The intent of this report is to engender a better understanding of the central role of environmental issues in the broader economic and social context. It is meant to facilitate a more comprehensive approach by demonstrating that economic and social issues (until now the mainstays of the dialogue between developed and developing countries) on the one hand, and the environment on the other should involve a mutually beneficial influence of each upon the other. The report is intended to show that economic problems cause environmental despoliation which, in turn, makes economic and structural reform more difficult to achieve.