UNITED
NATIONSEP
UNEP/EA.4/4
Distr.: General
15 March 2019
Original: English

United Nations
Environment Assembly of theUnited Nations Environment
Programme
United Nations Environment Assembly of theUnited Nations Environment Programme
Fourth session
Nairobi, 11–15 March 2019
Item 5 (c) of the agenda*
Medium-term strategy, programme of work and budget,and other administrative and budgetary issues: proposed
programme of work and budget for the biennium 2020‒2021

Proposed programme of work and budget for the biennium 2020‒
20211
Report of the Executive Director
Summary
The present report sets out the proposed programme of work and budget for thebiennium 2020–2021, reflecting the outcome of consultations with the Committee of Permanent
Representatives to the United Nations Environment Programme. Without prejudice to further
work that might be undertaken by the Committee of Permanent Representatives on this matter,the proposed programme of work and budget are being submitted to the United Nations
Environment Assembly for its consideration.

* UNEP/EA.4/1.
1 All references to dollars ($) are to United States dollars.

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Contents
List of abbreviations..................................................................................................................... 1
I.

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 5A.
Overall orientation ............................................................................................................ 5
B.
Lessons learned ................................................................................................................. 6
C.
Overview of resources .................................................................................................... 11

II.

Policymaking organs and stakeholder engagement .................................................................... 22

III.

Executive direction and management ........................................................................................ 25

IV.

Programme of work ................................................................................................................... 29
Climate change ........................................................................................................................... 31
Resilience to disasters and conflicts ........................................................................................... 42
Healthy and productive ecosystems ........................................................................................... 51
Environmental governance......................................................................................................... 62
Chemicals, waste and air quality ................................................................................................ 75
Resource efficiency .................................................................................................................... 86
Environment under review ....................................................................................................... 100

V.

Programme management and support ...................................................................................... 106

Annexes2

I

Relevant impact-level Sustainable Development Goal indicators for the United Nations
Environment Programme ......................................................................................................... 111

II

United Nations Environment Assembly resolutions and decisions .......................................... 116

III

Recommendations of the Board of Auditors ............................................................................ 118

IV

Evaluation plan for the period 2020‒2021 ............................................................................... 120
A.
Scope and objectives ..................................................................................................... 121
B.
Planned activities and related outputs ........................................................................... 121

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List of abbreviations
AOSIS

Alliance of Small Island States

CBD

Convention on Biological Diversity

CCF

country capacity framework

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

DDTdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

DESA

Department of Economic and Social Affairs

DOALOS

Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea

DPA

Department of Political Affairs

DPKO

Department of Peacekeeping Operations

ECE

Economic Commission for Europe

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council

GCF

Green Climate Fund

GEF

Global Environment Facility

IEA

International Energy Agency

ILO

International Labour Organization

IOC

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

IPSAS

International Public Sector Accounting Standards

IRENA

International Renewable Energy Agency

ITC

International Trade Centre

IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

OCHA

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OECD

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OHCHR

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

OHRLLS

Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked
Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

PCB

polychlorinated biphenylPOPpersistent organic pollutant

REDD

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation
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4

SAICM

Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management

Samoa Pathway

SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal

SIDS

small island developing States

UNCCD

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing
Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

UNCDF

United Nations Capital Development Fund

UNCTAD

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNDP

United Nations Development Programme

UNEA

United Nations Environment Assembly

UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNESCO-UISUNESCO Institute for Statistics

UNFCCC

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UN-Habitat

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

UNHCR

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNIDO

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNISDR

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

UNODC

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

UNOG

United Nations Office at Geneva

UNON

United Nations Office at Nairobi

UN-REDD

United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries

UNSD

United Nations Statistics Division

UNWTO

World Tourism Organization

VISC

voluntary indicative scale of contributions

WCMC

World Conservation Monitoring Centre

WHO

World Health Organization

WFP

World Food Programme

WTO

World Trade Organization

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I.

Introduction
1.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) hereby
submits the programme of work for the biennium 2020–2021 for approval by the United Nations
Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme at its fourth session, in
March 2019. The programme of work is guided by the medium-term strategy for the period 2018–2021. Whereas the medium-term strategy provides a long-term perspective (through outcomes mapped
to 2030, with a strategic focus on the period 2018‒2021), the programme of work for the biennium
2020‒2021 provides the detailed elements of what UNEP will deliver during the second half of thestrategy and how performance will be measured.

A.

Overall orientation
2.
UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda,
promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development
within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Its mandate derives from General Assembly resolution 2997 (XXVII). The governing body of UNEP
further clarified the mandate of UNEP in Governing Council decision 19/1 setting out the Nairobi
Declaration on the Role and Mandate of the United Nations Environment Programme, which was
subsequently endorsed by the General Assembly in the annex to its resolution S/19-2 in 1997 andfurther reaffirmed in resolutions 53/242 in 1999 and 66/288 and 67/213 in 2012.
3.
Within its mandate, UNEP promotes environmental sustainability while contributing to abalanced integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable
development. In September 2015, in resolution 70/1, the General Assembly adopted the outcome
document of the United Nations summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda,“Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The synthesis report of theUnited Nations Secretary-General on the post-2015 sustainable development agenda, “The road todignity by 2030: ending poverty, transforming all lives and protecting the planet”, 2 points to a strategic
shift in sustainable development for a “truly universal and transformational course”. This strategic
shift also acknowledges the integrated nature of the challenges that countries face (e.g., gender andincome inequality, inadequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, social exclusion, environmental
degradation and the depletion of natural resources, which hinder long-term economic growth while
exacerbating global inequalities) and defines a new paradigm for sustainable development in which theenvironment is no longer treated in a silo.
4.
The Environment Assembly convened its second session in May 2016 and adopted
resolution 2/5 on “Delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, whereby theuniversal-membership Environment Assembly committed itself to contributing to the effective
implementation of the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in
an integrated manner, through setting the global environmental agenda, providing overarching policy
guidance and defining policy responses to address emerging environmental challenges, undertaking
policy review, dialogue and exchange of experiences and fostering partnerships for achieving
environmental goals and resource mobilization. At its second session, the Environment Assembly also
guided UNEP in aligning its strategic planning with the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) through the approval of the medium-term strategy for 2018–2021, whichforms the framework for this programme of work and budget, thus giving both the Environment
Assembly and UNEP a critical role in supporting countries in achieving the environmental dimensionof sustainable development.
5.
The medium-term strategy for 2018‒2021 builds on the outcome document of theUnited Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, “The future we want”, 3 and the 2030 Agenda
adopted in September 2015. The medium-term strategy puts people at the centre of sustainable
development, promoting human well-being and meeting the needs of present and future generations
without degrading the environment or exceeding the planet’s regenerative capacity. Integration ofenvironmental considerations into development planning results in a more equitable distribution of
resources, leading to healthier people. Science is fundamental to providing solutions to some of themost pressing sustainability issues of the twenty-first century. Strengthening the science-policy
interface in a consistent way across the SDGs to inform society of both the risks and the opportunitiesof new developments is therefore at the heart of the work of UNEP and is embedded throughout thisprogramme of work. The medium-term strategy for 2018‒2021 provides a stepping stone towards a2

A/69/700.

3 General Assembly resolution 66/288, annex.

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vision of 2030 in which human beings live on a healthier planet.
6.
To achieve this ambitious 2030 vision, UNEP, as the leading global environmental authority,
will promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development
within the United Nations system and serve as an authoritative advocate for the environment. UNEP
will also meet the particular needs of regions and countries by tailoring work to address their diverse
environmental challenges, from addressing their varying vulnerability to climate change 4 and disasters
to improving ecosystem health, resource efficiency and air quality. Such activities will also help
countries implement the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda, the resolutions of theEnvironment Assembly, the multilateral environmental agreements and the plans, resolutions anddecisions of their conferences of the parties and internationally agreed global environmental goals.5
The medium-term strategy for 2018‒2021 also takes into account regional priorities and emerging
issues identified through global and regional forums; 6 the Global Environment Outlook process andother assessments; the UNEP environmental foresight process; and consultations with major groups
and stakeholders. The strategy aims to make the most of the comparative advantage of UNEP, whichis to provide an environmental lens through which to view, understand and advise on sustainable
development.

7.

UNEP will deliver this work within the context of seven priority areas, or subprogrammes, forthe biennium 2020–2021:

B.

(a)

Climate change;(b)

Resilience to disasters and conflicts;(c)

Healthy and productive ecosystems;(d)Environmental governance;(e)Chemicals, waste and air quality;(f)Resource efficiency;(g)Environment under review.

Lessons learned
8.
The programme of work and budget for 2020–2021 cover the second biennium of themedium-term strategy for 2018–2021, which sets out the overall strategic direction and expectedaccomplishments. The programme of work for 2020–2021 incorporates a number of improvements,
building on the milestones reached and the lessons learned during the first biennium. UNEP is anorganization that strives for continuous improvement. In addition to internal continuous learning
processes, it draws on a range of internal and external critical reviews to identify opportunities for
improvement. Several lessons from monitoring, evaluations, inspections and audits have informed thedesign of the new programme of work. A key lesson learned is that work must be related to coremandates and there must be a causal link between core work, subprogramme results and a funding
analysis. Another lesson is that the indicators of achievement must measure the expectedaccomplishments, and not some broader result not exclusively attributable to UNEP. Highlighted
below are some of the key lessons learned about budgeting, funding, monitoring/reporting, operationaldelivery and gender. Examples of lessons learned for each subprogramme are included.
9.
Budgeting. The proposed budgets stem from an internal process that took into consideration
historical trends in expenditures, income and results. The outcome of this process is illustrated in therealistic levels of the budget envelopes against each funding source. With regards to the Environment
Fund, the $200 million envelope envisages a level of ambition equivalent to $50 million to be
implemented in line with the 2017 approved resource mobilization strategy that is expected to be fully
underway by the end of 2019. The lessons learned from the assessment of the previous programme
performance reports, along with the new budget allocation process implemented in 2018, resulted inrealistic provision for staff and non-staff requirements. The number of staff positions reflects the4

The effects of climate change are likely to affect women more than men, particularly in developing countries,
given that women represent the majority of the world’s poor and are often more socially excluded.
5 Known as the Global Environmental Goals, these are available at http://geg.informea.org under the “Goals” tab.
The compilation of these goals is ongoing.
6 Including the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing forDevelopment, the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011‒2020, theVienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014‒2024 and the Samoa
Pathway).
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actual funded positions against each funding source and across the various subprogrammes and budget
components. These numbers were further adjusted to reflect the changes expected from the internal
reform to streamline administrative and programmatic functions at all levels of the organization,
including the executive direction and management component. The budgets against the earmarked andglobal funds, as well as the programme support costs, are indicated under each subprogramme on thebasis of contributions in the biennium 2016–2017.
10.
Monitoring and reporting. To improve the programme of work for 2020–2021 and build on
lessons learned, each subprogramme section now sets out how SDG indicators are positioned both at
the impact and the indicator level and how Environment Assembly resolutions are aligned. The
resolutions are fully integrated into the programme of work. In addition, there are references to otherglobally agreed environmental goals. The placing of an indicator, resolution or goal within the context
of a subprogramme does not indicate exclusivity; most cut across the entire programme. For example,
Environment Assembly resolution 3/8 on preventing and reducing air pollution to improve air quality
is “housed” within subprogramme 5 on chemicals, waste and air quality but is equally relevant to all
the other subprogrammes. All the cross-cutting SDG indicators and a list of the Environment
Assembly resolutions and decisions can be found in annexes I and II.
11.
Indicators are an “indication” of work and do not always represent the full picture, forexample, an appropriate balance between attribution and contribution. Maintaining the same indicators
over time provides the longitudinal view of performance that member States often ask for. Given thatthe programme of work and budget for 2020–2021 lie within the framework of the 2018–2021
medium-term strategy, it is important to have a degree of consistency to measure performance within
the medium-term strategy period. In the light of these performance measurement and accountability
concerns, the indicators in the 2020–2021 programme of work and budget match, where appropriate,
the ones that member States approved in the programme of work and budget for 2018–2019.
12.
All the performance indicators mentioned in the subprogrammes refer to the contribution or
support of UNEP. In some cases, where the recently adopted SDG indicator was similar to that of
UNEP, the SDG indicator was adopted. In such cases, the SDG indicators are to be achieved bymember States, though they will be attributed through UNEP support. In many cases, theenvironmental indicators in the global SDG indicator framework do not have a data set or agreed
methodology for quantification (i.e., tier III indicators), in which case they are not appropriate for use.
13.
Monitoring. In certain areas of work, change must be monitored over a term longer than asingle biennium or even the four years of the medium-term strategy. UNEP must identify parameters
for many key areas of engagement, and they must be aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Environment
Assembly resolutions. At the same time, monitoring instruments need to be flexible enough to permit
adaptive management and swift decision-making, thus ensuring improved delivery.
14.
Operational delivery. A key lesson learned is that for successful programme delivery, UNEP
should engage in robust consultations with member States on partnerships and new initiatives. Suchconsultations should in particular take place when new endeavors require substantive new resources orinfringe on existing core resources and/or outcomes. Consultations should also take place to ensurethat member States and UNEP have a shared understanding of the organization’s role in new
initiatives. In addition, many areas have been identified where UNEP could build on lessons learned toenhance its operational delivery. These include enhanced collaboration (internally and externally),
improved results-based management, securing funding, human resources strategy and regionaldelivery.
15.
Enhanced collaboration. Sustainable development is a universal goal and success is unlikely
to come from any single player working on its own. Thus UNEP continues to enhance its collaborative
approach both internally and externally. There is a need to measure the progress that UNEP leverages
through all its partnerships. Agreements need to be sought with partners to ensure that the results
attributable to the multiplier effect of partnership with UNEP, including within the United Nations
system, can be tracked and accurately measured.
16.
Results-based management. The continuing transition towards results-based management is as
much a transformation of the institution’s internal culture as it is a management issue. UNEP
continues to build capacity in this area through a range of initiatives, including learning best practices
from other organizations. UNEP is also taking a number of steps to enhance its capacity to deliver
results, which include measuring and enhancing UNEP value for money and business models,
strengthening the environmental, social and economic safeguards policy and a gender policy andaction plan, enhancing its programming and delivery capacity through standard procedures,development in Umoja, simplified legal instruments, training and other forms of capacity-building at
both UNEP headquarters and regional offices.
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17.
Funding. Efforts by UNEP to widen and secure the resource base for the execution of the
programme of work, both by UNEP directly and by its partners, need to be sustained. Securingcontributions to the Environment Fund or funding that is only softly earmarked is indispensable if
UNEP is to maintain its ability to deliver in accordance with the priorities agreed upon by its member
States. A key lesson learned was for the organization to define its comparative advantage and fundingneeds strategically, for both core and earmarked funding, and to comprehensively look at thelandscape for potential funding sources. This culminated in the development of a new resource
mobilization strategy that brought together expertise from across the organization.
18.
Human resources. Among other lessons was that UNEP needs to pay more attention todeveloping its human resource strategy, outlining the technical and managerial competences needed
for implementation of the medium-term strategy. The newly appointed director of corporate services
will be tasked with developing this approach for delivery by 2020–2021.
19.
Regional delivery. Another key lesson is the need for greater clarity regarding the regionaldelivery of the programme of work and the accountability within the organization for such delivery.
The UNEP structure provides for posting staff to regional offices to ensure these are adequately
staffed. This supports the services required for each subprogramme, while ensuring access by such
staff to technical divisions and services. With the reform of the United Nations development system,
UNEP will analyse the implications of its approach to regional and country engagement in order to put
in place optimal institutional arrangements between the regional offices and divisions and engage withthe reformed development system to deliver the programme of work at the regional level.
20.
Gender. UNEP remains committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
in the area of sustainable development. A number of lessons have been learned since the adoption in2016 of the Organization’s policy and strategy on gender equality. For example, it is important tounderstand relevant gender equality issues and their relation to the environment and strengthen theability to articulate gender and environment perspectives in policy development and implementation.
Thus, UNEP aims to ensure that gender analysis informs all planning and project design and genderconsiderations are fully reflected in monitoring frameworks. Similarly, all data used in projectplanning, baselining and monitoring are disaggregated by sex. Gaps in data and statistics which can beused to measure these priority issues identified by the Global Gender and Environment Outlook will
be addressed. In addition, good practices and country examples need to be summarized and shared.
21.
Climate change. The pre-release Emissions Gap Report of 2018 shows that the contribution of
non-state actors to additional emission reductions is still quite limited compared to what countries
have already pledged (up to 0.2–0.7 GtCO2e per year by 2030 compared to full nationally determined
contribution implementation, and 1.5–2.2 GtCO2e per year compared to current policy). A wider,more comprehensive overview of all non-state and subnational climate action occurring globally islimited by the current low level of available data and a lack of consistent reporting on tracking theimpact of non-state and subnational climate action. In sum, climate change will expose the private
sector to a range of new risks and opportunities. An important strategy for managing risks andexploiting opportunities involves stakeholder engagement and communication. Building on lessons
learned, the subprogramme will work with this group to make sure they are aware of and mitigate therisks, and capitalize on the opportunities.
22.
Ecosystem-based adaptation will remain central to UNEP work on climate resilience, as
guided by Environment Assembly resolution 1/8. With only approximately 5per cent of global climate
finance directed towards ecosystem-based adaptation, the focus will be on accelerating adaptation
solutions and measuring adaptation effectiveness. To achieve this, UNEP, together with theGovernments of the Netherlands, Japan and the Philippines, has, for example, established the Global
Centre of Excellence on Climate Adaptation. In addition, UNEP will scale up work on innovative
financing mechanisms, building on previous success.
23.
Another lesson learned in the climate change subprogramme is that women are not only
vulnerable to climate change but also effective actors or agents of change in relation to climate change.
Women’s responsibilities in households and communities as stewards of natural and household
resources, as well as traditional knowledge, can position them to contribute to better livelihood options
as a response to alternative solutions to coping with climate impacts and mitigating greenhouseemissions. Building on these lessons learned, a gender perspective is embedded as a cross-cutting
issue and has also been addressed through a stand-alone initiative that empowers women as agents ofchange with regard to climate change and sustainable energy.
24.
The scientific community studying climate change generates data, authoritative scientificassessments and policy recommendations to support the transition to resilient and low-emissions
development, including a shift to more resource-efficient and sustainable consumption and production
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patterns. Based on this lesson and to enhance synergy within UNEP, the subprogramme will work withthe environment under review and resource efficiency subprogrammes to establish a science-policy
interface by connecting policymakers to scientific findings and assessments that will guide thedecision-making process.
25.
Resilience to disasters and conflicts. Previously, the subprogramme had two streams of workon risk reduction and recovery. One lesson learned is that there is a need to be more responsive tocountries’ needs in enhancing resilience and their increasing demand for post-crisis assessments. There
are now three streams of work, with the recovery stream split into short recovery and longer-term
rehabilitation. In addition, the risk reduction component has been expanded to pay particular attention
to addressing the causes and consequences of environmental security, through work geared towards
identifying and understanding emerging environmental threats to security. On the basis of theselessons, this subprogramme has taken the following steps:●

Greater focus on resilience and livelihoods as a defining objective and guiding
principle for the subprogramme;●

Enhanced responsiveness to member States’ priorities, for example, in work on
environment and security and on the environmental causes and impacts ofdisplacement and forced migration;●

Greater focus on issues such as disaster waste, the extractive sector, the environmental
causes of displacement and the environmental impact of humanitarian operations;●

A shift from knowledge acquisition and demonstration (pilot) projects towards
initiatives that aim for impact at scale.

26.
Healthy and productive ecosystems. The 2030 impact for the subprogramme is to promotehealthy ecosystems in order to provide a secure supply of ecosystem services and goods for humanwell-being. Building on lessons learned from UNEP performance management, this subprogramme
will take a more integrated approach to ecosystem management, which will better position it to
support countries in delivering on the 2030 Agenda. The subprogramme has shifted from a sectoral
approach focusing on terrestrial and aquatic production, marine issues and the enabling environment to
two streams focusing on the short and long terms. In the short to medium term, UNEP will strengthen
tools such as the inclusive wealth index to support countries in valuing their natural capital. In thelonger term, it will provide curricula to universities on ecosystem management thinking, so that future
graduates have the capability to make decisions that embed ecosystem management thinking leading
to the 2030 impact.
27.
Environmental governance. For the subprogramme to be better positioned to facilitate theimplementation of the enviromental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
more focused and coherent national level work is needed, grounded on United Nations development
assistance frameworks and on the Sustainable Developoment Goals implementation architecture. To
this end, there will be stronger complementarity among programmes in the implementation phase,including in the fields of poverty environment, institutional strengthening for the implementation of
the SDGs and environmental law. The subprogramme will also place more explicit focus on promoting
the realization of environmental rights and stronger citizens’ engagement and public participation
through the Environmental Rights Initiative, in line with the integrated nature of the SDGs and theneed to more strongly integrate social issues in environmental management. In addition, a broader
approach to knowledge management for environmental governance will be undertaken. .
28.
The subprogramme will focus on the continuum between environmental law development andimplementation, for heightened impact, and will make use of national environmental law focal points
nominated by governments in response to Environment Assembly Resolution 2/19 on the Midterm
review of the fourth Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law(Montevideo Programme IV), which will provide strategic direction on emerging environmental
priorities under a new generation environmental law programme developed in response to
Resolution 2/19.
29.
Chemicals, waste and air quality. The subprogramme is designed to respond to member
States’ request to include air quality as a key issue. It also has key elements of the outcome documentof the third session of the Environment Assembly, on pollution, embedded into it. Furthermore, theentries into force of the Minamata Convention on Mercury on 16 August 2017 and the Kigali
Amendment of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 1 January 2019,
which are major milestones towards the sound management of chemicals and waste and improving air
quality, are also reflected in the subprogramme for 2020–2021.
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30.
Based on recent lessons learned and recommendations/requests from member States, thesubprogramme has been enhanced as follows:(a)
UNEP work on the environment and health nexus has been significantly scaled up,
integrated and accelerated by maximizing synergies and offering a menu of services to relevant
countries and stakeholders.
(b)Halting pollution is considered one of the key drivers of success towards improved
human health and a detoxified environment. In view of this and with an aim of ensuring a higher
profile at UNEP, air and water quality have been added to the portfolio of this subprogramme. This
includes an innovative initiative on air pollution and health to ensure scaled-up delivery that is
strategic, integrated, time-bound and issue-based, while providing social, economic and healthbenefits.
(c)
A more cross-cutting and integrated approach to chemicals- and waste-related SDGs
and multilateral environmental agreements has been adopted. This is done by achieving soundmanagement of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle by 2020 and including specific targets
under several SDGs related to chemicals and waste and protection of human health.
31.
Resource efficiency. Alignment with the SDGs has been further strengthened down to theindicator level, as this subprogramme delivers directly on a range of indicators. While the overall
results framework as expressed through the expected accomplishments and associated indicators
remains largely unchanged, several adjustments have been made to the indicators and units of measure
to strengthen the overall results and impact monitoring. Several sectoral indicators under expectedaccomplishment (b) have been merged so as to rationalize reporting. Progress for various sectors willbe tracked and reported in a disaggregated manner, however. Several units of measure have beenadjusted to better integrate with SDG indicators.
32.
Building on lessons learned, the subprogramme will have more of a focus on sustainableconsumption, lifestyles and education. Sustainable lifestyles (in core domains such as food, housing,mobility and leisure) need a renewed focus in order to achieve the SDGs. Living sustainably is also
about ensuring that governments and businesses enact policies and provide more sustainable goods
and services. Raising awareness, education and information provision will be at the centre of our work
contributing to the 10-Year Framework of Programmes: Sustainable Lifestyles and Education;
Sustainable Food Systems, Sustainable Buildings and Construction and Consumer information.
33.
A financial system aligned with the Sustainable Development Agenda is essential todecarbonize investments and to channel them into green economies, industries and technologies.
Building on lessons from successful work engaging with bankers, investors and insurers andsupporting them in adopting sustainable finance standards and in channeling their investments intogreen economies, the subprogramme will strengthen work in this area. It will also build on lesson
learned to strengthen work with regulators and central banks to establish regulatory frameworks
conducive to support a shift to green investments and economies. In addition, given the cross-cutting
nature of finance across the programme of work, synergies with other subprogrammes will bestrengthened.
34.
Environment under review. In order for the environmental dimension of sustainable
development to be present in assessments and analysis, it is imperative for the environment underreview Subprogramme to support state and non-state actors in their efforts. Building on lessons learnt,
the subprogramme will strengthen its linkages with expert networks and science-policy institutes
within the regions and globally, and additional partnerships that may be required. In addition, there
will be a stronger focus on the benefits that the subprogramme can bring to regions, countries andcities in their efforts to keep the environment under review and implement the 2030 Agenda.
35.
Based on lessons learned, there is now demand-driven country-level and regional support as
the backbone for enhancing shared environmental information systems and environmental reporting.
In addition, access to disaggregated data and gender-environment indicators enable governments andstakeholders to develop gender responsive assessments, policies and strategies for soundenvironmental management. Equitable participation of women and men in assessment processes andmainstreaming of gender in decision-making, implementation, monitoring and reporting will besupported.

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C.

Overview of resources
36.
The proposed overall budget for the 2020‒2021 biennium is $910 million, comprising theEnvironment Fund, earmarked funds, global funds, programme support costs and the regular budget of
the United Nations. The budget for 2020‒2021 reflects a reduction of $6.2 million in staff costs under
Environment Fund resources compared to the 2018–2019 budget. This reduction is mainly attributed
to the re-alignment of staff positions with their organizational functional roles and relevant funding
sources as well as the decrease in the number of vacant staff positions previously budgeted under the$271 million envelope allocated to the Environment Fund in the programme of work and budget for
2018–2019.
37.
The proposed budget provides for increases of $77 million in earmarked funds and $110
million in global funds funding7. The projected increases are in line with historical trends in income
and expenditures that enabled UNEP not only to deliver on its mandates but also to exceed manytargets in the previous biennium. Thus, the level of ambition of the programme of work for 2020‒2021
represents a more realistic alignment between the expected budget and income to be realized overthose years. The projected increase in earmarked funding will generate additional programme support
resources of $5 million, which will cover the additional operational costs required to support the
management of these funds.
38.
The funding needs and mechanisms for the new Resident Coordinators model, prompted by
the United Nations reform process, are currently not taken into consideration in the budget for the
programme of work for 2020–2021. These funding needs and mechanisms are under review by theAdvisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, but a decision on how to share thefinancial burden for the revised resident coordinator model among the different United Nations entities
is still pending. It has been proposed that the funding of the new Resident Coordinator System could
be secured through a hybrid-funding model based on three funding sources: (a) 1% coordination levy
imposed on “tightly earmarked third-party non-core contributions”; (b) doubling cost-sharing
contributions from all United Nations Development System entities; and (c) voluntary, predictable
multi-year contributions to a trust fund. UNEP would be expected to contribute by way of earmarked
funds, along with other agencies. However, given that the final decision is pending, it would bepremature to make a provision for this in the budget component of the 2020–2021 programme of
work.
39.
Table 1 (a) shows the high-level budget by funding source. The figures for the regular-budget
appropriation have been revised in line with General Assembly resolution 72/263, which allocated$39.6 million to UNEP for the biennium 2018–2019. This level of appropriation entailed abolishingone P-2 position, which was budgeted for in 2018–2019.

7

Based on existing arrangements with GEF.
11

UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 1 (a)Total financial resource requirements by funding category, 2018‒2019 and 2020‒2021(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Fund programme reserve
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018–2019
Changes
2020–2021
118 200
138 800
14 000271 000(6 200)(60 800)(4 000)(71 000)

112 000
78 000
10 000200 000

305 000

77 00077 00072 500309 500
382 000

140 000
140 000

110 000
110 000

22 300227 700
250 000

33 00033 000

5 000
5 000

20 90017 10038 00036 1703 434
39 604788 604–––
121 000

36 1703 434
39 604909 604

305 000

Notes: All funding sources are broken down into post and non-post categories for the 2020–2021 budget, while only theEnvironment Fund and regular-budget sources were broken down for the 2018–2019 budget.

40.
Table 1 (b) provides information on projected staffing by funding source. The figures for
2018–2019 are those approved by the Environment Assembly, except for the regular budget, which
has been revised in the light of General Assembly resolution 72/263.
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund

426

(4)

422

B. Earmarked funds

195

55

250

C. Global funds

62

26

88

D. Programme support costs

76

14

90

E. Regular budget

116

(3)

113

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

875

88

963

41.
Overall, the budget for 2020–2021 is $121 million (15 per cent) higher than the budget for
2018–2019. The Environment Fund budget has decreased to $200 million, while the major increases
are expected in the earmarked funds budget, which has increased from $304.6 million to $382 million,
and the global funds budget, which has increased by $110 million to a total of $250 million for 2020–
2021.
42.
Notably, the Corporate Services Division’s budget will decrease by $2.8 million under theEnvironment Fund. This is due to the realignment of operational and transactional costs, mainly
related to UNEP services providers UNON and UNOG, against the appropriate funding sources,
namely programme support costs and global funds. On the other hand, owing to projected expansionof support needed for the increased level of activities resulting from real growth under earmarked
funds and global funds, the overall programme management and support budget across the remaining
funding sources would increase by 4.88 million, for a net increase of $2.08 million. The provision forprogramme support for UNON and UNOG is budgeted at the level of 2018 actual bills, with the
inflationary effect expected to be offset by equivalent efficiency gains.

12

UNEP/EA.4/4

43.
The Environment Fund programme reserve decreased by$4 million, in line with the overall
decrease in the Environment Fund budget. The provision is maintained in accordance with rule 209.3of the Financial Rules of the Environment Fund following General Council decisions 19/25 and 22/7.8
44.
Table 2 presents the overall UNEP resource requirements and changes by funding source andbudget component for the biennium 2020–2021 and comparisons with the approved 2018–2019budget.

8

Rule 209.3 of the Financial Rules of the Environment Fund following General Council decisions
19/25 and 22/7, adopted in February 1997, requests the establishment of “a fund programme reserve tomeet unforeseen needs, to finance unanticipated projects or phases of projects and to meet such otherpurposes as may be determined from time to time by the Governing Council”.

13

UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 2
United Nations Environment Programme resource requirements by funding source and budget component(Thousands of United States dollars)
Environment Fund

Earmarked funds

Global funds

Programme support costs

Regular budget

Total budget

2018–20192020–2021

2018–20192020–2021

2018–20192020–2021

2018–20192020–2021

2018–20192020–2021

2018–20192020–2021

1 700

4 000

–

400

–

–

–

20

93

93

1 793

4 513

7 800

7 200

600

300

–

–

400

–

5 722

5 722

14 52213 222

–

–

400

–

–

–

–

–

1 521

1 521

1 921

1 521

9 500

11 200

1 000

700

–

400

20

7 336

7 336

18 23619 256

1. Climate change

32 30022 200112 600

144 800

29 50083 500

3 200

7 200

3 722

3 722

181 322261 422

2. Resilience to disasters and conflicts

21 50015 60024 60020 200

–

–

2 400

1 000

2 619

2 619

51 11939 419

3. Healthy and productive ecosystems

41 80028 00039 60042 40080 500112 500

3 400

2 100

4 397

4 397

169 697

189 397

4. Environmental governance

35 90026 20032 80042 000

–

500

2 400

2 100

7 705

7 705

78 80578 505

5. Chemicals, wastes and air quality

32 30023 40038 40061 10024 30046 000

2 400

3 000

3 041

3 041

100 441

136 541

6. Resource efficiency

39 60028 40041 00061 100

–

–

2 300

3 000

3 357

3 357

86 25795 857

7. Environment under review

29 300

23 00014 100

7 800

2 300

3 300

1 000

400

5 523

5 523

52 22340 023

Subtotal C

232 700

166 800

303 100

379 400

136 600

245 800

17 10018 80030 36330 363719 863841 163

14 000

10 000–––

14 000

10 000246 700

176 800

245 800

17 10018 800733 863851 163––

A. Policymaking organs
B. 1. Executive direction andmanagement
B.2. UNSCEAR
Subtotal A+B
C. Programme of work

D. Fund programme reserve
Subtotal Total programme ofwork(C+D)

303 100

379 400

136 600

30 36330 363

E. Programme management & other
Corporate services

6 900

7 980

900

1 900

3 400

4 200

13 500

9 331

1 905

1 905

26 60525 316

UNON/UNOG bills

6 650

4 020

–

–

–

–

2 000

5 180

–

–

8 650

9 200

3 469

–

3 469

1 200

1 250

1 200

–

–

1 250

–

Subtotal E

14 800

12 000

900

1 900

3 400

4 200

15 50019 180

1 905

1 905

36 50539 185

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

271 000

200 000

305 000

382 000

140 000

250 000

33 00038 00039 60439 604788 604

909 604

Percentage of the total

34.4%

22.0%

38.7%

42.0%

Umoja and GSDM costs
After-service health insurance

–

17.8%

27.5%

4.2%

Abbreviations: UNSCEAR = United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation; GSDM = global service delivery model.
Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

14

4.2%

5.0%

4.4%

100%

100.0%

UNEP/EA.4/4

Results-based budgeting45.
In order to set and achieve realistic targets in the programme of work and ensure that resources
are appropriate for the level of ambition, similarly to the biennium 2018–2019, UNEP has applied aresults-based budgeting approach in drafting its Environment Fund budget for 2020‒2021.9
46.
Through the application of results-based budgeting, UNEP continues to achieve improvements
in its management processes. Budgets are clearly aligned to results that are internally and externallyvisible, thus providing increased accountability and transparency with regard to how budgets areformulated and implemented. The implementation of results-based budgeting also improves the
project management skills of the managers responsible, leading to the more efficient use of resources.
47.
The starting point for developing the budget involved identifying the results required to fulfil
various UNEP various mandates. This planning included any strengthened or new mandates, priority
areas and areas of renewed emphasis such as pollution, as per the resolutions adopted by theEnvironment Assembly at its third session, in December 2017. Some examples of areas where
mandates have expanded include the entry into force of the Minamata Convention in August 2017 and,at the regional level, the adoption of the first binding regional agreement to protect the rights of accessto information, public participation and access to justice in environmental matters (Principle 10 of the
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development) by the Latin American and Caribbean countries.
48.
The next step was to plug in regular-budget funding for core staff positions that focus on
substantive issues, as determined by the General Assembly and the Environment Assembly. These
include: coordination of environmental programmes within the United Nations system at both theglobal and regional levels; advice, as appropriate, to intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations
system and, upon request, to member States (especially in developing countries); effective cooperation
with relevant scientific and other professional communities worldwide; medium-range and long-range
planning for UNEP programmes; and reporting on environmental matters to the Environment
Assembly. Previous approvals by the General Assembly also provided part of the resources required toservice the UNEP governing body, direction, management and administration, including coordination.
49.
The historical data allowed ratios to be used to establish credibility in the budget and check forreasonableness in the requirements. Previous programme performance reports clearly show that asubprogramme represents a percentage of the programme of work by funding source. Accordingly,
using these precentages as a basis, the ratio of each subprogramme to the total envelope by funding
source was determined. Further, these amounts were adjusted and aligned with the expected results
and mandates of the programme of work for 2020–2021. For example, subprogrammes10 that havehistorically not attracted large volumes of earmarked funding were prioritized through a lesser
reduction under the Environment Fund compared to other subprogrammes. The newly establishedstaffing tables approved in 2018 formed the basis for aligning staff positions with the subprogrammes
and determining their associated costs, by funding source, in terms of salaries and operational
requirements. The provision for non-staff budgets by funding source and subprogramme reflects
historical expenditure trends while taking into consideration new mandates and resource mobilization
efforts being made in line with the new resource mobilization strategy approved in 2017.
Consequently, this approach allowed transparent and accurate provisions starting from the budget
envelopes down to each subprogramme, funding source and budget category.
Budget formulation for 2020‒2021
50.
The UNEP funding strategy envisages that the Environment Fund and the regular budget
should finance the essential ability of the UNEP secretariat to carry out its core functions andimplement its medium-term strategy through its programmes of work, while earmarked funding should
focus on strengthening the activities that support those core functions.

9 Results-based budgeting is a process in which (a) programme formulation revolves around a set of predefined

objectives and expected results; (b) expected results justify the resource requirements which are derived from andlinked to outputs required to achieve the results; and (c) actual performance in achieving results is measured by
objective performance indicators. See Office of Internal Oversight Services, Review of results-based
management at the United Nations: report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, 22 September 2008, p. 5.
10These subprogrammes are Environment under Review and Environmental Governance.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

Environment Fund
51.
The Environment Fund leverages member States’ investments into a pooled resource to ensure
the delivery of results of environmental initiatives in the programme of work. UNEP recognizes thesteps taken by member States to strengthen core funding against the background of a challenging
economic climate; however, the realized income has been lower than the budget. Therefore, for 2020–
2021, UNEP has realigned the planned activities in a realistic approach and proposed a budget
reduction of $71 million, from $271 million in 2018–2019 to $200 million in 2020–2021.11
52.
In drawing up the Environment Fund budget, UNEP took into account Environment Assembly
resolution 1/15, by which UNEP is required to stay within a $122 million ceiling for staff costs for thebiennium 2020–2021. In this regard, UNEP is tracking the amount it is spending on posts versus
non-post costs. The aim is to ensure that relatively more funding is allocated for programme delivery(i.e. non-post) versus staff costs. The reduction in staff costs should be viewed not only in terms of theabsolute number of positions but also the overall monetary value while taking into consideration staff
grades and their relevant salary scales.
53.
Moreover, UNEP is anticipating the deployment of a new module of the Umoja businessprocess system by the beginning of the programme of work for 2020–2021. This will include a newtool to aid in the formulation of budgets and the allocation of funds across the organization. The newmodule is expected to empower UNEP programme managers in portfolio management in a more
efficient and effective manner thereby reducing effort and eliminating redundant processes previously
maintained outside Umoja. The aim is that this coherent linkage between both project management
and financials would lead to greater transparency and better reporting for both UNEP management anddonors. The same module is providing an extension with respect to the selection and management of
implementing partners. This is expected to speed up the selection process and providing a full audit
trail of the process therefore achieving high standards of transparency. Furthermore, UNEP isconstantly monitoring the progress and expected outcome of both the Global Service Delivery Modeland the reform of the United Nations development system, taking into consideration its impact withrespect to transactional administrative processes such as human resources administration, accounts
payable and payroll.
Earmarked funds
54.
“Earmarked funds” refers to all sources of funds other than the United Nations regular budget
and the Environment Fund that directly support the programme of work. The projected total earmarked
funds budget of $382 million in 2020‒2021 is based on historical trends and is necessary to enable
UNEP to deliver on its mandates at a level of ambition commensurate with the targets of the upcoming
programme of work. Data on annual income are not available because a considerable amount of the2020–2021 estimated earmarked resources are not covered by long-term agreements or confirmed
pledges, making it difficult to estimate the volume of earmarked contributions when formulating thebudget. Instead, UNEP has considered historical income and used annual expenditures as a proxy forannual figures.

11 According to the principles of the voluntary indicative scale of contributions (VISC) for 2018–2019, which arealigned with the decision of the Governing Council establishing the VISC, member States are requested tocontribute at least at the level provided for in the United Nations scale of assessments and/or to retain theirprevious high level of contributions. This means that in a reduced-budget scenario the VISC would remain thesame for any State that had previously contributed more than provided for in the scale of assessments as applied
to the new budget. However, member States that were contributing less than suggested by the United Nations
scale of assessments as applied to the new budget would have a smaller VISC. This would increase the imbalance
between the highest contributors and those States that should normally contribute more than their current level.
16

UNEP/EA.4/4

55.
Donors and partners may choose to provide earmarked contributions to UNEP if they so wish,
either supplementing their contributions to the Environment Fund with more targeted resources orfunding specific work if their policies do not allow them to directly support the Environment Fund. In
some cases, this creates an imbalance in the resource distribution among the subprogrammes
compared to the approved programme of work. Earmarked support is also provided to areas of UNEP
work identified as high priority that match the policy priorities of a specific government or partner. In
order to ensure that the earmarked funding complements the regular United Nations budget allocations
to UNEP and the Environment Fund in the implementation of the programme of work, member Statesand other donors and partners are encouraged to provide their funding at the programme level rather
than tightly earmarking it at the project level. UNEP is developing more flexible instruments andavenues12 to that end and is also improving its funding gap analysis so that it can provide better advice
to donors and partners on UNEP funding needs.
56.
Furthermore, in line with the UNEP funding strategy, the secretariat is seeking to expand thedonor base and generate support for UNEP from non-traditional sources such as the private sector andother non-governmental sources. However, these are considered complementary sources of funding
and cannot replace the support provided by member States.
Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund57.
The estimated budget figures for Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding in the
programme of work for 2020–2021 are based on past average expenditure. Data on annual income are
not available because GEF funding is provided and recorded for multi-year projects in full at the timeof project approval, in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). It
is not currently possible to break down this income across multiple years through Umoja.
Consequently, the data on annual expenditure are used as a proxy for income.
58.
Based on the historical trends and approved concepts, GEF project delivery for the programmeof work for 2020–2021 is estimated at $172 million. The active GEF portfolio is valued at $969
million. The pipeline of approved concepts is about $300 million for multi-year projects. The seventh
GEF cycle began on 1 July 2018, and projects will continue to be submitted.
59.
In accordance with IPSAS, GCF projects are also recorded in full at the time of signature of
the funding agreements. The current UNEP portfolio of GCF projects under implementation is$48 million, with a project pipeline of $108 million.13 Taking into account the timelines for GCF
project approval and assuming a successful GCF replenishment, the budget for proposed projectdelivery in 2020–2021 is $78 million.
Regular budget
60.
As part of the Secretary-General’s reform process, the regular budget for 2020–2021 will be
prepared on an annual basis.14 Notwithstanding these changes, UNEP will still present biennial rolling
budgets for inclusion in this programme of work.
61.
In accordance with draft resolution A/C.2/73/L.36, in which the Secretary-General isrequested, in his budget proposals for allocations from the United Nations regular budget to UNEP and
UNON, to take into account the cost implications of universal membership of the governing body of
UNEP, the secretariat is working closely with UNHQ to present the programme budget implications(PBI) to the legislative bodies. However, owing to the lack of a detailed decision, it is premature toinclude a corresponding budget provision in the programme of work for 2020–2021.

12 This work is at a very early stage. The aim is to identify programme and/or geographic areas that could be

supported by multiple funding partners. Trust funds and possibly other instruments would be set to enable thedelivery of specific results at, for instance, an expected accomplishment level, to fulfil the requirements of thefunding partners while providing the organization adequate flexibility for efficient, effective and balanced
delivery.
13 Portfolio of projects under active consideration ($236 million) by the GCF board at the end of 2019.
14 As part of the Secretary General’s reforms, on 24 December 2017 the General Assembly adopted resolution
72/266, “Shifting the management paradigm in the United Nations”. This was based on the Secretary General’sreport and its review by relevant bodies, including the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary
Questions (A/72/7/Add.50) and the Fifth Committee (A/72/682). As a result, UNEP is no longer required toprepare a strategic framework document for the period 2020–2021. This is now replaced by an annual budget andperformance document, which includes the following sections for each subprogramme: a budget for 2020, a
performance report for 2018 and a 2019 baseline.
17

UNEP/EA.4/4

Resource mobilization
62.
Reaching the budget target for the Environment Fund remains a challenge. In the biennium
2014–2015, the $79 million gap between the budget ($245 million) and income ($166 million)
represented 32 per cent of the whole budget. The biennium saw an $11 million (7 per cent) increase in
the amount received compared to the previous biennium. In the biennium 2016–2017, the budget wasincreased by $26 million (11 per cent) to $271 million, while income amounted to $135 million,leaving a gap of $136 million (50 per cent of the budget). At the same time, earmarked funding
increased. While such funding has enabled the organization to achieve strong results within thepriority areas of the funding partners, it has left other core areas of the programme of work
underfunded and only partially implemented.
63.
To address the shortfalls and improve the balance between core and non-core income, a new
resource mobilization strategy for 2018–2021 was finalized in November 2017, in line withEnvironment Assembly resolution 2/20 on the medium-term strategy and the programme of work andbudget for 2018–2019. The strategy is based on a clear definition of the organization’s comparativeadvantage and is focused on understanding the purpose and needs of various funding sources, moreaggressive, targeted outreach to current and potential funding partners and strong communication. The
outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, in which member
States committed themselves to providing secure, stable, adequate and increased financial resources to
UNEP, remains the underpinning principle of the strategy, together with the expectation of close
collaboration between the member States and the secretariat in the strategy’s implementation.
64.
The implementation of the new resource mobilization strategy is in its initial stages, and it is
too early to report on the results. However, as the strategy is more focused than in previous years, withclearer targets, its implementation is expected to be more efficient and effective. Furthermore, senior
management is strongly committed to guiding and leading the organization’s resource mobilization
work. Tangible results are anticipated by end of 2019.
65.
Following discussions with member States, UNEP has developed a 2020–2021 budget for theEnvironment Fund that the secretariat considers ambitious but realistic. It is expected that with closer
oversight of the allocation of Environment Fund resources to core functions, the budget will be
sufficient to deliver the backbone of the programme of work for 2020–2021 and provide adequate
guidance and overall direction to the organization. The organization’s ability to deliver the programmeof work will depend on whether member States meet their commitments to the Environment Fund.
8.

Prioritization of funds
66.
As UNEP income is not predictable in terms of timing or extent, the results-based budget wasdeveloped in the context of a somewhat uncertain financial environment. In addition, over 50 per centof the projected UNEP budget relates to project funding through earmarked and global funds, which
could create an imbalance across the subprogrammes that would only become visible once theprogramme of work was being implemented. To manage this risk during implementation and set
priorities for the allocation of resources, UNEP has identified the following principles to guidedecision-making:(a)Core work and essential services relating to the core mandate of UNEP, such as thescience-policy interface and environmental governance, will be prioritized;(b)Regional elements will be prioritized, given that the UNEP strategy involves
enhancing the allocation of resources to regional offices and regional partnerships for a strategic
regional approach in order to better assist member States and stakeholders upon request;(c)With regard to the availability of alternative sources of funding, areas for which projectfunding has already been secured will not be prioritized.

9.

Work relating to core mandates
67.
The following analysis highlights the results that UNEP aims to achieve through each
subprogramme, as well as the core work and essential services required to deliver these results. The
funding analysis provides an overview of how resources will be used to generate the results.
68.
Climate change. UNEP results in this subprogramme are to work with member States andother partners: (a) to build the resilience of countries to climate change through ecosystem-based andother supporting adaptation approaches; (b) to promote the transfer and use of energy-efficiency andrenewable-energy technologies for low emission development; and (c) to support the planning andimplementation of initiatives to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Core
work includes: the implementation of low-carbon energy policies, adaptation to climate change as

18

UNEP/EA.4/4

well as support for low emission development, forest preservation, cleaner energy technologies, publicmass transportation systems, and clean fuels and vehicles. Essential services for UNEP to deliver this
impact include conducting authoritative scientific assessments; providing policy, planning andlegislative advice; facilitating access to finance; undertaking pilot interventions and promoting the
integration of these approaches through national development; fostering climate change outreach andawareness raising; and sharing knowledge through climate change networks.
69.
Funding analysis: Funding for climate change remains healthy because of increases inextrabudgetary income in recent years. This reflects the strong confidence on the part of member
States and donors in UNEP’s ability to drive change in this area, shaped by the Paris Agreement andinformed by UNEP-led assessment series such as the Emissions Gap Reports and Adaptation Gap
Reports. Meanwhile, funding for the UNEP climate change programme is going through a transition,with the seventh replenishment of the GEF trust fund likely to allocate less to climate change. UNEP
has a growing pipeline of proposed projects under the GCF amounting to $236 million, of which $48
million has been approved by the GCF board. In line with the previous biennium, UNEP has leveraged
core resources, such as the Environment Fund, by catalysing 12.5 dollars more in earmarked funds forevery dollar in core funding. While this multiplier effect is expected to continue, UNEP has
experienced challenges ensuring that the extrabudgetary project portfolio delivers on the programmeof work indicators. UNEP will manage the risk and uncertainty associated with this as part of its
overall approach to enterprise risk management.
70.
Resilience to disasters and conflicts. UNEP results in this area are to build the capacity ofmember States and international partners to use sustainable natural resource and environmental
management in ways that reduce the environmental risk and impacts of natural disasters, industrial
accidents and armed conflicts. It does this through (a) promoting the use of best practiceenvironmental approaches that reduce the risk of crisis; (b) enabling the rapid assessment andmitigation of the environmental impacts of these crises; and (c) supporting countries to reinstate bestpractice environmental management as part of the process of recovering after natural disasters,industrial accidents and armed conflict. Core work includes: building capacity for ecosystemapproaches to disaster risk reduction, reducing the impact of crisis related pollution, working withhumanitarian and peacekeeping operations to reduce their environmental footprint, and enabling
appropriate approaches to natural resource management in fragile and vulnerable areas. Essential
services to achieve this impact include providing environmental risk and impact assessments, training
and services to countries to enhance cooperation on environmental issues, policy guidance, andinstitutional support.
71.
Funding analysis: The subprogramme has historically struggled to fund its risk reduction
work sufficiently from extrabudgetary resources. Given the adoption of the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction, with which the subprogramme is closely aligned, some core capacities forthis work will be funded from the Environment Fund. Accordingly, this subprogramme was prioritizedthrough a lesser proportion of reduction under the Environment Fund compared to othersubprogrammes. Likewise, given the essentially unplannable nature of emergency response and thecritical impact of early attention to environmental issues once crisis strikes, this work will also be
partially funded through the Environment Fund. In the past this subprogramme has relied heavily on
extrabudgetary resources for its post-crisis work, reflecting the ability of UNEP to raise funds throughearmarked contributions in the aftermath of emergency situations. The subprogramme has not
traditionally secured much funding from GEF or GCF owing to their eligibility criteria and the factthat disasters and conflicts are not a GEF or GCF focal area.
72.
Healthy and productive ecosystems. UNEP results in this subprogramme are to: (a)institutionalize ecosystem-based approaches in education, monitoring and cross-sectoral andtransboundary collaboration frameworks, and; (b)work with public and private sectors to consider the
inclusion of ecosystems in economic decision making. The aim is to enable countries to sustain
ecosystem services for human well-being and biodiversity for present and future generations, taking
into account the need to integrate gender perspectives, to recognize and respect the traditional
knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities; and to foster equitablesocial development and inclusion. Core work includes: working with the secretariats of thebiodiversity related multilateral environmental agreements to support countries to implement thoseagreements; supporting the engagement of UNEP in the development and implementation of the
post-2020 global biodiversity framework and preparations for its subsequent implementation;encouraging countries to integrate biodiversity values into national development planning and poverty
reduction strategies and planning processes; and, catalysing the maintenance of natural capital and theprotection and sustainable use of ecosystems, with the aim of promoting integrated and cross-sectoral
approaches that boost the resilience and productivity of interdependent landscapes, ecosystems andspecies. Essential services include policy advice and capacity-building to reverse ecosystem
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UNEP/EA.4/4

degradation and biodiversity loss, to address the challenges of food security and water quality and topromote the sustainable management of biodiversity.
73.
Funding analysis: The subprogramme has traditionally attracted significant GEF andextrabudgetary funding. The budget for 2020‒2021, like that of the previous biennium, is aligned withthese historical trends in income and expenditure from these sources. Given the centrality of healthy
and productive ecosystems to the 2030 Agenda, the results warrant a projected increase in resources.
This reflects both a short term approach to better value ecosystems combined with a long-term
approach of the subprogramme to move considerations for healthy and productive ecosystems fromthe periphery to the centre of economic planning and management.
74.
Environmental governance. UNEP results in this subprogramme are to improve coherence
and synergies in environmental governance by: (a) promoting common and integrated approaches toimplementing the 2030 Agenda; (b) enhancing institutional capacities to achieve internationally agreed
environmental goals. Core work includes: providing support to interagency mechanisms andintergovernmental forums, including the regional ministerial forums, promoting the progressive
development of environmental law, including through strengthen national legal frameworks andcapacities, promoting the coherent implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and of
the environmental dimension of the SDGs. Essential services include policy and legal advice,capacity-building and the convening of interagency and intergovernmental forums.
75.
Funding analysis: The subprogramme has traditionally relied on a combination of
extrabudgetary funding and the Environment Fund for its core activities. The latter has not fullymaterialized but has been complemented by extrabudgetary resources provided by member States tosupport the environmental governance subprogramme at large or specific priorities within it.
Environmental governance remains central to delivering on the UNEP core mandate and on a growing
number of Environment Assembly resolutions. Thus, in addition to its regular budget, thesubprogramme must be able to rely on stable and predictable resources from the Environment Fundand on an increased overall budget to be able to support the implementation of Agenda 2030 andaddress specific areas of global concern. Accordingly, this subprogramme was subject to a lesser
proportion of the reduction brought by the overall decrease of the Environment Fund envelope from$271 million in 2018–2019 to $200 million in the programme of work for 2020–2021.
76.
Chemicals, waste and air quality. UNEP results in this subprogramme are to lessen thenegative environmental and human health impacts of chemicals, waste and poor air quality bysupporting governments and partners at all levels to develop and implement policies, strategies,
legislation or action plans that promote the sound management of chemicals, prevent waste andimprove air quality. This is done as a part of system-wide efforts by the United Nations and in close
collaboration with the entities involved in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM), the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the secretariats of the otherchemical and waste-related multilateral environmental agreements. Core work includes: hosting andstrengthening the SAICM process, adopted in Dubai in 2006; supporting the evolution andimplementation of the multilateral environmental agreements on chemicals and waste (especially the
Minamata Convention on Mercury which is hosted in the subprogramme); continuing efforts toenhance cooperation and coordination in the cluster of chemical- and waste-related multilateralenvironmental agreements at the national level; and keeping under review the trends in the production,
use and release of chemicals and waste to identify issues of concern and catalyse sound management
actions, including through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Essential services to achieve this impact
include the provision of technical advice, policy support and capacity-building to enable countries toachieve the sound management of chemicals and waste, including e-waste, throughout their life cycle.
77.
Funding analysis: This subprogramme has traditionally been successful in raising funding
from extrabudgetary and GEF resources. As such, as in previous biennia, the budget for these funding
sources remains high. These sources of funding were often earmarked for particular areas, such as
mercury, intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder processes on chemicals and waste and theimplementation of the SAICM. The pollution hub will aslo be funded through earmarked resources inthis subprogramme, Other areas of the subprogramme have been less well funded, in particular new
areas emerging from the resolutions adopted by the Environment Assembly at its third session.
78.
Resource efficiency. UNEP results in this area are to promote an enabling policy environment
for governments to adopt green economy policies, support the private sector in adopting sustainable
management practices, and increased consumer awareness as a means of reducing the impact of
economic growth on resource depletion and environmental degradation. UNEP works with its networkof partners to: (a) strengthen the scientific basis for decision-making, and support governments, cities
and other local authorities in designing and implementing tools and policies to increase resource
20

UNEP/EA.4/4

efficiency, including sustainable consumption and production, circularity, and green economy
practices, in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; (b) promote theapplication of life-cycle and environmental management approaches, to improve resource efficiency insectoral policymaking, in businesses and financial operations along global value chains, using
public-private partnerships as a key delivery mechanism; and (c) promote the adoption of policies andtools by public institutions and private organizations that promote sustainable lifestyles andconsumption patterns. Core work includes: the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainableconsumption and production patterns the Partnership for Action on Green Economy and a large
number of public-private sector partnerships such as the UNEP Finance Initiative. Essential services toachieve the subprogramme’s impact include supporting countries willing to engage in such a transition
in designing the appropriate policy mix and sharing experiences, best practices and knowledge; andproviding guidance and support to interested stakeholders, including businesses, industries and othermajor groups, in their efforts to develop strategies that support national and sectoral policies forresource efficiency in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.
79.
Funding analysis: The subprogramme has traditionally seen a higher income than the budget
planned for earmarked resources. Much of the 2030 Agenda focuses on countries’ ability to make thetransition towards sustainable consumption and production patterns, decoupling economic growthfrom unsustainable resource use and negative environmental impacts while improving human wellbeing. Earmarked contributions are therefore greater than had previously been planned. While
Environment Fund resources appear to be decreasing, this is balanced by increases in extrabudgetary
resources, reflecting general trends in income.
80.
Environment under review. UNEP results in this area are to keep the global environmental
situation under review in a systematic and coordinated way and to provide early warning on emerging
issues for informed decision-making by policymakers and the public. In so doing UNEP aims to boost
the participation of stakeholders in environmental decision-making processes, including thegeneration, analysis, packaging, availability and dissemination of integrative environmental
information. Core work includes: the Global Environment Outlook series which establish the global
environmental goals and serve as a basis for assessing the state of the environment, as well as the
Global Gender and Environment Outlook series which provide relevant gender data and indicators.
Essential services to achieve these goals include enhancing the integrated assessment, interpretationand coherence of environmental, economic and social information with a view to assessing the state of
the environment, identifying emerging issues and contributing data to track progress towards the
SDGs through Environment Live. 15 It also includes supporting capacity-building efforts in developing
countries that commit themselves to environmental monitoring and to posting environmental data andinformation on public platforms, in line with principle 10 of the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21 and theJohannesburg Plan of Implementation.
81.
Funding analysis: Given that keeping the global environment under review represents a coreservice and a central mandate of UNEP, this subprogramme benefits from a strong core ofEnvironment Fund resources. The subprogramme has not traditionally attracted large volumes ofextrabudgetary resources and the Environment Fund and regular-budget funding are therefore
proportionately higher for this subprogramme when compared to other subprogrammes.
82.
Synergies across subprogrammes. While each of the UNEP subprogrammes is presented
separately, the organization’s objectives will be fully met only by ensuring that the synergies between
the subprogrammes are harnessed in such a way that leverages the maximum possible impact. For
instance, the principles, experiences, networks and approaches underpinning the healthy andproductive ecosystems subprogramme and the climate change subprogramme inform the work
conducted under the resilience to disasters and conflicts subprogramme, thereby ensuring that relevant
tools and approaches developed within those subprogrammes will be applied in countries that arevulnerable to, or affected by, disasters and conflicts. Similarly, UNEP will seek synergies between its
work on marine systems under the healthy and productive ecosystems subprogramme and its work on
land-based sources of pollution, carried out under the chemicals, waste and air quality subprogramme.
Work carried out under the resource efficiency subprogramme will contribute to the energy efficiency
work carried out under the climate change subprogramme, to the healthy and productive ecosystems
subprogramme by reducing the use of natural resources, and to the chemicals, waste and air quality
subprogramme through approaches, policies and capacities for responsible production and waste
minimization. There will also be close collaboration in its work on alternatives to certain ozone
depleting substances and energy efficiency, thus requiring a coordinated approach to such efforts
under the chemicals, waste and air quality subprogramme and the climate change subprogramme.
15

environmentlive.unep.org.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

Similarly, work under the environmental governance and environment under review subprogrammes
will complement and underpin the work under all other subprogrammes.

D.

Gender considerations
83.
The 2030 Agenda and its accompanying SDGs lay out a vision of gender equality and theempowerment of all women and girls by 2030. Gender equality is not limited to SDG 5 (on genderequality) alone. It is integral to the 2030 Agenda and is both an enabler and accelerator for achieving
all the SDGs. In the biennium 2020–2021, UNEP will—throughout its programmes and projects—
continue to design and implement tangible gender-sensitive interventions to achieve transformativeand sustainable gender equality results that will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
84.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment is recognized as a cross-cutting priority across all
aspects of UNEP work and is guided by the UNEP policy and strategy for gender equality and theenvironment. The policy and strategy emphasizes that gender equality is an important cross-cutting
concern for all the SDGs, including the environment-related ones. This necessitates promoting theparticipation of men and women in all environmental protection and sustainable development
activities. Further, giving women voice and agency can be transformative at all levels ofenvironmental management.

II.

Policymaking organs and stakeholder engagement
85.
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the governing body of UNEP. It meetsbiennially and has a United Nations system-wide mandate to take strategic decisions, provide politicalguidance on the work of the United Nations system in the area of the environment and promote astrong science-policy interface.
86.
The Committee of Permanent Representatives, as a subsidiary body of the Environment
Assembly, provides policy advice to the Assembly, contributes to the preparation of the agendas forthe latter’s sessions and the draft decisions it will consider, oversees the implementation of resolutions
and the programme of work once they are adopted, and prepares the forthcoming programme of work
for adoption by the Assembly. The Committee holds its regular one-day meetings on a quarterly basis
and meets in open-ended form every two years, prior to the session of the Environment Assembly. The
open-ended meetings, which last five days, are held in Nairobi and are attended by Committee
members based in and outside Nairobi as well as representatives from national capitals. The UNEP
governing structure also includes the subcommittee of the Committee of Permanent Representatives,
which meets annually for five days to review the medium-term strategy and the programme of workand budget, and to prepare the forthcoming programme of work for adoption by the Environment
Assembly. In addition, one- or half-day subcommittee meetings are held once or twice a month toconsider specific issues in depth, as needed and upon request.
87.
The Environment Assembly is mandated to ensure the active participation of all relevant
stakeholders, including the involvement of United Nations organizations in envinronmental issues andthe multilateral environmental agreements. UNEP facilitates the engagement of major groups andstakeholders at the programme and policy level, for example, by exchange of information, soliciting of
input, capacity-building and regular communication through the Major Groups Facilitating
Committee. To enhance the participation of major groups and stakeholders and their contribution to
the intergovernmental decision-making process, a multi-stakeholder dialogue is organized during thehigh-level segment of the Environment Assembly. This dialogue complements the Global Major
Groups and Stakeholders Forum, which takes place prior to each session of the Environment
Assembly. The Forum is preceded by regional consultative meetings with representatives of majorgroups and stakeholders, whose inputs and perspectives are provided to the Committee of Permanent
Representatives and to the Assembly through written and oral statements and an official meeting
document.
88.
The Governance Affairs Office provides secretariat support to the Environment Assembly andits subsidiary bodies, the Committee of Permanent Representatives and the Open-Ended Committee ofPermanent Representatives. The secretariat also serves as the main interface for external relations withrepresentatives of the UNEP governing bodies and with representatives of the major groups andstakeholders and is responsible for promoting gender parity for meetings and activities supported by
the secretariat.

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UNEP/EA.4/4

89.
The Environment Assembly provides a unique platform through which different stakeholders,
including from gender-based groups, can work together to achieve solutions to global andinterconnected environmental challenges. Effective communication around the overarchingpolicymaking decisions and the theme of the Environment Assembly and other environmental issues
can catalyse global attention and prompt action by governments, civil society and the private sector towork together more closely to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Public-private and other forms ofpartnerships have the capacity to promote and spur innovation and leverage new technologies that canthen be scaled up or replicated for wider impact.
90.
The secretariat continues to promote, support and oversee such partnerships to contribute to
the implementation of the Environment Assembly resolutions and the programme of work. (Thepartnerships relevant for each subprogramme are highlighted below.) In addition, all new partnerships
will undergo risk assessment through the due diligence process of UNEP, consistent with theprinciples for partnership-building as outlined in the discussion of executive management.
Table 3
Objective for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: policymaking organs
Objective: To provide leadership in setting the global environmental agenda and policy coordination in thework of the United Nations system and to support the implementation of the UNEP programme of work.
Expected accomplishmentsof the secretariat

Indicators of achievement

Targets(a) Environment Assembly
attracts significant interest
from key decision makers
and stakeholders(i) Prominence of media reach (online, print
and broadcast) and social media coverage on
environmental issues during and following
Environment Assembly
Units of measure:(a) Number of media outlets covering theEnvironment Assembly and theme(b) Number of media mentions(c) Social media metrics related toEnvironment Assembly issues(d) Editorials in top tier outlets(i) December 2017 (baseline):(a) Coverage in 3,800 media
outlets(b) 11,160 media mentions(c) TBD social media(d) 7 editorials in top tier outlets(e) December 2019 (expected):+10%(a-d) Progress expected by
December 2021: +10%
Data sources and analysis
plan: Communication Divisionmonitoring metrics, independent
media monitoring metrics andcampaign evaluations(ii) December 2017 (baseline):
1,186
December 2019 (expected):+114 (1,300)
Progress expected by December
2021:+100 (1,400)
Data sources and analysis
plan: Environment Assembly
participants’ registry(ii) Engagement of member States andUnited Nations representatives, in particularfrom the multilateral environmental
agreements, in the Environment Assembly
Units of measure:(a) Number of government delegates andnumber of UN representatives, in particularfrom MEAs, participating in the Environment
Assembly(iii) Engagement of representatives of majorgroups and stakeholders in the Environment
Assembly
Units of measureg:
Number of representatives from civil society
participating in the Environment Assembly(disaggregated by gender)(iii) December 2017 (baseline):
711
December 2019 (expected): +39(750)
December 2021: +20 (770)
Data sources and analysis
plan: Environment Assembly
participants’ registry23

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective: To provide leadership in setting the global environmental agenda and policy coordination in thework of the United Nations system and to support the implementation of the UNEP programme of work.
(b) Environment Assembly (i) Percentage of surveyed UNEP partners in(i) December 2017 (baseline): 4
sets global environmental
governments and in the United Nations
December 2019 (expected): +1
policy agenda for thesystem that rate as useful the Environment(5)
upcoming years
Assembly in providing policy guidance toDecember 2021: +1 (6)important global environmental issues
Data sources and analysis
Unit of measure:plan:
Percentage of surveyed government officials
Governance Affairs Officeand UNEP, including multilateraladministration records
environmental agreements, partners(ii) December 2017 (baseline): 4
expressing satisfaction on the utility of the
December 2019 (expected): +1
Environment Assembly in drawing attention(5)
to global environmental issues
December 2020: XX
December 2021: +20 (6)Data sources and analysis
plan:
Survey of governments andpartners

Resource requirements: Policymaking organs and stakeholder engagement
91.
The financial and human resources allocated for policymaking organs in the 2020–2021
budget amount to $4.5 million and provide for 16 positions, as compared to $1.7 million and 7
positions in the 2018–2019 budget. The increase of $2.7 million and 9 positions is mainly attributable
to the alignment of Governance Affairs Office staff positions with the policymaking organs
component. The methodology used in the previous programme of work and budget mapped the same
positions partially to several subprogrammes. Owing to a new methodology, all existing positions in
the Office are now mapped under policymaking organs.
Table 4 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: policymaking organs(Thousands of United States dollars)
Financial resources
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

800
900

2 000
300

2 800
1 200

1 700

2 300

4 000

200
200

200
200

400

400

–
–

–
–

–

–

–
20

–
20

B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B–

C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C–

D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D

–

20

20

E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post

73
20

–
–

73
20

Subtotal E

93

–

93

1 793

2 720

4 513

Total (A+B+C+D+E)
Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

24

UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 4 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: policymaking organs
Staffing resources (number of posts)
CategoryIII.

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

4
–
–
–
3

8
1
–
–

12
1
–
–
3

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

7

9

16

Executive direction and management
92.
Executive direction and management sets how UNEP will exert leadership, management andoversight in delivering results. In the 2020–2021 biennium and the period leading up to it, there will bea focus on being more efficient, being more results-oriented, managing risks, fostering innovation,
managing talent and communicating more clearly.
93.
Executive direction and management is provided by the Executive Office, with support fromthe Evaluation Office and the Policy and Programme Division. The Executive Office provides overall
leadership on programmatic and administrative matters. This includes development and delivery of themedium-term strategy and its related programmes of work, as mandated by the Environment
Assembly and as set out in the contract between the Executive Director and the Secretary-General. In
addition, UNEP ensures attention is paid to audits, inspections, performance monitoring andevaluations, and reviewing trends in the status of the environment alongside its progress in achieving
the targets of the programme of work.
94.
The Evaluation Office is an independent unit reporting directly to the Executive Director. It is
responsible for implementing the evaluation workplan by conducting and managing independent
evaluations. It also provides analysis of findings and lessons for management.16
95.
UNEP aims to build long-term partnerships at strategic and technical levels. Transformative,
transparent partnerships will be built based on due diligence and where appropriate, in consultation
with member states. The partnerships will also be built on common principles and values, a sharedvision and shared goals, placing people and the planet at the centre of sustainable development. For
example, development banks, health organizations and others can build on the work of UNEP to
improve environmental sustainability and to accrue benefits in the economic and social dimensions ofsustainable development.
96.
UNEP will prioritize a results-oriented approach that builds on lessons learned and willleverage the outcomes of the United Nations development system reforms. The Executive Office will
improve internal systems, process and accountability to ensure human and financial resources in
UNEP are fully aligned to deliver the results in the programme of work and budget for 2020–2021. In
addition, mechanisms will be strengthened to foster a results-orientated culture, promoteempowerment and implement results-based management.
97.
With new uncertainties always on the horizon, UNEP is exposed to physical, financial andpolitical risks but also to significant reputational risks. The Executive Office, with support from the
Policy and Programme Division, will ensure that appropriate controls are in place to identify, reduceand manage risk through an effective corporate risk management framework. But a world that is
rapidly changing presents opportunities for change and improvement. The Executive Office will work
closely with the senior management team to provide leadership in identifying and accelerating
innovation across the organization, using technology and new ideas to deliver greater impact in what
we do while also achieving efficiencies in how we work. In the current global financial context, it ispertinent for UNEP to demonstrate that it is fit for purpose. The Executive Office, with support fromthe senior management team, will identify internal efficiency measures aimed at making UNEP a morelean, efficient and effective organization.
98.
The Executive Office also has overall responsibility for providing guidance on environmental
issues within the United Nations system. This guidance will consider assessments of the causes andeffects of environmental challenges, as well as emerging issues of global and regional significance.
16 The full evaluation plan can be found in annex IV to the present document.

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UNEP/EA.4/4

The Executive Office will catalyse international action to bring about a coordinated response bothwithin the United Nations system and between the United Nations and its partners. This will be
executed through inter-agency mechanisms such as the Environment Management Group and theUnited Nations System Chief Executives’ Board for Coordination and its subsidiary bodies. The
Executive Director may also identify areas of attention from the programme of work and the Decisions
from the United Nations Environment Assembly that require advocacy and political outreach to all
relevant stakeholders, such as those on marine litter, pollution and green finance. These areas of
advocacy and political outreach are underpinned by UNEP core science policy work and fall within
the purview of the programme of work. In addition, UNEP will integrate the priorities of themultilateral environmental agreements into these processes to enable the United Nations system torespond to environmental issues in a coordinated manner.
99.

Table 5 provides the overall objectives and expected accomplishments for UNEP leadership.

Table 5
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: executive direction and management
Objective of the organization: To provide leadership in the environmental dimension of sustainable
development and balanced integration and coherence of environmental issues in the United Nations system andin the delivery of the programme of work.
Expected accomplishments of thesecretariat

26

Indicators of achievement

Targets(a) Integration of environmental
issues in the United Nations system
into its implementation ofinternationally agreed goals, the2030 Agenda and the SDGs

United Nations entities that haveintegrated environmental targets
and indicators into the policies,
plans and strategies of United
Nations entities
Unit of measure:
Number of United Nations system
entities that have integrated
environmental targets andindicators into their policies, plans
and strategies

December 2017 (baseline): 0
Progress expected by December
2019: +2 (TBD)
Progress expected by December
2020: +2 (TBD)
Progress expected by December
2021: TBD
Data sources and analysis plan:
Greening the Blue report for the
inclusion of environmental
considerations in corporate policies
and plans. Supplemented by asurvey of United Nations entities
through the United Nations New
York interagency office, whereappropriate.

(b) UNEP programmes andproducts are considered useful by
governments and partners in the
United Nations system

Percentage of surveyed UNEP
partners in governments and theUnited Nations system that rate as
satisfactory the usefulness of
UNEP products andprogrammes(including the work of
the Environmental Management
Group and Sustainable United
Nations).
Unit of measure:
Percentage of partners ingovernments and the United
Nations system providing a ratingof satisfactory on the usefulness of
UNEP products and programmes(including on the work of theEnvironmental Management Groupand Sustainable United Nations).

December 2017 (baseline): 85
Progress expected by December
2019: +2 (87%)
Progress expected by December
2020: +2 (89%)
Progress expected by December
2021: +2 (91%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Survey of Governments andpartners

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: To provide leadership in the environmental dimension of sustainable
development and balanced integration and coherence of environmental issues in the United Nations system andin the delivery of the programme of work.
(c) Strengthened strategic regionalpresence and coherent programmeof work delivery with partners
contributing to integrated
implementation of environmental
policies and priorities in eachregion(d) Strengthened transparency andaccountability of UNEP as aresults-based organization(i) Percentage of Governments ineach region that rate UNEP support
to countries as coherent and goodquality
Unit of measure:
Percentage of governments (survey
respondents) in each region
providing a rating of satisfactoryon the quality and coherence of
UNEP support

December 2017 (baseline): 14
December 2019 (expected): +5(19%)
Progress expected in December
2020: +5 (24%)
Progress expected in December
2021: TBD
Data sources and analysis plan:
Survey of Governments(ii) The number of partnerships at
the national, subregional andregional levels that support,
including through South-South
cooperation, an integrated
approach in the implementation of
the UNEP programme of work
Unit of measure:
Number of partnerships at thenational, subregional and regional
levels involved in implementing an
integrated approach relevant to the
UNEP programme of work

December 2017 (baseline): 30
December 2019 (expected): +12(42)
Progress expected in December
2020: +12 (54)Progress expected in December
2021: +12 (64)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Survey of partnerships(i) Implementation of audit andinvestigation recommendations
Unit of measure:
Percentage of audit andinvestigation recommendations
acted upon

December 2017 (baseline): 85
December 2019 (expected): +2(88%)
Progress expected by December
2020: +1 (89%)
Progress expected by December
2021: +1 (90%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Review of recommendations with
relevant audit and investigation
bodies
December 2017 (baseline): 1
December 2019 (expected): +1 (2)Progress expected by December
2020: +2 (4)Progress expected by December
2021: +2 (6)Data sources and analysis plan:
Minutes of UNEP senior
management team meetings(ii) UNEP senior management
decisions informed by management
and performance information
Unit of measure:
Number of issues decided upon by
the UNEP senior management
team that are derived from businessintelligence data or performance
information(iii) Evaluations providing a ratingof “satisfactory” or higher for
project performance
Unit of measure:
Percentage of evaluations
providing a rating of “satisfactory”
or higher

December 2017 (baseline): 69
December 2019 (expected): +2(71%)
Progress expected by December
2020: +2 (73%)
Progress expected by December
2021: +2 (75%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Project evaluation reports,
subprogramme evaluation reports,
biannual synthesis report27

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: To provide leadership in the environmental dimension of sustainable
development and balanced integration and coherence of environmental issues in the United Nations system andin the delivery of the programme of work.
(iv) Implementation of accepted
evaluation recommendations
within the time frame defined in
the implementation plan
Unit of measure:
Percentage of accepted evaluation
recommendations implemented
within the time frame defined in
the implementation plan

December 2017 (baseline): 80
per cent17
December 2019 (expected): +3(83%)
Progress expected by December
2020: +1 (84%)
Progress expected by December
2021: +2 (86%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Evaluation progress report to the
UNEP Executive Director and
Deputy Executive Director(v) Reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions from UNEP operations
and travel by staff
Unit of measure:
Reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions from UNEP Operations
staff travel, in metric tons ofcarbon dioxide equivalent (tonsCO2e)

December 2017 (baseline): TBD18
December 2019 (expected): -3%
Progress expected in December
2020: -3%
Progress expected in December
2021: - 3% (-6%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Data on greenhouse gas emissions
regularly monitored as part of the
UNEP environmental management
plan and reported as part of anannual UNEP environmental
management system progress
report and Environment Assembly
reportDecember 2017 baseline: 1
December 2019 expected progress:+1 (2)
Progress expected in December
2020: +1 (3)Progress expected in June 2021: +0(3)
Progress expected in December
2021: +1 (4)(vi) UNEP offices that implementthat implement context-specificenvironment management systems
or concrete environmental
management measures
Unit of measure:
Number of UNEP offices(including regional and other19
outposted offices) that undertake
specific environmental
management measures pursuant totheir environmental management
systems(vii) UNEP climate neutrality
through procurement of certified
emission reductions
Unit of measure:Years of climate neutrality of all
UNEP climate emissions

December 2017 (baseline): 9
December 2019 (expected): +2(11)
Progress expected in December
2020: +1 (12)Progress expected in December
2021: +1 (13)Resource requirements: Executive Direction and Management
100. The executive direction and management component represents a function delivered primarily
by the Executive Office. However, the Evaluation Office and the Policy and Programme Division will
also support and contribute to this component.
Number of accepted recommendations closed as “compliant” or closed with “no further action required” as apercentage of the total number of recommendations that have reached their implementation deadline.
18
Will be available in December 2018.
19
Headquarters, regional and other outposted.
17

28

UNEP/EA.4/4

101. The financial and human resources allocated for executive direction and management in the
2020–2021 budget amount to $13.2 million and provide for 39 positions, as compared to $14.5 million
and 33 positions in the 2018–2019 budget. The overall decrease in financial resources is mainly
attributable to the reduction in earmarked funds, owing to the alignment of these resources with thecorresponding subprogrammes. In the Environment Fund, non-post-related financial resources are
reduced by $1.5 million in line with the overall decrease of the envelope, as well as the anticipatedefficiency measures aimed at more effective management of resources across all budget categories.
This reduction is partially offset by an increase in the budget for seven additional positions to beallocated to executive direction and management functions. In the previous programme of work, thisexpenditure fell under various subprogrammes, and it does not represent a request for additional
resources.
Table 6 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: executive direction and management(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
3 700
4 100
7 800

900
(1 500)
(600)

4 600
2 600
7 200

600
600

(300)
(300)

200
100
300

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

400
400

–
(400)
(400)

–
–
–

5 643
80
5 722
14 522–––(1 300)

5 643
80
5 722
13 222

Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

Table 6 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: executive direction and management
Staffing resources (number of posts)
CategoryIV.

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

16
–
–
1
16

7
1
–
(1)
(1)

23
1
–
–
15

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

33

6

39

Programme of work
102. The budget for the proposed work under the seven subprogrammes for 2020–2021 is$841,163 million. This budget comprises requirements of $166.8 million from the Environment Fund(excluding the fund programme reserve), $379.4 million from total earmarked funds, $18.8 million
from programme support costs, $30.36 million from the regular budget of the United Nations and$245.8 million from global funds.
103. UNEP will deliver on the results of the 2030 Agenda in a holistic and coherent manner. The
links between each subprogramme and the SDG indicators and targets, both at the impact andindicator levels, are set out below. In addition, the table in Annex I lists the impact-level SDG
indicators and targets that UNEP will contribute to as a whole.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

Gender considerations
104. Gender equality and women’s empowerment is recognized as a cross-cutting priority across all
aspects of UNEP work and is guided by the UNEP policy and strategy for gender equality and theenvironment. The policy and strategy emphasizes that gender equality is an important cross-cutting
concern for all the SDGs, including the environment-related ones. This necessitates promoting theparticipation of men and women in all environmental protection and sustainable development
activities. Further, giving women voice and agency can be transformative at all levels ofenvironmental management.
105. The 2030 Agenda and its accompanying SDGs lay out a vision of gender equality and theempowerment of all women and girls by 2030. Gender equality is not limited to SDG 5 (on genderequality). It is integral to the 2030 Agenda and is both an enabler and accelerator for achieving all the
SDGs. In the biennium 2020–2021, UNEP will—through its programmes andprojects—continue to design and implement tangible gender-sensitive interventions to achievetransformative and sustainable gender equality results that will contribute to the achievement of the
SDGs.

South-South cooperation
106. In 2005, the UNEP Governing Council at its twenty-third session adopted the Bali Strategic
Plan for Technology Support and Capacity-Building. Under this plan, UNEP was requested tostrengthen its South-South cooperation strategy as a means of implementing the strategic plan.
107. Following this directive, the adoption in 2007 of Governing Council decision 24/12 on"South-South Cooperation in achieving Sustainable Development" led to the drafting in 2011 of apolicy guidance note about integrating South-South cooperation into the UNEP programme of workfor that biennium.
108. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 (Rio+20) identified
South-South cooperation as a key tool for enabling developing countries to progress towards
environmental sustainability. This in turn led to the implementation of the SAMOA (SIDS Accelerated
Modalities of Action ) Pathway in 2017, in response to UNEA resolution 2/4, which stated that UNEP
action in support of the SAMOA Pathway would be implemented through the partnerships that UNEP
convened or supported, allowing small island developing States to gain access to the South-South andNorth-South cooperation frameworks and capacity-building activities included in such partnerships.
Thus, the role of UNEP is to disseminate knowledge and facilitate information sharing, technology
transfer and capacity-building among countries to support them in achieving the environmental
dimension of the 2030 Agenda, in consultation with member States. Within this framework, UNEP
will:
(a)
Promote further integration of South-South cooperation across UNEP system policy,
programming and partnership activities;(b)Strengthen, at all levels, organization-wide efforts in relation to South-South
cooperation engagement, as well as institutional capacities;(c)
Promote United Nation system inter-agency linkages while monitoring and following
up on strategic and political issues related to South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation;(d)Engage with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation and othermultilateral system entities, including international organizations, civil-society organizations,academia, the private sector and others, to leverage partnerships in support of South-South cooperationand triangular cooperation; and(e)Support the transfer of innovative southern development solutions andrecommendations to development partners to support the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of
Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
109. The proposed work for 2020–2021 includes the results expected from seven subprogrammes asfollows:

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UNEP/EA.4/4

Subprogramme 1
Climate change
Table 7
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: climate change
Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly transition to low-emission economic development
pathways and enhance their adaptation and resilience to climate change
Relevant impact-level
SDG indicators20

Adaptation:
SDG Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related
hazards and natural disasters in all countries. Indicator: 13.1.1 Number of deaths,
missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000
population (Tier II, custodian agency: UNISDR)SDG Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil,
including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achievea land degradation-neutral world. Indicator: 15.3.1 Proportion of land that isdegraded over total land area (Tier III, custodian agency: UNCCD)
Mitigation:
SDG Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable andmodern energy services. Indicators: 7.1.1 Proportion of population with access toelectricity (Tier I, custodian agency: World Bank); 7.1.2 Proportion of population
with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology (Tier I, custodian agency:WHO)
SDG Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy inthe global energy mix. Indicator: 7.2.1 Renewable energy share in the total final
energy consumption (Tier I, possible custodian agencies: UNSD, IEA, IRENA)SDG Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy
efficiency. Indicator: 7.3.1 Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy
and GDP (Tier I, custodian agencies: UNSD, IEA)SDG Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to makethem sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption ofclean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with allcountries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. Indicator:
9.4.1 CO2 emission per unit of value added (Tier I, custodian agencies: UNIDO,IEA)
SDG Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification,
including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels. Indicator: 14.3.1
Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative samplingstations (Tier III, custodian agency: IOC-UNESCO)
REDD-plus:
SDG Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable
use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particularforests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations underinternational agreements. Indicator 15.1.1 Forest area as a proportion of total
land area (Tier I, custodian agency: FAO)
SDG Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable
management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests andsubstantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. Indicator: 15.2.1
Progress towards sustainable forest management (Tier II, custodian agency: FAO)

Relevant Environment
Assembly resolutions

Environment Assembly resolution 1/8 – Ecosystem-based adaptation
Environment Assembly resolution 2/6 – Supporting the Paris Agreement
Environment Assembly resolution 3/5 – Investing in innovative environmental
solutions for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs

20 The Paris Agreement is the principal guiding document for the Climate Change Subprogramme but as it does

not provide agreed indicators, a specific reference to the Paris Agreement cannot be made in this section. UNEP
will continue to follow the deliberations on articles 13 (transparency framework) and 14 (stock-taking) of theParis Agreement closely and as and when clear indicators are agreed on under the UNFCCC process they can bebrought into the UNEP results framework and reporting to member States.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly transition to low-emission economic development
pathways and enhance their adaptation and resilience to climate change
Expectedaccomplishments of thesecretariat

Indicators of achievement

Targets

Relevant global SDG
indicators(a) Countries increasingly
advance their national
adaptation plans, which
integrate ecosystem-based
adaptation(i) The number ofcountries supported by
UNEP with institutionalarrangements in place tocoordinate national
adaptation plans
Unit of measure:
Number of countries thathave improved
institutionalarrangements in place

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +10 (10)21
Progress expected by
December 2020: +5 (15)Progress expected by June
2021: +0 (15)Progress expected by
December 2021: +5 (20)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
National submissions to
the UNFCCC secretariat
and project progress
reports, which should
provide evidence of thedegree to which
institutional capacity is
put in place, measured
through: national
adaptation plans;
adaptation
communications
submitted to the
UNFCCC secretariat
December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +10 (10)Progress expected by
December 2020: +10 (20)Progress expected by June
2021: +5 (25)Progress expected by
December 2021: +5 (30)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
National submissions to
the UNFCCC secretariat
and project progress
reports that provide
evidence of the degree towhich technical capacities
have been strengthened,
adaptation
communications andnational adaptation plans
submitted to the
UNFCCC secretariat

Indicator 13.2.1:
Number of countries thathave communicated theestablishment oroperationalization of an
integrated
policy/strategy/planwhich increases theirability to adapt to theadverse impacts ofclimate change, andfoster climate resilienceand low greenhouse gas
emissions development
in a manner that does notthreaten food production(including a national
adaptation plan,nationally determined
contribution, national
communication, biennial
update report or other)(Tier III, custodian
agency: UNFCCC)(ii) The number ofcountries supported by
UNEP that havetechnical capacity tointegrate ecosystembased management into
their national adaptation
plans
Unit of measure:
Number of countries thathave increased technicalcapacity to implement
ecosystem-based
adaptation22

Indicator 13.3.1:
Number of countries thathave integrated
mitigation, adaptation,
impact reduction andearly warning into
primary, secondary andtertiary curricula (Tier
III, custodian agencies:
UNFCCC, UNESCOUIS)
Indicator 13.3.2:
Number of countries thathave communicated thestrengthening ofinstitutional, systemic
and individual capacitybuilding to implement
adaptation, mitigationand technology transfer,and development actions(Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNFCCC,UNESCO-UIS)

21 Baselines will be adjusted based on progress achieved in the period 2018‒2019.
22 The capacity will be assessed based on the following three key criteria: (i) adaptation options including

ecosystem-based adaptation are identified; (ii) adaptation options including ecosystem-based adaptation areprioritized; and (iii) implementation of adaptation options including ecosystem-based adaptation has started.
Related to SDG Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on
climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly transition to low-emission economic development
pathways and enhance their adaptation and resilience to climate change(b) Countries increasingly
adopt and/or implement
low greenhouse gas
emission development
strategies and invest inclean technologies(iii) The number ofcountries supported by
UNEP that are ready toaccess or have accessedclimate change
adaptation finance toimplement adaptationplans23
Unit of measure:(a) Number of countries
that have received
finance readiness support(b) Number of countries
with approved projects
under different funds foradaptation

December 2017(baseline):
(a) 0
(b) 0
December 2019
(expected):(a) +6 (6)(b) +4 (4)Progress expected by
December 2020:(a) +5 (11)(b) +5 (9)Progress expected by June
2021:(a) +5 (16)(b) +5 (14)Progress expected by
December 2021:(a) +5 (21)(b) +5 (19)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Project approval letters
received from donor
countries, boards orcouncils of available
climate change funds(e.g., Least Developed
Countries Fund, Special
Climate Change Fund,
Adaptation Fund, GCF)

Indicator 13.a.1:
Mobilized amount of
United States dollars per
year between 2020 and
2025 accountabletowards the $100 billion
commitment (Tier III,custodian agencies:
UNFCCC, OECD)
Indicator 13.b.1:
Number of least
developed countries andsmall island developing
States that are receiving
specialized support, andamount of support,
including finance,technology and capacitybuilding, formechanisms for raising
capacities for effective
climate change-relatedplanning andmanagement, including
focusing on women,
youth and local andmarginalized
communities (Tier III,custodian agencies:OHRLLS, regional
commissions, AOSIS,
SIDS, Samoa Pathway)(i) The number ofcountries supported by
UNEP that makeprogress in adopting
and/or implementing low
greenhouse gas emission
development plans,
strategies and/or
policies24
Unit of measure:
Number of countries thathave adopted or are
implementing plans,
strategies or policies onenergy efficiency,
renewable energy and/or
cleaner technologies

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +35 (35)Progress expected by
December 2020: +5 (40)Progress expected by June
2021: +5 (45)Progress expected by
December 2021: +10 (55)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Project progress reports,
national communications
and nationally determined
contributions to the
UNFCCC; UNFCCC
synthesis reports onnational communications
and nationally determined
contributions

Indicator 13.2.1:
Number of countries thathave communicated theestablishment oroperationalization of an
integrated
policy/strategy/planwhich increases theirability to adapt to theadverse impacts ofclimate change, andfoster climate resilienceand low greenhouse gas
emissions development
in a manner that does notthreaten food production(including a national
adaptation plan,nationally determined
contribution, national
communication, biennial
update report or other)(Tier III, custodian
agency: UNFCCC)

23 Getting ready to access climate finance means that countries have received readiness support to prepare fordirect access and develop project pipelines. This applies primarily to financing from the Adaptation Fund and the
GCF.
24 Related to SDG Targets 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy
mix; and 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly transition to low-emission economic development
pathways and enhance their adaptation and resilience to climate change(ii) Climate finance
Progress expected by
Indicator 13.a.1:
invested by countries orDecember 2017
Mobilized amount ofinstitutions for clean(baseline):
United States dollars perenergy, energy efficiency
year between 2020 and(a) ($ 526 million)
and/or amount of2025 accountable(b) ($0 billion)
decarbonized assets, withtowards the $100 billion
Progress expected by
UNEP support.
commitment (Tier III,
December 2019:
custodian agencies:
Unit of measure:(a) +$100 million ($ 626 UNFCCC, OECD)(a) Dollar amountmillion)invested by countries or(b)+$100 billion ($100
institutions for clean
billion)energy, energy efficiency
Progress
expected by(b) Dollar amount ofDecember 2020:
decarbonized assets(a) +$50 million ($ 676
million)(b) +$50 billion ($150
billion)
Progress expected by June
2021:(a) +$0 million ($ 676
million)(b) +$0 billion ($150
billion)
Progress expected by
December 2021:(a) +$50 million ($ 726
million)(b) +$50 billion ($200
billion)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Annual reports frominstitutions on measuring
and disclosing the volume
of decarbonized assets(c) Countries increasingly
adopt and implement
forest-friendly policies
and measures that deliver
quantifiable emissions
reductions, as well associal and environmental
benefits(i) Countries securing
finance, including
performance-based
finance, for the
implementation of
REDD-plus25 policies
and measures26
Unit of measure:
Number of countries thathave secured
performance-based
finance for REDD-plus
that is consistent with
UNFCCC
methodological guidanceon REDD-plus (such as
GCF)

Progress expected by
December 2017(baseline): 0
Progress expected by
December 2019: +20 (20)Progress expected by
December 2020: +2 (22)Progress expected by June
2021: +2 (24)Progress expected by
December 2021: +2 (26)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
UN-REDD progress
reports, UNFCCC
submissions that provide
evidence of financereceived for the
implementation ofpolicies and measures andverified emission

Indicator 13.b.1:
Number of least
developed countries andsmall island developing
States that are receiving
specialized support, andamount of support,
including finance,technology and capacitybuilding, formechanisms for raising
capacities for effective
climate change-relatedplanning andmanagement, including
focusing on women,
youth and local andmarginalized
communities (Tier III,custodian agencies:OHRLLS, regional
commissions, AOSIS,

25 REDD-plus refers to activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation indeveloping countries and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest
carbon stocks in developing countries.
26 Related to SDG Target 15.a: Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources toconserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly transition to low-emission economic development
pathways and enhance their adaptation and resilience to climate change
reductions from REDDSIDS, Samoa Pathway)
plus; progress reports on
the implementation of
REDD-plus policies andmeasures; funding
agreements for REDDplus activities; GCF board
decisions on funding
proposal approvals
reporting on bilateralfunding agreements for
REDD-plus(ii) The number ofDecember 2017
Indicator 13.2.1:
countries that(baseline): 0
Number of countries that
demonstrate quantifiable
have communicated theDecember 2019ability to generate social
establishment or(expected): +2527
and environmental (nonoperationalization of an
Progress expected bycarbon) benefits from
integrated
December 2020: +2 (27)REDD-plus
policy/strategy/plan
Progress expected by June which increases theirimplementation
2021: +2 (29)ability to adapt to theUnit of measure:
Progress expected byadverse impacts of
Number of countries that December 2021: +2 (31)climate change, andhave operationalized
Data sources andfoster climate resilienceability to measure social
analysisplan:and low greenhouse gas
and environmental nonemissions development
Project
progress
reports
carbon benefits
in a manner that does not
submitted to UN-REDD
threaten food production
Programme secretariat;(including a nationalcountry submissions toadaptation plan,
the UNFCCC, including
nationally determined
the “Lima REDD+
contribution, national
Information Hub”;
communication, biennial
summary of information
update report or other)on safeguards/(Tier III, custodian
participatory national
monitoring and evaluation agency: UNFCCC)
of policies and measures;
reports from oversight
institutions

Strategy110. Guided by Environment Assembly resolution 2/6 on supporting the Paris Agreement, theoverall objective of the climate change subprogramme is aligned with the Paris Agreement, as well as
the 2030 Agenda and the Kigali Amendment. The overall objective of the subprogramme is tostrengthen countries’ transition to low-emission economic development and enhance their adaptation
and resilience to climate change. Looking ahead to 2030, the ultimate impact that UNEP aims tocontribute on climate change is to reduce countries’ vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climatechange and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases so as to close the adaptation and emission gaps.28
This impact can be realized through support to countries and stakeholder for immediate and long-termclimate action.
111. In order to achieve this change, UNEP will address science, policy, technology and finance. In
2020‒2021, UNEP will continue support to countries in: (a) building technical capacity, accessing
adaptation finance and setting up institutions to coordinate development and implementation ofnational adaptation plans that integrate ecosystem-based adaptation; (b) developing policies andstandards to transform markets and promote investment in clean energy and efficient technology andsystem solutions; and (c) implementing policies that achieve quantifiable carbon, social andenvironmental land-use benefits. As cities are of particular importance in an era of accelerated
27 As of September 2018, UNEP is unlikely to reach its target set out in the 2018–2019 Programme of Work, thus

the 2019 expected achievement is lower than the 2019 Programme of Work target.
28 Adaptation gap and emission gap reports 2017 (available athttps://www.unenvironment.org/resources/adaptation-gap-report andhttps://www.unenvironment.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2017).
35

UNEP/EA.4/4

urbanization, there will be a specific focus on low carbon urban development. Throughout its work,
UNEP will implement gender-sensitive actions and promote South-South cooperation. Partnerships
will be critical to achieving the desired impact. Targeted, strategic communication and advocacy will
be used to improve public perception of the urgency and effectiveness of climate change action,
supporting the subprogramme in its delivery.
112. In the area of adaptation and resilience UNEP, together with its partners29 and partnerships30
and guided by Environment Assembly resolution 1/8 on ecosystem-based adaptation, will continue toprovide support for strengthening institutions and enhancing countries’ capacities to advance national
adaptation planning and implementation. Together with its partners, UNEP will promote
implementation of national action plans and ecosystem-based adaptation. UNEP will continue tosupport vulnerable countries as mandated by Environment Assembly resolution 1/8.31 UNEP willfurther analyse the effectiveness of ecosystem-based adaptation, including through implementation of
ecosystem-based adaptation at scale in different ecosystems; undertake vulnerability impact
assessments, guided by the Global Programme of Research on Climate Change Vulnerability, Impacts
and Adaptation; and conduct economic assessments of adaptation options. Information on successful
adaptation will be disseminated through UNEP-led knowledge networks such as the Global
Adaptation Network and its regional wings.
113. In the area of mitigation, and guided by Environment Assembly resolutions 3/5 on investing ininnovative environmental solutions for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs and resolution 3/8
on preventing and reducing air pollution to improve air quality globally, UNEP will continue tostrengthen partnerships such as the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, the Global Fuel Economy
Initiative, the Global Efficient Lighting Partnership Programme, the Global Efficient Appliances andEquipment Partnership, the District Energy in Cities Initiative, the United for Efficiency initiative, thePortfolio Decarbonization Coalition and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, including
partners such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Through the Climate
Technology Centre and Network, UNEP will continue to promote the accelerated development andtransfer of climate-friendly standards and technologies. The focus of these partnerships evolves withtime and is informed by countries’ priorities and needs.
114. UNEP will continue to engage with non-State actors. For example, the Portfolio
Decarbonization Coalition32 will be expanded, with new member institutions committing to reduce thecarbon footprint of their managed assets. UNEP will continue to work with the Climate and Clean Air
Coalition to Reduce Short-lived Climate Pollutants33 by catalysing policies and practices that provide
multiple benefits by improving people’s health, increasing food security, enhancing energy efficiency
and alleviating poverty. All these efforts will be shaped and informed by UNEP-led assessments,
nationally determined contributions and biennial progress reports, which will continue to be developedwith UNEP support. UNEP will continue to support negotiators upon request by countries.

29 These include the UNDP, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Agency forInternational Cooperation) (GIZ).
30 For example, the Global Centre of Excellence on Adaptation, the Adaptation Network and the World
Adaptation Science Programme.
31 UNEP/EA.1/10, annex I.
32 http://unepfi.org/pdc/about/.
33 The Climate and Clean Air Coalition is a partnership of governments, intergovernmental organizations,businesses, scientific institutions and civil society organizations committed to improving air quality and healthwhile protecting the climate. Based on solid science, the coalition helps partners and stakeholders create policies
and practices to deliver substantial emission reductions of air pollutants and climate forcers.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

115. UNEP and its partners in UN-REDD (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)) will continue to help
countries respond to the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus34 for accessing results-based payments.
Support will take the form of both large investments to trigger transformative change through thedevelopment, implementation and monitoring of REDD-plus policies and measures and smaller-scaletechnical support to prepare countries for effective, transparent and equitable management of financial
flows for REDD-plus. UNEP will further strengthen its work with the private sector to support thedevelopment of innovative financing options. UNEP will facilitate knowledge-sharing mechanisms
and communication and outreach across sectors. Finally, UNEP will support the realization andmonitoring of non-carbon benefits from REDD-plus and other natural solutions for climate change
mitigation.
116. In support of these three expected accomplishments, UNEP supports countries to establish
transparency measures, such national planning documentation, national communications andgreenhouse gas inventories. It also provides technical assistance to countries on updating theirregulatory frameworks in support of decarbonization. This support is mainly financed through GEF
and various climate funds under their respective funding windows for enabling conditions.

34 The Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus sets out the conditions for accessing results-based payments for

REDD-plus. These include having a national strategy or action plan, a national forest reference emission level
and/or forest reference level, a national forest monitoring system and a system for providing information on how
the so-called Cancun safeguards are being addressed and respected.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

Figure 1
Theory of change – Climate change

The UNFCC Paris
Agreement will enter
into force in 2020

Climate finance andother resources will
be available for the
implementation of
the programme ofwork

Countries seek UNEP
support to address
climate changeCountries have reduced theirvulnerability to adverse
climate change impacts andmaintain climate-resilient
development trajectories

Countries achieve emissions
reduction consistent with a
1.5/2-degree Celsius
stabilization pathway

Countries have reduced forest
emissions and enhanced
carbon stocks in forests while
contributing to nationalsustainable development

Countries institutionalize,
implement one cycle of andmonitor national adaptationplans that integrate
ecosystem-based adaptation

Countries institutionalize
low emission policies andinvest in renewable energy
and energy efficiency

REDD-plus countries
reduce deforestationand forest degradationand enhance theconservation of forests

Countries increasingly
advance their near-termand long-term national
adaptation plans, which
integrate ecosystembased adaptation

Countries increasingly
adopt and/or implement
low greenhouse gas
emission development
strategies and invest inclean technology

Countries increasingly adopt
and implement forest-friendly
policies and measures that
achieve quantifiable emissions
reductions, as well as socialand environmental benefits

Tools, methods, science,
knowledge networks toadvance the national
adaptation plan process that
integrates ecosystem-based
adaptation are available

Tools, science,
knowledge networks andapproaches to develop
low emission policies
and plans are available

Tools and approaches for
REDD-plus planning
development are available

Ecosystem-based
adaptation is piloted andintegrated into national
development plans

Renewable energy,
energy efficiency andshort-lived climate
pollutant initiatives are
implemented

National REDD-plus
strategies are implemented

Finance for national
adaptation plans andecosystem-based adaptation
and readiness is available

Finance for mitigation
and readiness is available

Results-based finance isaccessed through policies
and measures
implementation

Outreach, communication

Outreach, communication

Outreach, communication

Intermediate
statesExpectedaccomplishments

Drivers= Linkages

Key2030 impacts

Key deliverables

Assumptions

Note: Key deliverables in the theory of change are related to either a single output or a group of outputs.

38

Partnerships areused to leverage
climate financeand increase
impactUNEP tools,
methods, are usedand pilots scaled
up by partners

UNEP/EA.4/4

External factors and risks
117. The climate change subprogramme is expected to achieve its expected accomplishments bysupporting and complementing, as appropriate, the actions of member States implement theirnationally determined contributions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement, as applicable, but it is recognized that specific actions andtargets by member States are nationally determined . Risks that could hamper the attainment of thetargets include the availability of resources to support countries in transitioning to low-emission
economic development pathways and enhancing their adaptation and resilience to climate change.
Drivers of change include partnerships, which will leverage climate finance and increase impact, as
well as UNEP methods, tools, assessments and pilots, especially if they are taken to scale bypartners.
Table 8Outputs planned for the biennium: Climate change
Programme of work output

Division
accountable

Contributing division(s)and regional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (a): Countries increasingly
advance their near-term and long-term national plans, which integrate ecosystem-based adaptation
1. Technical support provided to countries to develop
tools, methods, scientific evidence and knowledge
networks and promote South-South cooperation toadvance near-term and long-term national plans that
integrate ecosystem-based adaptation

Ecosystems
Division

Science Division,
regional offices

2. Technical support provided to countries toimplement
ecosystem-based adaptation and integrate it into
national plans

Ecosystems
Division

Regional offices

3. Support provided to countries to access adaptation
finance and strengthen readiness for deploying
adaptation finance

Ecosystems
Division

Economy Division,
regional offices

4. Technical support provided to countries to address
UNFCCC commitments, implementation, negotiations
and reporting

Ecosystems
Division

Law Division, regional
offices5.

Communication
Division

Regional offices

Outreach and communication for adaptation

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (b): Countries increasingly
adopt, integrate and/or implement low greenhouse gas emission development strategies and invest in clean
technologies
1. Support provided to a coalition of countries andpartners to foster increased awareness, knowledge andmitigation actions on short-lived climate pollutants

Economy Division

Regional offices

2. Scientific knowledge generated on emerging issues
relevant to low-emission development decision-making
and policy (e.g., Emissions Gap Report)

Science Division

Regional offices

3. Technical support provided to countries to develop
tools, plans and policies for low-emission development

Economy Division

Regional offices

4. Technical support provided to countries toimplement and scale up renewable energy and energy
efficiency projects

Economy Division

Regional offices

5. Readiness of countries and institutions to access ormobilize climate finance strengthened including
through support to make projects bankable andreplicable

Economy Division

Ecosystems Division,
regional offices

6. Technical support provided to countries to address
UNFCCC commitments, monitoring, reporting
requirements and mainstreaming results into national
development planning

Economy Division

Regional offices

39

UNEP/EA.4/4

7. Technical support provided to countries through the
Climate Technology Centre and Network establishedunder the UNFCCC

Economy Division

Ecosystems Division,
regional offices

8. Partnerships and multi-stakeholder networks
facilitate knowledge exchange and South-South
cooperation

Economy Division

Regional offices

9.

Communications
Division

Regional offices

Outreach and communication for mitigation

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (c): Countries increasingly
adopt and implement forest-friendly policies and measures that deliver quantifiable emissions reductions, aswell as social and environmental benefits
1. Technical support to countries to meet the Warsaw
pillars for accessing results-based payments: (a)develop and implement REDD-plus national strategies
or action plans; (b) operationalize safeguard
information systems; (c) estimate forest reference
emission levels; and (d) build national forest monitoring
systems

Ecosystems
Division

Regional offices

2. Strategic support for transformative land
management approach

Ecosystems
Division

Regional offices

3. Outreach and communication on the benefits ofreducing emissions from deforestation and forest
degradation

Communications
Division

Regional offices

Resource requirements: Climate change
118. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $261.4 million and provide for 176 positions, as compared to $181.3 million and 134
positions in the 2018–2019 budget. The overall increase in the allocation is prompted by theestimated contributions of the earmarked and global funds based on historical trends over the lastbiennium. This increase is partially offset by a reduction of $10.1 million against the Environment
Fund in line with the decrease of the total envelope. An increase of 6 positions is proposed under theEnvironment Fund, as existing positions are aligned with the subprogramme to which they mainly
contribute. Under the earmarked and global funds, the expected increase in the number of positions
is in line with the projected increase in the associated financial resources leading to an increase in
more projects and activities to be implemented. Accordingly, additional staff positions will be
required. Unlike core positions funded from the Environment Fund, such project positions have alimited duration, and their financial sustainability and obligation are governed by the donor legal
instruments/contracts as well as the lifespan of the projects to which they contribute.

