1. Some general information
In accordance with the plan of the establishment of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (referred to hereafter as the Council), the Bureau Meeting of the Council was held in Beijing from Jan. 21 to 22, 1992. Present at the meeting were: Chairman of the Council Dr. Song Jian, who is State Councillor and Chairman of the Environmental Protection Commission of the State Council; International Vice-chairman Dr. Marcel Massé, who is the P resident of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and the two Vice-chairmen from the Chinese side, Mr. Qu Geping, who is the Administrator of the National Environmental Protection Agency and Vice-chairman of the Environmental Protection Commission of the State Council and Mr. Gu Ming, who is Vice-chairman o f the Legal Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress. The Council's Secretary-general, the advisors and the concerned members of the secretariat were also present as observers. Discussions were held on preparatory work, organization and other issues of relevance. An atmosphere of friendly cooperation prevailed at the meeting from the beginning to the end. Agreement to all the questions under discussion has been achieved. The meeting was a complete success with its aims realized.
2. The Chairman's speech and the adoption of the agenda
On behalf of the Chinses Government Dr. Song Jian, Chairman of the Council, made a speech at the opening session. In his speech, he gave a brief account of the preparations for the Council, expressed very high opinions on the preliminary preparatory work and his satisfaction over the qualifications, influence and extensive representation of both the Chinese and international members. He expressedo his agreement to the priority areas for research and for the Council's work in t he future. He believed that the establishment of the Council demonstrates concretely the fact that the Chinese Government will unswervingly carry out the policies of reform and opening to the outside world, and also shows clearly that the Chinese Government is willing to have extensive international cooperation on the integration of environment and development. He hoped that the Council would play an importana role in facilitating integration between the environment and economic development in China.
Vice-chairmen Dr. Massé, Prof. Qu Geping and Mr. Gu Ming also made statements. They, from different perspectives, expounded the importance of the integration between environment and economic development. They spoke highly of the significance of the establishment of the Council and expressed their sincere wish to cooperate for the Council's success.
The meeting agreed to the speeches made by the Chairman and Vice-chairmen and adopted the Agenda.
3. The Draft Terms of Reference
The Bureau agreed in principle to the Draft Terms of Reference submitted by the Secretariat. The Bureau considered that the Terms of Reference makes a clear introduction to the background of the Council, stipulated the nature, tasks, and objectives of the Council, and provides corresponding provisions for the functions of the Chairman, Vice-chairmen, Expert Working Groups and the Secretariat, and also puts forward essential measures for the fulfilment of the Council's objectives, such as organizational arrangements, financial support, and working methods, etc., all of which are feasible and convenient.
The Bureau also made some amendments to the Terms of Reference, They are mainly as follows:
(1) The term of service of the Council members will change from five years to three. However, they can continue their service if they are reelected. An arrangement for rotation will start after two years. As a result there will be mechanism t hat can not only produce continuity in work, but also ensure renewal.
(2) Candidates for Chairman and Vice-chairmen nominated by the Chinese government will be proposed to the members of the Council for their agreement. A letter signed by the Chairman, together with their curriculum vitae will be sent to the members for their comments. They will then be submitted to the meeting in April for approval.
(3) The documents agreed by the Bureau should be distributed to both the Chinese and international members. The Secretariat will be responsible for distribution among the Chinese members, and Mr. Martin Lees will liaise with the international members.
(4) Some appropriate amendments and readjustments for certain parts in the Terms of Reference were made. The Secretariat has been instructed to make changes accordingly.
4. The Draft Rules of Procedure
The Bureau agreed, in principle, to the Draft Rules of Procedure submitted by the Secretariat. The Bureau held that the document has not only ensured the efficiency of the Council's regular duties, but also gave consideration to flexibility and the renewal of the Council membership. Meanwhile, the Rules of Procedure ha s made specific provisions on the working procedure, methodology and other details and also expressed clearly the principle of cooperation on the basis of equality between the Chinese and international members, thus making it possible for t he systematization of the Council's work. Implementing the Rules of Procedure is an essential guarantee for the Council's effectiveness.
The Bureau Meeting proposed that the Rules of Procedure should be as detailed as possible and show farsightedness. The Bureau has entrusted Mr. Martin Lees to make further and appropriate amendments to the Rules of Procedure, together with the Secretariat and Vancouver Support Office, so as to incorporated the following points:
(1) The Bureau is composed of Chairman and Vice-chairmen. Both the Chinese and international advisors to the Secretariat, the Secretary-general of the Council and the head of the Vancouver Support Office will attend the meeting as observers.
(2) The Secretariat in NEPA is to handle the daily work of the Council. The Vancouver Support Office for the China Council is a supportive body for this project.
(3) The funds provided by Canada cover only part of the funds needed by the Council's activities. Additional funding will be required.
(4) The Secretariat will in addition appoint a treasurer, who, in consultation with the Vancouver Support Office, will recommend a budget to the Council for its activities. The Treasurer will report to the Council on the utilization of the funds.
5. The composition of the Council
The Bureau agreed, in principle, to the composition of the Council and expressed its satisfaction over the qualifications and influence of the present members. The Bureau held that the High-level personalities of the Council come from various fields related to environment and development, are enthusiastically involved in environmental protection, have a significant social influence and are broadly representative. Through their outstanding work, the Council is sure to offer constructive advice to promote the integration between environment and economy in China. In view of the importance played by the State Commission for Restructuring Economic Systems, the Bureau proposed that one of its leaders be invited to the Council as a member.
6. Expert Working Groups
The Bureau discussed the establishment of the Working Groups and decided to propose the seven priority areas listed in the Draft Terms of Reference for the consideration of the establishment of the Working Groups for the Council at its Inaugural Meeting. However, the Bureau proposed that the Working Groups should first be established in the following five areas: energy strategy and technology; monitoring, data collection and pollution control; scientific research, technologic al development and training; protection of biodiversity; and resource accounting and pricing policies. The Bureau requested the Secretariat to select a limited number of experts for the preparation of the Terms of Reference in the five area s. In view of the funds available, decisions will be made as to whether the five working groups should start at the same time, or whether three of them should launch their work first while the others would make preliminary studies before full-scale work is unfolded. The proposals above will be submitted to the Council for study and approval at the Inaugural Meeting in April. The recommendation of the members of the Working Groups should be carried out simultaneously with the preparation of the Terms of Reference. The leaders of the Working Groups will be decided upon after the Terms of Reference have been approved at the Inaugural Meeting.
7. The Inaugural Meeting of the Council and preliminary Agenda for the Meeting
The Bureau decided to hold the Inaugural Meeting from April 21 to 23. It agreed to the preliminary Agenda proposed by the Secretariat and entrusted the preparatory work to the Secretariat. The Bureau proposed that a list of the candidates for Chairman and Vice-chairmen, the Terms of Reference and the Rules of Procedure revised by the Bureau Meeting, and its proposal on priority working group areas should be submitted to the meeting in April. After discussion and approval the working groups could formally begin their work according to the approved plans. The Bureau also instructed the Secretariat to prepare three short papers on relevant environmental and development issues for presentation to the Inaugural Meeting of the Council. In addition, the Secretariat was charged with preparing a list of observers for the Chairmen to consider inviting to the Inaugural Meeting.
January, 22, 1992.