"(3) Nous pr6parerons l'un apr+s l'autre sur ces bases de grands projets qui se- ront propos6s g la fois aux pouvoirs pu- blics qu'il nous appartient d'dclairer et aux instances parlementaires nationales ou communautaires.

"I1 faudra d'ailleurs alter plus loin en- core et, aprOs avoir associ6 les hommes du savoir et les hommes du pouvoir, ne pas n~gliger d'attirer dans notre entre- prise les hommes de Faction, les produc- teurs, les animateurs de l'~conomie, les entreprises elles-m6mes et les partenaires sociaux.

"L'Europe doit 6tre d'abord une cons- cience et dans la mesure o~5 nous aurons contribu6 fi cette prise de conscience, notre rencontre aujourd'hui n'aura pas ~t6 inutile."

The E uropean Cultural F o u n d a t i o n

The Institute is part of the European Cultural Foundation. The Foundation, established in 1954 and based in Amster- dam, is an independent organization with no political or governmental affili- ation. It is devoted to:

the support, through grants, of cul- tural and scientific activities of Eu- ropean "inspiration.

- the stimulation, coordination and diffusion of research studies and experiments aimed at: (a) exploring and evaluating the pos- sible futures of the European conti- nent through study of the interac- tions between economic, political, cultural and social phenomena. (b) defining methods to attain these ends.

- drawing the attention of the public and of the various national and Euro- pean leaders to the alternatives pre- sented.

- presenting alternative solutions when changes under way have not proved satisfactory on a European level.

The Main Characteristics o f the Inst i tute

The Institute is private and non- profit making. It will have full academ- ic and scientific autonomy, and will be international in the composition of its Board and staff, in the focus of its activ- ities and its approach. The Institute may

contract to undertake research for non- parliamentary, national or international institutions if that research is connected with its own programme and not likely to limit its scientific independence.

Its work will be interdisciplinary and consider all the implications of the problems tackled: economic, sociologi- cal, political, pedagogic - in the overall socio-economic and cultural context. The results of the Instftute's work will be published.

The Institute elaborates on work begun by the Fonds ftir Umwelt- studien and the European Cultural Foundation. It benefits from the insti- tutional support of these organizations, the latter of which covers its general expenses.

The Institute will have a full-time director and a limited staff with expe- rience in policy research. Members of the research staff will normally work on limited contracts. Corresponding members of the Institute will assure close and institutionalized cooperation with other scientific and technical insti- tutes, as well as with decision makers.

IUCN Governing Assembly

i. Open Democracy

The IUCN's 12th General Assembly was held at the N'Sele Conference Centre near Kinshasa, Zaire, from 8 to 18 September 1975. Since the IUCN is a membership organization, the func- tion of the triennial General Assemblies is to provide that membership the op- portunity to execute its responsibilities under the Statutes. These responsibili- ties include approval of the programme and budget for the coming triennium, matter of policy, passing of resolutions and election of officers.

The Zaire meeting was characterized by a greater degree of participation by the membership than ever before. Many committee meetings were open to the membership, and a series of open fora were held at which the membership was requested to express its views and ques- tions on the programme and budget

Environmental Policy and Law, 1 (1975/76)

and other specific matters. Statements by various delegates at the final Session emphasized that the membership had never before played such an active and effective role in developing the Union's program and policies.

The General Assembly adopted a sharply-focused action programme for the years 1976 - 1978.1 This pro- gramme concentrates on nature conser- vation 2, with the Union making pre- investment studies, catalyzing action by FAO, UNESCO and others, as well as formulating projects for WWF support. These activities will be supported by efforts in the development of public awareness and in environmental policy, law and administration, a Work on inter- national conventions on conservation topics4was seen as a continuing part of IUCN strategy.

The meeting was opened with eclat by President Mobutu of Zaire, who arrived by helicopter at the N'Sele Centre and paraded to the opening ceremony at the head of his special guards. His inaugural speech was an unequivocal declaration that Zaire was dedicated to the cause of conservation, its stated objective being to bring 15% of national territory under protection as national parks and reserves ° . Within the national philosophy of "authenticity", Zaire will progress through balanced development based on conservation principles.

The resolutions 6 adopted included support for the call by President Mobutu of Zaire for a Charter for Na- ture to set down basic principles and concerns for the care of nature throughout the world. Requests from African participants for the integration of nature and culture and for conserva- tion to be given a secure place in the context of rural development were strongly endorsed.

A far-reaching resolution on energy and conservation was also carried. This resolution, prepared by an expert panel which had met over a two-year period, called on governments to explore all means for conserving conventional ener- gy resources; to exercise restraint in any

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further development of energy genera- tion from nuclear fission; to support research and development of less con- ventional technologies; particularly de- centralized ones using solar, tidal and wind energy. Special attention was directed to the need to promote tech- nologies, ways of life and economic patterns which permit marked reduc t ion in energy use.

