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    1. Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment
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Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment

The Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment (CCGE) was established by the Commonwealth Secretary-General in 1993 following the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), often known as the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The aim is to facilitate discussion among member countries in the wings of appropriate international meetings. CCGE’s terms of reference are to:

  • provide a forum for high-level exchange of views on environmental issues of particular concern to member countries.
  • exchange views and experiences at national and regional levels in planning for environmentally sustainable development.
  • develop proposals for more effective Commonwealth action in priority areas.
  • assist the post-UNCED process by facilitating informal discussions on critical environmental and development issues on which the Commonwealth can contribute to the development of an international consensus.
  • provide strategic guidance to the Commonwealth Secretariat's work programme on the environment.

CCGE is the Commonwealth's primary intergovernmental forum for consultations on environment and sustainable development issues. It meets in the wings of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum.

Recent Meetings

Nairobi 2007 – This meeting explored the impacts of climate change and introduced a broad programme of work on adaptation to climate change. Further information can be discovered at the link below.

Dubai 2006 – The meeting in Dubai sought to examine ways of promoting a harmonious relationship between the tourism sector and the environment. Business and leisure travel are of great significance to Commonwealth countries representing about 10% of GDP. Developing Tourism in a way which maintains the environment is essential for long term sustainable development as environmental damage will diminish income potential. The documents from the meeting can be found here.

EXPLORE Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment