atcreating theoperational structures forachieving theenvironmental objectives setoutindevelopment plansandprogrammes: tocontribute totheestablishment and strengthening ofthelegislative instruments andinstitutional mechanisms forthe protection oftheenvironment atthenational level;toassistinorganizing training programmes aimedatstrengthening thecapacity toimplement environmental policies andprogrammes; andtopromote horizontal co-operation amongthecountries oftheregioninthestruggle against desertification andthedeterioration ofland ecosystems, themarine environment andrelated ecosystems, andforthe co-ordination ofactivities aimedatstrengthening institutions andimproving the management oftheenvironment; (b)Intheareaofhumansettlements: tosupport localgovernments inthe operation, management anddevelopment oftheurbancentres oftheregion; to contribute totheachievement ofpatterns ofspatial distribution ofthepopulation andofproductive activities inharmony withtheeconomic andsocialdevelopment strategies ofthecountries; topromote employment andthemobilization ofsavings inthehousing andt~econstruction sectors: andtoincrease anddisseminate know-how andtheapplication oftechnologies andnormsthataresuitedtothe realities oftheregionforthesupply, improvement andmaintenance ofhousing, infrastructure andservices, particularly inprecarious settlements. -15- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library(b)CourseofactionoftheSecretariat 33.54 TheSecretariat willundertake thefollowing activities underthe subprogramme: (a)Intheareaofenvironment: research andstudies fordissemination among professional groups ,andconcerned authorities andinstitutions ontheformulation ofenvironmental policies andtheadaptation ofthelegalandinstitutional framework fortheimplementation ofpolicies; development ofspecific instruments ofenvironmental management suchaslandusemanagement, environmental impact assessments, information andaccounting systems fornatural resources, interalia, forthebenefit ofthevarious professional groups, public andacademic institutions involved inenvironmental management; providing substantive support to Governments through technical assistance missions; organization ofmeetings, seminars andworkshops tobroaden knowledge, shareexperiences andpromote contacts andco-operation amongcountries; andtraining activities aimedatstrengthening institutions anddisseminating information ontheinstruments ofenvironmental management; (b)Intheareaofhumansettlements: undertaking ofstudies and publications onconditions andtrendsofhumansettlements; publication ofstudies onthemanagement, planning andmaintenance ofurbansystems; undertaking studies andproviding technical assistance ontheselection andapplication ofappropriate technologies andnormsforimproving livingconditions andthestandards of precarious settlements; providing technical assistance fortheconduct oftraining programmes inlocalmanagement;apd consolidating theoperation oftraining programmes andco-ordinating mechanisms established inprevious years. SUBPROGRAMME 8.POPULATION (a)Objectives 33.55 Thelegislative authority forthepresent subprogramme derives from resolution 346(AC.68) ofthetenthextraordinary session oftheEconomic Commission forLatinAmerica andtheCaribbean Committee of.theWholeandthe "Regional population programme" (E/CEPAL/G.l002) ofthefourteenth session ofthe Commission. 33.56 Considerable progress hasbeenmadeinmostofthecountries intheareasof datacollection andthepreparation ofbasicdemographic estimates, although, given theheterogeneity oftheregion, therearestillsomecountries whichrequire assistance inthisregard. Progress hasbeenmuchslower, however, asregards the clarification oftheinterrelationships between population dynamics andsocial, cultural andeconomic development, despite thefactthatdemographic change frequently bothlessens theeffectiveness ofdevelopment policies andaddstothe deterioration oftheecosystem. Inspiteoftheconsensus whichexists concerning
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on sustainable development and regional cooperation in the Latin American and Caribbean region. It outlines specific objectives and activities in the areas of environmental protection, human settlements, and population dynamics. The text mentions the need for technical assistance, training, and capacity building to achieve these objectives, which suggests a focus on development and cooperation rather than purely economic or environmental issues.

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