UNEP and the Green Economy – Four Decades in Development 1993-2002

UNEP and the Green Economy – Four Decades in Development

1993-2002

1. 1995 Global Programme of Action (GPA) launched as a non-binding agreement to protect the marine environment from land-based sources of pollution.
   • Adopted by 108 Governments and the EU.
   • Only global initiative to address terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems.
2. 1995 Basel Ban Amendment barring export of hazardous wastes adopted.
   • Ratified by 70 countries and the EU.
   • Established a regime for minimization of health and environmental impacts.
   • Created new, green economic opportunities.
3. 1996 UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) entered into force.
   • 193 signatories.
   • 42 African National Action Programmes.
   • 5 Sub-regional Action Programmes.
   • Two thirds of African countries implementing National Forest Programmes (NFPs).
4. 1998 Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade adopted.
   • 39 banned or restricted chemicals.
   • 146 parties to the convention.
   • 265 national implementation authorities established in 170 countries.
5. 1999 UN Global Compact launched.
   • Over 8500 signatories from 135 countries working on sustainable and socially responsible policies.
6. 2000 The Malmö Declaration adopted.
   • Call to action on international environmental governance.
   • Crucial input to UN Millennium General Assembly and Rio+10 summit.
7. 2000 Millennium Declaration adopted: “ensuring environmental sustainability” as one of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
   • MDG 7 sets environmental targets.
   • Close to 87 % increase in access to drinking water. MDG’s 89 % target likely to be surpassed.
   • 94 million hectares increase in size of protected areas, covering 13 % of the world’s forests.
8. 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) adopted.
   • 176 parties.
   • 18 chemicals listed targeted for elimination.
   • 15 centres for capacity building and technology transfer.
9. 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development
   • Re-affirmed UNEP’s central role in sustainable development.
   • Linked poverty alleviation and environmental protection.
   • 2 new targets: To halve by 2015 people without access to basic sanitation; and to eliminate by 2012 destructive fishing practices.

Sourse: UNEP Website

UNEP and the Green Economy – Four Decades in Development 1983-1992

UNEP and the Green Economy – Four Decades in Development

1983-1992

1. 1983 The Brundtland Commission established by UN General Assembly following a decision by UNEP Governing Council.
   • Created the most prevalent definition of sustainable development.
   • Published “Our Common Future”, a blue print for future work on sustainability.
   • Influenced Rio 1992 Earth Summit and the Johannesburg Conference on Environment and Development, 2002.
2. 1987 Zambezi River Action Plan adopted.
   • Set the standard for transboundary water resources management across 8 countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
3. 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer established following the Vienna Convention of 1985.
   • Close to 150 countries assisted and over 98 % reduction of controlled ozone depleting substances.
   • Projects worth US$ 2.79 billion approved under the Multilateral Fund.
   • Climate mitigation co-benefits estimated at 10 Gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
4. 1988 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) established by UNEP and the World Meteorological Organization.
   • Delivered the most influential, comprehensive and scientifically reviewed reports on climate change.
   • Played a decisive role in the establishment of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.
5. 1989 Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal adopted.
   • 178 member states and 14 Regional and Coordinating Centres for Capacity Building and Technology Transfer, covering all continents.
   • Public-private partnership addressing the management of end-of-life electronic devices and electronic waste.
   • Cartagena Declaration on waste prevention, minimization and recovery - 2011.
6. 1991 Business Charter on Sustainable Development issued at the 2nd World Industry Conference on Environmental Management (WICEM II).
   • Laid the foundations for UNEP’s enduring relationship with the business sector.
   • Enhanced UNEP’s ability to provide policy advice on the green economy.
7. 1991 Global Environment Facility (GEF) established.
   • 182 member states.
   • $57 billion support to 2,800 projects in more than 168 countries.
   • $634 million direct grants to over 13,000 community-based projects.
8. 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) adopts Rio Declaration and Agenda 21.
   • Set the course for contemporary sustainable development.
   • Landmark treaties on climate change, desertification and biodiversity.
9. 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) established.
   • 193 member states.
   • Protected areas doubled over past 20 years, covering over 12% of Earth’s land surface.
   • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2000.
   • Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing in 2010.
   
