October 11 (12), 2007

The Earth on which we live is currently facing tremendous challenges. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations has stated that massive emissions of greenhouse gases have caused the phenomenon of global warming, thus changing the climate system. The global warming effect has also led to the rise of the sea level, a source of much anxiety about the future for coastal cities and towns.

Predictions by the IPCC also include an increase in natural disasters. Disasters due to anomalous weather in recent years observed in different parts of the world ranged from floods and landslides due to heavy rain; drought, water stress, heat waves and others in some regions. While such phenomena have a direct impact on harvesting of agricultural produce and the daily lives of citizens, the impact on industrial activities, notably our very own commercial activities, is also indeed tremendous.

The Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Associations(FAPRA) in an endeavor to protect the irreplaceable planet earth, to protect the future of our children, and to achieve a sustainable and steady economic development, hereby sets forth a declaration that each and every member of FAPRA will encourage its members and participants of the Convention to hold the theme "ADVANCE AND BALANCE" close to their hearts, take a step forward, think how each can contribute, and initiate actions accordingly, for the benefit of the global environment and to save energy and natural resources.