United Nations Environment Programme
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is not a funding agency but uses its resources to initiate programmes which will draw funds from other agencies, organizations and government trust funds. UNEP promotes international cooperation in the field of the environment and sustainable development and provides general policy guidance for the direction and coordination of environmental programmes within the United Nations system.As the scientific partner of the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNEP estimates the possible additional costs that may be incurred by developing countries for implementing environmental projects whose benefits accrue beyond national frontiers. Along with the World Bank and UNDP, UNEP decides on the justification for Global Environment Facility (GEF) assistance. The main activities of UNEP are the identification, the monitoring and the assessment of major environmental developments (through the Global Environment Monitoring System - GEMS) and to ensure that governments have access to information (through the International Environmental Information System - INFOTERRA). From 1994 to 1995, UNEP developed a forest policy to guide its activities in this field.
Priorities related to the forestry sector
Forestry, land degradation and watershed management are priority areas for UNEP activities; also important is the area of environmental standards, legislation and treaties. Its coordination of activities within the Plan of Action to Combat Desertification and its contribution to national forestry action programmes show the importance given to forestry activities. UNEP activities are often related to biodiversity and genetic resources conservation.
Procedures
UNEP has the same procedures as other UN organizations for project formulation and implementation. UNEP generally works in close collaboration and complementarily with other UN organizations.
Contact details
Headquarters:United Nations Environment Programme
PO Box 30552
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (2542) 623 238
Fax: (2542) 624 260
Web site: http://www.unep.org/
Information about UNEP programmes can be also obtained from each UNDP office present in almost every developing country.