In Issue 24

Our cover shows the Tree of Life, its branches holding some of the pledges sent to The Earth Summit by more than a million concerned people worldwide.

It is good to know that bees were not forgotten: beekeeping was represented by readers of this journal who returned pledges from edition 22, seeking protection for bees and committing themselves to minimise their own impact on the environment.

The idea behind the pledges was that while politicians hold power to change the world, individuals have duty to make sure they do so.

The Tree of Life served as powerful focus during the Summit.

110 Heads of State gathered at Rio, but what was achieved?

- Two major treaties on climate and biodiversity. More than 150 nations signed these but they will not come into force until at least 30 have ratified them.

The Rio Declaration 27 Principles on environment and development issues not legally binding.

- Agenda 21 an 800-page action plan for sustainable development not legally binding.

- A UN Sustainable Development Commission to monitor whether governments deliver their promises on aid.

- Development Aid increases pledged by Canada, France, Germany, Japan, UK, and other smaller industrialised countries.

- Forest Principles for forest conservation not legally binding.

The Summit did at least recognise that environmental problems cannot be solved without alleviating world poverty. It also exposed the gulf that lies between what people want and what their leaders are willing to agree to do. We have to continue lobbying to ensure these intentions are turned into reality.

Bees for Development

1 Agincourt Street, Monmouth NP25 3DZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)1600 714848 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org