A/36/PV.41 General Assembly

Members will recall that at its thirty-fifth session the Assembly considered these items as separate items in the course of the same debate. May I take it that this is also the wish of the Assembly at the prese~t session'!

I should like at once to thank the Secretary-General for his excellent report in document N36/539 on the draft World Charter for Nature, and above all for the efforts he has made to implement resolution 35/7 of 30 October 1980.. 3. I should also like to thank the Director-General of UNEP, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and N~tural Resources [IUCN] and all the States which responded favourably to the wish expressed in resolution 35/7, because ultimately it was they that made possible the drafting of the excellent report by the Secretary- General. 4. It will be recalled that in resolution 35/7, the General Assembly "Solemnly invites Member States, in the exercise of thdr permanent sovereignty over their natural resources, to conduct their activities in recognition of the supreme importance of protecting natural systems, maintaining the balance and quality of nature and conserving natural resources, in the interests of present and future generations; NEW YORK "Invites Member States to communicate to the Secretary-General their views and comments on the draft World Charter for Nature and the efforts they are making in the conservation and protection of nature. " In reply to that request, 50 States members of the Organization of African Unity [OAU], at the thirty-seventh regular session of the Council of Ministers of the OAU at Nairobi, indicated the efforts they were making nationally, and adopted a resolution [see A/361487] which recommends the adoption of the draft World Charter for Nature by the General Assembly [see A/36/539] and is assuredly the expression of the common concern of those countries over the problems linked to the destruction of the ecosystems and attacks on the quality and balance of nature, as threats to life and to the economic, social and political structures of civilization. 5. Furthermore, 50 other Member States, among them 38 States from Asia, Europe and Latin America, had communicated their views and observations to the Secretary-General before 16 September 1981 [ibid.]. Other States have communicated their views and observations directly here and we shall make these available to the Secretary-General. Almost 90 of the 156 Member States have expressed their substantive observations on this question and support the drafting of an international code of conduct on the subject-a most striking manifestation of the vital importance that the international community attaches to the promotion and development of responsible and intelligent international co-operation to protect and safeguard the balance and quality of nature. 6. Aware of that fact, and supported by the comments of Member States, the Secretary-General, with the assistance of UNEP and IUCN, set up an Ad Hoc Group of Experts on the draft World Charter for Nature, which endeavoured to amplify the text on the basis of the important and positive proposals made by Member States. 7. Here may I thank all the States which have been good enough to make substantive observations on the draft World Charter for Nature and which have thus made a positive contribution to the enrichment of our debate, jn the interests of the international community. 8. The work of the Ad Hoc' Group of Experts, which met at Nairobi from 24 to 27 August 1981, produced a revised ven,ion of the draft World Charter for Nature, which the Secretary-General, in paragraph 7 of his report, recommends to the General Assembly for favourable consideration. 9. Since certain States did communicate their replies after 16 September 1981 and other States according to indications we have received will be submitting their observc.'tions in. the next few weeks, and since the report of the Secretary-General and the revised draft World Charter for Nature were transmitted to us only three days or so before ~e opening of the current debate, it seems only logical to us that all Member States should be given an 10. It is in that spirit that I have the honour and privilege, on behalf of the sponsors, to introduce draft resolution A/36/L.6. 11. In this draft resolution the General Assembly would: first, take note of the report of the Secretary-General, which contains a revised draft World Cl..arter for Nature, prepared on the basis of the comments and observations communicated by Member States before 16 September 1981, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 3517; secondly, invite Member States which have not yet done so to communicate their views and observations to the Secretary-General as soon as possible; thirdly, request the Secretary-General, in co-operation with UNEP and IUCN, to complete if necessary, on the basis of observations received from Member States, the revision of the draft World Charter for Nature and to submit a supplementary report to the General Assembly at its thirtyseventh session; fourthly, invite tbe Secretary-Geaeral to transmit to Member States the text of the report of the Ad HDC Group of Experts, containing the revised version of the draft charter, as well as any further observations by States, .with a view to appropriate consideration at the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly; and fifthly, decide to inc, llde in the provisional agenda of its thirty-seventh !Session an item entitled "Consideration and adoption of the revised draft World Charter for Nature: report of the Secretary-General". 12. I wish to take this oppormnity to emphasize once again in no uncertain terms the fact that the prodigious scientific and technological adventure of mankind-particularly, man's ability to master nature and the environment to satisfy his needs-that is to say, his ability to be and to remain the creator of civilization and culture, and all the artistic works which are today the pride of mankind in the four corners of the world-in a word, the creative genius of man-would not exist without nature. Life itself on earth, and its continuation, cannot conceptually be envisaged without nature or outside nature. Thus, when nature itself has radically deteriorated, it follows that vegetable and animal life also will have radically deteriorated. This is a somber prospect which should lead one and all to come to grips with the problem and to fulfil the duty to protect and conserve nature. Hence from that statement to the affirmation that there exists an indissoluble link between nature and life-with all that the latter implies in terms of culture and the values of culture-requires only a short and easily taken step, inasmuch as that affirmation is not subject to controversy. 13. If we destroy and modify nature to the extent of substantially affecting the balance of the ecosystems, we shaH affect life on earth and run the risk of doing away , with man's ability to be and to remain the creator of civilizations and cultures. Already there are regions of the world where savannahs and forests have disappeared in the wake of desertification and drought; man is seeking new sites for existence and supplies. To conserve and protect nature is thus to maintain and prolong life on earth and, thereby, ensure man's continuity and creative genius. 14. That is the profound meaning and scope of the draft World Charter for Nature, which the Republic of Zaire 15. May I also be allowed to say that the Republic of Zaire belongs to the group of developing countries whose every effort is designed to en'sure the progress of their peoples, the acquisition of aptitudes and capabilities that will enable them to master their environment and to transform it positively to satisfy their essential needs-in short, their development. This draft resolution is not intended to halt progress or to prohibit anyone from taking the necessary measures for development; nor do we seek here to direct our actions against any particular plan or activity in a given country. What we are doing is stressing the balance of the ecosystems that has to be maintained and protected if we are to safeguard the quality of life for our species. 16. History teaches us that in the process of the transformation of nature for the satisfaction of man's essential needs, responsibility must be shown. We must avoid abuses and anything that might bring about the collapse of the economic, social and political structures of civilization. It is, therefore, a question of mastering progress while avoiding useless destruction. 17.. Pollution, destruction, modification of nature caused by wars and other acts of hostility which do not spare the environment-and, therefore, nature-as well as by the excesses of growth for the sake of growth, are €vils plaguing mankind today. It is, the~fore, the duty of every member of the international community to see to it that nature, which is the primary condition of life and the existence of the vegetable and animal kingdoms, is conserved and maintained in a permanent and renewable manner when used to satisfy the needs of mankind. ~ 18. During the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly, certain statements on this issue seemed to us to create, or introduce, confusion regarding the terms "nature", "environment" and "natural resources", in particular. Therefore, I should clarify the situation, if only a little. 19. In biology, environment is the space which immediately surrounds the cells of living organisms, and with which living beings carry out constant exchanges of substance or energy which make them more or less dependent on it. Every living being is thus the, result of the interaction of two essential components: heredity and environment. The milieu, in the broad sense, means all influences which do not originate from genes. These influences may derive in particular from normal life, climate, soil, food, upbringing, social life and so on. In biology, therefore, the milk_ .nay be synonymous with the biotope. 20. In geography, the milieu is the set of physical characteristics which influence the existence of living ~~ings on the earth's surface. The extension of research on the concept of the geographical milieu to the relationships 21. On the other hand, nature is composed of all that exists-living beings and objects-linked together in a fundamental balance underpinning life. It is thus also a principle regarded as an active force as distinct from man's creations. At the same time as it constitutes the expression of this force, nature shares in the very essence of living beings and objects as much as in the fundamental balance linking them together. 22. It is nature which is pivotal here, since what is involved is the safeguarding and maintenance of the stability and quality of nature, while simultaneously ensuring its protection and conservation. It is not a question here of natural re~ources or of imposing bans on rational exploitation for the benefit of States. 23. It was thus that in resolution 35/7 the General Assembly specifically reaffirmed the principle of the full and permanent sovereignty of States over their natural resources, in order to remove any ambiguity. 24. But here, too, it should be made clear that the principle of the full and permanent sovereignty of States over their natural resources noted in the relevant resolutions of the sixth special session of the General As~~mbly draws its importance from the implication that the key to l:hange, to desirable economic transformations and modifications, lies henceforth in the hands of the developing countries, but that the wielding of this latent power or right is still hampered by the international political and economic. order prevailing at present. It suggests that the developing countries may henceforth embark on certain positive, corrective actions in order to deal with the problems they face, subject to respect for the principles on which the new international economic order will be built. 25. Finally, it follows that the principle of the full and permanent sovereignty of States over their natural resources cannot be set against joint initiatives which aim precisely at rectifying the aberration's of the past or of the world today and which are in favour of international cooperation in particular in order to safeguard the stability of ecosystems and the quality of nature. 26. General Assembly resolution 3517, which contams a timely recapitulation (If the principles and considerations which justify the adoption of a world charter for nature and the present and future need for it, constitutes an important contribution on the part of the intelllational community to maintaining the vital stability and quality of natur~ and an expression of the concern that this problem evokes in all mankind. The time has therefore come to translate this concern of the international community into practical action through the adoption of the draft World Charter for Nature which has been submitted to the United Nations and all the States of the world. 27. The Republic of Zaire appeals to all Member States, in the name of the survival of our species, in the name of the maintenance of man's creative genius, in the name of 29. With regard to the item cCilcerning the historical responsibility of Sta':es for the preservation of nature, we have from the outset pointed out that this arose as a result of a viewpoint and approach different from ours, since it was included within the context of the question of the continuation and intensification of the arms nice, in so far as they can adversely affect the human environment and damage the vegetable and animal world. We did not wish to place the blame on any particular cause of destruction or to minimize others, nor did we wish to take up such a disquieting subject in a spirit of polemics or confrontation. 30. Furthermore, the approach underlying the inclusion of that item had the aim of inducing States to adopt legislative, administrative, judicial and other national measures for the preservation of nature in the interest of present and future generations. That approach is legitimate but in our opinion, however legitimate it may be, it does not cover every aspect of the problem, and that is what justified the different approach we took in the text submitted at the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. The draft resolution we are submitting, which does not come within the context of the arms race, of growth for the sake of growth or of the industrialization race, deals with the problem on neutral grounds and insists on the urgency of the adoption of an international code of conduct whereby States would reaffirm their commitment to refrain from actions that m~ght damage ecosystems or the quality and balance of nature, that is to say, actions which ultimately threaten man's life on earth and all that man holds dear. 3I. In requesting the Secretary-General to submit his report on the historical responsibility of States for the preservation 0 of nature as seen from the viewpoint of the continuation and intensification of the arms race, for consideration at the second special session on disarmament, draft resolution A/36/L.7, submitted by the Soviet Union and other States, undoubtedly gives this question its true direction. 32. In that context and at that time we shall have an opportunity to state our views on the merits of this question, and we wish to indicate that that is a legitimate con~ cem of the sponsors of the draft resolution, to which the delegation of Zaire has no objection.

