But consumption patterns need to The medialoves negativity. nd awayto 23/11/2011 18:32 Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 11

Langara Fishing Adventures/Flickr Sharon Kallis thousands ofyears. have harvested sustainably here for and catch halibut because people can still gooutandgathercrabs spending timehere withelders. We environment iswhatIabsorbedfrom in, butwhatIreally learned aboutthe taught meto stand upfor whatIbelieve it’s affected meprofoundly. Myparents here onHaidaGwaiimywhole life, and Severn: Ido.I’ve beenspendingtime stewardship thanthosewhoare not? your children aclearer framework for within First Nationsculture willgive TUNZA: Doyou thinkthatbeingraised for thenext 10,000 years. responsible for maintaining thisisland I wantto teach mysonthatwe are lived onthisislandfor 10,000years. Haida –First Nationspeople whohave as hisancestors have. Hisfather is Severn: Ihopemysonisable to ﬁ own children? TUNZA: Whatdoyou hopefor your for inertia. So people feel helpless, ahugereason set upisinherently unsustainable. transport systems, food systems –is be destructive. Thewayeverything – you have to goto great lengths notto sh

Langara Fishing Adventures/Flickr Sharon Kallis produces concrete results. community andmunicipal levels that above. It’s practical engagement atthe can’t waitfor change to come from to make ourvoices heard. Butwe policies inplace, andit’s important answers andputrevolutionary new hope world leaders willcome upwith summits, andthey’re essential. We Severn: I’ve attended manyworld Rio+20? TUNZA: Whatdoyou hopefor from wherever you happento live. principle that helpstake responsibility better behave appropriately.’ Thisisa going to have to live here, soIhad more likely to think:‘Mychildren are that place. People who stay putare of how to live harmoniously with for centuries, we lose theknowledge the place ourancestors stewarded we move andsever theconnection to but we allusedto belocals. When Tradition holdsthisingoodstead,

Douglas Jason/Flickr Douglas Jason/Flickr youth speakingthe truth. There’s nothingmore powerful than giving you confi dence to speakout. feel involved andbecome anauthority, and learn whattheissues are. You’ll sites oflocal environmental confl or water treatment plants.Goto the Visit your dump.Visityour reservoir and know theenvironment around you. then bringsustaina bility to it. whatever you’re interested infi ‘environmentalist’. Idisagree. Become a difference they must become an sustainable. People think to make everyone inevery fi eld to become are you goodat?Societynow needs What are you interested in?What Severn: First follow your passion. TUNZA: Sowhatcanyoung people do? It’s alsoimportant to experience The road toRio+20 icts rst, 23/11/2011 18:32 11 Earth Summits and Multilateral

• 1972: UN Conference on the Human Environment

• 1997: Río+5

STOCKHOLM

NEW YORK

• 2002: Río+10

• 1992: UN Conference on Environment and RIO DE JANEIRO Development (UNCED) JOHANNESBURG • 2012: UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Río+20)

TUNZA looked into it and found Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Ramsar Convention on Wetlands there are more than 200 MEAs. Informed Consent Procedure for of International Importance Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Especially as Waterfowl Habitat Here’s a selection: Pesticides in International Trade (1971) (1998) Convention on Biological Diversity GLOBAL United Nations Framework (CBD) (1992) and its Cartagena Convention on Long-Range Convention on Climate Change Protocol on Biosafety (2003) Transboundary Air Pollution (UNFCCC) (1992) IUCN World Commission on Protected (CLRTAP) (1979) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Areas (WCPA) (1948) Vienna Convention for the Protection Organic Pollutants (2001) FAO International Code of Conduct of the Ozone Layer (1985) and its UNESCO Convention Concerning for the Distribution and Use of Montreal Protocol on Substances the Protection of the World Pesticides (1985) that Deplete the Ozone Layer Cultural and Natural Heritage United Nations Convention to Combat (1989) (1972) Desertiﬁ cation (UNCCD) (1994) Basel Convention on the Control Convention on International Trade in International Tropical Timber of Transboundary Movements Endangered Species (CITES) (1973) Agreement (ITTA) (1994) of Hazardous Wastes and their Bonn Convention on the Conservation United Nations Forum on Forests Disposal (1989) of Migratory Species (CMS) (1979) (UNFF) (2000)

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Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 12 23/11/2011 18:32 Environmental Agreements

he international conferences on the environment And reaching agreement is really just the end of the began in 1972 with the United Nations Conference on beginning. Each of the MEAs asks its participating countries Tthe Human Environment. This is what brought UNEP to develop specifi c implementation mechanisms and into being, and plenty of international agreements rapidly fulfi ll obligations involving reporting, training and public followed. But it wasn’t until 1992, when 172 nations gathered education, amongst other activities. So a very long list of in Rio de Janeiro for the fi rst Earth Summit – the United requirements from any number of accords falls at the feet Nations Conference on Environment and Development – of each country’s environment minister. This is hard enough that ‘green’ became a household word and the environment for a big country with plenty of funds and large teams of entered mainstream politics. The result was a host of people available to do the work, but extremely diffi cult for a conventions, conferences and activities. Countries all over small country with a population of just a few million people the world created environment ministries where there had and scant resources. It takes time to develop effi cient ways been none, and the number of multilateral environmental of recording environmental trends, and even longer to turn agreements (MEAs) blossomed. those trends around.

