Author: Programme des Nations Unies pour l'environnement. GRID-Geneva

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 35

ISBN-13: 9789280737516

Sand and gravels are the unrecognised foundational material of our economies. They are mined the world over, with aggregates accounting for the largest volume of solid material extracted globally (Peduzzi, 2014; Beiser, 2018). At the same time, these materials cannot be produced from our terrestrial, riverine and marine environments in quantities needed to meet demand from a world of 10 billion people without effective policy, planning, regulation and management. Such actions remain largely unaddressed by decision makers in public or private sectors. It is time to challenge the paradigm of infinite sand resources through constructive dialogue and solution-finding. This report aims to be the starting point from which a productive global conversation on sand extraction can begin. This synthesis was produced following a United Nations Environment Programme expert roundtable event held on 11 October 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. The discussions emphasised potential solutions for mitigating mineral sands and aggregates extraction impacts and generating adequate support for responsible consumption pathways. Expert views were collated and complemented with additional research and consultation to distil key messages on an agenda for tackling this issue in 2019 and beyond.