Posted on March, 11 1999

Gland, Switzerland - The World Trade Organization (WTO) needs substantial reform in the field of trade and environment if it is to remain relevant and avoid conflict among its members and with civil society, the conservation organization WWF said here today.

Speaking at a press briefing, Charles Arden-Clarke, Head of WWF's Trade and Investment Unit called for Member States to assess the environmental impacts of WTO rules; integrate the WTO's activities with those of international environmental and developmental organizations and ensure market access for developing countries. His remarks come as the WTO prepares for two High Level Symposia, one on Trade and Environment (Geneva, 15-16 March 1999) the other on Trade and Development (Geneva, 17 { 18 March 1999), and for the third WTO Ministerial in Seattle at the end of 1999.

"Popular protests against the institutions and policies of globalization are growing in frequency" said Mr. Arden-Clarke. "In many cases this is precisely because application of WTO rules continues to have unintended negative environmental and social consequences". To clarify the debate over the relationship between the WTO and sustainable development it is crucial for the WTO to immediately undertake thorough assessments of the environmental and social impact of current WTO rules and of any new negotiations.

WWF believes that the WTO must integrate environmental concerns into the work of all its relevant bodies and agreements if it is to live up to its mandate to support sustainable development. Further, the WTO must recognize that certain environmental and developmental concerns, such as judging the environmental efficacy of disputed national measures, are beyond its competence. Such issues can best be addressed by other intergovernmental organizations such as UNEP, or within parallel structures created under regional trade agreements.

WTO members must make a firm commitment to increase market access for developing countries. This includes ensuring that the ability to use trade measures for environmental purposes does not hide trade protectionist motives { known as "green protectionism". That commitment should include reducing traditional forms of trade protectionism, including certain agricultural and fisheries subsidies, and giving additional market access for the least developed countries.

In addition, any new rules to broaden WTO accommodations for environmental trade measures contain adequate safeguards against protectionist abuse known as "green protectionism".

WWF believes that balanced multilateral trade and investment rules are an essential precondition of sustainable development. It calls on the WTO and its Member States to seize the opportunity provided by the up-coming High Level Symposia on Trade and Environment and on Trade and Development to respond directly to the social, environmental and economic effects of trade liberalization and globalization.

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Press Enquiries Please Contact:

Kyla Evans
Telephone: + 41 22 364 95 50
Telefax: + 41 22 364 83 07

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Charles Arden-Clarke
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