40

UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 9 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: climate change(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
15 00017 30032 300(500)(9 600)(10 100)

14 5007 700
22 200112 600
112 600

32 20032 20016 700128 100
144 800

29 50029 50054 00054 0008 600
74 90083 500

3 200
3 200

4 000
4 000

3 200
4 000
7 200

3 447
275
3 722
181 322–––80 100

3 447
275
3 722
261 422

Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

Table 9 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: climate change
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

53
54
10
7
10

6
4
23
9
–

59
58
33
16
10

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

134

42

176

Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

41

UNEP/EA.4/4

Subprogramme 2
Resilience to disasters and conflicts
Table 10
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: resilience to disasters and conflicts
Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly prevent and reduce the environmental impacts ofdisasters and conflicts while building resilience to future crises35
Relevant impact-level
SDG indicators

SDG Target 1.5.: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable
situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme
events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
Indicator: 1.5.3 Number of countries that adopt and implement national disasterrisk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015–2030 (Tier II, custodian agency: UNISDR)SDG Target 11b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and humansettlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards
inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change,
resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, holistic disaster risk
management at all levels. Indicators: 11.b.1 Number of countries that adopt andimplement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (Tier II, custodian agency:
UNISDR); 11.b.2 Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local
disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction
strategies (Tier III, custodian agency: UNISDR)

Relevant
Environment
Assembly resolutions
Expectedaccomplishments of thesecretariat(a) Countries andinternational partners
integrate environmental
measures for risk
reduction in key
policies andframeworks36

Environment Assembly resolution 2/15 – Protection of the environment in areas
affected by armed conflict
Environment Assembly resolution 3/1 – Pollution mitigation and control in areas
affected by armed conflict or terrorism
Indicators of achievement

Targets

Relevant global SDG
indicators(i) The number of countries
in which environmental
issues are addressed innational disaster risk
reduction strategies
Unit of measure:
Number of countries that
adopt and implement
national disaster risk
reduction strategies in linewith the Sendai
Framework37

December 2017(baseline): 20
December 2019
(expected): +9
Progress expected atJune 2020 (target): +1
Progress expected at
December 2020
(target): +1
Progress expected atJune 2021 (target): +1

Indicator 1.5.3:
Number of countries
that adopt andimplement national
disaster risk reduction
strategies in line with
the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015–2030(also 13.1.2) (Tier II,
custodian agency:
UNISDR)

35 UNEP work in this area encompasses disasters, industrial accidents and armed conflicts that have severe

environmental consequences.
36 Related to SDG Targets 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people
affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product causedby disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable
situations; 11b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting andimplementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation
to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels; 13.1: Strengthen resilienceand adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries; and 16.1: Significantly
reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
37 This subprogramme aligns with the delivery of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR).
The SFDRR, which was agreed in March 2015, sets out seven draft targets, one of which (target E) is
42

UNEP/EA.4/4

Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly prevent and reduce the environmental impacts ofdisasters and conflicts while building resilience to future crises35
December 2021
(target): +1
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Member States
reporting on the Sendai
Framework38
December 2017
Indicator 6.5.2:(baseline): 33 since
Proportion of2010
transboundary basin
area with an
December 2019
operational(expected): 37
arrangement for water
Progress expected atcooperation (Tier II,(ii) The number ofJune 2020: +1
custodian agencies:
international partners’
Progress expected at
UNESCOpolicies on risk reduction
December 2020: +1
Internationalthat integrate best practices
Progress expected at
Hydrologicalin sustainable natural
June 2021: +1
Programme, ECE)
resource management
December 2021: +1
advocated by UNEP39
Data sources andUnit of measure:analysis plan:
Number of policies(a) Internationalsignificant to the overall
partner reports andstrategy and direction of thesurveysorganization that integrate
environmental approaches to(b) References torisk reduction
UNEP in policies(b) Emergency
response and post-crisis
recovery plans
integrate environmental
considerations toincrease thesustainability ofrecovery(i) Percentage of country
requests for emergency
response met by UNEP
Unit of measure:
Percentage of formal
requests for UNEP
assistance in the case of adisaster or conflict received
from a government or a
United Nations humanitarian
coordinator, where a UNEP
team has been deployed,

December 2017(baseline): 94.44 (% ofrequests received in
2016–2017)
December 2019
(expected): 90% (ofrequests received
cumulatively)
Progress expected atJune 2020: +0 (at least
90%)

Indicator 11.5.1:
Number of deaths,
missing persons anddirectly affected
persons attributed todisasters per 100,000
population (also 13.1.1)(Tier II, custodian
agency: UNISDR)
Indicator 11.5.2: Direct
economic loss inrelation to global GDP,

“Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies by 2020”. UNEP has
adopted Sendai indicator (E1: Number of countries that adopt and implement national DRR strategies in linewith the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030) in order to ensure alignment between
UNEP work and the Sendai framework. In this way, UNEP ensures that the environment becomes
institutionalized into the process of disaster risk reduction strategies. Clearly, UNEP is not the sole organization
working in this domain and we fully recognize the attribution problem implicit in this indicator. Nevertheless,
UNEP believes this is an appropriate outcome level indicator that demonstrates the extent to which
environmental risks are being addressed in national-level planning frameworks. In addition this indicator helps
to set the context in which the second indicator under this expected accomplishment is more directly associatedwith UNEP work.
38 This target is one of the seven global targets of the Sendai Framework and is priority 3 of four priorities foraction, Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience. The Sendai Framework is available athttps://www.unisdr.org/we/coordinate/sendai-framework. The monitoring network is available athttps://www.unisdr.org/we/monitor.
39 “International partners” in this context refers to international organizations working on humanitarian
response and provision or peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities (such as UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, theInternational Committee of the Red Cross, DPA, DPKO and other intergovernmental organizations) and thetransition to longer-term development (including UNDP, financial institutions such as the World Bank andregional development banks, regional political and development organizations and so on).
43

UNEP/EA.4/4

Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly prevent and reduce the environmental impacts ofdisasters and conflicts while building resilience to future crises35
either alone or as part of a
Progress expected atdamage to criticaljoint teamDecember 2020: +0 (atinfrastructure andleast 90%)
number of disruptions
to basic services,
Progress expected at
attributed to disasters
June 2021: +0 (at least(Tier II, custodian90%)
agency: UNISDR)
December 2021: +0 (atleast 90%)
Data sources andanalysis plan:(a) List of formal
requests received by
the Joint Environment
Unit (UNEP-OCHA)
or the Crisis
Management Branch of
UNEP(b) Assessment,
mission and donor
reports

44

UNEP/EA.4/4

Objective of the organization: Countries increasingly prevent and reduce the environmental impacts ofdisasters and conflicts while building resilience to future crises35
December 2017(ii) Percentage of post-crisis(baseline): 64%
recovery plans bygovernments or international December 2019
(expected): +2% (66%)
partners40 that integrate
Progress at June 2020:
UNEP assessment+1% (67%)
recommendations41
Progress at December
Unit of measure:
2020: +1% (68%)
Percentage of post-crisis
Progress at June 2021:
recovery plans integrating+1% (69%)
UNEP recommendations
Progress at December
after six months as a rolling2021: +1% (70%)
percentage of the total
number of assessments done
Data sources andover the preceding five years
analysis plan: Analysisof post-crisis recovery
plans and reports fromdonor conferencescompared withrecommendations in theoriginal assessments(c) Crisis-affected(i) Countries emerging from
December 2017
countries adopt key
crisis progress along the(baseline): 87 per centenvironmental and
CCF43 with UNEP supportof countries had
natural resource
progressed two
Unit of measure:governance policies
cumulative steps along
Percentage of countries inand sustainable
the CCF since
which UNEP has a longpractices as a
December 2013
term presence that progresscontribution to
December 2019the required number of steps
recovery and(expected): +13 (A total
along
the
CCF
from
a
development42
of 100% of countries
baseline that is reset at the
progress two
beginning of the mediumcumulative steps alongterm strategy 2018–2021
the CCF sinceperiodDecember 2013)
Progress at December
2020: A total of 50%
of countries progress
one cumulative stepalong the CCF (since
December 2017)
Progress at December
2021: A total of 50%
of countries progress
two cumulative steps
along the CCF (overthe course of thebiennium)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Annual surveys
completed by country
project team44

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UNEP/EA.4/4

Strategy119. The overall objective of this subprogramme is to ensure that countries build sufficientresilience to prevent and reduce the environmental causes and consequences of natural disasters,industrial accidents and armed conflicts. Looking ahead to 2030, the ultimate impact of the work of
UNEP work is to harness best practice environmental management in ways that significantly reduce
threats to health and livelihoods stemming from natural disasters, industrial accidents or armed
conflicts. Effective implementation of this subprogramme would be an important contribution to thethird United Nations’ Environment Assembly’s pollution agenda given that natural disasters,industrial accidents and armed conflicts are often potent and persistent sources of pollution.
120. The programme of work will focus on integrating best practice environmental approaches
into the key risk reduction, response and recovery policies and frameworks of countries and theinternational community, at the request of affected member States.45 It will pay particular attention toaddressing the causes and consequences of environmental security through work on understanding
and identifying emerging environmental threats to security, and to support partners in the United
Nations system who are working to address those threats at both the political and programmaticlevel.
121. Effective global and national partnerships, both within and outside the United Nations
system, are key to ensuring that UNEP efforts result in meaningful change, as well as the uptake andsustainability of results.
122. During 2020-2021, UNEP will work to have an impact in three ways. First, it will endeavour
to ensure that the international community and vulnerable countries use best practice environmental
management approaches to prevent and reduce the impacts of crises, including natural disasters,industrial accidents and armed conflicts.46 UNEP is already working with many of the key actors inthis domain through the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction, a global allianceof United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and specialist institutes. Other partners
in this domain include the African Union, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
40 “International partners” in this context refers to international organizations working on humanitarian

response and provision, or peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities (such as UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, theInternational Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, DPA, DPKO and otherintergovernmental organizations) and those working on the transition to longer-term development (including
UNDP, financial institutions such as the World Bank and regional development banks, regional political anddevelopment organizations).
41 Given that post-crisis recovery plans often take time to put in place, this indicator will describe a rolling
percentage of all assessments where serious risks have been identified over a five-year period up to six months
before the date of the report (i.e. covering the period starting 66 months and finishing six months before thereport)..
42 Related to SDG targets 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels; 11b: By
2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated
policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change,
resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels; and 17.9: Enhance international support
for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans for
implementing all the Sustainable Development Goals, including through North-South, South-South andtriangular cooperation.
43 The country capacity framework (CCF) aims to provide an objective assessment of country-level capacity forenvironmental governance in six dimensions: 1. Access to information and availability of data for informed
decision-making; 2. Enhanced planning and policy development skills; 3. Improved regulatory frameworks; 4.
Stronger environmental institutions; 5. Implementation and enforcement capacity; and 6. Public participation indecision-making. Each dimension has five steps. Country project teams, in consultation with national partners,
assess the level of environmental governance across each of these components at the end of each year anddecide the extent to which they have been achieved (incomplete, partially met, mostly met or complete).
44 Note that the process of gathering the data for the CCF is very time intensive and so is done annually toensure that a thorough report can be delivered. .
45 Consistent with, inter alia, General Assembly resolution 46/182 (1991) on strengthening of the coordinationof humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations.
46 As mentioned in General Assembly resolutions 47/37 and 53/242.
46

UNEP/EA.4/4(UNISDR), the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), the World Bank and UNDP. Private sector
partners will be particularly important for UNEP in its work to reduce the risks and impacts ofindustrial accidents.
123. Second, UNEP will work to enable countries and the humanitarian community to respondrapidly to the environmental impacts of crises. A key partner in this area is the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Working through the Joint Environment Unit that it
has maintained with OCHA for more than 25 years, UNEP can reach the wider humanitariancommunity. These partnerships will be critical to extending the capacity of UNEP and scaling up
results, notably by mainstreaming environmental best practices into other organizations’ policy andplanning processes. One example of this is the ongoing work to reduce the environmental footprintsof United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
124. Third, UNEP will support countries that have experienced a crisis in reinstating key
environmental policies in order to encourage more sustainable and effective recovery. Key partners
here are governments, national actors and United Nations country teams in crisis-affected countries,
including UNDP, DPA, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the International
Organization for Migration and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR).
125. The work of UNEP will be supported by communication to insert the environment in the
narrative around typically humanitarian issues. Communication will position the organization’s work
to provide a positive message around how good environmental stewardship can help deliver the
SDGs and reinforce the voice of UNEP in everyday discussions about resilience to disasters andconflicts.
126. Delivery will increasingly take place through UNEP regional offices, with dedicatedcoordination officers drawing on the expertise of UNEP divisions and working with regional
partners. Many such partners could be mentioned, but the following are likely to be particularly
relevant: the African Union, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific, the Economic
Commission for Europe (ECE), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, theCaribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Globally, UNEP will continue to collaborate with education partners to further support education andwider knowledge dissemination on ecosystem-based approaches to resilience and disaster risk
reduction.
127. Meanwhile, the subprogramme will leverage synergies across other subprogrammes,
particularly climate change; environmental governance; healthy and productive ecosystems; andchemicals, waste and air quality. The synergies with the climate change subprogramme areparticularly relevant given the links between ecosystem approaches to disaster risk reduction andecosystem-based adaptation and the emerging issue of climate security. The subprogrmame is also
actively working with colleagues across the organization to ensure that the work of UNEP is
encouraging risk-informed development. The subprogramme aligns closely to the goals of the Sendai
Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction as well as the SDGs (in particular goals 1, 11, 13, 16, and17). It will promote gender considerations by using gender-disaggregated data in assessments, aswell as by engaging in specific projects that promote gender equality in policy-making processes andcapacity-building activities.

47

UNEP/EA.4/4

Figure 2
Theory of change – Resilience to disasters and conflicts

Best practice environmental management approaches preventand reduce the impacts of disasters and conflicts

Crisis prevention measurestaken by countries and theinternational community arebased on environmental data
and best practice approaches

Other (nonenvironmental)
factors of
disasters andconflict do notincrease
The public andprivate sectors
are committed to
implementing
sustainable
development
agendaCountries have functioning
multisectoral disaster risk
reduction platforms that,inter alia, address theenvironmental dimensionsof prevention

Countries rapidly respond to and recover from theenvironmental impacts of disasters and conflicts

Humanitarian andpeacekeeping entities
reduce theirenvironmental
footprint

Countries and theinternational community
have capacity to analyse
and address environmental
dimensions of crisis

Post-crisis
countries rapidly
reinstateenvironmental
institutions

Effective partnerships
are continued andexpanded
1. RISK
REDUCTIONCountries andinternational partners
integrateenvironmental
measures for risk
reduction into key
policies andframeworks

Risk assessments andpolicy support
provided to prioritize
risk-informed practice
Risk information andtechnical support
provided to improvecrisis prevention andpreparedness
Awareness ofenvironmental risks
raised among countries
and the international
community

2. RESPONSE
Emergency response
and post-crisis
recovery plans include
environmental
considerations toincrease thesustainability ofrecoveryEnvironmental
emergency response
support provided incrisis situations
Technical support topost-conflict/disasterneeds assessments
provided to identify
environmental risks
Technical support
provided tohumanitarian andmilitary actors to
reduce theirenvironmental
footprint

Intermediate
states3. RECOVERY
Crisis-affected countries
adopt key environmental
and natural resource
governance policies andsustainable practices as acontribution to recovery
and development

Long-term
environmental support
provided to strengthen
environmental
management in postcrisis countries

Successful approaches
are scaled up from thelocal to the nationaland regional levels
National and international stakeholders
show political support
and ownership by
Levels of funding are
sufficient forsustaining UNEP
presence

Best practices onenvironmental issues
in post crisis recovery
and peacebuilding
disseminated andawareness raised on
their importance

Expectedaccomplishments

Drivers= Linkages

Key2030 impacts

Key
deliverables

Assumptions

Note: Key deliverables in the theory of change are related to either a single output or a group of outputs.

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UNEP/EA.4/4

External factors and risks
128. As one of the critical drivers of success, effective partnerships must expand to influence thepolicies of major implementing agencies in the humanitarian and security fields. In addition, thesubprogramme must be able to scale up successful pilot approaches from the local to the regional levelin order to have a systemic impact. Risks to the achievement of the subprogramme’s expectedaccomplishments include uncontrollable factors such as extreme weather and deteriorating
ecosystems, which would strengthen the “headwinds” faced by the subprogramme. Another risk is thatmajor United Nations and other international policy processes might not continue to prioritize theenvironmental causes and consequences of crises.
Table 11Outputs planned for the biennium: resilience to disasters and conflict
Programme of work output

Division
accountable

Contributing division(s) andregional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (a): Countries and international
partners integrate environmental measures for risk reduction into key policies and frameworks
1. Risk assessments, policy support and training
delivered to international and United Nations
partners to catalyse environmental cooperationand practical action to address environmental
factors contributing to risks from disasters andconflicts

Policy andProgramme
Division

Science Division, Economy
Division, Communications
Division, regional offices

2. Training and technical assistance on
institutional and legal frameworks provided tocountries to improve national and local
preparedness to mitigate environmental risks
from disasters and conflicts

Economy Division

Law Division, Policy andProgramme Division, Ecosystems
Division, regional offices

3. Outreach to raise awareness of theenvironmental causes and consequences of crises
and to promote the sound management of natural
resources as a tool for crisis prevention andrecovery in vulnerable countries

Communications
Division

Policy and Programme Division,
Ecosystems Division, regional
offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (b): Emergency response andpost-crisis recovery plans include environmental considerations to increase the sustainability of recovery
1. Technical assistance mobilized to assess
environmental risks from disasters and conflicts
and to catalyse action by affected countries
and/or international partners

Policy andProgramme
Division

Law Division, Policy andProgramme Division, Ecosystems
Division, regional offices

2. Technical assistance provided to humanitarianand military actors to reduce their environmental
footprint

Policy andProgramme
Division

Law Division, Policy andProgramme Division, Ecosystems
Division, regional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (c): Crisis-affected countries
adopt key environmental and natural resource governance policies and sustainable practices as a contribution
to recovery and development
1. Policy support and technical assistanceprovided to post-crisis countries to increase theenvironmental sustainability of recovery andpeacebuilding programmes

Policy andProgramme
Division

Law Division, Policy andProgramme Division, Ecosystems
Division, Economy Division,Communications Division, regional
officesResource requirements: Resilience to disasters and conflicts
129. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $39.4 million and provide for 46 positions, as compared to $51.1 million and 69 positions in
the 2018–2019 budget. The overall decrease in the financial resources is mainly brought by theearmarked funds estimated contributions based on historical trends over the last biennium. To mitigate
the effect of this reduction, the Environment Fund budget for this subprogramme is prioritized througha lesser proportion of reduction, brought by the overall decrease in the Environment Fund, as
compared to other subprogrammes. In terms of human resources, the decrease in the number of
positions under the Environment Fund is due to the alignment of existing positions with thesubprogramme to which they mainly contribute. Under the earmarked and global funds, the expected
decrease in the number of positions is aligned with the projected reduction in the associated financial
resources.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 12 (a)Financial resource requirements by funding category: resilience to disasters and conflicts(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
10 00011 50021 500(1 700)(4 200)(5 900)

8 300
7 300
15 60024 60024 600(4 400)(4 400)4 100
16 10020 200

–

–
–
–

–
–
–

2 400
2 400

(1 400)(1 400)

600
400
1 000

2 453
166
2 619
51 119–––(11 700)

2 453
166
2 619
39 419Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

Table 12 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: Resilience to disasters and conflicts
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

50

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

36
19
0
6
8

(12)
(7)
0
(4)
0

24
12
0
2
8

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

69

(23)

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Subprogramme 3
Healthy and productive ecosystems
Table 13
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: healthy and productive ecosystems
Objective of the organization: Marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly managed throughan integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore biodiversity, long-term ecosystems functioning
and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
Relevant
impact-level
SDG indicators

Relevant
Environment
Assembly
resolutions

SDG Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement
resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintainecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather,drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
Indicator: 2.4.1 Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainableagriculture. (Tier III, custodian agencies: FAO, UN)
SDG Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains,forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Indicator: 6.6.1 Change in the extent of waterrelated ecosystems over time. (Tier II, custodian agencies: UNEP, Ramsar)
SDG Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, inparticular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
Indicator: 14.1.1 Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density. (Tier III,custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to
avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action
for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. Indicator: 14.2.1
Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based
approaches. (Tier III, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including throughenhanced scientific cooperation at all levels. Indicator: 14.3.1 Average marine acidity (pH)measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations. (Tier III, custodian agencies:
IOC-UNESCO)SDG Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas,consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientificinformation. Indicator 14.5.1(Tier I, custodian agencies: UNEP-WCMC, UNEP,
Ramsar)SDG Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable useof terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests,
wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
Indicators:15.1.1 Forest area as a proportion of total land area (Tier I, custodian agencies:
FAO); 15.1.2 Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that arecovered by protected areas, by ecosystem type. (Tier I, custodian agencies: UNEP-WCMC,UNEP)
SDG Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including
land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradationneutral world. Indicator: 15.3.1 Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.
(Tier III, custodian agency: UNCCD)
SDG Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural
habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of
threatened species. Indicator: 15.5.1 Red List Index. (Tier II, custodian agency: IUCN)SDG Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national andlocal planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts. Indicator:
15.9.1 Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity
Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. (Tier III, custodian agencies: CBD
Secretariat, UNEP)
Environment Assembly resolution 1/3 – Illegal trade in wildlife
Environment Assembly resolution 1/9 – Global Environment Monitoring System/Water
Programme (GEMS/Water)
Environment Assembly resolution 2/3 – Investing in human capacity for sustainable
development through environmental education and training
Environment Assembly resolution 2/4 – Role, functions and modalities for UNEP
implementation of the Samoa Pathway as a means of facilitating achievement of the SDGs
Environment Assembly resolution 2/10 – Oceans and seas
Environment Assembly resolution 2/12 – Sustainable coral reefs management
Environment Assembly resolution 2/13 – Sustainable management of natural capital forsustainable development and poverty eradication
Environment Assembly resolution 2/14 – Illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products
Environment Assembly resolution 2/24 – Combating desertification, land degradation and
51

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly managed throughan integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore biodiversity, long-term ecosystems functioning
and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
drought and promoting sustainable pastoralism and rangelands
Expected
Targets
Indicators ofaccomplishments
Relevant global SDG indicators
achievementof the secretariat(a) The healthand productivityof marine,
freshwater andterrestrial
ecosystems are
institutionalized
in education,
monitoring andcross-sectoralandtransboundary
collaboration
frameworks47 at
the national andinternational
levels(i) The number ofcountries andtransboundary
collaboration
frameworks that havemade progress inmonitoring andmaintaining the healthand productivity ofmarine and terrestrial
ecosystems with theassistance of UNEP48
Unit of measure:
Number of countries andtransboundary
collaboration
frameworks49

December 2017 (baseline):
6
December 2019
(expected): +22 (28)Progress expected by
December 2020: +21 (49)June 2021: +11 (60)December 2021: +13 (73)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Reports or websites ofministries of environmentor regional seas or basinorganizations or othertransboundary institutions

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion ofagricultural area under
productive and sustainableagriculture (Tier III, custodian
agency: FAO)
Indicator 2.5.1: Number of plant
and animal genetic resources forfood and agriculture secured ineither medium- or long-term
conservation facilities. (Tier I,
custodian agency: FAO)
Indicator 2.5.2: Proportion of
local breeds classified as beingat risk, not at risk or at unknown
level of risk of extinction. (TierI, custodian agency: FAO)
Indicator 6.5.1 Degree of
integrated watyresourcesmanagement implementation (0–100) (Tier II, custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 6.6.1: Change in theextent of water-related
ecosystems over time (Tier II,
custodian agencies: UNEP,
Ramsar)Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal
eutrophication and floating plastic
debris density (Tier III, custodian
agency: UNEP)
Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine
acidity (pH) measured at agreed
suite of representative samplingstations (Tier III, custodian
agencies: IOC-UNESCO)
Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage ofprotected areas in relation tomarine areas. (Tier I, custodian
agencies: UNEPWCMC)
Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as aproportion of total land area (TierI, custodian agency: FAO)
Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion ofimportant sites for terrestrial
and freshwater biodiversity thatare covered by protected areas,

47 Cross-sectoral collaboration frameworks include informal or formal platforms and institutional arrangements

between different sectors on the management of ecosystems with the objective of managing ecosystems for theirlong-term functioning and to meet multiple objectives. Examples include thematic councils of ministers, national
intersectoral round tables or working groups and public-private-civil-society partnerships. Transboundary
collaboration frameworks include regional seas, basin organizations and transboundary conservation area
governing bodies and intergovernmental programmes.
48 Countries or groups of countries (for transboundary ecosystems) demonstrate progress in one or more of thefollowing areas: usage of biodiversity indicators, establishment of protected areas, availability ofnational/regional conservation plans or policies, availability of maps on the spatial distribution of ecosystemservices and goods, increased funding allocation for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
UNEP will further support country progress through support systems for spatial ecosystem connectivity planning,facilitation of South-South and South-North collaboration and international best practice guidance.
49 Progress at transboundary level will be calculated as one unit of progress.
52

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly managed throughan integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore biodiversity, long-term ecosystems functioning
and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
by ecosystem type. (Tier I,
custodian agencies: UNEPWCMC))
Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards
sustainable forest management.
(Tier II, custodian agency: FAO)
Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion ofland that is degraded over total
land area. (Tier III, custodian
agency: UNCCD)
Indicator 15.4.1: Coverage by
protected areas of importantsites for mountain biodiversity(Tier II, custodian agencies:
UNEP-WCMC)
Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.
(Tier II, custodian agency: IUCN)
Indicator 15.7.1: Proportion of
traded wildlife that was poachedor illicitly trafficked (Tier II,
custodian agencies: UNODC,CITES) Indicator 15.8.1:
Proportion of countries adopting
relevant national legislation andadequately resourcing theprevention or control of invasive
alien species (Tier II, custodian
agency: IUCN)(ii) The number ofDecember 2017 (baseline): Indicator 11.4.1: Total
countries andexpenditure (public and private)
16
transboundary
per capita spent on the
December 2019
collaboration
preservation, protection and(expected): +33 (49)frameworks thatconservation of all cultural andProgress expected bydemonstrate enhanced
natural heritage, by type ofDecember 2020: +8 (57)knowledge of the value
heritage (cultural, natural, mixed
June 2021: +8 (65)and role of ecosystem
and World Heritage Centre
December 2021: +9 (74)services with thedesignation), level of government
Data sources and(national, regional and local/
assistance of UNEP50
analysis plan:municipal), type of expenditure
Unit of measure:
Reports, organizational(operating
Number of countries andwebsites, national
expenditure/investment) and typetransboundary
statistical departments
of private funding (donations incollaboration
surveyskind, private non-profit sector andframeworks, that embedsponsorship). (Tier III, custodian
the value of ecosystemagencies: UNESCO-UIS)
services.
Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards
national targets established inaccordance with Aichi
Biodiversity Target 2 of theStrategic Plan for Biodiversity
2011–2020. (Tier III, custodian
agencies: CBD Secretariat,
UNEP)
Indicator 17.19.1: Dollar value ofall resources made available tostrengthen statistical capacity indeveloping countries. (Tier I),
custodian agency: Paris21)

50 Countries or groups of countries demonstrate progress in one or more of the following areas: ecosystemvaluation, accounting of ecosystem services or inclusion of natural capital in sustainable development progressmeasurements. UNEP will further support country progress through facilitation of international agreements on
methods and standards for measuring/accounting for ecosystem services and technical assistance to private sector
and national institutions to conduct and deliver valuation and accounting of ecosystem services.
53

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly managed throughan integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore biodiversity, long-term ecosystems functioning
and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
(iii) The number ofDecember 2017 (baseline): Indicator 6.5.1: Degree ofcountries and groups ofintegrated water resources0
countries that improve
management implementation (0–December 2019
their cross-sectoral and100). (Tier II, custodian agency:(expected): +15 (15)transboundary
UNEP)
Progress expected bycollaboration
Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of
December 2020: +17 (32)frameworks for marinetransboundary basin area with anJune 2021: +2 (34)and terrestrial ecosystem
operational arrangement for water
December 2021: +1 (35)management with thecooperation (Tier II, custodian
Data sources andassistance of UNEP51
agencies: UNESCO-International
analysis plan:
Unit of measure:
Hydrological Programme, ECE)
Project progress reports,
Number of countries andIndicator 14.2.1: Proportion of
stakeholdertransboundary
national exclusive economic
documentation, regional
collaboration
zones managed using ecosystemseas conventions andbased approaches (Tier III,frameworks
action plans, ministries’
custodian agency: UNEP)
and governments’
Indicator 14.6.1: Progress byreports/publications;countries in the degree ofnational strategies, plans
implementation of internationalor programmes for the
instruments aiming to combat
conservation andillegal, unreported andsustainable use of
unregulated fishing (Tier II,
biodiversity that morecustodian agency: FAO)
effectively address crossIndicator 14.c.1: Number ofsectoral issues.
countries making progress in
ratifying, accepting andimplementing through legal,
policy and institutionalframeworks, ocean-related
instruments that implement
international law, as reflected in
the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea, for theconservation and sustainable useof the oceans and their resources.
(Tier III, custodian agencies:
UN-DOALOS, FAO, UNEP,
ILO, other UN-Oceans agencies)
Indicator 15.6.1: Number ofcountries that have adopted
legislative, administrative andpolicy frameworks to ensure fairand equitable sharing of benefits.
(Tier II, custodian agency: CBD
secretariat)(iv) The number ofDecember 2017 (baseline): Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which
education institutions(i) global citizenship education
2
that integrate theand (ii) education for sustainable
December 2019
ecosystem approach into (expected): +18 (20)development, including gendereducation frameworks
equality and human rights, areProgress expected bywith the assistance ofmainstreamed at all levels in: (a)December 2020: +7 (27)national education policies,
UNEP
June 2021: +8 (35)(b) curricula, (c) teacher
Unit of measure:
December 2021: +9 (44)education and (d) student
Number of educational
Data sources andassessment. (Tier III, custodian
institutions
analysis plan:
agencies:UNESCO-UIS)
Reports from partner
Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which
51 Countries or groups of countries demonstrate improvement in the institutional set-up for cross-sectoralcollaboration through one or more of the following: cross-sectoral agreement on interdisciplinary management
objectives of given ecosystems, national or sectoral natural resource sufficiency assessments, agreed spatial
and/or management plans, development of scenarios or trade-off analysis, cross-sectoral round tables/working
groups, formal institutional arrangements, cross-sectoral ecosystem-related performance management systems.
UNEP will further support country progress through facilitation of South-South and South-North collaboration,
cross-sectoral development partnerships and technical support for sectoral externality assessments.
54

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly managed throughan integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore biodiversity, long-term ecosystems functioning
and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
(i) global citizenship education
education institutionsand (ii) education for sustainable
development (including climatechange education) aremainstreamed in (a) national
education policies; (b) curricula;(c) teacher education; and(d) student assessment (Tier III,custodian agencies: UNESCOUIS) Indicator 13.3.1: Number ofcountries that have integrated
mitigation, adaptation, impact
reduction and early warning into
primary, secondary and tertiary
curricula. (Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNFCCC, UNESCOUIS)(b) Policymakers (i) The number ofDecember 2017 (baseline): Indicator 12.7.1: Number ofin the public and public-sector institutions 0
countries implementing
private sectorsthat test and consider the December 2019sustainable public procurement
test and consider inclusion of the healthpolicies and action plans (Tier III,
(expected): +14 (14)the inclusion ofand productivity ofcustodian agency: UNEP)
Progress expected by
the health andmarine and terrestrial
December 2020: +5 (19)
productivity of
ecosystems in economic
Indicator 15.a.1: Official
June 2021: +5 (24)ecosystems indecision-making with
development assistance and public
December 2021: +5 (29)
economic
the assistance ofexpenditure on conservation andData sources anddecision-making UNEP52
sustainable use of biodiversity andanalysis plan:
Unit of measure:ecosystems (Tier I/III, custodian
Project progress reports,
Number of public-sector public environmental
agencies: OECD, UNEP, Worldinstitutions
Bank)
expenditure reviews,
criteria in budget calls,
budget marking systems
and other country
documentation

52 Countries should demonstrate progress through one or more of the following: development and testing of

ecosystem impact analysis models for national budgets and financial incentives, institution of environmental
impact assessment of national economic decision-making and accounting and reporting on the impacts of public
spending on ecosystem health and productivity. Progress can further be demonstrated by the institution ofrequirements on the private sector to disclose the nature of their dependency and impact on natural capital andthe use of enforceable fiscal measures and incentives for companies that integrate value and account for natural
capital in their business models. UNEP will further support country progress through the development andcompletion of peer reviewed models for ecosystem impacts of budgets and financial incentive allocation
frameworks, development of scenario analysis tools and strengthening of partnerships seeking to align financial
flows with global environmental goals.
55

UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly managed throughan integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore biodiversity, long-term ecosystems functioning
and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
(ii) The number ofDecember 2017 (baseline): Indicator 17.5.1: Number ofprivate sector entities
countries that adopt and6that test and consider
implement investment promotion
December 2019
inclusion and adjust
regimes for least developed(expected): +50 (56their business model
countries (Tier III, custodian
Progress expected bymechanisms to reduce
agency: UNCTAD)
December 2020: +20 (76)their ecosystem-related
June 2021: +20 (96)risks and/or negative
December 2021: +10 (106)
impacts on marine andData sources andterrestrial ecosystems
analysis plan:with assistance ofProject progress reports,
53
UNEP
training and workshop
Unit of measure:documentation, corporate
Number of private sector reporting
entities

Strategy130. The overall objective of the healthy and productive ecosystems subprogramme is to support
countries in conserving and managing their marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems through an
integrated approach that enables them to maintain and restore the long-term functioning of biodiversity
ecosystems and the supply of ecosystem goods and services.
131. The ultimate impact that UNEP aims to deliver by 2030 through the healthy and productive
ecosystems subprogramme is healthier marine and terrestrial ecosystems which provide
benefits – such as clean water, clear air, good status of marine and terrestrial environment, secure foodproduction systems, natural beauty and cultural affiliation – that support the well-being of men,
women and children and all other living organisms. To create this impact, UNEP and its partners will
empower governments, the private sector and civil society to collaborate, make more holistic decisions
and align the delivery of development and business goals with the long-term functioning of
ecosystems. Targeted advocacy and outreach will support delivery of the subprogramme’s impact andfoster a favourable awareness of integrated ecosystem management in targeted countries to assist
implementation of technical interventions.
132. The subprogramme will drive change both over the short term and the long term. In the shortterm, the subprogramme will strengthen partnerships and support countries in better monitoring andaccounting for biodiversity and the health and productivity of ecosystems, thus guiding better public
and private decision-making. The subprogramme will continue to work with sectoral partners to put inplace cross-sectoral ecosystem management frameworks. It will also support agreements and use
science-based and traditional knowledge products (such as scenarios, spatial plans, trade-off analyses
and ecosystem-based sectoral performance monitoring systems) to ensure synergies and promoteecosystem management that delivers on multiple SDGs and targets, including the post-2020 global
framework for biodiversity. To that effect, the existing regional seas conventions will be promoted andencouraged in their work towards sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal
environment and the creation of regional seas conventions where necessary will be fostered.
133. In order to foster long-term change and move considerations for healthy and productive
ecosystems from the periphery to the centre of the economy, the subprogramme will work with
development banks and the finance sector, agriculture production sector, and resource extraction
companies among other partners, to raise awareness of how the ecosystem approach can be firmly
included in public and private economic decision-making. UNEP will further aim to institutionalize
the ecosystem approach in policy and educational frameworks including through the education of
graduates, who represent future professionals in various sectors where decisions that affect the healthand productivity of ecosystems are taken (e.g., economists, engineers and lawyers).

53 Private sector entity level progress is demonstrated through elements included in the Natural Capital

Declaration (www.naturalcapitaldeclaration.org). These elements include, for example: understanding of impacts
and dependency on natural capital relevant to their business models, inclusion of the value, risk and opportunities
related to natural capital in financial services and products (loans, investments and insurance products such as
E-RISK) and accounting and reporting on the use and maintenance of natural capital. UNEP will further support
private sector entity progress through awareness-raising, platforms and knowledge products such as models on
causal linkages between investment decisions and ecosystem impacts.
56

UNEP/EA.4/4

134. The subprogramme will also support the engagement of UNEP in the development andimplementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and preparations for its subsequent
implementation and will promote and facilitate the synergies between the actors responsible for the
implementation of the framework. This will include UNEP support for bringing biodiversity
considerations to bear on a range of social and economic priorities, and to scaling up area-based
conservation efforts of member States.
135. UNEP recognizes that faith-based organizations play a leading role in supporting sectoraladvocacy and support for integrated ecosystem management. The Subprogramme will build
partnerships and engage in initiatives with such organizations while ensuring that appropriate guidance
and technical support is provided to establish cross-sectoral institutional frameworks and agreements
for ecosystem management.
136.
Close attention will be paid to monitoring and addressing the environmental changes under
way in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, which have had a significant impact on the marine and land
ecosystems. Activities carried out by UNEP will be based on its global mandate, together with its rolein the existing intergovernmental processes and frameworks for both the Arctic and the Antarctic
regions. The interconnectedness of changes in the Arctic and global environmental trends andpressures (such as climate change, air and water pollution, trade, tourism and economic development,
fisheries, alien invasive species) requires aligning solutions at global level with those considered andpursued in the Arctic region through its governance structures (in particular the Arctic Council). With
the changing environment in the Antarctic the pressures will keep increasing in relation to precious
ecosystems and features of this pristine continent, exposed to growing pressures of human presence,research and exploration. In the era of globalization, the public understanding of the global
implications of changes in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is part of pursuing appropriate solutions forthe already tangible impacts, so UNEP will pay particular attention to the global communication ofpolar environmental challenges.
137. To deliver this subprogramme, UNEP will build and strengthen partnerships for integrated
ecosystem management, especially by further engaging with academia, the finance sector andministries of planning and finance, as well as local governments and farmer organizations.
Collaboration with multilateral environmental agreements, 54 non-governmental organizations, themedia and United Nations entities will continue and be strengthened, especially with regard to sectoraladvocacy groups, the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), FAO, the United Nations Department of Economic
and Social Affairs (DESA) and multilateral organizations working on oceans.
138. The subprogramme will ensure that the gender equality and female empowerment are
mainstreamed into the projects’ implementation and monitoring, taking into account the differences,needs, roles and priorities of women and men. In addition, the Subprogramme projects portfolio will
incorporate a gender responsive projects results frameworks, including sex-disaggregatedindicators.The projects under the Subprogramme will be designed and implemented in such a way thatboth women and men (a) are able to participate fully and equally; (b) receive comparable social andeconomic benefits; and (c) do not suffer disproportionate adverse effects during the development
process.
139. The successful delivery of the subprogramme will require close collaboration and synergies
with the other UNEP subprogrammes. Working with the environmental governance and environment
under review subprogrammes, UNEP will help to provide the required enabling conditions. The
subprogramme will work alongside the resource efficiency; chemicals, waste and air quality; climatechange and resilience to disasters and conflicts subprogrammes to decrease some of the key pressureson ecosystems and build the resilience and mitigation capacity of ecosystems.

