View source for United Nations Environment Programme

{{Short description|UN environmental response agency}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox organization
| image               = UNEP logo.svg
| image_size          = 130px
| name                = United Nations Environment Programme<br />(UN Environment)
| map                 = 
| map_size            =
| map_caption         = 
| type                = Programme
| abbreviation        = UN Environment<br /> 
UNEP
| leader_title        = Executive Director
| leader_name         = [[Inger Andersen (environmentalist)|Inger Andersen]] <small>(since 2019)</small>
| status              = Active
| formation           = {{Start date and age|1972|06|05|df=y}}
| headquarters        = [[Nairobi, Kenya|Nairobi]], [[Kenya]]
| website             = {{official URL}}
| parent_organization = [[United Nations]]
| footnotes           = 
}}
The '''United Nations Environment Programme''' ('''UNEP''') is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues within the United Nations system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/sections/about-un/funds-programmes-specialized-agencies-and-others/index.html|title=Funds, Programmes, Specialized Agencies and Others|date=November 18, 2014|website=un.org}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://www.unenvironment.org/about-un-environment|title=About UN Environment Programme|website=UNEP|access-date=2019-02-10|archive-date=2020-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409185727/http://www.unenvironment.org/about-un-environment|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was established by [[Maurice Strong]], its first director, after the [[Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment|United Nations Conference on the Human Environment]] in Stockholm in June 1972. Its mandate is to provide leadership, deliver science and develop solutions on a wide range of issues, including climate change,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/climate-change|title=Climate Change|date=2021 |website=unep.org }}</ref> the management of marine and terrestrial [[ecosystem]]s, and green economic development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/green-economy|title=Green Economy|date=2021 |website=unep.org }}</ref> The organization also develops [[international environmental agreements]]; publishes and promotes [[environmental science]] and helps national governments achieve environmental targets.

As a member of the [[United Nations Development Group]], UNEP aims to help the world meet the 17 [[Sustainable Development Goals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://undg.org/about/undg-global/undg/|title=About » UNDG at the Global Level » UNDG|date=2017|website=United Nations Development Group|access-date=3 September 2017}}</ref> UNEP hosts the secretariats of several multilateral environmental agreements and research bodies, including [[Convention on Biological Diversity|The Convention on Biological Diversity]] (CBD), The [[Minamata Convention on Mercury]], The [[Basel Convention|Basel]], [[Rotterdam Convention|Rotterdam]] and [[Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants|Stockholm]] Conventions, [[Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals|The Convention on Migratory Species]] and The [[Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species]] of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), among others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unep.org/about-un-environment/why-does-un-environment-matter/secretariats-and-conventions|title=Secretariats and Conventions|website=UNEP|date=30 October 2017}}</ref>

In 1988, the [[World Meteorological Organization]] and UNEP established the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] (IPCC).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ipcc.ch/|title=History of the IPCC|website=IPCC}}</ref> UNEP is also one of several Implementing Agencies for the [[Global Environment Facility]] (GEF) and the [[Montreal Protocol#Multilateral Fund|Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Environment |first=U. N. |title=Global Environment Facility |url=http://www.unep.org/gef/node |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=Global Environment Facility |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Environment |first=U. N. |date=2018-10-29 |title=About Montreal Protocol |url=http://www.unep.org/ozonaction/who-we-are/about-montreal-protocol |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=Ozonaction |language=en}}</ref> UNEP sometimes uses the alternative name UN Environment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unep.org/about-un-environment/why-does-un-environment-matter|website=UNEP|title=Why does UN Environment Programme matter?|date=28 September 2017}}</ref> The headquarters of the agency is in Nairobi, Kenya.

==History==
[[File:UNEP-conferentie over ozonlaag in Den Haag v.l.n.r. ex minister Ginjaar , mini, Bestanddeelnr 934-3407.jpg|thumb|UNEP Conference on Ozone Layer in The Hague, 1988]]
In the 1970s, the need for environmental governance at a global level was not universally accepted, particularly by developing nations. Some argued that environmental concerns were not a priority for nations in poverty. The leadership of Canadian diplomat [[Maurice Strong]] convinced many of the developing nations' governments that they needed to prioritize this issue. In the words of [[Nigerians|Nigerian]] professor [[Adebayo Adedeji]]: "Mr. Strong, through the sincerity of his advocacy, soon made it clear that all of us, irrespective of the stage of our development, have a large stake in the matter."<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=Ivanova|first=Maria|date=2007-11-23|title=Designing the United Nations Environment Programme: a story of compromise and confrontation|journal=International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics|language=en|volume=7|issue=4|pages=356|doi=10.1007/s10784-007-9052-4|bibcode=2007IEAPL...7..337I |s2cid=153356802|issn=1567-9764}}</ref>

After developing organizations such as the [[International Labour Organization]], the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] and the [[World Health Organization]], the 1972 [[United Nations Conference on the Human Environment]] (the Stockholm Conference) was convened. In this conference various topics were discussed such as pollution, marine life, protection of resources, environmental change, and disasters relating to natural and biological change. This conference resulted in a ''[[Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment#|Declaration on the Human Environment]]'' ([[Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment|Stockholm Declaration]]) and the establishment of an environmental management body, which was later named the '''United Nations Environment Program''' (UNEP). UNEP was established by [[United Nations General Assembly|General Assembly]] Resolution 2997.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Mark Allan|first=Gray|date=1990|journal=Lewis & Clark Law School|volume=20|issue=2|pages=43–49|jstor=43265919|title=The United Nations Environment Programme: An Assessment}}</ref> Headquarters were established in [[Nairobi]], Kenya, with a staff of 300, including 100 professionals in a variety of fields, and with a five-year fund of more than US$100 million. At the time, US$40 million were pledged by the [[United States]] and the remainder by 50 other nations. The 'Voluntary Indicative Scale of Contribution' established in 2002 has the role to increase the supporters of the UNEP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unenvironment.org/about-un-environment/funding/funding-facts/environment-fund|title=Environment Fund|website=UN Environment|date=10 November 2017|language=en|access-date=2019-04-22}}</ref> The finances related to all programs of UNEP is voluntarily contributed by [[Member states of the United Nations]]. The Environmental Fund, which all nations of UNEP invest in, is the core source of UNEP's programs.<ref name=":0" /> Between 1974 and 1986 UNEP produced more than 200 technical guidelines or manuals on environment including forest and water management, [[pest control]], pollution monitoring, the relationship between chemical use and health, and management of industry.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=1989|title=The United Environment Programme(UNEP)|journal=Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)|issue=23|pages=16|jstor=24339600}}</ref>

The location of the headquarters proved to be a major controversy, with [[developed countries]] preferring [[Geneva]], where several other UN offices are based, while [[developing countries]] preferred Nairobi, as that would be the first international organization headquartered in the [[Global South]]. At first, [[Mexico City]], [[New Delhi]], and [[Cairo]] were also competing to be the headquarters, but they pulled out to support Nairobi.<ref name=":1" /> Many of the developing countries were "not particularly supportive of creating a new formal institution for environmental governance", but supported its creation as an act of "Southern solidarity".<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Najam|first=Adil|date=2005|title=Developing Countries and Global Environmental Governance: From Contestation to Participation to Engagement|journal=International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics|language=en|volume=5|issue=3|pages=309|doi=10.1007/s10784-005-3807-6|bibcode=2005IEAPL...5..303N |s2cid=16813351|issn=1567-9764}}</ref>

In 2000, the [[World Conservation Monitoring Centre]], based in [[Cambridge]] and sponsored by [[IUCN]], became part of UNEP.

==Governance==
===Executive director===
[[File:22dec07-COP15-Sec-Gen-Media-3206 (52549456365).jpg|thumb|UNEP Executive Director [[Inger Andersen (environmentalist)|Inger Andersen]] at the UN Biodiversity conference, 2022]]
In December 1972, the UN General Assembly unanimously elected Maurice Strong to be the first head of UN Environment. He was also secretary-general of both the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and the [[Earth Summit]] (1992).

The position was then held for 17 years (1975–1992) by [[Mostafa Kamal Tolba]], who was instrumental in bringing environmental considerations to the forefront of global thinking and action. Under his leadership, UN Environment's most widely acclaimed success—the historic 1987 agreement to protect the [[ozone layer]]—the [[Montreal Protocol]] was negotiated. He was succeeded by [[Elizabeth Dowdeswell]] (1992–1998), [[Klaus Töpfer]] (1998–2006), [[Achim Steiner]] (2006–2016), and [[Erik Solheim]] (2016–2018).

UNEP's acting executive director, [[Joyce Msuya]], took office in November 2018 following the resignation of [[Erik Solheim]]. Prior to that appointment, she was UNEP's deputy executive director.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tanzanian appointed to head U.N. Environment Programme |url=http://www.africanews.com/2018/11/21/tanzanian-appointed-to-head-united-nations-environment-programme/ |access-date=23 November 2018 |publisher=AfricaNews |date=21 November 2018}}</ref> [[Inger Andersen (environmentalist)|Inger Andersen]] was appointed executive director of UNEP by UN secretary-general [[António Guterres]] in February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Secretary-General Appoints Inger Andersen of Denmark Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme, Following Election by General Assembly {{!}} Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sga1862.doc.htm|access-date=2020-08-03|website=www.un.org}}</ref>

===List of executive directors===
{| class="wikitable" 
! #
! Picture
! width=35%|Name<br /><small>(birth–death)</small>
! width=20%|Nationality
! Took office
! Left office
|-
| 1 || [[File:Maurice Strong.jpg|80px|Maurice Strong]] ||align="center"| '''[[Maurice Strong]]'''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schrijver |first=Nico |title=Development Without Destruction: The UN and Global Resource Management |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oBaJ3OXWr9UC&pg=PA116 |series=United Nations Intellectual History Project Series |year=2010 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington, IN |isbn=978-0-253-22197-1 |page=116}}</ref><br /><small>'''(1929–2015)'''</small> || {{flagcountry|Canada}} || 1972 || 1975
|-
| 2 || [[File:DR MOSTAFA TOLBA.jpg|80px|Mostafa Tolba]] ||align="center"| '''[[Mostafa Kamal Tolba]]'''<br /><small>'''(1922–2016)'''</small> || {{flagcountry|Egypt}} || 1975 || 1992
|-
| 3 || [[File:Elizabeth Dowdeswell 2020-01-01 (DSCF0094) (cropped).jpg|80px|Elizabeth Dowdeswell]] ||align="center"| '''[[Elizabeth Dowdeswell]]'''<br /><small>'''(born 1944)'''</small> || {{flagcountry|Canada}} || 1992 || 1998
|-
| 4 || [[File:Klaus Töpfer, 2009 (cropped).jpg|80px|Klaus Töpfer]] ||align="center"| '''[[Klaus Töpfer]]'''<br /><small>'''(1938–2024)'''</small> || {{flagcountry|Germany}} || 1998 || 2006
|-
| 5 || [[File:Achim Steiner-IMG 0835.jpg|80px|Achim Steiner]] ||align="center"| '''[[Achim Steiner]]'''<br /><small>'''(born 1961)'''</small>|| {{flagcountry|Brazil}} || 2006 ||2016
|-
| 6 || [[File:Erik Solheim.jpg|119x119px]] ||align="center"| '''[[Erik Solheim]]'''<br /><small>'''(born 1955)'''</small> || {{flagcountry|Norway}} || 2016 || 2018
|-
| 7 || [[File:Joyce_Msuya_Mpanju_(2019)_Ausschnitt.jpg|80px]]  ||align="center"| '''[[Joyce Msuya]]'''
(acting)

'''<small>(born 1968)</small>'''
|{{flagcountry|Tanzania}} || 2018 || 2019
|-
| 8 || [[File:Inger Andersen (environmentalist, 2010, cropped).jpg|80px]] ||align="center"| [[Inger Andersen (environmentalist)|'''Inger Andersen''']]<br />'''<small>(born 1958)</small>'''
| {{flagcountry|Denmark}} || 2019 || '''Present'''
|}

===Environment Assembly===
The '''United Nations Environment Assembly''' (UNEA) is UNEP's governing body. Created in 2012 to replace the Governing Council, it currently has 193 members and meets every two years.<ref>{{cite web |title=UN Environment Assembly and Governing Council |url=http://web.unep.org/environmentassembly/un-environment-assembly-and-governing-council |publisher=UNEP |access-date=10 March 2019 |archive-date=11 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311131029/http://web.unep.org/environmentassembly/un-environment-assembly-and-governing-council |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{UN doc |docid=A-RES-67-251 |body=A |session=67 |type=R |resolution_number=251 |title=Change of the designation of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme |page= |date=13 March 2013 |access-date=24 May 2021}}</ref>

The first session of the assembly took place in Nairobi from 23-27 June 2014.<ref name=session1 />

The sixth session (UNEA-6) took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 26 February to 1 March 2024,<ref>UNEP, [https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/unea6 Outcomes of UNEA-6], accessed on 13 May 2025</ref> and the seventh session (UNEA-7) is scheduled to take place from 8 to 12 December 2025, also in Nairobi. The theme for UNEA-7 is "Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet".<ref>UNEP, [https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/unea7 Seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7)], accessed on 13 May 2025</ref>

===Structure===
[[File:UNEP-IRP.png|thumb|UNEP [[International Resource Panel]] meeting, 2011]]
UNEP's structure includes eight divisions:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unenvironment.org/about-un-environment/why-does-un-environment-matter/un-environment-divisions|title=UN Environment divisions|last=Environment|first=U. N.|date=2017-10-31|website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme|language=en|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref>

# Science Division: aims to provide scientifically credible environmental assessments and information for sustainable development. It reports on the state of the global environment, assesses policies, and aims to provide an early warning of emerging environmental threats. It is responsible for the monitoring and reporting of the environment regarding the 2030 Agenda and [[Sustainable Development Goals]].
#Policy and Programme Division: makes the policy and programme of the UNEP. This division ensures other divisions are coordinated.
# Ecosystems Division: supports countries in conserving, restoring and managing their ecosystems. It addresses the environmental causes and consequences of disasters and conflicts. It helps countries reduce pollution from land-based activities, increase [[Climate resilience|resilience to climate change]], and think about the environment in their development planning.
# Economy Division: assists large businesses in their efforts to be more environmentally conscious. It has three main branches: Chemicals and Health, Energy and Climate, and Resources and Markets.
# Governance Affairs Office: engages member states and other relevant groups to use UNEP's work. The office serves UNEP's governing body, the United Nations Environment Assembly, and its subsidiary organ, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, and manages their meetings. It helps strengthen the visibility, authority and impact of the Assembly as an authoritative voice on the environment.
# Law Division: helps to develop [[environmental law]]. Works with countries to combat [[environmental crime]] and meet international environmental commitments. The law division aims to improve cooperation between lawmakers around the world who are making environmental laws.
# Communication Division: develops and disseminates UNEP's messages. It delivers them to governments and individuals through digital and traditional media channels.
# Corporate Services Division: handles UNEP's corporate interests such as management and exposure to financial risk.

==Topic areas==
[[File:1.1- Carbon Financing (10036842386).jpg|thumb|Presentation on climate finance by Søren E. Lütken, UNEP Senior Adviser, 2012]]UNEP's main activities are related to:<ref name=":2" />

# [[Climate action]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Climate Action |url=http://www.unep.org/explore-topics/climate-action |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref>
# [[Natural disaster|Disasters]] and conflicts ("to minimize the environmental causes and consequences of crises")<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Disasters & conflicts |url=http://www.unep.org/explore-topics/disasters-conflicts |access-date=13 February 2025 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |date=5 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
# Nature Action ("conservation, restoration and the sustainable use of nature")<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Nature Action {{!}} UNEP - UN Environment Programme |url=https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/ecosystems-and-biodiversity |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=www.unep.org |language=en}}</ref>
# [[Global environmental governance]] (the UNEP website states that "UNEP is committed to supporting countries in developing and implementing integrated environmental policies").<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Environmental rights and governance |url=http://unep.org/explore-topics/environmental-rights-and-governance |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref>
# Data collection and reporting<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Environment under review |url=http://www.unep.org/explore-topics/environment-under-review |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref> (UNEP provides information and data on the global environment to stakeholders including governments, non-governmental organizations and the public for them to engage in realizing the [[Sustainable Development Goals]]. For example, the UN environment Live Platform and Online Access to Research in Environment (OARE) provide transparent information collected by UNEP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/environment-under-review|title=Environment under review|website=UN Environment|language=en|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref>)
# Chemicals and waste<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Chemicals & pollution action |url=http://www.unep.org/explore-topics/chemicals-waste |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref>
# [[Resource efficiency]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=UNEP |title=Resource efficiency |url=http://www.unep.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref>

== Advocacy ==
UNEP uses its position to raise awareness for a range of issues.

