New Zealand outlines aims for Rio+20 conference

WELLINGTON - The New Zealand government Monday stated its aims for the Rio+20 conference, claiming it wanted "achievable commitments" against a challenging global economic environment.

New Zealand will focus on areas that could "deliver real and substantial economic, social and environmental benefits," Environment Minister Amy Adams said in a statement announcing her departure for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil.

"We won't have the biggest voice, but we will be able to contribute practical and relevant ideas," said Adams.

"New Zealand wants all the countries at Rio+20 to commit to eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies. These contribute to overfishing and to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. They also create perverse economic incentives that affect the long- term sustainability of the world's fisheries," he said.

"We also want a commitment to phase out the inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that some countries have in place. If we are successful, this could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10 percent by 2050."

New Zealand's position reflected the concerns of its Pacific neighbours, said Adams.

"Our focus is on achievable commitments that advance sustainable development," she said.

"I am acutely aware that Rio+20 is taking place against a backdrop of global recession and uncertainty. This is inevitably creating challenges.

"We think it is important to be a part of the global conversation on sustainable development. New Zealand is a strong supporter of a multilateral rules-based system, and we will play an active part in Rio+20."

While in Rio de Janeiro, Adams will also hold meetings with his counterparts from Australia, China, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile and Indonesia.

New Zealand, which markets itself to tourists as "100 percent pure," has come increasingly under fire in the run-up to the conference from organizations questioning its green credentials.

Last week, the United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNANZ) said the government had prepared for Rio+20 "with few resources, virtually no publicity, and little engagement with business, local government or the public as a whole."

Also last week, a report commissioned by a group of New Zealand business leaders warned that the country is facing "colossal risks " to its economy and environment with a lack of a green growth strategy.

Environmental experts and campaigners last month lined up to back a report from global conservation group WWF, alleging that successive New Zealand governments had broken pledges made at the Rio Earth Summit 20 years ago to protect the country's unique wildlife and ecosystems.

Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development on June 20-22, is aimed at building on progress made at the Rio Earth Summit 20 years ago in Rio de Janiero.