Since UNEP’s establishment in 1972 under UN General Assembly Resolution 2997(XXVII), environmental law has been one of UNEP’s priority areas of focus. Beginning in 1981, UNEP’s Environmental Law activities have been carried out within the framework of strategic Programmes for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme) approved by the Governing Council every ten years. UNEP is currently implementing Montevideo Programme III adopted by Governing Council decision 21/23 on 9 February 2001.

The role of UNEP in promoting the development and implementation of environmental law at global, regional and national levels has been further reinforced by UN General Assembly Resolution 3436 (XXX), Agenda 21, the 1997 Nairobi Declaration on the Role and Mandate of UNEP and the 2000 Malmö Ministerial Declaration adopted at the First Global Ministerial Environment Forum.