VIDEO
Adversarial Procedure
A court procedure observed primarily in countries in which the Anglo-American legal system of common law prevails.
The system requires the opposing sides to bring out pertinent facts and information, and to present and cross-examine witnesses, each side hoping to gain an advantage to its side of the case. The adversarial approach is used also in United Kingdom, public inquiry procedures.
African Economic Community (AEC)
An economic community established by a treaty adopted in 1991. The treaty contains broad economic objectives promoting economic, social and cultural development and the integration of African economies. It promotes self-sustainable development. With respect to the environment, the treaty recommends the harmonization and coordination of environmental protection policies throughout the continent.
The AEC functions as an integral part of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). It has several specialized committees including a committee on natural resources and environment. An obligation is placed on member states to promote a healthy environment and to adopt appropriate national, regional and continental policies, strategies and programs for environmental development and protection.
The dumping of hazardous wastes is to be banned where possible or subject to careful management and processing. Dispute resolution attracts special attention. Some forty states have ratified the treaty.
Agenda 21
Adopted by UNCED on 14 June 1992, a comprehensive document summing up the international consensus on actions, necessary to move humanity towards the goal of sustainable development during the twenty-first century.
The objective is to alleviate poverty, hunger, sickness and illiteracy worldwide, while at the same time arresting the deterioration of the ecosystems on which humanity depends to sustain life. Agenda 21 is divided into four principal sections:
Social and economic dimensions
The seven chapters which comprise the first section address central issues such as poverty, health, consumption patterns, population, trade and resource transfers between countries, human settlement patterns, and integration of environment and development in decision-making.
Conservation and management of resources for development
The 14 chapters of this section deal with a very wide range of issues such as the atmosphere, land resources, deforestation, desertification, mountain development, agriculture, biological diversity, biotechnology, oceans, freshwater resources, toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, solid wastes and radioactive wastes.
Strengthening the role of major groups
The nine chapters of this section deal with women’s affairs, youth and children, indigenous peoples, NGOs, local authorities, trade unions, business and industry, science and technology, and farming.
Means of implementation
The eight chapters of this section deal with finance and the funding of Agenda 21 programs, technology transfer, science in sustainable development, education and training, capacity building, institutional arrangements, legal instruments, and information for decision-making.