=== Climate change ===
{{further|Effects of climate change|Causes of climate change}}

Already in 1989, UNEP published a statement predicting that "entire nations could be wiped off the face of the Earth by [[sea level rise]] if the [[global warming]] trend is not reversed by the year 2000".<ref>{{cite news |last1=JAMES SPIELMANN |title=U.N. Predicts Disaster if Global Warming Not Checked |url=https://www.apnews.com/bd45c372caf118ec99964ea547880cd0 |access-date=25 February 2019 |work=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.apnews.com/bd45c372caf118ec99964ea547880cd0 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20181008195714/https://www.apnews.com/bd45c372caf118ec99964ea547880cd0 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2018-10-08 |title = U.N. Predicts Disaster if Global Warming Not Checked| website=[[Associated Press]] }}</ref> In 2005, UNEP issued a joint statement with the [[United Nations University]] predicting that "50 million people could become [[Environmental migrant|environmental refugees]] by 2010, fleeing the [[effects of climate change]]". This was reinforced in 2008, by [[Srgjan Kerim]], President of the UN General Assembly, who estimated that there would be between 50 million and 200 million environmental migrants by 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Axel Bojanowski |title=UN Embarrassed by Forecast on Climate Refugees |url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/feared-migration-hasn-t-happened-un-embarrassed-by-forecast-on-climate-refugees-a-757713.html |access-date=13 March 2019 |work=[[Der Spiegel]] |date=18 April 2011}}</ref>

At the fifth Magdeburg Environmental Forum held in 2008, in [[Magdeburg]], Germany, UNEP and car manufacturer [[Daimler AG]] called for the establishment of infrastructure for [[electric vehicle]]s. At this international conference 250 politicians and representatives of non-government organizations discussed future road transportation under the motto of "Sustainable Mobility–the Post-2012 {{CO2}} Agenda".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://climate-l.org/2008/07/11/unep-and-daimler-call-for-infrastructure-for-electric-and-fuel-cell-vehicles/ |title=UNEP and Daimler Call for Infrastructure for Electric and Fuel-cell Vehicles |date=4 July 2008 |publisher=Climate-L.org |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091213000040/http://climate-l.org/2008/07/11/unep-and-daimler-call-for-infrastructure-for-electric-and-fuel-cell-vehicles/ |archive-date=13 December 2009}}</ref>

=== Various initiatives ===

==== International Environmental Education Programme (1975–1995) ====
For two decades, [[UNESCO]] and UNEP led the International Environmental Education Programme (1975–1995), which set out a vision for, and gave practical guidance on how to mobilize [[education]] for environmental awareness. In 1976 UNESCO launched an environmental education newsletter ''Connect'' as the official organ of the UNESCO-UNEP International Environmental Education Programme (IEEP). Until 2007 it served as a clearinghouse to exchange information on environmental education in general and to promote the aims and activities of the IEEP in particular, as well as being a network for institutions and individuals interested and active in environment education.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Issues and trends in Education for Sustainable Development |publisher=UNESCO |year=2018 |isbn=9789231002441 |location=Paris |pages=26, 27}}</ref>

==== Circular economy ====
UNEP is the co-chair and a founding partner (along with groups such as the [[Ellen MacArthur Foundation]]) for the [[Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy]], which is a public-private partnership of over 50 global organizations and governments seeking to support the transition to a global [[circular economy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalbusinesscoalition.org/global-governance-news/unep-irp-platform-accelerating-circular-economy-pace/|title=UNEP-IRP Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE)|date=2018-01-24|website=Global Business Coalition|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-17}}</ref>

==== The Regional Seas Programme ====
Established in 1974, this is the world's only legal programme for the purpose of protecting the oceans and seas at the regional level. More than 143 countries participate in 18 regional programmes established by the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, with 14 of them underpinned by legally binding international conventions, such as the [[Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area|Helsinki Convention]], the [[Oslo Dumping Convention]], the [[Barcelona Convention]] or the Bucharest Convention. The RSCAPs include the [[Caribbean region]], [[East Asia]]n seas, [[East Africa]]n region, [[Mediterranean Basin]], [[Pacific Northwest]] region, [[West Africa]]n region, [[Caspian Sea]], [[Black Sea]] region, Northeast Pacific region, [[Red Sea]] and [[Gulf of Aden]], ROPME Sea Area, [[South Asia]]n seas, Southeast Pacific region, Pacific region, [[Arctic]] region, [[Antarctic]] region, [[Baltic Sea]], and Northeast Atlantic region. Each programme consists of countries which share the same sea and manages this sea at the regional level. The programmes are controlled by secretariats or Regional Coordinating Units and Regional Activity Centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/oceans-seas/what-we-do/working-regional-seas/why-does-working-regional-seas-matter|title=Why does working with regional seas matter?|website=UNEP|date=16 August 2017|language=en|access-date=2019-04-22}}</ref> UNEP protects seas by promoting international conventions through education and training.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Bliss-Guest|first1=Patricia A.|first2=Stjepan |last2=Keckes|date=1982|title=The Regional Seas Programme of UNEP|journal= Environmental Conservation|volume=9|issue=1|pages=43–49|jstor=44520294|doi=10.1017/S0376892900019494|bibcode=1982EnvCo...9...43B |s2cid=54602079 |url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/299592/files/S0376892900019494.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719001821/http://doc.rero.ch/record/299592/files/S0376892900019494.pdf|archive-date=2018-07-19|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Mediterranean Action Plan<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNEP/MAP|url=https://www.unep.org/unepmap/}}</ref> of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP) was established in 1975 as the first regional action plan under the Regional Seas Programme.

