Kenya
1
Statement by Kenya on the Green Economy during the Second
Preparatory Meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development
(Rio+20 Summit) held on March 7, 2011, New York
Mr. Chairman,
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to make this statement. Kenya
delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished
representative of Argentina on behalf of the G-77 and China.
Mr. Chairman,
The overarching objective of the green economy is very attractive but
certainly a challenging aspiration. Challenging because member states
must answer some difficult questions such as
· Who and what will drive green economy? –Is it economic growth or
environmental standards?
· Will changing the production patterns improve competitiveness of
developing nations or will it usher new criteria for development
assistance and international trade?
· How will it augment diversification since no size fits all?
Kenya has integrated the elements of Green Economy into our national
development plans. In this regard, we believe that the green economy is
a cross-cutting issue with economy–wide implications and is no substitute
but complementary to sustainable development. In addition, we believe
that the concept has the potential to transform the current unsustainable
development patterns, restore economic resilience as well as mitigate the
environmental crisis.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
So what do we need to do differently to achieve the green economy?
Kenya believes that there is need for Member States to formulate national
environmental legislations and policies compatible with green economy.
The transition to green economy comes with huge challenges that
requires international cooperation and coordination especially in the
2
mobilizing international finances and investments. We also believe that
Member states, especially developing countries, should be supported in
transfers and development of relevant technologies on areas such as
renewable energy, construction, agriculture, waste managements etc
and also in capacity building. There is need to share information on best
practices, raise awareness through public education and participation as
well as develop transitional measures that includes what happens in the
interim and what remedies are needed. Finally, it is important to promote
sustainable consumption patterns.
Mr. Chairman,
As country already suffering from adverse effects and impacts of climate
change and environmental degradation, Kenya has chosen to
progressively change its development model from the current carbon
intensive to low carbon pathway by integrating and implementing various
‘greening’ strategies on natural capitals such as forests and biodiversity
conservation, agriculture (organic farming) and fisheries, minimization and
recycling of wastes, development of renewable energy plants and
promotion of sustainable production and consumption through National
Cleaner Production Centers in the country.
But the implementations of the projects have come with opportunities
and challenges. The main challenges remain mobilization of huge
financial resources for capacity building and technology transfers and
adaptation to transitional measures. This makes transition to green
economy a step by step journey, and should not be tied to roadmaps
and timelines.
Mr. Chairman,
The overriding goal of developing countries remains economic and social
development as well as eradication of poverty. Achieving this goal
through green growth development pathway will not be easy for many
developing countries without corresponding fulfillment of all international
commitments including Agenda 21, the JPOI and the conclusion of the
Doha Rounds. Kenya believes that transition should be backed by
3
requisite financial resources, capacity building and technology transfer
and should not be implemented in a manner that causes an abrupt end
or severe disruption to the current economic models. Thus it is important
that there is renewed political commitment for sustainable development.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, Kenya reiterates that new and emerging challenges should
address the effects of recurrent crises as well as preventing new crises,
achieving sustainable development, eradicating poverty and addressing
inequalities. It should also be based on the principles of the Rio
Declaration on Environment and Development, including the common
but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and the
sovereign right of countries to exploit their own resources pursuant to their
own environmental and developmental policies.
I thank you.
Statement by Kenya on the Green Economy during the Second
Preparatory Meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development
(Rio+20 Summit) held on March 7, 2011, New York
Mr. Chairman,
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to make this statement. Kenya
delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished
representative of Argentina on behalf of the G-77 and China.
Mr. Chairman,
The overarching objective of the green economy is very attractive but
certainly a challenging aspiration. Challenging because member states
must answer some difficult questions such as
· Who and what will drive green economy? –Is it economic growth or
environmental standards?
· Will changing the production patterns improve competitiveness of
developing nations or will it usher new criteria for development
assistance and international trade?
· How will it augment diversification since no size fits all?
Kenya has integrated the elements of Green Economy into our national
development plans. In this regard, we believe that the green economy is
a cross-cutting issue with economy–wide implications and is no substitute
but complementary to sustainable development. In addition, we believe
that the concept has the potential to transform the current unsustainable
development patterns, restore economic resilience as well as mitigate the
environmental crisis.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
So what do we need to do differently to achieve the green economy?
Kenya believes that there is need for Member States to formulate national
environmental legislations and policies compatible with green economy.
The transition to green economy comes with huge challenges that
requires international cooperation and coordination especially in the
2
mobilizing international finances and investments. We also believe that
Member states, especially developing countries, should be supported in
transfers and development of relevant technologies on areas such as
renewable energy, construction, agriculture, waste managements etc
and also in capacity building. There is need to share information on best
practices, raise awareness through public education and participation as
well as develop transitional measures that includes what happens in the
interim and what remedies are needed. Finally, it is important to promote
sustainable consumption patterns.
Mr. Chairman,
As country already suffering from adverse effects and impacts of climate
change and environmental degradation, Kenya has chosen to
progressively change its development model from the current carbon
intensive to low carbon pathway by integrating and implementing various
‘greening’ strategies on natural capitals such as forests and biodiversity
conservation, agriculture (organic farming) and fisheries, minimization and
recycling of wastes, development of renewable energy plants and
promotion of sustainable production and consumption through National
Cleaner Production Centers in the country.
But the implementations of the projects have come with opportunities
and challenges. The main challenges remain mobilization of huge
financial resources for capacity building and technology transfers and
adaptation to transitional measures. This makes transition to green
economy a step by step journey, and should not be tied to roadmaps
and timelines.
Mr. Chairman,
The overriding goal of developing countries remains economic and social
development as well as eradication of poverty. Achieving this goal
through green growth development pathway will not be easy for many
developing countries without corresponding fulfillment of all international
commitments including Agenda 21, the JPOI and the conclusion of the
Doha Rounds. Kenya believes that transition should be backed by
3
requisite financial resources, capacity building and technology transfer
and should not be implemented in a manner that causes an abrupt end
or severe disruption to the current economic models. Thus it is important
that there is renewed political commitment for sustainable development.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, Kenya reiterates that new and emerging challenges should
address the effects of recurrent crises as well as preventing new crises,
achieving sustainable development, eradicating poverty and addressing
inequalities. It should also be based on the principles of the Rio
Declaration on Environment and Development, including the common
but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and the
sovereign right of countries to exploit their own resources pursuant to their
own environmental and developmental policies.
I thank you.
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