Statement from the International Geographical Union Conference 

held in Durban, South Africa, August 4^th to 7^th 2002 

to the 

World Summit on Sustainable Development, 

Johannesburg 2002.

The community of Geographers assembled at the International Geographical Union Regional Conference in Durban, South Africa (4^th to 7^th August 2002) is encouraged by initiatives to promote sustainable development at all scales from local to global. It is gratifying to witness the affirmation of precisely those lessons which Geography has been teaching for over a century in schools, colleges and universities. However, this community is disappointed to note the patent failures of governments and corporations to implement policies aimed at reducing inequalities and preventing environmental degradation. Between the 1972 and 2002:

• the earth’s population grew from 3.8 to more than 6 billion;

• the number of megacities rose from 3 to 19,

• the number of people who earn less than $2 US per day increased by over 100m;

• global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increased from 325 to 367 ppm;

• world fisheries exploitation rose from 56 to 126m tonnes

We therefore urge the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development to seek the means to ensure a better quality of life for all now and in the future through the implementation of sustainable development initiatives that promote the following:

• Environmental integrity

• Economic efficiency that helps to eliminate inequalities

• Social equity for all regardless of race, gender, disability or creed

• Democracy

• Food and water security

• Reduced vulnerability to environmental hazards

• Environmental justice

• Effective education for environmentally and socially responsible citizenship

• Mutual understanding between people

The community of Geographers is uniquely positioned to help develop a more holistic understanding of the interrelationships and complexities that characterise our earth. As educators, researchers and practitioners, we are committed to fostering a greater global awareness of the interconnecting structures and processes, operating at the local, regional and global scales, underpinning the relationship between people and the environment.