Search results for ""UNEP""

The purpose of this guidance manual is to show how the value of ecosystem services can be estimated and incorporated into decision making. Specifically, it is designed to help a broad audience of conservation managers, government officials, private sector managers, NGOs, and statisticians to understand the available information on the values of ecosystem services and how this information can be transferred to inform the decisions that they make. It explains why you would undertake a study, who should be involved, how to implement the study and how to use the results. The development of this guidance manual was funded by the United Nations Environment Programme.

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The sixth Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6) Regional Assessment for Asia and the Pacific paints a comprehensive picture of the environmental factors contributing to human health and well-being at the regional level. Backed by a large body of recent, credible scientific evidence, regional-wide consultations and a robust intergovernmental process, the assessment demonstrates economic growth and improved access to basic services in the region.

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The sixth Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6) Assessment for the Pan-European Region paints a comprehensive picture of the environmental factors contributing to human health and well-being at the regional level.

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Environmental Management: Issues and Solutions has grown from a series of seminars on environmental management organized by the UNEP Environmental Education and Training Unit with input from some 25 governments of developing countries. This volume is a compilation of presentations made at these seminars by over 50 specialist authors from all over the world, and by participants who are executives and key cadres in ministries or organizations from a wide range of developing countries concerned with the environment. Looking at the foundations and policies of sustainable development, the book describes the principles and processes of ecosystems and the basic environmental management tools, including funding possibilities, that are required for environmental management, particularly in developing countries. Thus, covering the basic concepts and principles, together with the tools necessary for such management, a wide range of issues of environmental concern are discussed, with an eye on how to operate a sustainable development policy. This resource book will therefore be of interest to all those whose profession it is to plan and manage the environment, and to achieve sustainability in development. Michael Atchia is the Chief of the Environmental Education and Training Unit at UNEP, and Shawna Tropp is a consultant to UNEP in Nairobi.

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What does it take to work for an international organization and to succeed there? How can universities prepare their students for a career in international organizations? Answers to these questions come from in-depth studies at selected international organizations (EU, OSCE, ESA, UNEP, World Bank) and a comparative survey of degree programs and professional schools in the United States and Europe. The results are of interest to human resources managers at international organizations, faculty and program managers at institutions of higher education, and last but not least to students who aim for a career in international public service.

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More than a decade ago, Nobel Prize-winning atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen first suggested that we were now living in the "Anthropocene," a new geological epoch in which human dominance of biological, chemical and geological processes on Earth was already an undeniable reality. Crutzen's ideas inspired Christian Schwägerl to do further documentation and to write this stimulating book. "...intellectually exciting book...shows us how we humans turn our relationship with Nature upside down." -- Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the UN Environment Program (UNEP) "Schwagerl may not be summoning the apocalypse so much as ringing in the Sunrise World as a Green Utopian." -- Jeanne Rubner, Süddeutsche Zeitung "...skillfully investigated, and an invitation to join a dawning Age of Humans, where our total responsibility is fundamental to life itself." -- Prof. Dr. Reinhold Leinfelder, Former CEO of Berlin's Museum of Natural History and advisor to the German government on global environmental change

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Biodiversity has been identified as a key issue in the general debate about the sustainable use of the world’s natural resources. Major international efforts are now underway to assess and maintain biodiversity. However, there is an urgent need to collect, manage and disseminate information related to biodiversity in an efficient and effective way. The purpose of this book is to review the needs and opportunities for information and efficient information flows in support of world priorities in biodiversity. It is based on papers presented at a workshop held in London in July 1996, organized by CAB International with the support of the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), International Union of Forestry Research Organizations (IUFRO), IUCN — The World Conservation Union and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Contributors include leading players from organizations concerned with conserving and managing biodiversity, based in Europe and the USA as well as developing countries.

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The loss of biological diversity has become an increased concern over recent years and is now enshrined in international conventions. Most biodiversity in fact occurs in the soil. Soil organisms (especially bacteria, fungi and soil invertebrates) play a major role in the formation of soil structure and are primary agents of decomposition and are drivers of nutrient cycling, and hence agricultural production.This book reviews soil biodiversity in one of the key biodiversity hotspots of the world, i.e. the Amazon and nearby regions of Brazil. It covers both the tropical savannah and rain forests . The work reported is based on a project "Conservation and Sustainable Management of Below-Ground Biodiversity", executed by TSBF-CIAT with co-financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The book represents a major contribution to the literature and will interest those in biodiversity conservation, soil science and ecology and biodiversity conservation.

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The case for conserving biodiversity is well established on economic as well as scientific grounds. Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development, adaptation to a changing environment and the continued functioning of the biosphere - indeed, to human survival itself. Plant breeders are dependent upon the availability of a large pool of diverse genetic material represented by local races and wild relatives, since in themselves modern crop varieties provide too restricted a genepool for further breeding. Without the ability to draw from a diverse genetic reservoir, further improvement may not be possible. It is therefore essential that guidance is available on collecting plant germplasm. In recent years it has become evident that there is no single publication that provides the prospective collector of plant germplasm with generic as well as specific, and theoretical as well as practical, information. It was to fill this gap that the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), together with FAO, IUCN and UNEP, cooperated to produce this book. The volume is a comprehensive reference work and is aimed at both new and experienced collectors as well as those with a general interest in plant genetics, breeding and biodiversity.

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This is the must-have book for leaders in business, organizations and government who are scrambling to get a grip on sustainability while improving performance in the era of climate change. Renowned business and sustainability consultant Alan AtKisson distils decades of wisdom and experience into this highly readable and motivational work. Covering theory and practice, obstacles and opportunities, case studies and poignant personal anecdotes, The ISIS Agreement draws the reader ever deeper into a global 'conspiracy of hope.' The core of the book is AtKisson's potent Accelerator, adopted for use in dozens of countries by business, governments, and organizations such as UNEP. A comprehensive toolkit that helps integrate sustainability into organizations, initiatives and plans, it can be used by any group, organization, business, community or region, in virtually any context. Central to the Accelerator is the potent ISIS (Indicators, Systems, Innovation, Strategy) method that teaches leaders how to create a whole-systems view of their organization, to identify and understand blockages and opportunities, and to leverage the potential for innovative change that adds value and accelerates progress towards sustainability.

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The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was developed as an alternative to chemical pesticides following the widespread realization or their horrifying and damaging effects on environment, human, animal and plant health, which were vividly portrayed in Rachel Carson s book Silent Spring. The IPM approach involves the use of different tactics in compatible combinations to keep pest populations below the levels at which they cause economics injury. Thus. the IPM approach minimizes the use of chemical pesticides and avoids their harmful effects. The development and implementation of IPM has been increasing in North America with successful results. However, its role in tropical agriculture is less well known. For this reason, the United Nations Environment Programine (UNEP), and the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) undertook a global review of IPM to assess the impact of related activities in tropical regions of Asia. Africa and South America. This volume assesses the current status and future prospects for IPM in these regions, it provide a unique overview of the efforts made to develop and implement IPM for the pests of livestock and agroforestry in selected countries in the tropics (including India and China), as well as a survey of IPM strategies on a crop-by-crop basis for each continent. The book gives an honest appraisal of both the successes and failures of past IPM programmes and provides new paradigms and directions that IPM must develop, if it is to be adopted by farmers and governments on a scale necessary to change their current reliance on chemical pestioldes

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Countries that need industrial policy the most typically have the worst governance. This terrific book explicitly recognizes this difficulty, and provides a rich discussion of how it can be overcome. It presents a valuable series of country studies that focus on both successes (such as Ethiopian cut flowers) and failures (such as Namibia's export processing zones). The authors show that weak capacity is not necessarily a hindrance to effective industrial policy, just as strong capacity does not guarantee it.'- Dani Rodrik, Princeton University, US'This is the book our students have been waiting for.'- Hubert Schmitz, Institute of Development Studies and Founder of Sussex MA course Competing in the Global Economy'A green transformation holds the potential to sustain a healthy planet where ecosystems are well-managed and human well-being is secured for future generations. This book makes a compelling case for the design of industrial policies that support a green economy. Being at the crossroads of their development pathways, developing countries have the unique opportunity to define their industrial policies in a resource-efficient, low-carbon and socially inclusive manner in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.'- Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)Industrial Policy in Developing Countries offers an in-depth assessment of both the potentials and perils of designing and implementing policy in countries at early stages of economic development. The range of insightful case studies illustrates the key dilemma: directing economic and social development through what are often incipient and weak institutions. This realistic, evidence-based assessment will appeal to both development researchers and industrial policy practitioners, particularly those working in developing countries.

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Despite the dedicated efforts of many individuals and organizations, the great apes - our closest living relatives - are on the very edge of extinction. This sweeping atlas provides a comprehensive overview of what is currently known about all six species of great apes - chimpanzee, bonobo, Sumatran orangutan, Bornean orangutan, eastern gorilla, and western lowland gorilla. Created in association with The Great Apes Survival Project (GRASP), this book gives a thorough background on ape behavior and ecology for each species, including detailed habitat requirements, the apes' ecological role, and the possible consequences of their decline. "World Atlas of Great Apes" also offers a full description of the threats, current conservation efforts, and additional protection needed for each species across its entire range. Many full-color maps and illustrations make the abundance of information accessible to a broad readership, from specialists and policymakers to general readers concerned about the survival of these charismatic primates. This book represents the work of a dynamic alliance of many of the world's leading great ape research and conservation organizations. Bringing together United Nations agencies, governments, foundations, and private-sector interests, the project aims to raise the international profile of great ape conservation and to build the political will for further action. Readers learn about work being done by specific organizations in support of great ape conservation, and where conservation is most needed and most likely to be effective. This title covers all six species of great apes and provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive data available. It features more than 150 full-color photos and more than 50 full-color maps and diagrams. It is co-published by UNEP-WCMC. Royalties from the sale of this book will support the efforts of the conservation of the Great Apes Survival Project.