Some of the MEAs are truly international, dealing with global A number of the MEAs have been in existence for a long time, ecological threats like climate change or transboundary air so it’s inevitable that certain incompatibilities have arisen pollution and involving a majority of the world’s nations; between them. In addition, there can be some conﬂ ict of others, such as UNEP’s regional seas agreements, reﬂ ect interest or duplication of effort between one implementing the more limited geographical range of a problem and the body and another. So it’s time for a more holistic approach. local nature of potential solutions. This is why international environmental governance is one of the key themes of Rio+20, the others being sustainable The issues that brought about this plethora of treaties have development and the green economy. The environment must made it abundantly clear that we are all interrelated. No one be recognized as central to any other issue, be it trade, politics country can – or should – ignore environmental issues. We or human rights. owe it to ourselves, our neighbours, and now to those on the other side of the world, to enter into a spirit of cooperation It’s sometimes easy to feel that the cogs of international in the search for an effective form of global environmental bureaucracy grind too slowly to get anything done, easy governance – one that considers the concerns of the better- to become pessimistic and critical of what has or can be off as well as of the poor, the small nations as well as the achieved. But we have to remember that a great deal already populous ones, all in balance with the long-term health of has been and is being done, and we have the international the biosphere. This is no small task, so it’s not surprising that agreements and the people who put them together to thank people have trouble agreeing on and signing up to the MEAs. for it. Find out more and join in!

International Convention for the Environment and the Coastal Guatemala Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) Region of the Mediterranean (1976) North-East Paciﬁ c (2002) (1946) Abidjan Convention for Cooperation in Helsinki Convention on the Global Programme of Action for the Protection and Development Protection of the Marine the Protection of the Marine of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Baltic Sea Environment from Land-based Environment of the West and Area (1992) Activities (GPA) (1995) Central African Region (1981) OSPAR Convention for the Protection United Nations Convention on the Law East Asian Seas Action Plan (1981) of the Marine Environment of the of the Sea (UNCLOS) (1982) Cartagena Convention for the North-East Atlantic (1992) Marine Mammal Action Plan (MMAP) Protection and Development of the Arctic Council (1996) (1984) Marine Environment of the Wider Convention for the Conservation of Caribbean Region (1983) Antarctic Marine Living Resources REGIONAL Nairobi Convention for the Protection, (1980) and Madrid Protocol on International Convention for the Management and Development the Protection of the Antarctic Conservation of Atlantic Tunas of the Marine and Coastal Environment (1991) (ICCAT) (1966) Environment of the Eastern Africa Convention on the Conservation of Barcelona Convention for the Region (1985) European Wildlife and Natural Protection of the Marine North-West Paciﬁ c Action Plan (1984) Habitats (1979)

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Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 13 23/11/2011 18:32

23/11/2011 18:32 sh Philippe Vaures-Santamaria Philippe es fi sheries es fi nest and freshest Labelling schemes such as Paris owner of the Michelin-starred Alain Passard, and civil society. Co-founder of Fun dación Natura anddación of Fun Co-founder and civil society. ant non- import Latinoamericano, both Futuro Fundación zations in Ecuador, environmental organi governmental Kakabadse also served environment and as minister of the Project for negotiator an important role as a key played an estimated 400 to exploit aims NOT which Yasuni-ITT, oil that lie beneath one of the planet’s of million barrels places in the Ecuadorian Amazon. most biodiverse need to understand that the around the world ‘Politicians issues to be no longer are environment and biodiversity Kakabadse dealt with by conservationists and scientists,’ the same attention ‘They need to receive told TUNZA. and elections. Andfrom politicians as economic crises education by good green policies should be accompanied awareness generate and communication campaigns that ts of sustainable development.’ of the benefi Today, sustainable gastron- Today, logical on the eco focuses omy ‘Think of the food. footprint is the globally – eat locally’ in slogan of the C5 Lounge Canada. It tries to use Toronto, local ingredients, reducing food the carbon miles and avoiding Mean- sions they generate. emis chef and while Alice Waters, famous owner of California’s pio- in Berkeley, Chez Panisse nary philosophy neered a culi should be based ‘cooking that on the fi now puts all his energy into creating Passard or poultry. grown sustainably in his that are dishes with vegetables permaculture garden. Reducing the amount of meat ing eat is environmentally importantwe because produc and more energy meat uses up more land, more water harvesting and transport,for per kilo of product, than producing vegetables. Gastronomy and hospitality Gastronomy seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally’. Councilthe Marine Stewardship (MSC), which certifi sustainably, that are managed help the hospitality trade in its efforts to join the green economy. stopped using beef in his dishes restaurant, L’Arpège, in 2001 while decreasing the options that include fi ciency, ciency, rst carbon- rst Dr Prem Jain founded founded Dr Prem Jain ciency of buildings, with friendly building materials friendly building the energy and prioritizing effi from learning some even and the natural heating cooling systems used by termites. And what about of older retaining the features houses or historic buildings? Some specialists transform buildings into more existing ecologically viable facilities improving example, for by, insulation and installing solar panels. Spectral Services Consultants, con- private largest India’s sultant engineering company, Yolanda Kakabadse (left), Inter- Yolanda However, politicians don’t politicians don’t However, Spectral Services Consultants neutral nation, led the Labour Party. tional President of WWF – the na global conservation organization, tics poli the gap between bridges need to belong to a green party to include environmentally friendly elements in their campaigns and example, policies. Helen Clark, for Prime Minister of Newthe former toZealand who in 2007 pledged her countrymake the fi Holcim Foundation

reen jobs make you think of recycling or renewable energy – jobs that are fundamentally technical. But as we move move as we But technical. fundamentally that are – jobs energy renewable or think of recycling you jobs make reen aware become as they of greening a process going through are and industries other sectors sustainability, towards do it can you you, what interests matter No sustainability. embrace and choose to on the environment of their impact TUNZA 9 No 3 Vol

