Table of Contents

1. General Information

• List of Ministers

• List of Eminent Persons and Observers

2. Provisional Agenda

3. Annotated Agenda

• Annex A: Final Report of SEPD 5 (Bali 2007)

• Annex B: Agenda Item 1 - Global Issues

• Annex C: Agenda item 2 - Regional Issues

• Annex D: Agenda item 3 - Emerging Issues

 Asia
a-Pacific
c Sub-regional Environm
E mental Policy
P D
Dialogue
(SE
EPD 6)
Bangkok, Thaila
and
22 January 2009

G
General Informa
ation

1. Arriv
val

All particcipants of SEPD

S will arrive
a at Suvvarnabhum
mi Internatio onal Airport in Bangkok.
Participaants will bee received at the airp port by offficials from Thailand’ss Ministry of o
Natural Resource and a Environ nment and//or UNEP. Transportat
T tion for Ministers will be
b
provided d upon arrrival at Su uvarnabhum mi International Airpo ort by the Royal Tha ai
Governm ment. Priva ate liaison and
a security officers are
a also assigned for Ministers by b
the Roy yal Thai Government
G t. The drivving time from
f the a
airport to the hotel is
approxim mately 30~4 45 minutes.

2. Visas

The Govvernment ofo Thailand and UNEP P will proceess visas fo or all the paarticipants of
o
the SEP
PD. Please ensure tha at you carryy the relevant invitation n letters and supportinng
documents while checking in, from where ever you arre entering Thailand. AllA delegate es
are adviised to che
eck the valid
dity of theirr passportss (at least ssix months validity) annd
to obtaain latest informatio on on vissa require ements fro om respecctive Roya al
Thai Em
mbassies.

3. Daily
y Subsiste
ence Allowa
ance

DSA for UNEP-sup pported parrticipants will be provid

ded as per existing
e UNN regulationns
for the duration
d of the meeting g. An addittional DSA (for 1 day) will be pro
ovided in lie
eu
of termin
nal and misscellaneous s expensess. DSA will be provided d during the meeting in
Bangkok k. Please retain
r yourr boarding passes and ticket stu ubs for verrification. A
copy of your
y passpport will also
o be require
ed during disbursemen nt.

4. Acco
ommodatio
on

eservations for particip

Hotel re pants have
e been mad de at the A
Amari Wate ergate Hote
el.
The speecial room rate for SE EPD particcipants as negotiated
n with the Hotel
H is Tha
ai
Baht 2,8
800 (approxx. US$80) per
p day.

Please note
n that breakfast is included in
n the room rate. Particcipants are expected to
t
clear all miscellaneeous expen nses, such as telephone calls, la
aundry, use e of mini ba
ar,
etc. during check-oout from thee hotel.
The 5-star Amari Watergate Hotel is situated in Pratunam, one of Bangkok's busiest
shopping areas and enjoys a very central location close to Sukhumvit and Siam
Square, Bangkok's most exciting shopping and commercial districts. The hotel offers
supreme comfort and convenience with easy access to both Skytrain and the Airport
expressway.

Amari Watergate Hotel

847 Petchburi Road,
Bangkok 10100
Tel: +66 (0) 2255-3767
Fax: +66 (0) 2255-3718
Website: www.amari.com/bangkokhotels

5. Meals

UNEP will host a luncheon for all SEPD delegates on 22nd January 2009. The Royal
Thai Government will host a cocktail reception on the evening of 22nd January 2009,
after the SEPD meeting.

6. Meeting Venue

The SEPD meeting will be held in Meeting Room C, on the 7th Floor of the Amari
Watergate Hotel.

7. Meeting Schedule, Thursday, 22 January 2009

0700-0745: Breakfast
0745-0815: Transfer to UN Conference Centre
0815-0830: VIP Room at UN Conference Centre
0830-1200: Participate in the Climate Game Change Conference
http://www.climategamechange.org/index.html
1215-1245: Transfer to Amari Watergate Hotel
1245 - 1345: Luncheon hosted by UNEP, Thai@4 Restaurant, 4th Floor,
1400 - 1715: SEPD meeting
1730 – 1930: Cocktail Reception hosted by Royal Thai Government,
Garden View, 8th Floor, Amari Watergate Hotel
8. Meeting Language

English

9. Weather

Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Weather
in January is warm and humid. The average maximum temperature in Bangkok in
January is 27°C and the average minimum temperature is 20° C.

10. Time Zone

Thailand is +07:00 hours ahead of GMT.

11. Electricity

The electric voltage in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 Hertz.

12. Currency

The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). 1 US$ is roughly equal to
THB 35. Assistance for exchanging currency will be provided by the organizers.
Please note that the use of Credit Cards is widely acceptable in Bangkok.

13. Facts at a Glance

Monarchy: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol

Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king.
The King has reigned for more than sixty years, making him the longest reigning
monarch in the world.

Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels") is the capital city and
centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.

Geography: The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square

kilometers, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and
China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north
and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. The country
comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and
villages.

Topography: Thailand is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the
fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsular
South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Population: Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the
majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroad, and thus
strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian, and most strongly, Chinese
stock, have produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that
culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor.
However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the
major commercial language. English and some European languages are spoken in
most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English
road and street signs are found nationwide.

Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), Others (1%)

14. Do’s and Don’ts in Thailand

The Monarchy: Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family,
and visitors should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal
Family.

Religion: Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go
topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attires. It is acceptable to wear
shoes while walking around the compound of Buddhist temples, but not inside the
chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object.
Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a
lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman,
or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a
monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Social Norms: Thais don’t normally shake hands when they greet one another, but
instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a
younger person wais elders, who then returns the wai. Thais regard the head as the
highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people
on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very
rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home. Public displays
of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

15. Diplomatic missions

The Embassy of the Federal Democratic of Nepal

189 Soi 71, Sukumvit Road, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 66 2391 7240, 66 2390 2280 Fax: 66 2381 2406
Email: nepembbk@asiaaccess.net.th

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

57 Ratchadapisek Road, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400
Tel: 66 2245 0088 Fax: 66 2246 8247
http://www.chinaembassy.or.th
Email: chinaemb_th@mfa.gov.cn

The Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan

138/5 Thoglor Soi 11 Sukhumvit 55, Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 66 2712 8883, 66 2381 6116 Fax: 66 2391 3323
http://www.uzbinbkk.org
Email: ankhor@uzbinbkk.org
16. Focal Points

Should you need any clarification or have further inquiries, please do not hesitate to
contact:

UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok:

Mr. Mahesh Pradhan

Regional Environmental Affairs Officer
United Nations Environment Programme
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
UN Building, 2nd floor, Block A
Rajdamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10200
Tel: +66-2-288-1801
Email: pradhan@un.org

Ms. Nonglak Kasemsant

United Nations Environment Programme
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Rajdamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10200
Tel: +66-2-288-1899
Email: kasemsant@un.org

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand:

Ms Wantanee Petchampai
Senior Environmental Specialist
Office of Intl Cooperation on Natural Resources & Environment
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
92 Soi Phahon Yothin 7, Sam Sen Nai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66-2 278 8627
Email: wantaneep@hotmail.com

Mr. Pavich Kesavawong

Environmental Official
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
92 Soi Phahon Yothin 7, Sam Sen Nai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66-02 265 6236
Email: pavichk@gmail.com
 Asia
a-Pacific
c Sub-re
egional E
Environm mental P
Policy Dialogue
D e
(SE
EPD 6)
Bangko ok, Thailand
22 Jannuary 20
009
List of Particiipants - Ministers

Ministerrs S
Subregion Backg
ground

C
Central Asia
H.E. Mr. Bori Alikhanov
A • Masteers Degree in Mechanical Enginneering
Chhairman • 1996--2001: Responssible officer of thee
Sttate Committee for
f Nature Protecction President’s Office
5 Mustakillik
M Squaare, Tashkent
UZZBEKISTAN
• 2001--present: First Deputy
D Chairmann, Acting
Chairrman and Chairm man of the Statee
Teel: +998 71 139 4195
4
Comm mittee for Naturee Protection
Faax: +998 71 139 1494
E--mail: info@uznaature.uz, envconnf@uzsci.net

No
ortheast Asia
a • MSc in Development Management frrom
Mr. Xia Yingxian Birmingham University
Sppecial Representative of Vice-Miinister
Dyy. Director, Internnational Organizzations/Conventiions • Regioonal Cooperationn Division, Minisstry of
Miinistry of Environnmental Protection, Beijing Envirronmental Protecction, 2006-08
CHHINA • Chineese Permanent Mission
M to UNEP P
Teel: +86 10 6655 6495
6 Headdquarters, Nairobbi, 2004-06
Faax: +86 10 6655 6494 / 6010 • Princcipal/Chief Prograamme Officer, SState
Emmail: xia.yingxiann@sepa.gov.cn Envirronmental Protecction Administrattion,
1995--2004
South Asia • 12 yeears service in Water
W Supply andd Sewage
H.E. Mr. Ganessh Shah Corpooration (Govt. Ennterprise)
Miinister of Environnment, Science and Technologyy
Singha Durbar, Kaathmandu • Founder of Water Engineering and Training
NEEPAL Centrre Pvt. Ltd., in 19987
Teel: +977 1 421 17734; Mobile: +9777 9851 079522 • Founder General Seccretary of Nepal Trade
Faax: +977 1 421 1754 Unionn Federation
E--mail: mingshah@ @most.gov.np • Depuuty Secretary Geeneral, CPN (Uniited)

So
outheast Asia
a • B.A. CChemistry, University of Kentuckky USA
H.E. Mr. Suwitt Khunkitti
Miinister of Natural Resources andd Environment • Member of Parliamennt (Khon Kaen Province)
P
922 Soi Phahon Yoothin 7, Phahon Yothin
Y Road • Depuuty Prime Ministeer 1997-98, 20011-04
Saam Sen Nai, Banngkok 10400 • Minisster of Justice 19992, 1996
THHAILAND • Minisster of Educationn, 2001
Teel: +66 2 278 86227
Faax: +66 2 265 6192
• Minisster of ICT, 2005
E--mail: wantaneepp@hotmail.com • Minisster of Natural Reesources and
Envirronment 2004-055, 2008-present

S
South Pacific
c • Member of Parliamennt: 2001 - 2006, 2006 –
H.E. Mr. Faum
muina Tiatia Liuga
L preseent
Miinister of Natural Resources andd Environment
• 2001 - 2006: Ministerr of Works, Transport and
Prrivate Bag, Apia
Infrasstructure (Inclusiive of Essential Utility
U
SAAMOA
Services, Water and Electricity);
Teel: (685) 25257; Fax: (685) 291995, 20964
Prrivate Tel: (685) 26032, Fax: (6885) 20964 • 2006 - present: Minisster of Natural Reesources
Emmail: emoni@lessamoa.net & Envvironment
 As
sia-Pacific Sub-re
egional E
Environm mental P
Policy Dia
alogue
(SE
EPD 6)
Bangko ok, Thaila
and
22 Jannuary 20008

L of Pa
List articipantts – Eminent Perrsons

Emin
nent Perso
ons Subregion Background
Centrall Asia • Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics in 1989;
Dr. Kanat Baig garin
• 1999-present: Focal point on Climate
C Changee issues
Director, Climate Change
C Coordinnation Centre
under UNFCC CC;
Offfice 102, 20 Abaay str, 010000
Asstana, Republic of
o Kazakhstan • Key negotiator in the 5th, 6th, 6th-bis, 7th, 8thh, 9th,
Teel: +7-7172 717 170/ 69/ 73 10th, 11th andd 12th UNFCCC COP; and
Faax: +7-7172 324 738 • 2001-present: Founder and Director of Public
Emmail: kbaigarin@
@global.kz Foundation “CClimate Change Coordination Ceentre” (C4)

• MA and PhD in Anthropology from University of

Dr. Park Eun-K Kyung Northeas
st Asia
Michigan and Ewha Universityy;
Director, Environm
ment and Culturee Institute
• Member of Preesidential Comm mission on SD ( 2002-
2
4-1107, King’s Gaarden, 73 Naesooo-dong,
2006)
Joongrogu, Seoul, Korea
• Representativve, Happy Womeen’s Action , Seooul
Teel. +82-2-723-8112
Metropolitan G
Government
Faax. +82-2-395-36655
Emmail: ek_pj@yahhoo.com • Vice-Presidennt of Korea Wateer Forum
• Founder and Director
D of Envirronment and Cullture
(2001-presentt)
• Director of Yonsei RCE, Yonssei University

Dr. Ashok Kho osla South Asia • PhD in Environmental Physicss from Harvard anda
Chhairman, Develoopment Alternativves Group Masters in Naatural Sciences frrom Cambridge;;
111/9-Z, Kishangaarh • Director of UN
NEP INFOTERRA A in 1976-1982;
Vaasant Kunj, New
w Delhi 110070 • Founding Pressident of Develoopment Alternativves;
Inddia • Winner of UNE EP Sasakawa Environment
E Prizze in 2002
Teel: +91 11 2613 4103,
4 2689 03800 • Co-President, Club of Rome 2006-present;
2 annd
Faax: +91 11 2613 0817 • Elected IUCN President in 20008
Emmail: tara@devaalt.org

Thhanpuying Dr. D Suthawan n Sathirathai
Chhair, Good Goveernance for Sociaal
Deevelopment and the Environmennt Foundation
477/10 Soi Amornppan 4, Vipawadee-Rangsit
Rooad, Bangkok 100900, Thailand
Teel : (662) 941-0785-6
Faax : (662) 941-07787
E--mail : suthawan@loxinfo.co.th
Southeast Asia • PhD from Cam mbridge University, and Masterss in
Economics froom Tulane Univeersity;
• Deputy Directoor, Centre for Eccological Econom
mics,
Faculty of Ecoonomics, Chulaloongkorn Universsity,
Bangkok, 1995-99;
• Committee onn Policy and Straategy for Researrch of
Mahidol Univeersity, Bangkok; and
• Goodwill Ambbassador for Manngroves for the Future
F

South Pacific
P • MA Honors froom Auckland Unniversity;
Mr. Ken Piddin ngton • First Deputy D
Director of the Foorum Secretariatt, Fiji;
P.O. Box 12-592,
• 1980: NZ Com mmissioner for Environment;
E
Thhorndon, Wellinggton 6144
• 1984 – 86: Chhief Adviser to Minister
M of Environment;
Neew Zealand
Moobile: +64-21-15522947 • 19988 – 89: first Director of Ennvironment Department at
Emmail: kenpid@paaradise.net.nz the World Bannk; and
• Senior Associate, Victoria Uniiversity of Wellinngton; and
• Regional Advisor, Collaborativve Action Netwoork.
 Asia
a-Pacific
c Sub-regional Environm
E mental Policy
P D
Dialogue
Bangkok, Thaila
and
22 January 2009

Provisio
P onal Age
enda

22 Jan
nuary (Thursday)

1230-13
345 Lunche
eon hosted
d by UNEP

1400-14
415 Inaugurration and opening of
o the Meetting
Address by Cochair:: HE Minister Suwit Khunnkitti, Thailand
Address by Cochair:: Ms Angela Cropper, Deeputy Execu utive Directorr,
UNEP, Nairobi
N
Vote of Thanks
T by D
Dr Saksit Trid
dech, Permaanent Secrettary, Ministryy
of Natura
al Resourcess and Enviro
onment, Thaailand

1415-15
515 Agenda
a Item 1: G
Global Issu
ues: Inputs
s for UNEP Governing
g
Council
Chaired by HE Suwiit Khunkitti
Presenta
ation by Ms AAngela Crop pper, supporrted by Mr Surendra
S
Shrestha
a, Director off Resource Mobilization
M and Special Initiatives
• 25th Session
S of U
UNEP’s Govverning Coun ncil
• UNE EP Medium Term
T Strateg
gy, 2010-13
• UNE EP Programm me of Work, 2010-11
Discussiions

1515-16
615 Agendaa Item 2: R
Regional Sttrategy forr the Asia Pacific,
P
2008-11
1
Chaired by HE Minisster Suwit Kh
hunkitti
Introducttion by Ms Angela
A Cropp
per
Presenta Young-Woo Park, Regional Director,, UNEP
ation by Dr Y
Discussiions

1615-17
700 Agendaa Item 3: E
Emerging Environme
E ental Issues
s in the
Asia-Pa
acific
Chaired by Ms Ange ela Cropper
Statements by Minissters and Em
minent persons
Discussiions

1700-17
715 Conclus
sions and Close of Meeting
M

1715 Group Photograp

P ph

1730-19
930 Cocktaiil Receptio
on hosted by
b Ministry
y of Natura
al
Resourrces and En nvironmen
nt
 Asia
a-Pacific
c Sub-regional Environm
E mental Policy
P D
Dialogue
Bangkok, Thaila
and
22 January 2009

A
Annotat
ted Agen
nda

BACKG
GROUND
D ON POL
LICY DIAL
LOGUE
One of the
t major outcomes
o o WSSD iss the empha
of asis on reg gional impllementatio
on
through partnerships betwee
en governm
ments and civil society.
The political leade ership of th
he region voiced
v the need for the regionn to reach a
common position through a policy dia alogue. The Asia and the Pacific
c Region haas
b-regional political
five sub p gro
oupings: C Central Asiaa, North E
East Asia, South Asia a,
South East
E Asia an nd the Soutth Pacific. E
Each of the
e sub-region
ns has eithe
er a processs
or secre
etariat for th
he environm
ment sector..
The outtcomes of the WSSD D indicate tthe addition
nal effort too integrate the eminennt
persons and civil society grroups in th he consulta ation proce ess. Consultations witth
governmment, civil society anda partneers have indicated a strong support fo or
establish
hment of thhe Policy Dialogue.
D A Sub-regio onal Enviro onment Poliicy Dialoguue
was estaablished in 2003, in co
onsultation with the poolitical leade
ership and civil
c societyy.
verall objective of this Dialogue include
The ov es provision of policyy advice tot
GC/GMEEF and UNNEP’s Regio onal Progra
amme of Work
W and po
ossible con
nsolidation of
o
a common Asia-Pa
acific view on
o an inform
mal basis fo
or global en
nvironmenta
al fora.
The firs
st Policy Dialogue
D was convene ed in Beijin
ng in PR China
C on 19
9 Septembe er
2003. Itt was jointly organized
d by the Sttate Environmental Prrotection Addministratio
on
(SEPA) and UNEP P, and brouught togetheer the chairs/represen
ntatives of sub-regiona al
mental fora from acrosss the Asia--Pacific reg
environm gion.
The second Poliicy Dialog gue was cconvened in Bangko ok in Thailand on 17
Novemb ber 2004. It was jointtly organize
ed by the Ministry
M of N
Natural Res
sources an
nd
Environm
ment (MoNRE), Thaila and and UN NEP.
The thirrd Policy Dialogue
D w convened in Thimphu, Bhuta
was an on 29-30
0 Septembe er
2005. ItI was jointtly organize
ed by the National
N En
nvironmentt Commissiion of Roya
al
Governmment of Bhuutan and UNEP.
The fou
urth Policy
y Dialogue
e was convvened in Ashgabad
A in Turkmen
nistan on 25
2
Novembber 2006. It was jointly organ
nized by th
he Ministry of Nature
e Protection
n,
Turkmen
nistan and UNEP.
The fifth
h Policy Dialogue
D was convene ed in Bali, Indonesia on 10 Dec
cember 20007
on the margins off the 10th Conferencce of Partie es of the UNFCC. Itt was jointtly
organizeed by the State Ministrry of Nature
e Protection
n, Indonesia
a and UNEP.

The Repport of the 2007 fifth Sub-regiona

S al Environm
mental Policcy Dialogue
e is attache
ed
in Annex
x A.
AGENDA ITEM 1: GLOBAL ISSUES
(Introduction and briefing by Ms Angela Cropper, supported by Mr Surendra Shrestha on the
25th session of UNEP’s Governing Council, UNEP Medium Term Strategy, 2010-2013 and
Programme of Work 2010-11)

The twenty-fifth session of the Council/Forum will be held over five days, from 16 to
20 February 2009. The Council/Forum will be opened on Monday, 16 February 2009
at 10.00 a.m. and is expected to conclude on Friday, 20 February 2009 at 6.00 p.m.
The main objectives of the Council/Forum are: (i) to facilitate ministerial-level
discussions on important and emerging policy issues in the field of the environment,
in particular Globalization and the Environment, and International Environmental
Governance and U.N. Reform; (ii) to approve the programme of work and budget of
UNEP for the biennium 2010-2011; and (iii) to provide guidance to UNEP on specific
programmatic subjects, such as those related to International Environmental
Governance, State of the Environment, Chemicals Management, Youth involvement
in environmental issues, Environmental Law, and the establishment of an Inter-
Governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

The Council/Forum will focus on two themes “Globalization and the Environment –
‘Global Crisis: National Chaos?’” and “International Environmental Governance and
the United Nations Reform – ‘IEG: Help or Hindrance?’”. The Themes for the
Ministerial Consultations are interrelated and will be dealt with collectively – enabling
environmental governance issues to be addressed in the context of real life
challenges and opportunities to meet multiple environment and development needs
that are being confronted both at global and country level. A scenario note on
G25/GMEF is attached in Annex B.1.1
UNEP Medium Term Strategy 2010-2011 (MTS) sets out the next phase in the
evolution of UNEP as it becomes a more effective, efficient and results-focused
entity meeting the expectations of its stakeholders in responding to global
environmental challenges. A brief on UNEP MTS is attached in Annex B.1.2
Under the MTS, UNEP will focus its efforts on delivering on its mandate through
exercising environmental leadership on six thematic priorities: Climate change;
Ecosystem management; Environmental Governance; Hazardous substances;
Environmental dimensions of conflicts and disasters; Resource efficiency.
The growth in voluntary contributions to UNEP’s Environment Fund has been a clear
expression of member states’ confidence in UNEP. In order for UNEP to deliver
results in line with the increased availability of resources, the Executive Director has
proposed a 2010-2011 Environment Fund budget amounting to $180.0 million. This
is equivalent to an increase in the use of resources of $28.0 million over the
approved budget for the 2008–2009 biennium. Of the total proposed Environment
Fund budget, $162.0 million, or 90 per cent, relates to programme activities and
$18.0 million, or 10 percent, to the support budget. An unedited Advance Copy of
the UNEP Programme of Work 2009-10 is attached as Annex B.1.3.

The Policy Dialogue is invited discuss and provide advice on UNEP’s Medium
Term Strategy, 2010-2013 and Programme of Work, 2011-11 as well as
preparations for UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment
Forum in Nairobi, February 2009.
AGENDA ITEM 2: REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ASIA-PACIFIC, 2008-11

(Introduction by Ms Angela Cropper, followed by a presentation by Dr Young-Woo Park,

UNEP’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific)

The Asia Pacific region is home to more than half the world population – 4.2 billion
out of nearly 7 billion. The region accounts for over 40% of the global economy and
has an estimated 70% of the global poor. Geographically it ranges from the fragile
Small Island Developing States of the Pacific to populous and vast coastal/deltaic
plains of South and Southeast Asia and the mountainous, landlocked countries of
Central Asia. Rapidly growing populations and dynamic economies are exerting
considerable pressures on environmental resources and services of the region.

In a region as large and as diverse as Asia and the Pacific, UNEP recognizes the
value of working at the subregional level where the commonalities of social,
economic and the environment factors are strongest. There are five distinct sub-
regions: Central Asia; Northeast Asia; South Asia; Southeast Asia; and South
Pacific. All subregions have intergovernmental processes and/or institutions.

The primary responsibility of the Regional Office is:

● Identification of regional and country priorities, trends and expertise;
● Linkages to regional political processes;
● Regional and country collaboration with partners/stakeholders, including
identification of capacity and counterparts;
● Cooperative effort with individual countries and UNEP involvement in UN
country processes. Regional delivery of communications and outreach;
● Identification of regional fundraising opportunities and implementation of
regional fund raising strategies;
● Coherent regional delivery of the UNEP Programme of Work.

Significant achievements have been made on the four strategic directions identified
by earlier Subregional Environmental Policy Dialogue (SEPD). These strategic
directions ensure decisions of the UNEP Governing Council are effectively
implemented in the region, while fully taking into account regional concerns/priorities:
• Promote Regional Cooperation;
• Strengthen the Environment Community;
• Identify and Respond to Emerging issues; and
• Leadership by Example through Demonstration Projects.

The regional strategy has been updated to include core functions (representation,
intergovernmental fora, capacity building), and support for delivery of MTS priorities.

The annual report of the Regional Office for 2008 is attached as Annex C.2.1. An
updated Regional Strategy 2009-12 based on the guidance on the fifth SEPD
meeting and UNEP’s MTS priorities is attached as Annex C.2.2. A brief description
of 2009 activities is listed in Annex C.2.3. A presentation and paper on Moving
Ahead with UNEP’s Strategic Presence in the Regions are attached as Annexes
C.2.4 and C.2.5.

The Meeting is requested to provide guidance on the regional strategy and its
implementation.
AGENDA ITEM 3. EMERGING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
(Introduction by Ms Angela Cropper, followed by brief statements by SEPD participants)

The Asia Pacific region has the fastest growing economies and a burgeoning middle
class. The region is expected to have over 600 million new middle class within the
decade. Four to five decades of economic development achieved in America and
Europe are compressed into one decade in the Asia and the Pacific region. Rapid
economic growth is accompanied by urbanization, the changing consumption
patterns, and population pressure and it is straining the environment. This rapid
development is being achieved without adequate regulatory and safety measures to
cope with the environmental disasters.

The region has both the traditional as well as new emerging environmental issues.
Traditional environmental issues include air pollution, water pollution, land
degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Selected examples for new emerging
environmental issues include:
• Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF);
• Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC);
• Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely
Transboundary Effects for South Asia; and
• Environment and Health.

The political leadership is beginning to recognize the need for sustained growth.
Sustained growth requires sustainable use of natural resources. In recent years,
some governments in Asia have begun to integrate environmental and social
concerns into the development process. Concepts such as Circular Economy, 3Rs
(reduce, recycle, reuse), Self-sufficiency Economy, and Middle Path are gaining
momentum. The environmental footprint of the region has an increasing impact on
the whole planet.

Asia has five active sub-regional groupings. These grouping over the years are
active in the environment governance across countries of the sub-regions. Capacity
for environment governance both at national and sub-regional levels will be
increasingly necessary to urgently address both the traditional as well as new
emerging issues. Some of the issues raised in consultations include:

• Mainstream environment into national development planning;

• Promote zero waste;
• Address institutional (environmental institutions) strengthening issue to assure
environment is on equal partner in sustainable development.

A draft strategy for Emerging Issues is enclosed in Annex D.3.1. Briefs on selected
emerging issues raised is enclosed in Annex D.3.2

The Meeting is requested to take note of current issues and highlight key
emerging issues to be addressed in the coming year.

NEXT MEETING

The SEPD may wish to consider dates and venue for the next Sub-regional
Environmental Policy Dialogue Meeting in 2008/9.
 Asia-Pacific
c Sub-reg
gional Environm mental Po
olicy Diallogue
(SEPD 6)
B
Bangkok k, Thailan
nd
22 Januuary 2009

Provisio
onal Sea
ating Arra
angemen
nt

12 1 2 13 14

M U
O Chairs N
South Pacific

South Asia
N 8 5 E
R P
E 9 6
O
O f

Central Asia
f 3 f
Northeast Asia

f i
10
i 4 c
c i
i 11 a
Southeast Asia

a l
l 7

Podium
S
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Cha
airs South Pacific
P
1. H.E. Mr. Suwit Khunkitti, Thailand 8. H.E. Mr. Fa aumuina Tiattia Liuga, Saamoa
2. Ms. Ang gela Cropperr, Deputy Exxecutive 9. Mr. Ken Pid ddington, Neew Zealand
Director, UNEP Na airobi Northeast Asia
Cen
ntral Asia 10. Mr. Xia Yinngxian, China
3. H.E . Mrr. Bori Alikh
hanov, Uzbeekistan 11. Dr. Park Euun-Kyung, Reepublic of Korea
K
4. Dr. Kanaat Baigarin, Kazakhstann State Ministry
M an
nd UNEP Sttaff
Sou
uth Asia 12. Dr. Saksit Tridech,
5. H.E. Mr. Ganesh Sh hah, Nepal Permanent Secretary,, Thailand
6. Dr. Ashok Khosla, India
I 13. Dr. Young-W Woo Park,
Sou
utheast Asia Regional Diirector, ROAP
7. Thanpuy ying Dr. Sutthawan Sathhirathai, 14. Mr. Surend dra Shresth ha, Directorr,
Thailand
d Strategic RResource Mobilization,
M
UNEP Nairrobi
 ANNEX A

SEPD5
Meeting Report

• Annex A.1:
Report of the Fifth Sub-regional Environmental
Policy Dialogue, 10 December 2007, Bali,
Indonesia.
 D R A F T

Asia-Pacific Sub-regional Environmental Policy Dialogue

 D R A F T

10 December 2007
Bali, Indonesia

Asia-Pacific Sub-regional Environmental Policy Dialogue
10 December 2007
Bali, Indonesia
1.0 Opening Session
H.E. Mr. Rachmat Witoelar, Minister of
Environment, State Ministry of Environment,
Indonesia, welcomed delegates to the Asia
Pacific Sub-regional Environmental Policy
Dialogue (SEPD) and extended the hospitality of
his Ministry and the Indonesian people. In his
statement, he stated that he had been closely
involved with UNEP as President of the
Governing Council, prior to his current role as
President of the ongoing 13th Conference of
Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
In his opening statement, Minister Witoelar
referred to the following:
• Importance of achieving sustainable
development in the Asia Pacific, as a diverse
and vast region rapidly developing;
• Large environmental footprint of the Asia
Pacific region, with planetary implications;
• Focus should be on the emerging economies
of the Asia Pacific region;
• Need to strengthen political commitment in
the region for sustainable development;
• UNEP requested to take a lead role in
facilitating consultations with governments,
civil society and stakeholders of the region
through policy dialogue platforms;
• Through good communication, possibility to
identify commonalities and further a common
Asia Pacific view of global issues; and
• UNEP’s strategic role was “Environment for
Development” and that UNEP must ensure
concrete support for the environment
ministries and communities in the region.
Minister Witoelar stated that it was opportune that
SEPD was being held in conjunction with the 13th
COP of the UNFCCC and the 3rd Meeting of the
Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. He mentioned that
SEPD resulted in policy guidance for UNEP, and
enabled Governments to better understand
regional issues and guide the development of
UNEP’s regional strategy and priorities. He also
referred to enhanced partnership between
Governments and Civil society organizations
through the SEPD process, thereby bringing
together a consolidated regional view of urgent
and emerging regional priorities.
D R A F T
Following Minister Witoelar, Dr Achim Steiner,
Executive Director of UNEP, and co-chair of the
meeting, delivered his opening remarks. He
expressed his appreciation to Minister Witoelar,
both as a friend of the environment and a friend of
UNEP, to have found time to be at the SEPD in
spite of his demanding role as President of the
on-going COP13 of the UNFCCC.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Steiner referred to the
following:
• Special convening power of Bali, as a place
where differences were turned into
constructive points of engagement. He
referred to preparations for the World Summit
on Sustainable Development (WSSD) as a
specific example;
• UNEP’s history was closely linked to Bali, with
the adoption of the historic Bali Strategic Plan
on Technology Support and Capacity
Building;
• The Nobel Peace Prize was being awarded
on the same day as the SEPD - 10 December
– in recognition of Al Gore and the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
• The world community coming together in Bali
was an expression of hope and confidence
that much of the future of the planet will be
crafted in Bali;
• Reference to the last SEPD held in
Ashgabad, which was beyond any political
alliance and group of nations and actors with
the ability to influence decision-making for the
future. This gave a higher sense of urgency;
• UNEP was aspiring towards recognizing the
necessity to catalyze, and to bring together all
actors to meet the challenge of sustainable
development;
• Proud that despite limited resources, UNEP
had found its place in the Asia Pacific region;
• The many achievements of the Regional
Office of Asia and Pacific (ROAP) could be
consolidated further; and
• Guidance of the SEPD was thus vital for
UNEP’s enhanced regional delivery.
In closing, Dr. Steiner thanked Minister Witoelar
and all the Ministers and Eminent Persons
participating in the SEPD.