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This insightful book explores why implementation of environmental law is too often ineffective in achieving effective environmental governance. It provides careful analysis and innovative proposals to help improve the practical effectiveness of legal instruments for environmental governance.A growing number of organisations including the IUCN, UNEP and the Organisation of American States have voiced concerns that legal instruments that were developed to pursue more convincing environmental governance over the last 40 years are not creating a sufficiently potent system of environmental governance. In response to this challenge, this timely book explores how to bridge the significant implementation gap between the objectives of environmental law and the real-world outcomes of its application. Expert contributors discuss different forms of law, from international conventions down to inter-parties agreements, and non-government codes and standards. The overarching discussion highlights the diverse factors that impact upon implementing environmental law in practice, and considers the limitations and opportunities for constructive innovation in legal governance.This book is a comprehensive reference point for scholars and policy-makers, shedding light on how to achieve significant improvements in the effective application of environmental law.Contributors: R. Bartel, A.K. Butzel, J. de L. De Cendra, D. Craig, M. Doelle, J. Gooch, W. Gumley, C. Holley, T. Howard, A. Kennedy, W. Lahey, A. Lawson, E. Lees, P. Martin, M. Masterton, P. Noble, R.L. Ottinger, O.R. Owina, L. Paddock, J.L. Parker, W. Pianpian, G. Pink, A. Rieu-Clarke, N.A. Robinson, G. Rose, T.L Rucinski, S. Teles Da Silva, R.R. Valova, X. Wang, M.E. Wieder, W. Xi

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Countries that need industrial policy the most typically have the worst governance. This terrific book explicitly recognizes this difficulty, and provides a rich discussion of how it can be overcome. It presents a valuable series of country studies that focus on both successes (such as Ethiopian cut flowers) and failures (such as Namibia's export processing zones). The authors show that weak capacity is not necessarily a hindrance to effective industrial policy, just as strong capacity does not guarantee it.'- Dani Rodrik, Princeton University, US'This is the book our students have been waiting for.'- Hubert Schmitz, Institute of Development Studies and Founder of Sussex MA course Competing in the Global Economy'A green transformation holds the potential to sustain a healthy planet where ecosystems are well-managed and human well-being is secured for future generations. This book makes a compelling case for the design of industrial policies that support a green economy. Being at the crossroads of their development pathways, developing countries have the unique opportunity to define their industrial policies in a resource-efficient, low-carbon and socially inclusive manner in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.'- Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)Industrial Policy in Developing Countries offers an in-depth assessment of both the potentials and perils of designing and implementing policy in countries at early stages of economic development. The range of insightful case studies illustrates the key dilemma: directing economic and social development through what are often incipient and weak institutions. This realistic, evidence-based assessment will appeal to both development researchers and industrial policy practitioners, particularly those working in developing countries.

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The thought-provoking articles in Conservation can assist in catalyzing the transition to a new green economy by shaping the mind-sets of leaders, students, teachers and the public alike.' Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) 'An extremely useful compilation of articles on the complex issues underlying nature conservation.' Ashish Kothari, Co-chair, IUCN Intercommission Strategic Direction on Governance, Equity, and Livelihoods in Relation to Protected Areas (TILCEPA) 'In this intelligently chosen, broadly ranging set of readings on conservation, Professor Adams assembles a set of vital readings for professionals, teachers, students, and the interested public.' Kent Redford, Director, Wildlife Conservation Society Institute This 4-volume set, edited by a leading expert on nature conservation, brings together in one collection a series of papers fundamental to understanding the social, political, cultural and scientific dimensions of conservation. Each volume is introduced by a new review essay, which both sets the scope for the collection and advances analytical understanding of conservation issues. Volume I covers the historical development of conservation ideas and reviews the diverse contemporary philosophical, ethical, cultural and practical arguments for conservation. Volume II addresses the core issue of conservation: the maintenance of living diversity in the face of human demands on the biosphere. The intention here is not to offer a sourcebook of conservation science, but to include the key texts that have changed the way conservation is understood and practised. Volume III explores the overlaps and conflicts between conservation and development, andwin-win solutions to conflicts between the two, including ideas of sustainable development. Volume IV presents work on conservation as an essentially political process, drawing chiefly on social science and, in particular, political ecology and environmental history.