in a green and sustainable way. Here are just a few examples of how things are changing and some of the people involved. and some of the people changing things are of how examples a few just are Here way. sustainable and in a green 14 Politics One of the indicators of how politics is embracing that green parties is the way environmental imperatives 1999 and 2011 their number between proliferated: have 229 have increased from 24 to 90 and they currently politicians in regional and national parliaments. Green developers differ from traditional construction differ from traditional construction Green developers ally emphasizing the use of environment by professionals on more than 1,000 green construc- which has worked hospitals and airports, hotels, tion projects involving including Delhi International Airport. on working When Bank in Ahmedabad, Spectral Servicesthe ABN AMRO efﬁ not just concerned with energy and water was carbon the use of cars and avoid uence but tried to inﬂ facilities for and shower emissions by providing bicycles staff. the bank’s Construction and architecture and Construction G Green jobs, green options green jobs, Green Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 14 15 23/11/2011 18:32

t like t like Bloomberg

The road to Rio+20 The road Joe Black/Wiki Commons Black/Wiki Joe ciently. Adam Gardner (below right) from the band Guster Michael Liebreich, CEO of Bloomberg at the London School of Economics. in environment and development 2009, has just completed an MSc Young Environmental Envoy in Daniela Jaramillo Troya, a Bayer Music and entertainment Musicians and celebrities worry not only about lyrics, are also using melodies and performances; they of their popularity to campaign and raise awareness environmental issues. And, to practise what they preach, by they are reducing the carbon emissions generated their concerts. is one of the most dedicated green musicians and an founded environmental activist. In 2004, he and his wife t organization that educates and a non-profi Reverb, them to musicians and their fans to encourage engages be more environmentally friendly. with concertThey also work and promoting the tour organizers use of sustainable energy sources, and waste, reduce and recycle carbon-offset programmeshave audiences. In 2011 they worked for Maroon 5 and with Sheryl Crow, Matthews Band. Dave Finance much glo- recently enjoyed hasn’t Finance But it is possible to work bal popularity. in the actor be a key in this sector and economies aroundpromotion of green looking Innovators are always the world. secure funding to enable them to take for great ideas about how to pollute to market less and use energy more effi he a company New Energy Finance, in 2004, provides analyses andfounded about clean energy and carboninformation This helps around the world. markets decisions about informed make investors of sustainable businessesthe development whileand innovation in clean technology ts. Michael also serves of as a Member profi generating Council on Global Agenda Economic Forum’s the World Sustainable Energy. Spring 2011 to produce lines that decrease the number of that decrease the to produce lines Spring 2011 – andwardrobe the average clothes needed in different applies a Starbuck also long-term wearability. that have pattern fi – pieces of a cutting technique zero-waste a jigsaw puzzle, which reduces fabric waste by around 15 fabric waste which reduces a jigsaw puzzle, use plastic buttons Starbuck doesn’t per cent. Additionally, natural them with renewable in her designs, replacing nuts. corozo products including nalist tters in tters’ more than tters’ bility and fair-trading; des- bility and fair-trading; igner Katherine Hamnett only uses environmentally sustainable natural fabrics, while major retail chains such as Marks & Spencer and brands including Adidas are making commitments to reduce their supply-chain footprints. Eliza Starbuck (left), fi The American designer Com- in the Green Fashion dam petition during Amster partnered Week, Fashion with Urban Outfi Eliza Starbuck Agriculture culture agri for The challenge in duction to double have – we is huge pro agricultural are if we the coming years world the growing to feed agriculture population. But humanity’s can also be one of ag- dam most environmentally scientists ing activities. Today, ex- together and farmers are of improving ploring ways husbandry and cropping tech- re- water niques, minimizing ments, breeding disease- quire resistant plants and reducing use. Of particularfertilizer inter- BBC World Service/CC 2.0

Kenyan social entrepreneur Su Kahumbu-Stephanou Kenyan

est are developing-world farmers because they have the farmers because they have est are developing-world tunity of increasing their yields sustainably. greatest oppor and has 14 years has promoted organic agriculture for of agriculture professionals a wide network developed companies as well production food that includes huge that she developed these for as small farmers. It was mobile phones that helps iCow app for the voice-based enabling themfarmers track the oestrus of their cows, periods and monitor cow nutrition breeding to optimize the Kiberafounded leading up to calving. She also now tip in Nairobi. It’s on a rubbish Slum Organic Farm fruit and vegetables producing an abundance of healthy and spinach, local people ranging from kale, cabbage for to sugarcane and passion fruit. The Urban Renewal line in Urban Outﬁ The Urban Renewal Fashion clothing and accessories collection of vintage 20-year-old of how fabrics is just one example made from recycled the fashion industry is embracing the green economy. plastics by manufacturers Another is the use of recycled to create everything from hard- to Nike from Patagonia kit. and football eeces to ﬂ school uniforms wearing claims of sustaina- And every season brings additional Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 15 Enjoying the BYEE buzz By Alex Lenferna, BYEE 2011, South Africa

