UDC Seminar

The problems associated with the environment in the underdeveloped countries came to the fore at the 1972 Stockholm conference on the environment. Debate was probably more heated on the relationship of environmental problems to economic development in underdeveloped countries (UDC's) than on any other topic, indeed it was an issue which threatened to break the conference up.

The need for growth and industrialisation in the UDC's cannot be questioned. When a country is faced by a high degree of illiteracy and malnutrition then the value of further development is quite simply a necessity.

The general attitude of many of the UDC's was that the pollution of the wealthy, countries seemed quite bearable to the populations concerned, and indeed seemed a necessary part of the past and present economic growth of those countries. Thus the suggestion for world wide restrictions on pollution levels, to which the wealthy countries would be given time to adjust, but which the UDC's would not be allowed to exceed, were viewed by the UDC's with deep suspicion, as a backdoor plot to ensure their continued poverty, and hence their continued economic dependence on the wealthier countries.

Such a fear does have foundation, as can be seen by the attitude of many of the twin questions of population and resources. It is generally agreed that population control is necessary, and the wealthy countries have not been slow to praise its virtues to the UDC's, but the latter note that in the past, rising populations have been an accompanying factor of (and they would argue a necessary factor in) economic growth. The UDC's also note, for example, that the USA while it has only 6% of the world's population, uses up over 40% of the annual production of physical resources, and this latter figure is rising. They point out that this figure is just as important as absolute levels of population, but receives somewhat less in the way of positive action. At the conference itself the whole question was largely glossed over by the assumption that environmental concern and economic growth, including a marked degree of industrialisation, were quite compatible. To quote part four of the declaration on the human environment, which arose from the conference: "The developing countries must direct their efforts to development, bearing in mind their priorities and the need to safeguard and improve the environment." The question of how remained unanswered. It is clear, however, that unless this question is answered there cannot be a world-wide, and therefore effective, combating of environmental problems

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A seminar on the environment in underdeveloped countries has been arranged jointly by Ecology Action and the Overseas Development Committee, and will be held on Saturday, June 16 between 2—8pm in the lounge and smoking rooms of the student union building, VUW.

Two speakers have been arranged, Simon Reeves, an Auckland lawyer, who will discuss the economic and financial issues involved with development, and examine the environmental implications of such issues. Guy Salmon will discuss the problems of population growth, resource use and distribution and pollution control, in the less developed countries. It is intended that more time be spent on informal discussion than on formal speeches. The whole question of resource allocation has been in the headlines with the increasing ability of the Arab countries to determine the price of oil, and the very strained relations between Britain and Iceland over exploitation of Iceland's fishing grounds. This aspect of the problem will be amply discussed. The cos of the seminar is $3, and this includes a buffet dinner. Anyone interested in attending should send their name, address and registration fee to Mrs J. Gale, 15 Glen-bervie Tce, Thorndon, Wellington 1, (phone 46184) before June 12.

B. Symondson, Studass Environmental Officer.

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