==== Faith for Earth Initiative ====
Launched in 2017, the initiative's goal is to encourage and collaborate with faith-based organizations to protect the environment and invest in green resources.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Environment |first=U. N. |date=2021-06-02 |title=Faith for Earth Initiative |url=http://www.unep.org/about-un-environment/faith-earth-initiative |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref> In 2020, UNEP published a book with the Parliament of the World's Religions Climate Action Program entitled, "Faith for Earth: A Call for Action."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Environment |first=U. N. |date=2020-08-31 |title=Faith for Earth: A Call for Action |url=http://www.unep.org/resources/publication/faith-earth-call-action |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=UNEP - UN Environment Programme |language=en}}</ref> The book serves as an educational resource for students, teachers, and leaders across the world and highlights the role that faith-based organizations can play in addressing critical environmental issues.<ref name=":3" />

== Other activities ==

===Awards programs===

{{Main|Global 500 Roll of Honour|Champions of the Earth}}
Several awards programs have been established to recognize outstanding work in the environmental field. The [[Global 500 Roll of Honour]] was initiated in 1987 and ended in 2003. Its 2005 successor, [[Champions of the Earth]], and a similar award, [[Champions of the Earth|Young Champions of the Earth]], are given annually to entrepreneurs, scientists, policy leaders, upcoming talent, individuals and organizations who make significant positive impacts on resources and the environment in their areas.

=== International years ===
[[File:Jairam Ramesh delivering the inaugural address at the Reporting Green UNEP Media Workshop on Journalism and the Environment, in New Delhi on June 02, 2011.jpg|thumb|The Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh, delivering the inaugural address at the ''Reporting Green: UNEP Media Workshop on Journalism and the Environment'' during the International Year of Forests, 2011]]
UN assigns specific years to topics to raise awareness and engagement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nations |first=United |title=International Years |url=https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-years |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=United Nations |language=en}}</ref> The following years pertain to environmental topics:
* 2007 – [[Year of the Dolphin|International Year of the Dolphin:]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Year of the Dolphin {{!}} CMS |url=https://www.cms.int/en/campaign/year-dolphin |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.cms.int}}</ref> International Patron of the Year of the Dolphin was H.S.H. [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Prince Albert II]] of [[Monaco]], with Special Ambassador to the cause being [[Nick Carter]] of the [[Backstreet Boys]] musical group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newswise.com/articles/pop-superstar-nick-carter-to-help-wild-dolphins-and-oceans|title=Pop Superstar Nick Carter to Help Wild Dolphins and Oceans|website=www.newswise.com}}</ref>
* 2010 – [[International Year of Biodiversity]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Nations Decade on Biodiversity |url=https://www.cbd.int/2011-2020/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.cbd.int}}</ref>
* 2011 – [[International Year of Forests]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Forest Service - International Year of Forests |url=https://www.fs.fed.us/iyof/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.fs.fed.us}}</ref>
* 2012 – International Year for Sustainable Energy for All<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Year of Sustainable Energy for All - 2012 |url=https://www.un.org/en/events/sustainableenergyforall/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.un.org |language=EN}}</ref>
* 2013 – International Year of Water Cooperation<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation |url=https://www.un.org/en/events/worldwateryear/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.un.org |language=EN}}</ref>
* 2014 – International Year of Family Farming<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.fao.org/family-farming-decade/home/en/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref>
* 2015 – International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Year of Light 2015 |url=https://www.nature.com/collections/kwhbfh |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.nature.com|date=31 July 2014 }}</ref>
* 2016 – International Year of Pulses<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Year of Pulses 2016, 2016 International Year of Pulses |url=https://www.fao.org/pulses-2016/en/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.fao.org}}</ref>
* 2017 – [[International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development {{!}} UNWTO |url=https://www.unwto.org/tourism4development2017 |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.unwto.org}}</ref>
* 2020 – [[International Year of Plant Health]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.fao.org/plant-health-2020/home/en/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref>
* 2021 – International Year of Fruits and Vegetables<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Year of Fruits and Vegetables |url=http://www.fao.org/fruits-vegetables-2021/en/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |language=en}}</ref>
See [[international observance]] and [[list of environmental dates]].

