Sustainable Development

Summary of roundtable

David Bills (Facilitator: Richard Kell)

1. GENERAL

• Division between developed and developing countries - need different consideration

• Emphasis that sustainability encompasses SOCIAL and ECONOMIC dimensions as well as ENVIRONMENT

2. COUNTRY REPORTS

Note: Countries undertook to submit detailed comments in the Business Guideline and current situation via MA’s by 30 October.

CANADA

Regulations and policies are similar to Japan (Yamashita) presentation Sewage effluent reuse is being introduced.

NEW ZEALAND

Resource Management legislation applies to all new developments. Significant corporate interest in sustainability.

EGYPT

Problems are recognised. Concepts under discussion, but there is no legislation at present.

BANGLADESH

Partnerships with local people necessary for success.

NIGERIA

All new projects require environmental review. Government policy, not legislation.

GERMANY

• Strong political support (Green Government)
• Encouraging proposals eg. closing includes power plants, but lack of detail.

NORWAY

• Sustainability report for all new projects, including small scale
• Community input is mandatory
• Eco projects underway

CHINA

• Refer to Professor Xu paper
• No problem with new projects
• Problem with existing industry or infrastructure upgrades - serious social impacts

NETHERLANDS

• Strong environmental assessment rules
• Social economic dialogue

JAPAN

• As presentation by Yamashita

AUSTRALIA

• Environmental legislation
• Recycling policies
• Regrowth and sustainable policies / legislation in forestry, fishing
• Power - support for green power
• However, major coal producer and encouragement of unsuitable industries involving land clearing and water demand - significant contributor to hole in ozone layer.

3. ADB

• Sustainability covered by O/M aspects for projects
• Environment and social issues considered in study designs

4. EXPECTATIONS OF FIDIC

• Lack of time to study the Business Guideline in detail. Hence, group went directly to Q4.
• It was emphasised that sustainability comprises economic and social dimensions as well as environmental.
• Need for FIDIC training kit for MA’s. Also for in-country client agencies .
• FIDIC to be more visible with in-country activity, supporting MA’s.
• AGENDA 21 Awareness education (via MA’s?).
• FIDIC to promote Sustainable Impact Assessments to Banks and International Clients - lobbying.
• Develop Guidelines and Tools for MA’s to lobby in-country
• Address Sustainability financing models for developing countries.
• FIDIC to develop partnering models.
• Develop ongoing technology transfer models for SD
• Need to consider maintenance of infrastructure. Is often neglected, and yet is key to sustainability. Institutional strengthening and in country financing are key issues.

5. GLOBAL PLAYERS AS PARTNERS

• GEF
• UNEP
• World Water Forum
• World, Social, Education, Economic Forums

Q3 Checklist Comments

• ADD
• Demographic imbalanced
• Urbanisation

Q2 Guidelines Comments

• ADD
• Institutional Strengthening
• Continuing Professional Development
• Corruption
• Links to FIDIC Integrity Management and Capacity Building.