54 Such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species ofWild Animals and the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat andthe regionals seas conventions and action plans.
57

UNEP/EA.4/4

Figure 3
Theory of change – healthy and productive ecosystems

Healthy ecosystems conserve biodiversity and provide a secure supply of ecosystem goods and services
for human well-being`

SDGs provide an
opportunity to update
educationalframeworks

The health and productivity ofmarine, freshwater and terrestrial
ecosystems are institutionalized
in education, monitoring andcross-sectoral and transboundary
collaboration frameworks at thenational and international levels

Knowledge drives
behaviour

Guidance andtechnical support on
effective
conservation
monitoring andimplementation

Technical
assistance toconduct valuation,accounting andmonitoring of
ecosystem goods
and services

Private and public economic
decision-making support
healthy and productive
ecosystems

Integrated ecosystemmanagement

Countries are willingto invest in integrated
approaches

Guidance and technicalsupport to establish
cross-sectoral
institutional frameworks
and agreements forecosystem management

Guidance andtechnical support tothird party entities
to conduct anddeliver valuation
and accounting of
ecosystem services

Support to global efforts tostandardize valuation,accounting and monitoring
approaches for ecosystem
goods and services

Increasingtransparency aroundexternalities

Guidance andtechnical
support tonaturalresource
sustainability
evaluations

Development anddissemination of tools
and methodologies for
integrated ecosystemmanagement

Integrated delivery of
SDGs

Policymakers in the public andthe private sectors test andconsider the inclusion of thehealth and productivity of
ecosystems in economic
decision-making

Promotionofinnovative
tools andtechnologies
for systemthinking in
relation to
ecosystems

Support to partnerships
advancing the inclusion ofhealthy and productive
ecosystems in sectoral
decision-making

Intermediate
statesExpectedaccomplishments

Drivers2030 impacts

Key deliverables

Assumptions

Development anddissemination of tools
and methodologies toincorporate healthy andproductive ecosystems
into economic decisionmaking

Awareness-raising of
the role of economic
decision-making inachieving healthy andproductive ecosystems= Linkages

Key

Note: Key deliverables in the theory of change are related to either a single output or a group of outputs.

58

Increasing focus on
resource availability

Support to countries and private
sector entities that pilot theinclusion of healthy andproductive ecosystems ineconomic decision-making

Technical assistanceand partnerships toinclude theecosystem approachin higher education

Sectoraladvocacyand support
forintegrated
ecosystem
management

Increasing
considerations ofsustainability ininvestment decisions

UNEP/EA.4/4

External factors and risks
140. A key risk for the successful delivery of the subprogramme lies in the willingness of various
sectors and their respective advocacy groups to work with UNEP. UNEP can mitigate this risk throughadvocacy and building partnerships with sectors outside of the environment constituency. The risk
may also be diminished if the integrated nature of the SDGs helps to build further interest in integrated
ecosystem management. Furthermore, advances in technology (computing capacity, remote sensing
and social media) can drive transparency, internalize externalities and promote better decision-making,therefore also positively supporting the delivery of the subprogramme. Achieving the subprogramme
objectives will also require the mobilization of adequate resources.
Table 14Outputs planned for the biennium: healthy and productive ecosystems
DivisionContributing division(s)accountable
and regional offices
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (a): The health and productivityof marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems are institutionalized in education, monitoring and cross-sectoral
and transboundary collaboration frameworks at the national and international levels
1. Technical assistance and partnerships to establish
Science Division
Ecosystems Division,indicators for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning andCommunication Division,monitoring of key issues that have an impact on ecosystem
Law Division, regional
functioning and ecosystem productivity
offices
2. Technical assistance and partnerships on effective
Ecosystems
Science Division,conservation measures and monitoring thereof (ecosystem
Division
Communication Division,
management, ecological representativeness andEconomy Division,connectivity)
regional offices
3. Support to United Nations and global efforts to
Ecosystems
Economy Division,
standardize valuation and accounting of ecosystem services
Science Division,
Divisionand goods (stocks and flows) and inclusion of natural
Communication Division,
capital in sustainable development monitoring systems,
regional offices
including inclusive wealth accounting
4. Support to countries and/or transboundary frameworks
Economy Division
Ecosystems Division,
Science Division,for the valuation and accounting of ecosystem services
Communication Division,
Economy Division,
regional offices
5. Advocacy and support to private sector and national
Economy Division
Ecosystems Division,
institutions for conducting and delivering valuation andScience Division,Communication Division,accounting of ecosystem services
Economy Division,
regional offices
6. Development and dissemination of tools andEcosystems
Law Division, Economy
Division, Communication
methodologies for integrated ecosystem management
Division
Division, regional offices
7. Support to cross-sectoral institutional frameworks andEcosystems
Law Division, Economy
Division, Communicationagreements for ecosystem management
Division
Division, regional offices
8. Technical assistance and partnerships to establish
Ecosystems
Law Division, Economy
national resource sustainability assessments of key
Division, Communication
Division
ecosystem goods and services
Division, regional offices
9. Technical assistance and partnerships to include the
Ecosystems
Communication Division,
ecosystem approach in education frameworks (e.g., in
Economy Division, Law
Division
Division, Science
sectoral curricula and continuing education courses)
Division, regional offices
10. Technical support to universities to provide continuing
Ecosystems
Communication Division,
Economy Division, Law
education on the ecosystems approach
Division
Division, Science
Division, regional offices
11. Development and promotion of innovative tools andEcosystems
Communication Division,technologies for the inclusion of the ecosystem approach in
Economy Division, Law
Division
Division, Scienceeducation frameworks
Division, regional offices
Programme of work output

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UNEP/EA.4/4
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (b): Policymakers in the public
and private sectors test and consider the inclusion of the health and productivity of ecosystems in economic
decision-making
1. Support to public institutions to pilot the inclusion of
Ecosystems
Law Division,
ecosystem health and resource availability considerations in Division
Communication Division,
Science Division,
economic decision-making
regional offices
2. Development and dissemination of tools andEconomy Division
Law Division,
methodologies to incorporate ecosystem health and resource
Communication Division,
Science Division,
availability in economic decision-making
regional offices
3. Awareness-raising of the role of economic decisionEconomy Division
Ecosystems Division,
making in achieving ecosystem-related goals and resource
Law Division,
sufficiency and the impact of ecosystem health and resource
Communication Division,
Science Division,
availability on socioeconomic outcomesregional offices
4. Support to private-sector entities to pilot the inclusion
Economy Division
Ecosystems Division,of ecosystem health and resource availability considerations
Communication Division,
Science Division, Law
in economic decision-making
Division, regional offices
5. Development and dissemination of tools andEconomy Division
Ecosystems Division,
methodologies to incorporate ecosystem health and resource
Communication Division,
Science Division, Lawavailability in private sector economic decision-making
Division, regional offices
6. Awareness-raising of the role of financial decisionEcosystems Division,
Economy Division
making in achieving ecosystem-related goals and resource
Communication Division,
availability and the impact of ecosystem health and resource
Science Division, Lawavailability on economic outcomes
Division, regional offices

Resource requirements: healthy and productive ecosystems
141. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $189.3 million and provide for 156 positions, as compared to $169.6 million and 136
positions in the 2018–2019 budget. The overall increase in the financial resources is brought by theearmarked and global funds estimated contributions based on historical trends over the last biennium.
This increase is partially offset by a reduction of $13.8 million against the Environment Fund in linewith the overall decrease of the total envelope. In terms of human resources, the decrease of 4
positions under the Environment Fund is attributed to the alignment of existing positions with thesubprogramme to which they mainly contribute. Under the earmarked and global funds, the expected
increase in the number of positions is aligned with the projected increase in the associated financial
resources, leading to more projects and activities to be implemented.

60

UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 15 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: healthy and productive ecosystems(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial Resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
19 40022 40041 800(2 100)(11 700)(13 800)

17 30010 70028 00039 60039 600

2 800
2 800

9 700
32 70042 40080 50080 50032 00032 0008 100
104 400
112 500

3 400
3 400

(1 300)(1 300)

1 800
300
2 100

4 119
278
4 397
169 697–––
19 700

4 119
278
4 397
189 397

Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

Table 15 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: Healthy and productive ecosystems
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

69
13
34
6
14

(4)
21
1
3
(1)

65
34
35
9
13

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

136

20

156

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UNEP/EA.4/4

Subprogramme 4
Environmental governance
Table 16
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: environmental governanceObjective of the organization: Policy coherence and strong legal and institutional frameworks increasingly
achieve environmental goals in the context of sustainable development
Relevant impact-level SDG
indicators55

SDG Target 1.b: Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional
and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive
development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty
eradication actions. Indicator 1.b.1 Proportion of government recurrent andcapital spending to sectors that disproportionately benefit women, the poorand vulnerable groups (Tier III)SDG Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect
fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation andinternational agreements. Indicator 16.10.1 Number of verified cases ofkilling, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention andtorture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists andhuman rights advocates in the previous 12 months (Tier III, custodian
agency: OHCHR; partner agencies: ILO, UNESCO )SDG Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws andpolicies for sustainable development. Indicator 16.b.1 Proportion of
population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or
harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of
discrimination prohibited under international human rights law (Tier III,custodian agency: OHCHR)SDG Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.
Indicator 17.14.1 Number of countries with mechanisms in place toenhance policy coherence of sustainable development (Tier III, custodian
agency: UNEP)

Relevant Environment
Assembly resolutions

Environment Assembly resolution 1/11 – Coordination across the United
Nations system in the field of the environment, including the Environment
Management Group;
Environment Assembly resolution 1/12 – Relationship between the United
Nations Environment Programme and multilateral environmental
agreements;
Environment Assembly resolution 1/13 – Implementation of Principle 10 of
the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.
Environment Assembly resolution 2/2 – Role and functions of the regional
forums of ministers of the environment and environment authorities;
Environment Assembly resolution 2/5 – Delivering on the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development;
Environment Assembly resolution 2/16 – Mainstreaming of biodiversity forwell-being;
Environment Assembly resolution 2/17 – Enhancing the work of the United
Nations Environment Programme in facilitating cooperation, collaborationand synergies among biodiversity-related conventions;
Environment Assembly resolution 2/18 – Relationship between the United
Nations Environment Programme and the multilateral environmental
agreements for which it provides the secretariat;
Environment Assembly resolution 2/19 – Midterm review of the fourth
Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental
Law (Montevideo Programme IV);
Environment Assembly resolution 2/25 – Application of Principle 10 of the
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development in the Latin America
and Caribbean Region
Environment Assembly resolution 3/2 – Pollution mitigation bymainstreaming biodiversity into key sectors;
Environment Assembly resolution 3/3 – Contributions of the United

55 The subprogramme, through its cross-cutting and enabling nature, also contributes to progress on impact

indicators primarily addressed by other subprogrammes, in particular indicators 3.9.1, 13.b.1, 14.1.1, 15.c.1,
15.7.1 and 15. a.1.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Nations Environment Assembly to the high-level political forum onsustainable development;
Environment Assembly resolution 3/11 – Implementation of paragraph 88(a)–(h) of the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development, entitled “The future we want”.
Expected accomplishments ofthe secretariat(a) The international community
increasingly converges oncommon and integrated
approaches to achieveenvironmental objectives andimplement the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development

Indicators ofachievement(i) Uptake by United
Nations entities,
internationalorganizations andforums ofenvironmental policy
issues or approaches
emerging from UNEP
policy advice
Unit of measure:(a) Number of official
policy documents,
strategies, initiatives orplans of United Nations
entities or internationalorganizations or
emerging fromintergovernmental
forums at the global
level that integrate
policy issues orapproaches emerging
from UNEP policy
adviceb) Number of official
policy documents,
strategies, initiatives orplans of United Nations
entities or internationalorganizations or
emerging from forums
sessions at the regional
level that integrate
policy issues orapproaches emerging
from UNEP policy
adviceii) Uptake ofapproaches for thecoherent
implementation ofmultilateralenvironmental
agreements or othermultilateral institutional
mechanisms as a result

Targets56

Relevant global SDG
indicators

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +4 (4)Progress expected by
December 2020: +3(7)Progress expected byJune 2021: +1 (8)December 2021: +2(10)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Review of official
documents andoutcome documents of
United Nations entities
and their interagency
mechanisms,
internationalorganizations andforumsIndicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 17.16.1:
Number of countries
reporting progress in
multi-stakeholder
development
effectivenessmonitoring
frameworks that
support theachievement of theSDGs (Tier II,
custodian agencies:
OECD, UNDP)

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +8 (8)Progress expected by
December 2020: +4(12)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +2 (14)
December 2021: +2(16)
Data sources andanalysis plan: Review
of official documents
and outcome
documents of United
Nations entities andtheir interagency
mechanisms,
internationalorganizations andforums
December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +16 (16)Progress expected by
December 2020: +8(24)
Progress expected by

Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 17.16.1:
Number of countries
reporting progress in
multi-stakeholder
development
effectivenessmonitoring
frameworks that
support theachievement of theSDGs (Tier II,
custodian agencies:
OECD, UNDP)
Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)

56 Some of the December 2017 baselines below are indicated as zero because the closest previous programme ofwork indicator tracked issues instead of entities and is not comparable. Therefore, progress in the previous
indicators cannot be carried forward.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
of UNEP support
Unit of measure:
Number of entities at
the national, regional or
global levels that haveintegrated approaches
for enhanced
coordination,
cooperation andsynergies into theimplementation ofmultilateralenvironmental
agreements or othermultilateral institutional
mechanisms in theirpolicy documents,
strategies, action plans
or institutionalframeworks(iii) Concerted policy
action taken bycountries onenvironmental issues ofinternational concern57
as a result of UNEP
support
Unit of measure:
Number ofenvironmental issues ofinternational concern
addressed bygovernments throughconcerted policy action,
including international
legal agreements, as aresult of UNEP
supported processes(b) Institutional capacities andpolicy and/or legal frameworks
enhanced to achieveinternationally agreed
environmental goals, including the2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and the SDGs

(i) The number ofcountries that haveenhanced institutional
capacity and legal
frameworks to fully
implement themultilateralenvironmental
agreements and toachieve internationallyagreed environmental
goals, including theSDGs as a result of
UNEP support
Unit of measure:
Number of countries
that demonstrateprogress in one or moredimensions ofenhancing institutional

June 2021: +4 (28)
December 2021: +4(32)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Review of documents
produced in relation to
the implementation ofmultilateralenvironmental
agreements, including:national reports;
national and regional
policies, strategies andactions plans; andresolutions, decisions
and other documentsof multilateralenvironmental
agreements and relatedbodies.
December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): TBD
Progress expected by
December 2020: +1 (1)Progress expected byJune 2019: +0 (1)December 2021: +1 (2)Data sources andanalysis plan:
Review of outcomes ofintergovernmental
processes

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(expected): +20 (20)Progress expected by
December 2020: +8(28)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +4 (32)
December 2021: +4(36)
Data sources andanalysis plan: Review
of relevant legislation
portals and national
reports prepared in thecontext of multilateralenvironmental
agreements andAgenda 2030

Indicator 16.10.2:
Number of countries
that adopt andimplement
constitutional,
statutory and/or policy
guarantees for publicaccess to information(Tier II, custodian
agency: UNESCOUIS)
Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 5.a.2:
Proportion of countries
where the legal
framework (including
customary law)guarantees women’sequal rights to landownership and/or
control (Tier II,
custodian agency:
FAO)
Indicator 12.4.1
Number of parties tointernational
multilateralenvironmental
agreements on
hazardous waste, andother chemicals thatmeet their

57 Environmental priorities are defined by Environment Assembly resolutions or other intergovernmental

processes including issues that may emerge at future Environment Assembly sessions or from other global
mandates. . Results expected may include new regional or global legal agreements, the establishment of networks
or other cooperation frameworks to address issues such as illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities
or transboundary pollution and the adoption of international standards or guidelines.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
capacity and legal
frameworks58 as a resultof UNEP support

implementation on
institutional and legal
action taken at thenational levelcommitments andobligations intransmitting
information as
required by eachrelevant agreement(Tier I, custodian
agency: UNEP)
Indicator 13.2.1:
Number of countries
that havecommunicated theestablishment oroperationalization of
an integrated
policy/strategy/planwhich increases theirability to adapt to theadverse impacts ofclimate change, andfoster climate
resilience and low
greenhouse gas
emissions development
in a manner that does
not threaten foodproduction (including
a national adaptation
plan, nationallydetermined
contribution, national
communication,
biennial update reportor other) (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNFCCC)
Indicator 15.6.1:
Number of countries
that have adopted
legislative,administrative andpolicy frameworks toensure fair andequitable sharing of
benefits (Tier II,
custodian agency:
CBD secretariat)
Indicator 15.8.1:
Proportion of countries
adopting relevant
national legislation andadequately resourcing
the prevention orcontrol of invasive
alien species (Tier II,
custodian agency:
IUCN)

58 Countries or groups of countries demonstrate improvement in their institutional capacity and legal frameworks

through progress in the following areas: (a) institutionalization of intersectoral dialogues and collaboration on theenvironment among sectoral national institutions; (b) general and sectoral environmental legislation adopted orstrengthened, , including to strengthen clarity and enforceability, to address countries’ environmental objectives
and implement multilateral environmental agreements; (c) participatory mechanisms on environment integrated
in national legislation; (d) clear mandate, budget and trained personnel in place for enforcement of national
legislation; and (e) enhanced public access to environmental information and effective participation of majorgroups and stakeholders in institutional decision-making processes (including in commenting on national
environmental policies or regulations environmental impact assessments, permits, and other key environmental
decisions).
65

UNEP/EA.4/4(ii) The integration of
the environment into
sustainable
development planning,
including as part ofachieving the SDGs as
a result of UNEP
support
Unit of measure:(a) Percentage ofUnited Nations country
teams developing
United Nations
common programming
frameworks that
integrate environmental
goals into suchframeworks as a resultof UNEP support

66(a) December 2017(baseline): TBD
December 2019
(expected): 70
Progress expected by
December 2020: 30(per cent of United
Nations common
programming
frameworks developed
during the biennium)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +20 (50)
December 2021: +20(70)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Review of United
Nations Development
Assistance
Frameworks and other
One UN planning
frameworks;

Indicator 16.10.2:
Number of countries
that adopt andimplement
constitutional,
statutory and/or policy
guarantees for publicaccess to information(Tier II, custodian
agency: UNESCOUIS)
Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 15.9.1:
Progress towards
national targets
established inaccordance with Aichi
Biodiversity Target 2of the Strategic Planfor Biodiversity 2011–2020 (third indicator of
Tartet 2 measures thenumber of countries
that have integrated
biodiversity in national
development plans,
poverty reduction
strategies or other key
development plans)(Tier III, custodian
agencies: CBD
secretariat, UNEP)
Indicator 16.10.2:
Number of countries
that adopt andimplement
constitutional,
statutory and/or policy
guarantees for publicaccess to information(Tier II, custodian
agency: UNESCOUIS)
Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 17.15.1:
Extent of use ofcountry-owned results
frameworks andplanning tools by
providers ofdevelopment
cooperation (Tier II,
custodian agencies:

UNEP/EA.4/4(b) Number of countries
that integrate
environmental goals
into national or
subnational sustainable
development plans,
strategies, action plansor budgeting processes
as a result of UNEP
support(b) December 2017(baseline): TBD
December 2019
(expected): +20 (20)Progress expected by
December 2020: +8(28)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +4 (32)
December 2021: +4(32)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Review of informationcollected fromcountries on nationalsustainable
development policies,
strategies, action plans
and budgets thatembed environmental
objectives, including
as reported involuntary national
reviews(iii) Number ofpartnerships between
UNEP and majorgroups and stakeholders
for promoting theachievement ofinternationally agreed
environmental goals,
including the SDGs
Unit of measure:
Number of partnershipagreements between
UNEP andrepresentatives of majorgroups and stakeholders
that result in promoting
the achievement ofinternationally agreed
environmental goals,
including the SDGs

December 2017(baseline): 12
December 2019
(expected): +13 (25)Progress expected by
December 2020: +3(28)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +1 (29)
December 2021: +2(31)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Information available
in websites, reports orpress releases on
initiatives undertakenin the context ofstrategic cooperationagreements signed
between UNEP andorganizations
representing majorgroups andstakeholders

UNDP, OECD)
Indicator 15.9.1:
Progress towards
national targets
established inaccordance with Aichi
Biodiversity Target 2of the Strategic Planfor Biodiversity 2011–
202 (third indicator of
Target 2 measures thenumber of countries
that have integrated
biodiversity in national
development plans,
poverty reduction
strategies or other key
development plans)(Tier III, custodian
agencies: CBD
secretariat, UNEP)
Indicator 16.10.2:
Number of countries
that adopt andimplement
constitutional,
statutory and/or policy
guarantees for publicaccess to information(Tier II, custodian
agency: UNESCOUIS)
Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries
with mechanisms inplace to enhance
policy coherence ofsustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 17.16.1:
Number of countries
reporting progress in
multi-stakeholder
development
effectivenessmonitoring
frameworks that
support theachievement of theSDGs (Tier II,
custodian agencies:
OECD, UNDP)

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UNEP/EA.4/4

Strategy142. The overall objective of the subprogramme is to strengthen environmental governance tosupport the achievement of internationally agreed environmental goals and the implementation of the2030 Agenda. The ultimate goal is that by 2030 the environmental dimension of sustainable
development is addressed through inclusive, sustainable and coherent governance arrangements. This
will be a basis for effectively addressing environmental priorities and setting in motion a long-term
positive trajectory for the environment, with the contribution of all.
143. Important ingredients for inclusive, sustainable and coherent governance include: data andscience-based, well-informed and coherent policies; mechanisms to translate multilateralenvironmental agreements, the SDGs and the internationally agreed environmental goals and otherinternational commitments into national policies, legislation and action and to ensure that such action
is well-coordinated; legal instruments and institutional frameworks that enable countries to work
together to solve environmental issues that cut across national borders and to address national
priorities effectively; institutions that are able to enforce the law and address violations and whose
action is founded on the rule of law; and the recognition and promotion of environmental rights,
including space for stakeholder participation.
144. The subprogramme will promote the strengthening of these ingredients by delivering theservices and products reflected in the outputs listed in table 17, which are also shown in summary
form in the theory of change as key deliverables. Through the delivery of these outputs, UNEP aims toachieve two expected accomplishments, focusing on promoting, respectively, increased international
convergence of the various actors in the international community towards common and integrated
approaches, and stronger national institutional capacities and policy and legal frameworks, to achieveinternationally agreed environmental goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its
efforts will therefore cut across the international and national levels.
145. While these outputs are formulated as cross-cutting, UNEP will focus on the specific onpriority themes that have emerged from the United Nations Environment Assembly resolutions,multilateral environmental agreements, the United Nations General Assembly resolutions, Human
Rights Council resolutions and other global frameworks. These themes include cross-cutting
governance issues, such as access to information, public participation and access to justice andaddressing crimes with serious impacts on the environment, and specific thematic areas such as
biodiversity and wildlife, climate, chemicals and wastes, and pollution. For instance, thesubprogramme will complement the work of other subprogrammes on marine plastic litter andmicroplastics and lead contamination and will implement and contribute to relevant United Nations
Environment Assembly resolutions. 59 In particular, it will support work on pollution throughinformation and gaps and trend analysis on regulatory approaches, the development of model
legislation and other knowledge and guidance materials, as well as technical assistance to develop andstrengthen national legislation and regulations in countries. The subprogramme, through its
cross-cutting nature, will be able to take on board new priorities established by future United Nations
Environment Assembly sessions, and to contribute to the implementation of relevant Resolutions
within the approved budget, unless additional resources are made available.
146. The expected accomplishments for 2020–2021 are the same as those approved as part of the
2018–2019 programme of work, UNEP will continue to measure progress through the same
indicators, which also help refine the scope and exact focus of the expected accomplishments60.
However, some units of measure in this programme of work have been slightly modified from those in
the 2018–2019 programme of work to better reflect the nature of the work undertaken.
147. UNEP will focus on strengthening the visibility of the environment and of Environment
Assembly messages at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and at the regionalsustainable development forums and the convening of regional ministerial environmental forums. It
will continue to provide the secretariat for, participate in and chair the Environment Management
Group, a key avenue for ensuring that the United Nations system follows coherent approaches on theenvironment and to ensure that the United Nations system follows coherent approaches in pursuit of
59 These include Environmental Assembly resolutions primarily addressed by other subprogrammes, such as

resolutions 1/3 on illegal trade in wildlife and 2/14 on illegal trade in wildlife and forest products, resolution 2/6
on supporting the Paris Agreement, resolution 2/7 on sound management of chemicals and waste, resolutions
2/11 and 3/7 on marine plastic litter and microplastics and resolution 3/9 on eliminating exposure to lead paintand promoting environmentally sound management of waste lead-acid batteries.
60
Indicator (i) of expected accomplishment (b), for example, through footnote 50, further defines the areas where
progress is expected in strengthening of institutional capacity and legal frameworks.
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UNEP/EA.4/4

the environmental dimension of the SDGs. Through the Environment Management Group, UNEP willcontinue to identify issues on the international environmental agenda that warrant cooperation, andfind ways of engaging its collective capacity in coherent management responses to those issues. UNEP
will also continue to promote better coordination, cooperation and synergies in the implementation ofmultilateral environmental agreements by engaging with the relevant agreements’ secretariats and withmember States. It will also promote the fundamental role played by the multilateral environmental
agreements in achieving the SDGs through its efforts in promoting the coherent implementation of theenvironmental dimension, both at the international and national levels. UNEP will also continue topromote better coordination, cooperation and synergies in the implementation of multilateralenvironmental agreements by engaging with the relevant agreements’ secretariats and with member
States.
UNEP will continue to promote the uptake of environmentally sound practices in the United
Nations system through the provision of expert services to other United Nations entities. It will also,
at a more strategic level, coordinate the development of a United Nations system plan for the148.

internalization of the environmental dimension of the SDGs at policy, programmes and facilities level,building on the existing interagency work of the Environmental Management Group and pursuant toglobal mandates.
149. The subprogramme will also promote international agreements and cooperation on issues ofregional and global significance by supporting relevant intergovernmental processes. It will focus on
issues of priority to member States, including those highlighted in Environment Assembly resolution
2/19 on the progressive development of environmental law, and respond to other global or regional
mandates.
150. UNEP will also promote stronger national institutions, better implementation and enforcement
capacities, improved public information and awareness and enhanced policies and laws to enable theachievement of environmental goals. It will ensure that gender-responsiveness and social inclusion are
integrated into all institutional strengthening efforts and will promote the inclusive andgender-sensitive nature of policies and laws. To this end, it will invest in knowledge tools, training andtechnical assistance, communication and dissemination, in partnership with key global and local
actors, including to make the linkages between environmental aims and the “leave no one behind”
principle more operational. It will harness its strategic regional presence and base its interventions on
assessed needs; it will mainstream the lessons learned through the implementation of programmes thathave built strong ties with national institutions, including on poverty and environment, to replicate andupscale results and to prmote synergies among national programmes, for strengthened institutions.
151. UNEP will work with the most important actors for change, including not only policymakers,
legislators and other public stakeholders, who are at the core of enacting and promoting theimplementation of policy and legal frameworks, but also civil society, indigenous peoples, faith-basedorganizations, the media and the private sector, whose engagement is essential to ensure that all
spheres of society engage in active efforts to promote environmental sustainability. UNEP will build
partnerships and engage in initiatives with representatives of these groups and with relevantorganizations, with the aim of increasing awareness globally, deepening the engagement ofcommunities and citizens, strengthening compliance and promoting sustainable investments whenrelevant. It will also continue to promote the environmental rule of law and environmental rights andtheir safe enjoyment, in close collaboration with human rights focused organizations in the United
Nations system.
152. UNEP will rely on “delivering as one” efforts and partnerships with other United Nations
entities and actors on the ground, building and expanding on successful joint initiatives, including theUNDP-UNEP Poverty-Environment Action for SDGs programme, and fully harnessing theopportunities offered by a reformed United Nations system for closer engagement at the national level.
It will strengthen and expand its collaboration with United Nations entities and bodies and otherinternational organizations working on environmental governance, including regional economic andsocial commissions and the secretariats of multilateral environmental agreements. It will also workwith networks of institutions and experts, including judges and prosecutors’ networks,
parliamentarians’ organizations, customs and other enforcement networks, national and regional
networks of environmental defenders, universities and centres of excellence. It will, for instance, workwith the Global Judicial Institute on the Environment to strengthen the environmental law capacities of
judicial bodies worldwide.

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153. Through the environmental governance subprogramme, UNEP will contribute to the SDGs
targets that address specific environmental priorities in all of the 17 SDGs, with a strong focus on
SDG 16 on peace, justice and institutions and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals. As the custodian
agency for indicator 17.14.1 on policy coherence for sustainable development, UNEP will work withpartners and member states in refining and applying a methodology for measuring and further
advancing mechanisms for policy coherence at the national level. The subprogramme, through its
cross-cutting nature, indirectly contributes to the achievement of various thematic objectives,
including those more directly addressed in other subprogrammes by putting in place the enabling
conditions for environmental action in all environmental spheres.

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Figure 4
Theory of change – Environmental governance

Environmental issues are handled in an inclusive, sustainable and coherent manner, at alllevels of governance (global, regional, subregional, transboundary and national)

Continued support for the leadrole of UNEP on theenvironment in the United
Nations system
Continued support forsystem-wide integrated approachto environment/sustainable
development
Adequate financial means
available to national
institutions
Sustained political support atcountry level
Conducive overall governanceconditions (rule of law)

Environmental goals within thecontext of sustainable development
are being achieved throughconcerted efforts by the international
community, at the global, regionaland subregional levels

Internationally agreed environmental
objectives are being achieved based onadequate policy, legal and institutionalframeworks and the contribution of all
sectors of societies at global, regional,
subregional and national levels

The international community
increasingly converges on common
approaches to achieving
environmental objectives andimplementing the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development

Institutional capacities and policy and/or
legal frameworks are enhanced toachieve internationally agreed
environmental goals, including the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development
and the SDGs

Advisory services to intergovernmental
processes on the environmental dimensionof the SDGs

Capacity development and technical support
for the development and implementation ofenvironmental laws

Promotion and servicing of interagency
collaboration and technical support toUnited Nations agencies onenvironmental management

Technical assistance to countries to promote
integrated implementation of sustainable
development dimensions

Technical support to Governments andengagement with secretariats andmember States to promote synergies in
the implementation of multilateralenvironmental agreements

Technical assistance in the context of One
UN country programming to promote theenvironmental dimension of sustainable
development

Support to international negotiations andtransboundary cooperation initiatives

Sustained interest
among multilateralenvironmental
agreement bodies andparties in pursuingsynergies in
implementation

Full recognition of therole of multilateralenvironmental agreementsin achieving the SDGs

Strong partnerships
and clear
distribution of roles

Adequate spaces forstakeholder
engagement

Trainings and dissemination of tools,
information, communication and knowledge
products on environmental law, multilateralenvironmental agreement implementationand the governance aspects of SDG
implementation

Intermediate states

Expectedaccomplishments

Drivers2030 impact

Key Deliverables

Assumptions

Key

Sustained interest ininteragency
collaboration in the
United Nations system= Linkages

Note: Key deliverables in the theory of change are related to either a single output or a group of outputs.