Bayer AG

n October 2011, I was excited Of course, such innovation has acknowledged the work of the and honoured to attend the an ecological cost, and we also envoys as an example of this new IBayer Young Environmental learned how the company cleans understanding, emphasizing the role Envoys con ference in Leverkusen, fl ue gas at its waste incineration we can play, saying: ‘Your projects Germany, representing South plant while using waste heat to show that small-scale, community- Africa and the South East African generate electricity. Bayer also based green economy solutions are Climate Consortium Student Forum. demonstrated how it uses chemistry already taking root and have the Convening 47 top young environ- and physics to recover precious potential to bring signifi cant eco- mentalists from 18 countries from heavy metals from waste, and nomic and environmental benefi ts. Asia, Africa and Latin America, this works with the state environmental Scaling up these kinds of green inno- annual fi eld trip hosted by Bayer agency to maintain air and water vations through targeted public and offers the opportunity for young quality, as demonstrated on a water- private investments is essential to environmental leaders – chosen monitoring lab boat on the Rhine. achieving a sustainable and equitable from 800 applicants – to exchange And we got hands-on experience green economy for all.’ ideas and experiences, make working in laboratories. Some of valuable connections, learn about us created waterproof carbon- Perhaps the most rewarding part state-of-the-art technology that nanotube coatings; others went of the trip was hearing about work helps make industrial development through the process of designing my fellow envoys are doing in their sustainable, and experience fi rst- and producing an item – a plastic respective countries. The projects hand how Germany’s government, pen – while considering every- – all inspiring – were incredibly industry and civil society co- thing from energy effi ciency to broad in scope: João Paulo Amaral’s operate to protect the country’s production costs to manufacture development of a bicycling culture environment and precious natural and marketing. in São Paolo, Brazil; Gabriel Gerardo resources. Weitz teaching children to make UNEP was represented by keynote solar water heaters from used plas- Bayer showcased the work they speaker Fulai Sheng, Senior Econo- tic bottles in Argentina; Pat Patara- do, particularly in the context of mist at UNEP’s Economics and Trade nutaporn’s research into polystyrene- sustainability. We were introduced Branch, who designed the Green eating bacteria in Thailand; Patricio to the company’s breakthrough Economy initiative in 2007. Sheng Javier Mora Araya recovering earth- innovation of sequestering CO2 for presented a new way to look at quake rubble in Chile to rebuild a use as a raw material in the pro- the issue as we approach Rio+20. national monument; Zhan Hong

duction of polyurethane, learned ‘The traditional deﬁ nition of green Low’s t-shirts made from recycled AG Bayer about the company’s eco-building economy is to subject the existing PET bottles in Singapore; and many projects, about the carbon nano- economy to green principles. A new others. Having spent a week with tube technology that helps make understanding is making green itself young people with so many inno- wind turbines more efﬁ cient, and a source of economic growth and vative ideas, energy and passion, about the development of drought- prosperity – a pillar of development I couldn’t help but leave the con- resistant crops to help feed a grow- – to bring about structural change ference feeling optimistic about our ing population. on a global scale,’ he said. Sheng common future.

16 TUNZA Vol 9 No 3

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 16 23/11/2011 18:32 Sharing inspiration

ne of BYEE 2011’s work shop that they can gain momentum and have a bigger impact in leaders and competition the world.’ Ojurors was the ebullient Ginnie Guillén. From Mexico City, What should young people be thinking about when planning Ginnie works as a consultant at a sus tainable project or business venture? the UNEP-Wuppertal Institute ‘Every project is different, but fi rst make sure there are ways Col laborating Centre on Sustain able to evaluate your project’s impact in concrete economic, social Consumption and Production (CSCP), and environmental terms. Clarity of outcome determines the an independent research institute impact of any project. We typically start by writing down a and think tank. TUNZA couldn’t description of the desired outcomes, consider the limitations CSCP help noticing that envoys fl ocked to of the present situation, then create a detailed plan of action Ginnie for perspective and advice on their projects whenever that bridges the gap between idea and outcome. she was in the room, so we asked her to explain what ‘For example, an entrepreneur trying to create a sustainable sustainable consumption and production means, and how all product – whether a smokeless cooking stove or a solar- our readers might take advantage of CSCP’s expertise. powered laptop – must ask whether the necessary resources, technology and skills are available, and how and where to ‘The term sustainable consumption and production (SCP) acquire them. The entire life cycle of the product must be was coined by the European Commission and other large, considered. This helps determine time frames, given existing international bodies as a way for businesses to innovate constraints. But you must also remain fl exible. This doesn’t or improve their existing practices. But really, it’s broader mean lack of clarity, but being ready to cope with challenges than that. It’s a holistic, systemic approach to sustainable by making quick changes. If things don’t work one way, be development – a lifestyle. ready to try another, given the restrictions of the environment ‘SCP is a set of values and principles for production and and of social well-being.’ consumption that keeps in mind both the limits of nature and the needs of society. It’s about making choices about what we How does your work help carry out UNEP’s vision and/or consume and demand from producers. These principles can benefi t the world? guide business and government policy – but can just as easily ‘We spread the word that a sustainable lifestyle is possible, be applied to any project led by an individual or group. and create connections and generate understanding between ‘The CSCP was established to fi nd ways to implement different parties. Our work helps others understand how SCP principles wherever possible. We do research and create consuming/producing sustainably is possible and profi table, tools and methods that help integrate sustainability into any and doesn’t necessarily mean additional cost or sacrifi ce. In project or proposal, and we connect people, encouraging this way, SCP supports all efforts towards a green economy.’ collaboration between everyone from grassroots com- muni ties to big business to governments. We also help Can you help our readers with their projects? scale up grassroots-level sustainable innovation – such ‘Yes! Come fi nd out more at www.scp-centre.org and drop us as the projects that the envoys are presenting at BYEE – so a line at [email protected].’

