PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL
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Meeting Summary PBEC Steering Committee Meeting April 8, 2001 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Venue: Hotel Nikko, Pegasus Room, 1st Floor Mr. Tadahiko Ohashi, Chairman (Japan) Mr. Ohashi reported that the Committee discussed two key issues: Environmental Award Environmental Statement Environmental Award For the Environmental Award, there were eight nominations from five economies and the final three winners were Gold- Osaka Gas (Japan), Silver- Ford Motor Company (USA), and Bronze- Honda Motor Company (Japan). The Committee unanimously agreed to implement the 4th Environmental Award at the next IGM. There was also a discussion concerning how to increase applications for the award and how to refine the judging process. To increase the number of applicants, a letter would be sent directly to the 1,100 member companies and every member committee would be recommended to select at least one nominee from their member economy. In order to further refine the judging process, the Committee agreed to omit the highest and lowest scores for each nominee and the sum of the remaining scores would then serve as the final score. Environmental Statement With regards to the Environmental Statement, the Committee revised the statement to make clear the following main points: a) the relationship between population, poverty and environment, b) the importance of external activities at the corporate level, and c) the importance of the fisheries as well as agricultural and forestry industries in preserving environment and moderating urbanization. The Committee is also to work on establishing a working group within the committee, hosting workshops in connection with the MTM or IGM, and is to examine establishment of PBEC's standards for environmental protection. Proposed Policy Papers and Statements Statement on Environmental Issues - Environmental Working Committee Mr. Narravo, PBEC Philippines, asked that an amendment be added to the statement, under the action plan, that "PBEC supports CETRA and Green Committee practices and the protection of indigenous peoples' rights." Mr. Gary Benanav, PBEC US, pointed out that, due to the sensitive nature involving Governments, perhaps it would be better to state the amendment in the following manner; "PBEC supports national laws as they strive to protect indigenous peoples' rights." Mr. Narravo agreed with Mr. Benanav's suggestion and, with that change, the statement was approved.