2.0 Global Issues:
UNEP Medium Term Strategy 2010-2013
Dr. Achim Steiner stated that in preparations for
the Governing Council and the Global Ministerial
Environmental Forum (GMEF), UNEP had
engaged in intensive dialogues with the
Committee of the Permanent Representatives
(CPR) in Nairobi, with the private sector and with
the Multilateral Environmental Agreement
Secretariats (MEAs) to formulate the Medium
Term Strategy (MTS). Dr. Steiner stated that the
MTS was meant to be a stepping stone for the
future of UNEP. It did not conclude or preclude
discussions of MEAs (a UNEP plus strategy), and
a framework on how to make UNEP more
effective. In addition, it looked at how to resource
UNEP’s Bali Strategic Plan on Capacity Building
and Technology Support (BSP).
Dr Steiner mentioned that the UNEP Medium
Term Strategy 2010-2013 set out the next phase
in the evolution of UNEP as it becomes a more
effective, efficient and results-focused entity in
responding to global environmental challenges.
This is subject to consideration and approval of
the upcoming GMEF in February 2008.
Another major thrust that underpins the MTS
according to Dr Steiner was the BSP. The BSP
focused on greater country and regional
responsiveness from UNEP with focus both on
the global priority process and priorities of
member states. He stated that it was important for
Ministers and Governments to continue to guide
UNEP’s work in this context.
UNEP Thematic Priorities
Dr. Steiner highlighted six thematic priorities, as
core areas of UNEP’s engagement on delivering
its mandate through environmental leadership:
• Climate change;
• Ecosystem management;
• Environmental Governance;
• Hazardous substances;
• Disasters and conflicts; and
• Resource efficiency – sustainable
consumption and production.
Climate Change
Dr Steiner mentioned that UNEP’s response to
climate change differed from UNFCCC, as
UNEP’s approach was based on the
understanding that climate change was an
environmental change, where science had
brokered a political response. He explained that
UNEP would continue taking science as the
defining framework and help countries use the
IPCC methodology in their national assessments
and action plans.
D R A F T
In the area of adaptation, Dr Steiner briefed the
meeting that the focus was on climate proofing
the development sector. This included ecosystem
resilience through a systems perspective and
ecosystems management. He referred to Article
6 of the UNFCCC on public awareness and
outreach, and stressed the importance of bringing
forth the issues from science to local leaders and
decision makers. In the area of mitigation, Dr
Steiner referred to UNEP’s work on sustainable
consumption and production with a focus on
renewable energies and energy efficiency.
UNEP, he mentioned, aimed to help countries
track investment in renewable energy and lower
thresholds of investment.
UNEP GMEF/Governing Council
Dr Steiner briefed the meeting that the focus of
the next GMEF was on financing response to
climate change. He mentioned that GMEF will
assess options to leverage private sector
responses and investment options. International
environmental governance will also be on GMEF
agenda, which relates to ongoing discussions on
the UN Environmental Organization. Decisions
related to UNEP’s GEO4 report, mercury, waste
management, MTS, etc. will also be considered.
Discussions and Conclusion
• How UNEP delivers in the Pacific, as frontline
states of Climate Change, will remain a
priority, through institutions such as SPREP
and USP;
• Recommendation to work closely with OECD
and UNEP in linkages on empirical science;
• Need for stronger linkages between the
economy and environment;
• Concern that UNEP’s focus on results may
undermine processes involved;
• Challenge of providing guidance in fields such
as sustainable/responsible mining etc.
• Importance of providing information to political
and entrepreneurial leaders;
• Recognizing the nexus between knowledge,
science and data;
• Multilateral organizations need interlocutors
for village intelligence;
• UNEP has an immense opportunity for norm
and standard setting.
Dr Steiner thanked participants for their valuable
feedback. He stated that a right balance between
global and regional issues was a challenge but
through MTS, UNEP was committed to delivering
results, best practices, guidelines and tools. He
stated that UNEP was currently compiling
guidance that UNEP had developed and
compiling it for stakeholders to access.

3.0 Regional Strategy for Asia-Pacific, 2007-11 & Emerging Issues
Following Dr Steiner’s introduction, the Regional
Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Surendra
Shrestha, made a presentation covering
background, strategic directions, and challenges
of UNEP’s activities in the Asia Pacific region.
He reported on the progress the last SEPD,
covering each of the four strategic directions.
In a region as large and as diverse as Asia and
the Pacific, Mr. Shrestha stated that UNEP
recognized the value of working at the
subregional level where the commonalities of
social, economic and the environment factors
were strongest. All subregions have
intergovernmental processes and/or institutions.
Mr. Shrestha highlighted the issues in each of
the subregions along with priority areas.
To implement the Regional Strategy over 2007-
11, Mr Shrestha briefed the meeting on the four
strategic directions, as endorsed earlier by
SEPD:
• Promote Regional Cooperation;
• Strengthen the Environment Community;
• Identify and Respond to Emerging issues;
• Leadership by Example through
Demonstration Projects.
Four regional priority areas were also
highlighted:
• Climate Change;
• Urbanization;
• Mainstreaming; and
• Atmospheric Brown Cloud.
Mr Shrestha also reiterated challenges of the
Asia Pacific region, namely: Urbanization,
Environment Security (Food, Water, and
Energy), Environment and Development, and
Delivery through Partnerships. Additional
challenges outlined by Mr. Shrestha included
aligning the priorities and focus of the Regional
Office to UNEP’s MTS, Strategic Presence
guidance and the Resource Mobilization
frameworks. Another challenge and opportunity
was working as One UNEP with a focus of
delivery at the national, subregional and
regional levels, together with UNEP’s partners in
the region.
Mr. Shrestha stated that there were many
opportunities in the region, with new donors and
alternative models for development. The
challenge he stated is to forge a “Green
Revolution”. Recognizing the global footprint of
this region, there was a window of opportunity to
make a difference, get cleaner technologies and
support innovation. Mr Shrestha’s complete
presentation is in Annex 1.
D R A F T
Some of salient points of discussions included:
Regional Cooperation
• Key role of UNEP in providing capacity
support to negotiators and application of
scientific assessments using IPCCC
methodology to national circumstances;
• Importance of strengthening UNEP’s
regional presence, so that the Regional
Office can work more closely with countries
to address national and sub-regional
challenges;
• UNEP should strengthen support to the
Pacific Islands, focusing on marine life and
land degradation, climate change and
deforestation;
• Additional inputs and stimulus for UNEP to
work on the One UN (in Pakistan), whereby
UNEP can be engaged in the inter-linkages
between and across sectors;
• Further support for mainstreaming the
environment, through the UNEP and UNDP
partnership;
• UNEP’s engagement at regional and sub-
regional policy dialogue fora (ECOASIA,
APFED, etc) should continue;
• Tremendous intellectual power through
UNEP’s regional networks. The Regional
Resource Centre Asia and the Pacific
(RRC.AP) through its Collaborative
Assessment Network (CAN) could be
leveraged further, demonstrating effective
capital utilization.
Environment Community
• UNEP should continue to prove guidelines
and strengthen operationalization of the
BSP;
• Important role of UNEP in strengthening
capacity, understanding assessment and
providing technology;
• To be responsive to countries and
communities, the partnership between
UNEP and UNDP was important and
strategic;
• UNEP is to be congratulated in being a
leader with in engagement with Civil Society
Organizations (CSO) at all levels;
• UNEP should provide additional support to
CSOs, and promote engagement with
Govts.;
• UNEP’s activities with youth in the region
were appreciated and recognized as our
important areas for consolidation;
• Recommendation that UNEP work closely
with the private sector;

• Include local people who are not literate and
ensure that their knowledge is utilized and
UNEP reaches out to them effectively;
• Scientific and indigenous knowledge be
harmonized.
Emerging Issues
• Risks from glacial lake outburst floods in the
Hindu Kush Himalayas and looking forward
to UNEP and ICIMOD’s engagement on this
emerging issue;
• Studies on resource efficiency and models,
and the importance of economic instruments
through taxation;
• UNEP should continue to coordinate the
efforts and assess gaps in environmental
advocacy;
• UNEP’s work on climate change in the
region as an area of focus must continue,
whereby information to political leaders can
be disseminated;
• No adaptation champions in the UN,
provides an opportunity for UNEP especially
in the context of the Asia Pacific region.
Leadership by Demonstration
• Appreciation for initiatives on eco-housing;
• Education for Sustainable Development
partnerships at Tongji University could
provide model curriculum and pedagogies;
4.0 Conclusions and Close
Minister Liuga from Samoa offered to host the next
meeting of the SEPD, which was warmly
welcomed by the Chair and all the participants.
Some of the overall recommendations included:
• Support for UNEP’s Medium Term Strategy
and its priority areas;
• As a leading organization, UNEP was the right
place to study and discuss climate change
issues;
• The issue of resource efficiency was important
for the Asia Pacific region given resource
constraints and limited natural resources in the
region;
• Overall appreciation for the work of ROAP in
the Asia Pacific region;
• Demonstrated value of the work of the
Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the
Pacific (RRC.AP);
• Recognition of the need to strengthen the
Regional Office;
• Prioritize operationalization of the Bali
Strategic Plan with particular emphasis on
technology transfer;
• Strengthen regional CDM capacity building;
• Strengthen public awareness and outreach;
• Strengthen UNEP’s coordination role among
the UN agencies in the environmental field;
D R A F T
• UNEP was a knowledge leader and need to
document and disseminate information.
Dr Steiner mentioned that UNEP’s
organizational model cannot remain static. He
mentioned that the organization could be
restructured with better resourced regional
hubs. This would apply not only to Regional
Offices but also to UNEP’s global hubs, such as
post conflict, disaster reduction, ecosystem
services, etc. How UNEP’s global divisions can
take issues to the national level and drive the
agenda was a challenge, according to Dr
Steiner. In this context, he referred to the
successful experience with SAICM and other
convention instruments.
Dr Steiner recognized that Regional Offices
were closer to UNEP‘s clients, and better able to
manage environmental issues from the
national/regional level to global level. This was
based on the strong appreciation of the work
carried out by ROAP, and the value of the
Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the
Pacific (RRC.AP). Dr Steiner mentioned that
matrix management was a more intelligent way
to allow regions to interface, while global
divisions continue providing a knowledge base.
One option was to strengthen and outpost staff
from UNEP’s global divisions to Regional
Resource Centres, as a cost effective means of
delivery.
• Strengthen SEPD, as it provides a valuable
forum for inputs to UNEP’s GMEF and the
delivery of the Regional Office for Asia and the
Pacific.
On behalf of Dr Achim Steiner, Ms. Maryam Fuller
expressed her appreciation to all delegates and
also committed UNEP’s considerable interest in
supporting the countries. She stated the
importance of technology transfer, strengthening
NGOs, and building capacity.
Mr. Surendra Shrestha joined the UNEP Executive
Director in expressing his appreciation for the
valuable guidance, continued support in UNEP’s
programme in the region.
On behalf Minister Witoelar, Ibu Liana Bratasida,
Assistant Minister for Global Environmental Affairs,
State Ministry of Environment, Indonesia, thanked
all participants for their valuable contributions, and
declared the fifth meeting of the SEPD closed at
1130 hours.
 ANNEX B

Agenda Item 1:
Global Issues

• Annex B.1.1:
Scenario Note for 25th Session of Governing
Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
• Annex B.1.2:
Proposed Biennial Programme and Support Budget
for 2010-2011
• Annex B.1.3:
Medium Term Strategy (MTS) 2010-2013
 Scenario Note for the 25th Session of the Governing Council/
Global Ministerial Environment Forum
Nairobi, 16-20 February 2009
19 December 2008

1. The present note is intended to assist delegates in preparing for the twenty-fifth session of the UNEP
Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (Council/Forum). It provides information on the
objectives and expectations as regards the outcomes of the meetings and how the work of the
Council/Forum is proposed to be conducted, subject to the formal approval of the Council. Detailed
information on the Council/Forum is found on the website at the following address:
http://www.unep.org/gc/gc25.
I. OBJECTIVES
2. The main objectives of the Council/Forum are: (i) to facilitate ministerial-level discussions on important
and emerging policy issues in the field of the environment, in particular Globalization and the Environment,
and International Environmental Governance and U.N. Reform; (ii) to approve the programme of work and
budget of UNEP for the biennium 2010-2011; and (iii) to provide guidance to the Executive Director on
specific programmatic subjects, such as those related to International Environmental Governance, State of
the Environment, Chemicals Management, Youth involvement in environmental issues, Environmental
Law, and the establishment of an Inter-Governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services.
II. AGENDA
3. The provisional agenda of the Council/Forum is set out in document UNEP/GC/25/1. The annotated agenda
for the meeting (document UNEP/GC/25/1/Add.1) identifies the topics of discussion and the working and
information documents prepared by the UNEP secretariat.
4. The provisional draft agenda will be adopted by the Council/Forum at its first meeting on 16 February
2009, following the opening session.
III. ORGANIZATION OF WORK
5. The twenty-fifth session of the Council/Forum will be held over five days, from 16 to 20 February 2009.
The Council/Forum will be opened on Monday, 16 February 2009 at 10.00 a.m. and is expected to conclude
on Friday, 20 February 2009 at 6.00 p.m.
6. The work of the Council/Forum will be conducted through its Plenary, open to all delegates; Ministerial
Consultation Plenary Sessions open to all delegates; ministerial-level roundtables attended by heads of
delegation, each assisted by one member of delegation; and, if established, a Committee of the Whole open
to all delegates and invited representatives of International Governmental Organizations and International
NGOs. Meetings of the Council/Forum Plenary will be convened by the President and presided over by
him/her and a member of the Bureau designated by him/her.
7. The Council/Forum will meet in Plenary on 16 February 2009 for the ceremonial opening of the session,
election of the Bureau, and adoption of the agenda. The Bureau will consist of a President, three Vice-
Presidents and a Rapporteur from among its members. Those regional groups which have not yet provided
the secretariat with the nominations for the Bureau are urged to do so as soon as possible.
a. Ministerial Consultations
8. The Council/Forum will focus on two themes “Globalization and the Environment – ‘Global Crisis:
National Chaos?’” and “International Environmental Governance and the United Nations Reform – ‘IEG:
Help or Hindrance?’”. The Themes for the Ministerial Consultations are interrelated and will be dealt with

Secretariat for Governing Bodies- P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya Tel:(254-20) 7623411/7623431
Fax: (254-20) 7623929/7623748 E-mail: SGC.SGB @unep.org
 -2-

collectively – enabling environmental governance issues to be addressed in the context of real life
challenges and opportunities to meet multiple environment and development needs that are being
confronted both at global and country level.
9. The consultations are expected to provide the world’s environment ministers with the opportunity to
address in a comprehensive manner how to meet multiple environmental and development challenges at the
country level, and to capture the opportunities that might arise to move towards a green economy; and how
national and international environmental governance, including financing mechanisms, could better support
such endeavours.
10. During the morning plenary meeting of the Council/Forum on Monday, 16 February 2009, the Executive
Director of UNEP will make a policy statement.
11. The Council/Forum will thereafter consider the subjects of “Globalization and the Environment – ‘Global
Crisis: National Chaos?’” and “International Environmental Governance and the United Nations Reform –
‘IEG: Help or Hindrance?’” through a number of plenary/panel sessions and roundtables to provide
ministers and heads of delegation with opportunities for substantive debate and direct interaction. The
outcome of the Ministerial Consultations is proposed to be a message from the world’s environment
ministers to the international community and the UN system, of the central importance of meeting multiple
environmental and development challenges and capturing opportunities to move towards a ‘green
economy’.
12. The opening session of the Ministerial Consultations on Monday afternoon, 16 February 2009, will set the
scene and will have the title “Global crisis: national chaos? -- The nature and scale of current environment
and development challenges and opportunities”.
13. The plenary discussion will resume on Tuesday morning, 17 February 2009 on “Global crisis: national
chaos? -- Towards a ‘Green Economy’”. On Wednesday morning, the Ministerial Consultation session will
involve the panel discussion in the Plenary on “Global crisis: national chaos? – Coping with multiple
challenges and capturing opportunities”. On Thursday morning, 19 February 2009, the panel discussion in
the Plenary will focus on “IEG – Help or hindrance? – IEG from a country perspective”.
14. The Ministerial roundtables will take place on 17 and 19 February 2009. Three parallel ministerial
roundtables will be supported by a facilitator and by three Ministers (two co-Chairs and one Rapporteur) for
each session. The sessions will be closed and each delegation to the Ministerial roundtables will include the
Head plus one member of each delegation. Environment Ministers will be joined by a small number of
high-level invitees such as heads of United Nations agencies, Ministers from other sectors, and business and
civil society leaders. Each roundtable report will be developed in the form of possible messages for
inclusion in the President’s Summary to be relayed to the UN system, to governments, the business
community, and civil society.
15. Rapporteurs from plenary/panels and respective roundtables will convene each day to synthesize messages
coming from their discussions. The reports/messages from the plenary sessions and roundtables
consolidated each day will be presented in the Synthesis Plenary Session on Thursday late afternoon, 19
February 2009, by 3 Rapporteurs to be chosen amongst the 6 Rapporteurs of the roundtables.
16. The consolidated report/messages will result in a Conference Room Paper (CRP), as developed by the
Rapporteurs, and will form the basis for subsequent preparation of the draft report of the President on the
Ministerial Consultations. The President’s summary will be formally presented to the plenary meeting on
Friday, 20 February 2009, and will succinctly and faithfully reflect the main points/messages made by
delegations.
b. Sessional Committees
17. As in previous Council/Forum sessions, it is expected that the Council/Forum at the opening plenary
meeting will establish sessional committees, including a Committee of the Whole and a Drafting Group.
18. The Committee of the Whole (COW), if established, will commence its work in the afternoon of Monday,
16 February 2009. The COW will consider UNEP’s Programme of Work and Budget for 2010-2011. The
COW will also address substantive topics, in accordance with the Provisional Agenda of the
Council/Forum. A detailed calendar of the COW work will be agreed during its first session and made
immediately available as a Conference-Room Paper. The COW may establish working group(s) to address
 -3-

specific issues of concern to delegates. As in previous sessions, it is envisaged that the COW may establish
a working group on the Programme of Work and Budget for 2010-2011 and a working group on
Chemicals/Mercury.
19. The Drafting Group is expected to begin its work on Tuesday morning, 17 February 2009 to consider draft
decisions, prepared by the CPR and those which may be submitted by members of the Council.
20. The report of the COW and any draft decisions will be adopted by the Plenary meeting on Friday, 20
February 2009.
IV. PRE-SESSION EVENTS
21. Informal consultations with the Regional Groups will be held on Sunday, 15 February 2009, i.e. the day
before the opening of the session.
22. The Council/Forum will be preceded by the tenth Global Civil Society Forum, attended by representatives
of non-governmental and civil society organizations, on 14 and 15 February 2009. Held regularly since
2000, the Forum serves to enable Major Groups and Civil Society Organizations to interact with
Governments on the issues on the agenda of the Council/Forum. A limited number of Forum representatives
will also participate in the intergovernmental deliberations at the Council/Forum.
23. Another pre–session event on Sunday 15 February will be the meeting of the Network of Women Ministers
and Leaders for the Environment (NWMLE). The meeting will discuss the themes under consideration of
the 25th GC/GMEF from a gender point of view and decide on a list of concrete priority actions that the
international community and individual governments need to address in order to improve the lives of
women and men.
V. SPECIAL EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS AND EXCURSION
24. The UNEP secretariat has organized special events in collaborations with partners on key topical issues
related to the themes of the Ministerial consultations. These events will be held during the lunch hours
every day from Monday, 16 February, to Friday, 20 February 2009. Details of these events are available on
the website and on the Provisional Timetable, as well as in the Journal on a daily basis.
25. Several environmentally-focused exhibitions in form of audio visual materials and posters will be ongoing
throughout the duration of the Council/Forum.
26. A field excursion has been organized for interested delegates to visit Olkaria geothermal plant in the Rift
Valley.
UNITED
NATIONS EP
UNEP/GC/25/X
Distr.: General
Governing Council XX December 2008
of the United Nations
Original: English
Environment Programme

Twenty-fifth session of the Governing Council/

Global Ministerial Environment Forum
Nairobi, X–X February 2009
Item X of the provisional agenda∗
Programme, the Environment Fund and administrative and
other budgetary matters

Proposed biennial programme and support budgets for

2010–2011
Report of the Executive Director

Summary
The present report reviews the likely availability of resources in the Environment Fund in the
biennium 2010–2011, in the light of which the biennial programme and support budgets are proposed
for 2010–2011.

* UNEP/GC.25/1.
Contents: Page

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1

I SUGGESTED ACTION BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL.................................................. 2

II RESOURCE FRAMEWORK..................................................................................................... 4

A. Executive summary.............................................................................................................. 4
1. Financial overview........................................................................................................ 4
2. Changes in posts ........................................................................................................... 7

B. Environment Fund – Budget proposals ............................................................................... 8

1. Voluntary contributions to the Environment Fund ...................................................... 8
2. Use of Environment Fund resources ............................................................................ 9
3. Financial reserve ........................................................................................................... 11

III PROPOSED SUPPORT BUDGET ............................................................................................ 12

IV PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK & BUDGET ............................................................ 16

A. Overview of UNEP activities............................................................................................... 16

B. Overall orientation .............................................................................................................. 16

C. Proposed Programme Budget .............................................................................................. 20

D. Subprogramme narratives .................................................................................................... 23

1. Climate change ................................................................................................................ 23
2. Disasters and conflicts .................................................................................................... 31
3. Ecosystems management ................................................................................................ 35
4. Environmental governance ............................................................................................. 40
5. Harmful substances and hazardous waste ....................................................................... 47
6. Resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production ............................... 53

V OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE ................................................................................................ 59

ANNEXES
Annexes referred to in the document
Annex I Estimated distribution of Environment Fund resources by expenditure
category ............................................................................................................... 66
Annex II Estimated distribution of support budget posts by source of funds and
organizational unit............................................................................................... 67
Annex III Legislative mandates ........................................................................................... 70
Additional budget related annexes
Annex IV Trust fund estimates by organizational unit and expenditure category.............. 76
Annex V 2010–2011 projected expenditure by subprogramme for trust funds directly
supporting the UNEP programme of work ......................................................... 77
Annex VI Earmarked contributions by expenditure category and subprogramme............. 82
Annex VII Trust fund support estimates by organizational unit and expenditure
category ............................................................................................................... 83
Annex VIII Proposed trust fund support budget and staffing table for 2010–2011 .............. 84
Annex IX United Nations regular budget estimates by organizational unit and
expenditure category ........................................................................................... 85
Other Annexes

ii
 Annex X Terms ................................................................................................................... 86
Annex XI Methodology for preparation of the biennial support budget............................. 88
Annex XII Implementation of the comments and recommendations made by the
Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions
(ACABQ) on the proposed programme and support budget of UNEP for the
biennium 2010–2011........................................................................................... 90

FIGURES
I Use of total resources, 2010–2011....................................................................................... 4
II Environment Fund estimates for 2010–2011 ...................................................................... 6
TABLES
1. Resource plan - approved 2008–2009 and proposed 2010–2011 ....................................... 5
2. Regular Budget, Environment Fund, Trust Fund trust fund support and Counterpart
contribution : estimated biennial programme and support budget...................................... 10
3. Staffing by source of fund and category.............................................................................. 11
4. Estimated distribution of Support Budget posts by source of funds and category............ 13
5. The Environment Fund: Support budget estimate by organizational unit .......................... 14
6. Estimated programme resources by source of funds, sub programme and expenditure
category ................................................................................................................................ 21
7. Estimated distribution of programme posts by source of funds.......................................... 22

iii
Abbreviations

ABS Access and Benefit Sharing

ADB Asian Development Bank
AfDB African Development Bank
AIACC Assessments of Impacts and Adaptation to Climate Change
APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
APN Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research
AU African Union
CARE CARE International
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CCI Canadian Conservation Institute
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CEB Chief Executive Board
CGIAR Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research
CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and flora
CMS Convention on Migratory Species
DDT Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane
DevTV Producer of news items and documentaries about development issues
DHI Danish Hydraulic Institute
DTIE Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
EA Expected Accomplishments
EMG Environmental Management Group
ENB Earth Negotiations Bulletin
ESCO Energy Service Companies
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GC Governing Council
GCOS Global Climate Observing System
GCSS Governing Council Special Session
GEF Global Environment Facility
GEO Global Environment Outlook
GEOS Global Earth Observing Systems
GMO Genetically Modified Organisms
GOOS Global Ocean Observing System
GRID Global Resource Information Database
GTOS Global Terrestrial Observing System
IADB Inter-American Development Bank
IAI Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research
IAS Invasive Alien Species
ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
ICMM International Council on Mining and Metals
ICRAF The International Centre for Research in Agroforestry
ICTP International Centre for Theoretical Physics
IEA International Energy Agency
IGO Inter-Governmental Organizations
ILO International Labour Organization
ILTER International Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network
IMO International Maritime Organization
IOMC Inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals
IPBES Inter-Governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Services
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IPM Integrated Pest Management
ISDR International Strategy for Disaster Reduction

iv
IUCN World Conservation Union
IUPAC International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
IW:LEARN International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resource Network
IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management
KM:LAND Knowledge Management: Land Initiative
LADA Land Degradation Assessment in the Drylands
LDC Least Developed Countries
LULUCF Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry
MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreement
MTS Medium Term Strategy
NCAR National Center for Atmospheric Research
NCPC National Cleaner Production Centre
NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development
NGO Non-governmental Organizations
NIP National Implementation Plan
OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
POP Persistent Organic Pollutant
PoW Programme of Work
QSP Quick Start Programme
R&D Research and Development
RAMSAR Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
REDD Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation
SAICM Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management
SCOPE Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment
SCP Sustainable Consumption and Production
SEI Stockholm Environment Institute
SETAC Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
SIDS Small Island Developing States
SME Small and Medium Sized Enterprise
START global change System for Analysis, Research and Training
TEMATEA Issue-Based Modules for Coherent Implementation of Biodiversity Related
Conventions
TERI The Energy Research Institute
TerrAfrica A partnership that aims to address land degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa
TVE Television Trust for the Environment
TWAS The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World
UCC Water UNEP Collaborating Center on Water and Environment
UNCCA United Nations Common Country Assessment
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNCG UN Communications Group
UNCT United Nations Country Team
UN Habitat United Nations Human Settlements Programme
UNDAF United Nations Development Assistance Framework
UNDESA United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs
UNDG United Nations Development Group
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNHCR United Nations High Commission for Refugees
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNITAR United Nations Institute for Training and Research
UNOCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UNU United Nations University

v
UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organization
WCMC World Conservation Monitoring Centre
WHO World Health Organization
WMO World Meteorological Organization
WTO World Trade Organization
WWF World Wide Fund for Nature

vi
 Introduction

The UNEP Governing Council in its decision SS.X/3 authorized the Executive Director to use the
Medium-term Strategy 2010-2013 (MTS) in formulating this programme of work and budget document.
Consequently, Section IV introduces six new subprogrammes in line with the six cross-cutting thematic
priorities of the MTS.
This programme of work and budget contributes towards realizing the UNEP vision, as articulated in
the MTS, to be the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, that
promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development with in the
United Nations system, and that serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This document
constitutes a major step forward in: delivering on the Bali Strategic Plan; further embracing UNEP’s role as the
environment programme of the United Nations; ensuring UNEP’s interventions are founded on sound science;
and making the transition to becoming a fully results-based organization, through the programmatic
realignment in line with the MTS.
As a knowledge organisation, it is essential for UNEP to provide credible thematic leadership in each
of the six new subprogrammes. While the organisation builds on its current expertise, this shift requires a
significant change management effort, in addition to a number of new programme posts. UNEP is also
strengthening its line management functions based on recommendations of oversight bodies. In this context it is
recalled that UNEP has management responsibility for the secretariats of 7 multilateral environmental
agreements and 6 regional seas conventions.
In accordance with rules 210.1–210.5 of the Financial Rules of the Fund of the United Nations
Environment Programme, the Executive Director submits herewith the proposed biennial programme and
support budget for the biennium 2010–2011. [The proposal was submitted to the Advisory Committee on
Administrative and Budgetary Questions for examination and comments and the Advisory Committee’s report
is contained in document UNEP/GC/25/XX/XX.]
[The proposed budget has been prepared in line with the harmonized budget format, as recommended
by the Advisory Committee in its report (UNEP/GC.21/6/Add.1) and as requested by the Governing Council in
its decision 21/31.]
The present budget document follows the formats endorsed by the Governing Council in decisions
21/31 and 22/20. Accordingly, the financial framework of UNEP is broken down by all sources of funding, that
is, the United Nations regular budget, the Environment Fund, trust funds, trust fund support and earmarked
contributions.
Annex X to the present document contains a list of terms and their definitions developed in line with
the harmonized format. Annex XI contains an explanation of the methodology applied in calculation of the
budget estimates, which was also prepared in accordance with the harmonized format. [Annex XII] provides
details of implementation by UNEP of the comments and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on
Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the budget for 2010–2011.