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'Here's a work arriving just at the right moment and contributingnew insights at precisely the time when public opinion remains sceptical of the not very promising future we are preparing for our children, when governments balk at explaining to their electorates the vital but unpopular decisions that have to be taken and when civil society, with few ways and means, is finally becoming involved. This remarkable work will help all actors to understand the inter-linkages between economic activities and the environment in the Mediterranean Basin and take concerted, effective action to build a positive, sustainable future' Mohamed Ennabli, former Minister of the Environment and Land Use Panning, Tunisia 'The Blue Plan has carried out a remarkable assessment of the serious environmental probems and insufficiently targeted cooperation in the Mediterranean, and also of new financing systems to be implemented, which would increase the capacities of local authorities and economic and social partners' Georges Corm, former Minister of Finance, Lebanon The Mediterranean Basin and its surrounding countries is a microcosm of the environmental and sustainability challenges facing people across the world. Depending on the development path it takes in the future, the region can either become a positive model for the regional regulation of globalization, or, more onerously, it might reinforce global instability. This unique volume is the definitive, authoritative assessment of the environment and development of the Mediterranean Basin and its 22 countries and territories, spanning five decades from 30 years in the past to 20 years into the future. Produced by the Blue Plan within the framework of UNEP/Mediterranean Action Plan and backed by the EU and national governments, it brings together the work of more than 100 researchers from dozens of national, regional and local governments and research groups into the only comprehensive insight into sustainable development issues in the region. Core coverage includes water, energy, transport, cities, rural and coastal areas, as well as related issues such as climate change, population growth, geopolitical changes, unemployment and poverty, pollution, economic and environmental policies, regional cooperation and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. Information is clearly presented through hundreds of full-colour maps, graphs, tables and a wealth of case studies. This is a must-have reference for all levels of government, NGOs and libraries, as well as practitioners, academics and businesses involved in economics, natural resource management, land and maritime transport, water, energy, infrastructure, urban and rural development, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture, tourism and coastal management. Countries and territories covered: Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Preface by Lucien Chabason, Chairman of the Blue Plan.

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This book is a novel, sophisticated, broad ranging and insightful study of the idea of global environmental governance but from a legal dimension and perspective. While recognizing that concepts and ideas used to describe governance are generally abstract, vague and slippery, this project brings clarity to the field by being theoretically informed, contextually sensitive and pragmatically circumscribed. Its conclusions and arguments open up a field of inquiry that has to be genuinely interdisciplinary and in that sense has great potential to contribute to a better understanding of environmental themes and issues. This book is destined to become a landmark for legal academics who will write about environmental governance in that its concern is with the global governance of nature rather than a text that uses the environment as a pretext for understanding governance. It is well written, easy and enjoyable to read and while it traverses through diverse bodies of literature it manages to effectively communicate with a variety of scholarly communities.'- Afshin Akhtarkhavari, Griffith Law School, Australia'Fourth generation global environmental regulation attempts to address the complex realities of an interconnected environment, global environmental problems and collective regulatory responses. It merits conceptual clarity. Louis Kotzé reveals the legal contours and content of global environmental governance by chipping away such parts of the conceptual marble block as are not needed. For the environmental lawyer, it is a welcome - and much needed - process of elimination. This book provides a toolkit for lawyers to engage critically with the extra-legal concept of environmental governance. Its scrutiny and careful analysis contribute meaningfully to the environmental discourse.'- Christine Voigt, University of Oslo, Norway'Global Environmental Governance is a truly important book. Drawing on a multitude of disciplines, award-winning environmental law Professor Louis Kotzé masterfully explains the emerging concept of 'global environmental governance' and its elements of globalism, environmental law, regulation, and governance theory. He makes a compelling case that the world has outgrown the 'sustainability' model and moved toward this more all-encompassing approach to environmental regulation. This admirable book makes global environmental governance theory understandable and pertinent so environmental leaders, lawyers, and regulators can engage comfortably with this new vision for an ecologically and economically healthy world.'- George (Rock) Pring, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, USThis timely book brings much-needed clarity to the concept of 'environmental governance' as manifested in the global regulatory domain. The author argues that despite being used as a fashionable term by many - including economists, political scientists, environmentalists and, increasingly, lawyers - its theoretical contours and conceptual content remain unclear, incoherent, and inconsistent. In addressing this problem, the book begins by describing globalization as a general context of governance. It comprehensively interrogates and clarifies both the governance and global governance concepts, and then explains aspects and components of global environmental governance. Finally it investigates the role of law in global environmental governance.Providing a much-needed definition of environmental governance and global environmental governance, this comprehensive study will appeal to academics and researchers, post-graduate and under-graduate students, intergovernmental organizations such as UNEP, WTO, IUCN, as well as governments and governmental agencies involved with environmental regulation.

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