It is indeed a great pleasure to follow the representative of Zaire to speak in .support of draft resolution A/36/L.6 on the draft World Charter for Nature, of whic~ Pakistan is a sponsor. 34. As a member of a Government with responsibility for the development of rural areas, I should like to focus on the important issues involved, which have a vital bearing on the long-term well-being of our planet. 3'0. I intend in the course of my statement this afternoon to highlight the purposes for which this item has been placed on the agenda of the General Assembly and to concentrate on the reasons for which this body is maintaining its interest and involvement in conserving the natural resources of this planet and maintaining that balance and quality of nature which is vital to our present and future generations. 37. Much of the time and energy of Governments and international organizations is devoted to problems of war and peace and of social and economic issues that seem to occupy the forefront of their attention. This is natural, and I would not wish to suggest any different order of priorities. At the same time, the Governments of Member States have a responsibility, individually and collectively, to keep in view the essential life-support systems of this planet on which human survival and development depend. 38. As a result of the growth of populations and of national and international efforts for the exploitation of resources, certain tendencies have developed which collectively could be described as plundering our planet. Through wanton destruction of forests and of various species of animals the established ecological balance and the genetic diversity of life are seriously threatened. The quest for goals for agricultural and industrial progress has too often led to the negiect and even flagrant violation of environmental factors. 39. As a developing country Pakistan has been according a very high priority to maintaining a tempo of economic growth that will ensurethe progress and prosperity of our people. In carrying out various projects and programmes we have progressively recognized that it is extensively important to protect the natural environment and even to forgo certain immediate gains in the interests of long-term objectives. There has been widespread occurrence of excessive interference with nature through such steps as the removal of vegetal cover or the virtual destruction of certain species of animal life. Not only have there been such consequences as the loss of productive topsoil through erosion but also precious species of wildlife have been endangered. 40. The delegation of Pakistan welcomed the inclusion of the item on the draft World Charter for Nature in the agenda of the thirty-fifth session and supported the initiative of Zaire in seeking the adoption of a world charter for nature. My delegation has also been heartened to note that 50 Governments sent their comments and observations in response to the request from the Organization. We endorse the revised version of the draft World Charter for Nature which has been prepared on· the basis of the replies received from Member States. My delegation hopes that other Member States that have not yet sent their views or recommendations will do so in order to 42. The principles for the conservation of our environment that are contained in the draft World Charter for Nature are not only unexceptionable but, indeed, vital to the future well-being of mankind. The system of organizations encompassed by the United Nations is concerned largely with what may be called traditional problems. The only organization that concerns itself with the environment was among the last to come into being. We who debate the world's political and economic concerns do well to take up the subjects on our agenda today. That there are not all that many delegations inscribed to speak reflects, I hope, not a lack of interest but a certain unanimity of views in support of the objectives of the draft World Charter for Nature. Nobody can disagree with the need to improve and systematize our exploitation of forests, grazing lands and the soil, so that our natural heritage is preserved and future generations assured of a continuity of vital supplies. 43. Posterity will judge and evaluate man's creativity, his genius and his perceptions for innovation as much by his advancement in technology as by his ability to sustain the ecological and biological balance of systems that will allow for the preservation and protection of the quality of. life for the future well-being of mankind.