A visit to the King’s Forest

ew on the BYEE agenda this year was a visit to one of Germany’s oldest forests – the Königsforst, or ‘King’s Forest’, so Nnamed because it was once a hunting ground reserved for royalty – guided by Stephan Schütte, head of state-owned forests in North Rhine Westphalia. Only 10 kilometres from Cologne, this 3,000-hectare forest serves not only as precious urban green space, but is carefully managed to produce timber (including pine and spruce). Rangers walked envoys through the lush forest, demonstrating how they measure and mark trees by hand, choosing some to reach full maturity for timber, while selectively logging others to make space for growth. Hunting is also carefully managed, is in fact required, to keep the forest ecosystem in balance. Unchecked, wild animals such as deer and wild boar – which have no natural predators here – can destroy trees. Only 30 per cent of Germany’s original forest cover remains, but such effectively enforced protection keeps forests standing in a ﬁ nancially and ecologically sustainable manner.

Bayer AG Bayer AG

The road to Rio+20 17

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 17 23/11/2011 18:32 Young leaders

Bayer AG M. Muli

Michael Muli, Kenya

n Kenya, many households still use charcoal and ‘Iﬁ rewood as the major source of cooking fuel, causing Bayer AG S.E. Rudianto dangerous indoor air pollution. Firewood harvesting contributes to deforestation while communities have Sarah Ervinda Rudianto, Indonesia trouble managing their household waste.

he farming community of Kidang Pananjung village ‘One solution to all these problems is to make briquettes ‘Tin West Java, Indonesia, has no appropriate waste out of household waste material. The group I work with management system. Farmers typically just dump waste is still experimenting with various materials and ratios and manure, or burn it. Meanwhile, villagers use illegally to fi nd maximum effi ciency. So far, we’ve found that the collected fi rewood for cooking, contributing to deforestation combination of sawdust, waste paper and dry leaves works and the risk of landslides. My project tackles these prob- even better than charcoal. lems by introducing biogas reactors. ‘Our project is split into two branches. For low-income rural ‘In the laboratory, I tested various substrate ratios to households, we teach community groups to make briquettes determine the optimum combination for biogas production, by gathering appropriate waste materials, soaking them fi nding that biogas produced from equal quantities of cow in water, then forming them with a simple machine we’ve manure and organic waste is 25 times better than cow developed, which presses eight briquettes at a time. manure alone, and 30 times better than organic waste alone. I then installed a bioreactor at the home of an ‘The second branch serves urban populations who, infl uential community leader, which is important because despite the availability of natural gas and kerosene, still the main challenge is changing minds and lifestyles. use charcoal and fi rewood because it’s cheaper. My group plans to set up a briquette-making business. We’ll gather ‘The working reactor now serves as an example when I waste materials like sawdust and agricultural waste – conduct workshops in the rest of the village. Ultimately, pineapple tops, leather shavings, rice husks and so on my goal is to have one bioreactor in each neighbourhood, – press briquettes, and sell them at supermarkets as a and for the villagers to learn to install and run bioreactors green alternative to charcoal and fi rewood. At 2 cents per themselves. Once a week, I visit the village to conduct briquette, these will cost less than charcoal. workshops, check on the substrates being used, and check pressure levels. I may also try building a larger-capacity ‘This project aims to create employment for Nairobi biodigester to serve eight or ten houses. youth, raise awareness of the repercussions of charcoal and fi rewood use, help encourage responsible waste ‘A by-product of the reactor is valuable fertilizer. I’m management and introduce green technologies – and less working on a management system so that farmers can use polluting fuels – to urban and rural communities. We’ve this themselves or sell it for extra income. My dream is made a good start. Now our biggest challenge is to fi nd a that Kidang Pananjung will serve as a model biogas village suitable space in Nairobi where we can start manufactur- for Indonesia.’ ing briquettes.’

18 TUNZA Vol 9 No 3

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 18 23/11/2011 18:32 he Bayer Young Environmental Leaders competition, judged at the Leverkusen study week, looks for original projects with the potential to change or save lives, be scaled up, and which are environmentally sustainable. TDuring the week, 18 projects, one per country, were presented to a panel of judges representing Bayer and UNEP. The following four won project support worth up to $1,400.

Bayer AG Meilai Pediapco

Mary Jade P. Gabanes, Philippines

Bayer AG M. Reyes t occurred to me as a special education teacher that ‘Ino one ever thinks to educate disabled children about María Reyes, Ecuador the environment, much less include their voices in the Green Brigade – yet they, too, can be an active part of the ercury, a heavy metal, is one of the world’s most toxic solution. I decided to change this by fi rst teaching them ‘Mpollutants, resulting in nervous system disorders, basic environmental ideas, accommodating their level of destruction of fl ora and fauna, and birth defects. In South understanding. “This tree, this plant, you and me, the soil America, mercury is used for gold extraction, and large we’re standing on, we’re all part of the environment. If we quantities fi nd their way into rivers, swamps and lagoons. don’t take care of it, it all may be gone tomorrow.” In some parts of Ecuador, mercury-contaminated water is used for drinking, agriculture, aquaculture and livestock. ‘We began art therapy sessions, making crafts with recycled materials. This improves the children’s fi ne motor ‘My effi cient and low-cost solution is to use the aquatic fern skills and hand/eye coordination. We also produced an Anabaena azolle – which has been found to fi x mercury – environment-themed musical variety show for the victims to clean river water. I plan to set up a process to clean the of the Japan tsunami, in which a blind child sang, deaf and Siete River, contaminated by waste from gold mining in mute children performed in sign language, and a mentally the Ponce Enríquez region. I propose redirecting the river disabled child performed a ballet. This show was attended into small pools where the fern would be cultivated. The by 700 people and covered by TV networks and print media. contaminated plants would then be buried as controlled Imagine how many hearts we touched! waste. While decontaminating the river, we must also convince industry that taking responsibility for water ‘Finally, I mounted a photo exhibition at the largest remediation is good for business. shopping centre in our city, so that I could show the thousands of people who go to the mall every day what ‘Anabaena azolle would be grown and supplied by local these special children are doing, hoping they’ll also be farmers, who would benefi t economically. Surplus plants inspired to act. not used for water remediation can be sold as a nitrogen- rich organic fertilizer and animal fodder, helping to ‘Why special children? They’re the perfect partners in getting diversify farmers’ incomes. Though this project focuses on the environmental message across. If people like you and me a local problem, mercury contamination is a global hazard. see them going out of their way – despite their limitations If the use of Anabaena azolle is adopted, it could make a and disabilities – to make a stand for Mother Earth, then huge difference to ecological and human health.’ wouldn’t we ask ourselves “What more can I do?”’