Backstage at the Assembly, a struggle was being waged between those non- governmental groups, which crusade for conservation and see governments as obstacles to their work, on the one side, and those which believe it necessary to work closely with governments to achieve practical results, particularly in the developing countries. This struggle culminated with a palace revolution designed to overthrow the rule of the Venezuelian ecologist, Director-General Budowski, and his Australian deputy, Frank Nicholls.

Prior to the General Assembly at New Delhi in 1969, the IUCN was pri- marily an organization of volunteers, and its unique strength was as a world- wide network of experts in various environmental matters. The intention at New Delhi was to augment the older structure with a strengthened profes- sional secretariat which could function as an "international agency". Since 1969 the Union has made outstanding progress. The revamped organization has carved out a place for itself amongst international organizations concerned with environmental affairs. It has held its own in the power struggle of Stockholm and after, and has been recognized and supported by UNEP. During this period the hybrid Union which links governments and non- governmental groups has almost doubled its membership, now being represented in 99 countries and in- cluding 41 State members, 116 govern- mental agencies and 259 non-govern- mental bodies, some of which are themselves organized internationally.

However, while the IUCN has suc- ceeded admirably in the "agency" func- tion, the centralization of power at Morges has relegated the membership largely to the role o f observers. Conse- quently, at Zaire much criticism was directed at the Union's tendency to work as an agency and not make full use of membership, the Commission, and the possibilities of decentralization and regionalization offered by the structure of the Union. Moreover, many IUCN members, particularly groups from the

196

US and UK, felt that their environ- mental needs were being ignored as a consequence of the nearly complete orientation toward developing coun- triesbeing pursued by Director-General Budowski and his staff. There was also rising concern over the continuing uncertainty that has surrounded 1UCN finances. These rumblings created ten- sions that set the scene for revolt.

The opposition had its way, and Budowski informed the Assembly that he would not present himself for reap- pointment. Nicholls was in any case retiring at age 60 in the first part of

1976. A new Director-General is now being sought.

Involvement of the Union s member- ship was a major theme throughout the Assembly sessions. The proposed pro- gramme for 1976 - 1978 emphasized such participation 7. The Assembly it- self demonstrated increased member- ship involvement.

For the first time nominations for membership on the Executive Board a had been solicited by mail from the entire membership; and so, for the first time, the Board election offered mul-

Notes

l See GA 75/19 Rev., Report of the Programme and Budget Comm. of the 12th General Assembly, chaired by Lee Talbot, USA.

2 See GA 75119 Rev,, at 1 - 2, in which IUCN's Objectives are described as follows: "The broad objective is the conservation of nature th roughout the world; treating this

as an essential element in the wise use and development o f natural resources .... "Essential elements o f such action (applying equally to land, fresh water and the sea)

are : (a) Protecting areas which contain representative or exceptional communities of plants and animals or the habitats of particular species; areas of special geological or physiographic interest ; and samples of natural and cultural landscape of particutar interest and value. Special attention will be paid to threatened species of plants and animals and their habitats; (b) Ensuring that areas which do not have special protection (i.e. the remainder) are man- aged in such a way that the many species and varieties of plants and animals in nature can persist in adequate numbers; (c) Devising special measures to assure that critically endangered species of fauna and flora do not become extinct ; and (d) Carrying out the above within a framework of wise use which ensures that the potential of renewable natural resources is maintained for the present and future benefit of mankind.

"The main emphasis will be on stimulating action and on affording assistance directed towards action, particularly in the developing countries."

3 See GA 75/19 Rev., at 12, para. 43 - 44: "The valuable operations of the Environmental Law Centre at Bonn"... will also continue. Under assistance from the Government ot the Federal Republic of Germany, work will continue in expanding the country coverage of the Environmental Law Information system (ELIS) which has been recognised as a component of the UNEP International Referral System for Sources of Environmental Information (1RS).

"At the same time comparative studies on environmental law will continue as project funds are available. Assistance will be given to countries in developing conservation legislation."

4 See GA 75/19 Rev., at 10, para. 33 - 34: "International conventions on conservation topics will be promoted".., and action taken to have their provisions applied. IUCN has been assigned responsibility in a secretariat role in the implementation of the Endangered Species Convention, the Wetlands Convention and the World Heritage Convention. Additional conventions will be initiated, as required, for specific topics or regions.

"Work will continue to finalise and promote the series of conventions already initiated : Conventions on Migratory Species, Islands for Science, the Wadden Sea, the South Pacific and the Red Sea. A convention on marine parks and reserves in the Mediterranean is also being prepared."

5 Excerpts from Mobutu's speech are reprinted at page 197 of this issue; see also 6 IUCN Bull., new series, no. 11 (1975).

6 All Resolutions are reprinted in 6 IUCNBulI., new series (no. 11) (Nov. 1975). 7 See GA 75/19 Rev., at 12, para. 47:

"New changes should be instituted in 1976 aimed at: (a) Involving the membership more fully in the work of IUCN especially in certain aspects of national and regional programmes; (b) Ensuring that the Commissions are fully involved in the programme; and (c) Making the fullest possible use of the members of the Commissions and of the Honorary Consultants."

