STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY AMBASSADOR HELENA YANEZ LOZA, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ECUADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE HIGH LEVEL INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON HARMONY WITH NATURE TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL MOTHER EARTH DAY (New York, 21 April 2017)

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Allow me to express our appreciation for convening this interactive dialogue on harmony with nature in commemoration of International Mother Earth Day. This dialogue constitutes an appropriate forum for an open and fruitful exchange of views and to engage in a comprehensive discussion on how to further a more ethical basis for the relationship between humanity and the Earth in the context of sustainable development.

The Group recalls that planet Earth and its ecosystems are our home and that "Mother Earth" is a common expression in a number of countries and regions, noting that some countries recognize the rights of nature in the context of the promotion of sustainable development, and expressing the conviction that, in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature.

The G77 and China over the past years has presented the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature. We welcome the theme of this dialogue as an opportunity to consider existing studies and, as appropriate, the findings and recommendations of the reports of the Secretary-General on Harmony with Nature, of the experts' summary report of the virtual dialogue, addressing Earth jurisprudence, and of the interactive dialogues of the General Assembly on Harmony with Nature, in the promotion of the balanced integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development through harmony with nature.

While emphasizing the sovereignty of their countries and peoples over their natural wealth, the G77 and China is aware of the duty to conserve and sustainably manage natural resources and ensure the conditions for nature and ecosystems to have the capacity to regenerate, for the benefit of present and future generations. Sustainable use of natural resources is an effective way to achieve sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth while reducing poverty and environmental degradation.

The Group expresses concerns about documented environmental degradation while stressing the need to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, with the developed countries taking the lead. Enhancing support for developing countries is fundamental, including through adequate cooperation, provision of financial and non-financial resources, strengthen of scientific knowledge, transfer of technology on favorable terms including in preferential and concessional terms, capacity building, strengthen of national statistical capacity, and promoting a rules-based and non discriminatory multilateral trading system. We will strive to ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

We reiterate the invitation to Member States and other relevant stakeholders to contribute to the earmarked activities related to Harmony with Nature under the trust fund of the high-level political forum on sustainable development created for this purpose.

Mr. President,

The Group calls for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development, in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, that will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystems.

We reiterate our determination stated in the Preamble of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. Therefore, we renew our commitment to work jointly to transcend towards societies in which humanity lives in harmony with nature and in which wildlife and other living species are protected.

Thank you.