| Key Priority |
Focus |
| Poverty |
Poverty eradication is the key to sustainable development |
| Peace Security and stability |
Peace, security and stability are the basic requirements for sustainable development |
| Financing for sustainable development |
Improved resources for sustainable development through:
- better access to the Global Environment Facility
- improved market access for developing countries
- reconsideration of debt relief, in particular review of HIPC criteria and wider access
|
| Health |
Investment by the international community in affordable curative and preventative health care to reduce the disabling burden of diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria that worsen poverty |
| Waste |
Re-commitment to international and regional agreements to manage waste, including hazardous waste, and improve management and monitoring |
| International Environmental Governance |
Improved participation by less resourced countries in international environmental governance (IEG) through
- A single centralised political council
- A single coordinating organisation for environmental issues
- Clustering of multi-lateral environmental agreements
- Sustainable resources and funding to maintain the system
|
| Food Security |
Increased food production and access to food, improved support and appropriate training in agriculture and agro processing, and protection against dumping, particularly of genetically modified food. |
| Energy |
Biomass remains the main energy source in rural areas. Research and development is needed for clean coal technologies, efficient energy supply and use, and affordable renewables adapted to African conditions. |
| Climate change |
Concern over the potential rise in sea level and increase of extreme weather conditions calls for rapid agreement on the UN Convention on climate change and the Kyoto Protocol |
| Biodiversity |
The sub-region must benefit from the scientific and economic opportunities represented by its wealth of biodiversity. The OAU model laws on access to biological resources and biosafety should be implemented and the world should support an accelerated effort for the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. |
| Water |
Scarcity, poor distribution, and frequent droughts and floods are problems, particularly for the poor. Millions still lack access to basic water and sanitation. The WSSD should agree on and resource a global strategy to deliver the Millennium targets on safe water and sanitation. |
| Land degradation and desertification |
Most people in the sub-region depend on the land. Poor management and inappropriate practices persist in some areas. The WSSD should accelerate implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification. |
| Marine and coastal management |
Coastal communities and some national economies, particularly small island states depend on coastal and marine resources that are threatened by unsustainable development. over exploitation and climate change. WSSD should harmonise and coordinate regional and international laws and agreements on the seas and improve compliance and enforcement. The sub-region needs technology to monitor and protect fish stocks and more support for sustainable management and development of coastal areas. |
| Market access |
The benefits of economic globalisation need to be shared fairly across nations with a shift in emphasis from aid to trade agreements that facilitate sustainable development in the region. |
| Capacity building and technology transfer |
The widening technology gap needs to be addressed through technology transfer, information exchange and technology partnerships to improve access, build capacity and secure affordable sustainable development technologies. SADC countries are committed to developing and promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems and technology. |