The road to Rio+20 19

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 19 23/11/2011 18:32 Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 20 20 beyond theselfi sh, greedy, ‘me fi rst’ menta lity attheroot of that iscompassion. Suchashiftin perspective moves humans all life, to take asmuchcare ofitaswe care for ourselves – such practices remind usto beaware ofandempathize with passion to every single creature ontheface oftheEarth.All And inBuddhist andJainmeditations, oneradiates com- and Taoism. tive wars revived suchthought,givingriseto Confucianism plundered nature as well asacycle ofterribly destruc- of life. Centurieslater, anindustrial revolution thatagain and behave more moderately andthoughtfully inallaspects less opulent, butteachings trained people to think,speak killing andconsuming withabandon.Notonly were banquets that encouraged thenobilityto live withrestraint instead of game, specieswere declining.Soaseries ofritualsarose aware thatwhereas there hadalways beenplenty ofwild In China,inaboutthe8thcentury BC,aristocrats became one anotherandshare thesamepredicament. bushmen honourthefact thathunter andhunted dependupon honouring theanimal.Even today, asahunted animaldies, very rarely ate meatthathadn’tbeensacrifi ransacked, giving riseto sacrifi cial rituals.Ancientcultures peoples worried thattheplanetmightrundown ifcontinually been concerned abouttheEarth’s resources. Ancient Karen: Alltheworld’s religions have, from theirbeginnings, with environmental protection andsustainable development? TUNZA: Whatdoreligious andspiritualteachings have todo R if any, theteachings oftheworld’s religionscanofferaswerethinkourrelationship withEarthintherun-uptoRio+20. the GoldenRule:‘Donotdotootherswhat you would notlikethemtodoyou.’ TUNZA askedKarenwhat insight, the profit organizationdedicatedtopromoting‘ideasworth spreading’)willtrytomakehappen. As aresult,Karenlaunched individual andwhich gives thatpersonawishforbetterworld, which TED (Technology, Entertainment,Design:anon- Vol 9No3 TUNZA Charter forCompassion,adocumentaroundwhich religiousleaderscanwork forpeacebasedontheprincipleof 2009, Karenwon the TED Prize,a$100,000award given annuallytosupportthevisionofanexceptional and sheisparticularlyconcernedwithexploringtheroleofreligionspiritualityinmodernworld. In eligious thinkerandscholar Karen Armstrong haswrittenmorethan20booksontheworld’s religioustraditions,

K. Smith/Alaska/SpecialistStock University Stanford yourself cd spiritually, ced Start with them to accept doctrine. He’s askingthemto commit to So whenJesus askshisfollowers to believe, he’s notasking it istelling you atruthabout humannature. translate itinto practical action;only then doyou discover that way, areligious teaching ofmythonly makes sensewhenyou a grace thatisimpossible for anuntrained body. Inthesame hard for years, developing thenecessary skillto move with don’t learn to dance byreading abook.You must practise unless you practise it,like anyskill,suchasdancing.You programmes for action.You can’t understand whatitisabout Originally, allso-called religious doctrineswere essentially century, skewing thewaywe understand religion intheWest. idea ofreligion only beingabout‘belief’ came inthelate 17th I’m nottalking aboutblindly accepting creed ordoctrine.The religions come in. take for granted. That’s where thecore teachings oftheworld enable people to give upprivileges andcomforts thatthey must alsobesomekindofinternal transformation thatwill how often we ﬂ going to save theenvironment –extensive regulation about Yes, andthisisanimportant point.We doneedlawsifwe’re heart andphilosophy would? weren’t goingtomake people stop hunting,butachangeof So you’re sayingtheChineseunderstood thatexternal laws and suffering. taking more thanwhatisneeded,whichcauses imbalance yanddrive. Butthiswon’t getvotes, sothere

