renewable sources ofenergy, andruralenergyplanning. Theavailability of high-powered micro-computers hasmadesophisticated planning instruments andmodels available toenergyplanners. Studies involving thosemethodologies willbe conducted andexchanges ofexperiences willbecarried out. 31.27Training courses, including thoseonplanning methodologies, willbe conducted inassociation withotherinternational organizations andsponsors. Workshops willbeheldtodiscuss progress onthevarious stagesofthestudies, andregional seminars willbeorganized todiscuss andreportimportant milestones. 31.28Studies oncertain topicsofcommoninterest willbeconducted ona region-wide basis. Suchtopicswillinclude theimpactoffossilfuelsonglobal warming, technology andpolicyoptions inmitigating globalenvironmental concerns, research anddevelopment strategies, long-term supplyoptimization studies, and strategies forapplication oftechnologies involving newandrenewable sources of energy. Activities withinalloftheseareaswillbeformulated according to expressed needs, through theprocess offormulating thebiennial workprogramme. SUBPROGRAMME 4.ENVIRONMENT (a)Objectives 31.29 Thelegislative authority forthesubprogramme derives fromGeneral Assembly resolutions 42/186 and42/187 andCommission resolution 267(XLIV). 31.30 Thereisagrowing awareness throughout theAsianandPacific regionthat serious threats totheenvironment arebeing"imposed byunsustainable and unbalanced development activity. Suchthreats include unhealthy village andurban environments (lackofnutrition, watersupply, sanitation, fuelwood andfodder), rapiddesertification anddeforestation, thelossofbiological diversity, pollution oftheair,lakes,rivers, oceans andseas,changes intheearth's climate, a"riseinthesealevel, andatmospheric deterioration. This environmental degradation endangers allspecies, andundermines thewell-being of theregion's population. 31.31 TheCommission hasadopted theprinciple ofsoundandsustainable development, withanemphasis onmeeting basicneedsandmakingpossible alifeof dignity inaviable environment. TheCommission hasrecognized that,whilethe primary responsibility forpromoting environmentally soundandsustainable development restsatthenational level,theconcept isaninterdisciplinary one thatrequires thedevelopment ofstrategies thatanticipate allenvironmental problems andthatcanbeimplemented through co-operative actionatthe international, regional andnational levels. Suchefforts shouldrecognize the economic disparities between nations andpeoples. Environmental protection should beintegrated intosuchareasastrade, development, energy, transport, agriculture andeconomic planning. -9- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library31.32 Theobjectives ofthesubprogramme arethefollowing: (a)Toinform andeducate decision makers andplanners inthevarious development sectors, andhelpthemintegrate principles ofsustainable development intotheplanning, design andimplementation oftheirdevelopment programmes; (b)Toseekimproved institutional structures, publicsectoradministrative arrangements, support forcommunity organizations, communications withindustries, andpublichearing processes; (c)Toidentify andhelpimplement energyconservation strategies andto facilitate thetransfer tothedeveloping countries ofenvironmentally sound technology • .(b)Courseofactionofthesecretariat 31.33 Thesecretariat willpromote regional co-operation through an interdisciplinary approach involving jointinstitutional andinvestment actionat theregional level, humanresources development, development andtransfer of environmentally benigntechnology, integration ofenvironmental considerations into industrial andurbandevelopment processes, promotion ofawareness atthelocal level, andtheformulation ofcomprehensive national andregional environmental
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of sustainable development, environmental protection, and renewable energy sources in the Asian and Pacific region. It highlights the threats to the environment posed by unsustainable development and the need for regional cooperation to address these issues. The text also mentions the development of planning instruments and models, training courses, and research studies to promote sustainable development.

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