GREEN TO GROW. This vision of greener, cleaner, low-carbon and resource-efficient economies and societies underpinned UNEP's work in 2009. From Bhutan to Burkina Faso and from New York to London to Seoul, the green economy message resonated at high-level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly, the G20 leaders' summit and community workshops on poverty and environment linkages alike.Through groundbreaking reports, tailored advisory services and strengthened partnerships, UNEP in 2009 has positioned itself in the vanguard of the green economy movement.Click here to read the chapter
NATURAL CAPITAL. The world’s forests, wetlands, coral reefs and other precious ecosystems and the rich biodiversity they harbour provide trillions of dollars worth of benefits each year. They feed and clothe us, provide clean water, capture and store carbon, control floods and pollinate crops. Yet we are running down our natural capital stock without understanding the value of what we are losing.In 2009, UNEP worked to make the case to policy makers about the value of species and ecosystems, assessed climate vulnerability of cities, countries and regions, and engaged in hands-on action to restore vital ecosystems in Africa and other parts of the planet.As the global community prepares to mark the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, UNEP and partners advocate nature’s way for achieving strong and sustainable economic growth in the twenty-first century.Click here to read the chapter
POLICIES FOR THE PLANET In 2009, UNEP focused on shifting policy towards environmental sustainability and the green economy. It used science, policy and advocacy to move the agenda forward in the areas of climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems, and hazardous substances.Within the United Nations system, UNEP continues to serve as the voice of the environment, hosting the Secretariat of the Environment Management Group, contributing to the UN "Delivering as One" on environmental sustainability and underscoring the links between environment and security. It also spearheaded efforts towards "greening" the UN system as a whole. As its 40th anniversary draws nearer, UNEP is assisting governments in their renewed efforts towards achieving greater coherence in international environmental governance.Click here to read the chapter
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES. As consumers, voters and community members, individuals can make the biggest single contribution to the environment by shifting their lifestyles onto a more sustainable path. Through their purchasing and investment choices, they also have the power to influence businesses to green their products and services, and to support more sustainable policies in their communities, cities and countries.By engaging diverse stakeholders in its outreach and education activities, working with governments to mainstream sustainable consumption and production, and using the latest e-learning and social networking tools, UNEP seeks to achieve a multiplier effect in its efforts to care for the environment, promote efficient use of resources and help create green and decent jobs.Click here to read the chapter
INVESTING IN UNEP's FUTURE. The year 2009 saw UNEP making great strides to prepare for a new way of doing business in line with its Medium-Term Strategy 2010-2013, attract and retain human talent and secure the financial resources for an expanding programme despite the financial crisis.This section contains information on UNEP’s governing structure, the Programme of Work 2010-2011, as well as its staff and funding situation.Click here to read the chapter