strategy
Providing environmental assistance to developing countries
Context:
Much of the world's current environmental degradation is occurring in developing countries. Technical and financial assistance to developing countries is needed to fight their environmental problems. Such help is fundamentally important if these countries are to pursue sustainable paths of development.The main objective of environmental assistance is to contribute to a sound management of the global environment and biological diversity. The following four areas are specifically given priority: development of sustainable production systems; conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity; reduction of pollution of soil, air and water; and, the preservation of cultural heritage and management of the natural environment's cultural values.
Implementation:
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.Agenda 21 recommends providing technical support to developing countries on issues relating to the application of economic instruments and market mechanisms.
UN Environment Programme's Clearing-house mechanism was established in 1982 to act as a bridge between developing countries and potential donors. Through it, UNEP assists developing countries in their efforts to deal with their environmental problems and helps them find financial and technical resources they need. The Clearing-house mechanism helps these countries to formulate priority programmes and projects, and in order to do so, mobilize financial and other resources. In addition, potential donors are matched with identified projects, and links are forged between developing countries and donors. The Clearing-house mechanism has provided assistance to some 45 countries, from small individual projects to complete national plans.
UN's World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest provider of grant assistance for environmental activities in developing countries. Since its establishment, the Programme has provided more than US$5,000 million of assistance to help developing countries increase the long-term ability of the land to provide people with the basic means of existence on a sustainable basis. Activities include soil and forest conservation, among others.
Narrower:
Expanding environmental management education and trainingFacilitating access to environmental data collection technologyFacilitating return to developing countries of qualified expertsFinancing environmentally sound technologies in developing countriesProviding environmental monitoring equipment in development aid programmesAssisting developing countries to prevent threats to the marine environmentSupporting education in developing countries on protecting marine environmentCompensating developing countries for use of environmentally sound technologiesTransferring environmentally sound technology to affiliates in developing countriesImproving capability for environmentally sound use of biotechnology in developing countriesTaking measures for environmentally sound disposal of hazardous waste in developing countriesAssisting developing countries to build up expertise in international sustainable development lawCooperating on environmentally sound technology among enterprises in developed and developing countriesAssisting developing countries improve scientific capabilities on climate change and the marine environment Facilitates:
Improving quality of human lifeProviding environmental securityPromoting sustainability through cross-sectoral dialogueBuilding administrative structures for sustainable developmentEnsuring participation of developing countries in collection of environmental data Facilitated by:
Greening international institutionsDeveloping environmental action planDisseminating environmental informationPreparing national environmental synopsesProviding access to appropriate technologyDeveloping international environmental policyBuilding environmental capacity in governmentsIncreasing training for sustainable developmentCreating environmentally sound trading practicesUsing economic instruments for sustainable developmentProviding training on environmental information technologyProviding training about integrated environmental accountingSupporting research and development of environmentally sound technology Problems:
Environmental degradationEnvironmental pollution
Environmental poverty
Failure to take account of externalities of systems
Inadequate environmental education
Inadequate legislation against environmental pollution
Ineffectiveness of foreign aid
Natural disasters
Negative ecological impact of overpopulation
Presumptuous management of the environment
Values:
Assistance Organizations:
World Food Programme United Nations Environment Programme United Nations Conference on Environment and Development Subjects:
Environment → Environment Development → Assistance
Type Classification:
C: Cross-sectoral strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
