Asia Pacific Regional Statement to the 7th GCSF

“A sustainable world is simply not conceivable if the Asia Pacific region fails to become sustainable.” Asia Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED) Report 2005 1. Introduction The Asia Pacific is a very diverse region. It has 3 of the world's most populous countries, 3 of the world’s largest countries, 2 of the least populated, 13 least developed countries, 12 landlocked countries, two of which is among the 2 double landlocked countries in the world, and 17 small island developing countries. Asia-Pacific accounts for one-third of the planet and houses two thirds of the world's population, the majority of whom live on less than a dollar a day. The enormous growing population that will soon reach 4 billion is expected to use more resources to achieve economic growth. More often than not this economic development will occur at a cost to the environment.