== Notable achievements ==
UNEP has registered several successes, such as the 1987 [[Montreal Protocol]] for limiting emissions of gases blamed for thinning the planet's protective ozone layer, and the 2017 [[Minamata Convention on Mercury|Minamata Convention]], a treaty to limit toxic mercury.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Alister |date=2013-02-17 |title=Reformed U.N. formula for making planet greener to get first test |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-test-idUSBRE91G03Q20130217 |access-date=2023-02-12 |work=[[Reuters]] |language=en}}</ref>

UNEP has sponsored the development of solar loan programmes, with attractive return rates, to buffer the initial deployment costs and entice consumers to consider and purchase [[solar PV systems]]. The most famous example is the solar loan programme sponsored by UNEP that helped 100,000 people finance solar power systems in [[Solar power in India|India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solar loan programme in India |url=http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=504&ArticleID=5562&l=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20070417093420/http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=504&ArticleID=5562&l=en |archive-date=2007-04-17 |access-date=2007-09-19}}</ref> Success in India's solar programme has led to similar projects in other parts of the developing world, including [[Tunisia]], [[Morocco]], [[Indonesia]] and [[Mexico]].

In 2001, UNEP alerted about the destruction of the Marshlands when it released satellite images showing that 90 percent of the marsh had been lost. The UNEP "support for environmental management of the [[Iraq]]i Marshland" began in 2004, to manage the marshland area in an environmentally sound manner.<ref>[http://marshlands.unep.or.jp/ UNEP Marshland project in Middle East] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006021403/http://marshlands.unep.or.jp/|date=October 6, 2007}}</ref>

UNEP has a programme for young people known as Tunza. Within this programme are other projects like the [[AEO for Youth]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AEO-for-Youth |url=http://www.unep.org/DEWA/africa/youth/about.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223100118/http://www.unep.org/DEWA/africa/youth/about.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2011}}</ref>

== Reform ==
{{See also||UNEO|IRENA}}

Following the 2007 publication of the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] [[IPCC Fourth Assessment Report|Fourth Assessment Report]], the ''Paris Call for Action'', presented by French president [[Jacques Chirac]] and supported by 46 countries, called for the UNEP to be replaced by a new and more powerful "United Nations Environment Organization", to be modeled on the [[World Health Organization]]. The 46 countries included the European Union nations, but notably did not include the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China, the top four emitters of [[greenhouse gases]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=environment&storyID=2007-02-03T144510Z_01_L03357553_RTRIDST_0_DCBRIGHTS-GLOBALWARMING-APPEAL-DC.XML|title=46 nations call for tougher U.N. environment role|work=[[Reuters]]|date=2007-02-03|first=Alister|last=Doyle}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In December 2012, following the Rio+20 Summit, a decision by the General Assembly of the United Nations to "strengthen and upgrade" the UNEP and establish universal membership of its governing body was confirmed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.unep.org/NEWSCENTRE/default.aspx?DocumentId=2700&ArticleId=9363 |title=United Nations Environment Programme Upgraded to Universal Membership Following Rio+20 Summit - UNEP |access-date=2013-02-06 |archive-date=2013-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107031305/http://www.unep.org/NEWSCENTRE/default.aspx?DocumentId=2700&ArticleId=9363 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In other words, it was reorganized by applying the existing executive member system (58 member states) from 1973 to 2013 to a universal member system (all UN member states). It was implemented in 2014.<ref name=session1>{{Cite web |title=First UNEA Session Adopts Resolutions and Decisions |url=https://sdg.iisd.org/news/first-unea-session-adopts-resolutions-and-decisions/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=SDG Knowledge Hub |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Funding==
The [[European Investment Bank]] and the United Nations Environment Programme created the Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP) in 2015 to assist a [[United Nations]] project dubbed Sustainable Energy for All. Renewable Energy Performance Platform was established with $67 million from the [[United Kingdom]]'s International Climate Finance initiative, administered by the [[Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy]], in 2015, and $128 million in 2018. REPP was established with a five-year goal of improving energy access for at least two million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has so far invested around $45 million to [[renewable energy]] projects in 13 countries in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]. [[Solar power]] and [[hydropower]] are among the energy methods used in the projects.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|title=Access to energy is Africa development key|url=https://www.eib.org/en/stories/africa-energy-access|access-date=2021-06-07|website=European Investment Bank|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=About {{!}} Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP)|url=https://repp.energy/about-repp/|access-date=2021-06-07|website=REPP|language=en}}</ref>

