production structures to the requirements of the opening of markets. The type of concertation for which we appeal in order to improve the economic environment is also required for preserving our natural environment, because of its impact on the life and well being of the human being, who is indeed the final aim of our development and growth efforts. It is now recognized that the present concept of development, which is based on limitless growth, leads to a squandering of resources and the deterioration of our natural environment. In this context, Tunisia, which has begun to prepare a national code for the preservation of the environment and has established a specialized body for that purpose, attaches special importance to the preparatory process for the Conference on Environment and Development, to be held in Brazil in 1992. We are convinced that the protection of the environment, far from being a marginal undertaking, must be regarded as an essential part of all development efforts, requiring the support of the international community, while maintaining the development priorities of the developing countries and guaranteeing the principle of the proportionality of contributions and responsibilities, given the asymmetry of the world production and consumption structures. This asymmetry, (Mr. Khelil, Tunisia) whose scope we are workin:J to reduce, is a reflection of the fact that we have not yet fully developed our scientific and technical capacities. Yet that is a pre-condition of economic and social development. While we regret the increase, at the bilateral and multilateral levels, of protectionist policies as regards intellectual property, we hope that the negotiations in this respect, in the context of the Uruguay Round, will contribute to better understanding of the legitimate concerns of the developing countries, thereby backing up the work undertaken by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNcrAD) on this question. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the relationship between economic development and environmental protection, highlighting the importance of sustainable development and the need for international cooperation. It also touches on the topic of international trade, specifically the Uruguay Round and the protection of intellectual property. These themes suggest that the text is most closely related to the fields of economic development and natural resources and environment.

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