South Africa’s Green Economy Summit concluded today, 20 May 2010 in Johannesburg. Convened under the overarching theme, "Towards a resource efficient, low carbon and pro-employment growth path”, the summit intended to, amongst others, engage stakeholders on the development of a green economy plan.
A draft statement of conclusion was discussed on the closing day considering the development of a job intensive green economy and a resolution to work together on cross cutting issues (ranging from developing a green economy plan, a supportive regulatory framework to enable the development of sector action plans and related green markets and industries to sustainable consumption and production, clean energy and energy efficiency).
Participants have until 27 May 2010, to make inputs into the draft statement. Comments can be e-mailed to info@sagreeneconomy.co.za.
For further information visit http://www.sagreeneconomysummit.co.za.
Draft statement of conclusion
“Towards a resource efficient, low carbon and pro- employment growth path,”
We, the South African government, business, civil society and non-governmental organisations’, gathered here at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 18 to 20 May 2010, for the first summit considering the development of a job intensive green economy.
1 Committed to ensuring that the country’s growth path is resource efficient, far less carbon intensive and more labour absorbing, mobilises and further develops the significant scientific and technological capacities of society at large
2 Aspiring within the principles contained in the national framework for sustainable development, to develop a sustainable, resilient, economically prosperous and self-reliant nation state that safeguards our democracy by meeting the fundamental human needs of our people, through managing our limited ecological resources responsibly for current and future generations, and by advancing efficient and effective integrated planning and governance through national, regional and global collaboration
3 Concerned that current pattern of production and consumption could lead to the unsustainable utilisation and collapse of natural ecosystems which underpins our social and economic growth
4 Emphasising the importance of building on existing processes, programmes and initiatives in key sectors to shift South Africa’s growth path towards a resource efficient, low carbon and pro-employment one
5 Asserting a need for individual and collective rights and responsibilities towards sustainable development and the need for a new paradigm that includes values and principles in our development plans
6 Acknowledging that the global threat of climate change and national and international sustainability requires that green industries be developed and that Countries globally are supporting the development of such industries for among others, positive employment outcomes and that South Africa must be a global leader
7 Agreeing that government alone cannot manage and fund the transition to a green economy and that the private sector and civil society play a fundamental role
We have resolved to work together on the following cross cutting areas:
8 Develop a green economy plan by end of July 2010 that outlines the work required to develop key elements, including:
8.1 A supportive regulatory framework to enable the development of sector action plans and related green markets and industries
8.2 Market instruments to incentivise the use and production of cost effective cleaner and low carbon products
8.3 Greater localisation of manufacturing of products and materials in key sectors, including in the low carbon energy, consumer products, building and transport sectors
8.4 Development, deployment and commercialisation of innovative science and technology solutions aimed at advancing a green economy
8.5 Integration of the different work streams and programmes to maximise benefits from investment and finance opportunities
8.6 Define the job creation potential of a green economy growth path per sector and the associated skills development needs and programmes
We have further resolved to work together on the following focus areas:
9 Sustainable consumption and production: the formulation and adoption of sustainable development indicators to guide the integration of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection
10 Policy, fiscal and regulatory framework: Develop green growth policies and regulations which supports and enables an integrated strategy that effectively covers demand and supply aspects, both economy-wide and at sector level to ensure coherence in policy design and implementation as well as to maximise the synergies among different policy actions policies to accelerate the development and diffusion of clean technologies and related knowledge. Innovation will be a critical driver of a green economy and job creation. Putting a price on carbon and other pollution or on the over-exploitation of a scarce resource though mechanisms such as taxes, natural resource charges or tradeable permit systems, are a central element of the policy mix, most notably to provide a clear and credible market signals
11 Green buildings and the built environment: Public and commercial buildings are substantial consumers of energy and water. The activities inside such buildings generate large volumes of waste. Green building regulatory, awareness and capacity building programmes need to be developed and implemented, particularly at local level
12 Sustainable Transport: The transport sector has great potential to reduce its carbon footprint through cost effective interventions, including shifting freight from road to rail as well as passengers towards public transport, particularly bus rapid transit (BRT).
13 Clean Energy and energy efficiency: The diversification of energy sources and the implementation of energy efficiency programmes are crucial for ensuring green growth. Investment in renewable energy on a large-scale, along with active support for local renewable technology manufacturing presents an opportunity for sustainable economic development and has significant job creation potential
14 Green Cities and Towns: Local government is ideally placed to implement green economy interventions. Communication, education and regulation will be necessary to ensure local level green growth and job creation.
15 Resource Conservation and management: Ensure the conservation, sustainable management and rehabilitation of natural and ecosystem services and assets (such as fresh water, marine environments, forests, landscapes) as well as work to improve the productivity of agriculture including management through safe pesticides, reductions in energy and water use
16 Sustainable waste management practices: With the benefits that includes health and pollution management, the waste collection, disposal, and storage activities is estimated at a value of R22 to R36 billion with the potential for 20 000 jobs by 2013. Furthermore, with the benefits that includes clean environment and resources saving, the Working for waste and other private sector waste minimisation and recycling programs is estimated at a value of R23 to R37 billion with the potential for a further 20 000 jobs by 2013
17 Agriculture, food production and water management: Integrated water and land resources management should be adopted as a model framework for the sound and equitable allocation of water as a public good among all users to be implemented in a sustainable way at all levels, including river basins.
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Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
20 May 2010
