Harnish, Prestigiacomo and Machnig affirm GBEP role in international co-operation on sustainable bioenergy

The most recent GBEP Steering Committee meeting, held in New York on 14 May, was addressed by three distinguished speakers, who affirmed the importance of GBEP work in the context of international meetings on climate change and sustainable development.

Reno L. Harnish III, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the US Department of State, noted the large number of observers present at the meeting, including those representing developing countries, and the fact that two countries – Switzerland and Fiji Islands – were signing up as GBEP Partners.

Stefania Prestigiacomo, Italy’s Environment Minister, commented on how the G8 Meeting of Environment Ministers, held in April in Syracuse, Italy, had focused on the need to further develop and deploy low-carbon technologies, including sustainable bioenergy. The economic stimulus plans that are being put into action around the world are an opportunity to pursue “green growth” and reduce emissions, the minister added.

Matthias Machnig, Germany's Secretary of State for the Environment, reminded the meeting how the Copenhagen meeting on climate change was drawing near, adding that sustainability must be at the heart of biofuel development. He stated how international co-operation was fundamental to bring together technical experts from various sectors and political decision-makers.

Following the opening speeches at the 7th GBEP Steering Committee Manfred Bötsch, Swiss Secretary of State of Agriculture, and Manasa Vaniqi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fijian Affairs, Heritage, Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs. signed the GBEP Terms of Reference on behalf of their countries.

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