Within the framework of the next IUCN World Conservation Congress, two motions have been submitted by CIDCE and its partners. They are entitled: ”Preventing conflicts of interest relating to chemicals and phytosanitary products” (Motion 011), and ”Measuring the effectiveness of environmental law through legal indicators” (Motion 060) [Chinese version PDF].
These two motions were adopted by IUCN Members following an electronic voting process that took place from October 7 to 21, 2020. Access the voting results: HERE for Motion 011 and HERE for Motion 060.
In accordance with the new rules of procedure, these motions take effect immediately and become resolutions of IUCN.
CIDCE invites all activists and sympathizers of the environmental cause to kindly contribute to the promotion of these motions so that the objectives are fully achieved.
CIDCE would also like to thank all the co-sponsors, entities and people who provided their vote and support for the motions.
What is an IUCN Motion ?
Motions are the mechanism by which IUCN Members influence third parties and guide the policy and Programme of IUCN. Members vote to approve motions, and once adopted, they become Resolutions and Recommendations, and therefore the body of IUCN’s general policy. Learn more about the motions process HERE.
Motion 011: « Preventing conflicts of interest related to chemicals and plant protection products »
According to Principle 18 of the Stockholm Declaration on the Environment of 1972: “Science and technology should be used, as part of their contribution to economic and social development, to detect, avoid or limit dangers which threaten the environment and solve the problems that it breaks, and in general for the good of humanity “. This is why recourse to scientific expertise is essential in environmental matters. However, public opinion and NGOs specializing in environmental matters are increasingly showing their mistrust of scientific expertise, both public and private.
The numerous controversies relating to the independence of scientific expertise concerning the use of glyphosate in agriculture show the urgency of clear and global rules concerning the independence of expertise.
The independence of expertise is particularly called into question in the field of soil protection, flora, fauna and pollinating insects.
Therefore, in order to preserve the confidence of public opinion and NGOs in the bodies that provide advice or assist in decision-making on the production and marketing of chemicals or phytosanitary products used in agriculture, the independence of experts should be legally guaranteed through declarations on possible conflicts of interest. There are currently only a few rules in a small number of States and a few international environmental conventions containing provisions on the prevention and management of conflicts of interest.
This is the rationale behind this motion, which aims to impose such guarantees of independence of expertise at the international level.
Co-sponsors of this motion:
- Centre international de droit comparé de l`environnement [France]
- Centre of Live and Learn for Environment and Community [Vietnam]
- Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales [Argentine]
- Instituto O Direito por um Planeta Verde [Brésil]
- International Council of Environmental Law [Espagne]
- Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental [Pérou]
- Société française pour le droit de l’environnement [France]
Motion 060: « Measuring the effectiveness of environmental law using legal indicators »
The innovative creation of legal indicators on a scientific basis should make it possible to identify and mathematically measure the effective application of nature conservation law. This will help draw the attention of elected officials and the public to gaps and regressions in environmental law. The officials responsible for the application and control of existing rules will be better informed on the conditions for the implementation of environmental law and on the obstacles preventing adequate application.
Learn more about legal indicators HERE.
Co-sponsors of this motion:
Centre international de droit comparé de l`environnement [France]
- Centre of Live and Learn for Environment and Community [Vietnam]
- Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales [Argentine]
- Fédération française des Clubs alpins et de montagne [France]
- Instituto O Direito por um Planeta Verde [Brésil]
- International Council of Environmental Law [Espagne]
- Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental [Pérou]
- Société française pour le droit de l’environnement [France]