The present era is frequently labelled a nuclear period, an outer space era or a technological one. All of these labels. are entirely justified. They are a reflection of impressive achievements in scientific and technological progress which have en&bled man to expand the capacity of his creative activities inte the expanses of the universe and into the depths of microscience. The word "impossible~' is gradually disappearing from the dictionaries of scientists. However, in no single direction do we find any alternative to Earth and its natural environment as a place for man to inhabit. Our planet is the common-and for the foreseeable future the onlyhome for mankind. 45. Although man has been unable to find a home for himself apart from Earth, he has nevertheless acquired the ability to destroy that home and to call into question the very existence of his own kind. That is precisely what could result from a thermonuclear catastrophe if it were 110t prevented by the immediate common efforts of States. In other words, already today the activities of man in one sphere-that of military preparations, the sophistication andaccumulation of weapons, in particular nuclear weapons-have led to results which threaten man's very existence. 46. No other aspect of the global problem of the preservation and protection of man's natuntl environment is as urgent as the elimination of the threat of war. It was indeed this aspect of the problem that was dealt with at the previous ses~ion of the General Assembly in resolution 35/8 of 30 October 1980, which was adopted as a result 47. Justifiable concern in connection with the damaging effects of the anns race and the nuclear threat on the environment and man's activities is being voiced with increasing frequency by scientists. It may be recalled, for instance, that a message was addressed to the b-ads of all Governments and to the United Nations by the participants in the First International Congress of Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which took place here in the United States in March 1981. That message declared: ''Advances in -technology in the twentieth cent.ury have benefited man, but have also cre~ted deadly instruments of mass destruction. The enormous accumulation of nuclear weapons -has made the world less secure. A nuclear conflict would ravage life on earth." Similar statements on the prevention of nuclear war have been made by American and, subseq'~ently, West German physicians. 48. From numerous studies and appraisals by scientists the conclusion is inescapable that in the light of the sum total of the various negative effects on nature and other problems the arms race must be considered the human activity with the most pernicious and dangerous effects on the environment. There is a complete contradiction between the protection of the environment and the arms race. The solution of the most important ecological problem at the present time has been greatly complicated as a result of the arms race, which absorbs huge material resour~es, especially given its increasing tempo and scale. 49. Nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction present a special threat. Tests of atomic and thermonuclear weapons had led in the early 1960s, as is well known, to a persistent problem of radioactive pollution over the whole surface of the earth. After the conclusion of the Treaty 'Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the-Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water, in Moscow in 1963,2 that decreased, but the danger of radioactive pollution of the planet has not been totally eliminated. In spite of the clearly displayed will of the peoples, here and there from time to time nuclear mushrooms do rise skywards and then distribute their fall-out over huge areas. 51. The aggressive war which the United States conducted in Indo-China showed that even in ecologically stable areas destruction has long-term effects and that over a long period rehabilitation is not possible. This is clear from the data that can be found, for instance, in the report of the Executive Director of UNEP on the state of the environment for 1980.3 During the Viet Nam war herbicides totally destroyed 1,500 square kilometres of mango plantations and an area equal to 15,000 square kilometres was partially destroyed. The restoration of the natural environment is still proceeding at a very slow pace. 52. In circumstances of scientific and technological revolution, it is entirely possible also that in the near future we shall have new types of weapons that wiH be ~ven more damaging than all those now known to mankind. Thus, for instance, the neutron bomb, which has been claimed by some politicians to be a "clean" weapon, can do serious damage to the environment. According to UNEP, in the report I mentioned earlier, an explosion of a. nelltron bomb with a power of 1 kiloton at an altitude of 200 metres above the surface of the earth would result in the destruction of various types of micro-organisms over an area of 40 hectares; insects over an area of 100 hectares; reptiles and other fonns of life over an area of 330 hectares; many types of plants over an area of 350 hectares; and mammals and birds over an area of 490 hectares. That is what that so-called "clean" weapon is all about. 53. Those are a few of the consequences for the environment of the accumulation of military arsenals; and the more perfect a weapon becomes, the more threatening it becomes for mankind. 54. Although military activities have the most destructive effect upon the natural environment surrounding us, the solution of the problem of the preservation of nature also calls for a serious study of other circumstances which can produce negative modifications in the environment. 55. Great alarm has been aroused concerning pollution, which has reached a noticeable level throughout the whole of our planet and in some regions has acquired proportions that are a danger to the health of man, to vegetation and to the animal world. 56. Also alarming are other aspects of the negative effects upon nature, such as, for instance, the destruction of tropical forests. Such destruction seriously threatens to upset the oxygen balance in t~ie atmosphere. Other as- 58. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR, in June 1980, adopted, after general discussion throughout the country, two new laws concerning the protection of the air in the atmosphere and the protection and use of the animal world. In the period from 1976 to 1980, planning began on measures to protect the environment within the framework of annual and five-year plans for the development of the national economy. Reporting has been introduced on those questions. A network of controls has been set up concerning the level of sources of pollution. At present systematic observations of air purity are being carried out in more than 450 cities. The legal rule8 covering the protection of the environment have been improved, and in a number of Republics of the Union, State Ccmmittees for the protection of nature have been set up or strengthened and a Red Book of the USSR has been published. 59. The document adopted at the XXVI Congress of the Communist Peuty of the Soviet Union "The basic orientation of the social and economic development of the USSR for 1981 to 1985 and for the period up until 1990" classified ecological problems as the most important problems, the solution of which will determine the further progress of Soviet society. 60. At the same time, the Soviet Union is systematically coming out in favour of the broad development of international co-operation in the preservation of the nature of the earth. We note with great satisfaction that recently it has been possible to achieve a whole series of international agreements which contribute to the protection of the environment. Great significance, in that connection, should be assigned to the Moscow Treaty on banning the testing of nuclear weapons in three environments. Another important measure was the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, which came into force in 1978 [resolution 31172, annex]. Positive results have also been brought about by the High-level Meeting on the Protection of the Environment, which was held at Geneva in November 1979. The meeting, convened at the initiative of the USSR, in accordance with the Helsinki Agreements,4 has become an important landmark on the way to ' international co-operation in this activity, which is important for all countries and especially for the people of such a densely populated and industrially developed continent as Europe. The documents adopted then provide a genuine and serious basis for practical joint action and are a clear example of international co-operation in this sphere. 61. The interim report of the Secretary-General on the historical responsibility for the preservation of nature for present and future generations [A/361532 and Corr.I] is a. 62. Representatives have before them for their consideration draft resolution A!36/L.7. The sponsors of that draft resolution proceed from the premise that the General Assembly must request the Secretary-General, with the co-operation of UNEP, to complete the preparation, on the basis of the studies now in progress and of the views expressed by States on this subject, of a report containing recommendations for the acceptance by States of specific obligations and for the adoption by States of specific m~asures relating to the protection of nature from the pernicious effects of the anns race and to the limitation and proilibition of types of military activity which present the greatest danger for nature; and to submit that report to the General Assembly at the second special session devoted to disannament. The Soviet Union has great respect for and very seriously considers the proposals of other States which are aimed at the preservation of the environment. In so doing, we have on the whole a positive attitude towards the idea of a world charter for nature, which has been put forward by the Government of Zaire, and we support draft resolution A/36/L.6. 63. We are convinced that the solution of the problems of the environment, as well as the solution of other global problems of modem times, are intimately connected to the task of the elimination of the military threat and the bridling and the reversal of the anns race. Peace is a necessary condition for any human progress; indeed, at the present time it is a necessary condition for the very existence of human civilization. 64. The struggle against the military threat is the most urgent and the most necessary direction for efforts to preserve the environment and to solve all other global problems. Without genuine steps to limit the anns race and bring about disannament, it is not possible to expect a solution of many questiens upon which the social and economic development of mankind depends, including the protection of the ecological environment. As for the Soviet Union, we are ready constructively to co-operate with other States in the achievement of these important goals. 65. Mr. arT (German Democratic Republic) (interpretation from Russian): My delegation welcomes the inclusion in the agenda of the thirty-sixth session of the item entitled "Historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations". A year ago the German Democra~ic Republic supported the adoption at the thirty-fifth session of resolution 35/8, devoted to one of the most important problems facing mankind. 66. There is no doubt that international co-operation is acquiring increasing significance in the preservation and protection of the environment. In the atmosphere of political detente favourable conditions were produced in which it was possible to embark upon the solving of these international problems. We recall the establishment of UNEP, the successful holding of the High-level Meeting on the Protection of the Environment within the framework of ECE and such disannament agree~ents as the Treaty 67. In the complex international atmosphere which now exists it is particularly important for all States conscientiously' to carry out the obligations assumed under those instruments and to strive for the conclusion of further agreements for the protection of the environment. This flows from their responsibility for the comprehensive protection and strengthening of peace and for the preservation of the human environment. The policy of confrontation now being followed by those in aggressive imperialist circles strongly conflicts with that. The arms race not only lessens the security of States and deprives mankind of enormous resources for economic and social development, but also is a serious threat to nature itself. It does immediate harm to nature and consumes enormous resources which could have been used for the preservation and protection of the environment. This was emphasized in the UNEP report on the state of the environment in 19803 and in UNEP's study entitled The Effects of Weapons on Ecosystems. 5 68. We must be clear that, if the arms race continues. it will become very difficult, perhaps even impossible. to carry out the most important tasks in the preservation and protection of the environment now facing mankind. The ending of the arms race and the carrying out of disarmament would assist in providing the right international conditions and would liberate the material resources for the solution of urgent environmental problems. It might be possible, for example, to prevent significant harmful effects upon nature if it were possible to achieve progress in the negotiations on the cessation of the nuclear arms race and to reach agreement on the prohibition of all nuclearweapon tests. Moreover, such urgently needed measures as the prohibition of chemical and radiological weapons and of the development of new types and systems of weapons of mass destruction could certainly have a positive effect upon nature and the whole of man's environment. 69. All this is even further confirmation of the Importance and timeliness of the proposals submitted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the USSR during the general debate [7th meeting] on the adoption of a declaration on the prevention of nuclear catastrophe and a treaty on the prohibition of the stationing of weapons of any kind in outer space. The German Democratic Republic welcomes those proposals. We also expect that the arrangements between the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the USSR and the Secretary of State of the United States on the beginning of negotiations will lead to genuine progress on the limitation and reduction of nuclear weapons in Europe. 70. The study on the relationship between disarmament and development [A/36/356], submitted a few weeks ago, correctly mentions the need to study seriously the adverse effects of military activities upon the environment. It is desirable that the organs and organizations of the United 72. My delegation believes that it would be useful if these studies involved UNESCO, IAEA, WHO and WMO and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. 73. In our opinion, special attention should be paid to the recommendation in that decision that at the second special session devoted to disarmament the General Assembly should consider the question of the impact of the arms race on nature. 74. International co-operation on the question of the environment should include the practical application of rational and effective means of restoring and improving the economic use made of the potential of nature. However, these tasks require the development of the process of detente, disarmament and mutually profitable peaceful cooperation between States. In this connection, the German Democratic Republic is devoting great attention to the systematic implementation of measures adopted at the High-level Meeting on the Protection of the Environment. We expect that UNEP will also support the introduction of the documents adopted by that Meeting and take appropriate steps to make it possible for other regions in the world to make use of the experience gained. 75. The German Democratic Republic believes that it will be necessary in future to intensify the co-ordinating role of UNEP in regard to all activities related to the pres- ervation of the environment being undertaken within the United Nations system. In this connection we welcome the convening in 1982 of the tenth session of the Govern- ing Council, which will be a special one. 76. The maintenance of peace is and will remain the principal task of our time. The international situation clearly demonstrates that there will be no progress in the solving of global pmblems concerning the preservation and protection of the environment as long as genuine dan- gers and threats of the destruction of our planet in a dev- astating nuclear war remain and are intensified. 77. The implementation of a resolution on the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations would give a new impetus to the struggle for peace and the elimination of the threat of a nuclear war, and to international co-operation to pre- serve the environment. The German Democratic Republic is ready to make every effort in carrying out this'truly historical task.

