UN environment agency announces new watchwords

United Nations, Aug 8 (UNI) ''Reduce, reuse and recycle'' are the watchwords of a new initiative announced by the United Nations and key Asian institutions aimed at promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental efficiency.

Jointly established by the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Institute of Technology, the UN Environment Programme and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the new "knowledge hub" will function as a think tank on technology, good practices, policy strategy and management.

Located at the institute, it will also focus on issues related to the "3R" -- reduce, reuse and recycle -- which UNESCAP said in a statement "promotes sustainable production and consumption of limited natural resources, and improved economic and environmental efficiency." Copies of the statement were made available at UN headquarters in New York.

Towards this end, the initiative will facilitate research, promote information sharing, and liaise with academic, scientific and technical institutions, the private sector and civil society.

The hub will also produce new information products on 3R, including periodicals, web site, newsletters, workshops and training courses, UNESCAP said.

UNI XC MSJ BS0826