8 The following is the composition of the Executive Board as a result of elections at the 12th General Assembly, Zaire: Presic~ent : D. Kuenen; Vice-Presidents: A. Bannikov, E. Firouz, D. McMichael, L. Talbot, D. Wasawo; Members: P. Aguesse, E. Asibey, R. Baote, W. Conway, M. Edwards, Y. Fukushima, P. Goeldlin, A. Inozemtsev, M. Kassas, A. Khosla, E. Mondolfi, M. Ngoy Toka, A. Rozental, O. Soemarwoto, G. Stutzin.

Environmental Policy and Law, I (1975/76)

tiple choices. However, the number of nominations received was very low and in some areas, such as Latin America, the only nominations were from the outgoing Executive Board. Latin American delegates were not pleased

with the Board's nominees for their region and made a plea for their rejec- tion; they succeeded and new candi- dates are to be put forward.

Members voted to virtually double membership fees, the increases still

providing less than 20% of anticipated revenue. Some governments pledged further help by loan of staff and in other ways. Most of IUCN's support will continue to come from foundations and other sources.

!i. Welcoming Address by Mobutu Sese Seko, President of the Republic of Zaire*

"The Republic of Zaire is happy to welcome the 12th General Assembly and the 13th Technical Meeting o f the International Union for Conservation of Nature. On behalf of the Zairian people, gathered within the Popular Movement of the Revolution, I welcome all the delegates to the hospitable land of Zaire.

"The Union you form is a Sacred Union because it has a noble mission: to protect the most valuable asset o f man- kind: 'Nature'.

"The theme you have chosen: 'Con- servation of Nature for the Decision- makers' demonstrates how fully you are aware of the problem, and shows that you are trying to find positive solutions. Because indeed, conservation o f nature is really and above all, a political matter..

"It is not scientists, technicians, voluntary agencies, or individuals of goodwill who alone will solve this problem, because only the political leaders have the powers to take major decisions. It is, therefore, vital and urgent to pose this problem at the highest level - to the heads o f states,

a n d to governments. "... In the past, man feared Nature.

He deified the sun, lightning, the river, giant trees and powerful animals. But as science progressed with giant strides, as man better understood natural phenomena and as he mastered the elements, he has wanted to take his revenge; he wants now to overcome, to dominate and to conquer Nature.

"Thus, he, who should have been the harmonizer of Nature, has now become its scourge.

*Excerpted translation.

Environmental Policy and Law. 1 (1975/76)

A Dialogue o f the Deaf

"... Today, new terms are becoming familiar: environment, nature conserva- tion, ecology, ecosystem. But how many of the people who use these words understand their real meaning? And what is more, how many of them are aware of the k importance?

"... The problems we have to solve are the most important and the most crucial that mankind has ever had to face. For it is not only the welfare of mankind that is at stake, but its very survival. It is, therefore, necessary to convince the leaders, through symposia and conferences, that they have to assume their responsibilities.

"But too often what do we see in place o f this? A dialogue of the deaf. Industrialized countries put the blame on those who have not yet reached that stage, for not controlling the growth of their populations, and emphasize the dangers of this, especially in terms of shortage of food. At the same time, however, they forget that their popula- tions, although representing one third of mankind, consume 90 percent of the planet's resources. Their planes and their cars use up twice as much oxygen as does the entire population o f the world. And it is because of them that the seas today are polluted.

"Our concern is not only to establish responsibilities, but to find together the right solutions .... We, who have been colonized, were taught that the civiliza- tion of our former masters was the best one. And, unfortunately, many industrializing countries take it as a model although in the industrialized countries, man behaves not as an ally

o f Nature, hut as her opponent. He has confused development and prolifera- tion; he has put himself in the position o f conqueror or colonizer of his own country .... Undoubtedly, an industrial society leads to material profits, but it also leads to the failure of mankind. For it impoverishes an irreplaceable asset: Nature.

A Crisis o f Civilization "Today you hear everywhere the

word crisis: Growth crisis, Monetary crisis, Food crisis, Raw material crisis, Energy crisis, Institutional crisis, and so on. But, in fact, the crisis is one of civilization.

"This is why, here in Zaire, we reject borrowed ideologies, whether they be o f the left, or o f the right. Because all of them are founded on sheer materialism. Instead we have chosen a philosophy of humanist action: Authenticity. To be authentic is to be one's self, that is to say natural, or better, to be close to Nature. One cannot stay one's self if one is not in contact with Nature.

"... For us, there is no culture without Nature; and the one who de- natures Nature, loses his culture. It is Nature which inspires poets, painters, writers. Were it to lose its naturalness, inspiration would vanish.

- the musician celebrates it with his songs;

- t h e painter uses it as a model which poses for him free;

- the writer in contact with Nature receives a shock which moves and inspires him.

Authenticity is the philosophy which links man to Nature, which reconciles him with his past, which makes him respect his origins, and which per- petuates the glory of his ancestors.

"Very soon, wealth will not be measured in a few factories pouring out black fumes but in an unspoiled environment. Let it be clearly under- stood, we are not against industry, but against the process of industrializing. It is possible to set up useful, clean and cheap industries, and this is what we are

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