The Hungarian delegation attaches great importance to General Assembly resolution 35/8, which affirms the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations. The primary significance of that resolution consists in its stressing not only the need to solve environmental problems, which are themselves of great im- 79. While trying to harness nature in a purposeful manner and to transform it according to his needs, man, as part of nature, may bring about chal1ges in the environment the consequences of which he is not always able to foresee or to predict. If intervention in nature even in pursuit of peaceful purposes such as production, comfort and leisure, and so on, requires a particular measure of care and foresight, it is all the more understandable that military actions which subordinate everything to the requirements of the rapid conduct of operations and the success of warfare and often grow into an uncontrollable process may cause incalculable and irreparable damage to the human environment. The existf'nce of weapons of mass destruction has created a new situation compared to the last war. Therefore, at a time when certain imperialist circles, seeking possibilities for the use of weapons of mass destruction, have created a new doctrine professing the admissibility and possibility of a limited nuclear war and have ordered the manufacture of the neutron bomb, for the cruel mass destruction of human beings as a part of nature, it is particularly important to set limits to the arms race and to reduce the danger of war from the point of view of environmental protection also. 80. Military actions do not entail harmful consequences for. nature in time of war only, however. Flora and fauna and the infrastructure are directly damaged and destroyed; the human environment, air, soil and water are poisoned by numerous military activities, such as the production, testing and manufacture of weapons, in times of peace also. The conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty that would put an end to nUclear-weapon tests both in the atmosphere-where, unfortunately, they are continued even today-and under ground would be a step of paramount importance in the safeguarding of nature. Further and more resolute efforts are also needed to reach agreements on the prohibition of the development, manufacture and stockpiling of such weapons of mass destruction, both old and new, as chemical and radiological weapons. 81. The new Soviet initiatives on the prohibition of the stationing of weapons of any kind in outer space and on the declaration that to resort first to the use of nuclear weapons will be committing the gravest crime against humanity are also of great importance for the protection and preservation of the environment. The adoption and application of these proposals would at the same time represent progress towards the taking of effective environmental action. Such agreements would contribute to bringing about a more tranquil international atmosphere, which is also indispensable for full-scale international co-operation in coping with the general tasks of environmental protection. Therefore we believe there is a need for all Governments with a sense of responsibility to take resolute action to halt the unfavourable tendencies in the international situation and to maintain the achievements of detente and if possible develop them further. 82. We welcome decision 9/4 adopted by the Governing Council of UNEP at this year's session. It provides that UNEP regularly analyse the harmful effects of the arms race on nature and that its findings be incorporated in its medium-term environment programme. At the same time, however, we state with regret that the overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations have failed to respond to a request by the Executive Director of 89. That is why the People's Republic of Bulgaria supported resolution 35/8, which was adopted at the thirty- . fifth session of the General Assembly on the initiative of the Soviet Union, regarding the historical responsibility of 84. In view of these considerations the Hungarian delegation believes it to be important for the General Assembly to adopt a resolution that will permit continued examination of the subject and promote substantive progress and inter-State co-operation. Therefore we support the Soviet initiative in draft resolution A/36/L.7, of which we are a sponsor and which we recommend for adoption by the General Assembly.

