Posted on November, 28 1999

Seattle, USA - On the eve of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meeting in Seattle, WWF, the conservation organization, declared that both the sustainability of the global economy and the credibility of the WTO are at stake.

"If WTO members are to move towards the creation of a sustainable world economy, they must urgently develop a balanced negotiating agenda that re-links trade policy to parliaments and the needs of people and the environment," said Charles Arden-Clarke, Head of WWF's Trade and Investment Unit. "Now is the time for WTO members to demonstrate a real commitment to a sustainable global economy, rather than their own short-term economic interests."

During the Seattle meeting, WWF hopes to see the European Union in particular lifting its opposition to reducing damaging agricultural and fisheries subsidies. In the past, the EU has often extolled the virtues of such "win-win" situations for trade and environment, but it now seems to be losing its appetite for negotiations as other WTO members target its environmentally damaging subsidies.

"In Seattle, ministers must come out with more than just words and promises on fishing subsidies," said David Schorr, Director of the Sustainable Commerce Programme at WWF-US. "Negotiations to agree binding new WTO rules on fishing subsidies must start now."

Governments must also use Seattle to stop the 'chill' of WTO rules on the development of domestic and international environmental laws, in particular multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Countries such as the United States have failed to demand clarity over WTO rules on MEAs, demonstrating that they consider their trade ambitions to be more important than the creation of strong international environmental regimes. WTO members must use Seattle to ensure that MEAs are exempted from WTO challenge.

WWF also demanded that environmental and social concerns always be factored in at the WTO, and within negotiating mechanisms for any future round. The WTO must reflect the reality that its activities can have profound environmental effects. But the inclusion of environment in WTO negotiations must not be abused to deny market access for developing countries. Special and Differential treatment is key to enabling them to design policies that fit their particular economic and environmental needs, and securing their trust and cooperation.

WWF feels that good environmental assessments can help deliver environmentally responsible and politically durable trade policies. Developed countries must help developing countries carry out their own national assessments, with technical and financial support. Expressing support for recently initiated assessment processes within the EU and the US, WWF called on all countries present in Seattle to follow suit.

For more information:

Kyla Evans: tel + 1 206 794 24 06 ;

Lee Poston: tel: + 1 206 794 21 48 ;

Martha Wilson: tel: + 1 206 794 18 30