Eye on Earth on the Road to Rio+20

Abu Dhabi, June 3, 2012 (WAM) - The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) through the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI), prepares to showcase the outcomes from the recent Eye on Earth Summit in December at the United Nations Conference on Sustainability Development (UNCSD) Rio+20 in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The outcomes are yet another example of how the UAE is facilitating the dialogue and supporting action oriented innovations that lead to a sustainable economy, environment and society. The UNCSD Rio+20 aims to mark a new chapter in the history of global sustainable development, a commitment to action by world leaders since the first Earth Summit in Rio 20 years ago, where countries adopted Agenda 21. This June, the UN will bring together governments who are expected to adopt one clear, focussed global publication; the 'Future We Want' outcome document that combines the three key pillars of sustainable development; economy, society '&' environment with practical measures for implementation. The Eye on Earth mandate of bridging the data and information gap for all those who need it is fundamental to these principles. In June at the UNCSD Rio+20, the Eye on Earth Summit outcomes will be presented to the global audience of UNCSD. The eight Special Initiatives will be showcased at the UNEP Pavilion to illustrate the progress of the implementation since the signing of the Eye on Earth Summit Declaration in December 2011. The Special Initiatives core aim; open access to environmental and societal data to all those who need it, stems from The Eye on Earth Summit Declaration, which was endorsed by 16 government delegations at the Eye on Earth Summit. The Declaration has since been submitted to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and presented and socialised at the UNCSD 'informal - informal' negotiations held in New York, 23 April - 4 May 2012. Along with this, the eight Special Initiatives aim to reinforce and provide real-world applications locally, regionally and at a global level of both foundation and thematic issues relevant to environmental data and information. The initiatives address the following key issue areas; Oceans '&' Blue Carbon, Water Security, Biodiversity, Community Sustainability '&' Resiliency, Disaster Management, Access for All, Environmental Education and Global Network of Networks which importantly for all focuses on creating communities that will work together to find solutions for an equitable, sustainable future, and inspire existing networks to support the sharing and open access to information. The preparation for Rio+20 has commenced for Eye on Earth, solidifying the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi's partnership with UNEP through the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI). "UNEP stands ready to assist in realising these initiatives and transformational aims of Eye on Earth," said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UN Environment Programme Executive Director, at the Eye on Earth Summit, December 2011. Collectively, the outcomes aim to demonstrate the impact of accessible environmental and societal data and information on improved policy and decision-making. Wise decision making is fundamental in making the transition to a greener economy. "We look forward to facilitating and supporting the progress of these commitments. However we cannot act alone and we are looking for participation from an extended Eye on Earth Community to support these initiatives. UNCSD Rio+20 is an opportunity to engage with those who recognise data and information as vital to achieving green growth and improved coordination for sustainable development," said Cathrine Armour, Programme Manager, AGEDI. All eight Special Initiatives will be showcased at UNCSD Rio+20 at the UNEP Pavilion from 13-24 June as well as through the Special Initiative Partners' presence. This event offers Eye on Earth and Abu Dhabi the opportunity to raise awareness of the success that can be achieved on a local, regional and global level with appropriate access to environmental and societal data and information. – Emirates News Agency, WAM