- The question of the preservation of nature for present and future generations, the establishment of a harmonious relationship between society and the environment, has rightly captured the attention of the United Nations. Thus it is a global problem affecting the vital interests of all States and all peoples without exception, a problem to which there can be no solution without the efforts of all countries-large or small, developed or developing-on the basis of broad international co-operation. 86. The responsible and consistent attitude of the Peopie's Republic of Bulgaria in respect of these problems was once more confirmed at the recent meeting in the Crimea. of the heads of Party and State of the People's Republic of Bulgaria a~d of the USSR, Todor Zhivkov and Leonid Brezhnev, who declared that they are in favour of the joint efforts of all States to remedy all the global problems of mankind, including those of the protection of the environment. 87. The problem of the preservation of nature is in general closely linked to that of the cessation of the arms race. That link is manifested in several aspects. First, the arms race, in particular in the present tense international situation, is leading to an increase in th;; danger of a world nuclear conflict which would have catastrophic and irreparable effects on mankind and the environment. Secondly, even in times of peace the accumulation and stockpiling of enormous reserves of nuclear weapons and other means of mass destruction, as well as the manufacture of . new types of weapons of mass destruction and new systems for these weapons and tests of all these weapons, can cause grave damage to the environment. Thirdly, the establishment of broad international co-operation as the only means of solving global and complex ecological problems will be possible only when the arms race is halted and international tension reduced. 8.8. In the final analysis, the cessation of the arms race and the implementation of measures for real disarmament will undoubtedly release resources that could be used for the economic development of peoples, including the solution of pressing ecological problems. 90. The delegation of Bulgaria considers that the first step has been taken towards an awareness of the vast danger that looms over our planet and that flows directly from the continuing arms race as one of the most decisive factors affecting the environment. There is in this case an irreconcilable contradiction. Indeed, the arms race not only is linked to the wasting of enormous material resources but, as I have already pointed out, greatly hampers, not to say makes impossible, international co-operation on ecological problems. The policy of military circles in certain States members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO], which has as its consequence the complication of the international situation and the accumulation of weapons as well as the establishment of an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility in international relations, simply further hampers co-operation in ecology. 91. We support the many-faceted activities of UNEP designed to preserve nature and the subsequent development of international co-operation in this field. My country takes an active part in such activities. 92. At the same time, in the opinion of my Government, UNEP, on the basis of resolution 35/8 and the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment,6 should diversify and broaden its activities, which should include, at different levels, not only regular research on the effects of military activities in time of peace on ecosystems but action and measures to preserve nature and widen international co-operation in that field. On these lines, we could consider the organization of symposia, seminars and other scienttfic forums with the participation of government experts and representatives of international governmental and non-governmental organizations concerned. 93. It seems particularly necessary for the Secretary- General to continue, with the active assistance of UNEP, the work of preparing a report for the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament. In onr opinion, that report should include recommendations to States to take concrete measu--es, including legislative measures, to protect nature against the harmful effects of the arms race and to limit or prohibit the military activities that are most dangerous for nature. Draft resolution A/36/L.7, of which my country is a sponsor, is designed to achieve those objectives. 94. As regards my country, the People's RepUblic of Bulgaria, I should like to inform delegations that the preservation of nature and the improvement of the environment constitute a well-established policy regulated by the Constitution. In application of this constitutional obligation, my Government has set up a whole systLrn of specialized bodies which, from the Council of State to the individual communities, have as a major concern environmental problems. What is more, with the assistance of mass organizations, these problems are increasingly becoming a task for the entire nation. Perhaps it would be suitable simply to mention the fact that in the current five-year plan the budget allocated for the protection and renewal of the environment amounted to 1 billion leva. ShOl~ld be continued by filling certain gaps and by more specific wording to certain provisions. It is also necessary that the purposes and principles of the Charter, as well as' the fundamental principles for the protection of nature, be . defined more clearly. An appropriate place. should be . found for the questions of peace and disarmament as necessary conditions for the realization of the purposes of the Charter. My delegation is prepared to support draft resolution A/36/L.6. 96. In conclusion I should like to reaffirm the wish of I.llY country te participate actively in international co-operation for the protection of the environment. It was in that spirit that Todor Zhivkov recently stated: "We extend our hand to all peoples and to all countries, large and small, and to all political parties for cooperation, not only political, economic and cultural but also ecological, so that the earth, the mother of us all, may give forth fruits in abundance to us as well as to future generations".

The protection of man's environment is one of the most urgent global problems, calling for close international co-operation. tn view of this, the delegation of the Byelorussian SSR, together with many other delegations, actively supported the inclusion in the agenda of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly of the item proposed by the Soviet Union entitled "Historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations". It has also taken a .positive attitude towards the initiative of Zaire concerning the drafting of a world charter for nature. . 98. The Byelorussian SSR, which actively participates in the work of UNEP as a member of its Governing· Council, is among those States which have responded to the request of the Executive Director and sent proposals on the substance of the problem for the preparation of a report, as called for in General Assembly resolution 35/8 to be submitted by the Secretary-Gen~ral on·the question of the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of °nature. An interim report on this matter has been submitted to the General Assembly at this session. My delegation views· favourably tbe efforts of the Executive Director of UNEP in preparing that report. It is worthy of note that in. the report it is demonstrated quite clearly that . the question of the protection of nature is very closely connected with the cessation of the arms race and the improvement of the international political climate, without mentioning the fact that in the event of a nuclear war the whole of the biosphere of out planet, and indeed mankind itself, would be placed on the verge of destruction. 99. Even in peace-time~ the increasing scale of the production of nuclear weapons and the other most recent forms of weapons of mass destruction is accompanied by processes which are harmful to living organisms, including all kinds of wastes which pollute the soil, the water and th~ air. Equally dangerous for man and for his environment are the storage and transport and especially the testing of weapons of this type. 100. As has been frequently stated in th~ American press, for instance, the armed forces of the United States, 101. The Soviet Union and other countries of the socialist community are making specific proposals on the most relevant aspects of the question of the cessation of the arms race and the elimination of the threat of the outbreak of war. The implementation of the proposals would at the same time mean also the establishment of the most favourable conditions for the preservation of nature, including conditions for fruitful international co-operation for the protection of the environment, without which mankind simply cannot resolve this global problem. In this context, it is necessary to examine the proposals introduced by the Soviet Union at the 7th meeting for consideration at the present session of the General Assembly concerning the adoption of a declaration of the prevention of a nuclear catastrophe and on the concluding of a treaty to prohibit the 'stationing of weapons of any kind in outer space. 102. .I should like to point out that the report in document A/36/532 is incomplete, precisely concerning such important aspects of the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature as the cessation of the nuclear arms race and disarmament. In particular, provision should have been made for an examination of the situation concerning the implementation of principle 26 of the Declaration of the Stockholm United Nations Conference on the· Human Environment,6 which relates to the protection of man and preservation of the environment and to prevention of the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction and the early concluding of an agreement on" the elimination and total destruction of such types of weapons. The report should have contained recommendations to States concerning the adoption of specific obligations and m~asures relating to the protection of the environment against the destructive effects of the arms race, as well as the limitation and prohibition of all types of military activity which are most threatening to nature. 103. It is therefore necessary to request the Secretary- General to complete, with the assistance of UNEP, the preparation of a report on the question of the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature, on the basis of the studies that have been conducted and the views of States on this question. My delegation shares the view expressed in paragraph 25 of the aforementioned report of the Secretary-General concerning the desirability of submitting an updated report at the ~econd special session on disarmament to be held in the summer of next year; 104." Proceeding from the foregoing, the delegation of the Byelorussian -SSR llas become a sponsor of draft resolution A/36/L.7 and invites all delegations to support it. 105. Moreover, my delegation considea; it necessary for UNEP in future also to devote due attention to the question of the connection between the protection of the environment and the limitation of the arms race and disar-' 106. The protection of nature on Earth is not to be boiled down to measures to prevent the harmful effects on nature of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. That is why we support the idea of the elaboration and adotltion of a world charter for nature. In answer to the request of the Secretary-General, the Byelorussian SSR has sent its proposals concerning the substance of the draft World Charter for Nature [see A/36/539]. We hope that these proposals will be taken into account in the completion of the work on a charter.

At the last session of the General Assembly, on the initiative of the Soviet Union and a number of other countries, resolution 35/8 was adopted, entitled "Historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations". On the initiative of Zaire and a large number of other developing countries, resolution 35/7 was adopted on the draft World Charter for Nature. 108. The adoption of these resolutions, in our opinion, once again has clearly emphasized the acuteness of the problem of protecting the human environment and, at the same time, the need to make active efforts to solve this truly global problem which affects all mankind. 109. Quite clearly, man's activities, especially in pres~nt conditions of scientific and technical revolution, are having an increasing effect upon· the environment. The preservation of the world's nature is· connected with various problems, including economic, social, military and other problems. A special danger here, in our opinion, is posed by the continuing arms race, whiCh is proceeding at a rapid pace. 110. One cannot fail to agree with the conclusions of the Executive Director of UNEP, who, in paragraph 140 of his report on the state of the environment for 1980, emphasizes that: "It can be stated without hesitation that the questions of disarmament, development and environmental protection are closely linked and represent some of the most important issues before the international community today. Development can hardly proceed at the required pace and a healthy environment cannot be guaranteed amidst a widening and constantly escalating arms race. Moreover, development and environmental efforts are threatened by the armaments, especially nuclear weapons already stockpiled, the use of which either by intent or in error or sheer madness would I severely jeopardize mankind's very existence."3 Ill. The serious threat of the arms race to the environment has also been referred to by decision 9/4 of 25 May 1981 of the Governing Council of UNEP, in which it is proposed to include in the medium-term programme on ecosystems submitted by the Executive Director a periodic analysis of the effects of the arms race on nature and to ask the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at the second special session on disarmament a 113. We proceed from the premise that the adoption of concrete, practical measures to halt the arms race and to bring abqut disarmament would contribute not only to a decrease in the pernicious effects upon the natural environment, but also to the solution of global and regional problems concerning the protection and preservation of nature upon our planet. 114. Largely as a result of the efforts of the socialist countries, in recent years a number of international agreements have been concluded which have a direct bearing upon the protection of nature on Earth. The Mongolian delegation especially emphasizes the significance of the 1963 Moscow Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water. A further increase in the effectiveness of that international legal document through its total universalization is more and more relevant, especially in the light of China's continuing testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. 115. Also of great significance in this respect is the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies [resolution 2222 (XX/), annex]. An important step was the approval at the thirtyfirst session of the General Assembly of the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques. That Convention, which came into force in 1978, can, in our opinion. serve as a basis for a broad degree of international coopf.ration in the protection of the environment, thereby providing the necessary conditions for the' gradual elimination of the causes of an ecological crisis. 116. An important step on the way to the development of international co-operation in this particularly important sphere for all peoples was the meeting held at Geneva in 1979 on the protection of the environment, and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution,7 which provides for measures to prevent air pollution, which were elaborated at that meeting. 117. The preservation and protection of nature is one of my country's central activities. This is stated in detail in the reply of the Government of the Mongolian People's Republic to the request made by the Secretary-General. The Mongolian People's Republic, as well as the other socialis~ countries, guided by the constant concern for the health and welfare of mankind, is conducting a comprehensive series of measures for the preservation and improvement of the environment and the protection of the country's natural resources. 118. As Comrade Tsedenbal emphasized at the eighteenth session of the congress of the Mongolian Revolutionary Party in May 1981: 119. There is a provision in the Basic Law of the Mongolian People's Republic to the effect that the earth and its subsoil, the forests and water and the· wealth related to it are the common patrimony of the State-in other words, the heritage of all. Mongolian citizens are obliged to protect nature and to protect its wealth. This constitutional principle has been further reflected in the laws adopted by the Great People's Khural of the Mongolian People's Republic, concerning the use of the earth and its subsoil and its water, plant, animal and other resources. 120. Having acquainted ourselves with thc.~ interim report of the Secretary-General, our delegation expresses its agreement with his proposal that he should continue to solicit the views of Governments and that, with the as- . sistance of the United Nations Centre for Disarmament and UNEP, he should convene a small group of experts to review a summary of the views of Governments and to prepare recommendations on further steps to give effect to resolution 35/8. We also support the proposal that the Secretary-General should then prepare pn appropriate report to be submitted to the General Assembly at the second special session devoted to disarmament. 121. Those two basic ideas are inciuded in draft resolution N36/L.7, which is co-sponsored by Mongolia. We hope that that draft resolution will meet with the support of delegations.

The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic considers that the question of the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations, which we are now discussing on the initiative of the Soviet Union, rightfully' occupies a prominent place on the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly because it is one of those questions on whose solution depend the fate and very existence of mankind. That is why it is necessary to continue active efforts based on the recognition of the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature which would be oriented towards the adoption of concrete obligations and measures to protect the environment from the adverse consequences of various activities of man it is enduring at present. Should we fail to resolve that problem now, it might later turn out to be too late. 123. The discussion which took place at the previous session of the General Assembly, as well as the work conducted within the framework of UNEP, have helped clarify a series of substantive aspects of the problem. In . our opinion, this is a good basis for the further search for ways and means likely to eliminate the threat hanging over human civilization of the gradual destruction of nature. 124. The facts illustrate that, of all the aspects of the multifaceted problem of the preservation of the environment, the most alarming to the international community is 125. A direct threat is also posed by other types of weapons of mass destrl'Jction. We shall be experiencing for decades the pernidous effects of the massive use of chemical weapons in the course of the American aggression against Viet Nam. In spite of that, the United States has already taken steps towards the development of new and even more lethal ways of waging chemical warfarebinary weapons; plans are being made to use such weapons in Europe and also against countries elsewhere. On the basis ofexisting experience, it is possible with mathematical accuracy to determine what that would mean for the population of the countries subjected to aggres5ion with such weapons and fOf the environment. 126. It is quite clear that the known examples of the effects of the production, stockpiling and testing of nuclear and chemical weapons of mas&. destruction do not exhaust the whole list of the ruinous consequences of military activities for nature. Nevertheless, they represent a clear warning to the peoples of all countries and illustrate what ·.can happen if one foHows the course of those who are indifferent to the life and welfare of others and who consider Earth a theatre of military conflict in their selfish interests. We are firmly convinced that the questions of the maintenance of peace on Earth and the preservation of nature are indivisible. That is why we firmly support the appeal contained in draft resolution A/36/L.7, .which we have co-sponsored, concerning the adoption by States of concrete obligations and measures related to the protection of the environment from the pernicious effects of the arms race and to the limitation and prohibition of the most dangerous forms of military activities for nature. We also support the proposal that this question should be considered by the second special session of the General Assembly on disarmament, to which should be submitted an appropriate report by the Secretary-General prepared on the basis of studies and views of States, with the assistan~e of UNEP and containing concrete recommendations for solving this important question. We hope that, that approach will meet with broad support of States. Members of the United Nations and will be approved by the General Assembly.

The discussion by th~ General Assembly of the question of the "Historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future generations" is of great importance. The effect of the activities of man upon the environment 128. The most negative effect upon the environment is produced by the arms race, whose tempo, through the fault of the imperialist circles, is constantly increasing. Under these circumstances, it is not possible to achieve solutions of the most important ecoJogical problems. In consuming large quantities of natural resources, military production and military activities in large measure contribute also to the pollution of the bIosphere. They consume resources which could have bee:n used for measures to protect the environment, The direct link between the arms race and the pollution of the environment illustrates the preposition that the solution of ecological problems is politically connected with the elimination of the threat of war, and with the struggle for peace, detente and disarmament and for the development of good-neighbourly relarions between States. 129. Particularly destructive and ruinous is the effect upon the environment of nuclear weapons. Their testing, storage and transport bring about an increase in the level of contamination by nuclear and other such wastes, of water, the air and the soil. They contain the danger of an explosion resulting from an accident or other irreg- ularities. It is difficult to imagine the catastrophic conse- quences for mankind and nature of a nuclear conflict. As has been pointed out at the International Congress of Phy- sicians for the Preventi"Jn of Nuclear War, the explosion of even one fifth of existing nuclear stockpiles and release into _the atmosphere of nitric oxide could destroy the ozone layer which protects life on Earth from deadly ultraviolet rays. 130. The Moscow Treaty of 1963 on the prohibition of nuclear testing in three environlli~nts has limited, but not totally eliminated, the threat of radioactive contamination of our planet as a result of nuclear explosions. China is continuing to test nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. The poisonous radioactive fall-out produced as a result of such tests not only does great damage to the population and environment on the territory of that country but also has adverse consequences on the health of the inhabitants of other countries, as well as upon the natural and cH- matoiogical conditions of the planet as a whole. 131 . A serious threat to the cause of peace and the en- vironment is also contained in the United States decision on the full-scale production of the particularly inhuman and cruel neutron weapon, the use of which can lead to irreparable medical, biological and ecological conse- quences for the whole of mankind. 132. The adoption at the thirty-first session of the Gen- eral Assembly of the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques has laid a good foundation for international co-operation in the area of the protection of the environment. As is known, the large-scale use by the Pentagon of geophysical and chemical means for waging war in Indo-China has led to long-term negative ecologi- cal consequences for the countries and peoples of that re- gion. However, what was done in the past can in no way be compared with the catastrophic consequence's that would result from the continuation of the arms race and 133. Proceeamg from the need to adopt practical meas- ures for the preservation of the environment and also from the fact that their implementation calls for harmonized efforts on the part of the world community, the Ukrainian SSR is in favour of extensive international co-operation in this field. An important contribution in this area could and must be made by UNEP. 134. As is known, pursuant to General Assembly reso- lution 35/8 on the historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature for present and future genera- tions, at its ninth session the Gov~rning Council of UNEP adopted'decision 9/4 in accordance with which the regular analysis of the effect of the arms race upon nature would be made by UNEP. In this connection, in our opinion, UNEP should not limit its activities to a study of those problems only, because it cannot stand apart from the struggle for detente, the cessation of the arms race and tile elimination of the threat of nuclear war as conditions for the preservation of nature~ In particular, UNEP could prepare, on the basis of studies, a number of proposals that would contribute to the adoption by States of con- crete obligations and measures aimed at the protection of the environment from the pernicious effects of the arms race and the limitation and prohibition of types of military activity which present the greatest danger for nature. 135. Appropriate provisions are contained in draft reso- lution A/36/L.7, ~f ,:'!hich my delegation is a sponsor. We likewise support draft resolution A/36/L.6 on the draft World Charter for Nature. 136. For the protection not only of nature but also of life on Earth, there. is no alternative except the prevention of a nuclear catastrophe, the cessation and reversal of the arms race, and the assurance of a solid peace. Only such a policy can ensure the solution of the ecological and other global problems that are now facing mankind.

