Lao PDR

UNDP News

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - HOT TOPIC IN LAOS

Speech by Serge Verniau, UNRC a.i.
World Envionment Day, 05 June 2007

Today is World Environment Day, a very special day on the United Nation's annual calendar which stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and increases political attention and action. World Environment Day is commemorated every year on 5 June. The 2007 World Environment Day slogan is Melting Ice – a Hot Topic? in support of International Polar Year. The WED theme selected focuses on the effects that climate change is having on polar ecosystems and communities, and the ensuing consequences around the world.

When did World Environment Day begin?

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.

Why is climate change a problem?

The impacts of climate change are already visible. Examples include: the shrinking Arctic ice cap; accelerating sea level rise; lengthening of mid- to high-latitude growing seasons; and shifts in plant and animal ranges and behaviour.

In a mostly hot, land-locked country like Laos , many of these changes don't seem relevant to us. But just think: with the increasing temperatures, glaciers worldwide are receding. And the source of the Mekong River is in China at the foot of the glacier. Initial rising waters downstream here in Laos is only one of the many possible effects predicted if the glacier start to melt. Water may eventually dry up. Changes in plant and animal biodiversity and ecosystems, and people's livelihoods and way of life may also be affected. Then there's the duration of tropical storms, changes in monsoon patterns, and droughts – all of which may have severe effects on subsistence farmers throughout Laos . And while we sit inside this nice cool hall today – imagine walking outside and finding the temperature is 5.8 degrees Celsius warmer – and yes, this is within the range of temperature increases predicted by scientists to occur in the next century.

The link between environmental protection and poverty alleviation

One of the most important issues for Laos is the link between environmental change and development. Environmental protection is vital to poverty amelioration – and vice versa. Laos ranks 133rd amongst 177 countries in human development. And it suffers from slow growth and poverty. Yet Laos is one of the richest countries in biodiversity and natural resources – but these are beginning to be badly affected through unsustainable practices, as well as poorly managed development and, of course, knock on effects of climate change.

What can we do?

It's not all doom and gloom. There are things we can and ARE doing. Here in Laos , the United Nations, in cooperation with the Government of Lao PDR and its partners, is working hard to protect the environment, contribute to climate change limiting practices and sustainable development programmes.

Lao PDR has committed itself to international environmental agreements, including: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Combating Desertifications.

UN agencies are helping the Government to uphold its obligations through capacity building and coordination enhancement. FAO and UNDP are providing support to food security and improving rural livelihoods, as well as assisting farmers with practices aimed at adaptation to climate change. Particular emphasis is being placed on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources – including the maintenance of biodiversity. UNFPA and UNICEF are working closely to relieve pressure on the environment and poverty related issues through reproductive health programmes. The World Bank, in cooperation with the Government and donor member nations, . has just launched an ambitious program of environmental monitoring and management. And The United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat continue to provide support for Lao's environmental projects including the World Environment Day activities. . And FAO is launching a regional intitiative on environmental impacts of agro-industry in lowlands.

Conclusion

World Environment Day is a people's event with colourful activities such as: green concerts, drawing competitions in schools, tree planting, as well as sporting competitions and awareness raising theatre.

We hope you will join us in these special events. And while you participate, think of all the different ways you can change your behaviour to help the environment… and improve ours and our children's and great grand childrens' futures.. for we must always remember “ nous n'heritons pas de la terre de nos parents, nous l'empruntons a nos enfants – This land doesn't belong to us, we borrow it from our children”.