A (Foot) Step in the Right Direction – UNFPA Report Recommends Increased Funding for Population, Environment

November 7, 2001

Washington, DC - Population Action International (PAI) joins the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in marking the release today of the State of World Population 2001 Report, Footprints and Milestones: Population and Environmental Change. This report outlines the critical linkages between women's reproductive health, poverty, and environmental degradation.

"This most recent conflict challenges us to explore diverse pathways towards peace," said Amy Coen, PAI President. "In such a world, the release of this report could not be better timed. UNFPA identifies successful, concrete steps to bring about stability, improved health, and better lives. PAI applauds them for this effort."

The release of the UNFPA report comes as members of Congress are preparing to negotiate the final version of the foreign operations spending bill, which allocates funds to development assistance efforts, including funding for UNFPA and for international family planning and environmental programs administered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The current House version of the bill includes $25 million to support UNFPA (which is less than what the U.S. contributed in 1979 - more than 20 years ago), and $425 million for family planning programs at USAID. The Senate version includes $40 million for UNFPA and $450 million for USAID family planning activities. It also acknowledges the link between population growth and environmental degradation by urging population assistance "in areas where population growth threatens biodiversity or endangered species." The bill also provides $295 million for environmental efforts aimed at protecting tropical forests, biodiversity and endangered species, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

"As the United States provides greater leadership in this troubled world, I hope they remember that creating economic and educational opportunities - especially for women and girls - will not only improve lives, protect health, and preserve the environment, but also help build a more stable, and peaceful world," noted Coen. "I hope Congress is paying attention."