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UNEP/EA.4/4

External factors and risks
154. Critical drivers for achieving the expected results are sustained engagement and ownership bygovernments and other targeted stakeholders in the efforts planned. An important driver will be theeffective positioning of UNEP within the reformed United Nations development system and related
interagency processes to implement the 2030 Agenda and specific SDGs. Risks include corruption,
political instability and insecurity, as these tend to undermine UNEP efforts to promote theimplementation of the environmental rule of law and more broadly to achieve the expected long-term
impact, namely that environmental issues are handled in an inclusive, sustainable and coherent mannerbased on integrated policy and effective norms and institutions at all levels of governance in line with
SDG 16. Another risk is the availability of non-earmarked funding for UNEP, as this will affectdelivery of subprogramme activities and achievement of the expected accomplishments. Besides
intensified resource mobilization efforts, mitigation measures include the use of sustainable delivery
models, such as mainstreaming environmental governance tools into other UNEP programmes andthose of its partners.
Table 17
Outputs planned for the biennium: environmental governance
DivisionContributing division(s)accountable
and regional offices
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (a): The international
community increasingly converges on common and integrated approaches to achieving environmental
objectives and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
1. Advisory services and secretariat support to global
Law Division
Science Division,intergovernmental processes and for addressing theregional offices
environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development
2. Advisory services and secretariat support to regional
Regional offices
All divisions
and subregional intergovernmental processes and for
addressing the environmental dimension of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development
3. Advisory services on system-wide coherence on the
Law Division
Environment
environment and greening United Nations operations, andManagement Groupsecretariat services to interagency mechanisms on
secretariat,
environment and sustainable development issues
Economy Division
4. Advisory services to Governments to promote
Law Division
Ecosystems Division,synergies in the implementation of multilateral
Economy Division,
environmental agreements and other multilateralregional offices
institutional arrangements
5. Information and knowledge management products on Law Division
Science Division
the coherent synergistic implementation of multilateralenvironmental agreements, the implementation of theenvironmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and legal
and institutional responses to emerging environmental
issues of international concernand
6. Technical support to cooperation frameworks for the
Law Division
Ecosystems Division,
management of transboundary natural resources andEconomy Division,intergovernmental processes that regulate international
regional offices
environmental issues
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (b): Institutional capacities andpolicy and/or legal frameworks are enhanced to achieve internationally agreed environmental goals, including
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs
1. Advisory services and capacity development to
Law Division
Regional offices
strengthen institutional capacity and policy and legal
frameworks for effectively and inclusively addressing theenvironmental dimension of the SDGs
2. Advisory services to support the integration ofRegional offices
Policy and Programme
environmental priorities into United Nations common
Divisioncountry programming processes
3. Advisory services to support countries in applying
Ecosystems
Law Division, regional
integrated approaches to the three dimensions ofDivision
officessustainable development in national and subnational
planning and policymaking, including to promote poverty
and environment linkages
Programme of work output

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UNEP/EA.4/4
Programme of work output
4. Engagement with major groups and stakeholders topromote the development of partnerships to advance theimplementation of internationally agreed environmental
goals, including the SDGs, and to strengthen theapplication of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development and the Bali Guidelines
5. Outreach products and services provided toGovernments, citizens, private companies and civilsociety organizations to increase awareness of achieving
environmental goals through policy and/or legal
frameworks

Division
accountable
Law Division

Contributing division(s)and regional offices
Governance Affairs,
Policy and Programme
Division, regional offices

Communication
Division

Law Division, Policy andProgramme Division,
regional offices

Resource requirements: environmental governance155. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $78.5 million and provide for 117 positions, as compared to $78.8 million and 142 positionsin the 2018–2019 budget. The financial resources under the earmarked funds are expected to increase
based on historical trends over the last biennium. This increase is offset by an equivalent reduction
under the Environment Fund in line with the overall decrease of the total envelope. However, it isworth noting that this subprogramme is prioritized through a lesser proportion of Environment Fund
reduction as compared to other subprogrammes. In terms of human resources, the number of positions
under the earmarked fund reflect the actual number of active positions. On the other hand, under theEnvironment Fund, the additional 4 positions are re-aligned from other subprogrammes based on thenature of the work to which they contribute. In this subprogramme, although the number of positions
is increased under the Environment Fund, the associated budget is decreased because changes in staff
costs should be viewed not only in terms of number of positions but rather monetary value, while
taking into considerations grades and their relevant salary scales.
Table 18 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: environmental governance(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial Resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
16 70019 20035 900(1 100)(8 600)(9 700)15 60010 60026 20032 80032 800

9 200
9 200

6 600
35 40042 000

–
–

500
500

100
400
500

2 400
2 400

(300)
(300)

700
1 400
2 100

7 427
278
7 705
78 805

–
–
–
(300)

7 427
278
7 705
78 505

Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

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UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 18 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: environmental governanceStaffing resources (number of posts)
Category
A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

74

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

64
49
–
6
23
142

4
(27)
1
(3)
–
(25)

68
22
1
3
23
117

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Subprogramme 5
Chemicals, waste and air quality
Table 19
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: chemicals, waste and air quality
Objective of the organization: Sound management of chemicals and waste and improved air quality contributeto a healthier environment and better health for all
Relevant impact-level
SDG indicators

SDG Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses
from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
Indicators: 3.9.1 Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution(Tier I, custodian agency: WHO); 3.9.2 Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water,
unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene (Tier I, custodian agency: WHO); 3.9.3
Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning (Tier I, custodian agency: WHO)SDG Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating
dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the
proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe
reuse globally. Indicators: 6.3.1 Proportion of wastewater safely treated (Tier II,
custodian agencies: WHO, UN-Habitat, UNSD); 6.3.2 Proportion of bodies of waterwith good ambient water quality (Tier II, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of
cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and otherwaste management. Indicators: 11.6.1 Proportion of urban solid waste regularlycollected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated,by cities (Tier II, custodian agency: UN-Habitat, UNSD); 11.6.2 Annual mean levelsof fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted) (TierI, custodian agency: WHO)SDG Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management ofchemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed
international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil
in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
Indicators: 12.4.1 Number of parties to international multilateral environmental
agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments
and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement(Tier I, custodian agency: UNEP); 12.4.2 Hazardous waste generated per capita andproportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment (Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNSD, UNEP)SDG Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention,
reduction, recycling and reuse. Indicator: 12.5.1 National recycling rate, tons ofmaterial recycled (Tier III, custodian agencies: UNSD, UNEP)SDG Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all
kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient
pollution. Indicator: 14.1.1 Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris
density (Tier III, custodian agency: UNEP)

Relevant
Environment
Assembly resolutions

Environment Assembly resolution 1/5 – Chemicals and waste
Environment Assembly resolution 1/6 – Marine plastic debris and microplastics
Environment Assembly resolution 1/7 – Strengthening the role of the United Nations
Environment Programme in promoting air quality
Environment Assembly resolution 2/7 – Sound management of chemicals and waste
Environment Assembly resolution 2/11 – Marine plastic debris and microplastics
Environment Assembly resolution 2/21 – Sand and dust storms
Environment Assembly resolution 3/2 – Pollution mitigation by mainstreaming
biodiversity into key sectors
Environment Assembly resolution 3/4 – Environment and health
Environment Assembly resolution 3/6 – Managing soil pollution to achieve
Sustainable Development
Environment Assembly resolution 3/7 – Marine litter and microplastics
Environment Assembly resolution 3/8 – Preventing and reducing air pollution to
improve air quality globally
Environment Assembly resolution 3/9 – Eliminating exposure to lead paint andpromoting environmentally sound management of waste lead-acid batteries
Environment Assembly resolution 3/10 – Addressing water pollution to protect andrestore water-related ecosystems
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Objective of the organization: Sound management of chemicals and waste and improved air quality contributeto a healthier environment and better health for all
Expectedaccomplishments of thesecretariat(a) Policies and legal,
institutional and fiscal
strategies andmechanisms for soundchemicals management
developed or
implemented incountries within theframework of relevant
multilateralenvironmental
agreements andSAICM61

Indicators ofachievement(i) Number ofgovernments at all levels
that are developing or
implementing policies,
strategies, legislation or
action plans that promotesound management ofchemicals and/or
implementation ofmultilateralenvironmental
agreements and SAICM
with UNEP support
Unit of measure:
Number of governments
reporting new policies,
strategies, legislation or
action plansdeveloped/adopted or
implemented concerning
general issues as well as
specifics, including on,
mercury, persistentorganic pollutants,
ozone-depleting
substances62, leadand
other chemical priority
areas63(ii) Number of privatecompanies/industries thathave undertaken action
on improving chemicals
management with UNEP
support
Unit of measure:
Number of privatecompanies/industries(iii) Number of civilsociety organizations thathave undertaken action
on improving chemicals
management with UNEP
support
Unit of measure:
Number of civil society
organizations

Targets

Relevant global SDG
indicators

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(estimate): 15
Progress expected by
December 2020: +10(25)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +5 (30)
December 2021: +5 (35)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Official government
correspondence anddocuments

Indicator 12.4.1: Numberof parties to international
multilateral environmental
agreements on hazardous
waste, and other chemicals
that meet theircommitments andobligations in transmitting
information as required byeach relevant agreement(Tier I, custodian agency:
UNEP)

December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(estimate): 20
Progress expected by
December 2020: +5 (25)Progress expected byJune 2021: +2 (27)
December 2019: +3 (30)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Annual company reports,
official communications,surveys
December 2017(baseline): 0
December 2019
(estimate): 20
Progress expected by
December 2020: +10(30)
Progress expected byJune 2021: +5 (35)

Indicator 14.1.1: Index ofcoastal eutrophication andfloating plastic debris
density (Tier III, custodian
agency: UNEP)

61 This refers to the broader global chemicals and waste agenda.
62 This will include reporting and information exchange under the multilateral environmental agreements (such as

the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, theRotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides
in International Trade, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Montreal Protocol on
Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Minamata Convention on Mercury) and SAICM.
63 Examples of priority chemical areas include, chemicals in products, highly hazardous pesticides andenvironmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants.
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Sound management of chemicals and waste and improved air quality contributeto a healthier environment and better health for all
December 2021: +5 (40)
Data sources andanalysis plan:
Civil society organization
annual reports, official
communications, surveys(b) Policies and legal,(i) Number ofDecember 2017
Indicators: 11.6.1
institutional and fiscal
governments at all levels(baseline): 39
Proportion of urban solid
strategies andthat are implementing
waste regularly collected
December 2019mechanisms for waste
waste prevention andand with adequate final(estimate): 42
prevention and soundsound management
discharge out of total urban
Progress expected bymanagement developed
policies and goodsolid waste generated, by
December 2020: +1 (43)or implemented inpractices, in accordance
cities (Tier II, custodian
countries within thewith relevant multilateral Progress expected byagency: UN-Habitat,
June 2021: +2 (45)framework of relevant
environmental
UNSD)
December 2021: +3 (48)
multilateralagreements, and other
Indicator 12.4.1: Number
Data sources andenvironmental
relevant internationalof parties to international
analysis plan:
agreements and SAICM agreements with UNEP
multilateral environmental
support
Number of countries
agreements on hazardous
reporting implementation waste, and other chemicals
Unit of measure:of policies and goodthat meet their
Number of governments
practices for waste
commitments andprevention and soundobligations in transmitting
waste management
information as required byeach relevant agreement(Tier I, custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 12.4.2:
Hazardous waste generated
per capita and proportionof hazardous waste treated,by type of treatment (Tier
III, custodian agencies:
UNSD, UNEP)
Indicator 12.5.1: National
recycling rate, tons ofmaterial recycled (Tier III,custodian agencies:
UNSD, UNEP)
Indicator 14.1.1: Index ofcoastal eutrophication andfloating plastic debris
density (Tier III, custodian
agency: UNEP)(ii) Number of private
December 2017
Indicator 12.5.1: National
companies/industries that (baseline): 33
recycling rate, tons ofare implementing
material recycled (Tier III,
December 2019
policies and good
custodian agencies:(estimate): 39
practices for waste
UNSD, UNEP)
Progress expected byprevention and soundIndicator 14.1.1: Index ofDecember 2020: +2 (41)waste management withcoastal eutrophication and
Progress expected by
UNEP support
floating plastic debris
June 2021: +2 (43)
Unit of measure:density (Tier III, custodian
December 2021: +2 (45)
agency: UNEP)
Number of private
Data sources andcompanies/industries
analysis plan:
Annual company reports,
official communications,surveys(iii) Number of civil
December 2017
Indicator 12.4.2:
society organizations that (baseline): 32
Hazardous waste generated
have taken action to
per capita and proportion
December 2019enhance waste prevention (estimate): 38
of hazardous waste treated,
and improve wasteby type of treatment (Tier
Progress expected bymanagement with UNEP
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UNEP/EA.4/4
Objective of the organization: Sound management of chemicals and waste and improved air quality contributeto a healthier environment and better health for all
supportDecember 2020: +3 (41)
UNSD, UNEP)
Unit of measure:
Progress expected by
Indicator 14.1.1: Index ofJune 2021: +1 (42)coastal eutrophication andNumber of civil society
floating plastic debris
organizations
December 2021: +2 (44)density (Tier III, custodian
Data sources andagency: UNEP)
analysis plan:
Civil society organization
annual reports, official
communications, surveys(c) National emissions(i) Number ofDecember 2017
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality
sources identified,
governments that have(baseline): 40
rate attributed to household
policies and legal,
developed and/or are
and ambient air pollution –December 2019
regulatory, fiscal andusing national emission(Tier I, custodian agency:(estimate): 55
institutional frameworks inventories and air
WHO)Progress expected byand mechanisms for thequality assessments with
Indicator 11.6.2 Annual
December 2020: +5 (60)reduction of air
publicly accessible
mean levels of fine
Progress
expectedbypollution developed,
monitoring data andparticulate matter (e.g.
June 2021: +5 (65)
institutional capacity
information with UNEP
PM2.5 and PM10) in cities
December 2021: +5 (70)built for improved air
support(population weighted)
Data sources andquality, and air quality
Unit of measure:(Tier I, custodian agency:
analysis plan:assessments
WHO)
Number of governments
Official governmental
correspondence,
documents and surveys(ii) Number ofDecember 2017
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality
governments that have(baseline): 0
rate attributed to household
developed or adopted
and ambient air pollution
December 2019
policies,(Tier I, custodian agency:(estimate): 8
technologies/practices,WHO)
Progress expected bystandards and legal,
Indicator 11.6.2 Annual
December 2020: +5 (13)regulatory, fiscal andmean levels of fine
Progress
expectedbyinstitutional frameworks
particulate matter (e.g.
June 2021: +3 (16)and mechanisms forPM2.5 and PM10) in cities
improved air quality with December 2021: +3 (19)
(population weighted)
Data sources and
UNEP support(Tier I, custodian agency:
analysis plan:
Unit of measure:WHO)
Official correspondence,
Number of governments
documents and surveys(iii) Number ofDecember 2017
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality
governments that have(baseline): 0
rate attributed to household
raised awareness on theand ambient air pollution –December 2019
importance of air quality(Tier I, custodian agency:(estimate): 10
and have made air quality Progress expected byWHO)
monitoring data and other December 2020: +5 (15)
Indicator 11.6.2 Annual
information publicly
mean levels of fine
Progress expected byavailable and easily
particulate matter (e.g.
June
2021:
+3
(18)
understandable with
PM2.5 and PM10) in cities
December 2021: +2 (20)UNEP support.
(population weighted)
Data sources andUnit of measure:(Tier I, custodian agency:
analysis plan:WHO)
Number of governments
Official correspondence,
documents and surveys

Strategy156. The overall objective of the chemicals, waste and air quality subprogramme is to support
countries in their efforts to soundly manage chemicals and waste and improve air quality in order tosignificantly reduce negative impacts on the environment and human health. Considering chemicals,
waste and air quality in an integrated manner provides opportunities to effectively address pollution
issues and build circularity, taking into account their cross-cutting nature and different manifestations
during the product life-cycle, as also reflected in the mandates of different multilateral environmental
agreements, initiatives and approaches. Addressing indoor and outdoor air pollution is expected toresult in a reduction in particulate matter, tropospheric ozone and other air pollutants that present thegreatest environmental health risk contributing to the global burden of disease. Poor management of78

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chemicals and waste can also be harmful to human health, agricultural productivity and theenvironment. Some air pollutants, such as methane, which is a strong greenhouse gas and ozone
precursor, also have detrimental impacts on our climate. Targeting plastic waste will help reduce thetonnes of marine litter and microplastics now overflowing in landfills and polluting our waterways andocean at a large scale. Reducing nutrients and wastewater is instrumental to avoiding water pollution,
ecosystem degradation and ill health caused by harmful algae, disease vectors and others
environmental health factors. By incorporating the work on air quality, on marine pollution fromland-based sources, and on the environment and health nexus, UNEP is taking a holistic approach tocombating pollution in line with the main outcomes of the third session of the Environment Assembly,
which convened under the theme “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet”.
157. The entries into force of the Minamata Convention and the Kigali Amendment are major
milestones towards the sound management of chemicals and waste and improving air quality. The
subprogramme will continue to support the implementation of these and other relevant chemicals,
pollution and waste-related multilateral environmental agreements,64 as well as the voluntary
SAICM.65 Special attention will be paid to the support of the implementation of an ambitious
post-2020 framework for the sound management of chemicals and waste and building strategic
partnerships. Particular emphasis will also be placed on the resolutions emanating from the third
session of the Environment Assembly, with the Implementation Plan “Towards a Pollution-freePlanet” guiding the follow-up to the resolutions. The new mandate given to UNEP to work on
environment and health (Environment Assembly resolution 3/4) cuts across many environmental
issues and is aimed at promoting integrated methodologies, policies and solutions that demonstrate
multiple benefits of addressing pollution, in line with the approach promoted in the 2030 Agenda. Its
implementation is therefore closely coordinated with other subprogrammes and builds upon relevant
parts of earlier Environment Assembly resolutions, notably resolution 1/5 on chemicals and waste,
resolution 1/7 on strengthening the role of the UNEP in promoting air quality, resolutions 1/6 and 2/11
on marine litter and microplastics and resolution 2/21 on sand and dust storms.
158. In response to requests from the Environment Assembly (resolution 3/8) to enhance work on
air quality, UNEP, is developing a global air quality programme to support countries and cities in
reducing air pollution and enhancing regional cooperation. UNEP will continue to work towards
achieving better air quality by supporting interventions across cities, nations, regions and the globe
that build capacity and promote the adoption of best practices, technological solutions and incentives
to reduce air pollution. This includes support for enhanced cooperation, knowledge management andinformation sharing, use of cleaner fuels and the implementation of vehicle standards in Africa, air
quality monitoring and development of emissions inventories, as well as efforts to make air quality
data and information more accessible and understandable to policymakers and the public and to enable
cities, countries and citizens to be fully aware of their air quality challenges, address gaps andopportunities, and take appropriate action. Working with stakeholders, and building on the work of theConvention on Long-Range Transport of Air Pollutants and of regional partnerships such as Asia
Pacific Clean Air Partnership, UNEP and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition are developing a set ofglobal and regional actions grounded in robust science and assessments to address key sources of air
pollution. The work will put a strong emphasis on reducing air pollutants, including by leveraging
partnerships with the private sector to improve air quality. UNEP will also continue its campaign
efforts with partners, citizens and governments to achieve targeted reduction in air pollution by 2030.
159. Although there are three separate expected accomplishments, one each on chemicals, waste
and air quality, the subprogramme will ensure coherent, integrated implementation in all threethematic areas and in relation to key deliverables.
160. In order to achieve the subprogramme’s objective, UNEP will work with governments, privatecompanies/industries and civil society organizations to help them reduce the levels of harmful
chemicals, including hazardous wastes and air pollution; increase the reuse, reduction, recycling andrecovery of waste and expand the use of less harmful chemicals. UNEP will advocate the design ofproducts and processes that minimize air pollution and the generation and use of hazardous substances.

64 Key multilateral environmental agreements in the areas of chemicals, waste and air quality are the Basel

Convention on The Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, theRotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides
in International Trade, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on
Mercury, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol on Substances
That Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution.
65 The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a global framework that is
intended to foster the sound management of chemicals.
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161. UNEP recognizes that the human health impacts of unsound chemicals and waste management
and reduced air quality are often gender differentiated and socially determined, with the greatest
burdens carried by women, children and members of poor and disadvantaged communities. UNEP will
ensure that the subprogramme addresses vulnerability and gender perspectives in project design andimplementation and that risk assessments incorporate gender-specific tools and sex-disaggregateddata. The subprogramme will also encourage the mainstreaming of gender aspects into the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste and improving air quality.
162. The subprogramme can achieve its objective by enabling countries to integrate theenvironmentally sound management of chemicals and waste and air quality improvement into laws,
regulations, policies, strategies, budgets and fiscal reforms; increasing their knowledge of the risks
posed by harmful chemicals, waste and polluted air; putting in place informed risk management
measures; phasing in safer alternatives; and promoting life cycle approaches and circularity. In
addition, UNEP will encourage all stakeholders, including those in the private sector, to adopt
environmentally sound technologies for the sound management of chemicals and waste and control of
air pollutants where possible, especially through best available techniques and environmental
practices, using as a reference the guidelines, guidance and tools adopted under relevant multilateralenvironmental agreements and developed by other United Nations agencies, such as the World HealthOrganization (WHO).
163. UNEP continues to emphasize the importance of environmentally sound management ofchemicals and waste, including the prevention and control of air pollution, with a view to achieving
the SDG targets by 2030. To achieve the targets, UNEP will work towards coherent, integrated
implementation at the global, regional and national level. The activities tailored to supporting
countries for the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements will also be informed by
the assessments, reports and strategic programming routinely conducted under those instruments, inparticular on technical assistance. Furthermore, the role of UNEP in international frameworks will becapitalized on to strengthen its work on pollution during the coming years and beyond.
164. UNEP and its partners will continue to promote the environmentally sound management ofchemicals and waste, and the importance of emerging issues identified in the resolutions adopted by
the International Conference on Chemicals Management. UNEP will continue to support
implementation of international action for the development and implementation of a post-2020
framework for sound chemicals and waste management.
165. In combating marine pollution, UNEP is embracing a source-to-sea approach. This includes
improved management of land-based sources of marine pollution such as plastic and other waste,nutrient emissions and wastewater treatment. In its efforts to prevent plastic litter from entering theocean (for example by addressing the management of the plastic value chain in Southeast Asia),
UNEP works closely together with the relevant regional seas programmes. Both UNEP and theregional seas conventions have strong mandates regarding the conservation and protection of marine
and coastal environment, including marine pollution. The marine litter programme will continue tobuild upon Environment Assembly resolutions and the outcome of the second meeting of theOpen-ended Ad Hoc Expert Group on Marine Litter and Microplastics. Its work constitutes animportant element in the plan to mitigate pollution and links to work on circularity under the resource
efficiency Subprogramme and on oceans under the healthy and productive ecosystems subprogramme.
Specific attention will also be given to the impact of the use of fertilizers, pesticides andpharmaceuticals (including antimicrobials) on people and the environment. UNEP will continue topartner with governments, business and civil society to mobilize action for tackling marine plastic
pollution by raising awareness and providing a platform for change under the next phase of its
campaign against plastic pollution.
166. In response to General Assembly resolution 72/225, UNEP will continue to work with partners
to address the emerging issue of sand and dust storms and their detrimental impact on air quality. Suchwork will include monitoring and modelling activities, sharing knowledge, the development of astrategic plan of action and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

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167. UNEP will establish, strengthen and coordinate new and existing partnerships66 and take partin partnerships established by other bodies, in particular under multilateral environmental
agreements,67 to scale up the use of tools and guidelines, improve the mainstreaming of chemicals andwaste and air quality management in health and other sectors and consolidate the scientific evidence
underpinning these issues. In order to support countries, UNEP also continues to strengthen thescience-policy interface through assessments, notably the Global Chemicals Outlook and the Global
Waste Outlook, and work with the scientific community to develop methodologies and collect data forthe chemicals-, waste- and air-quality-related SDG indicators for which UNEP is a custodian agency.
168. UNEP will continue to provide support to developing countries and countries with economies
in transition to strengthen their institutional capacity to develop, adopt, monitor and enforce policy,
legislation and regulation for effective frameworks for the implementation of the chemicals and waste
conventions and SAICM, using the guidance developed/adopted under those instruments as asreference.
169. Key stakeholders and partners include the secretariats of the multilateral environmental
agreements (listed in footnote 63), the Basel and Stockholm convention regional and coordinating
centres, the participating organizations of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound
Management of Chemicals (WHO and FAO, among others), Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in
East Asia. (EANET), the International POPs Elimination Network, the International Council of
Chemical Associations, the PCB Elimination Network, the International Solid Waste Association, theInternational Organization for Standardization, academia, national ministries of environment, health,finance, industry, technology and transport, and all other related sectors.
170. UNEP will strengthen its leading role in supporting and implementing partnerships that
promote better air quality and work to strengthen the cooperation between these partnerships.
Examples of such partnerships at the global level include the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and thePartnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles. Cooperation with ECE68 and the World MeteorologicalOrganization will be strengthened to capitalize on their respective expertise, avoid duplication andhelp achieve complementary results. At the regional level, the Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnershipserves as a fine example of a successful partnership.
171. UNEP will work closely with its regional offices, including subregional and national offices,to strengthen relations with regional institutions and development agencies, identify regional priorities
and needs and ensure increased coordination and effective regional delivery. The UNEP regional
offices will continue to support several regional initiatives, including the implementation ofintergovernmental agreements and chemicals and waste and air quality regional networks and actionplans.
172. Finally, UNEP will continue to leverage impact through its work funded by GEF and with theMultilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which are key financial supporters
in this field. Collaboration with other global trust funds, such as GCF, will be pursued as well,including in the areas of health and pollution.

66 Examples of key partnerships include the United Nations Environment Programme Global Mercury

Partnership, the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, the Global
Alliance for the Development and Deployment of Products, Methods and Strategies as Alternatives to DDT for
Disease Vector Control and the PCB Elimination Network.
67 Examples are multi-stakeholder partnerships established under chemicals and waste multilateral environmental
agreements, such as the Household Waste Partnership.
68 Provides the secretariat of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.
81

UNEP/EA.4/4

Figure 5
Theory of change – chemicals, waste and air quality
Significantly reduced negative impacts from chemicals, waste and air pollution on environmental and human health

CHEMICALS: Sound management of chemicals leading
to reduced negative impacts:• Increased number of parties to multilateral environmental
agreements on hazardous and other chemicals and wastethat meet their commitments and obligations intransmitting information as required by each relevant
agreement• Reduced levels of mercury, lead, cadmium and selected
persistent organic pollutants in human blood and milk,
dairy produce, meat, (shell)fish• Reduced number of skin cancer cases resulting fromozone-depleting-substance-induced ultraviolet radiation• Reduced amounts of ill-managed chemicals stockpiles
Political will at alllevelsEnforcement of
law and regulations
Adequate financing
made available

Expected accomplishment (a):CHEMICALS
Policies and legal, institutional and fiscal
strategies and mechanisms for soundchemicals management are developed or
implemented in countries with UNEP
analysis and guidance and within theframeworks of relevant multilateralenvironmental agreements and SAICM

Strong momentum
in the private
sector

WASTE: Prevention and sound management of waste
leading to reduced negative impacts:• Increased percentage of urban solid waste regularlycollected and well managed• Increased number of parties to multilateral environmental
agreements on hazardous and other chemicals and wastethat meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting
information as required by each relevant agreement• Increased national waste recycling rates in tons of material
recycled• Increased prevention and significant reduction of marine
pollution, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

Expected accomplishment (b): WASTE
Policies and legal, institutional andfiscal strategies and mechanisms for
waste prevention and soundmanagement are developed or
implemented in countries with UNEP
support and within the frameworks ofrelevant multilateral environmental
agreements and SAICM

Data, information, assessment and knowledge
management services to promote soundchemicals management

Outreach products and services
provided to governments,
citizens, private companies andcivil society organizations toincrease awareness of soundchemical management

Capacity-building and technical assistance on
best available techniques, good practices, risk
reduction and the establishment andenforcement of policies, laws and regulations

Support to global, regional andsubregional strategic
partnerships and integrated
approaches to promote the soundmanagement of chemicals

Advisory, policy and coordination support
services to SAICM to promote soundchemicals management and theimplementation of chemicals-related
multilateral environmental agreements

2030 impacts
Key82
Intermediate States

Expected accomplishment (c): AIR QUALITY
National emissions sources are identified,policies and legal, regulatory, fiscal andinstitutional frameworks and mechanisms to
reduce air pollution are developed, institutional
capacity to improve air quality is built and air
quality assessments are done by countries with
UNEP support and within the frameworks ofrelevant multilateral environmental agreements

Data, information, assessment andknowledge management services topromote waste prevention and sound waste
management
Technical guidance on best available
techniques, good practices, legislation and risk
reduction developed for the sound managementof waste
Advisory and support services and capacitybuilding for the design and implementation ofenvironmentally sound, integrated waste
management technologies and approaches

Expectedaccomplishments
Key deliverables

AIR QUALITY: Improvement of air quality leading to
reduced negative impacts• Reduced number of deaths due to human exposure to
outdoor air pollution levels above the WHO air quality
guideline values• Increased access to and investment in clean energy
research, technology and infrastructure• Reduced levels of ambient particulate matter (PM10 andPM2.5)• Reduced ambient air levels of NOx and SOx• Reduced loads of sand and desert storm aerosols inambient air

Demonstrated financial gainfrom sound chemicals/waste
management
Reduced social injustice fromsound chemicals/waste
management

Assessments of air quality status andtrends at national and regional scales

Green jobs models in soundchemicals/waste management

Technical guidance and support
services for the establishment andenforcement of laws, regulations andfiscal policies to reduce air pollution

Increased market share ofgreen chemicals recycled

Advisory and support services andcapacity-building to facilitate thestandard and strategy development
and information sharing necessary to
reduce air pollution

Drivers
Linkages
Assumptions

Significant health benefits
from sound chemicals/waste
and air quality management

Governments, industry andsociety aware of costs ofinaction
Increased global interest in
addressing air quality issues

UNEP/EA.4/4

External factors and risks
173. The achievement of these outcomes rests on the assumption that relevant international legallybinding instruments (such as multilateral environmental agreements), laws and regulations will be
increasingly implemented and enforced and that there will be continued momentum in the private
sector and other parts of society to support the environmentally sound management of chemicals andwaste and promote transformative actions, considering a life cycle approach and, the benefits ofmoving towards a circular economy. To mitigate the risk that momentum is lost, UNEP will continue
to draw public attention to the need and opportunities to address pollution, through campaigns,
voluntary commitments and profiling successes and best practices. Drivers that UNEP aims toinfluence include the demonstration of financial gain, a reduction in social injustice, an increase ingreen job models and green chemicals market shares, increased global interest in air quality issues andgreater awareness among governments, industry and civil society of the environmental and the societal
costs of inaction. Demonstrating the benefits for environmental and human health resulting from thesound management of chemicals and waste and improved air quality are considered a top driver that is
expected to trigger major changes in stakeholder behaviour, knowledge and skills development.

Outputs planned for the biennium
Table 20
Outputs planned for the biennium: Chemicals, waste and air quality
DivisionContributing division(s)accountable
and regional offices
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishments (a): Policies and legal,
institutional and fiscal strategies and mechanisms for sound chemicals management are developed or
implemented in countries within the frameworks of relevant multilateral environmental agreements and
SAICM
1. Data, information, assessment and knowledge
Science Division,
Economy Division
management services to promote sound chemicals
Ecosystems Division,
Law Division,
management
Communications
Division, regional offices
2. Capacity-building and technical assistance on best
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division
available techniques, good practices, risk reduction and
Law Division,
the establishment and enforcement of policies, laws andCommunications
regulations for sound chemicals management
Division, regional offices
3. Advisory, policy and coordination support services to
Economy Division
Ecosystems Division,
SAICM to promote sound chemicals management and the
Law Division,
implementation of chemicals-related multilateralCommunications
environmental agreements
Division, regional offices
4. Support to global, regional and subregional strategic
Economy Division
Ecosystems Division,
partnerships and integrated approaches to promote the
Science Division, Law
Division,sound management of chemicals
Communications
Division, regional offices
5. Outreach products and services provided toCommunications
Ecosystems Division,
governments, citizens, private companies and civil society Division
Science Division, Law
organizations to increase awareness of sound chemicals
Division, Economy
management
Division, regional offices
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishments (b): Policies and legal,
institutional and fiscal strategies and mechanisms for waste prevention and sound management are developed
or implemented in countries within the frameworks of relevant multilateral environmental agreements and
SAICM
1. Knowledge development, capacity-building andEcosystems
Science Division, Law
technical assistance on good practices and on the
Division, Economy
Divisionestablishment and enforcement of policies, laws andDivision,
Communications
regulations to prevent marine litter and microplastics
Division, regional offices
2. Data, information, assessment and knowledge
Science Division, Law
Economy Division
management services to promote waste prevention andDivision,
Communications
sound waste management
Division, regional offices
Programme of work output

83

UNEP/EA.4/4
Programme of work output
3. Technical guidance on best available techniques, goodpractices, legislation and risk reduction developed for thesound management of waste

Division
accountable
Economy Division

Contributing division(s)and regional offices
Science Division, Law
Division,
Communications
Division, regional offices

4. Advisory and support services and capacity-building
Economy Division
Ecosystems Division,for the design and implementation of environmentally
Communications
sound integrated waste management technologies andDivision, regional offices
approaches
5. Outreach products and services provided toCommunications
Ecosystems Division,
Governments, citizens, private companies and civil
Science Division, Law
Divisionsociety organizations to increase awareness of waste
Division, Economy
prevention and sound waste management
Division, regional offices
Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (c): National emissions sources
are identified, policies and legal, regulatory, fiscal and institutional frameworks and mechanisms to reduce air
pollution are developed, institutional capacity to improve air quality is built and air quality assessments aredone by countries with UNEP support and within the frameworks of relevant multilateral environmental
agreements
1. Assessments of air quality status and trends at
Economy Division, Law
Science Division
Division,
national and regional scales
Communications
Division, regional offices
2. Technical guidance and support services for the
Ecosystems Division,
Law Division
establishment and enforcement of laws, regulations andEconomy Division,
fiscal policies to reduce air pollution
regional offices
3. Advisory and support services and capacity-building
Economy Division
Law Division,
to facilitate the standard and strategy development andCommunications
information sharing necessary to reduce air pollution
Division, regional offices
4. Support to strengthen cooperation, coordination and
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Divisionpartnerships across the globe, including within the
Science Division, Law
United Nations system, and enhance linkages andDivision,synergies among major air quality programmes andCommunications
stakeholders
Division, regional offices
5. Outreach products and services provided toCommunications
Ecosystems Division,
governments, citizens, private companies and civil society Division
Science Division, Law
organizations to increase awareness on air quality
Division, Economy
importance and urgency
Division, regional offices

Resource requirements: chemicals, waste and air quality
174. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $136.5 million and provide for 128 positions, as compared to $100.4 million and 89
positions in the 2018–2019 budget. The overall increase in the financial resources is brought by theearmarked and global funds estimated contributions based on historical trends over the last biennium.
This increase is partially offset by a reduction of $8.9 million against the Environment Fund in linewith the overall decrease of the total envelope. In terms of human resources, the decrease in thenumber of positions under the Environment Fund is due to the alignment of actual existing positions tothe subprogrammes they mainly contribute to. Under the earmarked and global funds, the expected
increase in the number of positions is aligned with the projected increase in the associated financial
resources which will lead more projects and activities to be implemented. This includes resource
requirements for the pollution hub as part of extrabudgetary funding.

84

UNEP/EA.4/4

Table 21 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: Chemicals, waste and air quality(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial Resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
15 00017 30032 300(2 200)(6 700)(8 900)12 80010 60023 40038 40038 40022 70022 70017 00044 10061 10024 30024 30021 70021 7002 400
43 60046 000

2 400
2 400

600
600

2 000
1 000
3 000

2 774
267
3 041
100 441–––
36 100

2 774
267
3 041
136 541

Note: Figures may vary slightly owing to rounding.

