Sixty papers and case studies were discussed. Development must be understood as including the equitable distribution of wealth and access to resources, with respect for the local diversity, control of the desertification process, and prevention of the abusive use of bio-diversity. It must also include the participation and the political commitment of the civil society, structural reforms, land-tenure reform and improved agricultural policies and education at the national and regional levels. The first formal session of Working Group I at PrepCom IV was convened by the Swedish Chair, Bo Kjelle'n. He moved immediately to procedural matters, announcing his work plan and the deadlines for governments to submit 200 copies of each proposed amendment to the documents to be discussed.
Desertification is the first issue to be tackled by the group.
The issue of managing fragile ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development will be dealt with this Thursday and Friday. All amendments must be submitted by 11 March. Juan Antonio Mateos of Mexico will hold private meetings with delegations on this agenda item during the week. Working Group I will consider deforestation next week. Charles Liburd of Guyana, the convener of the Contact Group on Forests, will hold informal consultations this week.