RIO+20: Expectations were not met and many challenges still remain

The Rio+20 Declaration on the Future We Want did not raise the bar as high as the challenges the world is facing today demand. Country delegates returned home without reaching an agreement on concrete steps for most of the issues while timeframes are virtually absent.

Yet, on the sidelines of the official process, Mediterranean stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to work together for Sustainable Development at an event entitled “Challenges and Opportunities for a Mediterranean Green Growth” co-organized by MIO-ECSDE, UNEP/MAP, the European Commission, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, RAED and GWP-Med and chaired by Prof. Michael Scoullos.

Over 100 governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders met and renewed their commitment to overcome difficulties and work in solidarity for green growth and sustainable development in the region.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and other eminent personalities attended the meeting and expressed their appreciation and support to the efforts of preserving the wealth of the Mediterranean Sea and reversing current trends of degradation.

At the European level, in a common statement of Commissioner Potočnik and the current chair of the European Environment Council, Ida Auken, it was emphasized that Rio is just the beginning and a range of activities have to be followed through at international level to eradicate poverty and to improve people’s lives while significantly reducing pressures on the environment. The Rio +20 Declaration lays the ground for the global community to move forward on a number of fronts in order to achieve sustainable development across the world.