1
I. SUGGESTED ACTION BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
The Governing Council may wish to adopt a decision along the following lines:
The Governing Council,
Having considered the proposed biennial programme and support budgets for 2010–2011 and the
related report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions,
1. Approves the programme of work for the biennium 2010–2011 taking into account the relevant
decisions of the Governing Council;
2. Approves appropriations for the Environment Fund in the amount of 180 million United States
dollars for the purposes indicated below:

2010 – 2011 biennial programme and support budgets

(in thousands of United States dollars)

Programme of work & Proposed Budget

Thematic Sub Programme
Climate Change 28,767
Disaster and Conflicts 10,087
Ecosystem management 33,987
Environmental Governance 40,229
Harmful Substances and 17,985
Hazardous waste
Resource Efficiency 24,945
Fund Programme Activities 156,000
Fund programme reserve 6,000
Total Programme Resources 162,000

Support budget 18,000

Grand total 180,000

3. Welcomes the extensive consultations between the Executive Director and the Committee of
Permanent Representatives in preparing the draft budget and programme of work for the biennium
2010–2011 and requests the Executive Director to continue such consultations for the preparation of
each biennial budget and programme of work;
4. Approves the proposed staffing tables under the Environment Fund biennial support budget for
2010–2011 as set forth in Section III;
5. Authorizes the Executive Director, with a view to ensuring better conformity with the practices in
other United Nations bodies, to reallocate resources between budget lines up to a maximum of 10 per
cent of the appropriation to which the resources are reallocated;
6. Requests that, should the Executive Director need to reallocate funds in excess of 10 per cent and
up to 20 per cent of an appropriation, he does so in consultation with the Committee of Permanent
Representatives;
7. Authorizes the Executive Director to enter into forward commitments not exceeding 20 million
United States dollars for Fund programme activities for the biennium 2010–2011;
8. Requests the Executive Director to keep Governments specifically informed, through the
Committee of Permanent Representatives on a half-yearly basis and the Governing Council at its
regular and special sessions, of the execution of the budget of the Environment Fund, including

2
voluntary contributions and expenditures, and reallocations of the appropriations or adjustments of the
allocations;
9. Also requests the Executive Director to ensure that earmarked contributions to the United Nations
Environment Programme, apart from those for which the United Nations Environment Programme
merely acts as treasurer, are used to fund activities which are in line with the programme of work;
10. Calls for an allocation of an appropriate share of the United Nations regular budget to the United
Nations Environment Programme;
11. Notes that an increase in funding from the United Nations regular budget for the United Nations
Environment Programme in the biennium 2010–2011 would decrease the requirement under the
Environment Fund biennial support budget, thereby releasing resources which should be reallocated
for the programme activities or the Environment Fund financial reserve;
12. Reiterates the need for stable, adequate and predictable financial resources for the United Nations
Environment Programme and, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 2997 (XXVII) of 15
December 1972, which underlined the need to consider the adequate reflection of all the
administrative and management costs of the Environment Programme in the context of the United
Nations regular budget, looks forward to the implementation of the requests of the General Assembly
to the United Nations Secretary-General to keep the resource needs of the United Nations
Environment Programme and the United Nations Office at Nairobi under review, so as to permit the
delivery, in an effective manner, of necessary services to the United Nations Environment Programme
and the other United Nations organs and organizations in Nairobi;

3
II. RESOURCE FRAMEWORK
A. Executive summary
1. Financial Overview

1. Table 1 shows the resources available and their proposed uses for the biennial programme of work and
support budget, which have been prepared on estimated resources of $476.4 million (which excludes $17.5
million for reimbursement of services), of which $61.2 million is projected as the opening balance as at 1
January 2010. The estimated resources represent $13.8 million in United Nations regular budget resources
(including $1.3 million for UNSCEAR), $184 million in Environment Fund resources, $188.7 million in trust
funds, $13.2 million in trust fund support and $76.7 million in earmarked contributions.
2. The projected use of total resources for the 2010–2011 biennium of $434.1 million (which excludes
$16.8 million for reimbursement of services) represents a net increase of $143.2 million over the approved
2008–2009 budget. The change in the use of resources is attributable to a projected increase in expenditure
from the Environment Fund of $28.0 million; $86.5 million from the Trust Funds; $2.7 million from Trust fund
Support and $26.0 million from Earmarked Contributions The largest portion of the total budget, $397.8
million or 91.7per cent, is expended on programme activities. The remaining $36.3million or 8.3per cent is
expended on the Executive function, which includes support to the policy-making organs, and the overall
management & administration of the organisation (see Figure 1).

Figure I: Use of total resources 2010–2011

Support budget
$36.3 million
8.3%

Executive Function Management and

$10.9 million Administration
2.5% $25.4 million
5.8%

Fund Programme reserve

$6 million
1.4%

Programme activities
Programme resources $391.8 million
$397.8 million 90.3%
91.7%

4
Table 1. Resource plan - approved 2008-2009 and proposed 2010-2011 (in millions of USD)
Budget for 2008-2009 as approved by the Governing Council at its 24th
session Proposed budget for 2010-2011

UN Environ- Trust UN Environ- Trust

regular ment Trust fund Earmarked Total regular ment Trust fund Earmarked Total
budget 4 Fund 1 funds 2 support 3 contributions2 resources budget 4 Fund 1 funds 2 support 3 contributions2 resources
Resources available Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount % Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount %
Opening balance - 3.3 36.2 7.8 21.7 69.0 - 4.0 44.7 1.8 10.7 61.2
Income
Contributions 13.8 152.0 65.0 7.9 38.0 276.7 13.8 180.0 144.0 10.9 66.0 414.7
Other - 2.0 1.4 0.5 - 3.9 - - - 0.5 - 0.5
Subtotal 13.8 157.3 102.6 16.2 59.7 349.6 13.8 184.0 188.7 13.2 76.7 476.4
Reimbursement for services - - - 12.8 - 12.8 - - - 17.5 - 17.5
Total resources 13.8 157.3 102.6 29.0 59.7 362.4 13.8 184.0 188.7 30.7 76.7 493.9
Use of total resources
Programme resources
Programme of Work 7.8 130.0 75.3 - 40.0 253.1 87.0 7.8 156.0 162.0 - 66.0 391.8 90.3
Fund programme reserve - 6.0 - - - 6.0 2.1 - 6.0 - - - 6.0 1.4
Total programme resources 7.8 136.0 75.3 - 40.0 259.1 89.2 7.8 162.0 162.0 - 66.0 397.8 91.7
Support budget
Executive Function 4.4 6.3 - - - 10.8 3.7 4.4 6.5 - - - 10.9 2.5
Management and adm. 1.6 9.7 0.4 9.4 - 21.0 7.2 1.6 11.5 0.2 12.1 - 25.4 5.8
Total support budget 6.0 16.0 0.4 9.4 - 31.8 10.9 6.0 18.0 0.2 12.1 - 36.3 8.3
Subtotal 13.8 152.0 75.7 9.4 40.0 290.9 100.0 13.8 180.0 162.2 12.1 66.0 434.1 100.0
Reimbursement for services - - 15.8 - 15.8 - - - 16.8 - 16.8 -
Total use of resources 13.8 152.0 75.7 25.2 40.0 306.7 13.8 180.0 162.2 28.8 66.0 450.8 -
Estimated closing balance - 5.3 26.9 3.8 19.7 55.7 - 4.0 26.5 1.9 10.7 43.1
Notes:
1: The Environment Fund represents the regular resources of UNEP.
2: Trust funds and earmarked contributions exclude Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) including the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and GEF.
3: Under "Trust Fund Support": "support budget'' refers to direct support, "Management and administration" refers to resources for administrative support to trust funds supporting UNEP's programme of
work ,
and `Reimbursement for services refer to administrative and programme support provided to trust funds related to MEAs including Multilateral Fund.
4: 2008-2009 regular budget has been adjusted to reflect what has been approved & allocated by UN headquarters. .

5
3. United Nations regular budget: During the biennium 2008-2009 the United Nations regular budget
contribution to UNEP stands at $13.8 million - including $1.3 million for the United Nations Scientific
Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), leaving $12.5 million for UNEP. However, the
United Nations regular budget funding of $1.3 million to cover meetings of the UNEP Governing Council is
provided under section 2, “General Assembly affairs and conference”, and is thus not included in the UNEP
financial framework.
4. UNEP will submit to United Nations Headquarters a proposal for increased United Nations regular
budget funding for 2010-2011. However, since the United Nations regular budget is subject to the approval of
the General Assembly at its sixty fourth session, the 2010-2011 amounts are provisional. No cost adjustments
have been applied to this part of the resource plan for 2010-2011, as this will be done at United Nations
Headquarters at the time of the adoption of the budget by the Assembly.
5. Environment Fund: In its decision 24/9, the Governing Council requested the Executive Director to
prepare an Environment Fund Programme Activities budget for 2010-2011 amounting to $140.0 million
excluding the Fund Programme Reserve and the Support Budget. Since then voluntary contributions to the
Environment Fund have significantly increased, and available funds for the biennium 2008-2009 are expected
to exceed the total appropriation for 2008-2009 of $152.0 million. As of 1 August 2008, UNEP anticipates
contributions of $167.0 million for the biennium 2008-2009.
6. The growth in voluntary contributions to the Environment Fund is a clear expression of member
states’ confidence in UNEP. In order for UNEP to deliver results in line with the increased availability of
resources, the Executive Director therefore proposes a 2010-2011 Environment Fund budget amounting to
$180.0 million for the biennium. This will include an Environment Fund Programme Activities budget costed
at $156.0 million, the Environment Fund Programme Reserve of $6.0 million, and the Environment Fund
Support Budget of $18.0 million. This is equivalent to an increase in the use of resources of $28.0 million over
the approved budget for the 2008–2009 biennium. Of the total proposed Environment Fund budget, $162.0
million, or 90 per cent, relates to programme activities and $18.0 million, or 10 percent, to the support budget
(see figure II).
7. By decision 24/9, the Governing Council approved an appropriation of $6.0 million for the Fund
Programme Reserve for the biennium 2008–2009. UNEP suggests that this be maintained at the same level for
the biennium 2010-2011.
Figure II. Environment Fund estimates for 2010–2011

Support budget
$18 million
10%

Executive Function
Management and
$6.5 million
administration
3.6%
$11.5 million Fund Programme reserve,
6.4% $6.0 million
3.3%

Programme
resources
$162.0 million
90%

Programmes Activities,
$156.0 million
86.7%

8. Implementation of the Environment Fund budget requires voluntary contributions of $180.0 million
for the period 2010-2011 (see Table 1), which represents an increase of $28.0 million, or 18 per cent, over the
originally estimated 2008–2009 voluntary contributions of $152.0 million. However due to a higher trend noted

6
in contributions for the period 2008-2009 the Executive Director is confident of realising the 180.0 million in
voluntary contributions for the biennium 2010-2011.
9. The Executive Director releases funding based on updated contribution projections, and adjusts actual
allocations to subprogrammes, in consultation with the Committee of Permanent Representatives, if funding
levels change.
10. Trust funds and earmarked contributions: These are sources of funds that directly support the
UNEP programme of work. Trust funds and earmarked contributions related to multilateral environmental
agreements, including the Multilateral Fund for the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer, and the Global Environment Facility are not included in this resource plan. However, Section IV
presents the complementarity of GEF-funded outputs with those of the UNEP programme of work. In 2010–
2011, the projected use of Trust Fund resources will increase to $162.2 million from $75.7 million and the
earmarked contributions will increase to $66.0 million from $40.0 million as shown in Table 1.
11. The projected increase of $86.5million in trust fund resources are combined with accumulated
surpluses in these funds, and are progressively aligned with the six subprogrammes. The increase in the
earmarked contributions is a result of the expected normal growth in that area of support. The utilization of
these resources during the biennium is based on an improved programme implementation rate.
12. A considerable amount of the 2010–2011 estimated resources is not covered by long-term agreements
or confirmed pledges thus making it difficult at the time of formulation of the programme budget to estimate
the volume of trust funds and earmarked contributions. The Committee of Permanent Representatives is
continuously kept abreast, however, on the status of trust funds and earmarked budget estimates through its
regular reports and meetings.
13. Trust fund support budget: In accordance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules,
UNEP generally charges a 13 percent programme support cost on actual expenditures of trust funds and
earmarked contributions. There are exceptions when a programme support cost is charged at a lower level.
Such exceptions include the Technical Cooperation Trust Fund for UNEP Implementation of Activities Funded
by the United Nations Foundation through the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP); the
Technical Cooperation Trust Fund for UNEP Implementation of the Multilateral Fund Activities; and trust
funds for projects supported by the European Commission. UNEP closely monitors inter-agency discussions
that strive to harmonize programme support cost policies and rates across the United Nations System.
14. For 2010–2011, UNEP expects that total trust fund support resources of $13.2 million (including a
projected opening balance of $1.8 million as at 1 January 2010) will be available. Trust fund support costs
charged to trust funds for other activities, such as those related to multilateral environmental agreements, are
shown under “Reimbursement for services”. As to the use of trust fund support resources for 2010–2011, $12.1
million is allocated to the administration of trust funds directly supporting the UNEP programme of work. This
includes $4.5 million under administrative support directly allocated to offices away from UNEP headquarters
in Nairobi (except for the two UNEP partnerships administration officers and one local level post located at
UNEP headquarters) which administer some of the trust fund resources as follows: the Division of Technology,
Industry and Economics offices in Paris, Geneva and Osaka, and the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management
Branch in Geneva. The remaining $7.6 million is allocated to the financial management and administration
services costs which have been moved back to UNEP, into the Corporate Services Section in Nairobi and the
Administrative Service Centre in Geneva, which were previously located in the United Nations Office at
Nairobi.
2. Changes in posts

15. Since the approval of the 2008-2009 budget in February 2007, UNEP has undertaken, in close
cooperation with the Human Resources Management Section (HRMS/UNON) and UNEP Divisions and
Offices, a thorough review of divisional staffing tables and staff posts as contained in the Integrated
Management Information System (IMIS) which among other purposes serves as the tool used by the UN
Secretariat, including UNEP to track established staff posts within the organization. The overall purpose of the
review exercise is to ensure that the staff post information contained in IMIS tallies with the actual number of
programme posts under the Environment Fund as reflected in the documents presented to the Governing
Council and against which UNEP’s performance on human resources is being measured by the Secretary-
General.
16. Table 3 shows an estimated total staffing requirement of 652 core posts (under the 100 series) for the
biennium 2010 – 2011 under the Support Budget and Programme Budget. The requirement represents an
overall increase of 55 posts (5 professional and 50 Local Level posts) compared to the biennium 2008 - 2009.
This is reflected by an increase of 88 posts (58 professional and 30 Local Level) under the Environment Fund,

7
a decrease of 38 posts under Trust Funds due to realignment of contract types with funding sources, an increase
of 2 posts under Earmarked Contributions and an increase of 3 posts under the Trust Fund Support.
17. The increase of 88 posts under the Environment Fund is reflected by an increase of 66 posts under the
Programme Budget and 22 posts under the Support Budget for the Executive Function and Management &
Administration.
18. These increases in Environment Fund posts during the biennium 2008 – 2009 are primarily due to the
following reasons:
Programme of Work
a) an upwards adjustment of the actual number of Environment Fund posts based on the above-mentioned
review of IMIS with a view to regularizing appointments made in previous biennia.
b) a series of organisational restructurings in response to the UNEP reform process, including the MTS and the
transition to becoming a fully results-based organization.
c) the strengthening of UNEP’s programmatic capacity to begin addressing the six cross-cutting thematic
priorities as identified in the MTS (within the context of the approved programme of work for 2008-2009).
d) the strengthening of UNEP’s presence in the regions
Executive Function and Management and Administration
a) strengthening of UNEP’s operational and management capacities, through 4 professional posts in line-
management functions, particularly in corporate services, quality assurance, and resource mobilization.
b) the return of corporate financial management functions to UNEP from UNON in January 2008 and the
subsequent strengthening of UNEP’s corporate services resulted in a total of 18 posts (7 professional and 11
local level) with funding reflected under the Environment Fund. The transfer of posts from UNON to UNEP
has also resulted in a reduction of contributions to UNON as highlighted under Table 4 and is therefore budget
neutral.
19. The primary changes in posts under other sources of funding are as a result of improved programme
support provided to projects funded by these sources of funds, particularly with the increasing responsiveness
of UNEP to country needs, and UNEP’s cooperation with country-based agencies such as UNDP.
20. In addition to the above-mentioned core posts, UNEP employs staff against project posts (under 200
series) with contracts of fixed duration and linked to the length of a given project. Staff recruited against
project posts implement technical cooperation activities and are not engaged in the implementation of the core
activities of the organization. The number of project staff fluctuates depending on the number of projects under
implementation at any given time. Appointments against project posts are made without any expectation of
extension or renewal beyond the duration of the project for which the staff member is employed. As at 1
August 2008, UNEP had 115 staff employed against project posts.

B. Environment fund – budget proposals

1. Voluntary contributions to the Environment Fund

21. Maintaining the liquidity of the Environment Fund is of paramount importance. Timely pledging and
payment of voluntary contributions by Governments is critical for sound strategic planning, efficient and
effective programme delivery.
22. Considering the current voluntary contributions trends in 2008, UNEP is confident that total voluntary
contributions can be raised to meet or exceed the budgetary requirements for 2010-2011, which constitute a
eight percent increase over projected voluntary contributions for 2008-2009 of $167.0 million (as of 1 August
2008).
23. In decision 24/9, the Governing Council requested Governments to make pledges of their future
voluntary contributions to the Environment Fund at least one year in advance of the year to which they relate
and, if possible, on a multi-year basis. Furthermore, the Council urged Governments to pay their voluntary
contributions before the year to which they relate or at the latest at the beginning of the year to which they
relate.
24. As has been the practice in past years, and with support from the UN Board of Auditors, it is proposed
to write off voluntary contributions outstanding for more than four years (prior to February 2009). As at 31

8
July 2008 despite the extensive follow-up efforts, the pledged voluntary contributions remaining outstanding
for 2003 and 2004 amounted to $ 31,544.

2. Use of Environment Fund resources

25. The Environment Fund provides for core executive, management & administration, and operational
functions of the organisation, statutory requirements as well as for the core programmatic expertise and
implementation of the activities for the six subprogrammes. This is augmented by resources from regular
budget, trust funds, earmarked contributions and trust funds support.
26.. The total proposed Environment Fund budget for 2010–2011 amounts to $180.0 million, consisting of
$156.0 million for Fund programme activities, $6.0 million for the Fund programme reserve, $6.5 million for
the Executive Function and $11.5 million for Management and Administration of the organization. A
summary of the Environment Fund budget by appropriation line prepared in accordance with the harmonised
budget is contained in Table 2 below.
27. Of the Environment Fund resources, $116.3 million (64.6 per cent) is allocated to posts and other staff
costs as shown in Annex I. The remaining $63.7 million (35.4 per cent) is allocated to non-post items, mainly
the delivery of results through implementation and contractual services, consultants, meeting support and
travel, general operating expenses (e.g., telecommunications, rental, supplies, etc.), reimbursements to the
United Nations Office at Nairobi, and other expenditures.

9
 Table 2. Regular Budget, Environment Fund, Trust Fund, Trust fund support and Earmarked Contribution : estimated biennial programme and support budget (In thousands of US
Dollars)
2010-2011

Earmarked
Regular Budget Environment Fund Trust Fund Trust fund supportt Total
Contribution
Programme of Work
Proposed Grand total
% % % % % %
Estimates estimates Estimates Estimates Estimates estimates
1) Climate Change 1,108 8.0 28,767 16.0 27,919 17.2 - - 20,000 30.3 77,794 17.9
2) Disaster and Conflicts 439 3.2 10,087 5.6 32,981 20.3 - - 4,000 6.1 47,507 11.0
3) Ecosystem management 2,126 15.3 33,987 18.9 23,700 14.6 - - 3,000 4.5 62,813 14.5
4) Environmental Governance 3,265 23.7 40,229 22.3 27,834 17.2 - - 9,000 13.6 80,328 18.5

5) Harmful Substances and Hazardous waste

440 3.2 17,985 10.0 27,666 17.1 - - 10,000 15.2 56,091 12.9
6) Resource Efficiency 410 3.0 24,945 13.9 21,900 13.5 - - 20,000 30.3 67,255 15.5

Total Programme of Work 7,788 56.4 156,000 86.7 162,000 99.9 - - 66,000 100.0 391,788 90.3

Fund programme reserve - 6,000 3.3 - - - - - 6,000 1.4

Total programme resources 7,788 56.4 162,000 90.0 162,000 99.9 - - 66,000 100.0 397,788.0 91.7

Support budget
Executive Function 4,449 32.2 6,456 3.6 - - - - - 10,905 2.5
Management and administration 1,560 11.3 11,544 6.4 200 0.1 12,058 100.0 - - 25,362 5.8
Total support budget 6,009 43.6 18,000 10.0 200 0.1 12,058 100.0 - - 36,267 8.3
-

Total by organisational units 13,797 100.0 180,000 100.00 162,200 100.0 12,058 100.0 66,000 100.0 434,055 100.0

Established posts
Management, administrative and
support posts 5,308 38.5 10,235 5.7 200 0.1 6,900 57.2 - - 22,643 5.2

Programme-related posts 7,294 52.9 104,602 58.1 6,662 4.1 - 8,994 13.6 127,552 29.4

Non-post items 1,195 8.7 65,163 36.2 155,338 95.8 5,158 42.8 57,006 86.4 283,860 65.4

Total by expenditure category 13,797 100.0 180,000 100.0 162,200 100.0 12,058 100.0 66,000 100.0 434,055 100.0

10
Table 3 : Total staffing by sources of fund and category

2008-2009 USG/
ASG D-2 D-1 P-5 P-4 P-3 P-2/1 Total L-L Total
UN Regular Budget 1 3 1 8 10 5 2 30 17 47
Environment Fund 1 3 26 36 74 61 23 224 203 427
Trust funds - - 8 10 13 21 52 12 64
Earmarked Contributions - - 1 1 1 8 16 27 9 36
Trust fund support related to
programme - - - - 2 5 2 9 14 23
Total 2 6 28 53 97 92 64 342 255 597

2010-2011
USG/ Grand
ASG D-2 D-1 P-5 P-4 P-3 P-2/1 Total L-L Total
UN Regular Budget 1 3 1 8 10 5 2 30 17 47
Environment Fund 1 5 33 57 86 71 29 282 233 515
Trust funds - - - 2 4 2 2 10 16 26
Earmarked Contributions - - 2 2 1 7 3 15 23 38
Trust fund support related to
programme - - - - 1 7 2 10 16 26
Total 2 8 36 69 102 92 38 347 305 652

Change
USG/ Grand
ASG D-2 D-1 P-5 P-4 P-3 P-2/1 Total L-L Total
UN Regular Budget - - - - - - - - - -
Environment Fund - 2 7 21 12 10 6 58 30 88
Trust funds - - (6) (6) (11) (19) (42) 4 (38)
Earmarked Contributions - - 1 1 (1) (13) (12) 14 2
Trust fund support related to
programme - - - - (1) 2 - 1 2 3
Total - 2 8 16 5 (26) 5 50 55

3. Financial reserve

28. In accordance with rule 209.2 of the Financial Rules, a financial reserve has been established to
guarantee the financial liquidity and integrity of the Fund, to compensate for uneven cash flows and to meet
such other similar requirements as may be decided upon by the Governing Council.
28. At the end of 2006-2007 the Executive Director increased the level of financial reserve from $10.0
million to $15.0 million in order to balance member states’ expectations regarding the increased delivery of
results with principles of prudent financial management.

11
III. PROPOSED SUPPORT BUDGET
30. The total UNEP support budget for the biennium 2010–2011 amounts to $36.3 million, of which it is
estimated that $6.0 million will be provided from the regular budget of the United Nations, $12.1 million will
relate to trust fund support resources and $0.2 million from trust funds. The support budget portion of the
Environment Fund of $18.0 million constitutes the major share (49.6 per cent) of the overall biennial support
budget.
31. Table 1 shows the changes in resource requirements between the proposed 2010–2011 and the
approved 2008–2009 biennial support budgets. The proposed changes in the staffing table between the
proposed 2010–2011 budget and the budget for 2008–2009 are shown in Table 4 below. A detailed breakdown
of the changes in staffing by organizational unit is shown in Annex II.

12
 Table 4 : Estimated distribution of Support Budget posts by source of funds and Category

2008-2009 Changes 2010-2011

USG
USG/ D- D- P- P- P- P- L- Tota Prof Tota / D- D- P- P- P- P- L- Tota
ASG 2 1 5 4 3 2/1 Total L l . L-L. l ASG 2 1 5 4 3 2/1 Total L l
Executive Function 1

UN Regular Budget 1 - 1 - 3 3 1 9 6 15 - - - 1 - 1 - 3 3 1 9 6 15

Environment Fund 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 6 18 24 (2) - (2) 1 - 2 1 - - - 4 18 22

Trust Funds - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Trust Fund support - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Total Executive Function 2 - 3 - 5 3 2 15 24 39 (2) - (2) 2 - 3 1 3 3 1 13 24 37

Management &
Administration

UN Regular Budget - - - 3 1 - - 4 1 5 - - - - - - 3 1 - - 4 1 5

Environment Fund - - 1 1 4 3 - 9 9 18 10 14 24 - 1 3 5 4 4 2 19 23 42

Trust Funds - - - - - - 2 2 - 2 (1) - (1) - - - - - - 1 1 - 1

Trust Fund support - - - - 2 5 2 9 14 23 1 2 3 - - - - 1 7 2 10 16 26

Total Management &
Administration - - 1 4 7 8 4 24 24 48 10 16 26 - 1 3 8 6 11 5 34 40 74
Total support budget

UN Regular Budget 1 - 1 3 4 3 1 13 7 20 - - - 1 - 1 3 4 3 1 13 7 20

Environment Fund 1 - 3 1 6 3 1 15 27 42 8 14 22 1 1 5 6 4 4 2 23 41 64

Trust Funds - - - - - - 2 2 - 2 (1) - (1) - - - - - - 1 1 - 1

Trust Fund support - - - - 2 5 2 9 14 23 1 2 3 - - - - 1 7 2 10 16 26

GRAND TOTAL 2 - 4 4 12 11 6 39 48 87 8 16 24 2 1 6 9 9 14 6 47 64 111

1: UN Regular budget posts under Executive Function include 1 D-1 and 2 LL posts approved for UNSCEAR.

13
32. Upon his appointment, the Executive Director immediately embarked on undertaking measures which
would make the organization more effective in delivering its programme of work. External and internal studies
and reviews provided the direction and highlighted the need to strengthen and reorganise line-management
functions in order for UNEP to become a fully results-based organization.
33. The MTS in Section 5 highlighted the requirement to strengthen institutional mechanisms in the areas of
planning for results, institutional knowledge management, gender responsiveness, human resource management,
and resource management. In addition, Section 6 called for increased emphasis on monitoring and evaluation of
the programme of work.
34. In response, the Executive Director is strengthening line-management and advisory functions funded
from the support budget of the Environment Fund as part of the change management process foreseen in the MTS.
These reforms are articulated in the paragraph that follows Table 5. This table reflects the changes in resources
from the previous biennium corresponding to these reforms by organizational units and expenditure categories.

Table 5. The Environment Fund: budget estimates by organizational unit

(In thousands of US Dollars)
2008-2009 2010-2011
Support budget approved Change Proposed
appropriations estimates

Organizational unit
Executive Function
Executive Office 4,533.8 522.2 5,056.0
Sec. of the Governing Bodies 1,800.5 (400.5) 1,400.0
Total Executive Function 6,334.3 121.7 6,456.0

Management and administration

Director of operations - 755.0 755.0
Corporate Services Section - 2,288.0 2,288.0
Quality Assurance Section 1,285.9 2,081.1 3,367.0
Resource Mobilization Section 600.3 687.7 1,288.0
Evaluation Section 784.2 61.8 846.0
Administrative services to OAHs 1,730.5 (1,730.5) -
Reimbursements to UNON and other UN offices 5,264.8 (2,264.8) 3,000.0
Total Management and Administration 9,665.7 1,878.3 11,544.0

Total Biennial Support Budget 16,000.0 2,000.0 18,000.0

Expenditure category
Posts 7,094.0 3,141.0 10,235.0
Non-post items 3,641.0 1,124.0 4,765.0
Reimbursements to UNON and other UN offices 5,265.0 (2,265.0) 3,000.0

Total Biennial Support Budget 16,000.0 2,000.0 18,000.0

Executive Function

35. A consolidated Executive Office has been created by combining the Offices of the Executive Director
and the Deputy Executive Director in order to reinforce the team approach and increase synergies and efficiency
in the operation of the office.
36. The Executive Office also includes strengthened functions for following up on accountability for both
programme delivery and the management of resources, human as well as financial. The Executive Director has
delegated considerable authority to division directors and heads of offices for the implementing the programme of
work within a clear accountability framework in order to manage the system of delegations of authority in line

14
 with UNEP’s accountability framework, an upgrade of a P-4 post to P-5 is suggested in the Executive Office,
while 2 professional positions are moved out due to the decentralization of decision making.
37 The Secretariat of Governing Bodies remains unchanged, and will continue to serve as the interface
between the UNEP Secretariat in Nairobi and New York-based governing bodies of UNEP.

