Actors in Environmental Law

Question 1

UNEP

Answer 1

The United Nations Environment Programme

The leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda

Assesses global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends

Develops international and national environmental instruments

Strengthens institutions for the wise management of the environment

NB: It is a programme, and not an agency, so has less force than agencies

Question 2

UNEA

Answer 2

United Nations Environmental Assembly

A higher level than UNEP

The ‘Parliament of the Environment’ – it sets UNEP’s agenda

It is a platform for leadership on global environmental policy to:
o Build a sustainable future
o Protect the environment
o Safeguard human health

Question 3

Sectoral organisations: FAO, UNDP

Answer 3

These focus mainly in sectorial areas, such as FAO; the Forestry and Agricultural Organisation

Question 4

ECOSOC and CSD

Answer 4

The ECOnomic and SOcial Charter and,
The Commission on Sustainable Development

ECOSOC promotes international cooperation on economic and social matters
-The body which UN specialised agencies, commissions and programmes report to

The CSD consists of representatives from 53 states, elected by ECOSOC for three-year terms

• It meets annually; its principle responsibility is to “Keep under review the implementation of Agenda 21 …” (a plan of action to be taken globally and nationally by organisations of the UN system)
• It also makes recommendations to ECOSOC and the General Assembly on certain matters

Question 5

Other 2 key players

Answer 5

Related international organisations:
IMO
World Bank and GEF
WTO

NGO’s
Have had a significant impact on IEL through their advocacy
Often present at many international meetings, trying to gain support and lobby states to adopt their agendas
o Science: ICES, IOC, IPCC
o Hybrid: IUCN
o Business
o Environmentalist: WWF, Greenpeace