Transcript (2011-2012) – Annual Report to Parliament

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
(2011 – 2012)
ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT
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INTRODUCTION
In accordance with Act No. 107, 1998, Chapter 6 on
International Obligations and Agreements, paragraph
26(1) the Minister must report to Parliament once a year
regarding international environmental instruments for
which she is responsible for.
Report was finalized and tabled in Parliament on 19 April
2012.
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OVERVIEW OF 2011 - 2012
OCEANS AND COASTS
 XXXIV Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
 23rd AGM Of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs
 34th Meeting of the Scientific group under the London Convention and 5th
Meeting under the London Protocol
 63rd Meeting of the International Whaling Commission
 30th Meeting of the Convention on the Conservation of the Antarctica Marine
Living Resources (CCAMLR)
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OVERVIEW OF 2011 - 2012
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
 Signing of the Nagoya Protocol under United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
 Signing of the MoU on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks under the
Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
 Signing of the MOU on promotion of South-South and Triangular Cooperation
under United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
 10th Session of COP to the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD COP 10)
 10th Session of the COP of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species
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OVERVIEW OF 2011 - 2012
CLIMATE CHANGE
 17th Session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC COP 17)
CHEMICALS AND WASTE
 5th Meeting of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs)
 5th Meeting of the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC)
 10th Meeting of the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
 9th Meeting of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol for the
Protection of the Ozone Layer
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OVERVIEW OF 2011 - 2012
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE
 19th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD
19)
INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE
 Special Session of the Governing Council of UNEP and Global
Ministerial Environment Forum
AFRICA AND SADC
 Southern African Development Community Senior officials Meeting,
Council of Ministers Meeting and Summit
 The 18th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union (AU)
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BRANCH : OCEANS & COASTS
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
XXXIV Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

The Antarctic Treaty deals with matters relating to the governance and protection of
the Antarctic continent. South Africa is an original signatory to the Antarctic Treaty
KEY OUTCOMES:

Steps towards entry into force of the Annex VI to the Protocol on Environmental
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty: Liability Arising from Environmental Emergencies
Annex was accepted.
ACTION REQUIRED:

A legal processes should be in place to ratify the Annex.

The development of a National Policy on Antarctic tourism

Develop as a matter of urgency a position on bio prospecting
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BRANCH : OCEANS & COASTS
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

23rd AGM of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

Opportunity for national programme and logistics managers to share knowledge
and experience to facilitate the Antarctic Treaty principles of international cooperation.
KEY OUTCOMES:

The Accidents, Incidents and Near-Miss Reporting (AINMR) system
ACTION REQUIRED:

The ageing vehicle fleet has to be replaced as a matter of urgency

SAMSA and the port of Cape Town to ascertain Cape Town’s oil spill combating
capability and capacity.
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BRANCH : OCEANS & COASTS
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
34th Meeting of the Scientific Group under the London Convention and 5th
Meeting under the London Protocol
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
 Global conventions to protect the marine environment from human
activities including marine pollution prevention
ACTION REQUIRED:
 Complete the mandatory annual report for 2011 and submit it.
 Monitor progress with the development of ‘low-tech’ guidance for
assessing dredged material (WODA).
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Continue: 34th Meeting of the Scientific Group under the London
Convention and 5th Meeting under the London Protocol
 Review and provide input into the development of
specific waste assessment action levels and action lists
for the disposal of fish waste and implement the revised
generic waste assessment guidelines.
 Monitor progress with implications of the amendments
to allow trans-boundary movement of CO2 streams.
Monitor progress made in the development of a new
reporting format for dumping reports and database
development for dumping reports.
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BRANCH : OCEANS & COASTS
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

63rd Meeting of the International Whaling Commission
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

Central international legal arrangement for the protection of whales
KEY OUTCOMES:

All companies implement appropriate monitoring and mitigation plans.

Resolution on improving the effectiveness of operations within the IWC that also incorporated some
changes to its Rules of Procedure and Financial Regulations.

Resolution that condemns any demonstration at sea that are a risk to human life and property and
that this is not the way to pursue the resolution of different views regarding whales and whaling.

Recognition of the importance of the International Maritime Organisation with respect to safety at sea;
Encouraged all governments to fulfil their obligations under IMO and UNCLOS. The election of a
Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commission will be undertaken by postal ballot.
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BRANCH : OCEANS & COASTS
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 30th Meeting of the Convention on the Conservation of the Antarctica Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

To highlight issues on the threat, protection and conservation of biodiversity, as well as
“resource use”, ecosystem approach to fisheries and all issues related to fisheries
stock assessment.
KEY OUTCOMES:

Establishment of eastern Antarctic planning domain on a possible project on bioregionalisation of the Del Cano rise region and a possible spatial assessment for the
implementation of a representative set of MPAs between Prince Edward Island and that
of Crozet.

