Annex 1

The Forum recognised and endorsed the deep concerns regarding the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on rising sea levels and changing weather patterns on all Forum members, especially low lying island nations as recorded in the "Statement on Climate Change and Sea Level Rise" issued by the 7th Economic Summit of Smaller Island States Leaders held in Rarotonga on 12-13 September 1997. They urged all countries to make additional efforts in meeting commitments under the FCCC, and expressed concern at the insufficecnt progress made so far.

2. Leaders recognised that to respond effectively to those concerns would require he active cooperation of all countries with significant greenhouse gas emissions.

3. The Forum urged all Parties to the FCCC to consider fully the AOSIS Draft Protocol during the ongoing negotiations. Leaders urged all participants at the forthcoming Kyoto Conference to pursue vigorously an outcome which would produce the highest level of net reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, by means of a legally binding Protocol or other legal instrument.

4. Leaders recognised that participants at the Kyoto Conference can be expected to adopt differcut approaches but all Forum members are unified in their support of the principles set out in this statement.

5. Leaders recognised the importance of rataining or replanting forests to mitigate the effects of emmissions.

6. The Forum also called for the COP3 outcome to provide for procedures and future time frames under which sign)ficant developing country emitters would Limit and ultimately reduce their greenhouse gas enžissions as part of global efforts towards attainment of the long term goal of the FCCC.

7. Leaders agreed that these positions should be concertedly advocated by members and the Secretary General by means of organised representations, in the lead up to COP3.

19 September 1997