Management & Administration

38. The core management and policy functions of the organisations are being consolidated under a newly
created Office of Operations, headed at D-2 level, which will oversee the Corporate Services Section, Quality
Assurance Section, Evaluation Section, and the Resource Mobilization Section. This is largely achieved through
consolidation and rationalization of existing offices, as well as the return of finance and administrative positions
from UNON to UNEP.
39. Other notable changes under the management & administration function are:
(a) Creation of a Corporate Services Section to manage fund and treasury functions, human
resource programming and planning, information and technology, governance and other programme delivery
support services. This section is made up of the 15 positions which were transferred from UNON to UNEP
effective January 2008 and new positions created, such as the Chief, Corporate Services Section, at D-1 level, a P-
5 for ICT governance and a P-3 for HR programming and planning, working in close cooperation and
coordination with UNON. In addition this section includes 5 posts funded from Trust Fund support related to the
management of trust funds administered by UNEP.

(b) Reorganization of the former Programme Coordination and Management Unit into a new
Quality Assurance Section to oversee strategic planning and management policy development, resource and
programme analysis and performance monitoring, as well as programme quality, including the approval of
projects and legal instruments. The office is also responsible for audit coordination previously vested with the
Evaluation section. The office has also been strengthened by the creation of a P-5 Senior Advisor on Gender, a P-
5 Senior Programme Officer for strategic planning, a P-4 Programme Officer for analysis & performance, while 2
professional and local posts dealing with donor relations and partnerships are being moved to the Resource
Mobilization Section.

(c) Strengthening of the Resource Mobilization Section with a view of increasing the funding
available in line with the six subprogrammes, in particular for the Environment Fund and non-traditional sources
of funding, as well as enabling other offices to successfully raise funds by providing standard tools and donor
information. To this end a new director at the D-1 is proposed and two professional and 1 local posts dealing with
donor relations and partnerships will be moved from the former Programme Coordination and Management Unit.

(d) The Evaluation Section is refocused in line with the requirements of the MTS to provide
improved knowledge and lessons learned to the organisation at large. Previous functions on audit coordination
and follow-up are reorganized into the Quality Assurance Section.

(e) Realign programme support services provided by UNEP Regional Offices with the six
subprogrammes. These 5 professional posts provide implementation support to the programme and projects in
each region, and therefore have been consolidated as part of the subprogrammes, and the corresponding budget
provisions have been moved out of the management and administration part of the support budget and into the
programme budget. The remaining 5 professional and 13 local posts relate to administrative support directly
allocated to offices away from UNEP headquarters in Nairobi which administer some of the trust fund resources
as follows: the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics offices in Paris, Geneva and Osaka, and the Post-
Conflict and Disaster Management Branch in Geneva.

40. There may be further reductions in uses of both the Environment Fund and trust fund support
contributions resulting from the reimbursement for the services provided by the United Nations Office at
Nairobi. This however, is subject to the approval of the regular budget of the United Nations at the sixty-
fourth session of the General Assembly, where additional regular budget funding will be sought for the
United Nations Office at Nairobi.

15
IV PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET
A. Overview of UNEP activities

41. This section describes the overall orientation and strategy of the UNEP programme of work for the
biennium 2010–2011. It also describes the projected work programmes of the six new subprogrammes, including
their anticipated expected accomplishments and resource requirements in line with the MTS.
42. The current environmental challenges and opportunities have caused the environment to move from often
being considered as a marginal issue at the intergovernmental and national levels to the centre of political and
economic decision-making. In order to secure the environmental conditions for prosperity, stability and equity, the
United Nations system needs to respond to current challenges in a manner that is commensurate with their scale
and the nature of the opportunities. As the environmental programme of the United Nations, UNEP is mandated to
serve as a lead authority in articulating, facilitating and supporting a response to these environmental challenges
and opportunities.
43. A number of recent directional shifts are affecting the United Nations system itself. There is renewed
emphasis on the future evolution of international environmental governance, including calls for greater coherence
within the United Nations system, for harmonization of aid under a new architecture, for increased focus on the
role of the private sector, for national ownership of development programmes and for results-based management.
The 2010–2011 programme of work is a direct response to these external and internal shifts, and should be
understood in the context of the current United Nations reform process, aimed at making the United Nations
system more coherent and relevant, as well as the renewed efforts to focus UNEP on achieving results. To this end
UNEP also proposes to significantly strengthen its programmatic functions, particularly through the proposed
upgrade of the Director, Division for Communication and Public Information, from D-1 to D-2 level, with
additional responsibility for knowledge management and outreach, as well as 6 additional D-1 posts in the
subprogrammes.
44. In the 2010–2011 biennium, UNEP will continue to discharge its assessment and normative functions, as
mandated by many Governing Council and General Assembly resolutions, and serve as an effective advocate and
guardian of the global environment. This programme also reflects the full integration of the Bali Strategic Plan
across and its delivery through all six subprogrammes. Annex III outlines the General Assembly resolutions and
Governing Council decisions which establish the legislative basis for UNEP to respond to the environmental
challenges and opportunities as the principle body in the field of environment within the United Nations system.
45. In line with the new programme architecture, UNEP is preparing for a new approach to evaluation, both
at the level of subprogrammmes and for selected expected accomplishments. The evaluations will attempt to
address several key questions and issues that are critical to the extent to which UNEP will have delivered the
Programme of Work 2010-2011, and which have been alluded to in the MTS. A budgetary provision of $300,000
has been made, split equally between all subprogrammes, for that purpose. UNEP will continue to refine the
approach to evaluation in the lead-up to the biennium.

B. Overall orientation
46. The principal responsibility for the environment within the United Nations system is vested with the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
47. The mandate for UNEP derives from General Assembly resolution 2997 (XXVII) of 15 December 1972,
by which the General Assembly established the Governing Council of UNEP, the Environment Secretariat and the
Environment Fund. The Governing Council, in its decision 19/1 of 7 February 1997, clarified the role and
mandate of UNEP in the Nairobi Declaration on the Role and Mandate of UNEP, which the Assembly
subsequently endorsed in the annex to its resolution S/19-2 of 28 June 1997. The Assembly elaborated further on
the role of UNEP in its resolution 53/242 of 28 July 1999. The Governing Council, in its decision SS.VII/1 of 15
February 2002 on international environmental governance, reiterated the need for a strengthened UNEP with a
stronger science base and, among other things, called for increased capacity-building and technology support by
UNEP to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, improved coordination of multilateral
environmental agreements and enhanced United Nations system-wide coordination and cooperation. The
Assembly, most recently in its resolution 62/195 of 19 December 2007, reaffirmed the role of UNEP as the
principal body within the United Nations system in the field of environment, and recognized the need to
accelerate implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity-building, including
through the provision of additional financial resources for that purpose.

16
48. The Governing Council in its decision 24/9 requested the preparation of a medium-term strategy for
2010-2013 with a clearly defined vision, objectives, priorities, impact measures and a robust mechanism for
review by Governments. Guided by the scientific evidence, including findings in Global Environment Outlook
(GEO) 4 and priorities emerging from global and regional forums, six cross-cutting thematic priorities were
identified in formulating the UNEP medium-term strategy 2010-2013, in order to provide greater results
orientation and strategic direction to the work of UNEP in the future. Following an extensive consultative process
with the UNEP Committee of Permanent Representatives, the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial
Environment Forum, at its tenth special session in February 2008, adopted decision SS.X/3, in which it welcomed
the medium-term strategy 2010-2013 and authorized the Executive Director to use it in formulating the UNEP
biennial programme plan. The biennial programme plan 2010-2011 is therefore consistent with the UNEP
medium-term strategy 2010-2013, along the same six thematic cross-cutting priorities, which will constitute the
six subprogrammes proposed.
49. In line with lessons learned, the programme will continue to be implemented during the biennium 2010-
2011 through the existing UNEP divisions, which will provide cohesion and mutual support to cross-cutting
professional practices, such as those in the areas of science, law, economics and communication. As there are
many interlinkages and positive synergies between the six thematic cross-cutting priorities, a matrix approach has
been adopted, and achieving co-benefits will be pursued where appropriate. The approach is foreseen to
strengthen results-based management and increase management accountability for programme delivery and
resource utilization, while at the same time ensuring that relevant sector expertise benefits all subprogrammes.
50. The broader international policy environment is of significant relevance to the work of UNEP. In that
regard, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, other outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development, the Mauritius Strategy for the further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the
Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, provide a clear direction for the programme.
51. The world faces unprecedented environmental change, which presents both challenges and opportunities.
Mounting scientific evidence shows that ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure and that prospects for
sustainable development are consequently under serious threat. While those challenges may seem insurmountable,
they also create opportunities for local communities, business and international corporations to innovate. To
secure the environmental conditions for prosperity, stability and equity, responses that are timely and
proportionate with the scale of the environmental challenges will be required. In creating such responses,
Governments, the international community, the private sector, civil society and the general public all have an
important role to play. As the environmental programme of the United Nations, UNEP will strive to fulfil its role
in articulating, facilitating and supporting appropriate responses to those environmental challenges and
opportunities.
52. Within the framework of the medium-term strategy 2010-2013, UNEP will focus its efforts during the
biennium 2010-2011 on six cross-cutting thematic priorities, namely climate change, disasters and conflicts,
ecosystem management, environmental governance, harmful substances and hazardous waste, and resource
efficiency and sustainable consumption and production as defined below in paragraphs 54 to 59.
53. Consistent with its mandate and its comparative advantage, UNEP will exercise its distinctive role in
environmental leadership within the preceding cross-cutting thematic priority areas by catalysing and promoting
international cooperation and action; providing early warning and policy advice based on sound science;
facilitating the development, implementation and evolution of norms and standards and developing coherent
interlinkages among international environmental conventions; and delivering technology support and capacity-
building services in line with country priorities. Paragraphs 60 to 62 below further elaborate key elements of the
UNEP strategy in implementing the programme.
54. Climate change. Within the framework of the United Nations approach for addressing climate change,
UNEP will complement other processes and the work of other institutions, including the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, including its Kyoto Protocol, in creating enabling environments at the
national level for responding to climate change, including through the promotion of national legislative, economic
and institutional frameworks. In doing so, UNEP will emphasize the synergies between development and climate
policies as well as the co-benefits of climate change actions and their contribution to environmental sustainability.
UNEP will assist countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change by reducing vulnerabilities and building
resilience in sectors of national priority. It will also contribute to mitigating climate change by supporting a
transition towards cleaner and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency, and by addressing deforestation
and land degradation.
55. Disasters and conflicts. UNEP will build national capacities to minimize threats to human well-being
from the environmental causes and consequences of existing and potential natural and man-made disasters and
raise awareness of conflict-related risks in the context of Resolution 58/209 by adopting an integrated approach
spanning three key operational pillars, namely vulnerabilities and risk reduction; emergency response and

17
recovery; and mainstreaming environment. Within those pillars, UNEP will emphasize the importance of
addressing environmental risks and vulnerabilities as a prerequisite to sustainable development and will seek to
integrate environmental management needs within recovery plans of the relevant United Nations actors.
56. Ecosystem management. UNEP will facilitate a cross-sectoral, integrated approach to ecosystem
management to reverse the decline in ecosystem services and improve ecosystem resilience with respect to such
external impacts as habitat degradation, invasive species, climate change, pollution and overexploitation. UNEP
will continue to catalyse integrated approaches for the assessment and management of freshwater, terrestrial, and
coastal and marine systems. In facilitating a more integrated approach, UNEP will draw upon its knowledge base
and on integrated environmental assessments for more effective management of natural systems at multiple scales
and across sectors through technical and institutional capacity-building. UNEP will promote adaptive management,
participatory decision-making and sustainable financing through payments or investments for ecosystem services
to address the drivers of ecosystem change that reverse degradation and increase ecosystem resilience.
57. Environmental governance. The work of UNEP in this area will be particularly guided by Governing
Council decision SS.VII/1 on international environmental governance. At the global level, the UNEP secretariat
will support the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum in exercising its central role in
international decision-making processes for environmental governance and in setting the global environmental
agenda. UNEP will continue to support United Nations system-wide coherence and cooperation in the field of the
environment, including through policy inputs on environmental governance in the United Nations System Chief
Executives Board for Coordination and other inter-agency forums and through the full use of the Environmental
Management Group. UNEP will cooperate with multilateral environmental agreements, and support collaboration
between them to facilitate their effective implementation, and will partner with the governing bodies and
secretariats of other intergovernmental processes to enhance mutually supportive regimes between the environment
and other related fields. UNEP will continue to promote international cooperation and action based on sound
science and to support science-based policymaking; catalyse international efforts to pursue the implementation of
internationally agreed objectives by providing support to Governments for strengthening policies, laws and
institutions; support regional and subregional ministerial and other intergovernmental processes in the field of the
environment; and strengthen support for the engagement of non-governmental stakeholders and civil society in
environmental governance at all levels. At the national level, UNEP will support Governments in establishing,
implementing and strengthening the relevant processes, institutions, laws, policies and programmes to enhance
environmental governance for achieving sustainable development, including through mainstreaming of the
environment into other sectoral policies and making full use of the United Nations Development Group platform.
58. Harmful substances and hazardous waste. As part of wider United Nations efforts to lessen the
environmental and health impacts of harmful substances and hazardous waste, UNEP will focus its efforts on
enhancing strategic alliances with all stakeholders to promote chemical safety within a coherent life cycle approach
and in accordance with the objectives of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management adopted
in Dubai in February 2006, including through supporting the development and evolution of internationally agreed
chemical management regimes. UNEP will service the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management
process and implement its environmental component and will assist countries in increasing their capacities for
sound management of chemicals and hazardous waste. It will also support initiatives related to the management of
specific chemicals of global concern such as mercury, ozone depleting and other substances covered by
multilateral environmental agreements, and will address emerging issues related to chemicals and hazardous waste.
UNEP will continue to participate in initiatives such as the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles aimed at
reducing the emissions of harmful substances.
59. Resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production. UNEP will promote reforms
in government policies, changes in private sector management practices and decisions, and increased consumer
awareness as means to reduce the impact of economic growth and development on resource depletion and
environmental degradation. UNEP will strengthen the scientific base for public and private decision-making and
will advise Governments and the private sector on policies and actions to increase resource efficiency and reduce
pollution based on a product life cycle approach. It will promote the application of environmentally sound
technologies, integrated waste management and public-private partnerships to create more sustainable product life
cycles and supply chains. In addition, UNEP will increase consumer awareness of sustainable consumption and
production to influence their choices of goods and services. UNEP will support the 10-year framework of
programmes on sustainable production and consumption under the Marrakesh Process and will work with its
network of partners to monitor progress and to implement collaborative initiatives on resource efficiency and
sustainable production and consumption.
60. The strategy in implementing the programme will be consistent with the UNEP mandate and
comparative advantage. Scientifically credible environmental monitoring and assessments will continue to

18
provide the foundation upon which UNEP will deliver on the cross-cutting thematic priorities. That approach will
promote the role of science in priority setting and informed decision-making. UNEP will inspire and promote
environmental action and innovation between Governments, United Nations partner agencies, the private sector
and civil society, including scientific communities and marginalized groups. It will facilitate international
cooperation and the provision of broad policy guidance in the field of the environment including through the
Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum process at the global level and by supporting the
regional and subregional ministerial and other intergovernmental processes.
61. Furthermore, UNEP will continue to strengthen the role of the national environmental authorities in
development and economic planning processes and will facilitate the integration of environmental considerations
in national sectoral policies, planning processes and development programmes. It will catalyse multi-stakeholder
processes to bring Governments, business and civil society together to develop and improve the implementation
of legislative and voluntary measures and economic incentives relevant to the environment and corporate
practices. UNEP will work to enhance access by developing countries and countries with economies in transition
to equitable and sustainable financing for environmental action from both public and private sources, including
market-based mechanisms.
62. The biennium will see an increased impetus to deliver on the Bali Strategic Plan. Capacity-building and
technology support will run through the implementation of all cross-cutting thematic priority areas and will thus
constitute an integral part of all subprogrammes. The delivery of the Bali Strategic Plan at the national and
regional levels will be coordinated through UNEP regional offices, and UNEP will build strategic alliances with
partners from within the United Nations family and increasingly from civil society and the private sector to extend
its reach at national and regional level and to catalyse action. Furthermore, UNEP will strongly promote and
facilitate South-South cooperation as one of the key mechanisms for implementing the Bali Strategic Plan.
63. The programme will be implemented through the UNEP institutional structure, consisting of the six
existing divisions and a network of six regional offices, by drawing on their areas of specialization, strategic
presence and capacity to deliver at the regional level. The Division of Technology, Industry and Economics is
leading subprogramme 1, subprogramme 5 and subprogramme 6. The Division of Environmental Policy
Implementation is leading subprogrammes 2 and 3. The Division of Environmental Law and Conventions is
leading subprogramme 4. The Division of Early Warning and Assessment is responsible for the provision of a
sound science base across all subprogrammes and provides the Chief Scientist function. The Division of Regional
Coordination is responsible for coordinated implementation at the regional and country levels across all
subprogrammes. The Division of Communications and Public Information is responsible for outreach and the
production of publications for all subprogrammes.
64. UNEP will pursue the enhanced delivery of the programme through a number of processes and
partnerships. It will work with a full range of stakeholders and partners, including civil society, private sector and
bilateral aid agencies, building on their respective resources, expertise and comparative advantages. UNEP will
participate in the common country programming and implementation processes as appropriate and work with and
through the resident coordinator system, United Nations country teams and relevant inter-agency groups. It will
pursue closer cooperation between UNEP regional offices, country offices of the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and other centres. UNEP will seek to strengthen its involvement in the United Nations
Development Group and endeavour to strengthen the environmental sustainability component of the United
Nations Development Assistance Framework process. UNEP will closely follow and incorporate the outcomes of
United Nations reform processes as they unfold.
65. UNEP will continue to integrate gender equality and equity into all its policies, programmes and projects
with special attention given to the role of women in environmental policymaking, environmental management and
early warning and disaster management. The UNEP commitment to mainstream gender equality and equity in its
programmes will be extended to its work with partners and other agencies, funds and programmes of the United
Nations System.
66. As an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility, UNEP will continue to provide
assistance to eligible countries to develop and implement projects in the six focal areas of the Facility, in
accordance with the guidance from the governing bodies of the multilateral environmental agreements for which
the Global Environment Facility serves as a funding mechanism. UNEP will primarily focus on the areas of its
comparative advantage, and special attention will be given to the needs of African countries, least developed
countries and Small Island Developing States. UNEP will continue to provide scientific and technical advice to
the Facility on its policies and programmes and will continue servicing the Scientific and Technical Advisory
Panel of the Global Environment Facility. The Division of Global Environment Facility Coordination will embark
on joint programming with the other UNEP divisions to complement the UNEP programme of work.

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C. Proposed Programme Budget

67. The total UNEP programme of work budget for the biennium 2010-2011 amounts to $397.8million, of
which it is estimated that $7.8 million will be provided from the regular budget of the United Nations, $156.0
million from the Environment Fund, $162.0 million from trust funds and $66.0 million from earmarked
contributions.
68. Table 6 shows the estimated resources for the programme by sources of funds for the six thematic
subprogrammes and broken down in terms of those providing for established posts and non-post items. The
estimates provided for non-post items comprise all costs of output delivery, such as consultants, implementation
and contractual services, travel, meetings, workshops, training and publications, as well as operational expenses
such as rent, communications, supplies, materials, equipment and furniture. Table 7 shows the distribution of the
programme posts by sources of funds during the biennium 2010-2011, the previous biennium 2008-2009 and the
change of 31 posts between the two biennia.

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Table 6: Estimated programme resources by source of funds, sub programme and expenditure category (in
thousands of United States dollars)

Subprogramme
Source of funds 2010–2011 Established posts Non-post items

1. Climate Change
United Nations regular budget 1,108 1,039 69
Environment Fund 28,767 19,319 9,448
Trust funds 27,919 276 27,643
Earmarked contributions 20,000 2,520 17,480
Subtotal 77,794 23,154 54,640

2. Disaster and Conflicts

United Nations regular budget 439 413 26
Environment Fund 10,087 6,590 3,497
Trust funds 32,981 650 32,331
Earmarked contributions 4,000 686 3,314
Subtotal 47,507 8,339 39,168
3. Ecosystems Management
United Nations regular budget 2,126 1,998 128
Environment Fund 33,987 22,876 11,111
Trust funds 23,700 3,558 20,142
Earmarked contributions 3,000 350 2,650
Subtotal 62,813 28,782 34,031

4. Environmental Governance
United Nations regular budget 3,265 3,046 219
Environment Fund 40,229 27,130 13,099
Trust funds 27,834 144 27,690
Earmarked contributions 9,000 1,334 7,666
Subtotal 80,328 31,654 48,674

5. Harmful substances and Hazardous waste

United Nations regular budget 440 413 27
Environment Fund 17,985 11,972 6,013
Trust funds 27,666 276 27,390
Earmarked contributions 10,000 1,370 8,630
Subtotal 56,091 14,031 42,060

6. Resource efficiency -
United Nations regular budget 410 385 25
Environment Fund 24,945 16,715 8,230
Trust funds 21,900 1,758 20,142
Earmarked contributions 20,000 2,734 17,266
Subtotal 67,255 21,592 45,663

Fund Programme Reserve 6,000 6,000

Total for programmes
United Nations regular budget 7,788 7,294 494
Environment Fund 156,000 104,602 51,398
Fund Programme Reserve 6,000 - 6,000
Trust funds 162,000 6,662 155,338
Earmarked contributions 66,000 8,994 57,006
GRAND TOTAL 397,788 127,552 270,236

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Table 7: Estimated distribution of programme posts by source of funds

2008-2009 USG/
ASG D-2 D-1 P-5 P-4 P-3 P-2/1 Total L-L Total

UN Regular Budget - 3 - 5 6 2 1 17 10 27

Environment Fund - 3 23 35 68 58 22 209 176 385

Trust funds - - 8 10 13 19 50 12 62
Earmarked Contributions - - 1 1 1 8 16 27 9 36

Total - 6 24 49 85 81 58 303 207 510

2010-2011
USG/ Grand
ASG D-2 D-1 P-5 P-4 P-3 P-2/1 Total L-L Total

UN Regular Budget - 3 - 5 6 2 1 17 10 27

Environment Fund - 4 28 51 82 67 27 259 192 451

Trust funds - - - 2 4 2 1 9 16 25

Earmarked Contributions - - 2 2 1 7 3 15 23 38

Total - 7 30 60 93 78 32 300 241 541

Changes
USG/ Grand
ASG D-2 D-1 P-5 P-4 P-3 P-2/1 Total L-L Total

UN Regular Budget - - - - - - - - - -

Environment Fund - 1 5 16 14 9 5 50 16 66

Trust funds - - (6) (6) (11) (18) (41) 4 (37)

Earmarked Contributions - - 1 1 (1) (13) (12) 14 2

- 1 6 11 8 (3) (26) (3) 34 31

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 United Nations Environment Programme

The Medium-term Strategy (MTS)

2010-2013

Strategic Implementation Team

April 2008

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 Why was MTS developed?

GC Decision 24/9/13 of 2007

requested the ED to prepare:

• “in consultation with” the CPR;

• a medium-term strategy for
2010-2013; with “clearly defined
vision, objectives, priorities,
impact measures and a robust
mechanism for review”;
• for “approval” by GC at its
25th Regular Session in 2009.

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 Delivering on GC decision

The ED prepared:
A medium-term strategy for 2010-2013; in consultation with the
CPR; for approval by the GC at its 10th Special Session in 2008.

MTS completed 12 months

ahead of schedule to guide
the formulation of the
Strategic Framework and
Programme of Work 2010-
2011.

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 How was the MTS developed?
Extensive process of consultation

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 How was MTS developed?
Consultation with the CPR

CPR approved ‘road map’ 27 June 2007

CPR Subcommittees I and II established MTS Working Group

MTS WG MTS WG MTS Informal MTS WG MTS WG

Meeting 1 Meeting 2 Meeting Meeting 3 Meeting 4
21 August 21 September 5 October 25 October 20 November
___________ ___________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Discussed a Discussed Further Discussed Discussed the

consultation proposed discussed first full draft second full
paper and draft draft structure of the MTS draft of the
identified structure of and draft MTS
major the MTS Executive
directional Summary
shifts

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 How was MTS developed?
Working with the UNEP Secretariat

UNEP Divisional Retreats

• Retreats – March-June
• Global and regional perspectives
• Divisional priorities suggested

The MTS
Senior Management Team was developed in
• SMT Retreat – July
• Reviewed Divisional priorities full collaboration with
• Drafted organization-wide priorities

Secretariat staff.
UNEP Staff
• Participated in drafting process
through Directors
• Provided access to all documents
on UNEP Intranet

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 How was MTS developed?
MEA Secretariats, civil society and the private sector

In agreement with CPR, UNEP Secretariat consulted with UNEP

administered MEA Secretariats, civil society and the private sector.
• Consultation with MEA Secretariats - September.

• Consultation with civil society and the

private sector - September and October.

• Briefing sessions as part of

regional meetings of Major Groups
- October to November - in preparation for
Global Civil Society Forum/GC/GMEF.

Outcomes of all consultations were provided to CPR MTS Working Group

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 MTS Content
A brief overview

Sets out a vision and 6 thematic cross-cutting priorities as the focus of

UNEP’s efforts for 2010-2013, and the basis for UNEP subprogrammes.
Identifies the means to implement the priorities; the institutional
mechanisms required to deliver results; and a review mechanism.

Cross-cutting thematic priorities identified drawing upon:

• the scientific evidence, especially GEO 4;

• the UNEP mandate and its comparative advantage;
• priorities emerging from global and regional fora; and
• an assessment of where UNEP can make a transformative
difference.

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 MTS Content
Vision

The MTS defines a medium-term

vision for UNEP to be:
The leading global environmental
authority that sets the global
environmental agenda, that
promotes the coherent
implementation of the
environmental dimension of
sustainable development within
the United Nations system and
that serves as an authoritative
advocate for the global
environment.
Vision drawn directly from the ‘Nairobi
Declaration’ – approved by the UNEP GC 1997.
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 MTS Content
Cross-cutting thematic priorities

The 6 cross-cutting thematic priorities are:

• Climate change

• Disasters and conflict

• Ecosystems management

• Environmental governance

• Harmful substances and hazardous waste

• Resource efficiency – sustainable

consumption and production

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 MTS Content
Renewed emphasis

The MTS places emphasis on:

• Significantly enhancing UNEP’s capacity to deliver

on the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology
Support and Capacity-Building.

• Further embracing UNEP’s role as the

environment programme of the United
Nations.
• Ensuring UNEP’s interventions are founded on
sound science.

• Fully implementing results-based management.

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 Content of the MTS
An overarching results framework for UNEP

In order to become a more effective,

efficient results focused organization

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 Next Steps
POW 2010-2011 and 2012-2013

The 6 cross-cutting thematic priorities include:

• Objectives
• Impact indicators for each objective
• Expected accomplishments
Subsequent Programmes of Work - to be approved by the
GC in 2009 and 2011 - will include:
• Specific outputs
• Impact indicators for each output
• Budget
Capacity-building and technology support to run through the
implementation of all cross-cutting thematic priorities and constitute
an integral part of the Programmes of Work.

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 Example of cross-cutting priorities
Environmental governance
Objective: Environmental governance at country,
regional and global levels is strengthened to address
agreed environmental priorities.

Expected Accomplishments
• The United Nations system demonstrates increasing coherence in
international decision-making processes related to the environment,
including those under multilateral environmental agreements
• States increasingly implement their environmental obligations and
achieve their environmental priority goals, targets and objectives
through strengthened laws and institutions
• National development processes and United Nations common country
programming processes increasingly mainstream environmental
sustainability in their implementation
• National and international stakeholders have access to sound science
and policy advice for decision making.

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 UNEP reform

The GC approved a decision on the MTS at the 10th Special

Session in Monaco. The GC decision is central to the reform
of UNEP and the Executive Director’s efforts to:

• make UNEP a more focused and results-based

organization;
• generate greater confidence in UNEP - and thereby attract
further investment into our Programme; and
• deliver on the Bali Strategic Plan.

Thereby enabling UNEP to meet the expectations of, and be

fully accountable to, governments and stakeholders.

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 An open, inclusive and transparent process

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 ANNEX C

Agenda Item 2:
Regional Issues

• Annex C.2.1:
ROAP Annual Report 2008

• Annex C.2.2:
Regional Strategy for Asia and the Pacific,
2009-2012

• Annex C.2.3:
ROAP 2009 Activities

• Annex C.2.4:
CPR-UNEP Strategic Presence (PPT Presentation)

• Annex C.2.5:
CPR-UNEP Strategic Presence (Main Document)
 UNEP in Asia and the Pacific

2008 Annual Report

The Asia and the Pacific region is home to 60% of the global population, accounts for over 40% of the
global economy and has nearly 70% of the world’s poor. Geographically, it ranges from fragile Small
Island Developing States in the Pacific to populous and vast coastal and deltaic plains of South and
Southeast Asia, and the mountainous, landlocked countries of Central Asia. The growing population
and dynamic economies are exerting considerable strain on the region’s environmental resources.

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

In Asia Pacific, UNEP operates through its Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and works in 46 countries in
the region. The regional office is located in Bangkok and is made up of staff from the Division of Regional
Cooperation, a Regional Information Officer who works closely with the Division of Communication and Public
Information and specialist officers from UNEP’s Division of Early Warning and Assessment, Division Policy
Implementation, Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, Division of Global Environment Facility and the
Division of Environmental Law and Conventions.

The regional office also houses the Secretariats of Regional Seas Programme - the East Asian Seas Action Plan,
the Asia Pacific Forum for Environment and Development, the Indian Ocean – South-East Asia Marine Turtle
Memorandum of Understanding and the Division of Global Environment Facility GEF South China Seas project.

