The symposium examined the impact of poverty and environmental degradation on women and children and assessed women's real and potential contributions to sustainable development through their knowledge of natural resources. Participants included experts and resource people involved in grassroots activities throughout the world. This report summarizes the opening ceremony of the symposium; states general principles and recommendations adopted by the symposium; and discusses information presented at the symposium. Working groups and the plenary session made recommendations concerning women and the environment. The first working group addressed topics of land resources, resource management and conservation, and deforestation. The second considered freshwater resources, energy, and toxic chemicals. The use of legal instruments and institutions was studied by the third working group. Topics addressed by the plenary session included: (1) poverty and environmental degradation; (2) financial resources; (3) public awareness; (4) health; (5) effects of technology; (6) urban and rural settlements; (7) demographic pressures; (8) media and communications; and (9) popular participation. The symposium produced a "vision statement" on women, children, and nature. Appended materials include the symposium agenda; abstracts of papers and case studies presented at the symposium; and a list of symposium participants. (BC)