From time immemorial man has always had available to him in nature the basic resources to protect him from hunger, cold and disea.se. Today, also, man cannot live or flou.rish other than by using for his benefit the numerous and abundant resources found in nature, and by being a part of nature. For has not mankind always been a part of nature, within which its entire civilization, from the first hamlet to the megalopolis of our times, has been deeply rooted? Thus, nature should be preserved at all costs from all the depredations of man, because present and future life depend on the balance of nature as well as on its uninterrupted functioning. . 138. Speaking of the preservation of nature, some might say that technical progress undoubtedly leads to inevitable pollution. Some claim that this is the least that can be required by the scientific-technical civilization that we are enjoying at present. That is not the opinion of my delega~ tion, which persi~ts in believing that, despite this progress, nature can be preserved if there is the will to do so and one is prepared to pay the price. But while resources and means are not generally lacking, the will or desire to work seriously in that direction is unfortunately absent as long as the interests of private persons prevail over those of the entire community. 140. In the collective work of scientists and sociologists entitled "Les massacres. la guerre chimique en Asie du Sud-Est".8 Mrs. Mousseau wrote: "The operation 'chemical warfare' was launched and pursued without any means of knowin~ the exact C~lD­ sequences for the balance of nature. At most ecologiSts can make assumptions, all equally pessimistic, in the face of this criminal game of the sorcerer's apprentice." In order to disguise their heinous crimes caused by the use of toxic products, which for the sake of their conscience they called defoliants, but Vvhich were really herbicides according to armnomists and arboricides according to foresters, the impc;L.alists have how, in collusion with their allies in Beijing, accused my country and certain others of having used toxic gases in the mopping-up of counter-revolutionary elements. 141. Given the constant degradation of nature caused by the acts of man, particularly through military activities and nuclear-weapon testing or the testing of other weapons of mass destruction, such as biological and chemical weapons, the fIrst step to be taken to preserve nature is to end completely the arms race and nuclear-weapon tests in all environments. 142. The conclusion in 1978 of th~~ Convention on the Prohibitibn of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, thanks to the initiative of the Soviet Union, constituted a significant step towards the attainment of the goal we are pursuing, namely the preservation of nature intact for present and future generations. 143. The new dimension given by the Soviet Union to this problem by submitting last year for consideration by the General Assembly the item entitled "Historical responsibility of States for the preservation of nature far present and future generations" clearly bears· witness to the profound concern not only of the Soviet Union but of the entire international community in this vital field of the promotion of international co-operation, which is so essential to man. We cannot but be pleased by that timely submission, as well as the initiative by Zaire In proposing that a draft World Charter for Nature be considered by the General Assembly. ,:.; J. The result of the consideration of these two ques- ~~_11S, which in several respects are complementary, would constitute a solid basis for future action by the international community in the crucial field of the harmonious 145. Miss SOLESBY (United Kingdom): I should like to offer the comments on item 23 of the 10 member States of the European Community. From the time that the President of Zaire launched his welcome initiative on a world charter for nature at the twelfth annual meeting of IUCN in 1975 the member States of the European Community have given their full support to this endeavour. 146. The Community's support should be no surprise. The image of nature is sunk deep jn the European conscience. To define, imitate and order nature has been at the centre of European thought from Aristotle to Goethe. So too has its cultivation. But it is not enough to be conscious of nature. We have a shared responsibility for its preservation. At the risk of simplifying complex philosophies, man in nature is productive, is at ease; man deprived \If nature is physically and spiritually at risk. 147. In contemplating the challenge of protecting our natural environment we need a spirit of humility. Our dependence on nature is complete; without its resources it would be meaningless to talk about human and economic activjl or even human society. One of our best-known eighteenth-century poets put it well. Alexander Pope wrote: "From Nature s chain whatever link you strike, Tenth or ten thousandth, breaks the chain alike. And if each system in gradation roll, Alike essential to th'amazing whole; The least confu~ion but in one, not all That system only, but the whole must fall." 148. We all ~i(laK'-we must share-a consciousness of our responsibjiit ;',' for the preservation of nature. In the European Com"-~'i1ity we have taken active steps, whether throug~ national legislation or through the Community itself, to preserve our environment. 149. In the area of Community action we have encouraged studies aimed at promoting the preselvation of nature, particularly in the context of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, concluded in Washington in 1~73, the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, signed at Algiers in 1968, and the Convention on the Preservation of Migratory Sper;es of Wild Animals, signed in Bonn in 1979. In a Wider European context the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe has also given attention to the environmental questions which are covered in the Helsinki Agreement. 150. We must not only study, we must act. It was in 1973 that the European Community adopted its first programme of action for the protection of the environment, followed in 1977 by the second programme of action. These action programmes contain, inter alia, measures for the avoidance of water and air pollution, as well as a directive for the protection of birds within the European Community. In addition, in January 1982 a regul.:.:ion prohibiting the import of cetacean products for commercial purposes will come into force in the Community. We also hope that negotiations on Community implementation of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species will be completed shortly. I on item 23, I set out in some detail the contributions which the European Community has made in the field of nature conservation. We are proud of our record. Clearly, the present generation has a deep responsibility for the preservation of nature for the generations which follow. But we maintain the view that the approach suggested in the present draft resolution remains simplistic and, indeed, potentially counter-productive. 152. It follows from my earlier remarks that we are now happy to support draft resolution N36/L.6. We entirely endorse its premise that the international community must protect and safeguard the balance of nature. We are pleased that the process of discussion and debate, which is so important if the draft World Charter for Nature is to have the full and committed support of the international community, is to cOfitinue. The member States of the European Community will continue to play their part and we hope that tile completed text of the revised version of the draft World Charter for Nature will be ready for consideration and adoption at the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly.

May I take it that the General Assembly adopts draft resolution A/36/L.6'?

