The 2009 internal Environmental Policy for UN Field Missions – developed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS) in cooperation with UNEP – provides a minimum set of environmental practices that should be integrated by UN field missions in order to minimize the environmental footprint of peacekeeping operations, while maximizing the efficient use of natural resources. Given its mandate and expertise in resource efficiency, UNEP is providing DPKO and DFS with technical assistance in the implementation of this new policy at the field level.
The objective is to decrease the overall consumption of natural resources and the production of waste, and thereby reduce potential conflicts with local communities, protect local environmental health and establish the UN as a role model for sustainable practices. In some cases, the adoption of greener approaches (e.g. solar energy) also improves the self-sufficiency of bases, thereby reducing dependency on external supplies as well as related potential security risks, and lowering operational costs in the life-cycle of the mission.
Policy and Knowledge Products
Field Support
Training
For further information on UNEP's environment and peacekeeping activities, please contact David Jensen, ECP Programme Coordinator, at: david.jensen@unep.org