Table 21 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: Chemicals, waste and air quality
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

52
16
7
5
9

(8)
44
1
2
–

44
60
8
7
9

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

89

39

128

85

UNEP/EA.4/4

Subprogramme 6
Resource efficiency
Table 22
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: resource efficiency
Objective of the organization: Countries transition to sustainable development through multiple pathways
including inclusive green economy, and the adoption of sustainable consumption and production patterns,
increasingly decoupling economic growth from unsustainable resource use and environmental impact while
improving human well-being.69
Relevant impact-level
SDG indicators

SDG Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make themsustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean andenvironmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries
taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. Indicator: 9.4.1 CO2emission per unit of value added (Tier I, custodian agencies: UNIDO, IEA)SDG Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use ofnatural resources; and SDG Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global
resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple
economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10‑Year
Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with
developed countries taking the lead. Indicators: 12.2.1 (also 8.4.1) Material
footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (Tier III,custodian agency: UNEP); 12.2.2 (also 8.4.2) Domestic material consumption,
domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per
GDP (Tier I, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation throughprevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. Indicator: 12.5.1 National recycling rate,
tons of material recycled (Tier III, custodian agencies: UNSD, UNEP)SDG Target 12.c: Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful
consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national
circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful
subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into
account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing thepossible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor andthe affected communities. Indicator: 12.c.1 Amount of fossil-fuel subsidies per unit of
GDP (production and consumption) and as a proportion of total national
expenditure on fossil fuels (Tier II, custodian agency: UNEP)
10YFP Indicators of Success Framework

Relevant Environment
Assembly resolutions

Environment Assembly resolution 1/10 – Different visions, approaches, models andtools to achieve environmental sustainability in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication
Environment Assembly resolution 2/8 – Sustainable consumption and production
Environment Assembly resolution 2/9 – Prevention, reduction and reuse of foodwaste

69 The objective is fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular SDG 12 on

sustainable consumption and production and SDG 8 on sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth,
together with other relevant SDGs such as 9, 11 and 17. Together, these goals provide a solid foundation andorientation as well as clear and specific guidance for the implementation of the subprogramme.
86

UNEP/EA.4/4
Expectedaccomplishments of thesecretariat

Indicators ofachievement

Targets

Relevant global SDG
indicators(a) Science-based
approaches that support
the transition tosustainable
development throughmultiple pathways,
including an inclusive
green economy andsustainable trade, andadoption of sustainableconsumption andproduction patterns at
all levels(i) The number70 ofcountries71,
transitioning tosustainable
development throughmultiple pathways,
including throughimplementing inclusive
green economy,
sustainableconsumption andproduction andsustainable trade
policies, with UNEP
support.72
Unit of measure:(a) Number ofcountries

December 2017 (baseline): 18(TBC)
December 2019 (expected):+10 (28)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +3 (31)Progress expected at June
2021: +4 (35)
December 2021: +3 (38)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Reports/publications ofUNEP, the Green Growth
Knowledge Platform, regional
bodies, ministries and local
governments;
endorsed/adopted regional,
national and subnational
inclusive green
economy/sustainableconsumption and production
policies; review of reports,
surveys and interviews

Indicator 12.1.1: Numberof countries withsustainable consumption
and production (SCP)
national action plans or
SCP mainstreamed as apriority or a target into
national policies (Tier II,
custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 12.a.1: Amountof support to developing
countries on research anddevelopment forsustainable consumption
and production andenvironmentally soundtechnologies (Tier III,custodian agency: tbc)
Indicator 12.c.1: Amountof fossil-fuel subsidies
per unit of GDP(production andconsumption) and as aproportion of total
national expenditure on
fossil fuels (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 17.14.1
Number of countries withmechanisms in place toenhance policy coherenceof sustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 17.9.1: Dollar
value of financial andtechnical assistance(including throughNorth-South,
South‑South andtriangular cooperation)committed to developing
countries (Tier I,
custodian agency:
OECD)
10YFP Indicators of
Success Framework73

70 This also includes a country’s participation in international, regional and subnational policies, laws, strategies,

action plans and frameworks. The following capacity framework will be applied: (1) assessment stage, (2) policy
design stage, (3) policy adoption stage and (4) policy implementation stage. Only countries that have started withactual policy implementation (stage 4) will count towards the indicator. For the purposes of progress reporting,disaggregated maps will be presented showing the capacity stage of each country.
72 Policies include frameworks, laws, strategies and action plans, as well as mainstreaming into existing polices,

frameworks and action plans.
73
http://spaces.oneplanetnetwork.org/system/files/10yfp_indicators_of_success_2017_pdf.pdf.
87

UNEP/EA.4/4(ii) The number of
local governments andcities that measure
their resource profiles
and report on thesustainable
management of
resources on the basisof global frameworks,
with UNEP support
Unit of measure:(a) Number of local
governments and cities
that adopt systems tomeasure sustainability
based on global
indicator frameworks,
with UNEP support(b) Number of local
governments and cities
that publish theirresource profiles, with
UNEP support(c) Number of local
governments and cities
linking local progresswith global indicators
towards reaching
SDG 11, with UNEP
support(d) Number of local
governments and cities
that identify, develop,
and implement
actions74 that are
informed by resource
efficiency research,tools and profiles, with
UNEP support

74 Such as action plans, policies and public tenders.

88

December 2017 (baseline): 5
December 2019 (expected):+18 (23)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +5 (28)Progress expected at June
2021: +5 (33)
December 2021: +5 (38)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Reports, city development
index publications/reports,
surveys and interviews

Indicator 11.6.1:
Proportion of urban solid
waste regularly collected
and with adequate final
discharge out of total
urban solid waste
generated, by cities (TierII, custodian agencies:
UN-Habitat, UNSD)
Indicator 11.a.1:
Proportion of population
living in cities that
implement urban andregional development
plans integrating
population projections
and resource needs, bysize of city (Tier III,custodian agency: UNHabitat)

UNEP/EA.4/4(b) Public, private andfinance sectors
increasingly adopt andimplement sustainable
management
frameworks andpractices(i) The number ofpublic and private
finance stakeholders
that adopt sustainablefinance principles,
processes andframeworks, with
UNEP support
Unit of measure:(a) Number of financial
institutions that adopt
sustainable principles,
processes andframeworks, with
UNEP support 75(b) Number ofcountries in which
national processes andframeworks
mainstream sustainablefinance, with UNEP
support(c) Number of local
governments thatmainstream sustainablefinance into theirplanning frameworks,
with UNEP support

December 2017 (baseline):
277
December 2019 (expected):+24 (301)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +20 (321)Progress expected at June
2021: +10 (331)
December 2021: +10 (341)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
UNEP Finance Initiative
membership records, reports,stakeholder reports,
interviews, surveys

Indicator 9.3.1:
Proportion of small-scaleindustries in totalindustry value added(Tier II, custodian
agency: UNCDF)
Indicator 9.3.2:
Proportion of small-scaleindustries with a loan orline of credit (Tier II,
custodian agency:
UNCDF)
Indicator 17.14.1:
Number of countries withmechanisms in place toenhance policy coherenceof sustainable
development (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNEP)

75 Such as the principles for sustainable insurance, sustainable stock exchange, green financial products andservices and principles for sustainable banking.
89

UNEP/EA.4/4(ii) The number ofpublic and private
sector partners that
adopt sustainable
management policies
and practices, with
UNEP support 76
Unit of measure:(a) Number of public
sector partners that
adopt sustainable
management practices
and policies, with
UNEP support(b) Number of private
sector partners that
adopt sustainable
management practices,with UNEP support

December 2017 (baseline):
27277
December 2019 (expected): +187 (459)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +60 (519)Progress expected at June
2021: +15 (534)
December 2021: + 45 (579)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Annual reports, sustainability
reports, technical fact sheets,case studies, surveys, reportsof partnerships and initiatives
in which UNEP participates

Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism
direct GDP as aproportion of total GDP
and in growth rate (TierII, custodian agency:
UNWTO)
Indicator 8.9.2:
Proportion of jobs insustainable tourism
industries out of total
tourism jobs (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNWTO)
Indicator 12.1.1: Numberof countries withsustainable consumption
and production (SCP)
national action plans or
SCP mainstreamed as apriority or a target into
national policies (Tier II,
custodian agency:
UNEP)
Indicator 12.5.1:
National recycling rate,
tons of material recycled(Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNSD, UNEP)
Indicator 12.6.1: Numberof companies publishingsustainability reports(Tier III, custodian
agency: UNEP)
Indicator 12.b.1: Numberof sustainable tourism
strategies or policies andimplemented action plans
with agreed monitoringand evaluation tools (Tier
III, custodian agency:
UNWTO)

76 This includes various sectors, such as tourism, buildings and construction, manufacturing and food systems.

Results will be presented in one consolidated indicator, accompanied by a breakdown by sector.
77 This has been calculated on the basis of the reporting of programme of work indicator EA) b) i) at December
2017 (311) less the contribution to the finance sector (39).
90

UNEP/EA.4/4(c) Public and private
sectors are increasingly
aware of and support
the adoption ofsustainable lifestyles
and sustainableconsumption patterns(i) The number ofcountries78
implementing79
sustainable public
procurement policies
with UNEP support 80
Unit of measure:
Number of countries
implementing
sustainable public
procurement policies
with UNEP support

December 2017 (baseline): 4
December 2019 (expected):+12 (16)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +4 (20)Progress expected at June
2021: +4 (24)
December 2021: +4 (28)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Reports, sustainable public
procurement (SPP) actionplans, guidelines for
products/services prioritized
for SPP, updated tender
documents for prioritized
products/ services, updated
training materials on SPP, listof trainers and procurers
trained on SPP, list oflaunched and awarded publictenders inclusive ofsustainability criteria

Indicator 12.7.1: Numberof countries
implementing sustainablepublic procurement
policies and action plans(Tier III, custodian
agency: UNEP)

78 Including subnational governments and public enterprises.
79 The following capacity framework will be applied: (1) assessment stage, (2) policy design stage, (3) policy

adoption stage and (4) policy implementation stage. Only countries and public enterprises starting with theimplementation of sustainable public procurement policies (stage 4) will count towards the indicator. For the
purposes of progress reporting, maps will be presented that show the capacity stage of each country.
80 Including strategies and action plans.
91

UNEP/EA.4/4(ii) The number ofpublic and private
sector partners that
implement campaigns,
awareness raising,advocacy andeducational initiatives
and consumer
information tools that
promote sustainableconsumption andproduction andlifestyles, including
gender equality, with
UNEP support
Unit of measure:(a) Number of public
and private sector
partners that
implement campaigns,
awareness raising,advocacy andeducational initiatives
and consumer
information tools that
demonstrate thebenefits of sustainableconsumption andproduction andlifestyles, with UNEP
support(b) Number of public
and private sector
partners reporting
inclusion of sustainableconsumption andproduction andlifestyles topics inrelevant formal andinformal education
efforts, with UNEP
support(iii) The number ofcountries that measure
food waste at thenational level using
internationallyacknowledged
methodologies, with
UNEP support
Unit of measure:
Number of countries

92

December 2017 (baseline): 12(TBC)
December 2019 (expected):+45 (57)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +15 (72)Progress expected at June
2021: +15 (87)
December 2021: +15 (102)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Reports, surveys, course
enrolments, curricula,massive open online courses,
campaign reports, etc.

Indicator 4.7.1: Extent towhich (i) global
citizenship education and(ii) education forsustainable development,
including gender equality
and human rights, aremainstreamed at alllevels in (a) national
education policies; (b)curricula; (c) teacher
education; and (d)student assessment (Tier
III, custodian agency:
UNESCO-UIS)
Indicator 12.8.1: Extent
to which (i) global
citizenship education and(ii) education forsustainable development(including climatechange education) aremainstreamed in(a) national education
policies; (b) curricula;(c) teacher education;and (d) student
assessment (Tier III,custodian agency:
UNESCO-UIS)

December 2017 (baseline): 4(TBC)
December 2019 (expected):+15 (19)
Progress expected at
December 2020: +10 (29)Progress expected at June
2021: +10 (39)
December 2021: +10 (49)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
National food waste reports,
strategies communicated bygovernment and private sector
stakeholders, national SDG
indicator 12.3.1 reporting

Indicator 12.3.1: Global
food loss index (Tier III,custodian agencies:
UNEP, FAO)

UNEP/EA.4/4

Strategy
175. The objective of the subprogramme is to support the transition to sustainable development
through multiple pathways, including inclusive green economy, green finance, sustainable trade andthe adoption of sustainable consumption and production patterns. This transition entails decoupling of
economic activity from unsustainable resource use and negative environmental impacts while
improving human well-being. A systemic change is necessary to evolve from the dominant linear“take-make-dispose” economic model based on fuelling consumer demand and unsustainable resourceuse. While the current model has increased incomes in many countries and helped to reduce global
poverty, it still leaves too many behind and can erode natural and overall wealth, exposing current andfuture generations to severe risks and impacts such as climate change, degrading of ecosystems,
natural resource depletion and widespread pollution.
176. Resource efficiency promotes circular economic models, where the value of products andmaterials is maintained for as long as possible, waste and resource use are minimized and resources
are kept within the economy when a product has reached the end of its life, to be used again and again
to create further value. Such an approach is a critical element in reducing pollution by reducing waste
and the unstainable use of resources. Moving towards a circular green economy can contribute toincreasing incomes and wealth by removing the environmental damage from pollution and waste
inherent in a linear brown economy that destroys value and harms human health and well-being.
177. Resource efficiency is one of the most effective strategies for reducing waste, curbing
greenhouse gas emissions and spuring this transition. Ultimately, a green economy is founded on
resource efficiency (decoupling) that reduces wastage, pollution (detoxification) and carbon emissions(decarbonization). Mobilizing leaders and partners in industry, finance and government to takeindividual and collective action to promote resource efficiency and reduce pollution is a central
priority for the subprogramme. The suprogramme’s objectives are cross-cutting as they also support
the overall objectives of other subprogrammes, such as reducing green house gas emissions andpollution. The Subprogramme will support the Implementation Plan on Pollution since it promotes thesystemic changes necessary to design waste and pollution out ot production and consumption systems.
178. Many of the SDGs sit at the core of tomorrow’s economy, including SDG 8 on sustainable andinclusive growth and SDG 12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. These
two goals provide a common, coherent focus for countries, businesses and individuals on the policies,
practices and technologies that need to be adopted to reduce our environmental footprint and provide abasis for shared, long-term prosperity and well-being.
179. The subprogramme’s expected accomplishments and indicators are fully aligned with therelevant SDGs and their targets and indicators and directly contribute to the achievement of the 2030
Agenda. While SDGs 8 and 12 are the key focus of the subprogramme, all the SDGs have a strong
connection to sustainable economic development, resource efficiency and sustainable consumption
and production. As the global custodian for most of the relevant SDG 8 and 12 indicators, UNEP plays
a key role in progress monitoring and reporting for those SDGs. Because the subprogramme delivers
directly on a range of indicators, its alignment with the SDGs has been further strengthened, down to
the indicator level, compared to the biennium 2018–2019. While the overall results framework as
expressed through the expected accomplishments and associated indicators remains largely
unchanged, several adjustments have been made to the indicators and units of measure to strengthen
the overall results and impact monitoring. Several sectoral indicators under expected accomplishmentb) have been merged so as to rationalize reporting. Progress for various sectors will be tracked andreported in a disaggregated manner, however. Several units of measure have also been adjusted tobetter integrate with SDG indicators.
180. UNEP is well placed to support and scale up the transition to sustainable development throughits capacity to generate and disseminate knowledge and its extensive networks, partnerships anddelivery platforms. Building on the broad, science-based, independent and normative expertise
emerging from the International Resource Panel, the Life Cycle Initiative, the Green Growth
Knowledge Platform and the Environment and Trade Hub, UNEP strengthens and expands theknowledge base that supports innovation and the uptake of circularity and green economy pathways.
The normative strength of the Subprogramme combined with proven approaches and solutions,enables UNEP to take solutions to scale, especially at the country level, through partnerships,
including partnerships with the private sector, non-state actors, and other United Nations agencies.

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181. Initiatives such as the Ten-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and
Production/One Planet Network, the UNEP Finance Initiative, the Partnership for Action on Green
Economy and SWITCH to Green programmes are key delivery and implementation mechanisms toscale up impact. The Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road will mobilize
international expertise and best practice to inform large-scale infrastructure investments with the aim
to promote environmental safeguards and align investments with the sustainable development agenda.
182. Through the One Planet Network and its multi-partner trust fund for SDG 12, UNEP works
with more than 600 partners across the public and private sectors, civil society and academia to scale
up global action and implementation of sustainable consumption and production. The framework ofprogrammes strengthens consumer information and promotes sustainable approaches to public
procurement, tourism, food systems, buildings and construction. It also promotes sustainable lifestyles
and consumption patterns as a key demand driver for sustainability. The Subprogramme is a key
delivery mechanism for Environment Assembly resolutions 2/8 on sustainable consumption andproduction and 2/9 on prevention, reduction and reuse of food waste.
183. The UNEP Finance Initiative engages more than 300 partners in the banking, investment andinsurance sectors, supporting them to adopt sustainable finance principles. It provides innovative tools
to promote investments into bankable projects that support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy is a partnership of five United Nations agencies(UNEP, ILO, UNDP, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and theUnited Nations Institute for Training and Research) that provides a comprehensive suite of advisory
services to help countries build the enabling conditions for a transition to sustainable development.
The SWITCH to Green programmes in Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean are further mechanisms forhelping countries scale up implementation in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture andmanufacturing, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
184. To achieve the envisaged 2030 impact, UNEP supports countries, subnational governments
and cities to institutionalize capacities and implement frameworks, policies and action plans thatenable transition to sustainable development, through multiple pathways and multi-stakeholder
partnerships. UNEP engages with the private sector across sectors and along value chains for the
adoption of life-cycle approaches, eco-innovation, cleaner production practices and sustainable
management practices and increasing investment in circular and green technologies. UNEP uses theExtractive Hub to coordinate its work on promoting sustainable practices in the extractive industry.
185. Promoting sustainable, resource-efficient cities offers key opportunities for reducing the global
resource and environmental footprint, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. UNEP will support
countries and cities in their transition of urban development towards sustainable consumption andproduction, global resilience and environmental sustainability in line with SDG 11 and the New Urban
Agenda adopted at the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban
Development (Habitat III). This support will be delivered through policy and capacity development
support, as well as by providing cities with relevant tools and methodologies, both in key urban
infrastructure sectors and in an integrated way across sectors and levels of governance. Cities will also
be able to draw on the expertise and implementation capacity embedded in the individual programmesof the One Planet network, such as those on food, public procurement, buildings and construction andlifestyles. UNEP will work with partners within the United Nations system, particularly UN-Habitat
through the Greener Cities Partnership, as well as city networks and private sector partners.
186. UNEP will promote sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns with the aim of
influencing and increasing demand for sustainable products and services. The focus is on creating
policy messages that allow engagement with lifestyle influences and on campaigns, advoacy andawareness-raising activities in key lifestyles sectors, such as food, mobility, housing, leisure, fashionand electronics. Working on the demand side and supporting the transition to sustainable lifestyles
provides an indispensable complement to initiatives focused on sustainable production. Considering
gender dimensions when it comes to comsumption will be part of this transition.
187. UNEP will draw on its extensive network of partners in the public and private sector, including
the financial sector, as well as civil society and academia to deliver on the Subprogramme’s expectedaccomplishments. Increased regional and country engagement facilitated by the UNEP regional offices
will play an important role in ensuring that the Subprogramme is well anchored and responds toregional and country priorities. Close engagement with regional bodies, economic commissions,
United Nations agencies and United Nations country teams—including participation in the formulationand implementation of United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks—are essential in thisregard.

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188. The products and services that UNEP will deliver to achieve the expected accomplishments
include assessments; research and analysis on economics, sustainable trade and fiscal policy;
methodologies, policy tools and knowledge products; and capacity development services and technicalsupport. Support for the provision of secretariat services and hosting of special initiatives, outreach,awareness and communication initiatives complete the set of products and services offered under the
Subprogramme.
189. While there are strong capacities, partnerships, networks and delivery platforms in place,delivery of the programme of work will depend on increased support from member States and donors,
including the private sector. Effective private sector engagement is crucial in this regard, since
financing of the sustainable development agenda as a whole and financing of the shift towards
sustainable consumption and production patterns in particular is required. Green finance is hence apriority within the subprogramme, as its aim is to support the financial system itself in aligning withthe sustainable development agenda.

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Figure 6
Theory of change – Resource efficiency
Note: Key deliverables in the theory of change are related to either a single output or a group of outputs.

Increased energy, material and resource
efficiency

Increased investment in sustainableeconomies

Lifestyles and Consumption are
Sustainable

Inclusive Green Economy, Sustainable Trade, andSustainable Consumption and Production policies
and plans are implemented

Businesses invest in sustainable
management practices and technologies

Sustainable lifestyles and consumptions
patters are increasingly adopted

Stable economic
conditions conducive to
Sustainable
Development

Continued support for
UNEP Medium Term
Strategy & Resource
Efficiency Programme ofWork

Regions,
Countries andCities adopt andimplement
Green Economy
Pathways

Business adopt
and implement
sustainable
management
practices

Countries,
Businesses andIndividuals adopt
sustainableconsumption
patterns andlifestyles

Increased investments ingreen technologies

Public & Private sector
commitment toimplement Sustainable
Development Agenda

96

Scientific Assessments

Tools, methods, standards

Outreach, awareness raisingand information campaigns

Economic, trade and fiscal
policy research, analysis andmethodologies

Platforms for finance sector
engagement

Sustainable Lifestyles
Curricula and Massive Open
Online Courses

Multi-stakeholder
partnerships and platforms

Capacity Development

Capacity Development

Capacity Development andpolicy support

Support to green technology
finance and investment

Research, methods, tools,
polices and standards

Intermediate States

Key
2030 Impacts

Expected
Accomplishments

Drivers

Key Deliverables

Assumptions

Sustainable Consumption
and Production integral
and integrative
component of
Sustainable
Development Agenda

Strong agency capacity

Clear UNEP mandate on
Sustainable Consumption
and Production andInclusive Green Economy

Delivery platforms
including effective
regional outreach= Linkages

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External factors and risks
190. The achievement of relevant SDGs will depend on actual policy shifts and implementation at
the global, regional, national and subnational levels. Risks include the negative environmental andeconomic impacts of climate change, ecosystems degradation, pollution and resource depletion, which
if not addressed proactively could reverse decades’ worth of development gains and potentially hinder
the achievement of the Subprogramme’s objectives and targets. Climate-change-induced poverty andeconomic losses may prevent countries from adopting sustainable consumption and production
patterns and investing in sustainable development. Although there is global resolve to address climatechange challenges and achieve the 2030 Agenda, progress and impact have not achieved the scalerequired for success. Achieving the international commitments will also require the mobilization ofadequate resources to take the identified solutions to scale.
Table 23
Outputs planned for the biennium: resource efficiency
Programme of work output

Division accountable

Contributing
division(s) andregional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (a): Science-based approaches
that support the transition to sustainable development through multiple pathways, including an inclusive green
economy and sustainable trade, and adoption of sustainable consumption and production patterns at all levels
1. Resource use assessments and related policy options aredeveloped and provided to countries to support planning andpolicy-making, including support for the application andmonitoring of relevant SDG indicators

Economy Division

Science Division,
regional offices

2. Economic and fiscal policy research, analysis,
methodologies, tools and knowledge products are developedand shared to support governments and other stakeholders indeveloping and implementing multiple pathways tosustainable development

Economy Division

Science Division,
Policy andProgramme Division,
regional offices

3. Capacity development, networking, knowledge,
financial and information-sharing mechanisms are provided
to support the delivery of the Ten-Year Framework ofProgrammes on Sustainable Consumption and
Production/One Planet Network

Economy Division

Science Division,Communication
Division, regional
offices

4. Economic tools, technical assistance, policy
assessments and capacity development provided to countries
and regions to support achievement of the SDGs throughmultiple pathways, policies and action plans

Economy Division

Science Division,
Law Division

5. Technical support provided to countries to replicate andscale up multiple successfully piloted approaches tosustainable development and related tools to mainstream
resource efficiency, circular approaches and sustainableconsumption and production

Economy Division

Regional offices

6. Capacity development, policy tools, assessments,
advisory services and training are provided and partnerships
and initiatives are created to enable countries to use
sustainable trade and investment as vehicles for achieving
the 2030 Agenda

Economy Division

Law Division,
regional offices

7. Policy support, tools and methodologies, capacity
development and technical assistance are provided to cities
and local governments to support their transition towards
more resource-efficient policies and practices

Economy Division

Regional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (b): The public, private andfinance sectors increasingly adopt and implement sustainable management frameworks and practices
1. Database services providing enhanced availability andaccessibility of life cycle assessment data are provided
through an interoperable global network, methods forenvironmental and social indicators and the ways to apply
them in decision-making, practical tools for the applicationof life-cycle information in decision-making and capacity
development

Economy Division

Regional offices

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UNEP/EA.4/4
Programme of work output

Division accountable

Contributing
division(s) andregional offices

2. Technical guidance, tools and best practices aredeveloped and provided to finance sector stakeholders to
improve the integration of environmental and social
considerations into their business practices and to promote
investment in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

Economy Division

Regional offices

3. Technical and policy guidance are provided to United
Nations agencies, governments and tourism stakeholders to
support the development, adoption and implementation ofpolicies, guidelines and standards on more sustainable
tourism practices

Economy Division

Regional offices

4. Tools and methodologies are developed and applied bybusinesses to enhance resource efficiency and innovation forenvironmental sustainability along value chains and improvereporting practices

Economy Division

Regional offices

5. Analyses of resource scarcity trends and life-cyclebased tools and methodologies are developed and provided
to businesses to enhance environmental innovation forsustainable development along supply chains and improvethe measurement of environmental performance, including
through corporate sustainability reporting

Economy Division

Regional offices

6. Technical assistance is provided at the national andsubnational levels to support the promotion andimplementation of cleaner, resource-efficient production
technologies and practices in industries, including small andmedium-sized enterprises

Economy Division

Regional offices

7. Technical and policy guidance and economic analysis
are provided to construction stakeholders and governments
to support the development, adoption and implementation ofpolicies and standards on resource efficiency in buildings
and construction practices and related materials through the
supply chains.

Economy Division

Regional offices

8. Sustainable food and agriculture policy frameworks,
technical guidance and innovative management practices
and incentives are developed for public (interdisciplinary/ministerial) and private actors to support theestablishment of sustainable food systems at the national andsubnational levels, including in urban areas

Economy Division

Ecosystems Division,
regional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of expected accomplishment (c): The public and private
sectors are increasingly aware of and support the adoption of sustainable lifestyles and sustainableconsumption patterns

98

1. Tools and technical and policy support are provided togovernments and other stakeholders for the development andimplementation of sustainable public procurement

Economy Division

Regional offices

2. Outreach and communication campaigns and activities
are developed to raise public awareness on the benefits ofadopting more sustainable consumption and production
practices

Communication
Division

Economy Division,
Ecosystems Division,
regional offices

3. Technical guidance, tools and best practices aredeveloped and provided to governments and otherstakeholders to support the development, improvement andimplementation of consumer information tools

Economy Division

Regional offices

4. Sustainable lifestyles and education tools and activities
for raising awareness and stimulating change, particularly aturban level, are developed and implemented

Communications
Division/Economy
Division

Ecosystems Division,
regional offices

5. Technical and policy guidance and methodologies areprovided to public and private stakeholders for themeasurement, prevention and reduction of food waste andthe development of sustainable diet strategies and activities

Economy Division

Ecosystems Division,Communication
Division

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Resource requirements: resource efficiency
191. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $95.8 million and provide for 114 positions, as compared to $86.2 million and 113 positionsin the 2018–2019 budget. The overall increase in the financial resources is brought by the earmarked
funds estimated contributions based on historical trends over the last biennium. This increase ispartially offset by a reduction of $11.2 million against the Environment Fund in line with the overall
decrease of the total envelope. In terms of human resources, the decrease in the number of positions
under the Environment Fund is due to the alignment of actual existing positions to the subprogramme
to which they mainly contribute as well as the reduction in the number of vacant positions previously
provisioned under the 2018–2019 Environment Fund budget. Under the earmarked funds, the expected
increase in the number of positions is aligned with the projected increase in the associated financial
resources, leading to more projects and activities to be implemented.
Table 24 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: resource efficiency(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
18 40021 20039 600(3 200)(8 000)(11 200)

15 20013 20028 40041 00041 00020 10020 10014 20046 90061 100

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

2 300
2 300

700
700

2 400
600
3 000

3 060
297
3 357
86 257

–
–
–
9 600

3 060
297
3 357
95 857

Table 24 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: Resource efficiency
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

60
35
–
7
11

(14)
12
–
3
–

46
47
–
10
11

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

113

1

114

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Subprogramme 7
Environment under review
Table 25
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: environment under review
Objective of the organization: Governments and other stakeholders are empowered with quality assessments
and open access to data and information to deliver the environmental dimension of sustainable development
Relevant impact-level
SDG indicators

The environment under review subprogramme is viewed as an enabler for the
integration of SDG indicators among internal and external stakeholders. The purposeof the subprogramme is to provide the SDG indicator methodologies used toharmonize country data for international comparability and produce estimates throughtransparent mechanisms for 26 environment-related SDG indicators and to assure thequality of UNEP submissions of data and analysis on environmental indicators to the
Global SDG Indicators Database and the Secretary General’s SDG progress report.
Through capacity development, countries are enabled to collect data on SDG
indicators to support national sustainable development plans.

Relevant
Environment
Assembly resolutions

Environment Assembly resolution 1/4 – Science-policy interface
Environment Assembly resolution 3/5 – Investing in innovative environmental
solutions for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs

Expectedaccomplishments ofthe secretariat

Indicators of achievement

Targets

Governments andother stakeholders use
quality open
environmental data,
analyses andparticipatory processes
that strengthen thescience-policy
interface to generate
evidence-based
environmental
assessments, identify
emerging issues andfoster policy action(i) The number of SDG
indicators for which UNEP is
the custodian agency, for which
it reports data to the Global
SDG Indicators Database81
Unit of measure:
Number of SDG indicators

December 2017 (baseline): 8
December 2019 (expected): +5 (13)
Progress by December 2020:+3 (16)
Progress by June 2021: +0(1682)
Progress by December 2021:+3 (19)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Global SDG Indicators
Database83
December 2017 (baseline): 15
December 2019 (expected): 35
Progress by December 2020:+7 (42)
Progress by June 2021: +8 (50)Progress expected by
December 2021: +7 (57)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
National reporting systems,
Environment Live (countrylevel data where available)(ii) The number of countries
reporting on the environmental
dimension of sustainable
development through sharedenvironmental information
systems with country-level data
made discoverable through
UNEP
Unit of measure:
Number of countries

Relevant global
SDG indicators

81 https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/database/.
82 Reporting is yearly, so either there is no target for June or the target for June is the same as for December.
83 https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/database/.

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UNEP/EA.4/4(iii) Countries entacting national
policies in response to the
UNEP Science-Policy Interface
that contribute to sustainable
development and well-being 84
Unit of measure:
Number of countries reportingon the development and/or
implementation of mechanisms,
policies, guidelines and/or
instruments that strengthen thescience-policy interface andcontribute to sustainable
development and well-being

December 2017 (baseline): 0
December 2019 (expected): 3
Progress by December 2020: 6
Progress by June 2021: 9
Progress by December 2021:
12
Data sources and analysis
plan:Country reports at regional
environmental information
network conferences, theGlobal Environment Outlook,
Sustainable Development Goal
reports analysed for level of
implementation of policy
action(iv) The indicators to measure
the environmental dimension ofsustainable development madethrough Environment Live thatare disaggregated by vulnerable
groups, especially by gender,
geography and age
Unit of measure:(a) Number of environmental
indicators disaggregated by sex(b) Number of environmental
indicators disaggregated by age

December 2017 (baseline): 6
December 2019 (expected): 11
Progress by December 2020:+3 (14)Progress by June 2021: +2 (16)Progress by December 2021:+1 (17)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Environment Live databaselink to be provided for eachindicator at time of reporting(v) Relevant global, regionaland national forums andinstitutions using data on
environmental trends identified
through UNEP for
environmental assessment, early
warning on emerging issues
and/or facilitation of policy
actionUnit of measure:
Number of global, regional andnational forums and institutions

December 2017 (baseline): 35
December 2019 (expected): 75
Progress by December 2020:+15 (90)
Progress by June 2021: +10(100)
Progress by December 2021:+15 (115)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Policy documents, resolutions,
meeting reports, semantic
searches, assessments(vi) Level of accessibility andease of use of UNEP
environmental information
through open platforms
measured against internationallyrecognized standards for open
access to information
Unit of measure:
Percentage improvement in thelevel of accessibility andusability

December 2017 (baseline):80%
December 2019 (expected):
95%
Progress by December 2020:+1 (96%)
Progress by June 2021: +2(98%)
Progress by December 2021:+2 (100%)
Data sources and analysis
plan:
Measured by usability tests andweb statistics, complemented
with user surveys on level ofsatisfaction with theinformation available on the
open platform

84

Number of policies, guidelines and/or instruments that strengthen the science-policy interface including
implementation mechanisms
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Strategy
192. The overall objective of the environment under review subprogramme is to empower
governments and other stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions by delivering global
environmental assessments (including strengthening the science-policy interface, delivering
environmental assessments, identifying emerging issues and fostering policy action). The
subprogramme aims to inform policymakers through environmental assessments and open access tohigh-quality, relevant data and information. The subprogramme thus provides the enabling conditions
for countries to institutionalize SDG method development, data calibration and monitoring andreporting. To close the gap between current environmental performance and targets, the science-policy
platform provides policymakers with opportunities to analyse different outcomes given diverse policy
prescriptions. This innovative interactive approach guides governments and other stakeholders tocontinuously refine policies to gain momentum in the enhancement of the environmental dimension of
the SDGs.
193. As it is an enabler for other subprogrammes, the environment under review subprogramme canalso be adapted to allow examination of environmental challenges of interest to member States andstakeholders and of emerging strategic areas of regional and global focus.
194.

There are three aspects to the enabling nature of the environment under review subprogramme:(a)
The provision of data and statistics on the environmental aspects of the SDGs, where
methods are developed and authenticated with United Nations social commissions and approved by
UNSD. The outcome can then be used to track environmental performance patterns and progress
through the 26 environmental SDG indicators and multilateral environmental agreements acrosssubprogrammes. Data can also be used to identify trends and emerging issues and foster policy action;(b)
Capacity development to member States in areas of environmental information andknowledge management, environmental monitoring, data colleaction mining, sharing, analysis andcalibration, SDG method development, gap assessment and monitoring and reporting on
environmental trends and emerging issues;(c)Data mining, analysis and interpretation for informed policymaking and sounddecision-making.
195. When quantified, the combined effect of the three aspects demonstrates the impact of progress
towards the environmental SDG targets, which is progress specific to UNEP and to the United Nations
in general.
196. The ultimate aim of this subprogramme is to ensure that by 2030, policymaking andstakeholder action are guided by environmental data and information and fully integrate theenvironmental dimension of sustainable development, resulting in shared prosperity for all within theecological limits of the planet. In order to achieve this, policymaking and stakeholder action must be
informed by timely, accurate and relevant knowledge. Science-based decision-making is the newmantra in policymaking: more and more countries are moving towards integrated data tabulation,
monitoring and calibration, including monitoring, to track progress within their framework of SDG
goal achievement. Data and scientific assessments become instrumental in policymaking, whilequantified progress towards the SDG targets become more inclusive and meaningful.
197. As the custodian agency for 26 indicators of the SDGs, UNEP is actively involved in thedevelopment and refinement of data collection methodologies, particularly for those indicators thatremain without internationally established methodologies and standards (tiers II and III). Under theenvironment under review subprogramme, UNEP provides capacity-building for countries on theenvironment data management and on monitoring the progress on the implementation of the SDGs incollaboration with regional economic commissions, United Nations Statistical Division and other UN
Agencies. Capacity development for the compilation of environment statistics at the country level isdone based on local priorities, which are identified using the Environment Statistics Self-Assessment
Tool (ESSAT). Country requests through UNEP regional offices lead to the development of concept
notes in consultation with UNEP regional offices to identify additional countries in need of
capacity-building for environmental data management.
198. UNEP will therefore continue to strengthen the science-policy interface through, among otherthings, servicing other subprogrammes in policy-relevant assessments and analyses informed byregional priorities; strong partnerships with expert networks and scientific bodies (including theScience and Technology Alliance for Global Sustainability, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services);enhanced country capacity in environmental reporting and data use for more informed policymaking
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and decision-making; and, together with relevant United Nations entities and multilateralenvironmental agreement secretariats, regular reviews of the integration of the environmental
dimension in sustainable development to inform the Environment Assembly and other high-level
political forums. UNEP will use innovative and targeted ways of publishing to ensure that informationand data in various reports reach the intended target audiences in an effective manner.
199. For successful delivery of the 2030 Agenda, Governments and other stakeholders need to be
empowered to track progress on the environmental dimension of sustainable development. By
strengthening the science-policy interface, UNEP will assist countries in their use of good-quality open
environmental data and participatory processes to generate evidence-based environmental assessments,
identify emerging issues and inform policy propositions and recommended actions.
200. This requires the following deliverables to be put in place in the 2020‒2021 period tostrengthen the global web-based knowledge platform that provides up-to-date data, information andknowledge to keep the environment under review (Environment Live): integrated environmental
assessment at the global and regional levels (regional environmental information networks and the
Global Environment Outlook process); thematic environmental assessments and information and early
warning services; continuous emerging issues identification, analysis and communications; capacity
development and indicator support to SDG follow-up and review, including environmental inputs toUnited Nations reports and policy forums; and national and regional reporting systems based on sharedenvironmental information system principles generating open access to information. Together, these
outputs will enhance the use of open environmental data, analyses and participatory processes thatstrengthen the science-policy interface to generate evidence-based environmental assessments, identify
emerging issues and inform policy action, including the development of policies, guidelines andinstruments to enhance environmental sustainability and well-being.
201. UNEP has been pursuing the request by member States to provide transparent and open accessto environmental data delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular,
inEnvironment Assembly resolution 2/5 the Executive Director was requested to ensure that theEnvironment Live portal, which already covers the internationally agreed environmental goals,
provided credible, up-to-date information to support the follow-up to and review of progress towards
the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, at all levels, by establishing a long-term planfor the maintenance of the programme and the relevance of its content and ensuring good traceabilityof the data and information made accessible through it. The World Environment Situation Room
represents a natural technological and organizational evolution from “open data”, which was addressedby Environment Live, to the new requirements of “big data” and other emerging technologies likeartificial intelligence and blockchains. It integrates a variety of types of data, from real-time geospatialand earth observation information, global environmental monitoring and environmental statistics andindicators, managing large volumes of information in a distributed network of global resource
information database centres. By addressing this challenge UNEP is using data for supporting decision
making, keeping the environment under review and providing assessment, early warning, and foresighton environmental emerging issues. Big data on the Environment will affect people, countries and ourplanet, supporting sustainable development and humanitarian action. The evolution will thus mirror the
strategic direction of the Secretary-General, who in his 2018 report on progress towards achieving theSDGs stressed that the availability of high-quality, accessible, open, timely and disaggregated data isvital for evidence-based decision-making, the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and therealization of its ambition of leaving no one behind.
202. UNEP will support the strengthening of statistics offices, scientific networks and partnerships
with relevant global earth observation systems and promote the disaggregation of data by vulnerable
group, especially by geography, age and sex, and regularly review gender-environment linkages andadvocacy to guide policy action towards gender equality. Through the subprogramme, UNEP will also
develop advocacy and engagement strategies, tools, methodologies and technical support targetinggovernments, regional and national forums and institutions and major groups and stakeholders to foster
the uptake of policy-relevant information. UNEP will contribute to joint outputs with multilateralenvironmental agreements and relevant United Nations agencies, such as thematic reviews of theintegration of the environmental dimension across goals and the development of the Global
Sustainable Development Report, with the aim of informing governments and stakeholders of key
environmental priorities and emerging issues so that these can be fully considered and integrated into
policymaking.

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Figure 7
Theory of change – Environment under review

Evidence-based policymaking informed by robust data and assessments fully integrates theenvironmental dimension of sustainable development, resulting in shared prosperity for all within
the ecological limits of the planet

Policymaking and stakeholder action are
guided by environmental data andinformation, resulting in the protection of
the environment and increased well-being

Ability to harness
environmental
issues in policyrelevantsocioeconomic
contexts

Governancearrangements arein place to ensurethat partners areable to provide
data

Global web-basedknowledge
platform
providing up-todate data,
information andknowledge tokeep theenvironment
under review(Environment
Live)

Policymaking and stakeholder action are enhanced
through timely, accurate and relevant knowledge
to deliver on the environmental dimension ofsustainable development

Data
management
capacity

Governments and other stakeholders use good-quality
open environmental data, analyses and participatory
processes that strengthen the science-policy interface(e.g., Global Environment Outlook, Sustainable
Development Goals, conferences of the parties) togenerate evidence-based environmental assessments,
identify emerging issues and foster policy action

Integrated
environmental
assessment at the
global and regional
levels (regional
environmental
information
networks and the
GlobalEnvironment
Outlook process)Intermediate
statesThematic
environmental
assessments
andinformationand early
warning
services

Expectedaccomplishments

Continuous
emerging
issuesidentification,
analysis andadvocacy
communication
topolicymakers

Strongoutreach andstakeholder
engagement

Capacity
development andindicator support
to SDG followup and review,
includingenvironmental
inputs to United
Nations reports
and policy
forumsDrivers= Linkages

Key2030 impacts

Key deliverables

Assumption

Note: Key deliverables in the theory of change are related to either a single output or a group of outputs.