General Conservation Measure as a framework for establishment of CCAMLR MPA.
ACTION REQUIRED:

Development of a capacity development funding application to GEF
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BRANCH : BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 Signing of the Nagoya Protocol under United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
(UNCBD)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

South Africa is a Party to the CBD under which the Protocol was developed and adopted and ratifying
the Nagoya Protocol will further enhance the implementation of the Convention objectives which are:




Conservation
Sustainable use
Access and benefit sharing
South Africa already have the BABS regulation on Bioprospecting Access and benefit sharing and
the Nagoya Protocol will enhance the implementation thereof
KEY OUTCOMES:

Next step is the ratification of the protocol

Further implementation of the BABS regulations
ACTION REQUIRED: Fast tracking the process of ratification by all role players
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BRANCH : BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 Signing of the MoU on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks under the Convention on
Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

It will further enhance the conservation of migratory sharks and thereby improve the
conservation of Migratory sharks

South Africa is a Party to the CMS and has a mandate to implement the Convention
activities of which conservation of migratory species is the main mandate.
KEY OUTCOMES:

MoU signed

RSA participated in the development of the International plan of Action and has initiated
the national plan of action
ACTION REQUIRED:

Finalisation of the national plan of action for the conservation of migratory sharks

Allocation of resources to implement the MoU
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BRANCH : BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 Signing of the MOU on promotion of South-South and Triangular Cooperation under United Nations
Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

To enhance cooperation with other developing countries

Sharing of experiences, success stories and best practices in the context of biodiversity and
development
KEY OUTCOMES:

MoU signed but the registration of the MoU cannot be effected yet since the capacity of the
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) to conclude treaties in the international
plane is not clear
ACTION REQUIRED:

Following up with the SCBD by the UN Secretariat

DEA has legal opinion on this issue and will supply UN and the SCBD
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BRANCH : BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 10th Session of COP to the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD
COP 10)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

RSA is a Party to the UNCCD and has areas affected by Desertification Land Degradation
and Drought (DLDD)
KEY OUTCOMES:

RSA has a National Action Programme (NAP) that is being implemented by a number of
implementing partners to combat DLDD
ACTION REQUIRED:

Review of the NAP

Allocation of resources to implement the Convention

Considering hosting of the forthcoming CRIC meeting
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BRANCH : BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

10th Session of the COP of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

RSA is a Party to CMS

Is a range state to many migratory species that are rapidly declining

KEY OUTCOMES:

Adoption of the interim strat plan (2012-2014)

Outcomes of the Future Shape process
ACTION REQUIRED:

Participation in the Strat plan 2015-2022 working Group

Allocation of resources to implement the Convention

Considering hosting the Scientific Council meeting for the Africa Region late in 2013
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BRANCH : CLIMATE CHANGE
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 17th Session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 17)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

Securing legal multilateral rules & commitments through a 2nd commitment period under Kyoto

AWG-LCA decision which operationalized Cancun institutions, including a process on sources of finance,
the African priority for comprehensive adaptation under a new Adaptation Committee, Technology and
REDD+ mechanisms, Forum on Response Measures, modalities & guidelines for the transparency for
both developed & developing countries

Operationalization of the Green Climate Fund

Negotiation of a new legal regime applicable to all Parties by 2015, to come into effect by 2020 under an
AWG on a Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.
KEY OUTCOMES:

COP17 adopted 19 COP & 17 CMP decisions. Although these cover a wide range of topics the final high
level Durban Package unlocked an outcome that strengthened the multilateral system by significantly
advancing the global effort needed now and also sets a new path for the development of a fair, inclusive,
ambitious and legal future multi-lateral, rules-based climate system.
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BRANCH : CHEMICALS AND WASTE
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

5th Meeting of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

South Africa uses DDT for malaria control, and has the largest import and export chemicals
industry in Africa; banning of chemicals has implications for the fresh produce industry.
KEY OUTCOMES:

The Africa Institute (AI) hosted by SA was endorsed as the Stockholm Convention Regional
Centre for capacity building and facilitating financial resources for English-Speaking African
countries.

Endosulfan (an insecticide), Hexabromocyclododecane (a flame retardant) and Short-chained
chlorinated paraffins (flame retardants and plasticizers) were banned.

SA successfully opposed the phasing out of DDT in the absence of suitable and affordable
alternatives.
ACTION REQUIRED:

To invest in and support financially the development of DDT alternatives.
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BRANCH : CHEMICALS AND WASTE
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
5th Meeting of the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

South Africa was President of this COP, and has the largest import and export chemicals
industry in Africa; listing of chemicals in Annex III of the Convention has implications for the
fresh produce industry;
KEY OUTCOMES:

Chrysotile Asbestos (consideration of decision to enlist asbestos deferred to COP6, due to
Canada’s last minute refusal to accept the text)

Endosulfan (an insecticide), Hexabromocyclododecane (a flame retardant), Short-chained
chlorinated paraffins (flame retardants and plasticizers) were listed in Annex III.

