31.75Inmanycountries oftheregion aconsiderable amountofthewaterresources isnoteffectively utilized because ofthelackofnational plansandprogrammes forwaterresources development. Furthermore, recurrent damage causedbysuch natural disasters ascyclones, floods anddrought hasbecome asignificant negative factorineconomic development ofalargenumberofcountries. 31.76 Resource development, planning andmanagement willfaceincreasing challenges inthe1990sduetothescarcity ofnatural resources, thedegradation oftheenvironment andtheglobalpopulation explosion. However, advanced intormation technology hasgivenrisetonewopportunities forresource managers, planners anddecision makersworldwide. Inparticular, itiswidelyrecognized thatremotesensing andgeographic information system technology represents a new dimension ofmodernization ofnatural resources inventory, environment andnatural hazardmonitoring andenvironmentally sounddevelopment planning anddecision making. Thistechnology willbecomeessential forthemOdernization ofresource andenvironment management inthedeveloping member countries ofESCAPduringthe nextdecade. Inviewofthefastdeveloping practical uses,aswellasfuturistic characteristics ofsuchtechnology, therewillbeaneedforthemembercountries toimprove andupdatetheircapabilities tocopewiththeemerging developments in thisnewfield. Problems tobeaddressed inthisfieldshould, therefore, beto create aself-reliant remotesensing baseinthecountry capable ofmeeting the updated requirements ofthisdynamic technology. 31.77 Theoceanareasbrought undernational jurisdiction asaresultofthe1982 UnitedNations Convention ontheLawoftheSeacontain resources thatoffer substantial economic opportunities tocoastal developing countries oftheESCAP region. However, together withrights, coastal countries arefacedwith responsibilities withregardtothemanagement oftheresources andtheusesof oceanspace. Thecollection, analysis anddissemination ofinformation onmarine resources, aswellastraining inthevarious aspects ofmarineaffairs, maybe expected tocontribute tothealleviation ofthoseproblems. Furthermore, the Convention advocates anintegrated approach tomarineaffairs, thusrequiring the strengthening orcreation ofanewlegal,institutional andpolicy-making framework atthenational level. 31.78 Theobjectives inthesubprogramme arethefollowing: (a)Topromote regional co-operation through theformulation and implementation ofprojects andprogrammes fortheproperassessment, development, -19- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Libraryrational· utilization andmanagement ofmineral resources andtheappraisal of geology forplanning; (b)Topromote anintegrated andcomprehensive approach toenvironmentally soundandsustainable waterresources development andmanagement, andtosupport technical co-operation amongdeveloping countries inwaterresources development andmanagement; (c)Toincrease theself-reliance ofdeveloping countries oftheregionin usingremotesensing andgeographic information systems technologies forresource andenvironment management; (d)Topromote thedevelopment ofaconsistent anduniform approach tothe newoceanregimeunderthe1982UnitedNations Convention ontheLawoftheSea, andtopromote regional co-operation inmarineaffairs; (e)Tocreate awareness oftheevolving technology inthefieldofnatural resources andchangetheattitude ofresource managers, planners anddecision makers towards amorescientific andrational process; toundertake areview and assessment ofthestateoftechnology development andtoanalyse thetechnical gaps in,anddevelopmental needsof,developing membercountries; andtoassistthe membercountries inimproving theirpolicy-making capabilities intheuseofnew technologies aswellastheirmanagerial skillsinimplementing national programmes; (f)Toassist membercountries inderiving optimum benefits fromthemarine resources undertheirnational jurisdiction, inexercising theirrights and fulfilling theirobligations undertheUnitedNations Convention ontheLawofthe
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the management and development of natural resources, including water resources, mineral resources, and marine resources. It also touches on the importance of technology, specifically remote sensing and geographic information systems, in this process. Additionally, the text mentions the need for regional cooperation and the promotion of environmentally sound and sustainable development.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Science and technology