We turn now to the draft resolution on agenda item 24. 155. As we have decided, statements will be limited to explanations of vote on draft resolution A/36/L.7. I must call on the representative of the United Kingdom again, because she is the one representative who has asked to give' an explanation of vote on that draft resolution before the vote. I remind her that explanations of vote will be limited to 10 minutes and should be made by representatives from their seats. 156. Miss SOLESBY (United Kingdom): On behalf of the 10 member States of the' European Community, I should like to make the following explanation of vote on draft resolution N36/L.7. 157. The 10 members have studied the Secretary-General's report which contains an analysis of the replies of some Governments to a request from the Executive Director of UNEP for their comments on the issues raised in resolution 35/8. The report was prepared by the secretariat of UNEP, and we are grateful for the work which they have done. But, having said that, I must immediately add that the earlier doubts of the member States of the European Community about the particular slant of this item have not been significantly influenced by the conlent of the report. 158. The Community does not disagree with the spirit of the draft resolution before us. In my earlier comments, 159. When resolution 35/8 was put to the vote in the General Assembly last year the representative of Luxem- 160. It is worth recalling the outcome of the vote on the draft decision on the impact of the arms race and nature which was considered at the ninth session of the Governing Council of UNEP in May this year, and which was clearly designed to be a follow-up to General Assembly resolution 35/8. The UNEP decision-decision 9/4-was passed with II votes in favour. There were no negative votes, but there were no fewer than 33 abstentions-a 3 to I ratio. Yet, despite this evident lack of enthusiasm on the part of the UNEP membership, we note that the sponsors of -draft resolution A/36/L.7 wish further to involve that organization in the pursuit of their initiative. 161 . The 10 members of the Community maintain the view that UNEP'is not -the appropriate forum in which to consider issues directly related to the disarmament process. It is for this reason, together with the other reservations which I have mentioned, that the member States of the European Community have decided to abstain in the vote on draft resolution A/36/L.7.

I believe that the representative of Australia also wants to explain his vote before the vote.

I have been inspired to do so by the explanation that we have just heard from the representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Community. 164. In approaching draft resolution A/36/L.7 we have tested its language, the calls for measures to protect the environment against the weapons build-up and so on, against the list of sponsors. To say the least, we find the juxtaposition curious. 165. Were not some of the sponsors-the USSR foremost among them-participating in the very arms race that is implicitly denounced in the draft text? Was not at least one of the sponsors, and, to judge from some recent new revelations. were not perhaps a number ofthe sponsors, engaged in activities which according to the draft text are harmful to the environment and to nature? 166. These questions having been asked, we could not but be disturbed by the blindingLy obvious answers. We were and are led inevitably to doub. the motives of some of those-I emphasize "some"-putting forward this text in the Assembly. For this reason, like the member States of the European Community. we shall abstain, as we intend to abstain on any similar texts of this nature.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/36/L.7. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Algeria. Bahamas. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia. Finland, Gambia, German Democratic Republic. Against: None. Abstaining: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Burundi, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Malawi, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Pdraguay, Peru, Portugal, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Cameroon, United States of America, Upper Volta, Venezuela.

I shall now call upon those representatives who wish to explain their votes after the vote.

Having carefully studied the report [A/36/532 and Corr./], the delegation of Venezuela wishes to explain its abstention on draft resolution A/36/ L.7, which has just been adopted. 170. Consistent with its policy of condemning the arms race, and as an advocate of general and complete disarmament, Venezuela votes in favour of the draft resolutions on the subject that ·are submitted to the General Assembly every year. There is no doubt about the clear position of our country in this respect. 171. However, as regards the problem of the effects of the arms race upon the ecological stability of the planet, Venezuela considers that even though the preservation of the environment is a common objective of all mankind there is no doubt that primary responsibility for the achievement of ecological stability rests with the nuclear Powers. 172. We also believe that the report requested in draft resolution A/36/L.7 for consideration by the General Assembly at its second special session devoted to disarmament. rather than contributing to the attainment of tangible results. would only distract attention from fundamentals and priority matters that are to be considered by Governments at that time, when it is hoped a signficant advance will be made towards disarmament. 173. Furthermore, Venezuela believes that the Assembly should avoid duplication of efforts on environmental matters. As we see it, environmental matters and international co-operation in the field are being dealt with adequately by UNEP. Therefore my delegation considers that,

My delegation abstained in the vote on the draft resolution for the same reason that we abstained last year. At that time we pointed out that UNEP had recently completed a report on the state of the environment dealing, inter alia. with the environmental effects of military activity. We did not believe that UNEP should be burdened with repeating a task which had essentially been completed. We continue to hold that view. Therefore we do not consider it appropriate to offer further comment on this issue. To do so, either in this forum or in response to a request from UNEP, would simply encourage further such wasteful efforts at a time when the available financial resources are extremely limited. 175. I also note that several delegations have mentioned the use of chemical agents as a matter of international concern. I can only underscore our concern over the use of such agents as well as biological toxins, and note that General Assembly resolution 35/144 C, adopted by a large majority over the opposition of the Soviet Union, mandated the creation of a United Nations group of experts to investigate fully disturbing reports and new evidence of the use of chemical and biological agents. 176. I should again express the hope of my Government that we will see all nations co-operating fully with the United Nations expert group in its inquiry on this issue of vital importance to the world community.

At the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly we had ample opportunity to state our views on the substance of the problem of the historical responsibility of States for the preser-vation of nature. I shall therefore not dwell on this now. I 178. I should like to observe that by means of this item the anns race issue has been raised. The most appropriate place to deal with disarmament is in the bodies that deal with disarmament. Thus when this question comes up at the second special session devoted to disarmament we shall no doubt be made aware that, as has been indicated, it has more to do with the arms race than with the protection of nature as such. 179. Therefore, without prejudice to the consideration of the substance of the question and since this is a procedural matter of referring the subject to the special session on disarmament, we voted in favour of the draft resolution.

In connection with this question the Assembly has before it in document A/36/617 the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council. 181. The 12 retiring members of the World Food Council are: Botswana, Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Liberia, Mexico, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Yugoslavia.

The following States have been nominated by the Economic and Social Council: from the group of African States: Botswana, the Gambia and the United Republic of Tanzania; from the group of Asian States: China, India and Thailand; from the group of Latin American States: Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay; from the group of Eastern European States: Yugoslavia; from the group of Western European and other States: Canada, Greece and the United States of America. 185." The number of States nominated from among the African States, the Asian States, the Eastern European and the Western European and other States is equal to the number of seats allotted to each of those groups. In accordance with decision 34/401, I take it that the Assembly wishes to declare those States elected members of the World Food Council.

Regarding the two seats assigned to Latin America, the Economic and Social Council had nominated the following four countries: Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. The Assembly will now proceed to an election to fill the two vacancies, taking into account the withdrawal of Chile as announced by the representative of Jamaica. 187. Ballot papers indicating the number of States to be elected for the group of Latin American States are being distributed. Only the names of two of the countries nominated by the Economic and Social Council should be written on the ballot papers. In accordance with existing practice, the countries receiving the largest number of votes and not less than the majority required will be declared elected. May I take it that rhe Assembly agrees to that procedure?

I request representatives to use only the ballot papers that are being distributed and to write on them the names of the countries for which they wish to vote. Ballot papers containing more than two names will be declared invalid.

I propose now to suspend the meeting while the ballots are being counted. 139o 139o 139 70 Number of votes obtained: Mexico 103 Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Uruguay 53 Having obtained the required majority, Mexico and Co- lombia were elected members of the World Food Council for a period of three years beginning 1 January 1982 (see decision 36/308).

On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to congratulate Botswana, Canada, China, Colombia, the Gambia, Greece, India, Mexico, Thailand, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America and Yugoslavia on their election as members of NOTES 2 United Nations, Treaty Series. vo!. 480. No. 6""t4. p. 43. J UNEP/GC.8/3. ~ Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. signed at Helsinki on I August 1975. S Oxford. Pergamon Press. 1979. 6 Report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Em'ironment. Stockholm. 5·16 June 1972 (United Nations publication. Sales No. E.73.II.A.14 and Corrigendum). chap. I. 7 ElECElIOIO. 8 Paris. Fran~ois Maspers. 1970. ~ World Consen'ation Strategy: U"ing Resource Consen'ation for Sustainable Developmellt. prepared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. with the advice. co-operation and financial assistance of the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Wildlife Fund and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization. 1980. 10 The delegation of Angola subsequently inILJrmed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour of the draft resolution.