RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, delivered Canada's country statement on the final day of the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on sustainable development.
"Canada is pleased with the positive outcome at Rio+20, and we are ready to do our part," said Minister Kent. "The result is clear; there is 'no one size fits all' solution to enhancing global sustainability and we will only achieve our collective goals through collaboration."
The Conference was successful in renewing global support for sustainable development, one of Canada's main goals heading into Rio+20. This includes the recognition of green economy as a tool for achieving sustainable development and the strengthening of the United Nations Environment Program. But it also highlighted the importance for all members of society to work together to achieve sustainable development, the key role of partnerships, and of international cooperation.
Canada played a central role in the run-up to, and throughout, the Rio+20 Conference including being elected as one of the Conference's Vice-Presidents when the Conference began on June 20. In addition, Canada was one of the 10 countries elected to serve on the Rio+20 Conference Bureau, which oversaw preparations for the Conference. The Canadian delegation also facilitated three of eleven formal negotiating groups, including the group on the green economy, one of the two major themes of the Conference.
During negotiations, Canada was pleased to have supported the launch of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of the main outcomes of the Conference.
Canada shared a number of policy tools and best practices, which include the Chemicals Management Plan, our Strategic Environmental Assessment process, the Green Mining Initiative, development of greenhouse gas regulations, augmenting oil sands monitoring, and the establishment of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
Canada's approach to responsible resource development will play an important role in achieving a sustainable future for Canadians.
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
Environment Canada's Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca
Environment Canada's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/environmentcan
(Également offert en français)
Share this article