R. Davis/Aurora/Specialist Stock 23/11/2011 18:32 Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 21

D. McLenaghan/UNEP world to work together, whatever theircreed orcause. respectfully. This isachance for young people allover the where human beingscan live together peacefully and The mainproblem ofour timeisbuildingaglobal community your coat last anotherseason? whether thisplanejourney isreally necessary. Canyou make own life –walkinginstead of jumpinginthecar, asking environment ifyou’re not committed to taking actioninyour you cannot askother people to bemore mindfulofthe As withanyspiritualpractice, itstarts withyourself: catalyse achangeofheart.Whatshouldthey keep inmind? It’s anotheropportunityfor theworld tocome together and Young leaders allover theworld are preparing for Rio+20. sky, theocean, themountains. the senseoftranscendence whenyou seeamagnifi humans asenseofthedivine,inspires reverence. It’s about The natural world isalsooneofthefi rst thingsthatgives leaves selfbehind. her only child.That’s thekind ofconcern we have to have. It creatures’ –allofthem,without exception –asamotherdoes with thecompassionate meditation says‘Letuscherishall the magnificence of ourplanet.TheBuddhist prayer thatgoes our self-centred perspective byhelpingusexperience fully Disciplined examination usingscience can helpusgobeyond our selfish orexcited way. supporting ourecosystems, whichwe are busydestroying in know –speciesyet undiscovered thatallplayarole in reverence for nature, andremind usofhow muchwe don’t and ofhumanevolution. Science shouldfi ll uswithabsolute On thecontrary. Science shows ustheintricacy ofnature, kinship withnature? Is scientifi tells uswe must keep spendingmoney onstuff we don’tneed. think we needit.Theresult isthatwe live inaneconomy that greedy impulses,grabbing asmuchpossible because we to eat.Now, manyofuslive inplenty, yet we’ve still gotthose us survive inanenvironment where itwasahugestruggle just based economy we live in.Ourbrains were designedto help We have simply become caught upintheculture ofthemoney- So whyhave we lost sightofthisteaching? nature andmust treat nature aspartofourselves. but to allspeciesandtheenvironment, because we are partof like them to doto you.’ Thisrule extends notjust to people, in theGoldenRule: ‘Donotdoto others whatyou would not The guideto behaviourcentral to allthefaiths isen capsulated and courtesy while Buddhismhasnotimefor beliefatall! putting theTorah into practice, Confucianismisaboutrespect important matters thanpersonal comfort. Judaismisabout reminds ushow otherpeople suffer, andthatthere are more pillars ofIslamprescribe fasting andgivingalms–hunger will somedaysitdown together atthesametable. Thefi working for theKingdomofGod,aworld where richandpoor c knowledge toblamefor eroding oursenseof cent starry ve ve

A. Boonsiri/UNEP S. Soh/UNEP S. Corlett/Design Pics/Still Pictures T. Crocetta/BIOSphoto/Specialist Stock The road toRio+20 23/11/2011 18:32 21 Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 22 for buildings. and ishighly effi cient asaninsulator as foam mattresses andsporting gear, fuels, isusedineveryday items such rently made completely from fossil of polyurethanes. Polyurethane, cur- – chemicals usedintheproduction fi the material comprises 25percent North Pacifi c Gyre. Called Ocean PCR, in Hawaii,atthesouthernedgeof clean-up organizations –particularly from plastic waste gathered bybeach to develop abottle thatis‘up-cycled’ plastics recycling company Envision ing products –hascollaborated with – manufacturer ofeco-conscious clean- the SanFrancisco company Method into tanks, creating a large surface of locally collected PETbottles packed through fi of cleaning water thanpumpingit a more effective, lower-energy method other substances inthewater, whichis drain. Bacteria feed onthe dirtand that would otherwisegodown the grey water –water usedfor washing bioreactor thatusesbacteria to clean 22 A I W to useCO Catalytic Center hasmadeitpossible red power plantto produce polyols pany Clearedge hasdeveloped a n SouthAfrica, wastewater com- Vol 9No3 TUNZA oped byBayer AG andtheCAT breakthrough technology devel- 7 of plastics intheocean ishuge, hile thescope oftheproblem lters. Thesystem ismadeup 2

captured from acoal-

s t

CO e Ocean plastics 2 Water wise breakthrough

s ing onCO sound. Theworld could beginsleep- energy effi cient andecologically Germany, to ensure thatitisboth cess inapilot plantinLeverkusen, Bayer hasstarted testing thepro- the carbon from theatmosphere. into thepolymer chain,lock ing away porating thenew CO produce ithasbeenreduced byin cor- Now, theamountofoilneededto than creating more. the plastic thatalready exists rather could somedayrecycle andreuse all but ifthisinnovation catches on,we doesn’t keep plastics outoftheocean, indefi so on.Ocean PCRitselfcan berecycled milk containers, shampoobottles and – thetypeofplastic most often usedfor virgin high-densitypolyethylene (hdpe) polyethylene, andinqualitymatches Gyre plastic and75percent recycled soon as2015. over theworld. bish andsavingdrinkingwater all anywhere –potentially reducing rub- the materials can besourced locally showers, fl washed. Thesystem would work for one householdfor every four cars enough drinkingwater to supply the samewater continuously, saving now usethesebioreactors to recycle Most car washesinSouthAfrica area onwhichthebacteria can grow.

nitely whenblended withhdpe.It i

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Michael Rennertz/Bayer AG www.clearedgeprojects.com Method Products Inc.