UNEP in Asia and the Pacific

In Asia Pacific, UNEP works with governments, local authorities, civil society, other UN entities,
regional and international institutions as well as industry to develop and implement cleaner and safer
policies and strategies that engenders efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduces risks for
humans and the environment. The regional office works at the regional, sub-regional and national
levels. There are five sub-regions: Central Asia, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and
South Pacific.

Regional
At the regional level, UNEP supports the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Environment and
Development held every five years. This is a collaborative effort between the UN Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), UNDP, ADB and UNEP.

UNEP co-chairs the Thematic Working Group on Environment and Disaster Management with
ESCAP and OCHA jointly. The Thematic Working Group is part of the Regional Coordination
Mechanism. The Regional Director is also a member of the UNDP Regional Directors Team.
UNEP established the Subregional Environmental Policy Dialogue, comprising chairs of each of the
five subregional groups and five civil society leaders. The SEPD meets annually to discuss emerging
issues and provide guidance to UNEP’s programmes in the region. It advises UNEP on enhanced
global and regional delivery, as well as identifies emerging environmental issues at the regional level.

Subregional
At the subregional level, UNEP works to forge strong partnerships for collaborative and effective
environmental management that is mutually beneficial. It works with intergovernmental bodies,
environment ministries and agencies and civil society to identify and address common and

1
transboundary issues. The following is a brief description of countries and institutions UNEP works
with in each subregion.

Central Asia
Central Asia comprises Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Key
intergovernmental institutions in Central Asia include: the International Fund for Aral Sea, Interstate
Sustainable Development Commission (ISDC), and the Scientific Information Centre of the ISDC
(SIC/ISDC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization.
Northeast Asia
The Northeast Asia subregion covers five countries: the Peoples Republic of China, Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and Republic of Korea. Northeast Asia has the
following major intergovernmental fora: the Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting, the North East
Asian Sub-regional Programme on Environmental Cooperation, the Northeast Asian Conference on
Environmental Cooperation and Northwest Pacific Action Plan.

Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia subregion consists of eleven countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-
Leste, and Vietnam. There are two intergovernmental organisations, the Association of Southeast
Asian Association and Mekong River Commission. It also has an important cooperative programme
called the Greater Mekong Sub-region Economic Cooperative Programme.

South Asia
The South Asia subregion consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. There are three intergovernmental organisations: the South Asia Association
for Regional Cooperation, South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme and the International
Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. UNEP has signed agreements with all three institutions
and works actively in the subregion.

Pacific
The Pacific subregion consists of 21 Pacific Island Countries and Territories and has a number of
regional agencies, including intergovernmental organizations. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional
Environment Programme covers environment and sustainable development issues, whereas the
South Pacific Applied Geosciences Commission focuses on non-living resources, ocean
management, hazard assessment and geosciences. The Council of Regional Organizations of the
Pacific facilitates coordination amongst the ten regional organizations. UNEP works closely with
SPREP.

National
At the national level, UNEP works closely with partners under the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology
Support and Capacity Building to provide systematic and targeted capacity building for integrated
environmental assessments and action plans on current and emerging issues.

Regional Progress and Achievements

Efforts are focused on UNEP’s six cross-cutting thematic priorities:

● Climate change, to strengthen the ability of countries to integrate climate change responses
into national development processes.
● Disasters and conflicts, to minimize environmental threats to human well-being arising from
environmental causes and arising from conflicts and disasters.
● Ecosystem management, to ensure that countries utilize the ecosystem approach to
enhance human well-being.
● Environmental governance, to strengthen environmental governance at country, regional
and global levels to address agreed environmental priorities.
● Harmful substances and hazardous waste; to minimize the impact of harmful substances
and hazardous waste on the environment and human beings.
2
 ● Resource efficiency – sustainable consumption and production, to ensure that natural
resources are produced, processed and consumed in a more environmentally sustainable
way.

Climate Change

Strengthening Philippines’ Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change

UNEP is one of the main executing agencies of the
MDG Achievement Fund’s Joint Programme,
“Strengthening the Philippines Institutional Capacity to
Adapt to Climate Change”, 2008 to 20011. The
programme brings together UN Agencies working on
environmental sustainability and adaptation to climate
change in the Philippines.

The programme aims to mainstream climate risk

reduction into key national and selected local
development plans and processes; enhance national
and local capacity to develop, manage and administer
plans, programmes and projects addressing climate
change risks; and improve coping mechanisms through
pilot demonstration adaptation projects. Preliminary design, UN House, Bhutan

Participating UN agencies are working together on inter-agency planning and management systems
with national and local partners. In 2008, the Joint Programme was approved in by the National
Steering Committee. At the inception workshop in September 2008, the programme management
arrangements, flow of funds, and reporting structure for both technical and financial matters were
redefined, and the Annual Work Plan for the first year was consolidated.

In addition to the technical support, UNEP will be providing additional human resources to support
UNEP initiatives in the Philippines. The recruitment of a UNEP National Officer who will function as
representative of respective UNEP Divisions and projects and contribute to the operational functioning
of UNEP initiatives in the Philippines is in process.

ASEAN (+6) Mayors Forum on Climate Change

Mayors and delegates from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Albay, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Luang
Prabang, Beijing, Delhi and Fukuoka participated in the ASEAN+6 City Forum on Climate Change
which took place 26-27 June 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand. The forum was organized by the Bangkok
Metropolitan Authority, UNEP and the Thai media group, The Nation. Climate change impacts and
best practices for adaptation and mitigation were discussed during the forum. The delegates
discussed and agreed upon the Bangkok Declaration for ASEAN+6 City Forum on Climate Change
and committed themselves to action against Climate Change through resource mobilization,
introduction of innovative policies and measures, partnership building, regional cooperation and
exchange of expertise, public awareness raising and environmental education.

Promoting Climate Neutrality

The UNEP regional office is working with DTIE’s
Sustainable United Action programme to assist UN and
government agencies in the region to move towards
climate neutrality and sustainable operations. Through
this programme, support is provided for resource
mobilization, emission inventory preparation, energy
audits, green building design, sustainable transport
options, and sustainable procurement. Work has started
with UN agencies in Viet Nam, Thailand, and Bhutan and the Ministry of Natural Resource and
Environment (MoNRE), Viet Nam.

3
In Viet Nam, retrofit and expansion of the UN Apartment Building in Hanoi, which will house all UN
agencies in the country, has begun. In 2008, the preliminary retrofit design was completed and
resource mobilization was done. MoNRE Vietnam has also expressed interest in moving towards
climate neutrality and sustainable operations and plans to introduce green building concepts in its
new office building in Hanoi with support from UNEP.

UNESCAP, Bangkok, is initiating an energy audit and taking measures to improve their performance.
In Bhutan, a preliminary design of a new green UN House was completed. A project is being
implemented within AIT/UNEP RRC.AP, Bangkok, on making its operations climate neutral, starting
with the retrofit of the office building. In 2008, the energy audit, and indoor air quality studies before
retrofitting were completed and the retrofits have started.

Mangroves for the Future (MFF)

Mangroves for the Future is a regional initiative to strengthen the environmental sustainability of
coastal development and promote sound investment and action in coastal ecosystem management.
The initiative is led by IUCN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership
with UNEP, CARE International, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Wetlands
International. From 2007-2011, MFF focuses on India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand. (http://mangrovesforthefuture.org/).

Integrating climate change and climate variability in MFF interventions and national plans
UNEP assists MFF to integrate climate change and climate variability in its interventions and
mainstreaming climate change into countries’ national and sectoral development planning processes.

UNEP, in collaboration with UNDP, is providing technical guidance to the MFF Secretariat and the
National Coordinating Bodies (NCB), through the preparation of an ad-hoc integrative climate proofing
method. An “Approach to Mainstream Adaptation to Climate Change into MFF” was prepared and
shared during the MFF Regional Forum (Sri Lanka, 21-24 April 2008). Experts in each MFF NCBs are
being consulted for finalization of the methodology.

Incorporating criteria and considerations of climate change adaptation and undertaking relevant
measures towards an enhanced adaptive capacity of coastal communities was recognized as crucial
for the long term sustainability of MFF projects.

As a consequence, climate change was also considered one of the crucial subjects to be delivered at
the MFF Regional Training course “Applying Project Cycle Tools to Support Integrated Coastal
Management” (27-31 Oct 2008, Samarang, Indonesia). UNEP, in collaboration with ADPC, IUCN and
UNDP, took the lead in delivering climate change science, impacts for coastal areas, adaptation
measures, and integration of climate change into project cycle management.

Integrating Climate Change Adaptation Measures into Coastal Zone Planning

In parallel to the development of the integrative climate proofing method, UNEP/ COBSEA Secretariat
(Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia) in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of
Environment (MoE) is conducting the ‘Integrating Climate Change Adaptation Measures into Coastal
Zone Planning’ pilot project. The project is trialing CC adaptation integration into coastal zone
planning in one Indonesian district (Indramayu, West Java) through spatial planning process and will
provide experience from learning by doing for the above cited climate proofing method, helping
refining it according to ground results.

The project will run until mid-2009 and will support the preparation of a revised spatial area planning
for Indramayu, which will include considerations of climate change adaptation. Lessons learnt and
developed methodologies will be shared with local, national and international stakeholders upon
conclusion of the project.

Public Awareness and Outreach

A number of activities were undertaken in 2008.

4
The Thai ‘Plant for the Planet, Plant for the Future’ was launched during the opening ceremony of the
Sirindhorn International Environment Park. Nearly 300,000 tree species, including beach, mangrove,
lowland, wetland and highland forest species are expected to be planted at the 1800 rai (288
hectares) Sirindhorn International Environment Park (SIEP).

The ‘Plant for the Planet, Plant for the Future’ campaign aims to preserve forests for future
generations and promote public awareness of the importance of trees among schools, communities,
civil groups and businesses. It is jointly organized by the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park
Foundation under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Japan-based
Foundation for Global Peace and Environment (FGPE), the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment - Department of Environmental Quality Promotion and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). The campaign is being held under the auspices of the UNEP Billion Tree
Campaign, which began in January 2007.

Together with the Millennium Development Campaign, UNEP and the Art of Living Foundation, a
humanitarian and spiritual organization, launched ‘Mission Green Earth Stand Up Take Action’ in July
2008 aimed at planting 100 million trees around the world by July 2009. To date, nearly 9.6 million
trees have been planted and 55 million pledged. Around 57 countries and 28 Indian states are
participating.

UNEP participated in the Asia Journalists Forum on Climate Change which took place 7-10 October,
2008 in Seoul, Korea. Print, broadcast and e-media representatives from 60 countries participated in
the forum which resulted in the adoption of a Declaration on Climate Change by participants. Climate
change was also the topic of focus at the Pacific Media Workshop on Climate Change, organized by
SPREP and UNESCO in Apia, Samoa. Nearly 25 journalists participated in the workshop.

In 2008, UNEP partnered with Nickelodeon, the world’s most widely distributed kids’ network, to
launch The Big Green Help, a global pro-social campaign that empowers young children between the
ages of 2 to 14 years old to join efforts to tackle climate change. The Big Green Help campaign
introduces a series of environmentally-themed programmes and activities with local campaign
partners to nurture earth-friendly and energy-saving lifestyles among children, their families and
friends. The campaign which began in Singapore and Malaysia will be expanded to more Asian
countries in 2009. A similar partnership with MTV Asia, with the aim of reach youth, is underway.

Asia Pacific entries for the UNEP International Children’s Painting Competition have been steadily
increasing from 4000 in 2006 to 8000 in 2007. In 2008, nearly 12000 entries were received from Asia
Pacific for the UNEP International Children’s Painting Competition, on the theme ‘Climate Change:
Actions We can Take Now’.

Disasters and Conflicts

Capacity Building to Integrate Disaster Risk Reduction into Coastal Zone

Management
Coastal ecosystems and associated watersheds provide a wide range of services to coastal
communities, which are fundamental to building community resilience to coastal hazards; yet these
services are under threat from a variety of sources and global climate change is expected to increase
the frequency and intensity of climate related hazards. While there are many coastal zone managers
in Indian Ocean countries (especially MFF countries), there is still a limited understanding of the
principles of reducing underlying risk factors and limited engagement with national disaster reduction
mechanisms and resources.

The ‘Capacity building to integrate disaster risk reduction into coastal zone management’ project, led
by UNEP Post Conflict Disaster Management Branch, PCDMB and UNEP aims at integrating disaster
risk reduction into coastal zone management through developing guidance material in ecosystems
management for and providing training to coastal zone managers at regional level and in the target
countries (India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka). The project also aims at strengthening the role of existing
technical institutions to provide risk reduction training and other services to coastal zone managers.
With these considerations in mind, the collaboration between national environmental learning centers
and national disaster management organization is crucial for the delivery of a high quality service to
the countries and for ensuring the sustainability of the activities.
5
At regional level, the first guidance manual for disaster risk reduction in coastal zone management
was drafted in collaboration with ADPC and delivered during the MFF Regional Training Course on
27-31 October, Samarang, Indonesia. The regional manual and training module will be refined
through consultations and collaboration with the three target countries in the first half of 2009.

At national level, efforts have started to plan, draft and deliver country-tailored manuals in India,
Indonesia and Sri Lanka, where training are expected to be delivered during the first half of 2009.

Ecosystem Management

The East Asian Seas Action Plan

The “New Strategic Direction of COBSEA (2008-2012): A White Paper” was finalized at the Special
Intergovernmental Session of COBSEA, 5-6 September 2007, Putrajaya, Malaysia. It was adopted by
member countries of COBSEA at the 19th Meeting of COBSEA on 22-23 January 2008, in Siem Reap,
Cambodia. Three thematic areas were identified as priority for COBSEA, namely marine and land-
based pollution; coastal and marine habitat conservation; and management and response to coastal
disasters. These areas will be addressed through four inter-linked strategies on information
management, national capacity building, strategic and emerging issues and regional cooperation.

Green Fins Programme

The Green Fins Programme established a network of dive operators and divers that practice
environmentally-friendly diving and snorkeling for the conservation of coral reefs. In 2007, this
programme, which was initiated in the Phillipines and Thailand, was expanded to Indonesia and
Malaysia.

To ensure that the data collected by Green Fins members become useful information for synthesis,
the establishment of a Green Fins Online Database was also initiated. This was further supported by
the establishment of a Green Fins Web-page and Online Assessment System that will provide access
to the network and provide online updating of information and also enable the dissemination of the
results of the assessment through the website.

Marine litter and its impact on the marine environment is a major concern in the region. To address
the problem, the COBSEA Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter was adopted by the 19th Meeting of
COBSEA in January 2008. The Second COBSEA Marine Litter Workshop and Cleanup Campaign
were held on 18-20 September 2008 in Pattaya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment, Thailand as part of awareness raising.

Environmental Governance
In Central Asia, UNEP supported the formulation of the Framework Convention on Environmental
Protection for Sustainable Development in Central Asia that was signed by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan in November 2006. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are expected to sign the Convention.
UNEP will continue its support to the Interim Secretariat for the Convention with the aim of
establishing a permanent secretariat. UNEP is also helping to establish the Regional Mountain
Centre for Central Asia and supporting the Regional Environmental Action Plan.
In Northeast Asia, the Eco Peace Leadership Centre located in South Korea plays an important role in
strengthening civil society in the region. The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (Japan) is a
key partner in promoting sub-regional cooperation in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region,
through the Asia Pacific Forum on Environment for Development (APFED); the UNEP-Tongji
University Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development plays a significant role in capacity
building and promoting awareness in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. Key programmes
include the annual Leadership Programme, the Masters Degree programme and sponsored research
programmes.

6
Atmospheric Brown Haze
UNEP has brought together an international science team to study the impacts of aerosols on
regional climate, the hydrological cycle, agriculture and human health.

The Atmospheric Brown Cloud Project aims to address concerns around regional scale plumes of air
pollution that consist of copious amounts of tiny particles of soot, sulphates, nitrates, fly ash and many
other pollutants. Large fraction of the aerosol particles that make up ABCs originate from emissions at
the Earth’s surface caused by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biofuels.

Initial scientific results suggest that the brown haze is reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the
earth’s surface by as much as 10 to 15 percent. It may also be affecting monsoon weather patterns,
triggering droughts in Western parts of the Asian Continent and increasing flooding in parts of
Bangladesh and India. There are also indications that the haze may be reducing winter rice harvests
in India by as much as 10 per cent. A UNEP commission report suggests that pollution from the haze
could be leading to "several hundreds of thousands" of premature deaths from respiratory diseases.

A preliminary assessment using the INDOEX research was completed. The potential impacts caused
by aerosols and particulates on human health, food security and the water were disseminated.

In 2005, capacity building activities were implemented through establishment of observatory stations
and training programmes for Asian scientists. By 2006, ABC observatories were operational in India,
Japan, Republic of Korea, Maldives, Nepal, and Thailand. Impact study groups for detailed impact
assessment studies were also established. The team is conducting assessments of ABC impacts on
agriculture, water budget and public health. The first impact assessment report with focus on Asia
was published in 2008. The first assessment report is available www.rrcap.unep.org/abc.

Environment and Health

This project aims to promote a coordinated intervention at national to regional levels for reduction of
adverse impacts of environmental deterioration on human health in Asia. In 2004, UNEP in
collaboration with the WHO convened the first High-Level meeting on environment and health in
Southeast and East Asian countries. The meeting requested UNEP and WHO to assist with the
development and implementation of a Regional Charter for environment and health. The activities so
far have resulted in the following major achievements:

● Ministerial Forum: Convened First Ministerial Regional Forum on Environment and Health in
August 2007 in Bangkok.

● Regional Charter: Devised a Regional Charter on environment and health in South East and
East Asia

● Declaration: Ministerial level declaration (Bangkok Declaration) on Environment and Health.

● Expert Networks: Thematic Working Groups are established and corresponding work plans
have been completed for 6 priority areas: (i) Air quality; (ii) Water supply, hygiene and
sanitation; (iii) Solid and hazardous waste; (iv) Toxic chemicals and hazardous substances;
(v) Climate change, ozone depletion and ecosystem changes; (vi) Contingency planning,
preparedness and response in environmental health emergencies. Progress in the
implementation of the Thematic Working Group Activities are available at
http://www.environment-health.asia/

Regional Air Pollution

Increasing energy use along with increasing urbanisation, industrialisation and motorization has
increased the emissions of air pollutants. Some of the pollutants have long lifespans and travel
thousands of kilometers away from the source and cause damage to our environment. Air pollution
and its Transboundary effects are emerging environmental issue in the region. This project facilitates
intergovernmental cooperation and development of science and capacity to address the issue.

7
Currently UNEP is actively assisting with Secretariat for two intergovernmental networks on
transboundary air pollution at the sub-regional level:

(i) Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary
Effects for South Asia (Malé Declaration) ; and
(ii) Acid Deposition Monitoring Network for East Asia (EANET)

Implementation of the Malé Declaration have completed establishment of eight regional air pollution
monitoring networks and assessment of the impacts of air pollution on human health, crop, and
corrosion of materials by 2008. EANET, which operates more than 50 acid deposition monitoring
network, published high quality data report in 2008. EANET has also negotiated an instrument to
provide sound basis for addressing acid deposition issues in the 13 member countries of EANET.

The project also achieved the following results at the regional level:
● Developed a handbook “Multilateral Cooperation on Air Pollution: Science, Policy and
Negotiations for Agreements/Instruments” and conducted one capacity building workshop for
policy makers on multilateral negotiations.
● Devised a long term vision for urban air quality in Asia. The long term vision document was
agreed by the member countries during the 2nd Governmental meeting held in November
2008 in Bangkok.

Environmental Law
With an aim to strengthen environmental governance at country and regional levels, ROAP in 2008
continued to provide legal advice and support to the development of national framework
environmental law in Mongolia and Maldives. The new framework environmental law of Maldives has
been drafted with UNEP’s assistance and support, and the same will be done for Mongolia.

To support national environmental governance processes to address climate change issues, UNEP
has undertaken four country studies (China, India, Japan and the Philippines) on strengthening the
legal and policy frameworks to address climate change and to achieve low a carbon economy. These
studies identified and assessed the legal, regulatory, institutional measures that are available in these
countries to reduce GHG mitigation and to address climate change, and discussed how to improve
these countries legislative and policy frameworks to achieve a low-carbon economy/society and
sustainable development. ROAP also organized four national workshops on climate change law and
policy in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

UNEP also provided support to sub-regional intergovernmental forums to enhance cooperation for
better environmental management and promoting sustainable development in the sub-regions. Efforts
have been made to the promotion of the Central Asian Framework Convention on Environment and
Sustainable Development, and the development of the Medium-Term Environment and Sustainable
Development of Central Asia. Legal advice was also provided to the Acid Deposition Monitoring
Network in East Asia in negotiating an instrument for regional cooperation on acid deposition and air
pollution control.

Poverty Environment Initiative

Effective environmental management is a key ingredient for poverty reduction in Asia-Pacific. In spite
of rapid economic growth, 641 million people in the region – two thirds of world’s poor – still live on
less than $1 a day. The majorities of the poor live in rural areas and depend on natural resources for
a livelihood. In rapidly growing urban areas, the poor are most susceptible to health impacts of
pollution. Climate change will compound existing vulnerabilities of the poor. Nevertheless,
environment remains a low priority for most countries. Many countries face difficulty in measuring the
real value of ecosystem services and understanding the linkages between poverty and environment.
As a result environment is treated as an externality, and investment in environmental management is
often less than 1% of GDP. Mainstreaming pro-poor environmental concerns into development
processes is vital for effective poverty reduction.

The Asia-Pacific Poverty and Environment (PEI) programme commenced in 2007 as part of the scale-
up of the global PEI programme. The PEI in Asia-Pacific aims to simultaneously reduce poverty and

8
protect the environment by integrating poverty-environment issues into key policy and planning
processes and their implementation – including national plans, sectoral strategies, and economic
decision making.

At the country-level, PEI adopts a phased approach starting with scoping to evaluate and stimulate
the country demand for a PEI program and to analyze key institutions and planning processes. It then
evolves into a two-phased country-led programme. At present PEI has commenced scoping activities
in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. In Bangladesh and
Bhutan the programme has evolved to Phase 1.

The first PEI country programme in the region was launched in Bhutan. Guidelines are being
developed for mainstreaming poverty-environment issues in national and local plans. Participatory
assessment of livelihood options is underway in 10 targeted villages. Socio-economic data are being
collected and analyzed to assess how poverty environment indicators are monitored and reported.

PEI in Bangladesh has completed the design of the country programme to integrate poverty and
climate issues into Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2, local level planning and budgeting. Local
demonstration projects on climate mitigation and adaptation are also planned in three 3 eco-regions.

In Lao PDR, national and sub-national consultation workshops were held to identify existing
environmental gaps in poverty reduction plans and strategies. A delegation of senior government
officials undertook a study tour to Viet Nam where the UNDP has implemented a Poverty
Environment Programme since 2005. The PEI team also reviewed the Viet Nam programme to draw
lessons learned and explore potential for follow on support.

Regional workshops were held in Thimphu and Bangkok to enhance south-south cooperation and
joint learning on poverty-environment mainstreaming and the environmental economics analysis for
pro-poor growth.

The Asia Pacific Forum for Environment and Development

The Asia Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED) is a regional group of eminent
experts that aims to address critical issues facing Asia and the Pacific region and to propose new
models for sustainable development. The APFED Showcase Programme is one of APFED’s main
activities to promote sustainable development in the region. This Programme is supported by the
Ministry of Environment Japan. It aims to support projects that promote innovative policies, measures,
and actions for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The Programme is administered
by the APFED Secretariat (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, IGES) in coordination with
the APFED Showcase Facility established that is serviced by UNEP/ROAP.

The APFED Showcase Programme grants up to US$30,000 to Asia Pacific projects that demonstrate
innovative approaches to address environmental problems. Every year we invite proposal
submissions and 12 projects are selected as APFED Showcase projects. These innovative activities
supported under the Showcase Programme will be shared among various stakeholders in the region
through the APFED Good Practice Database. Winning projects include rainwater harvesting for
sustainable water resource development and climate change adaptation in Iran in 2008. The 2006
Showcase project on green consumer initiatives in the Republic of Korea has been completed.

The number of proposals received increased significantly, both in quantity and quality and with wider
geographical coverage. Since 2006, UNEP received 748 proposals from 47 countries. Thirty-seven
project proposals were selected and featured as the APFED Showcase Programme. Most proposals
addressed the issues of land management, agriculture and forest, following the issue of waste and
chemical and climate-related issues.

Website link: www.apfedshowcase.net

9
 Harmful Substances and Hazardous Waste

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: The

Compliance Assistance Programme under the Montreal Protocol
The Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), funded by the Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, enables UNEP DTIE’s OzonAction Programme, as one of
the implementing agencies of the Protocol to provide compliance assistance to developing countries
in the region. UNEP’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific has a CAP team that assists 37
developing countries in the Asia and Pacific region meet their targets to phase-out the use of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone depleting substances (ODS).

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest producer and consumer of ODS. Despite progress to date,
countries in the region still face some challenges to completely phase out CFCs and other ODSs by
2010. There is still significant demand for CFC to manufacture Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) for
asthma patients. Airlines and military are still using ODS as there are no suitable alternatives.
Another challenge is how to handle contaminated ODSs and ODS in banks of equipment. Countries
in the region also face new and significant challenge to reduce fast-growing consumption of
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in line with the adjustments for accelerated schedule agreed by
the 19th Meeting of Parties held in September 2007. UNEP CAP in cooperation with Ozone
Secretariat, Multilateral Fund Secretariat and other Implementing Agencies, namely UNDP, UNIDO,
and World Bank and bilateral agencies like Japan, Germany, Sweden and Australia is working
towards assisting countries in addressing these challenges. Greater coordination is also envisaged
with other international environmental conventions primarily UNFCCC and Conventions addressing
Hazardous Chemicals for addressing the ODS phaseout challenges highlighted above, especially
relating to transportation, storage and safe disposal of ODS to gain climate benefit.

Some innovative approaches taken in the region are:

Data reporting assistance

In Asia Pacific, assistance was provide to countries in data reporting for Article 7 to the Ozone
Secretariat and CP progress report to the Multilateral Fund Secretariat. Guidance was provided
during the network meetings in 2007-2008 and through regular coordination with the countries on the
new CP progress data reporting format and web-based data reporting for CP progress report with
support from Multilateral Fund Secretariat.

Special assistance to countries in actual or potential non-compliance

Special assistance was provided through informal advisory group discussions during network
meetings and through compliance missions to countries and regular email advice. Besides inputs
from CAP, inputs from implementing agencies, the Ozone Secretariat, Multilateral Fund Secretariat
and other implementation partners are provided to the countries on achieving compliance targets.

In 2008, focus was on potential compliance issues relating to CFCs including CFC MDIs and CFCs
where 3 countries in the region were implementing an action plan. Potential compliance issues are
appropriately highlighted to the respective countries so that they can take timely corrective measures
to achieve compliance. This is done in close cooperation with other implementing agencies. (e.g., with
UNDP for Bangladesh on MDI issues; with UNDP for Fiji on methyl bromide phase out; with UNIDO
for Pakistan on CFC issues). During inter-agency meetings, assistance is provided to the countries in
understanding compliance issues confronting them and actions needed to ensure that such issues
are address (e.g., Iran on CFC issues). A regular input through country compliance sheets was
provided to the two Implementation Committee meetings in 2007-2008.

Other Assistance Modalities, such as South-South Cooperation

● Training and other inputs provided through south-south cooperation (e.g., Maldives with
assistance from Sri Lanka for NOU capacity building in March 2008, Laos through Philippines

10
 customs in June 2008, Bhutan with assistance from India on servicing and retrofit issues in
December 2007)
● Cooperation on information sharing through informal PIC that results in controlling illegal trade
thus facilitating compliance (information on import-export is shared between all network
countries)
● Country level capacity building projects conducted back-to-back with other
missions/programmes (e.g., Capacity building in Maldives back-to-back with CFC MDI phase
out workshop in March 2008).

Facilitation of Communication with the Implementation Committee

CAP ROAP assisted Bangladesh, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Pacific Island countries in
communicating with Implementation Committee, particularly follow-up on 38th and 39th Implementation
Committee recommendations. Special assistance was offered to Bangladesh relating to their CFC
consumption in MDIs and Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) sector.

Assistance in Policy and Legislation Development and Implementation

UNEP assisted countries in the Region to establish/ improve appropriate legislation and regulations
including an import and export licensing system, with focus on Iran and PIC. One of the highlights of
the assistance is the formulation of general policy advice and suggestions for improvement of policies
and legislation, specifically with regard to CFCs, Halon, methyl bromide and HCFCs.

Improvement of reporting to Ozone Secretariat on implementation of licensing systems to conform to

Article 4B paragraph 3 and 4 of the Montreal Protocol. The information on licensing with the latest
status of the licensing systems in all countries in the Region, for information and use by countries,
Ozone Secretariat, Multilateral Fund Secretariat (MFS) and Implementing Agencies, is provided in an
Excel database.

Improved implementation of the licensing systems through the voluntary application of the informal
Prior Informed Consent system, in cooperation with the European Commission. In 2008, 17 requests
for confirmation of an import by the importing country were made by exporting countries, for them to
take a decision on whether or not to give an export license. Of the 17 queries, ten export licenses
were not given because the importer was not registered in the importing country, and five were given
after conformance response by the importing country. The two remaining queries are still under
scrutiny.

Assistance in ratification of the Amendments and the Montreal Protocol

UNEP team is following up closely with Timor Leste on its ratification of the Montreal Protocol and its
Amendments. Country representatives also participated as observers during the Lankawi Network
Meeting held in March 2008. In June 2008, the country has indicated its firm intent to ratify the
Montreal Protocol. A country mission is planned for September/ October 2008 in view of facilitating
and expediting ratification of the country through high level consultations.

Support to new Parties

Continuous assistance is being provided to Afghanistan and Bhutan in the implementation of National
Phase out Plan and RMP/TPMP, respectively. Both countries have been able to comply with all their
obligations under the Montreal Protocol. Plans for similar assistance are also being prepared for
Timor Leste once they ratify Montreal Protocol and its amendments.