Most successful Rotterdam COP thus far.
ACTION REQUIRED:

Take note of the outcome; industry is prepared for listed chemicals.
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BRANCH : CHEMICALS AND WASTE
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

10th Meeting of the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

South Africa hosts the Basel Convention Regional Centre, the Africa Institute, and accepts hazardous
wastes from most African countries for safe disposal.
KEY OUTCOMES:

Regional Centres encouraged to be more accountable, to have good governance systems in place, to
open independent bank accounts, and the finances should be audited at the end of each financial
year. Governing body should be established.

Technical guidelines on mercury, cement kilns, waste tyres, POPs wastes adopted.

Ship dismantling should adhere to ILO labour standards.
ACTION REQUIRED:

Request South African Ports Authority and the South African Marine Safety Association to monitor
ship dismantling in SA.
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BRANCH : CHEMICALS AND WASTE
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

9th Meeting of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

South Africa has the largest refrigerant and coolants industry in Africa that uses Ozone Depleting
substances (ODSs).
KEY OUTCOMES:

The replenishment amount approved should be adequate to enable developing countries to meet their
obligations under the Protocol. These include funding for non-HCFC activities, for existing and new
HCFC phase out management plans, for the closure of HCFC production facilities, for the Compliance
Assistance Programme, and institutional strengthening.

The proposed amendment of the Protocol by other countries was successfully rejected; SA insisted as
a matter of principle it is only ODS chemicals that fall under the Protocol lest precedence is created.
Other options should be also considered before amendment.
ACTION REQUIRED:

Must enforce the building industry not to fit new buildings with air conditioners with ODSs as required
by SANS 10147.
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BRANCH : ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

19th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 19 )
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

SA pursued a policy position aimed at expeditious implementation of sustainable
development on the thematic areas under review, transport, chemicals, sustainable
consumption and production, waste management and mining. importance to SA
KEY OUTCOMES:

Global Ten Year Framework of Program for Sustainable Consumption and
Production was agreed upon in the working group. Although, CSD19 did not adopt
any decision
ACTION REQUIRED:

SA should ensure the development of a national framework on SCP & the adoption
of global framework at Rio+20
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BRANCH : ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 Special Session of the Governing Council of UNEP and Global Ministerial Environment Forum
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

UNEP Governing Council/Ministerial Environment Forum (GC/GMF) is die United Nations highlevel environment policy forum
KEY OUTCOMES:

Ministerial discussion in preparation for Rio+20 on Environmental change and Global
responses – Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty
Eradication and Work by die UNEP on Sustainable Consumption and Production

Reaffirm the importance of sustainable consumption and production to the mandate of the
United Nations Environment Program and active efforts to promote SCP at all levels
ACTION REQUIRED:

Continue engaging in the debates with a view to influencing the UNEP work programs and
policies and mainstreaming environment into broader UN priorities.
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BRANCH : ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:
 Southern African Development Community Senior officials Meeting,
Council of Ministers Meeting and Summit
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
 Engagements with SADC of strategic importance to SA’s international
relations
 Garnering SADC’s support on Climate Change issues particularly
outcomes of UNFCCC COP 16 and SA’s hosting of UNFCCC COP 17 of
key importance to SA
KEY OUTCOMES:
 Support for SA’s hosting of the 17th COP of the UNFCCC and 7th Meeting
of the Parties (CMP 7) to the Kyoto Protocol by SADC Heads of State
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Continue: SADC Senior officials meeting, Council of Ministers meeting and
Summit
 SADC Strategy for COP17/CMP7 adopted
 SADC Regional Program on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and
Forest Degradation (REDD+) approved
Actions required
 To note that key environment and climate change issues relevant for
SADC being considered and decisions being adopted which have
implications for South Africa in terms of implementation
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BRANCH : ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES
MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT:

The 18h Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union (AU), Ethiopia
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:

African Union Summit key forum for Ministers and Heads of State of Africa to adopt
decisions on key issues

South Africa as President of COP17 playing a key role in the African Climate
Change processes on the Continent and as member of African Heads of State and
Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)

SA is playing a key role in Africa’s preparations for Rio+20 Conference in June
2012
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Continue: The 18h Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African
Union (AU), Ethiopia
KEY OUTCOMES:
 Report of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN)
Special Session Climate Change adopted by the Executive Council
 Report of Africa’s preparations and participation in the UNFCCC
COP17/CMP7 adopted by the Assembly
 Report on Africa’s preparations for Rio+20 Conference adopted by the
Assembly and Republic of Congo appointed to coordinate Africa’s
preparations for Rio+20
ACTION REQUIRED:
 To note that key environment and climate change issues relevant for
Africa being considered and decisions being adopted which have
implications for South Africa in terms of implementation.
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THANK YOU
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