===Funding complications===
In September 2018, a series of allegations were made against the executive director of the UNEP, Eric Solheim, at that time, including excessive number of days spent outside the headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. As a result, Eric Solheim resigned. Several donor countries withdrew their donation in the aftermath of the allegation, including the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] government who announced it would withhold $8 million in funding to UNEP until nepotism issues were resolved.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Damian Carrington |title=Under-fire UN environment chief forced back to HQ |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/sep/27/under-fire-un-environment-chief-forced-back-to-hq-erik-solheim |access-date=5 December 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 September 2018 |quote=a spokesman for the Dutch government told the Guardian: “A planned payment of €8m will be held until Unep provides more clarity, and until it is clear that Unep is taking this matter seriously.”  [...]  “In relation to any notion of nepotism, I wish to clarify that my spouse was recruited to REV Ocean through an open, transparent and competitive process,” said Solheim}}</ref> [[Sweden]] and [[Denmark]] stopped funding as well.  A spokesman for the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs said the freezing of funds was probably unprecedented.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Damian Carrington |title=Nations halt funding to UN environment programme as outcry over chief grows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/sep/25/nations-halt-funding-to-un-environment-programme-as-outcry-over-chief-erik-solheim-grows |access-date=5 December 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=25 September 2018 |quote=the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs thinktank said he thought the freezing of funds was probably unprecedented. “There are many who don’t think Unep is functioning as it should}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership]]
*[[Environmental governance]]
*[[Global plastic pollution treaty]]
*[[Timeline of environmental events]]
*[[UNEP GEO Data Portal]]
*[[United Nations Billion Tree Campaign]]
*[[United Nations Centre for Urgent Environmental Assistance]]
*[[United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative]]
*[[World Conservation Monitoring Centre]]
{{Div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{Free-content attribution
| title = Issues and trends in Education for Sustainable Development
| author = 
| publisher = UNESCO
| page numbers = 26, 27
| source = 
| documentURL = https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261445?posInSet=10&queryId=11d50305-43f9-4328-b408-3f003513f6a4
| license statement URL = https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261445?posInSet=10&queryId=11d50305-43f9-4328-b408-3f003513f6a4
| license = CC BY-SA
}}

== Further reading ==
* Borowy, Iris. "Before UNEP: who was in charge of the global environment? The struggle for institutional responsibility 1968–72." ''Journal of Global History'' 14.1 (2019): 87–106.
* United Nations Environment Programme. "Natural Allies: UNEP and Civil Society." Nairobi: [[United Nations Foundation]], 2004.
* Paul Berthoud, [http://www.edinter.net/paulberthoud/narrative/#nai A Professional Life Narrative], 2008, worked with UNEP and offers testimony from the inside of the early years of the organization.
*Dodds, F., Strauss, M., with Strong, M., 2012, ''Only One Earth: The Long Road via Rio to Sustainable Development''. London [[Earthscan]]

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* {{official website|https://www.unep.org}}
* [https://www.unepfi.org UNEP Finance Initiative]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120415002559/http://www.fs-unep-centre.org/ Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance]
* [https://www.unep-wcmc.org/ United Nations Environment Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090504020717/http://unep-iesd.tongji.edu.cn/IESD/index.jsp UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091213181135/http://www.grid.unep.ch/ UNEP/GRID-Europe]
* [http://geodata.grid.unep.ch UNEP GEO Data Portal]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110831192128/http://ufoartist.webs.com/artikel001.htm Sindrom Kodok Pada Manusia (''Indonesia Language'')]
* [https://www.eia.nl/en Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment]
* [https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/oceans-seas/what-we-do/regional-seas-programme UNEP Regional Seas Programme]
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/3902/thesaurus/unep/ Resources on United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]

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