Special support provided to Afghanistan and Bhutan to sustain their targets. The new Bhutan National
Ozone Officer was given special assistance on Montreal Protocol implementation in the country and
TPMPO implementation.

Combating illegal trade in ODS

CAP is encouraging the creation of institutionalized cooperation between key stakeholders involved in
the fight against illegal trade in ODS. As per MOP decision XII/16 Para 7, CAP facilitates ‘networking

11
and twinning activities in the framework of regional networks aimed at the exchange of information
and experience on trade in controlled ODS between the Parties, including enforcement agencies’.

Information Clearinghouse
UNEP, in cooperation with TVE Japan produced “My Ozone Wish” public service announcements
featuring well-known celebrities and personalities in Asia-Pacific. The TV spots were launched during
the 28th Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, 7 July 2008 in
Bangkok, and screened during the Meeting of South Asia Network of ODS Officers in Tokyo, Japan,
21 September 2008 and the Meeting of SEAP Networks of ODS Officers in Pattaya, Thailand, 22
September 2008. UNEP has the initiative to distribute them to the National Ozone Units in the region
for their use in the countries to raise awareness on Ozone Layer Depletion and the need for Ozone
Layer Protection.

Public Awareness:
● Ozzy Ozone Animated film was translated into Nepali
● Ozzy Ozone Comic Book: Ozzy Goes Island Hopping was launched during the 28th OEWG
meeting held in Bangkok, 7 July 2008. This event was joined by many national ozone officers
from across the world, media people including representatives from the National Scout
Organization of Thailand, UNESCO and Sony BMG.
● OzonAction Education Pack for Secondary Schools was launched at the International Ozone
Day Celebration Event organized by UNEP ROAP in collaboration with NOU of Thailand on
13 September 2008 at the Mall Bangkapi Department Store, Bangkok.

UNEP in cooperation with the International Federation of Environmental Journalists (IFEJ), a

worldwide network, which was formed in Dresden, Germany, in 1993 organized UNEP Ozone and
Climate Change Media Workshop, 21-23 April 2008 in Singapore.

MEA Regional Enforcement Network

The aim of the Swedish funded Multilateral Environmental Agreements Regional Enforcement
Network (MEA-REN) is to enable participating countries in Northeast, South and Southeast Asia to
combat illegal trade and gain better control of transboundary movements of harmful chemicals and
hazardous waste. The project covers four treaties: the Montreal Protocol and the Stockholm,
Rotterdam and Basel Conventions. The network is an extension of the previously established Ozone
Depleting Substances - Customs Network in 2002. The MEA-REN project started in 2007 and will end
in 2010.

Resource Efficiency
Sustainable Consumption and Production

Think Green Campaign with Mall Group, Thailand

UNEP partnered with the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority and the Thai Mall Group for ‘Think Green’, a
public awareness campaign that began in August 2008 and goes through to 2009. The campaign is
aimed at raising awareness of climate change and its impacts to the 500,000 customers who
patronize Mall Group’s chain of stores daily, and inform them of actions that they can take.

At the request of the Mall Group, UNEP conducted a half-day seminar for senior level managers
aimed at sharing knowledge on linkages between retailing business and sustainable development,
and options and practices for improving the sustainability performance of the retailing sector. Forty
top-level executives from the Mall Group participated in the seminar.

12
DRAFT

1.0 BACKGROUND
Asia and the Pacific: The region is home to more than half the world
population – 4.2 billion out of nearly 7 billion. The region accounts for
over 40% of the global economy (GDP PPP) and has the challenges of
estimated 70% of the global poor. Geographically it ranges from the
fragile Small Island Developing States of the Pacific to the populous
and vast coastal and deltaic plains of South and Southeast Asia and
the mountainous, landlocked countries of Central Asia. The region
experiences high rate of industrialization and urbanization. Almost 40%
of the population now lives in the cities. By 2025 urban areas will be
home to more than half of the region’s population. With the increasing
industrialization and urbanization, the number of motor vehicles in the
region is doubling every 5 to 7 years. The energy consumption has
increased by 50% between 1996 and 2006. Rapidly growing
populations and dynamic economies are exerting considerable
pressures on the environmental resources and services of the region.
UNEP in the region: UNEP is the environmental conscience and
anchor institution of the UN system. UNEP’s mission is to provide
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.
UNEP’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) is located in
Bangkok, Thailand. The office comprises core staff working alongside
specialist officers. Specialist officers are outposted from the Divisions of
Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA), Policy Implementation
(DEPI), Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE), Global
Environment Facility (DGEF), Regional Seas Programme - the East
Asian Seas Action Plan and its Secretariat. ROAP is provided
substantive directions by relevant HQ Divisions, and regional delivery
following agreed UNEP strategies and policies.
UNEP’s Programme of Work draws from global and regional mandates
which includes (e.g. General Assembly resolutions, UNEP Governing
Council Decisions, MDGs, Agenda 21, Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation, the Bali Strategic Plan on Technology Support and
DRAFT
Capacity Building), MEAs, and regional forums including the Asia-
Pacific Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development; and
Coordinating Body for the Seas of East Asia.
Subregions: In a region as large and as diverse (46 sovereign states),
UNEP recognizes the value of working at the subregional level where
the commonalities of social, economic and the environment factors are
strongest. There are five distinct sub-regions: Central Asia, Northeast
Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
Subregional Policy Forum: UNEP established the Subregional
Environmental Policy Dialogue (SEPD), with membership comprising of
five Ministers who serve as Chairs of respective sub-regional
Environment Ministerial fora, and five civil society leaders. This forum
meets on an annual basis to discuss emerging environmental issues
and provide guidance to UNEP’s programmes at the global and
regional levels.
Strategic directions: New directions in environmental paradigm are:
• from growth to sustained growth, and towards well-being and happiness;
• from traditional environmental management (reactive) to proactive and prevention based
approaches;
• from primarily global focus to regional, sub-regional, bilateral cooperation.
Core functions under UNEP’s strategic presence ensure decisions of
the UNEP Governing Council are effectively implemented in the region,
while taking into account regional concerns/priorities.
• Regional representation (process);
• Support for intergovernmental fora (process) ;
• Address needs of developing countries within the framework of the Bali Strategic Plan;
• Identify and Respond to Emerging Environmental issues (content).
Priorities: ROAP will support implementation of the six thematic areas
identified under UNEP’s Medium Term Strategy (MTS) 2010-13, which
is elaborated in the next sections of this strategy document.
This regional strategy document is supported by a separate biennial
implementation plan, as well as five sub-regional strategy documents.
2.0 ACHIEVEMENTS
Promoting Regional Cooperation
At the subregional level, UNEP has worked with intergovernmental
bodies, environment ministries/agencies, and civil society organizations
to identify priorities and address common and transboundary issues.
UNEP has supported subregional ministerial fora, subregional and
national assessments for emerging issues and State of the
Environment reports, help build capacity for early warning, environment
management tools, comparative environment indicators and support
subregional Strategies for Sustainable Development.
Strengthening Environment Community
Under the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity-
Building, UNEP provided systematic and targeted capacity building
measures that take into account international agreements and national,
subregional and regional priorities and needs. At the national level,
UNEP focused on capacity building of the environment community in
close consultation with UN Resident Coordinators. This included
capacity building for science and assessment, policy development and
implementation as well as technology and industry. UNEP forged
strategic partnerships with national environment agencies, helped
establish and strengthen civil society networks and assisted
Governments to build mechanisms for civil society participation in
decision-making processes.
Identifying and Addressing Emerging Issues
Rapid economic and population growth, increased urbanization and
industrialization, and spiraling consumption patterns has brought many
environmental challenges to the fore in the Asia Pacific region. The
region needs the capacity to respond timely and effectively to these
emerging environmental issues, which may have thresholds beyond
which impacts are irreversible. To address these issues, UNEP has
worked with governments, partner agencies, donors, and institutions to
develop partnerships and networks, build regional and national
capacities, increase public awareness and facilitate development of
legal and fiscal instruments and technological tools.
Leadership by Example
UNEP has worked closely with international organizations with
mandates in relevant sectors to pilot demonstration projects that
promote preventive policies. These demonstration projects are applied
in scope and have the potential of replication. Some projects currently
in development include Sustainable Urbanization, Security, Waste
Management, Energy and Sustainable Development Pathways.
In addition, an environment Knowledge Hub (ekH) was developed to
collate and disseminate information related to these priority areas, and
as a collaborative effort with partner institutions in the region.
Major Regional Projects:
• Integrated Environmental Assessment and Reporting
• National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS)
• Atmospheric Brown Clouds
• Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), Montreal Protocol
• Dust and Sand Storms
• Environment and Health
• Waste Management
• Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
• Prevention Approach – Urban Environment
• Capacity Building for the Environmental Damage Assessment and
Rehabilitation in the Areas Affected by the Tsunami in Indonesia
• Biodiversity Conservation in the Asia Pacific Region
• Leadership Programmes on Environment for SD
• One UN Initiative
• International Collaboration for Conserving Flyway Wetlands for the
Siberian Crane and Other Migratory Waterbirds
• Tunza Youth
• Civil Society Engagement
3.0 CORE FUNCTIONS
Representation: Countries and local partners in the Asia Pacific will
have a single point of entry into UNEP through the Regional Office.
Representing UNEP as “One UNEP”, the Regional Office will be the
eyes, ears and face of UNEP in the region. This will ensure better
access to UNEP’s technical expertise and resources by governments,
civil society and other partners across the Asia Pacific region. Likewise,
UNEP will be closer to national governments in the identification and
addressing of national environmental priorities.
Intergovernmental processes: The focus of UNEP’s regional delivery
for Asia and the Pacific will be at the subregional level. There are over
a dozen institutions in the five subregions providing political oversight
and agreements to address priority transboundary and common
environmental concerns.
At the subregional level, UNEP will assist intergovernmental agencies,
and environment ministries/agencies. A strong partnership with
intergovernmental bodies will be forged to strengthen collective
environmental management. This partnership will focus on assisting,
facilitating and enabling institutions to identify priorities and address
common and trans-boundary issues at the subregional level.
UNEP will consolidate its annual Asia-Pacific Sub-regional
Environmental Policy Dialogue. SEPD brings together the Chairs of the
sub-regional Ministerial groupings and eminent regional personalities
representing all five sub-regions. The SEPD will advise UNEP on
enhanced global and regional delivery, as well as identify emerging
environmental issues at the regional level.
Capacity Building: The Bali Strategic Plan (BSP) for Technology
Support and Capacity-building was adopted in December 2004 to
provide systematic, targeted, long and short-term capacity building
measures, taking into account international agreements and based on
national, subregional or regional priorities. Support for LDCs includes
environmental policy development and implementation based on
assessed national priorities.
At the national level and in response to identified national needs and
priorities, UNEP will focus on the capacity building of the environmental
community, in close consultation with UN Resident Coordinators and
the UN Country Teams under the One UN process.
One UN Process: UNEP will work with UN Country Teams (UNCT),
under the One UN Framework, and other development partners in
delivering capacity building services under guidance of UN Resident
Coordinators.
Emerging Issues: An emerging environmental issue may be defined
as an issue that is not yet generally recognized but which may have
significant impact on the environment. In Asia Pacific region, the past
15 years has been characterized by rapid population and economic
growth; increasing urbanization and industrialization; and spiralling
consumption patterns. This has brought many challenging
environmental issues to the forefront. The region needs the capacity to
respond timely and effectively to emerging environmental issues
related to the MTS priorities.
Initiatives under Implementation:
• Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC)
• Transboundary air pollution
• Environment and Health
Initiatives at Project Development Stage:
• Glacier melt and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
• Dust and Sandstorms (DSS)
• Eco-housing and eco-transport
Initiatives at Conceptual Stage
• Sustainable development pathways
• Environment security
4.0 DELIVERY OF MTS PRIORITIES
Global Priorities: UNEP’s Governing Council approves programmes
that build on the mandates of forums such as the Millennium Summit,
Monterrey, and Johannesburg. UNEP has a key role in coordinating
and supporting the work of the Multilateral Environment Agreements
(MEAs).
At its tenth special session in February 2008, UNEP’s Governing
Council (GC) adopted a decision that: "Welcomes the United Nations
Environment Programme Medium-term Strategy 2010-2013 (MTS) and
authorizes the Executive Director to use the Medium-term Strategy
2010-2013 in formulating the Strategic Frameworks and Programmes
of Work". This decision represents a major milestone in moving UNEP
towards a more focussed and results-based organization.
The six thematic priority areas within UNEP’s MTS include:
• Climate Change
• Disasters and Conflicts;
• Ecosystem Management;
• Environmental Governance;
• Harmful Substances and Hazardous Waste;
• Resource efficiency – sustainable consumption and production.
It was endorsed that the implementation of these thematic priorities will
be delivered through:
• Sound science for decision makers;
• Awareness raising, outreach and communications;
• Capacity building and technology support
• Co-operation, coordination and partnerships
• Sustainable financing
ROAP will support the implementation of the six MTS areas through
intelligence gathering/assessments, partnerships, generation of
knowledge base, pilot projects and capacity building at the sub-regional
and national levels.
Some regional initiatives include:
Climate Change: Preparation of national papers on Climate Change
with a long term outlook of 50-70 years. These papers will translate
global science on climate change in the national context. These will
articulate possible climate change impacts for different countries.
Based on the impacts, the papers will identify areas for intervention on
mitigation and adaptation. A set of concepts notes and proposals will
be developed to address these identified areas. UNEP will work with
selected cities for similar reports at the city level.
Sustainable Urbanization: The 21st century is considered “The Urban
Millennium”. Statistics now show that by 2007 over 50% of all humanity
will be living in urban areas. As the Asia and the Pacific region
becomes increasingly urbanized, environmental sustainability of
countries will depend largely on how successfully cities tackle urban
environmental issues.:
• Assessments: Baseline studies and assessments will be
conducted with focus on housing, public transport and governance;
• Partnerships: This project will work with partners and build upon
existing initiatives by partners;
• Pilot demonstration: Through a participatory process with national
and development partners identify and implement pilot
demonstrations in areas of eco-housing, eco-transport;
• Knowledge Base: Document outcomes and benefits of best
practices and pilot projects in the region and package the
information for distribution to a wide range of stakeholders through
the environment knowledge hub (eKH) ; and
• Policy guidance: Through documentation of experiences of the
pilot demonstrations develop generic policy guidelines to
replicate/upscale wider implementation to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, minimize waste generation and pollution, and promote
energy efficiency and water conservation in 6 selected cities.
5.0 IMPLEMENTATION
Partnerships:
Recent Summits at the global and regional levels have articulated
needs as well as desired mechanisms for implementation. Needs
expressed include: focus on priorities in environment for sustainable
development; assistance for strategies for sustainable development;
focus on implementation of priorities through partnerships at the
national, subregional and regional levels.
The regional strategy calls for partnerships with ADB, UNESCAP,
IUCN, UNDP, World Bank and bilateral donors, such as the Hanns
Seidel Foundation, SIDA, NORAD and others. At the national level,
UNEP will work under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator.
UNEP will strengthen its delivery through both increased strategic
presence and focused programme leadership. UNEP will establish
offices co-located with sub-regional intergovernmental bodies.
Staffing:
UNEP’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) is located in
Bangkok, Thailand. The office comprises core staff, comprising sub-
regional officers, working alongside specialist officers. Specialist
officers are outposted from the Divisions of Early Warning and
Assessment (DEWA), Law and Conventions (DELCI), Technology,
Industry and Economics (DTIE), Global Environment Facility (DGEF),
Regional Seas Programme - the East Asian Seas Action Plan and its
Secretariat. ROAP is provided substantive directions by relevant HQ
Divisions, and facilitates regional delivery following agreed UNEP
strategies and policies.
UNEP staff in the region will have a mix of knowledge and skills, which
cover thematic issues (MTS areas) and geographic/sub-regional
coverage. A matrix approach will be in place whereby UNEP staff
possess a mix of expertise and networks relevant to needs and
priorities of the region.
Budget:
The funds for the operation of ROAP will come from UNEP;s
Environment Fund, and through counterpart and in-kind contributions
from external donors and partners. The table below summarizes the
estimated funding required for the implementation of the regional
strategy in the region. A detailed implementation plan will be
developed as a separate document to supplement this regional
strategy.
2009 2010 %
Staffing
Operations
Programme Activities
• Representation
• Ministerial fora
• BSP
• MTS Areas
• Emerging Issues
TOTAL
ROAP will adopt a Results Based Management approach in the
formulation and delivery of its biennial Programme of Work. This will
be based on the MTS thematic areas and the Strategic Framework,
endorsed by the Special Session of UNEP’s Governing Council.
ROAP will seek to enhance contributions from governments in the
region to UNEP’s Environment Fund (EF). Currently, this is around
US$4.3 Million per annum, and target will be double this by 2010. In
addition, ROAP will set a target to mobilize three times the annual EF
allocation from external sources, such as bilateral donors, multilateral
development banks, foundations and other partners, for enhanced
engagement and strategic presence in the Asia Pacific region.
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 2009 ROAP ACTIVITIES

1. The activities for the UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific are in line with the
approved programme and budget support for the biennium 2008–2009 and the approved
costed workplan for the biennium 2008-2009.

2. Subprogramme 5, Regional cooperation and representation

Objective: To ensure the coherent delivery of UNEP programmes in the regions and to
catalyse and strengthen regional cooperation with all partners in response to challenges and
priorities identified by national Governments and regional and subregional bodies, including
mainstreaming environment into national development plans.
Strategy: The Division of Regional Cooperation is responsible for the implementation of this
subprogramme. The strategy in the biennium 2008–2009, in collaboration with Governments,
subregional and regional bodies, and through inter-agency cooperation, will be:
(a) To identify, assess and monitor relevant needs, priorities, trends, developments and
policies at the national, subregional, and regional levels, bearing in mind a gender equality
perspective, in order to incorporate them into UNEP policy and programme development, in
order to improve consistency with the regional needs and priorities;
(b) To communicate, advocate and secure support for UNEP policies and programmes in the
regions;
(c) To act as a catalyst for national, subregional and regional cooperation by:
(i) Facilitating and supporting regional, subregional, and national policy dialogue and
partnerships on environment and development;
(ii) Contributing to national, subregional and regional policy and programme
development;
(iii) Working with relevant United Nations agencies, in particular those within the
United Nations Development Group, in order to benefit from synergies and comparative
advantages, thus promoting system-wide coherence;
(iv) Collaborating with the private sector, major groups and civil society at large to
mobilize support for sound environmental action, and to ensure the meaningful
involvement and participation of those actors in the development and implementation of
UNEP policies and programmes;
(d) To provide opportunities for interaction through partnerships to mainstream environment
into the development processes of Member States at all levels;
(e) To coordinate the delivery at regional level of the Bali Strategic Plan and contribute to the
related development of coherent and targeted capacity-building and technology support
activities by:
(i) Recognizing the diversity within countries and regions as identified through
concerted needs assessment;
(ii) Relying on collaboration with existing regional initiatives;
(iii) Relying on collaboration with United Nations system and other partners;
(iv) Taking into account deliberations of relevant ministerial forums providing policy
guidance and reviewing the needs for the delivery of capacity-building and technology
support;
(v) Assisting in identifying and addressing capacity-building needs for mainstreaming
environment into national development processes;
(vi) Promoting South-South cooperation as a means to build capacity and transfer
technologies;
(vii) Working in concert with individual donors, the Global Environment Facility and
other funding mechanisms.

1
External factors:
The subprogramme is expected to achieve its objective and expected accomplishments on the
assumption that there will be, first, willingness and commitment by governments, United
Nations agencies in particular UNDP and regional commissions, and other subregional and
regional organizations to collaborate with UNEP in addressing environmental issues of both
global and regional concern; and, second, no major shortfalls in the level of contributions to
the Environment Fund and other external funding to implement their programme of work.

3. Asia and the Pacific region: Specific outputs for the Asia Pacific Region.
Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies
Substantive servicing of intergovernmental meetings
(a) Support to intergovernmental and other ministerial processes in Asia and the Pacific to
enhance the capacity of key decision-makers and stakeholders and reinforce mechanisms to
develop and implement appropriate policies and programmes in the region, including: the
annual Subregional Environmental Policy Dialogue (SEPD); the Asia-Pacific Ministerial
Meeting on Environment and Development (2010); the ASEAN-4 Ministerial Meeting on
Health and the Environment; subregional environmental ministerial forums; institutional
strengthening activities and implementation of regional and subregional environmental action
plans in Asia and the Pacific (16 meetings and processes), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external
partners: Asian Development Bank, UNDP, United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific, WHO, UNESCO, ASEAN, SACEP, ISDC, TEMM,
SPREP, as well as SEPD host Governments)

Parliamentary documentation
(b) Documents and reports for meetings of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial
Environment Forum and other environment-related ministerial processes to facilitate the full
integration of priority issues of the Asia and the Pacific region into the deliberations and
outcomes of these forums and bodies (2 documents), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external
partners: ASEAN, SACEP, ISDC, TEMM, SPREP, Eco-Peace Leadership Centre)
Expert groups
Technical cooperation (according to the Bali Strategic Plan, including responding to the
priority needs expressed by countries and in full coordination with the regional offices)
Advisory services

(a) Advisory services to intergovernmental regional and subregional processes to enhance the
capacity of key decision-makers, senior officials, civil society and other stakeholders and to
strengthen mechanisms to develop and implement appropriate policies and programmes in the
Asia and the Pacific region (20 missions), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: ASEAN,
SACEP, ISDC, TEMM, SPREP, Regional University Consortium, IESD, youth networks)

Output to be delivered in the biennium 2008-2009

Expected Accomplishment (a)
Process of policy deliberations and consensus-building globally and in the regions facilitated and
supported
Indicators of Achievement

Increased amount of positive feedback from ministerial regional and subregional consultations and
policy forums on the substantive and organizational support provided by UNEP

Increased number of major groups and relevant stakeholders collaborating with UNEP
Increased numbers of major groups’ and relevant stakeholders’ organizations with balanced
geographical coverage that participate in UNEP regional and global civil society forums

2
Output Output Title
No

A Servicing of intergovernmental and expert Quantity per Responsible Priority Area: BSP Start End Date
bodies biennium Unit MTS relevance Date
A1 2009 (yes/no)
Substantive servicing of intergovernmental
meetings
(a)Support to intergovernmental and other ministerial processes in Asia and the Pacific to enhance the capacity of key decision-makers and stakeholders and reinforce
mechanisms to develop and implement appropriate policies and programmes in the region, including: the annual Subregional Environmental Policy Dialogue (SEPD); the
Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Development (2010); the ASEAN-4 Ministerial Meeting on Health and the Environment; subregional environmental ministerial
forums; institutional strengthening activities and implementation of regional and subregional environmental action plans in Asia and the Pacific (16 meetings and processes),
(GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: Asian Development Bank, UNDP, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, WHO, UNESCO, ASEAN,
SACEP, ISDC, TEMM, SPREP, as well as SEPD host Governments)
1 Annual Sub-regional Environmental Policy 2 1 ROAP Climate yes January February 2009
Dialogue (Meeting Reports) Change(CC), 22nd
Environmental
Governance
(EG)
2 Support and Participation in Sub-regional 13 5 ROAP All yes 01-Jan December 2009
Ministerial Processes, such as ASEAN, SACEP, 2009
SAARC, SPREP, TEMM, ISDC, etc (Mission
Reports)
3 Preparations for 2010 Asia Pacific Ministerial 1 1 ROAP All no 01-Jan December 2009
Conference on Environment and Development 2009

3
A2 Parliamentary documentation Quantity Responsible Priority BSP Start End Date
per Unit Area: relevance Date
biennium 2009 MTS (yes/no)
(b)Documents and reports for meetings of the Governing
Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum and other
environment-related ministerial processes to facilitate the full
integration of priority issues of the Asia and the Pacific region
into the deliberations and outcomes of these forums and
bodies (2 documents), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external
partners: ASEAN, SACEP, ISDC, TEMM, SPREP,
Eco-Peace Leadership Centre)
1 Asia Pacific Regional Civil Society Statement, for inputs to 2 1 ROAP EG yes 01-Jan End Dec 2009
the Global Civil Society Forum and the GMEF
2 Regional Strategy for Asia and the Pacific, with biennial 2 1 ROAP all yes 01-Jan End Dec 2009
implementation plans and calendars
3 Sub-regional strategies for Central Asia, South Asia, 10 5 ROAP all yes 01-Jan End Dec 2009
Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and South Pacific, with
biennial implementation plans and calendars
B Technical cooperation
B1 Advisory services
(a)Advisory services to intergovernmental regional and subregional processes to enhance the capacity of key decision-makers, senior officials, civil society and other stakeholders and
to strengthen mechanisms to develop and implement appropriate policies and programmes in the Asia and the Pacific region (20 missions), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners:
ASEAN, SACEP, ISDC, TEMM, SPREP, Regional University Consortium, IESD, youth networks)
1 Advisory services and policy guidance to developing 16 8 ROAP all yes 01-Jan End Dec 2009
countries (missions)
2 Advisory services and support for partner organizations from 4 2 ROAP EG yes 01-Jan End Dec 2009
the environmental community and civil society

4
 Expected Accomplishment (b) Quantity per Responsible Priority BSP Start End Date
biennium Unit Area: MTS relevance Date
2009 (yes/no)
Increased cooperation with Governments and intergovernmental, non-governmental and United Nations partners in the delivery of programmes and projects at the regional, subregional
and national levels, addressing environmental priorities identified by the UNEP Governing Council and by the regional institutions
Indicators of Achievement
Increased number of regional and subregional cooperative activities agreed with partners to deliver programmes at the regional, subregional and national levels
A Servicing of intergovernmental and expert
bodies
A3 Expert Groups
(a)Expert group processes to guide and support: the effective implementation of the Atmospheric Brown Cloud project (impact assessment on health, agriculture and water budget; the
Asia Pacific climate model and policy linkages), the Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding project, and integrated waste management activities; and the establishment and operation of a
regional environmental knowledge hub to facilitate access to information, expertise, technologies and practices in environment and sustainable development fields in the Asia Pacific
region (4 processes), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: Centre for Clouds, Chemistry and Climate (United States), Max Planck Institute, Stockholm University, SIDA, ICIMOD,
KTRMC)
1 ABC Project Reports 2 1 ROAP CC no 01-Jan End Dec 2009
2 GLOF Reports 2 1 ROAP CC no 01-Jan End Dec 2009
3 Integrated Waste reports through the APFED 2 1 ROAP Harmful no 01-Jan End Dec 2009
Process Substances
and
hazardous
waste (HZ),
Resource
Efficiency
(RE)
4 Environment Knowledge Hub 1 ROAP All yes 01-Jan End Dec 2009
(b)Servicing of annual meetings of the regional Collaborative Assessment Network (2 meetings), (GC.22/21), (external partners: ASEAN, BCAS, Development Alternatives, SACEP,
SPREP, TEI, CEE, IGES, Asian Development Bank, IUCN, ADORC)
1 Annual meetings of the Collaborative Assessment 2 1 ROAP EG yes March End April 2009
Network 2009

5
B Technical Cooperation

B1 Advisory Services Quantity Responsible Priority BSP Start End Date

per Unit Area: MTS relevance Date
biennium 2009 (yes/no)
(a)Technical assistance to Governments and national, subregional and regional processes, to enhance their capacity to develop and implement programmes and projects especially in
relation to the formulation of subregional environmental treaties related to Millennium Development Goal 7, the preparation and implementation of framework agreements with focus on
the Bali Strategic Plan, in areas such as environmental assessment, vulnerability and risk assessment, environmental emergencies, cleaner production, ecotourism, sustainable
production and consumption, economics and trade, chemicals and ozone as well as biodiversity conservation, environmental law, water, and marine and coastal areas (31 countries
and processes), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: ASEAN, SACEP, SPREP, ISDC, TEMM, ICIMOD, SAARC)
1 Technical Assistance on environmental assessment and early warning
2 Technical Assistance on Regional Seas, through COBSEA
3 Technical Assistance on Industry and Environment Issues, such as cleaner production, chemicals
(b)Support for the establishment and functioning of environmental education and youth networks (e.g., regional University Consortium on Environment for Sustainable Development,
Central Asia Youth and Environment Network (CAYEN), South Asia Youth and Environment Network (SAYEN), South East Asia Youth and Environment Network (SEAYEN), North
East Asia Youth and Environment Network (NEAPEN), Pacific Youth and Environment Network (PYEN) (7 processes), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: Regional University
Consortium, including Tongji University, University of the South Pacific, UNEP National Committee for the Republic of Korea, CEE,)
1 Functional Asia Pacific Regional University Network 2 1 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209
2 Functional youth and environment networks for Central Asia 10 5 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209
Youth and Environment Network (CAYEN), South Asia Youth
and Environment Network (SAYEN), South East Asia Youth
and Environment Network (SEAYEN), North East Asia Youth
and Environment Network (NEAYEN), Pacific Youth and
Environment Network (PYEN)
B2 Training courses, workshops, seminars, etc
(c)Training courses and seminars for parliamentarians, and in the frame of the annual leadership programmes on environment for sustainable development at the UNEP Tongji Institute
in Shanghai (4 courses), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: Tongji University and the Regional University Consortium)
1 Leadership Programme at IESD, Tongji University 2 1 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209
2 Regional Training Programmes on Environmental Law 2 1 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209
B3 Fellowships
(d)Masters scholarships at AIT and Tongji University, in line 2 1 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209
with Bali Strategic Plan (20 scholarships), (GC.22/21,
GC.20/39), (external partners: AIT, Tongji University)
1 Masters Scholarships at Tongji University 2 1 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209
2 Masters Scholarships at AIT 2 1 ROAP EG Yes 01 Jan Dec 209