r e 23/11/2011 18:32 Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 23 digest waste, andresults innutrient- occurring aerobic microorganisms to pathogens. Theprocess usesnaturally it into usefulby-products andkilling mass by70percent while converting to less thananhour,reducing waste post system, shortens theprocess developed aerobic organic waste com- ting methane.TheMuncher,anewly years to break down inlandfi journeys, thecar maximizes effi range of50kilometres. For longer a halfhours, ithasacommuter-friendly able from themainsinunderfour and 12 kWhlithium-ionbattery, recharge- used asanentirely electric car: onits in hybridwithadieselengine.Itcan be Diesel Hybrid–theworld’s fi change asVolvo launchestheV60 on petrol andelectricity. Butthatmay water to power thesteam boilers ina Hangu district ofTianjin,to supply an innovative desalination plantinthe problems, anIsraeli fi rm recently built their own freshwater. Tackling both that new power plantsmust provide while inwater-short China,lawsrequire energy intensive andexpensive. Mean- East, buttheprocess isextremely T E D P Belgium, supplementing the high-speed opened itsfi rst solarrailway tunnelin a long wayoff,butEurope hasjust plants. Fully solar-powered trains are latter typically suppliedbycoal-fi comes from diesel orelectricity –the mous amountofenergy. Currently, this way to travel, butstill useanenor- rains are arelatively climate-friendly wants a Prius hybrid, which runs wants aPriushybrid,whichruns very environmentally aware driver municipal solidwaste can take lant debris,paperandeveryday in aridregions suchastheMiddle esalination plantsplayavital role Water andpower rt plug- rst l, emit- ll, Hybrid vigour Solar tunnel ciency ciency Waste not red red remediation. oil, somaybeusedfor environmental as PCBs,nitrogen wastes andcrude Muncher alsocleans upsuchtoxins waste atrestaurants andhotels. The at landfi lls andprocessing organic include increasing capacity onsite daily capacity. Potential applications full-scale modelwillhave a500-tonne processes 5tonnes ofwaste daily; a liquid. Runonelectricity, theprototype rich organic fertilizer, bothsolidand Union for new passen ger cars. upper limitrequired bytheEuropean 100 kilometres –less thanhalfthe astonishing effi ciency of1.9litres per metres ononetank offuel,withan Diesel Hybridcan travel 1,200kilo- require less fuel to run.TheV60 litre thanpetrol, anddieselengines as dieselcontains more energy per a dieselengine–aneffi combination ofanelectric motor and and minimizesemissions usinga emissions by2,400tonnes annually. population, asmandated bylaw. provides drinkingwater to thelocal plant’s steam boilers, andtherest fresh water outputisusedinthepower the plant’s daily 200,000cubic-metre and table salt.Some20percent of evaporated to produce freshwater Seawater isheated withsteam, then waste heatfrom thepower plant. desalination process ispowered by nearby state-run power plant.The day peryear –while decreasing CO Belgium’s entire train fl eet for one stations, andpower theequivalent of energy to lightuplocal signals and tunnel’s roof, generating enough solar panelscover the3.4-kilometre More than50,000square metres of line be tw een ParisandAmsterdam. cient option option cient 2

www.henderyckx.com Volvo IDE Technologies Ltd jjldickinson/Ecologico-Logic The road toRio+20 23/11/2011 18:32 23 BEYOND THE ART OF THE PROBABLE

United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development

has led a student BRICE LALONDE movement, founded a political party, run for the French presidency, served as France’s Environment Minister and then as Climate Ambassador in international negotiations. Today, he is the UN Secretary- General’s Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Conference EMVL/GNU FDL on Sustainable Development – that’s Rio+20. When TUNZA spoke to him, we started by asking about how young people could help.

‘Whether we like it or not, we live in a globalized world. But we need to embrace the concept of planetary citizenship. At Rio+20 and beyond, you, young people, can help ensure that decision makers go beyond thinking solely in terms of their own national interest.

‘The environmental – but also economic and social – issues facing us are planetary in scope, so we are all in it together. We need to think, act and network on a planetary scale. Tools exist – the net and social media know no boundaries and their strength has been clearly shown across the world during 2011. Young people grew up with them, you understand them, know how to use them and, because of them, many of you already think as planetary citizens. And you mustn’t get hemmed in by conventional wisdom. The decisions being made now are about your future and sometimes someone has to say ‘no’, to rebel, to dream a little and see beyond what is currently accepted by older people. We need that.

‘In 1992, Severn Suzuki’s speech (see page 10) was inspirational in stepping outside the norm, and it’s still vibrant today. I hope the same for Rio+20 – that it will still be relevant in 2032.

‘Twenty years after the Rio Declaration, its three conventions and Agenda 21, we must make sure that Rio+20 is strong on implementation and action. Conﬁ rming that a healthy environment is good for economies would be a great start – backed by a schedule for the achievement of agreed, measurable Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs.

‘So often, politicians can’t or don’t have the time to take the long-term view that sustainable development demands – but that long-term view is essential to ordinary people and especially to young people.

‘To change things, we must involve all stakeholders. Not just as an afterthought, as happens so often at the moment, but as a vital part of the whole development process. That means local government, municipalities and civil society – including young people – and it means business and industry, too.

‘Introducing that long-term view to the business community is really important. We must involve them, and together develop ways of providing sustained investment and ﬁ nance that encourage innovation and the development of a green economy, based on renewable energies, to develop sustainably and eradicate misery. And then get on with it!

‘Many of you, young people, can help change by speaking up in your families, in your place of work, or your school and university. As consumers, you can make environmentally smart choices; that, too, will make a difference. And never forget Rio’92’s mantra: “think global, act local”.

‘Rio’92 came at a moment of geopolitical change, shortly after the dramatic breaching of the Berlin Wall. It was ground- breaking in its day – for the ﬁ rst time world leaders came together and provided strong leadership on development and environment.

‘Now, the world is wrestling with a ﬁ nancial and economic crisis, a crisis of indebtedness. The discussions, however, are largely about the short term rather than about our reliance on fossil energy sources, our diminishing resources and over- consumption, which are building up massive environmental debts. You can help change that. But remember – solutions don’t grow on trees.’

Tunza_9.3_Engv4.indd 24 23/11/2011 18:32