   Sourse: UNEP Website
   
   

UNEP and the Green Economy – Four Decades in Development 1972-1982

UNEP and the Green Economy – Four Decades in Development

1972-1982

1. 1972 UNEP established after Stockholm UN Conference on the Human Environment.
   • UNEP provides global leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment.
2. 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) adopted.
   • Over 30,000 species protected, contributing to sustainable development and achievement of MDGs.
3. 1975 Adoption of the Mediterranean Action Plan.
   • Spearheaded the adoption of integrated coastal zone management in national policies and development plans of 16 Mediterranean countries and the European Community
4. 1979 Bonn Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) established.
   • 116 member states.
   • Binding Agreements and Action Plans to protect 120 migratory species.
5. 1982 The Montevideo Programme adopted by UNEP Governing Council setting priorities for global lawmaking.
   • Led to major agreements, including the Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions and the Montreal Protocol.
   • Assisted 120 governments develop environmental legislation.

Sourse: UNEP Website

UNEP: SOME MILESTONES

UNEP MILESTONES

1972: UNEP established after UN Conference on the Human  Environment

1973: Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

1979: Bonn Convention on Migratory Species

1985: Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

1987: Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

1989: Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste

1992: Convention on Biological Diversity

1995: Global Programme of Action (GPA) launched to protect marine environment from land-based sources of pollution

1998: Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent

2000: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety adopted to address issue of genetically modified organisms

2000: Malmö Declaration- a call for action by the first Global Ministerial Environment Forum

2001: Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

2002: World Summit on Sustainable Development reaffirms UNEP’s central role in international efforts to achieve sustainable development

2005: Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building adopted by UNEP Governing
Council mandating national level support to developing countries

2005: World Summit emphasizes key role of environment in sustainable development

2009: Governments unanimously decide to launch negotiations on an international mercury treaty

2009: UNEP releases the Climate Change Science Compendium 2009

UNEP: SIX REGIONAL OFFICES

SIX REGIONAL OFFICES 
UNEP's Division of Regional Cooperation (DRC) works to ensure that UNEP’s activities 
address regional needs and priorities.  DRC also works to enhance cooperation among 
governments in each region in addressing environmental issues strategically and effectively.  
UNEP has six regional offices: 


Africa: Nairobi, Kenya 


Asia and the Pacific: Bangkok, Thailand 


Europe: Geneva, Switzerland 


Latin America and the Caribbean: Panama City, Panama 


North America: Washington, D.C.  


West Asia: Manama, Bahrain 

UNEP: SIX AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

SIX AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
UNEP is re-organizing its work programme into six strategic areas as part of its move to
results based management.  The selection of six areas of concentration was guided by
scientific evidence, the UNEP mandate and priorities emerging from global and regional
forums.

1.  CLIMATE CHANGE
Strengthens the ability of countries to integrate climate change responses by providing
leadership in adaptation, mitigation, technology and finance.  UNEP is focusing on facilitating
the transition to low-carbon societies, improving the understanding of climate science,
facilitating the development of renewable energy and raising public awareness.

2.  POST-CONFLICT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Conducts environmental assessments in crisis-affected countries and provides guidance for
implementing legislative and institutional frameworks for improved environmental
management.  Activities undertaken by UNEP’s Post-Conflict & Disaster Management Branch
(PCDMB) include post-conflict environmental assessment in Afghanistan, Côte d’Ivoire,
Lebanon, Nigeria and Sudan.

3.  ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Facilitates management and restoration of ecosystems in a manner consistent with sustainable
development, and promotes use of ecosystem services.  Examples include the Global
Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based
Activities.

4.  ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
Supports governments in establishing, implementing and strengthening the necessary
processes, institutions, laws, policies and programs to achieve sustainable development at the
country, regional and global levels, and mainstreaming environment in development planning.

5.  HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
Strives to minimize the impact of harmful substances and hazardous waste on the environment
and human beings.  UNEP has launched negotiations for a global agreement on mercury, and
implements projects on mercury and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM) to reduce risks to human health and the environment.  

6.  RESOURCE EFFICIENCY/SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Focuses on regional and global efforts to ensure natural resources are produced, processed and
consumed in a more environmentally friendly way.  For example, the Marrakech Process is a
global strategy to support the elaboration of a 10-Year Framework of Programs on sustainable
consumption and production.

About UNEP

WHAT IS UNEP?
UNEP is the leading environmental authority in the United Nations system. UNEP uses its
expertise to strengthen environmental standards and practices while helping implement
environmental obligations at the country, regional and global levels.  

MISSION:  To provide global leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the
environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their
quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

FACTS:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and UN UNDER-SECRETARY GENERAL:  Achim Steiner

HEADQUARTERS: Nairobi, Kenya

CREATED in 1972 by a UN General Assembly Resolution