United Nations Equator Initiative

HC Deb 02 May 2002 vol 384 c889W

Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if the UK supports the aims of the United Nations Equator Initiative. [48155]

Clare Short

I have been asked to reply.

The UK has not been directly involved in the United Nations Equator Initiative, which has been designed to support the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the Convention on Biodiversity. However, we support its aim to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the equatorial belt by fostering, supporting and strengthening community partnerships. The initiative will highlight successful initiatives undertaken by communities in the equatorial belt who are using their biological resources in a sustainable way to improve livelihoods. The first Equator Initiative Awards for such initiatives will be presented at WSSD.