23 September 2011: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has circulated a report of the Secretary-General, titled “Harmony with Nature” (A/66/302). It draws on issues discussed at the interactive dialogue on harmony with nature, which was held on 20 April 2011 to commemorate International Mother Earth Day and to contribute to the preparatory process for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), as well as on Major Group consultations.

The report of the Secretary-General was requested by UNGA Resolution 65/164. It examines the historic and evolving relationship of humankind with nature, as reflected in environmental legislation, and with consideration of the question, “nature: to have or to be?” According to the report, it builds upon, and should be read in conjunction with, the first report of the Secretary-General on harmony with nature (A/65/314), available on the UNCSD Secretariat’s webpage on Harmony with Nature.

The report recommends that States: consider a declaration recognizing nature’s intrinsic value and its regenerating capacity, in the context of the UNCSD; improve the knowledge base on Harmony with Nature; and continue showcasing, through the UN’s sustainable development websites, the work being undertaken to advance development for all in Harmony with Nature, integrating the economic, social and environmental pillars.

The report notes that the Secretary-General is developing a portal, to be launched by June 2012, to gather information on ideas and activities to promote the undertaking of a holistic approach to sustainable development in harmony with nature and to advance the integration of interdisciplinary scientific work, including success stories on the use of traditional knowledge, and existing national legislation, with a view to making substantive contributions to the preparatory process for the Conference and beyond. [Publication: Report of Secretary-General] [UNCSD Secretariat’s Webpage on Harmony with Nature]