Canada and Agenda
21Canada and Agenda
21
CHAPTER 31
The Scientific and Technological Community
-- Environment Canada -
The views expressed in this chapter reflect input from a number of stakeholders and do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada or the Projet de Société.
THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM
The principal problem addressed by this chapter is how to enable the scientific and technological (S&T) community to make a more open and effective contribution to the decision-making process concerning environment and sustainable development. It is suggested that a more cooperative relationship needs to be developed between the S&T community on the one hand, and the public, decision-makers, and governments on the other hand.
The S&T community (defined as "... including among others engineers, architects, industrial designers, urban planners, other professionals and policy makers ...") need to better communicate with decision-makers. This communication would help decision-makers understand the roles the S&T community could play, and facilitate access to the best available knowledge to help develop strategies for sustainable development. In addition, more effective dialogue would help scientists and technologists set research priorities and propose solutions for pressing problems.
For the problem of sustainable development to be managed, the role of S&T in human affairs needs to be better understood. For this to happen, communication, information flows and knowledge will have to be strengthened at the local through to international levels. This has to be a two-way communication. For example, the public must be assisted in communicating their views and needs concerning S&T and how it might be better managed to benefit their lives.
Action is required to help create a greater awareness by the S&T community of its ethical responsibilities. Principles, codes of practice, guidelines, and legal instruments recognized by society as a whole are needed to ensure that these responsibilities are honoured.
PROGRAM AREAS AND OBJECTIVES
The following two program areas, along with their corresponding objectives are outlined in Chapter 31.
(1) Improving communication and cooperation among the scientific and technological community and decision makers and the public.
Governments should review the responsiveness of the S&T community to environmental concerns and sustainable development through a process of consultation. Such consultations should include councils, committees and panels of scientists, technologists and decision-makers, NGOs and the public which would contribute to capacity building of organizations and professional networks.
The proposed objectives are to extend and open-up the decision-making process and to broaden the range of issues where cooperation can take place.
(2) Promoting codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology.
The objective of this chapter is international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines, relating to S&T and the integrity of life-support systems.
The proposed codes of practice should be based on the an ethical awareness and sense of responsibility on the part of scientists and technologists.
CANADIAN POSITIONS AT RIO
1. Official Canadian Position
No specific Canadian brief and objectives were prepared for negotiation of this chapter at early PrepComm meetings. During the negotiations at the fourth PrepComm, Canada proposed changes to strengthen links between the independent research sector and industry to include the government research sector. The need for and value of internationally accepted principles and codes of practices, emphasized in the final version of the chapter, are fundamental to Canadian actions.
The basis for the Canadian position relative to this chapter was the Green Plan. Within the Green Plan, scientific and technological information is recognized as fundamental to sound environmental choices, effective policy and regulations, education and information that increases public awareness, participation and understanding of environmental problems.
2. Non-Governmental Organizations
The International Conference on an Agenda of Science for Environment and Development into the 21st Century, (ASCEND 21), convened by International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) and held in Vienna in November 1991, explicitly dealt with this matter at the international level. The Conference confirmed that the scientific community is willing and able to enter into partnerships with organizations to address such topics as environmental ethics. It was also recognized that science must improve public awareness and encourage greater participation to ensure that public concerns and indigenous understanding are taken into account.
3. Business and Industry
Although there were no comments from Canadian industry that relate directly to this chapter, there were some made during the PrepComm period that endorsed the principles underlying this chapter. Business and industry interests accept that science-based research and decision-making is essential, and that industry must participate in establishing the direction of research and integrating planning and communications.
4. Indigenous
Indigenous Peoples identified the need for the development of protocols which requires the involvement of Indigenous Peoples at all levels of disucssion and decison-making since international activities alwaysaffect Indigneous Peoples. Unider Agenda 21, Indigenous Peoples were to be informed, consulted and allowed to participate at the national level for decision-making.
Indigenous Peoples identifed the urgen t need to establish Indigenous knowedge institutions controlled and managed by Indigenous Peoples. This way a greater appreciation of Indigenous science can develop to compare and contrast with developments in Western science and technology.
COMMITMENTS MADE BY CANADIANS AT RIO
1. Legally-binding Documents
None.
2. Political Pronouncements
During his disclosure of the National Statement of Canada on June 11, 1992 at UNCED, the Minister of the Environment at that time, Jean Charest, stated: "We have also substantially increased our funding in science and technology, monitoring and reporting systems and information and education. This represents a major investment in our future."
3. Alternative NGO Treaties and Kari-Oca
NGO Treaties
At the same time as UNCED, two major international events were also held at Rio. One was the International Non-Governmental Organization Forum (Global Forum). At the Global Forum, 3,100 NGOs discussed a number of matters related to environment and development and produced a parallel set of documents: an NGO Earth Charter and 38 Alternative NGO Treaties.
The following alternative treaties are most relevant to the subject matter of Chapter 31: the Treaty on Technology Banks, the Draft Protocol on Scientific Research Components for the Conservation of Biodiversity and the Citizens' Commitments on Biotechnology
Kari-Oca
The second alternative forum at Rio was the International Conference on Territory, Environment and Development (the Kari-Oca Conference). The Kari-Oca Conference was held immediately prior to UNCED by and for the world's indigenous peoples. More than 650 indigenous representatives participated in meetings and cultural events during the conference. They developed and adopted a 109-point Indigenous Peoples Earth Charter.
