United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is in charge of coordinating environmental responses across the United Nations system. Maurice Strong, the organization’s first director, founded it following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972. Its mission is to give leadership, produce science, and develop solutions on a variety of topics, including climate change, marine and terrestrial ecosystem management, and green economic growth. The organisation also creates worldwide environmental treaties, publishes and promotes environmental science, and assists national governments in meeting environmental goals.
As a member of the United Nations Development Group, UNEP aspires to assist the world in meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Several multilateral environmental treaties and research bodies, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, the Convention on Migratory Species, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), are hosted by UNEP.
The World Meteorological Organization and UNEP founded the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 1988. (IPCC).
UNEP is also one of several Implementing Agencies for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Multilateral Fund for Montreal Protocol Implementation.
UNEP is also known as UN Environment.
United nations environment programme headquarters
United Nations Environment Programme Headquarters location at Nairobi, Kenya
United Nations Environment Assembly
UNEP’s governing body is the United Nations Environment Assembly. It was established in 2012 to replace the Governing Council and now has 193 members. It meets every two years.
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UNEP Structure
The UNEP structure is divided into eight divisions:
1. Science Division: The Science Division aims to provide scientifically credible environmental assessments and information for long-term development. It reports on the global environment’s state, evaluates policy, and tries to provide early warning of rising environmental hazards. It is in charge of monitoring and reporting on the environment in accordance with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Policy and Programme Division: develops UNEP policy and programmes. This division oversees the coordination of other divisions.
3. Ecosystems Division: aids countries in the conservation, restoration, and management of their ecosystems. It focuses on the environmental causes and effects of disasters and conflicts. It assists countries in reducing pollution from land-based activities, increasing resilience to climate change, and include environmental considerations in development planning.
4. Economic Division: Assists large corporations in their efforts to become more environmentally responsible. It is divided into three sections: chemicals and health, energy and climate, and resources and markets.
5. Governance Affairs Office: encourages member countries and other interested parties to use UNEP’s work. The office manages the sessions of UNEP’s governing body, the United Nations Environment Assembly, and its subsidiary institution, the Committee of Permanent Representatives. It contributes to the Assembly’s visibility, authority, and impact as an authoritative voice on the environment.
6. Legislation Division: aids in the development of environmental law. Assists governments in combating environmental crime and meeting international environmental responsibilities. The law division seeks to increase cooperation among environmental legislators around the world.
7. The Division of Communication creates and disseminates UNEP messaging. It makes them available to governments and individuals via digital and traditional media platforms.
8. Corporate Services Division: manages UNEP’s corporate interests, such as financial and management risk exposure.
United Nations Environment Programme Functions
Changes in the Climate
UNEP is a partner in the Territorial Approach to Climate Change, which brings together governmental institutions to work on climate resilience.
Conflicts and Natural Disasters
UNEP has worked to reduce the impact of emergencies and natural disasters on human health, as well as to prepare for future calamities. It contributes to the reduction of catastrophe origins by managing ecological balance and actively supports the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which aims to minimise disaster risk (DRR). In addition to averting natural disasters, the UNEP assists nations such as in developing laws or policies that safeguard them from catastrophic harm caused by catastrophes. Since 1999, it has assisted 40 nations in recovering from calamities.
Management of Ecosystems
Environmental Management
Examining the Environment
UNEP delivers information and statistics about the global environment to stakeholders such as governments, non-governmental organisations, and the general public in order for them to participate in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The material shared by UNEP is based on the most recent scientific findings and is properly gathered. This makes it easier for policymakers to access credible information. Stakeholders may readily obtain information through The Environment Outlook and the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, the UN Environment Live Platform and Online Access to Research in Environment (OARE) allow open access to UNEP data.
Waste and Chemicals
Resource Conservation