6
B4 Field projects Quantity Responsi Priority Area: BSP Start Date End Date
per ble Unit MTS relevance
biennium 200 (yes/no)
9
(e)Assessment studies (dust and sandstorms), development of concept papers/proposals and implementation of pilot projects on eco-city, mobility, and energy within the framework of
the sustainable cities project and pilot demonstration projects on eco-housing, organic farming, renewable energy and other areas (5 projects), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external
partners: Asian Development Bank, Convention to Combat Desertification, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, AIT, Chulalongkorn University, TERI, University
of New South Wales)
1 Asessment Study on Dust and Sandstorms 1 ROAP Ecosystem yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
Management
(EM)
2 Concept propoals on eco-house/eco-city 1 ROAP CC yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
3 Concept proposal on climate change 1 ROAP CC yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
4 Concept proposal on renewable energy 1 ROAP CC yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
5 Concept proposal on organic farming 1 ROAP EM yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
C Other substantive activities
C3 Booklets, information kits, fact-sheets, etc.
(a)Outreach, information and communication in electronic and print formats for the purpose of disseminating information and reaching out to stakeholders in the region (2 annual cycles
of product releases), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: media networks in the region)
1 Regional Publications 2 1 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
C5 Promotion of legal instruments
(b)Technical and advisory inputs to promote implementation of global environmental agreements in Asia and the Pacific, including regional conventions (1 mission), (GC.22/21,
GC.20/39), (external partners: multilateral environmental agreement secretariats)
1 Advisory missions for MEA implementation 2 1 ROAP CC yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
C6 Fact finding and other special missions
(c)Ad hoc field missions at the request of Governments for 2 1 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
the purpose of addressing issues of specific concern to
them, including provision of advice for the formulation of
projects funded by GEF and other sources (2 missions),
(GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: national
Governments)
C7 Special events
(d)Media and outreach events, as well as international 5 3 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
campaigns, awards and competitions (5 events), (GC.22/21,
GC.20/39), (external partners: media networks in the region)

7
C8 Press releases and press conferences
(e)Briefings, interviews, press conferences, press releases,
press articles, and opinion editorials (20 press items),
(GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: media networks in
the region)
1 Press Releases 20 10 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
C1 Exhibits, guided tours and lectures Quantity Responsi Priority BSP Start Date End Date
1 per ble Unit Area: MTS relevance
biennium 200 (yes/no)
9
(f)Guided tours and lectures for government delegations, donors, civil society groups, students, industry associations and others (4 tours), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners:
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)

C12 Seminars for outsiders

(g)Preparatory regional meetings for the Global Civil Society Forum to enhance their contribution to the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum and engagement in
the work of UNEP, servicing of other network meetings of regional and subregional private sector and major groups to support their work (2 meetings), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external
partners: Eco Peace Leadership Centre)

1 International Environmental Governance - Asia Pacific 1 1 ROAP EG yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
Regional Consultations
2 Asia Pacific Civil Society Meetings 2 1 ROAP EG yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
C13 Organization of inter-agency meetings
Participation/contribution to initiatives in the region with other United Nations bodies including the heads of agencies and the meetings of the regional Thematic Working Group on
Environment and Development (TWGED) (2 meetings), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, UNIDO)
1 UN Interagency meetings 2 ROAP EG yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
2 UNDESD Interagency meetings, with UNSECO 2 ROAP EG yes 01 Jan Dec 2009

8
 Expected Accomplishment (c) Quantity Responsi Priority BSP Start Date End Date
per ble Unit Area: relevance
biennium 2009 MTS (yes/no)
Enhanced coherence in the delivery of UNEP programmes and projects at the regional, subregional and national levels in responding to needs and priorities expressed at the same levels

Indicators of Achievement
Increased number of agreed and coordinated capacity building and technology transfer programmes and projects under implementation in the regions and countries

A Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies

A1 Substantive servicing of intergovernmental meetings
(a) Consultative meetings between Asian and Pacific countries and development partners to develop and implement the Bali Strategic Plan in the region in cooperation with UNDP and other relevant
programmes (4 meetings), (GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: UNDP, IUCN, ADB, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, national Governments)
1 National and sub-regional consultations 2 1 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
2 UNEP Consolidated Mission to countries with Framework 2 1 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
Agreements
B Technical cooperation
B1 Advisory services
(a) Advisory services to Governments and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan and to ensure coherent development and delivery of UNEP
programmes and projects which respond to the identified priorities and also build synergies with the ongoing initiatives at national, subregional regional levels (10 missions),
(GC.22/21, GC.20/39), (external partners: UNDP, ASEAN, SACEP, ISDC, TEMM, SPREP)
1 A consultation meeting in Asia and the Pacific with key 4 2 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
stakeholders to formulate a strategic agreement and key elements
of a rational progtramme to address priority capacity building and
technology support needs of the Region through South-South
cooperation modalities
2 An expert group meeting in Asia and the Pacific to formulate a 1 1 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
comprehensive South-South cooperation implementation
programme to address priority capacity building and technology
support needs in the Asia and the Pacific region.
(b) Participation in and contribution to major events organized by 30 15 ROAP All yes 01 Jan Dec 2009
Governments and other environment and development interest
groups in Asia and the Pacific through invited key note addresses,
technical presentations, substantive discussions and other inputs
and contributions (external partners: China Council, ECOASIA,
APFED)

9
Briefing for UNEP Committee of Permanent
Representatives
p

Moving forward with UNEP

UNEP’s
s
Strategic Presence
Principal Advisor to the Executive Director

January 2009

1
 Guiding Objectives and Principles 2010 – 2013

Drawing from the Medium-term Strategy 2010-2013 (MTS), UNEP

seeks to, inter alia:

• Become a more effective, efficient, and results-focussed entity, which

delivers as ‘One UNEP’

• Significantly enhance its capacity to deliver on the Bali Strategic Plan

for Technology Support and Capacity Building

• Provide UNEP-wide integrated support to regions and countries

• Involve strategic partners within United Nations system, multilateral

environmental agreements (MEAs) and their secretariats
secretariats, civil society
and the private sector in delivering the MTS, as appropriate

• Fully implement results-based management

2
 Guiding Objectives and Principles 2010 – 2013

Guiding objective – to deliver on one UNEP-wide Programme of Work

(PoW) in a coherent, coordinated and integrated manner by all components
of the Secretariat, in the most efficient and cost effective manner – with the
following principles forming the basis for the transition:

• Strengthen UNEP’s global thematic competence and expertise,

including scientific expertise, through its Divisions

• Strengthen UNEP
UNEP’s s regional capacity to deliver the PoW,
PoW including
considerations for enhanced physical presence at regional/country level

• Present a consistent and coherent regional and country image as ‘One

UNEP’, and not as a collection of Divisions and offices
UNEP

• Ensure that both global and regional initiatives and activities are
developed and take place in the regions as a result of close
coordination and consultation between the Divisions and Regional
Offices
3
 Strategic presence - key issues 2010 - 2013

Three key issues have been addressed by the SMT:

• What will be the role and function of UNEP’s presence in the regions
in relation to Headquarters?

• What will be the reporting relationship between staff across UNEP

offices?

• Where, how
Wh h and d when
h will
ill UNEP strengthen
t th its
it presence in
i selected,
l t d
strategic locations?

Existing mechanisms – enhanced as necessary – will be utilized

for moving forward with UNEP’s strategic presence e.g. PoW

“UNEP will seek to realize its vision through focusing its efforts for 2010-2013 on the
six cross-cutting thematic priorities…utilizing the capacity and expertise off UNEP
divisions and regional offices.” MTS 2010-2013
4
 1. What will be the role and function of UNEP’s
presence in the regions in relation to Headquarters?

• Achieving clarity in the relationship between global roles and

functions, led by Headquarters, and regional, sub-regional and county
roles and functions, led by Regional Offices, is critical

• A transition
t iti period i d from
f now until
til th
the endd off 2009 is
i required
i d tto build
b ild
capacity both in the Divisions and in the regions for executing their
respective functions, including facilitating the regional delivery of
UNEP’s PoW 2010-2011 (and subsequent programmes) through the
R i
Regionall Offi
Offices

• Transition to include putting in place necessary business

processes and procedures and HR realignment
realignment, including
reassigning existing staff, recruiting additional staff, and providing
targeted training opportunities for staff in Divisions and in the regions
in line with PoW 2010-11

5
 Primary responsibility of Headquarters

• Governance and global outreach

• Strategic and coherent development of the PoW and projects -

ensure the coherent development of the PoW, Costed Work Plans
and projects, including appropriate linkages to the Global
E i
Environment tFFacility
ilit (GEF) and
d MEAs
MEA

• Management and oversight

• Regional and country support - provide thematic expertise to the

regions and ensure proper liaison between Regional Offices and
thematic coordinators

• Fundraising

Headquarters includes the Executive Office, SGB, Evaluation, central units (QAS,
CSS and RMS) and all Divisions

6
 Primary responsibility of Regional Offices

• Representation and regional outreach

• Informed development and coherent delivery of the PoW and projects

- lead the delivery of the PoW in the region in accordance with the
approved PoWPoW, Costed Work Plans and projects
projects, including regional
activities agreed with MEAs through the PoW

• Capacity building and technology support - facilitate capacity building

and technology support in the regions

• Fundraising
g

Regional Offices includes Regional Office core staff plus out posted staff from
other Divisions

7
 Primary responsibility of Country Offices

• Provide information and inputs

p towards the identification of national
priorities, trends, expertise and needs

• Lead capacity building and technology support at the national level in

accordance with the approved PoW, Costed Work Plans and projects,
including joint projects with the host country

• Cooperate with the country and engage in UN Common Country

Programming Processes, including the CCA and UNDAF

Services one country in a region

8
 Primary responsibility of Liaison Offices

• Representt UNEP iin th

R the various
i iinter-governmental
t t l ffora, such
h as th
the
UNGA and CSD as well as vis-à-vis key partners and donors, such as
African Union (AU) and European Union (EU)

• Provide advice and information on, and substantive support to,

political processes to promote UNEP and the mainstreaming of
environment and sustainable development

• Follow-up and participate in various UN processes including the CEB,

HLCP and HLCM, and UNDG

Specific focus and functions depending on the location and nature of the liaison office

9
 Primary responsibility of Project offices

• Deliver the expected outputs and outcomes of a specific project(s)

• Engage
g g with national stakeholders as p
part of the CCA and UNDAF
process – project staff

Established when justified for the duration of a specific project(s), and co-located with other
UNEP offices or with UNDP wherever possible

10
 Moving Forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
2010 – 2013

Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009

Introduction
On 17 June 2008 the Senior Management Team (SMT) discussed an internal SMT
discussion paper on ‘Moving Forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence’. A revised paper
was presented to the SMT on 8 July that incorporated the views expressed during the
meeting on 17 June, as summarised by the Executive Director, with a final draft paper being
distributed to the SMT for comment on 2 September. Each paper took an incremental and
pragmatic approach to implementing UNEP’s move towards a strategic presence model,
including in relation to its physical presence.

The development of the draft Programme of Work 2010-2011 and Budgets (PoW 2010-
2011) took place in parallel with the SMT discussions on UNEP’s Strategic Presence. On 24
July, the UNEP Budget Committee recommended that in light of budget restrictions and the
importance of successfully delivering on the PoW 2010-2011, that: “funds set aside for
strengthening UNEP’s strategic presence should first be allocated to strengthening existing
Regional Offices and their thematic capacity to deliver on the PoW (as out-posted staff from
Divisions)”, a recommendation that found favour with the SMT and with thematic
coordinators.

The Executive Director has expressed the need to provide certainty in overall direction and a
policy framework for accountability, while also allowing for flexibility. The decisions and
directions included in this final approved policy paper will be given effect through the various
delivery mechanisms described below and will be used to provide direction and guidance to
the SMT and all staff.

There are several elements to moving forward with UNEP’s strategic presence: the roles and
responsibilities of UNEP’s presence in the regions and at Headquarters; UNEP’s physical
presence in the regions; and leveraging additional regional and country capacity through
various UNEP initiatives and projects (see page 11).
Guiding Objectives and Principles 2010 – 2013
Drawing from the Medium-term Strategy 2010-2013 (MTS), UNEP seeks to:

- Become a more effective, efficient, and results-focussed entity, which delivers as

‘One UNEP’.
- Significantly enhance its capacity to deliver on the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology
Support and Capacity Building.
- Further embrace its role as the environment programme of the United Nations that
promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable
development.
- Facilitate greater coherence and collaboration among multi-lateral environmental
agreements (MEAs) in addressing environmental issues, including at the regional
and country levels.1

1
Recognizing the authority and autonomy of the relevant governing bodies.
 - Ensure its interventions are founded on sound science.
- Provide UNEP-wide integrated support to regions and countries.
- Involve strategic partners within United Nations system, multilateral environmental
agreements (MEAs) and their secretariats, civil society and the private sector in
delivering the MTS, as appropriate.
- Fully implement results-based management.

UNEP’s move towards a strategic presence model will be guided by the objective to
deliver on one UNEP-wide Programme of Work (PoW) in a coherent, coordinated and
integrated manner by all components of the Secretariat, in the most efficient and cost
effective manner. The following principles form the basis for the transition:
- Strengthen UNEP’s global thematic competence and expertise, including scientific
expertise, through its Divisions.
- Strengthen UNEP’s regional capacity to deliver the PoW, including considerations for
enhanced physical presence at the regional and country level.
- Present a consistent and coherent regional and country image as ‘One UNEP’, and
not as a collection of Divisions and offices.
- Ensure that both global and regional initiatives and activities are developed and take
place in the regions as a result of close coordination and consultation between the
Divisions and Regional Offices.2
Delivery Mechanisms 2010 - 2013
UNEP will utilize existing mechanisms for moving forward with its strategic presence, both in
relation to its physical presence and in addressing issues regarding the roles and functions
of different offices. Five key delivery mechanisms will be used to implement the decisions
and directions contained in this policy paper, namely:

- PoW;
- annual Costed Work Plans3;
- projects approved by the Project Approval Group (PAG);4
- internal reporting arrangements; and the
- electronic Performance Appraisal System (ePAS).

Through the use of these delivery mechanisms UNEP will ensure that the responsibilities of
Divisions and Regional Offices are clearly spelt out and that appropriate activities are
developed and implemented to deliver on the outputs contained in the PoW.
Key issues 2010 - 2013
The ‘Dalberg Report’5 and the MTS raised a number of issues regarding UNEP’s strategic
presence. Three key issues have been addressed by the SMT:

2
The format for implementing the activities remains flexible and can be lead either by the Divisions or Regional
Offices or, ideally, as a combination of the two. Some global interventions may continue to be coordinated
globally and delivered regionally and at country level through partners but with the active engagement of the
Regional Office. In these cases, Regional Offices will be consulted and engaged. If interventions require
contacts with governments, this will be coordinated through the Regional Offices.
3
The form and content of Costed Work Plans is currently under review to align it with the PoW and UNEP’s
Strategic Presence 2010-2013.
4
Issues such as the financial, management and reporting relationships between Divisions and Regional Offices
in implementing projects will be determined through projects as approved by the PAG.
2
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 1. What will be the role and function of UNEP’s presence in the regions in relation to
Headquarters6?

2. What will be the reporting relationship between staff across UNEP offices?

3. Where, how and when will UNEP strengthen its presence in selected, strategic
locations?

5
‘Moving UNEP towards a strategic presence model’, Dalberg, 15 February, 2008.
6
Headquarters includes the Executive Office, SGB, Evaluation, central units (QAS, CSS and RMS) and
Divisions.
3
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
1. What will be the role and function of UNEP’s presence in the regions in relation to
Headquarters?
It is agreed that achieving clarity in the relationship between global roles and functions, led
by Headquarters, and regional, sub-regional and county roles and functions, led by Regional
Offices, is critical.

It is also agreed that a transition period from now until the end of 2009 is required to build
capacity both in the Divisions and in the regions for executing their respective functions,
including facilitating the regional delivery of UNEP’s PoW 2010-2011 (and subsequent
programmes) through the Regional Offices.

This transition will include, amongst other things, putting in place necessary business
processes and procedures and HR realignment, including reassigning existing staff,
recruiting additional staff, and providing targeted training opportunities for staff in Divisions
and in the regions in line with PoW 2010-11.7

The programmatic relationship between Headquarters and Regional Offices in the delivery of
the PoW is:

Primary responsibility of Headquarters8:

Governance and global outreach:

• Lead and coordinate relations with UNEP governing and oversight bodies and
facilitate reporting on the implementation of decisions and resolutions of the UNEP
Governing Council and UN General Assembly (UNGA) respectively.
• Provide substantive support and linkages to global political processes.
• Lead and coordinate global normative interventions as well as communications and
outreach at the global level.
• Facilitate and coordinate global collaboration with partners and stakeholders,
including identification and harnessing of global capacity and counterparts, including
scientific expertise.
Strategic and coherent development of the PoW and projects:
• Identify and articulate global priorities and trends.
• Ensure the coherent development of the PoW, Costed Work Plans and projects,
including appropriate linkages to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and MEAs.
• Create and maintain global thematic competence and expertise, including scientific
expertise.

7
The recommendations of the UNEP Budget Committee that “the accountability framework for delegations is
further amended to require the filling of new posts to align with the programmatic needs for the 2010-2011 PoW;
and the period from now to 2010 is used to address the issue of matching demand for skills in sub-programmatic
thematic areas and availability of staff with the necessary skills in Divisions, including in relation to any future
recruitments” have been accepted by the ED/DED.
8
Headquarters includes the Executive Office, SGB, Evaluation, central units (QAS, CSS and RMS) and all
Divisions.
4
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 Management and oversight:
• Provide institutional support and guidance for consistent and coherent management
of resources, data and information, and results across all UNEP offices, including
oversight.
Regional and country support:
• Provide guidance and inputs into the development of regional strategies for
normative work, communications, outreach, and fundraising.
• Provide thematic expertise to the regions and ensure proper liaison between
Regional Offices and thematic coordinators.
• Develop generic technical tools and guidelines that can be adapted and applied to
different regions.
• Engage with Regional Offices on the development of project concepts and the
collaborative implementation of projects in the regions.
• Facilitate capacity building and technology support through North-South and South-
South cooperation.
Fundraising:
• Lead global fundraising and development of global fundraising strategies.

Primary responsibility of UNEP’s presence in the regions in support of UNEP’s global role
and responsibilities:

Regional Offices – includes Regional Office core staff plus out-posted staff from other
Divisions:

Representation and regional outreach:

• Represent the Executive Director in the regions9 through the Regional Director.
• Interact with governments within the region.
• Provide substantive support and linkages to the regional and sub-regional political
processes.
• Identify and collaborate with partners and stakeholders in the regions10, such as the
regional offices of UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and international
financial institutions, including harnessing regional capacity and scientific expertise.
• Deliver communication, awareness raising and outreach in the regions.
Informed development and coherent delivery of the PoW and projects:
• Identify regional, sub-regional and national priorities, trends and expertise to
contribute to the development of UNEP’s global and regional interventions within the
PoW.
• Identify regional, sub-regional and national challenges and opportunities as well as
priorities and needs as a basis for the development and coherent delivery of the PoW
and projects, including facilitating delivery of global interventions in the regions.

9
Which includes all countries in the region.
10
This may include global partners in some cases such as with RONA and its relationship with institutions in the
region i.e. the World Bank.
5
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 • Lead delivery of the PoW in the region11 in accordance with the approved PoW,
Costed Work Plans and projects, including regional activities agreed with MEAs
through the PoW.
• Provide management and administrative services for UNEP’s presence in the region
including HR, financial management, procurement and logistical services.
Capacity building and technology support:
• Facilitate capacity building and technology support in the regions.
• Cooperate with individual countries and engage in UN Common Country
Programming Processes, including Common Country Assessments (CCAs) and UN
Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs), and support countries in the
implementation of programmes resulting from regional and sub-regional processes in
line with the PoW.
• Provide recommendations and rationale on the need for additional sub-regional or
country offices.
Fundraising:
• Identify fundraising opportunities in the region and develop and implement regional
fund raising strategies as part of UNEP’s global fund raising efforts.

Country Offices12 – services one country in a region:

• Provide information and inputs towards the identification of national priorities, trends,
expertise and needs.
• Lead capacity building and technology support at the national level in accordance
with the approved PoW, Costed Work Plans and projects, including joint projects with
the host country.
• Cooperate with the country and engage in UN Common Country Programming
Processes, including the CCA and UNDAF.

Liaison Offices13 – perform the following functions to various degrees and with specific focus
depending on the location and nature of the liaison office.

• Represent UNEP in the various inter-governmental fora, such as the UNGA and CSD
as well as vis-à-vis key partners and donors, such as African Union (AU) and
European Union (EU).
• Provide advice and information on, and substantive support to, political processes in
order to promote UNEP and the mainstreaming of environment and sustainable
development.
• Follow-up and participate in various UN processes including the Chief Executives
Board, High Level Committees on Programmes and Management (HLCP and
HLCM), and UN Development Group (UNDG) and others to strengthen the
mainstreaming of the environment in different processes.
• Raise public awareness of UNEP through organizing events and meetings.
11
The work programme within a region is not a separate regional PoW but part of the overall UNEP PoW.
12
Permanent presence. These are not representative offices, which is a function fulfilled by Regional Directors.
See also footnote 14. A rationale for the costing of country offices is being developed jointly by DRC, QAS and
SIT.
13
With the exception of the NY Office, all offices report to the respective Regional Office. The widest range of
inter agency work is carried out by the NY Office.
6
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 • Facilitate and support visits of senior officials to various meetings and fora to ensure
that the UNEP Secretariat is kept abreast of the developments related to their
specific areas of responsibilities.

Project offices – established for the duration of a specific project(s), and co-located with
other UNEP offices where possible or with UNDP.

• Deliver the expected outputs and outcomes of a specific project(s).

• Engage with national stakeholders as part of the CCA and UNDAF process.

The role and function of DRC Headquarters:

DRC Headquarters plays a specific role in supporting the relationship between the other
Divisions and the Regional Offices, and also leads some global activities with a strong cross-
cutting focus. This role will evolve in support of the strengthened role of the Regional Offices
in ensuring the coherent delivery of UNEP’s Programme in the regions and their more direct
relationship with other Divisions. Specifically, DRC Headquarters will:

• Supervise and support the Regional Offices in developing the means to deliver the
PoW at the regional and country level.
• Coordinate the provision of contributions from the regions into the development of
PoW in consultation with QAS and CSS as well as into global policies and strategies.
• Oversee and report on the coherent implementation of the PoW within the regions.
• Provide advice, facilitate and coordinate UNEP’s engagement in the UN Common
Country Programming Processes.
• Coordinate and oversee UNEP’s engagement in, and support to, the regional and
sub-regional political processes.
• Coordinate and oversee preparation of briefs to the SMT on regional, sub-regional
and country activities.
• Coordinate and oversee engagement of relevant skills, expertise and experience for
the execution of the core functions in the regions.
• Coordinate the outreach activities in the regions in consultation with the Division of
Communications and Public Information (DCPI).
• Facilitate and coordinate south-south and north-south cooperation across regions.
• In consultation with the Corporate Services Section (CSS), Quality Assurance
Section (QAS), UNON and other administrative service providers, coordinate and
oversee the provision of administrative services in the regions (HR, financial
management, logistics, procurement etc).
Provide a coordinating platform for Global activities with a strong cross-cutting focus, as
determined on a case by case basis, which currently includes:14
• Manage the Poverty and Environment Initiative (PEI) and the Poverty and
Environment Facility together with UNDP.
• Coordinate UNEP's work to strengthen the ability of Major Groups to engage in
decision making processes at global, regional, national level and UNEP level.

14
At the Senior Management Team Retreat held on 9-10 July 2007 it was agreed that the host Division for some
of these activities would be reviewed after 12 months. The review is yet to be finalized.
7
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 • Coordinate the UNDP-UNEP collaboration.

The roles and functions described above describe the “primary responsibility” of various
offices. Reference to primary responsibility assumes the involvement of staff from other
offices as necessary and appropriate. For example, knowledge of regional and country
issues resides throughout UNEP, as does thematic expertise on particular issues. The
“primary responsibility” role includes drawing upon knowledge and expertise of UNEP staff
wherever it is located.

The role and function of out-posted staff.

The role and responsibilities of out posted staff for sub-programmes (see pages 9-10) may
vary according to each region. The role will however include support to the delivery of the
PoW for the relevant sub-programme(s).

8
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
2. What will be the reporting relationship between staff across UNEP Offices?
Regional teams (Regional Offices and their sub-regional/country and liaison offices) will
comprise regional core staff and out-posted staff from Divisions.

In order to strengthen the delivery as ‘one UNEP’ as well as the coherent delivery of the
PoW at the regional and country level, and to enable effective and efficient execution of the
respective roles and functions as described above, the reporting lines must be clearly
defined. By 1 January 2010 the reporting lines will be as follows:

• Staff out-posted by Divisions to Regional Offices will have the Regional Director15 as
their first reporting officer and the Chief of respective Section/Unit16/Deputy Director
or Director of the Division as the second reporting officer.17 In order to further
enhance coordination with the relevant Division, and in particular the development of
the annual work plan contained in the PAS, an “additional supervisor” may also be
nominated by the Division Director from the relevant Division.

• Depending on the structure of the Office, the core staff of the regional offices will
report to the Regional Director either directly or through a senior core staff. Sub-
regional offices, Country offices (including project offices, as appropriate), and
Liaison offices will report to the relevant Regional Office. This does not apply to the
New York Office.

• The Regional Directors will report to the Director, DRC as first reporting officer and to
the Deputy Executive Director (DED) as the second reporting officer. In assessing
the performance of Regional Directors, the Director of DRC will take into account the
delivery of the PoW at the regional level. In doing so, the Director of DRC will
appraise the performance of the Regional Directors in consultation with the Directors
of the other Divisions, who may also take into account any feedback from the
thematic coordinators on the regional delivery of the PoW through the Costed Work
Plans and projects.

• In assessing the performance of Division Directors, the DED will take into account
the delivery of the PoW at the regional level. In doing so the DED may solicit inputs
from the Regional Directors on the delivery of the PoW from a regional perspective.

• The reporting relationship of staff of the DGEF will be determined in consultation with
the Division Director of DGEF to ensure there is proper separation of UNEP’s
implementation agency and project execution functions.

• The reporting relationship of project offices requires case-by-case consideration.

Efforts will be made to draw upon project office presence to enhance regional
initiatives and relationships. The reporting relationship of a project office will be
discussed and agreed between the Division Director and the relevant Regional
Director, in consultation with the Director DRC, prior to the establishment of the
office.

• The reporting relationship of project staff will be determined through projects as

approved by the PAG.

15
Or through a senior core staff following consultation with the relevant Division Director.
16
Usually at D1 level.
17
An exception is provided in the case of DGEF in recognition of UNEP’s role as both an implementing and
executing agency – see bullet point 5 on page 9.
9
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
In order to further encourage collaboration between Divisions and Regional Offices, the
ePAS for Division Directors and Regional Directors will include clear reference to UNEP-
wide collaborative delivery of the PoW at the regional level, details of which shall be
determined by the Executive Office in consultation with Directors.

Other reporting relationships

• The Chief of the NY Office will report to the Executive Director/Deputy Executive
Director with administrative support being provided by DRC.

• The Brussels Office will continue to report to ROE. It will retain its existing functions
and positions but the office will be reviewed in 2010-2011. There will be closer
linkages to the Resource Mobilization Section.

• The Director or ROE will continue to report to DRC. There will be closer linkages to
international organizations including major UN agencies based in Geneva.

• The Director of RONA will continue to report to DRC. There will be closer linkages to
international organizations based in Washington DC.

Measures will be taken to achieve closer linkages between the Executive Office and specific
Regional/Liaison Offices. In particular:

• There will be closer closer policy linkages between the Executive Office and offices
located in Addis Ababa (AU), Brussels (EU), Washington DC (US) and New York
(UN) through the Principal Advisor to the Executive Director on Policy and
Programme.

10
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
3. Where and how will UNEP strengthen its presence in selected, strategic locations in
2010 – 2013?
Staff will be out-posted from Divisions to Regional Offices in accordance with the PoW. A
number of scenarios were put forward to the SMT in the discussion paper of 17 June and
various options were further discussed by the SMT on 8 July.

The development of the draft PoW 2010-2011 took place in parallel with the discussions on
UNEP’s Strategic Presence. On 24 July the UNEP Budget Committee recommended that in
light of budget restrictions and the importance of successfully delivering on the PoW, that:
“funds set aside for strengthening UNEP’s strategic presence should first be allocated to
strengthening existing Regional Offices and their thematic capacity to deliver on the PoW (as
out-posted staff from Divisions)”, a recommendation that found favour with the SMT and with
thematic coordinators.

The Executive Director has proposed to set aside USD4 million of the proposed budget
appropriation for 2010-2011 to enhance its strategic presence. The majority of these funds
will be allocated to subprogrammes to enhance thematic capacity at the regional level to
deliver on the PoW for this period.18 Staff will be out-posted from Divisions to relevant
Regional Offices. The necessary staff and most appropriate region will be determined in
consultation with Division Directors19 and Regional Directors but will in the first instance be
allocated in proportion to the staff allocated against subprogrammes.

UNEP will use its core Environment Funded staff to leverage further extra-budgetary
resources to supplement its regional and country capacity, and in particular through its
Poverty and Environment Initiative, efforts to further engage in the UNDAF process, and
support for the implementation of MEAs in the regions.

UNEP will continue to establish project offices to deliver the expected outputs and outcomes
of a specific project(s). UNEP will also increase the number of project staff at the country
level, as appropriate, to serve as advisors20 for a limited duration. They will be co-located
within UNDP offices, whenever possible, as a cost effective means of strengthening UNEP’s
involvement at the country level; in particular in the UNDAF process. The establishment of
project offices, and the appointment of project based staff, will be subject to the availability of
financial resources, and criteria such as: the level of political support for UNEP involvement
in the country; national priorities and preparedness; environmental vulnerability affecting the
country’s development; and the potential impact of UNEP’s assistance.21

Through the Dalberg Report, and internal initiatives, UNEP has reviewed its existing
presence and options to further enhance its presence. As a first priority Environment Funds
will be used to strengthen its Regional Offices. Extra-budgetary resources should be sought
to further enhance its physical presence in the regions over the period 2010-2013 through:

1. Establishing a sub-regional presence in Central Asia and strengthening its presence

in the South Pacific to cover the sub-region.