Under the section, "Culture, Science and Intellectual Property", there are several references to the interests and concerns of indigenous peoples, regarding their own educational systems, indigenous wisdom, traditional knowledge, rights to intellectual and cultural property guarantees, and to government committed funds for education, training and participation in sustainable and equitable development at all levels. The final paragraph in this Declaration calls on the UN to promote research into indigenous knowledge and to develop a network of indigenous sciences.
DEFICIENCIES, GAPS AND CONSTRAINTS WITHIN CHAPTER 31
This chapter encourages environmentally ethical behaviour and standards for professionals, and the need for consultative processes between the S&T community and governments, NGOs and the public. Somewhat less clear is just what is understood by "the S&T community". Within this broad term are numerous multi-sectoral, private and public niches with different industry and association standards and regulations to which they must abide. To imply, therefore, that this huge and varied community speaks with one voice, as does this chapter, is misleading and perhaps makes the chapter somewhat more ambiguous that it would otherwise be.
The chapter calls for explicit action by governments to review issues, communicate about S&T, and encourage introduction of codes of practice and guidelines. There is a need to clarify the role for the non-government sectors. The chapter would have been stronger if it had gone beyond the role of government in resolving this problem.
COMPARISON BETWEEN CURRENT CANADIAN GOVERNMENT POLICY AND COMMITMENTS MADE
As mentioned above, the Green Plan was the basis for Canada's negotiating position for this chapter. The Green Plan includes a multi-year environmental science and technology action plan that will provide: funds for research into global and domestic environmental issues; scholarships to encourage academic research in the environmental sciences; revitalization of federal government research facilities and additions to their scientific staff; and assistance with technology transfer and government-industry partnerships necessary to bring new technologies to market.
Science Forum I, held in December 1992, brought together Environment Canada's research community and senior management in recognition of the need to address the management of science in the Department, the research priority-setting and decision-making processes in the Department, and how to more effectively integrate science and policy making. The primary objective of this forum was to examine the current portfolio of research and development (R&D) within Environment Canada in light of emerging and existing issues and approaches, with a view to providing a science-based consensus on strategic direction for R&D within the Department.
CANADIAN ACTIVITIES EVOLVING THROUGH THE SUSTAINABILITY PROCESS
Many Canadian professional associations (e.g., law, medical, engineering, academic, and other "liberal professions") are ethically committed and sensitive to the environment and sustainable development. In addition many of these associations have already established committees for the environment which could be engaged in the development and implementation of codes of practices and guidelines.
Environment and sustainable development are being included within many scientific and technological disciplines. For example, a number of Canadian universities are now awarding degrees in environmental science and engineering. Many Canadian businesses and industries have environmental scientists or technologists on staff to ensure understanding of issues and compliance with regulations.
OTHER RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED FORA
_ United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development
_ Global Change Program
_ Inter-American Institute
SUGGESTED READINGS AND INFORMATION SOURCES
An Agenda of Science for Environment and Development into the 21st Century, (Cambridge University Press, 1992).
Bill, Richard. Synopses of the S&T Chapters of Agenda 21, (Ottawa: Office of the Science Advisor, Environment Canada, 1992).
Clifford, Gordon. "A qualitative review of the economic implications of Agenda 21", (Ottawa: External Affairs and International Trade Canada, 1993).
Dwivedi, O.P. An Ethical Approach to Environmental Protection, (Canadian Public Administration, 1992).
Government of Canada. Canada's Green Plan, (Ottawa: Environment Canada, 1990).
. Canada's Green Plan and the Earth Summit, (Ottawa: Environment Canada, 1992).
. Canada's National Report: United Nations Conference on Environment and Development Brazil, June 1992, (Ottawa: Environment Canada, 1991).
. Industry Response to Potential Economic Impacts of Proposed UNCED Commitments as of 26 February 1992. (Ottawa: Department of Industry, Science & Technology, 1992).
Institute for Research on Environment and Economy (IREE). A Qualitative Assessment of UNCED Potential Economic Implications, (Ottawa: University of Ottawa, 1992).
International Development Research Centre. Agenda 21: Abstracts, Reviews, and Commentaries, (Theodora Carroll-Foster, ed), (Ottawa: IDRC, 1993).
. Agenda 21: Green Paths to the Future, (D. Spurgeon), (Ottawa: IDRC, 1993).
. A Guide to Agenda 21: Issues, Debates, and Canadian Initiatives, (Theodora Carroll Foster, ed), (Ottawa: IDRC, 1993).
Keating, Michael. Agenda for Change: A Plain Language Version of Agenda 21 and the Other Rio Agreements, (Geneva: Centre for Our Common Future, 1993).
World Commission on Environment and Development. Our Common Future, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987).
Information Sources:
Industry, Science and Technology Canada, 235 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5, tel (613) 954-2788
International Development Research Centre, 250 Albert St., P.O. Box 8500, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3H9, tel (613) 236-6163.
Office of the Science Advisor, Environment Canada, Jules Leger Building, 25 Eddy Street, Hull K1A 0H3, tel (819) 953-9607, fax (819) 953-0550.
Cite as: Projet de société: Canada and Agenda 21.Winnipeg: IISD, 1995. Online. Internet. http://iisd.ca/worldsd/canada/projet/c31.htm.
