1.2.3 Environment, nature and water

The link between poverty reduction and environmental policy will be intensified. The government aims to attain its spending target of 0.1% of GNP for the environment at the earliest opportunity, and by no later than 2007. Over the coming years, the development cooperation environment programme will dovetail more closely with the Millennium Goals and the set of supplementary targets formulated at the WSSD Summit at Johannesburg (2002) relating to water, sanitation, chemicals, biodiversity, food and agriculture, and access to energy and renewables. Three subsidiary goals will be pursued:

The policy on drinking water and sanitation is outlined in the sector policy document entitled ‘Water supply and sanitation in developing countries’ (1997). The purpose of this policy is to improve access to drinking water and sanitation, focusing on integrated water management, institutional development, information on hygiene, user participation and gender equality, financial management and appropriate technology. Policy on the environment is chiefly designed to boost the ecological component of sustainable development. The policy on environment is outlined in the memorandum ‘Environment and poverty reduction’ (2001). Policy issues focused on are: cross-sectoral environmental themes linked to social and economic development; integrated water management; environmental assessment and related activities; sustainable management and the use of biodiversity and forests; combating desertification; climate policy; renewable energy; the urban environment; technological innovations; and other activities that promote ecological aspects of sustainable development in, or in partnership with developing countries. More attention will be given to incorporating all these issues into national policy, and to capacity building and integration within existing development programmes.

back | to top