18
DRC advises that USD4 million would result in 9 additional professional staff and several support staff for
Regional Offices. DRC recommends that the capacity of the Brazil and South Africa offices be enhanced at a
cost of approximately USD1 million. If this approach was adopted, the remaining USD3 million would result in an
additional 7 professional staff plus support staff.
19
Working with thematic coordinators as appropriate.
20
The specific role and function of such project staff will be determined on a case by case basis.
21
The criteria will be further refined through a consultative process being led by DRC.
11
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 2. Strengthening its country presence in Brazil, China, Mexico, the Russian Federation
and South Africa (and reviewing options to expand some offices to sub-regional
offices).
3. Strengthening its liaison offices in Belgium, Ethiopia, and New York (UN).
The strengthening of UNEP’s country presence in Brazil, China, Mexico, the Russian
Federation and South Africa will necessitate discussions with the host countries in terms of
their financial and in-kind support towards these offices.22 Based upon the experience
gained in these countries, available resources, and demonstrated need, UNEP will explore
further expanding its country presence.

22
Establishing a sub-regional presence will require similar discussions with host countries and others.
12
Moving forward with UNEP’s Strategic Presence
Final Approved SMT Policy Paper – January 2009
 ANNEX D

Agenda Item 3:
Emerging Issues

● Annex D.3.1:
Emerging Environmental Issues Strategy,
2009-2012

● Annex D.3.2:
Briefs on Emerging Issues
● D3.2.1 Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC)
● D3.2.2 ABC Status Report
● D3.2.3 Environment and Health
● D3.2.4 Malé Declaration
 Draft

January 2009

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

EMERGING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

STRATEGY 2009 - 2012
ACRONYMS
3Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
ABC Atmospheric Brown Cloud
DSS Dust and Sandstorms
GEO Global Environment Outlook
GLOF Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
EANET International high altitude research project
E-waste Electronic waste
INDOEX Indian Ocean Experiment
SEPD Sub-regional Environment Policy Dialogue
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

2
CONTENTS Asia and the Pacific Region
1. Background ........................................................................... 4

2. Process .................................................................................. 6 44

3. Emerging Environmental Issues .......................................... 8

3.1 Initiatives under implementation

3.2 Initiatives at project development stage

GMS

’Two-thirds of world population

’50 million peoples being added annually
’World’s fastest growing economy( > 6 pecent year)
’Emerging middle class (middle class households in China is
expected to be increased from 50 m in 2002 to 100 m in 2010)
’Emerging Environmental Issues

Initiatives under implementation Initiatives at project development stage

Atmospheric Brown Clouds Waste, including Electronic Waste

Transboundary air pollution Glacial Melting and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Environment and Health Eco-housing and Eco-Transport

3
1. BACKGROUND
Environmental Setting is Dynamic: We live in an era of
technological innovations. After abandoning the hunter-gather
lifestyle practiced for 90,000 years, our economy and society
were agriculture-based for about 8,000 years. The invention of
mechanization resulted in the industrial revolution which led to
the modern industrial society. After nearly 200 years of the
industrial revolution, we have now entered a knowledge age
where we are now witnessing simultaneous revolutions in
information technology, nanotechnology and biotechnology.
The pace of change appears to be speeding up, in part due to
the tools of the knowledge age.
During this industrialization process, type and amount of
waste generated by mankind has significantly changed. This
indicates that socio-economic and environmental setting is
dynamic.
In Asia and the Pacific region, rapid economic and population
growth have brought many challenging environmental issues
to the forefront. The issues constraining the region’s
movement towards sustainable development are growing
more complex. Current consumption habits, which are of
growing concern, further add to the emerging environmental
issues.
As the Anchor institution for the global environment, UNEP is
mandated to develop institutional capacity to address existing
and emerging environmental issues.
4
To this end, UNEP’s regional strategy identifies emerging
environmental issues as one of the 5 core functions for
regional delivery in the Asia-Pacific:
(i) Representation;
(ii) Intergovernmental process;
(iii) Capacity building;
(iv) One UN process; and
(v) Identify and respond to emerging issues.
An emerging environmental issue may be defined as an
issue that is not yet generally recognized but which may have
a significant impact on the environment. Several emerging
environmental issues are key causes for concern, because
they may have thresholds beyond which change may be
irreversible. An emerging issue is not necessarily a new issue,
but could be the intensification, or changed perception of a
familiar issue.
UNEP’s strength lies in applying science to these emerging
threats. Applying sound science to emerging issues will help
foster a collective response through policy intervention.
UNEP, together with its partners, will continue its efforts to
lead effective responses to priority emerging issues affecting
the region.
This document presents the strategy for operationalising the
core function 5, identify and respond to emerging
environmental issues, of the regional strategy. The document
include: process of addressing emerging environmental
issues and proposed strategy for 9 selected emerging
environmental issues.
Environmental issues are dynamic

KNOWLEDGE AGE
(now)
• Nano-particles?
AIR • ?
INDUSTRIAL
(200 Years)
WATER • E-waste
LAND • Atmospheric
AGRICULTURAL Brown Clouds
(800 years)
(ABC)

• Climate change
Together with our civilization, technology,
lifestyles and waste products change • Ozone depletion
significantly

• Smog episodes
• Occupational
Diseases
• Air pollution
• Water Pollution
• Soil
conservation

BC 1800 1900 2000 Future

2. PROCESS
This section describes the process of addressing emerging
environmental issues. The process of addressing emerging
environment issues include two major steps:
(i) Project development
ƒ Issue identification
ƒ Project formulation
(ii) Project implementation.
ƒ Partnership and network development
ƒ Science and capacity building
ƒ Public awareness and policy
Identifying emerging issues may come from either policy
dialogues or research findings from the scientific community.
UNEP will respond to such issues only when it has both a
mandate and for which substantive expertise exists, either in-
house or through one of its networks. At the global level,
UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook (GEO) year book, an
annual publication, and DEWA strategy on emerging issue
identify many of the emerging environmental complexities. At
the regional level, the following criteria will be applied to
identify an emerging issue:
(i) an issue that is either trans-boundary or common to
several countries; and
(ii) a regional issue that is not yet identified as a priority
by regional or sub-regional forums on environment.
6
The process of including the issue in UNEP’s work
programme will include:
(i) consultation with the Sub-regional Environment Policy
Dialogue (SEPD) which reviews UNEP’s regional
strategy and work plan annually;
(ii) preparation of a one page brief, followed by a proposal
for management approval;
(iii) establishment of a team, in-house or with partners, to
work on the issue; and documentation of scientific
investigations and identification of responses to date;
and
(iv) assisting in formulating one or more projects to be
implemented by a partner or donor agency to test
responses to the issue. Project activities will be inline
with the Governing Council approved Programme of
work (POW).
UNEP will make efforts to provide seed funds for project
development. UNEP's seed funding and expertise will assist
to leverage for additional project funding and expertise.
Once the capacity and network to address the issue are better
developed in the region, the projects on Emerging Issues will
be transferred to the relevant programme in-house or to
partner institutions.
Process of project implementation is described in the Annex 1
Environment Policy Dialogues Network of Scientists and Policy Makers

Emerging Issues
Scientific Studies Capacity Building

One of the seven regional air pollution

monitoring stations established under the Male’
Declaration

7
3.1 EMERGING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: INITIATIVES UNDER IMPLEMENTATION
3.1.1 Atmospheric Brown Cloud
Atmospheric Brown Could (ABC), a brownish haze, is caused
by air pollution emissions containing aerosol particulates that
reduce the amount of sunlight that can reach the Earth’s
surface. Reduction in sunlight can have significant impacts on
terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Preliminary assessment
has been completed by INDOEX (Indian Ocean Experiment)
research. Potential direct and indirect consequences of the
haze include regional and global climate change and impacts
on ecosystems, the water cycle, agriculture and human
health. In collaboration with governments and scientists,
UNEP is assisting with following:
(i) establishment of observatory stations across the region;
(ii) assessment of impacts of ABC on human health, water
budgets and agriculture; and
(iii) developing and disseminating information packages for
policy makers including quantification of pollutant
damages, and propose mitigation measures and policy
options.
3.1.2 Transboundary air pollution
Increasing energy use along with increasing urbanisation,
industrialisation and motorization has increased the emissions
of air pollutants. Some of the pollutants have long lifespans
and travel thousands of kilometers away from the source and
cause damage to our environment. Air pollution and its
Transboundary effects are emerging environmental issue in
8
the region. UNEP will continue to facilitate intergovernmental
cooperation and development of science and capacity to
address the issue. Currently UNEP is actively assisting with
Secretariat for two intergovernmental networks on
transboundary air pollution:
(i) Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air
Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary Effects for South
Asia;
(ii) Acid Deposition Monitoring Network for East Asia
(EANET)
3.1.3 Environment and Health
Heath impacts of environmental degradation are becoming an
emerging issue in the region. There is need to promote
coordinated intervention at national and regional levels to
reduce the adverse impacts of environmental deterioration on
human health in the region. Devised a regional Charter on
Environment and Health and identifies 6 priority areas: (i) Air
quality; (ii) Water supply, hygiene and sanitation; (iii) Solid and
hazardous waste; (iv) Toxic chemicals and hazardous
substances; (v) Climate change, ozone depletion and
ecosystem changes; (vi) Contingency planning, preparedness
and response in environmental health emergencies In
collaboration with governments and partner agencies, UNEP
plan to assist in the implementation of the Regional Charter.
Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC)

’Haze at 5km; up to 3km high

’Size of continental US
’Covering Indian Ocean, South
Asia, Southeast Asia and China

9
3.2. EMERGING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: INITIATIVES AT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE
3.2.1 Glacier Melting and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Climate change is causing the retreat of glaciers. Melting
glaciers pose two main concerns:
(i) a threat to regional water security by reducing the water
reserves in the mountains and changing the timing of
annual water flows; and
(ii) an increase in the vulnerability to natural disasters,
through Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).
Initial studies on the impact of climate change have been
completed for Nepal, Bhutan, Pumqu basin in China, Astor
basin in Pakistan, and Tista basin in Sikkim (India). In
collaboration with governments and partner agencies, UNEP
will assist with:
(i) completing the glacial lake inventory for Hindu Kush-
Himalaya and Central Asian regions;
(ii) establishment of the early warning and monitoring
systems; and
(iii) development and pilot testing of adaptation measures.
3.2.2 Waste management, including Electronic Waste
Waste generation increases every year especially in urban
areas due to the increase in population, consumerism, and
changing lifestyles. Rapid economic development has further
accelerated the generation of additional waste. In many Asian
cities, waste generation has far outstripped the available
infrastructure and technology to deal with such increases.
Disposing of unwanted electronic products (e-waste), one of
the fastest growing type of waste. An expert group meeting on
10
e-waste management was organized. The meeting discussed
a strategy towards promoting environment friendly e-waste
management and agreed on the need for a regional initiative.
UNEP in collaboration with governments, expert agencies,
and relevant organization will promote waste management
through:
(i) establishment of quantitative base and capacity for
waste management at national and region levels;
(ii) assist national governments in devising national
strategies on control and management of wastes for a
10-20 years planning horizon.
(iii) establish pilot demonstration projects on innovative
waste prevention, recycling, disposal techniques and
waste to energy solutions.
3.2.3 Eco-Housing and Eco-Transport
Asia and the Pacific region is experiencing rapid urbanization.
By 2025 more than half the population is projected to live in
urban areas. A significant percentage of this total population,
an estimated 600 million, will join the growing middle class.
The first purchase of the new middle class is often a house
and a car. Additional vehicles and houses means additional
pollution loads. The increase in pollution leads to additional
costs in the national budgets both in terms of fuel imports and
health costs. A strong focus on a policy of prevention is
advocated. In partnership with governments and experts,
UNEP will assist with the promotion of sustainable housing
and transport.
 Melting Glacial Mobile Phone Subscribers

450
400

C e llula r m obile s ubs c ribe rs

350
300

(m illion)
250
200
150
100
GLOF 50
0
1996 1997 1998 2001 2002

Human settlement affected by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)

Asia: Growing Urban Population Promote Prevention

Eco-house Energy saving
15 times more energy efficient than ordinary urban
house
Waste management
Solid wastes to bio-gas generation;

3000
54% waste water recycling
(2.6 billion) Water saving
2500
Rainwater harvesting; 40 litres: collected daily on
the roof where water is condensed at night; 40
2000 37% litres: sourced from the air conditioning system
1500 (1.4 billion) Eco-transport Fuel efficiency
1000
24% 23 Km / litre; Saving: $5,000 over 15 years
Toyota Prius Hybrid
500 Emission reduction
CO2 by 50% CO, HC and NOx by 90% below
0
1975 2000 2030 Japanese standards.
ANNEX 1: PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
A three phased approach is being followed in implementing the
projects on emerging environment issues:
Phase I: Partnerships and network development;
Phase II: Science and capacity building; and
Phase III: Public awareness and policy
Phase I: Partnerships and network development—UNEP will
address emerging issues together with governments and scientific
institutions with expertise in the identified issues. Phase I of the
implementation process will include the development of a network
of scientists and policy makers. Some of the existing scientific
partnerships, in the region, fostered by UNEP include:
(i) International Center for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD) for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF);
(ii) Scripps Institution of Oceanography/ Center for Clouds,
Chemistry and Climate (SIO/C4) for atmospheric brown
clouds (ABC); and
(iii) Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Acid
Deposition and Oxidant Center (ADORC) for acid
deposition.
Apart from working with key scientific institutions, UNEP also helps
to establish scientific teams working across institutions. For
example, a team of international scientists headed by Prof.
Ramanathan of SIO/C4 and Prof. Paul J. Crutzen of Max-Planck
Institute for Chemistry was established for studying of ABC.
Phase II: Science and capacity building—Addressing emerging
environmental issues requires understanding of the scientific
aspects of the issue and the national capacities to respond to the
issue. Phase II of the implementation process will focus on the
development of the science and capacity building in terms of
equipment and expertise. New technologies and science often
require demonstration through pilot projects. Pilot projects are
developed and implemented in this phase to demonstrate the
feasibility of technological responses that could address emerging
issues.
Phase III: Public awareness and policy—During Phase III, results
of the scientific findings will be disseminated to the public and fed
into policy making processes. UNEP will facilitate development of
regional treaties or agreements, if required. As action is required at
all levels (from regional to individual) to implement environmental
agreements, UNEP will make use of its regular consultations with
stakeholders to keep awareness at a high level.
When the capacity and network to address the issue are better
developed in the region, the project will be transferred to the regular
sub-regional activities of UNEP. For example, in 1998, UNEP
identified the need for sub-regional cooperation on trans-boundary
air pollution in South Asia. This led to the formulation of the Malé
Declaration on trans-boundary air pollution, development of a
network of scientists and policymakers at the regional level, and
basic capacity building at the national level. UNEP is assisting the
secretariat for the Malé Declaration as part of the regular activities
for South Asia.
NETWORK OF POLICY MAKERS STAKEHOLDERS NETWORK CAPACITY BUILDING
AND SCIENTISTS

NATIONAL LEVEL

REGIONAL LEVEL
 1. Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC)
Background
During 1995-99, an international group of over 250
scientists collected data over the Indian Ocean as
part of Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX). INDOEX
discovered a layer of brownish haze of air pollution
extending as high as 3 km hovering over most of the
Indian Ocean, South and Southeast Asia during the
dry season. Air pollution containing aerosol particles
emitted from anthropogenic sources such as fossil
fuel and bio-fuel combustion and natural source like
biomass burning and associated long-range transport
leads to widespread layers of brownish haze, referred
to as Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC). The pollution
haze occurs frequently in all other heavily inhabited
regions and downwind. It is a transboundary, trans-
continental and trans-oceanic phenomenon.
Potential direct and indirect consequences of ABC
involve regional and global climate change, impacts
on the water cycle, agriculture and human health.
To address the concerns, UNEP has been
commissioning a project called “Atmospheric Brown
Clouds (ABC)” in collaboration with a group of
eminent scientists from Asia, Europe and USA.
Major Activities
The major activities of the Project ABC are:
● Observation: establishment of a network of
ground based monitoring stations across the
Asia-Pacific region for data collection and
capacity building. There are now fully
operational stations equipped with a suite of
state-of-the-art instruments to monitor aerosol
properties, precipitation chemistry, gaseous
species, solar radiation and meteorological
parameters.
● Impact assessment: assessment of the
potential impacts of ABC on agriculture, water,
and health using the data from the monitoring
stations. The lead regional institutions are
coordinating the studies on the assessment of
impacts of ABC on agriculture, water budgets
and human health.
● Awareness and mitigation: provide science-
based information produced from the impact
assessment for policy makers and other
stakeholders to mitigate atmospheric pollution.
Objectives
The general objective is to promote regional
capacity building and facilitate interactions between
scientific and policy making process. The specific
objectives are:
● to develop the science and the capacity to study
the issue of aerosols in the region;
● to assess the impacts of ABC on climate change
agriculture water budget and health, and
● to raise awareness on the issue and promote
actions for mitigation.
Major Outputs
● Publication on the initial assessment of the
impact of Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC);
● Increased capacity to study Atmospheric
Brown Clouds (ABC) in the region with fully
operational observatories in the Asia-Pacific
region operated by local scientists;
● Increased understanding of the impacts of
Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC) on health,
agriculture, and water budget. The impact
assessment studies will produce
comprehensive scientific reports on impacts
of ABC on water budget, agriculture, and
human health including a summary report for
policy makers;
● Knowledge concerning mitigation measures
developed and effectively communicated to
decision makers and general public.
Date: January 2009
Website: http://www.rrcap.unep.org/abc
 Project Atmospheric Brown Clouds
Status Report: January 2009
UNEP commissioned Project ABC in 2002 to study the issue
of Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABCs) in Asia. A Science
Team comprising internationally renowned scientists was ABC SURFACE OBSERVATORIES
established. The ABC Science Team together with Impact • Maldives Climate Observatory -
assessment experts has conducted observation and the first Hanimaadhoo (MCO-H),
assessment of impacts of ABCs on regional climate, water
resources, agriculture and human health in Asia. Initial studies • Maldives Climate Observatory - Gan
(MCO-G),
demonstrate that ABCs and its interaction with build-up of
greenhouse gases significantly affect the regional climate, • Indian Climate Observatory – Pune
glacial melt, water budget, agriculture and public health. (ICO-P),
Results of Phase I implementation indicate that for the next
• Nepal Climate Observatory -
decades, the regional aerosol effects will continue to play a Godavari (NCO-G),
major role as long as current strong sources of air pollution
remain. The important but inadequately understood role that • Nepal Climate Observatory -
ABCs can play in regional and global climate change has Pyramid (NCO-P),
opened a new dimension of human influence on earth’s • Thailand Climate Observatory -
climate. Achievements of the Project ABC during the phase I Phimai (TCO-P),
implementation and proposed direction of phase II are
• Japan Climate observatory -
summarized in this status report.
Okinawa (JCO-O),
Strengthened capacity to monitor ABCs • Korea Climate Observatory - Gosan
(KCO-G),
● ABC Observatories: establishment of an integrated
network of 12 strategically located state-of-the-art • Pacific Climate Observatory -
Momote (PCO-MT),
ABC surface climate and ABC pollution observatories
and throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region – a major • Pacific Climate Observatory -
Midway (PCO-MW), and
achievement in this relatively poorly monitored part of
the world – that are now operated by national • Pacific Climate Observatory - Mauna
scientists with regular training through the project and Loa (PCO-ML)
support from Science Team. • National Atmospheric and Climate
Observatory – Trinidad Head
● Regional Atmospheric Characterization (NACO-T)
experiments: Field campaigns APMEX (2004) and
MAC (2006) conducted from ABC super site at
Haminaadhoo in Maldives and EAREX (2005) and
EAREX 2007 (in collaboration with PACDEX)
conducted from ABC super site at Jeju in Korea to
improve our understanding of ABCs in South Asia and
East Asia.
● UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles): Development of
light weight UAVs to monitor ABCs for the first time
with UAVs. UAVs were deployed during MAC (2006)
in Maldives.
ABC Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
● Aerosol and Precipitation measurements: Rain
water sampling to document for the first time how soot
ABCs are removed by rain in the South Asia. Transfer
of knowledge to the local scientists about
measurements of precipitation and aerosol sampling
and analysis.
Improved science on ABCs
● ABC models: Creation of an assimilated aerosol WHAT ARE ABCs?
radiative forcing and heating rates dataset on a scale of
50 km x 50 km for the entire Indo-Asia-Western Pacific Atmospheric brown clouds
region from 2000 to 2005. This product integrates
weather forecast fields with satellite observations and (ABCs) are regional scale
surface emission of aerosol precursors in a regional
plumes of air pollution that
chemical-transport model. This will serve as a source for
many international assessments of ABCs on Asian consist of copious amounts of
weather and climate.
tiny particles of soot,
● Regional Hotspots: Spatial distribution of ABC and
Identification of regional ABC hotspots around the world. sulphates, nitrates, fly ash and
The aerosol regional radiative forcing to climate system many other pollutants.
and associated impacts are significant, often higher than
the global values, due to heterogeneous spatial and
temporal distributions of aerosol loading. The particularly
affected regions with high values of aerosol burden are
Asia (e.g., South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asian
region), Africa (Southern and Central Africa), and South  
 
America (Amazon basin) and the oceanic region  
downwind. These are the regional hotspots, and the  
ABCs problem is not restricted to these regions only.  
 
● New Scientific Understanding: A better understanding  
of the science of ABC with new findings on regional  
climate change through the studies by ABC scientists;  
such as  
- Surface dimming (reduction of solar radiation  
reaching the ground) and atmospheric solar heating  
are large over Asia. The studies have confirmed that
ABCs may have masked global warming by as much
as 50%.
- ABCs can weaken the monsoon circulation and
reduce monsoon rainfall.
- ABCs increase strength and frequency of
temperature inversion in winter and spring
- Atmospheric solar heating combined with soot
deposition on the snow/ice can add to greenhouse
warming and accelerate the retreat of glaciers and
snow packs in Hindu-Kush-Himalayan (HKH)
Mountains.
Global distribution of ABCs.
The images show aerosol optical
depths (rough index for total
aerosol content and quantitative
index for sunlight intercepted) for
anthropogenic aerosols for Dec
to March (a); April to June (b);
July to August (c) and Sept to
Nov (d). The figure reveals the
wide spread nature of ABCs and
the strong seasonal dependence
of ABCs which differ from region
to region. Source: Ramanathan
et al, 2007, ABC special Issue of
JGR edited by Nakajima and
Yoon.
Improved understanding on impacts of ABCs
● Impact Study Teams: Formation of international teams of experts from within and outside
Asia to carry out comprehensive scientific assessment studies on the impacts of ABCs on
agriculture, water budgets and human health in Asia, with Indian Agriculture Research
Institute (India) as lead regional institution for coordinating agriculture impact study; Nanyang
Technological University (Singapore) for water impacts, and Chulabhorn Research Institute
(Thailand) for Health impacts. Capacity of Asian researchers has been significantly enhanced
regarding the understanding of the ABCs issue and carries out impact assessment studies.
● First Impact Assessment Report with Focus on Asia: The first impact assessment report
on “ABC Impacts on Regional Climate, Agriculture and Human Health” has been completed
and published in November 2008. The impact assessment report is available at
www.rrcap.unep.org/abc/impact/index.cfm. The report is the first attempts by the Project ABC
to assess the effects of ABCs. The starting point of the report was an earlier preliminary
assessment report on human health, food security and the water budget in 2002 that was
based on the findings of Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX).

Phase II
Phase I results have revealed that the pollution haze is a frequently occurring phenomenon in and
downwind of all heavily inhabited regions across the globe and ABC has become an issue of
global significance. There is a need to develop the science and build the capacity of developing
countries for monitoring, scientific understanding, impact assessment, and mitigation of
atmospheric brown clouds. The experiences from the formulation and implementation of the
Montreal Protocol show that the development of science should be supported by appropriate
capacity building measures for prevention, mitigation and adaptation in order to address the
emerging environmental issues. In view of this, the second phase will focus on the following sub-
programmes in Asia:

● Sub-program 1 (Aerosol and Climate Observatory and Modeling): aims to build the necessary
physical infrastructure for atmospheric monitoring (radiation, aerosol, precipitation, and
meteorology) and data on atmospheric brown clouds for gaining better insights on science of
ABCs, as well as training of local scientists and technicians.

● Sub-program 2 (Impact Assessment): aims to further refine the assessment of the impacts of
ABCs on regional climate, water resources, agriculture and human health using the data from
the observatory programme and model simulation results. The second impact assessment
report will be published at the end of Phase II.

● Sub-program 3 (Adaptation and Mitigation): will carry out ABC mitigation and adaptation
studies through application of various green technologies as pilot studies in order to develop
practical mitigation measures to reduce emissions of ABCs and adaptation measures for
glacial melt.

● Sub-program 4 (Policy): The firm information based on sound science, i.e., the findings from
the impact assessment program and mitigation programme, will provide valuable basis for
policy-making through the program on policy.

In Africa and Latin America, the project will conduct scoping studies and develop white Papers with
assessment of the current situation regarding the available studies or ongoing relevant activities on
the issues, if any, technical capacities and human resources. The white paper will identify the gaps
in the existing system to study the issue of ABCs in Africa and Latin America.
 Environment and Health
1.

Background Objectives

Humans are a part of the ecosystem. The release Objective of the initiative is to promote a
of pollutants into the atmosphere, water or land
coordinated intervention at national to regional
beyond the carrying capacity of the ecosystem has
levels for reduction of adverse impacts of
a direct impact on human health. Air pollution
contributes to an annual death of nearly 0.5 million environmental deterioration on human health in
people in Asia. Climate change, which includes Asia.
extreme weather events and also changing pattern
of diseases, cause death to the ever growing 1.5
million humans every year. These trends are a
growing concern as urban migration is reaching up
to 40% of the region's 3.6 billion people now living
in cities. By 2025, urban areas will be home to
more than half of the region's population.

The responsibility for health and environmental

protection is vested in different government
agencies. Formulation and implementation of
policies on environment and health require effective
communication and joint action by the environment
and health agencies at both national and regional Regional Ministerial Forum on Environment
and Health in South East and East Asia
levels.

Major Activities Major Outputs

In November 2004, UNEP in collaboration with the
WHO convened the First High-Level meeting on Ministerial Forum
environment and health in Southeast and East ● Convened Ministerial Regional Forum and High
Asian countries. The meeting requested UNEP and Level Officials’ Meeting on Environment and
WHO to assist with the development and Health, 8-9 August 2007, Bangkok.
implementation of a Regional Charter for
Regional Charter
environment and health. Major activities include:
● Devised a Regional Charter on environment
● Convene one Advisory Body meetings
and health in South East and East Asia
● Convene annual Scientific seminar
● Complete annual progress report in the Declaration
implementation of the regional charter by 4th ● Ministerial level declaration (Bangkok
quarter of 2008 Declaration) on Environment and Health.
● Enhance knowledge sharing through the
Expert Networks
establishment and implementation of a
● Thematic Working Groups are established and
dedicated website for the regional forum
corresponding work plans have been
● Convene the meetings of the High-Level
completed for 6 priority areas: (i) Air quality; (ii)
officials to review the progress in the
Water supply, hygiene and sanitation; (iii) Solid
implementation of the Regional Charter
and hazardous waste; (iv) Toxic chemicals and
● Assist Technical Working Groups in
hazardous substances; (v) Climate change,
implementing their work plan
ozone depletion and ecosystem changes; (vi)
● Compile a synthesis document on environment
Contingency planning, preparedness and
and health for the environment and health
response in environmental health emergencies.
ministers.

Date: January 2009

Website: http://www.environment-health.asia
Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely
Transboundary Effects for South Asia
1.
Background
Air pollution is an emerging environmental issue in
Asia as it is in other parts of the world. In 1998,
UNEP together with Stockholm Environment
Institute (SEI) took the initiative to draw attention to
air pollution and its transboundary effects for South
Asia with the financial support from Sida. Malé
Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air
Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary Effects was
discussed and adopted by Ministers of the
Environment of South Asian in April 1998.
Participating countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri
Lanka. South Asia Cooperative Environment
program (SACEP) is also part of the network.
Governments nominated National Implementing
Agencies (NIAs) for the implementation of the Malé
Declaration. UNEP hosts as the Secretariat. The
implementation had three phases.
Major Activities
Phase I: During Phase I of the Malé Declaration
implementation programme, 1998-2000, a network
was established, baseline studies were completed
and action plans drawn up.
Phase II: A capacity building programme was
initiated in Phase II of the implementation
programme which included strengthening the
monitoring network and training. National and
regional level stakeholders networks were also
established during this phase. By the end of Phase
II in 2004, at national level, each of the participating
countries established one transboundary air
pollution monitoring station and the required skilled
manpower to do the monitoring.
Phase III:
● Networking: convene intergovernmental
meetings and stakeholders’ meetings
● Monitoring: Assist NIAs in conducting regular
monitoring.
● Emission Inventory: technical support for the
compilation of emission inventory.
● Impact Assessment: enhance the impact
assessment capacity of NIAs
Objectives
The Malé Declaration’s objective is to aid the
process of providing a clean environment through
clean air. The Declaration calls for regional
cooperation to address the increasing threat of
transboundary air pollution and its possible
impacts.
Bahawalnagar
Deholran Chitwan
Geliphu
Sathkhira
Port Canning
Anuradaphura
Hanimaadu
Transboundary air pollution monitoring network
under the Malé Declaration
Major Outputs
Policy developments: Malé Declaration on
Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its likely
Transboundary Effects for South Asia; and Network
of policy makers and scientists for the
implementation of the Malé Declaration;
Capacity for monitoring: Baseline reports on the
status of transboundary air pollution monitoring at
the national level; Network of trainboundary air
pollution monitoring sites in South Asia; Skilled
manpower to conduct transboundary air pollution
monitoring; Technical manual for conducting
transboundary air pollution monitoring;
Capacity for impact assessment: Methodology
and skilled manpower to conduct assessment of
health impact, corrosion impact, and crop impact;
Emission inventory manual for compilation of
emission data;
Capacity for emission reduction: Demonstration
projects for emission reduction; Compendium of
good practices for emission reduction; National
level strategies for emission reduction.
Date: January 2009
Website: www.rrcap.unep.org/male