104

National,
regional andglobal reporting
systems basedon shared
environmental
information
systems
principles,
generating open
access to
information

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External factors and risks
203. Risks include the possibility that partners are unable to provide key environmental and relatedsocioeconomic data and that countries have insufficient capacity to manage and provide access to suchdata. The success of the subprogramme will also depend on the ability to harness environmental issues
in policy-relevant social and economic contexts. UNEP will need to ensure that the data madeavailable is policy-relevant and of high quality. Lastly, as the responsibilities for environmentally
relevant data and policy action are currently fragmented, UNEP will need to involve all relevant
partners and pursue a strong outreach and stakeholder engagement strategy to deliver coherent
messaging.
Table 26
Outputs planned for the biennium: Environment under review
Programme of work output

Division
accountable

Contributing division(s)and regional offices

Outputs planned for the biennium in pursuit of the expected accomplishment: Governments and otherstakeholders use good-quality open environmental data, analyses and participatory processes that strengthen
the science-policy interface to generate evidence-based environmental assessments, identify emerging issues
and foster policy action
1. Global web-based knowledge platform providing upto-date data, information and knowledge to keep theenvironment under review (Environment Live)

Science Division

Law Division,
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division,Communications
Division, regional offices

2. Integrated environmental assessment at the global
and regional levels (regional environmental information
networks and the Global Environment Outlook process)Science Division

Law Division,
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division,Communications
Division, regional offices

3. Thematic environmental assessments and informationand early warning services

Science Division

Law Division,
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division,Communications
Division, regional offices

4. Continuous emerging issues identification, analysis
and communication to policymakers

Science Division

Law Division,
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division,Communications
Division, regional offices

5. Capacity development and indicator support toSustainable Development Goal follow-up and review,
including environmental inputs to United Nations reports
and policy forums

Science Division

Law Division,
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division,Communications
Division, regional offices

6. National and regional reporting systems based onshared environmental information system principles,
generating open access to information

Science Division

Law Division,
Ecosystems Division,
Economy Division,Communications
Division, regional offices

Resource requirements: environment under review
204. The financial and human resources allocated for this subprogramme in the 2020–2021 budget
amount to $40 million and provide for 67 positions, as compared to $52.2 million and 72 positions in
the 2018–2019 budget. The overall decrease in the financial resources is attributed to the earmarked
and global funds estimated contributions based on historical trends over the last biennium. In order tomitigate the effect of this reduction, the Environment Fund budget for this subprogramme is prioritizedthrough a lesser proportion of reduction, brought by the overall decrease in the Environment Fund, as
compared to other subprogrammes. In terms of human resources, the decrease in the number of
positions under the Environment Fund is attributed to the reduction in the number of vacant positions
provided for in the 2018–2019 budget. Under the earmarked funds and programme support costs, theexpected decrease in the number of positions is aligned with the projected reduction in the associatedfinancial resources.

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Table 27 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: Environment under review(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
13 60015 70029 300(600)(5 700)(6 300)

13 000
10 000
23 00014 10014 100(6 300)(6 300)

1 900
5 900
7 800

2 300
2 300

1 000
1 000

200
3 100
3 300

1 000
1 000

(600)
(600)

300
100
400

4 162
1 362
5 523
52 223–––(12 200)

4 162
1 362
5 523
40 023

Table 27 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: Environment under review
Staffing resources (number of posts)
CategoryV.

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Earmarked funds
C. Global funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

47
9
1
3
12

(2)
(1)
–
(2)
–

45
8
1
1
12

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

72

(5)

67

Programme management and support
205. Programme management and support comprises corporate services provided by the UNEP
Corporate Services Division. The objective of these services is to ensure efficient and effective
delivery of the medium-term strategy and the programme of work in line with results-based
management and budgeting principles and within the accountability framework.
206. The primary role of the Corporate Services Division is to provide an enabling environment for
efficient delivery of high-quality results through the formulation of policies, strategies, standards andtools and related capacity-building support. It mitigates the exposure of UNEP to risk while guarding
its corporate interest and oversees efficient and effective management in line with the organization's
accountability requirements, rules and regulations and United Nations core values. The division covers
administrative management elements in human resources, finance, budget and information andcommunications technology. Programme support functions are also embedded in various substantive
elements, including programme/project planning, monitoring, reporting and resource mobilization.
207. The division also provides support for programme-wide efforts to develop stronger and more
complementary partnerships within and outside the United Nations system, including with global
funds (such as GEF and GCF), to catalyse action for increased impact and reduce fragmentation. This
also includes the support needed to ensure compliance with fiduciary standards, such as genderpolicies, social and environmental safeguards and legal compliance.

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208. It is also the responsibility of the corporate services function to liaise with and monitor the
performance of administrative service providers, such as UNON, that provide support services to
UNEP in the areas of accounting, payroll and payments, recruitment and staff services, systems
administration, procurement and inventory maintenance, host country relations, buildings
management, conference management, medical services and security and safety. Tables 13(a) shows
the changes in the Corporate Services budget relative to the 2018‒2019 budget. Overall, the budget
has increased by $2.68 million (7.3 per cent) as a result of projected expansion of support needed for ahigher level of programmatic activities from earmarked funding and global funding, which will
increase by US$187 million. It is worth noting that a considerable amount of programme support
funding will continue to meet the cost of our service providers, UNON and UNOG services, as well as
the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the cost of information technology licenses such as the
Outlook 365 licence and Umoja central support costs.
209. As part of the UNEP drive for continuous improvement and to ensure that the organization
provides value for money, programme support services provide timely, accurate and relevant
performance and risk information for the organization’s decision-making. This includes performance
information on results achieved based on what was planned in the programme of work, oversightinformation on compliance with norms, standards and evaluation and oversight recommendations.
Furthermore, performance and compliance information is essential for informing the member Statesand other partners of the value, relevance and transparency of UNEP. The business intelligence
function of Umoja will be used as an important tool for decision-making, risk management andreporting.
210. UNEP is expecting the deployment of the Umoja next generation extension (UE2), which
encompasses new tools and processes covering strategic management, project management, budget
formulation, implementing partners, fundraising, supply chain and conference and events
management. The new modules will ultimately enhance management efficiency and effectiveness, aswell as the ability of UNEP to manage and report programme and finance information and results in an
integrated manner. The new extension is expected to speed up the implementing partners selection andmanagement processes and provide a full audit trail and thus meet a high standard of transparency.
The deployment of the modules will be followed by training and capacity-building sessions that are
projected to continue through 2020.
211. On 24 December 2017, the General Assembly adopted resolution 72/266 on “Shifting themanagement paradigm in the United Nations”, based on the Secretary General’s report and its review
by relevant bodies, including the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions 85
and the Fifth Committee.86 With regard to the United Nations Secretariat planning and budgeting
process, the overall objective of the reform is to make the United Nations more responsive to thedemands of a fast-changing world, which includes having a planning and budgeting process that istransparent and agile, one that ensures that resources are best allocated for the effective and efficientdelivery of mandates. UNEP has not yet assessed the full impact of the reform as the guidelines have
not yet been received from the Department of Management; however, the immediate impact will be ashift from a biennial to an annual budget process.

85 A/72/7/Add.50.
86 A/72/682.

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Table 28
Objectives for the biennium, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement andperformance measures: programme management and support
Objective of the organization: Efficiency and accountability in the management of financial, human andinformation technology resources for the achievement of the results set out in the programme of work andmedium-term strategy
Expectedaccomplishments of thesecretariat

Indicators of achievement

Targets(a) UNEP makes
management decisions
based on risk information

Percentage of significant corporate risks
identified by UNEP that receive
management actions
Unit of measure:
Percentage of risks identified as“significant risks” for which action is
taken

December 2017 (baseline): TBD
December 2019 (expected): TBD
Progress by December 2020: +50(50%)
Progress by June 2021: +10 (60%)
Progress by December 2021: +10(70%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Corporate risks register and minutes ofsenior management meetings held toreview and decide on actions on risks(b) Policies and standards
are in place for oversightand management(i) The number of key areas for which
there are approved policies, strategies orplans to guide operations when there arechanges in operations
Unit of measure: Number of key
operational areas for which there are upto-date and approved policies, strategies
and plans to guide operations87(ii) The number of key operational areasthat are governed by up-to-date UNEPspecific norms, guidelines and standard
operating procedures
Unit of measure: Number of key
operational areas that are governed by
up-to-date, UNEP-specific norms,
guidelines and standard operatingprocedures

December 2017 (baseline): 388
December 2019 (expected): +3 (6)Progress by December 2020: +1 (7)Progress by June 2021: +1 (8)December 2021: +1 (9)Data sources and analysis plan:
Corporate policies, strategies, plans
December 2017 (baseline): 389
December 2019 (expected): +3 (6)Progress by December 2020: +1 (7)Progress by June 2021: +1 (8)Progress by December 2021: +1 (9)Data sources and analysis plan:
Guidelines and standard operatingprocedures

87 Operational areas are resource management, donor partnerships and contributions, human resource

management, information and communications technology, legal agreements, environment and social safeguards(including gender), programme and project quality assurance, GEF coordination and administration. As a resultof Umoja, some of these areas will require an updated policy or strategy.
88 The baseline includes the environment and social safeguards policy and gender policy, GEF guidelines, and therecently approved resource mobilization policy.
89 Gender, GEF coordination and procurement.

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Objective of the organization: Efficiency and accountability in the management of financial, human andinformation technology resources for the achievement of the results set out in the programme of work andmedium-term strategy(iii) UNEP projects that can demonstrate (iii) December 2017 (baseline): 0
the integration of environmental and
December 2019 (expected): +30
social safeguards into project(30%)
implementation
Progress by December 2020: +20
Unit of measure:(50%)
Percentage of projects that have
Progress expected by June 2021: +5
implemented/are implementing actions(55%)
Progress by December 2021: +5 (60%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Programme information management
system and analysed projects.
Approved environmental, social andeconomic review notes(iv) UNEP projects that can demonstrate
the integration of gender considerations
into project implementation
Unit of measure:
Percentage of projects that have
implemented/are implementing genderactions(iv) December 2017 (baseline): TBD
December 2019 (expected): +50(50%)
Progress by December 2020: +10(60%)
Progress expected by June 2021: +5(65%)
December 2021: +5 (70%)
Data sources and analysis plan:
Programme information management
system and analysed projects and midterm evaluations.

Table 29 (a)Financial resource requirement by funding category: programme management and support(Thousands of United States dollars)
Category
A. Environment Fund
Post
Non-post
Subtotal A
B. Earmarked funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal B
C. Global funds
Post
Non-post
Subtotal C
D. Programme support costs
Post
Non-post
Subtotal D
E. Regular budget
Post
Non-post
Subtotal E
Total (A+B+C+D+E)

Financial resources (thousands of United States dollars)
2018-2019
Changes
2020-2021
5 600
9 200
14 8002 300(5 100)(2 800)

7 900
4 100
12 000

900
900

1 000
1 000

1 900
–
1 900

3 400
3 400

800
800

2 900
1 300
4 200

15 50015 500

3 680
3 680

9 900
9 280
19 180

1 862
43
1 905
36 505

–
–
–
2 680

1 862
43
1 905
39 185109

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Table 29 (b)Human resource requirement by funding category: programme management and support
Staffing resources (number of posts)
Category

110

2018–2019

Change2020–2021

A. Environment Fund
B. Trust and earmarked funds
C. Global trust funds
D. Programme support costs
E. Regular budget

24
–
10
35
6

12
7
7
(1)

36
1
10
42
5

Total (A+B+C+D+E)

75

25

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Annex I
Relevant impact-level Sustainable Development Goal indicators for
the United Nations Environment Programme
SDG Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure andvulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters. Indicator
1.5.3: Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (Tier II, custodian agency: UNISDR)SDG Target 1.b: Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor andgender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions. Indicator 1.b.1:
Proportion of government recurrent and capital spending to sectors that disproportionately benefit women, the poor andvulnerable groups (Tier III)SDG Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that
increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change,
extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. Indicator 2.4.1:
Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (Tier III, custodian agency: FAO)
SDG Target 2.5: By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals
and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national,
regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilizationof genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed. Indicator 2.5.1: Number of plant andanimal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either medium- or long-term conservation facilities (Tier I,
custodian agencies: FAO); Indicator 2.5.2: Proportion of local breeds classified as being at risk, not at risk or at unknown
level of risk of extinction (Tier I, custodian agency: FAO)
SDG Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water andsoil pollution and contamination. Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution (Tier I,
custodian agency: WHO); Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene (TierI, custodian agency: WHO); Indicator 3.9.3: Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning (Tier I, custodian agency:WHO)
SDG Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development,
including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, genderequality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and ofculture’s contribution to sustainable development. Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii)education for sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights, are mainstreamed at all levels in: (a)national education policies, (b) curricula, (c) teacher education and (d) student assessment (Tier III, custodian
agencies:UNESCO-UIS)SDG Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership andcontrol over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with nationallaws. Indicator 5.a.2: Proportion of countries where the legal framework (including customary law) guarantees women’s equal
rights to land ownership and/or control (Tier II, custodian agency: FAO)
SDG Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release ofhazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling andsafe reuse globally. Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated (Tier II, custodian agencies: WHO, UN-Habitat,
UNSD); Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality (Tier II, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary
cooperation as appropriate. Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0–100) (Tier II,
custodian agencies: UNEP); Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water
cooperation (Tier II, custodian agencies: UNESCO-International Hydrological Programme, ECE)
SDG Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers
and lakes. Indicator: 6.6.1: Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time (Tier II, custodian agencies: UNEP,
Ramsar)SDG Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. Indicator 7.1.1:
Proportion of population with access to electricity (Tier I, custodian agency: World Bank); Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of
population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology (Tier I, custodian agency: WHO)SDG Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Indicator: 7.2.1
Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (Tier I, possible custodian agencies: UNSD, IEA, IRENA)
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SDG Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity
measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (Tier I, custodian agencies: UNSD, IEA)SDG Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local
culture and products. Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate (Tier II, custodian
agency: UNWTO); Indicator 8.9.2: Proportion of jobs in sustainable tourism industries out of total tourism jobs (Tier III,custodian agency: UNWTO)
SDG Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, tofinancial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets. Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion ofsmall-scale industries in total industry value added (Tier II, custodian agency: UNCDF); Indicator 9.3.2: Proportion ofsmall-scale industries with a loan or line of credit (Tier II, custodian agency: UNCDF)
SDG Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use
efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries
taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added (Tier I,
custodian agencies: UNIDO, IEA)SDG Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Indicator 11.4.1: Total
expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection and conservation of all cultural and natural
heritage, by type of heritage (cultural, natural, mixed and World Heritage Centre designation), level of government (national,
regional and local/ municipal), type of expenditure (operating expenditure/investment) and type of private funding (donations in
kind, private non-profit sector and sponsorship) (Tier III, custodian agencies: UNESCO-UIS)SDG Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantiallydecrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related
disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. Indicator 11.5.1 (also 13.1.1): Number ofdeaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population (Tier II, custodian agency:
UNISDR); Indicator 11.5.2: Direct economic loss in relation to global GDP, damage to critical infrastructure and number of
disruptions to basic services, attributed to disasters (Tier II, custodian agency: UNISDR)SDG Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention
to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected
and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities (Tier II, custodian agency: UN-Habitat,
UNSD); Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted)(Tier I, custodian agency: WHO)SDG Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas bystrengthening national and regional development planning. Indicator 11.a.1: Proportion of population living in cities that
implement urban and regional development plans integrating population projections and resource needs, by size of city (Tier III,custodian agency: UN-Habitat)
SDG Target 11b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing
integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience todisasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, holistic
disaster risk management at all levels. Indicator 11.b.1: Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk
reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (Tier II, custodian agency:
UNISDR); Indicator 11.b.2: Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies inline with national disaster risk reduction strategies (Tier III, custodian agency: UNISDR)SDG Target 12.1: Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, allcountries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities ofdeveloping countries. Indicator 12.1.1: Number of countries with sustainable consumption and production (SCP) national actionplans or SCP mainstreamed as a priority or a target into national policies (Tier II, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources; and SDG Target 8.4:
Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple
economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10‑Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable
Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead. Indicator 12.2.1 (also 8.4.1): Material footprint,
material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (Tier III, custodian agency: UNEP); Indicator 12.2.2 (also 8.4.2):
Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP (TierI, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses alongproduction and supply chains, including post-harvest losses; Indicator 12.3.1: Global food loss index (Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNEP, FAO)

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SDG Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life
cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order tominimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international
multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations intransmitting information as required by each relevant agreement (Tier II, custodian agency: UNEP); Indicator 12.4.2:
Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment (Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNSD, UNEP)SDG Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. Indicator:
12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled (Tier III, custodian agencies: UNSD, UNEP)SDG Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and tointegrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. Indicator 12.6.1: Number of companies publishing sustainability
reports (Tier III, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies andpriorities. Indicator 12.7.1: Number of countries implementing sustainable public procurement policies and action plans (Tier
III, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable
development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii)education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies;(b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment (Tier III, custodian agencies: UNESCO-UIS)SDG Target 12.a: Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards moresustainable patterns of consumption and production. Indicator 12.a.1: Amount of support to developing countries on researchand development for sustainable consumption and production and environmentally sound technologies (Tier III, custodian
agency: [TO BE CONFIRMED])
SDG Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates
jobs and promotes local culture and products. Indicator 12.b.1: Number of sustainable tourism strategies or policies andimplemented action plans with agreed monitoring and evaluation tools (Tier III, custodian agency: UNWTO)
SDG Target 12.c: Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market
distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful
subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions ofdeveloping countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor andthe affected communities. Indicator 12.c.1: Amount of fossil-fuel subsidies per unit of GDP (production and consumption) andas a proportion of total national expenditure on fossil fuels (Tier II, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population(Tier II, custodian agency: UNISDR)SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. Indicator 13.2.1: Numberof countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which
increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas
emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production (including a national adaptation plan, nationallydetermined contribution, national communication, biennial update report or other) (Tier III, custodian agency: UNFCCC)SDG Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation,
adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation,
adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula (Tier III, custodian agencies:
UNFCCC, UNESCO-UIS); Indicator 13.3.2: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional,
systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions(Tier III, custodian agencies: UNFCCC, UNESCO-UIS)SDG Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address theneeds of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully
operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible. Indicator 13.a.1: Mobilized amount of
United States dollars per year between 2020 and 2025 accountable towards the $100 billion commitment (Tier III, custodian
agencies: UNFCCC, OECD)

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SDG Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management inleast developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized
communities. Indicator 13.b.1: Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving
specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising
capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local andmarginalized communities (Tier III, custodian agencies: OHRLLS, regional commissions, AOSIS, SIDS, Samoa Pathway)
SDG Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities,
including marine debris and nutrient pollution. Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density(Tier III, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts,
including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches (Tier III,custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation
at all levels. Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations (Tier
III, custodian agency: IOC-UNESCO)SDG Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and internationallaw and based on the best available scientific information. Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine
areas (Tier I, custodian agencies: UNEP-WCMC, UNEP)SDG Target 14.6: By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing,eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such
subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed
countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation. Indicator 14.6.1:
Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported andunregulated fishing (Tier II, custodian agency: FAO)
SDG Target 14.c: Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing internationallaw as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for theconservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of “The future we want”.
Indicator 14.c.1: Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy andinstitutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources. (Tier III,custodian agencies: UN-DOALOS, FAO, UNEP, ILO, other UN-Oceans agencies)
SDG Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater
ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international
agreements. Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (Tier I, custodian agencies: FAO); Indicator 15.1.2:
Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
(Tier I, custodian agencies: UNEP-WCMC, UNEP)SDG Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation,
restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards
sustainable forest management (Tier II, custodian agency: FAO)
SDG Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification,
drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degradedover total land area (Tier III, custodian agency: UNCCD)
SDG Target 15.4: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order toenhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development. Indicator 15.4.1: Coverage by
protected areas of important sites for mountain biodiversity (Tier II, custodian agencies: UNEP-WCMC, UNEP)SDG Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity
and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index (Tier II, custodian agency:
IUCN)
SDG Target 15.6: Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote
appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed. Indicator 15.6.1: Number of countries that have adopted
legislative, administrative and policy frameworks to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits (Tier II, custodian agency: CBD
secretariat)
SDG Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address bothdemand and supply of illegal wildlife products. Indicator 15.7.1: Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly
trafficked (Tier II, custodian agencies: UNODC, CITES)
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SDG Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien
species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species. Indicator 15.8.1: Proportion of countries
adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species (Tier II,
custodian agency: IUCN)SDG Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development
processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts. Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established inaccordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 (Tier III, custodian agencies:
CBD secretariat, UNEP)SDG Target 15.a: Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use
biodiversity and ecosystems. Indicator 15.a.1: Official development assistance and public expenditure on conservation andsustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems (Tier I/III, custodian agencies: OECD, UNEP, World Bank)SDG Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national
legislation and international agreements. Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced
disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights
advocates in the previous 12 months (Tier III, custodian agency: OHCHR; partner agencies: ILO, UNESCO); Indicator16.10.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to
information (Tier II, custodian agency: UNESCO-UIS)SDG Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development. Indicator 16.b.1:
Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on thebasis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law (Tier III, custodian agency: OHCHR)SDG Target 17.5: Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries. Indicator 17.5.1:
Number of countries that adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries (Tier III, custodian
agency: UNCTAD)
SDG Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing
countries to support national plans to implement all the SDGs, including through North-South,
South-South and triangular cooperation. Indicator 17.9.1: Dollar value of financial and technical assistance (including throughNorth-South, South‑South and triangular cooperation) committed to developing countries (Tier I, custodian agency: OECD)
SDG Target 17.10: Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under
the World Trade Organization, including through the conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda. Indicator17.10.1: Worldwide weighted tariff-average (Tier I, custodian agencies: WTO, ITC, UNCTAD)
SDG Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development. Indicator 17.14.1: Number of countries withmechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence of sustainable development (Tier III, custodian agency: UNEP)SDG Target 17.15: Respect each country’s policy space and leadership to establish and implement policies for poverty
eradication and sustainable development. Indicator 17.15.1: Extent of use of country-owned results frameworks and planning
tools by providers of development cooperation (Tier II, custodian agencies: UNDP, OECD)
SDG Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder
partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of theSDGs in all countries, in particular developing countries. Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multistakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the SDGs (Tier II, custodian
agencies: OECD, UNDP)SDG Target 17.19: By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development thatcomplement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries. Indicator 17.19.1: Dollar
value of all resources made available to strengthen statistical capacity in developing countries (Tier I, custodian agency:
PARIS21)115

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Annex II
United Nations Environment Assembly resolutions and decisions
First session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
Resolutions
1/1
Ministerial outcome document of the first session of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations
Environment Programme
1/2
Amendments to the rules of procedure
1/3
Illegal trade in wildlife
1/4
Science-policy interface
1/5
Chemicals and waste
1/6
Marine plastic debris and microplastics
1/7
Strengthening the role of the United Nations Environment Programme in promoting air quality
1/8
Ecosystem-based adaptation
1/9
Global Environment Monitoring System/Water Programme (GEMS/Water)
1/10
Different visions, approaches, models and tools to achieve environmental sustainability in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication
1/11
Coordination across the United Nations system in the field of the environment, including the Environment Management
Group
1/12
Relationship between the United Nations Environment Programme and multilateral environmental agreements
1/13
Implementation of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
1/14
Revised programme of work and budget for the biennium 2014–2015
1/15
Proposed programme of work and budget for the biennium 2016–2017
1/16
Management of trust funds and earmarked contributions
1/17
Amendments to the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured Global Environment Facility
Decisions
1/1
Implementation of paragraph 88 of the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development
1/2
Provisional agenda, date and venue of the second session of the United Nations Environment AssemblySecond session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
Resolutions
2/1
Amendments to the rules of procedure
2/2
Role and functions of the regional forums of ministers of environment and environment authorities
2/3
Investing in human capacity for sustainable development through environmental education and training
2/4
2/5
2/6
2/7
2/8
2/9
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/14
2/15
2/16

Role, functions and modalities for United Nations Environment Programme implementation of the SAMOA
Pathway as a means of facilitating achievement of the SDGs
Delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Supporting the Paris Agreement
Sound management of chemicals and waste
Sustainable consumption and production
Prevention, reduction and reuse of food waste
Oceans and seas
Marine plastic litter and microplastics
Sustainable coral reefs management
Sustainable management of natural capital for sustainable development and poverty eradication
Illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife productsProtection of the environment in areas affected by armed conflict
Mainstreaming of biodiversity for well-being

2/17

Enhancing the work of the United Nations Environment Programme in facilitating cooperation, collaboration andsynergies among biodiversity-related conventions

2/18

Relationship between the United Nations Environment Programme and the multilateral environmental agreements
for which it provides the secretariat
Midterm review of the Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environment Law (Montevideo
Programme IV)

2/19

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2/20
2/21

Proposed medium-term strategy for 2018–2021 and programme of work and budget for 2018–2019
Sand and dust storms

2/22

Review of the cycle of sessions of United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment

Programme
2/23
2/24
2/25

Management of trust funds and earmarked contributions
Combating desertification, land degradation and drought and promoting sustainable pastoralism and rangelands
Application of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development in the Latin America andCaribbean Region
Third session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
Resolutions
3/1
Pollution mitigation and control in areas affected by armed conflict or terrorism
3/2
Pollution mitigation by mainstreaming biodiversity into key sectors
3/3
Contributions of the United Nations Environment Assembly to the high-level political forum on sustainable
development
3/4
Environment and health
3/5
Investing in innovative environmental solutions for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs
3/6
Managing soil pollution to achieve sustainable development
3/7
Marine litter and microplastics
3/8
Preventing and reducing air pollution to improve air quality globally
3/9
Eliminating exposure to lead paint and promoting environmentally sound management of waste lead-acid batteries
3/10
Addressing water pollution to protect and restore water-related ecosystems
3/11
Implementation of paragraph 88 (a)–(h) of the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development, entitled “The future we want”
Decisions
3/1
Extension of the delivery date for the sixth Global Environment Outlook report
3/2
Provisional agenda, date and venue of the fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
3/3Management of trust funds and earmarked contributions

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Annex III
Recommendations of the Board of Auditors1
Audited financial statements of the United Nations Environment Programme
for the year ended 31 December 2017
1.
UNON prepared the financial report and statements on behalf of UNEP, based on IPSAS andin accordance with rule 106.1 of the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, for theyear ended 31 December 2017. The financial statements were reviewed by UNEP and signed by
Executive Director on 31 March 2018. They were submitted on 31 March 2018 to the Board ofAuditors in accordance with the provisions of regulation 6.2, which requires that the annual financial
statements be submitted to the Board of Auditors following certification no later than three months
following the end of the relevant financial period. The Board of Auditors currently comprises
members from Chile, India and Germany. The UNEP accounts were audited by the audit office in the
United Republic of Tanzania.
2.
The Board of Auditors issued an unqualified audit opinion on the financial statements of
UNEP for the year ended 31 December 2017. In addition, the Board of Auditors found no significant
errors, omissions or misstatements that could affect its opinion on the UNEP financial statements. In
its report, the Board of Auditors did identify scope for improvements in a number of areas that require
management action, however, which are shown in table A-III.1, below.
3.
During the period 2010–2017, the Board of Auditors issued 25 recommendations, as shown in
the table A below. In its audit for the financial year ended 31 December 2017, it issued eightrecommendations, including four main recommendations. All the recommendations were accepted andare under implementation, as is shown in table A-III.2.
Table A-III.1
Summary of the status of implementation of Board of Auditors recommendations up to andincluding financial year 2017
Financial year

Implemented

Under implementation

Overtaken by events

Not implemented

Total

5
2
1
1

8
3
3
-

1
1
-

-

8
9
5
2
1

Total

9

14

2

-

25

Percentage

36

56

8

-

100

2017
2016
2015
2014
2010–2013

Table A-III.2
Board of Auditor action recommendations for financial year 2017 and responses
Action recommended by the Board of Auditors

Action taken in responseto the recommendation

1. The Board noted that UNEP did not maintain a database that could be used toanalyse the amount receivable from voluntary contributions in accordance with
their schedules of payments in order to facilitate confirmation of thereceivables due dates.
The Board recommended that UNEP:(a) Establish a mechanism to be used to identify receivables from voluntary
contributions on regular basis and analyse them according to their due dates;
and(b) Institute a mechanism to ensure regular communication and follow-up of all
overdue pledges, as required by the UNEP Programme Manual (2016).
2. The Board noted inadequate management actions and mechanisms to address
challenges related to project administration issues reported by project
managers in the Project Information Management System. No action plan wasin place to address the reported challenges, which included delays in
implementation of projects owing to legal issues, delays in human resources

Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: March
2019

1 A/70/5/Add.7.

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Responsible unit:
Programme and Policy
Division
Status: Under
implementation

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Action recommended by the Board of Auditors

3.

4.

5.

6.

recruitment and procurement, and delays by implementing partners owing toinadequate capacity and lack of project ownership).
The Board recommended that UNEP expedite the introduction of a mechanismthat would adequately reflect project administrative and ownership challenges inmanagement action plans and follow-up in order to ensure that comprehensive
management action is taken to address the challenges identified.
From the review of project data in Umoja and the Project Management
Information System (PIMS), the Board noted some incomplete financial
records mainly arising from inadequate internal controls.
The Board recommends that UNEP:(a) Introduce a mechanism to enforce prompt recording of all project financial
information in Umoja and regularly update the project financial data in thesystem;(b) Introduce a regular review of project information in Umoja to verify thecorrectness and completeness of project data;(c) Ensure that all transactions in Umoja are linked to valid and approved
projects in support of the programme of work.
The Board found inadequate assessment of project executing agencies, andwas of the view that since the UNEP Manual does not provide procedures forthe assessment and selection of an implementing partner, UNEP needs toconsider developing guidelines to help the field offices to assess and selectimplementing partners, including those from the category of not-for-profit
partners.
The Board recommended that UNEP establish guidelines for field offices on
how to assess and select implementing partners that are not-for-profit, publicsector organizations.
From its review of a list of all users and their roles in Umoja, the Board
determined that some users were granted conflicting roles, contrary to the
Umoja enterprise role guide and best practices in applying segregation ofduties principles.
The Board recommended that UNEP:(a) in collaboration with UNON, review all the roles that have been granted in
Umoja and eliminate all conflicting roles granted to users; and(b) establish procedures to ensure that user roles are reviewed regularly byprocess owners to ensure that they dovetail with job descriptions and are notconflicting.
The Board found delays in the deprovisioning of separated staff and user
accounts that had remained inactive for a long time, which exposed theorganization to the risk of unauthorized access to the system, which in turn
may compromise the integrity of data.
The Board recommended that UNEP ensure that all user accounts for separated
staff and those that remain dormant for three consecutive months be deactivatedon a regular basis and in a timely manner.

7. A review of the disposal of the retired ICT assets showed delays in updating
the assets information in the system and delays in disposal of assets retired
from use.
The Board recommended that UNEP ensure that:(a) Assets information in Umoja is updated in a timely manner; and(b) Unserviceable or obsolete assets are promptly identified, written off anddisposed of.
8. The Board found inadequate staff awareness of the Anti-Fraud and AntiCorruption Framework of the United Nations Secretariat owing to
non-completion of the relevant mandatory online training course, which may
have a negative impact on the identification, mitigation and detection of fraudrisks.
The Board recommended that UNEP issue a policy document based on the AntiFraud andAnti-Corruption Framework.

Action taken in responseto the recommendation
Target date: December
2020

Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: December
2018

Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: December
2020
Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division and
Department ofManagement (United
Nations Secretariat)
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: December
2018
Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division and
Department ofManagement (United
Nations Secretariat)
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: December
2018
Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: March2019
Responsible unit:
Corporate Services
Division
Status: Under
implementation
Target date: December
2018

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Annex IV
Evaluation plan for the period 2020‒2021
1.
A prominent feature of the medium-term strategy and its constituent programmes of work is its
results orientation. This is mirrored by the UNEP evaluation approach, which has a strong focus on theorganization’s performance in achieving results that are in line with objectives and expectedaccomplishments of the medium-term strategy and programme of work. The evaluation plan proposes
a combination of complementary evaluations at different levels examining different themes.
2.
The approach to evaluating the programme of work within the medium-term strategy will
involve systematic assessments of the projects and subprogrammes (see figure A-IV.1). As the
expected accomplishments are intended to be achieved through a project modality, projects willcontinue to be evaluated using earmarked resources set aside from project budgets. All evaluations
will be conducted in accordance with the United Nations standards for evaluation to ensure
consistency in the quality of the evaluations and to enable the findings to be used for evaluations at the
subprogramme level.
Figure A-IV.1
Approach to evaluating the programmes of work within the medium-term strategy

United Nations Environment Programme medium-term strategy for the period 2018–2021
UNEP programme of workfor the period 2018–2019

2018

UNEP programme of workfor the period 2020–2021

2019

2020

Biennial evaluation synthesis

Biennial evaluation
synthesisgy

Subprogrammeevaluations

Project
evaluations

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2021

Biennial
evaluation synthesis

Subprogrammeevaluations

Project
evaluations

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I.

Evaluating performance3.
A set of standard parameters is applied to evaluate performance and assist aggregation of
performance across the various UNEP interventions that contribute to expected accomplishments ofthe programme of work and medium-term strategy. These evaluation parameters are used in all projectand subprogramme evaluations and are consistent with international best practice and the standards forevaluation in the United Nations system. The parameters include: the achievement of objectives andplanned results, sustainability of programme outcomes, replication and upscaling, attainment of
outputs and activities, cost-effectiveness, extent of country ownership and stakeholder engagement,
efficiency in financial planning and management, monitoring and evaluation and adaptive
management.

A.

Scope and objectives
4.
The scope of the work of the evaluation function of UNEP comprises the programmes andprojects of the Environment Fund, related trust funds and projects of the Global Environmental
Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) that are implemented by UNEP. Specifically, theobjectives of this plan are:(a)
To assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, quality, usefulness and impact of
UNEP programmes;(b)
To derive and share lessons learned from the implementation of programme andproject activities; and(c)To ensure that the evaluation recommendations issued and accepted by UNEP
programme management and division directors are implemented.

B.

Planned activities and related outputs

1.

Subprogramme evaluations
5.
The sequence of evaluations of UNEP subprogrammes will continue as set out in figure
A-IV.2. As in previous years, all subprogramme evaluation reports and the recommendations therein
will be circulated to UNEP senior management team and presented to the Committee of Permanent
Representatives. A plan for the implementation of the evaluation recommendations will be developed
jointly with the respective divisions.
Figure A-IV.2
Proposed schedule of subprogramme evaluations

2017

2018

2019

2021
Climate change

Environmental
governance

Resource
efficiency

Environment
under review

2.

2020

Resilience todisasters andconflicts

Project evaluations
6.
Projects that have reached completion will be evaluated. It is estimated that approximately 60
project evaluations will be completed over the programme of work period (30 under the Environment
Fund and counterpart contributions and 30 under GEF). Evaluation reports are prepared in close
cooperation with the relevant programme management, circulated to the senior management team andposted on the Evaluation Office website. The Evaluation Office will continue to draw lessons fromthese evaluations and issue recommendations with formal implementation compliance tracking.

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3.

Evaluation synthesis report
7.
At the end of the biennium 2020‒2021, an evaluation synthesis report will be preparedsummarizing UNEP performance through trends and patterns observed during the biennium fromcompleted evaluations at all levels. The patterns and trends will be used to identify recommendations
and lessons to be brought to the attention of and discussed with subprogramme coordinators and
UNEP senior management. The report will be presented to the Committee of Permanent
Representatives and the Environment Assembly and disseminated to national Governments and UNEP
staff.

4.

Compliance with evaluation recommendations
8.
The Evaluation Office will follow up on the implementation of evaluation recommendations toensure that actions required to improve programme performance and management are taken in atimely manner. The Evaluation Office will report on the status of these recommendations to the
Executive Director every six months and will publish compliance statistics for evaluation
recommendations in the evaluation synthesis report and on the Evaluation Office website.

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