possibility ofthejointundertaking ofstudies aimedatachieving theseobjectives; (b)Identification ofareasofeconomic co-operation andco-ordination betweeen thetwoleastdeveloped countries intheregion. Studies related tothe problems ofthosecountries willbeimplemented incloseco-operation withthe concerned divisions ofESCWA; (c)Improvement andexpansion oftheannual surveyofeconomic andsocial developments intheESCWAregionbyconcentrating onissuesrelating tothe promotion ofregional economic co-operation, together withtheimprovement ofthe databaseofthesurvey. Morein-depth studies ondevelopment issuesinthe.region willbeundertaken through closerco-operation between theCommission and specialized research centres incountries oftheregion; (d)Attention willbegiventosustainable development. 34.45 The'objectives willbemetbyundertaking research technical studies and reports, organizing intergovernmental andexpert groupmeetings through closer co-operation withotherregional andinternational organizations andthrough advisory services invarious fieldsofeconomic development. SUBPROGRAMME 3.ENVIRONMENT (a)Objectives 34;46 Thelegislative authority forsubprogramme 3derives fromGeneral Assembly resolutions 42/53; 42/186, annex; 42/187, paragraphs 8and16;44/225, section I, paragraphs 1to3andsectionIll,paragraphs 1to4;44/227; 44/228, section I, paragraphs 12,15andsection 11,paragraph 13;44/229, paragraphs 4,8,9,and24; and44/235, paragraphs 5and8oftheannex; Commission resolution 81(VII), paragraphs 2to5;andthereportoftheUnitedNations Conference ontheHuman Environment, paragraph 36;andrecommendations 22,26,45,and53. -11- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library34.47 Themainenvironmental problems intheESCWAregionthatseverely constrain sustainable development andconservation ofnatural resources are: (a)Landdegradation, whichincludes changes insoilproperties, soil fertility loss,waterlogging andsalinization, desertification andinadequacy of watersupply; (b)Industrial pollution, whichinvolves waterandairpollution andtoxic wastedumping inrivers, lakesandcoastal marineshores; andrelated environmental disruption caused byenergy-related activities; (c)Urbanization problems associated withrapidsocio-economic development, anditsnegative effects ontheruralenvironment, hygiene andnutrition. ~4.48 Theenvironment intheESCWAregionhasbeensimultaneously affected bythe pollution oflargeurbanandruralcentres andbythenegative effectofpopulation growth, depletion ofnatural resources anddeficiency ofbasicservices. 34.49InthelightofthereportoftheWorldCommission onEnvironment and Development, itisnecessary tofocusonaregional approach tosustainable development, particularly withregardtothemanagement ofnatural resources. The integration ofenvironment andresource-management policies shouldbebasedonthe identification ofcomplementary objectives andtheuseofpolicyactions thatare compatible, efficient andcost-effective. Waterbeingakeyelement inthe socio-economic development oftheESCWAregion, theevaluation ofspecific pollutants inthemanagement ofwaterresources, assessment oftheavailable technologies for,andthecostofpotable waterpurification, municipal and industrial wastewatertreatment areissuesofparamount importance wheremember countries willsoonfaceanumberofpolicyquestions thatrequire co-operative and jointaction. Hence,theformulation ofmacro-economic policies musttakeinto account, fromtheirconceptual'stage, thenetimpactofsuchpolicies on environmental quality andthenatural resources baseofthecountry. Likewise, the reduction ofairpollu~ion, therecovery andreuseofresidues fromindustrial waste, conscious energyconsumption andproduction andpromotion ofnon-polluting renewable energytechnologies, require further co-operation fortheimprovement of theregional environment. 34.50 Theobjectives ofsubprogramme 3are: (a)Elaboration ofeffective meansofpreventing, m~n~m~zing orsolving
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a regional program for sustainable development, with a focus on environmental issues and economic co-operation. The objectives mentioned include improving the annual survey of economic and social developments, addressing sustainable development, and elaborating effective means of preventing or solving environmental problems. The text also mentions the importance of co-operation between countries and international organizations to achieve these objectives.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment