Lead Partner: Government of United Arab Emirates - Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Main objectives of AGEDI are:
Ø To achieve more cost-effective and relevant environmental data collection and assessment,
Ø To strengthen and enhance environmental capacity to collect, analyze, use and update multi-sectoral environmental data and information in the decision making process,
Ø To develop and strengthen means of ensuring that planning for sustainable development in all sectors is based on, inter alia, quality, timely, reliable, and usable environmental data and information,
Ø To make relevant environmental data and information accessible to all stakeholders in the form, and at the time, required to facilitate its use,
Ø To strengthen existing national and international mechanisms of information collection, exchange and processing,
Ø To strengthen mechanisms for incorporating environmental information in decision making,
Ø To strengthen national capacities, including capacities within governments, NGOs and private sector, in data/information collection, handling and communication, particularly in developing countries, and
Ø To ensure full participation of developing countries in the collection, analysis, assessment, use and update of environmental data and information.
Lead Partner: City of Ancona
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Europe and North America Summary: The Aap2020 project will support and manage the implementation of Agenda 21, involving all local governments of the two sides of the Adriatic region, through a participative process meant to encourage:
* urban and coastal development in all sustainability fields;
* sustainable approach to environmental resources and ecosystems, i.e. rational energy and water supply consumption, promotion of renewable energy and so on;
* improvement in the transport, information and communication fields;
* cooperation in the juridical and administrative field;
* cooperation among citizens and institutions;
* contribution to the fulfilment of European integration of all countries involved, to support human rights defence and to encourage same opportunities for men and women.
All these themes have been approached involving all regional and local stakeholders in a "shared process" oriented to define scenarios, objectives, indicators and actions for the Adriatic Region. The final step of the process will be given by the implementation of the Adriatic Action Plan 2020.
The Adriatic Action Plan 2020 will pursue the following results:
* Dissemination of sustainable development practices through methods of "shared governance";
* Improvement of integration and exchange among communities, searching for a conscious and sustainable life style, efficacious in satisfying necessity of collective and individual development;
* Intensification of economic and business exchange to increase commercial potential of sustainable products;
* Development of local markets and autochthonous productions with valorisation of typical products and local cultures;
* Improvement of standards of environmental quality for all concerned communities;
* Increase of global efficiency in using resources, particularly in the production of consumer goods, services and commodities,
* Closing of material production and consumption cycles with matter recycling and recovery of energy incorporated in products no more used. [more]
Lead Partner: The High Institute of Tourism, Hotels and Computer
Geographical Scope: Local Summary: The Alexandria Academy Association For Science (AAAS) is a non-profit non-Governmental organization registered in Alexandria- Egypt for educational and charitable purposes. AAAS is the owner of the High Institute for Tourism, Hotels, and Computer ( HITHC), which was established with the objective of promoting education in community sustainable development. The Institute activities include: education, development of model training programs, applied research, seminars, workshops, academic programs, and university partnerships.
Both AAAS and HITHC are concerned with activities that promote the following aspects:
a) Individual and community social and economical development.
b) Community Service
c) Community self -determination
d) Sustainable Tourism development.
e) Effective natural sources management
f) Poverty eradication
g) Rural development through introducing and promoting countryside tourism. [more]
Lead Partner: EdF/ACCESS
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Africa Summary: The objective of the Initiative is to pool the resources of the participants in order to develop models to meet the needs for modern energy services in rural areas of Africa, including their business, institutional, technological, financial and social aspects.
Through this objective, AREA will contribute to achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the following ways:
* Poverty reduction. The operation of rural energy service systems will create income and jobs:
* directly, at the village level, in the operation and maintenance of the energy service systems;
* indirectly, by increasing the opportunity for village level craft and agro-alimentary activities (wood processing, food processing, welding, ...);
* in the manufacture and assembly of system components;
* Health. The energy systems will contribute to better health in rural areas in the following ways:
* pumping of potable water;
* water for irrigation, thus increasing the food supply;
* refrigeration and lighting in health clinics;
* reduction of indoor air pollution, through the improvement of domestic fuel quality the through better stoves;
* Gender equality. Free women and girls from time consuming tasks such as carrying water (through motorised water pumping), collecting firewood (through improved fuels and stoves for cooking) or from milling grains (mechanical milling);
* Natural resource management. The biomass needed for energy production will be produced through sustainable forestry management techniques and through use of waste products. This will permit better management of land and forest resources, and aid in the fight against deforestation. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: CDM projects potential in Asia need to be realised through institutional streamlining, wide spread expertise knowledge, national strategy on promising areas, and support by industrial sector. CDM-related capacity building program is to address these agenda by utilising Japanese experience and tools of international co-operation and energy policy.
Expected results are:
Smooth start of CDM projects will be foreseen/encouraged and green house gas emission reduction will be achieved. As a result, it will contribute host countries' sustainable development. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - City of Kitakyushu
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: a) To achieve environmental conservation and sustainable development in Asian Region by inter-city environmental partnership beyond border.
b) For the goal described above, appropriate governance will be established based on agreement of all stakeholders in communities and new participatory scheme by multi-stakeholders such as citizens will be established in cooperation with international communities.
Expected results include:
a) Steady improvement of urban environment in Asian Region
b) Achieving better local society and local-based sustainable development
c) Strengthening local governance capabilities
d) Contribution to realization of global sustainable development through spreading local-to-local cooperation model to the Asian Region [more]
Lead Partner: World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Begun in 1999, the Cement Sustainability Initiative is a contribution of 10 major cement companies working with the WBCSD toward sustainable development. The purpose of the initiative is to:
¿ Explore what sustainable development means for the cement industry
¿ Identify and facilitate actions that companies can take as a group and individually to accelerate the move toward more sustainable practices
¿ Provide a framework through which other cement companies can learn and participate
¿ Provide a framework for engaging external stakeholders
The partnership will extend over a number of years as the cement industry develops, implements, and communicates a series of guidelines and good practices to be applied to the areas of (1) climate change management, (2) use of fuels and raw materials, (3) employee health and safety, (4) emissions reduction, (5) land use and local impacts, and (6) internal business processes. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - U.S. Enivronmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Child survival hinges on having the basic needs to support life; among these, a safe and healthy environment is fundamental.However, children everywhere are negatively affected by adverse environmental conditions. Each year, at least 3 million children under age five die due to environment-related illnesses. Acute respiratory infections annually kill an estimated 2 million children under the age of 15 and as much as 60% of acute respiratory infections worldwide are related to environmental conditions. Diarrheal diseases claim the lives of nearly 2 million children every year; 80 to 90 percent of diarrhea cases are relates to environmental conditions, especially contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.
The United States is committed to improving children's health through increased collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations, the private sector, communities, and UN agencies to protect children from environmental health threats. These environmental health threats include early childhood exposure to chemicals and toxic substances, unsafe and inadequate quantity of drinking water, lack of sanitation infrastructure and inappropriate hygiene, polluted indoor and outdoor air, and vector-borne diseases.
Such threats may lead to health effects ranging from developmental disorder and perinatal diseases, diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma), insect-borne diseases (e.g. malaria) and unintentional injuries.
The goal of this multi-year initiative is to develop and use children's environmental health indicators to improve children's environmental health at global, regional, national and local levels. These indicators are similar to economic indicators and their development and reporting will help fill gaps between information on environment and information on health, putting into focus the special vulnerabilities of children. Ultimately, these indicators will help guide environment, health and development policy. Global children's environmental health indicators are effective tools to:
- Improve the quality of information available in order to facilitate the ability of policy-makers to improve environmental conditions for all children;
- Assess children's environmental health and monitor the success or failure of interventions to address children's environmental health problems; and
- Measure progress and contribute towards the achievement of the Millennium Development goals.
[more]
Lead Partner: Local Government of Cities of Buenos Aires and Avellameda - Local Government of City of Graz - 7 Brazilian Local Governments - 133 Canadian Local Governments - Local Government of City of Tome - Local Government of City of Krnov - Local Government of City of Copenhagen - 46 Finnish Local Governments - 8 German Local Governments - Local Government of City of Kallithea - Local Government of Cities of Budapest and Miskolc - 17 Indian Local Governments - 10 Indonesian Local Governments - 7 Italian Local Governments - 4 Japanese Local Governments - 8 Mexican Local Governments - Local Government of Cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam - 17 New Zealand Local Governments - 14 Philippines' Local Governments - Local Government of City of Gdansk - Local Government of Cities of Almeda and Lisbon - 12 South African Local Governments - Local Government of City of Barcelona - Local Government of Cities of Goteborg, Stockholm and Vaxjo - 6 Thai Local Governments - 55 U.K. Local Governments - 159 U.S. Local Governments
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Cities for Climate ProtectionTM (CCP) Campaign enlists cities to adopt policies and implement measures to achieve quantifiable reductions in local greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance urban livability and sustainability. More than 650 local governments participate in the CCP, integrating climate change mitigation into their decision-making processes. ICLEI runs this highly successful and widely recognized campaign either regionally or nationally in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Latin America, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the United States.
Local governments join the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) campaign by passing a resolution pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their local government operations and throughout their communities. To help cities achieve their goals, ICLEI then assists the cities undertake the CCP's five milestones.
Communities that participate in the CCP benefit from the actions that they take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through:
- Financial savings in reduced utility and fuel costs to the local government, households, and businesses.
- Improved local air quality, contributing to the general health and well being of the community.
- Economic development and new local jobs as investments in locally produced energy products and services keep money circulating in the local economy.
In addition, ICLEI provides regionally specific tools and technical assistance to assist local governments in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. [more]
Lead Partner: Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) Center, Inc.
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: The CAI-Asia Partnership is a multi-sector forum on urban air quality in Asia where partners from different sectors can meet, exchange experiences and engage in dialogue on urban air quality with the aim to promote better urban AQM in Asian cities.
The main goals of the CAI-Asia Partnership are:
(i) Encourage the development and adoption of sound science as the basis of urban air quality management (AQM);
(ii) Stimulate the development and implementation of policies, programs and projects on urban air quality;
(iii) Review progress in urban AQM in Asia and outline future priorities for urban AQM; and
(iv) Foster coordination and cooperation with other regional programs and initiatives on urban air quality management in Asia.
[more]
Lead Partner: Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The objective is ambitious forested tropical countries collaborating to reconcile forest stewardship with economic development: facilitating new and improved revenue streams in order to underpin community-driven environmentally sustainable economic growth.
The Rainforest Coalition will facilitate substantive change within existing international frameworks, national regulations, and corporate policies. Specific to Coalition Initiatives, the Rainforest Coalition will:
Standards: Establish methodologies, standards and compliance & reporting procedures related to rainforest management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and climate change
Regulation: Institute domestic regulatory frameworks which uphold the policies and standards developed by the membership while seeking appropriate reform within international regulatory frameworks
Market Access: Facilitate market correction leading to more equitable market access within international markets for carbon emissions trading and certified forest products
Negotiation: Develop a cohesive negotiation platform related to the standards, regulation and market access which underpin the interaction between Developing Nations and Industrialized Economies. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. - Government of United States of America - U.S. Enivronmental Protection Agency (USEPA) - CLASP Secretariat - UNDP-GEF - United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) - United Nations Foundation (UNF)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Energy efficiency standards and labels (S&L) for appliances, equipment and lighting are the most cost-effective means to help countries limit energy demand while stimulating economic growth. The overall result of S&L is to reduce required investments in power plants and reduce fuel consumption for their operation with powerful economic gains (e.g., freeing up capital for investments in non-energy social infrastructure like schools, roads or hospitals) and environmental benefits (e.g., avoiding carbon emissions).
CLASP seeks to serve as the primary international voice and resource for policymakers and practitioners of energy efficiency standards and labeling for residential, commercial and industrial equipment and lighting in South and North countries worldwide. It promotes the cost-effective adoption of S&L throughout the world. The overall development objective of CLASP is to transform the manufacture and sale of appliances, equipment and lighting worldwide by the application of energy efficiency standards and labels so that countries develop in a more environmentally sustainable and economically efficient manner. This application engenders several steps including: 1) deciding whether and how to implement energy efficiency standards and labels, 2) developing a testing capability, 3) designing and implementing a labelling program and analysing and setting standards, 4) communicating with all stakeholders, 5) maintaining and enforcing compliance, and 6) evaluating the labelling and standards-setting program.
Worldwide, the use of energy in human activities related to buildings (including use of appliances, equipment and lighting) accounts for 34 percent of total energy consumption.
The direct outputs of the partnership are designed to lead to the adoption of energy efficiency standards and labels in the partner countries. In the process of achieving these outputs the project will build:
* institutional capability for developing, maintaining, and continuously upgrading efficiency standards and labels by providing direct technical assistance in at least 35 developing countries; and
* a network of collaborators around the world with a common mission, bringing attention and high priority to efficiency standards and labels within key development institutions. CLASP is open to all organizations and individuals who have the ability and interest to serve CLASP's mission and are willing to abide by CLASP's published Guiding Principles. CLASP is comprised of a small secretariat and a worldwide assembly of Sponsoring Partners who fund CLASP activities, Country Partners who are the recipients of CLASP services, Implementing Partners who provide CLASP services, and interested stakeholders as Affiliates.
[more]
Lead Partner: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Geographical Scope: National Summary: The main objective of this partnership is to design and demonstrate the application of a systematic and comprehensive approach for developing Country Profiles on Sustainable Energy Development (CPSEDs). Country leaders, policymakers and energy analysts are faced with the major challenge of assessing their energy systems within a sustainable development framework. Projects, plans, programs and policies need to be developed in a comprehensive manner taking into consideration not only economic issues but also social and environmental impacts as well as institutional and infrastructure requirements. The assessment represents a dynamic exercise in which country experts review past and current energy development and trends while exploring, at the same time, consistent images of future scenarios consonant with their specific sustainable development criteria and goals. This partnership initiative is a first attempt to produce such a comprehensive assessment.
While the CPSED approach could be applied to any country, the initial demonstration phase is being conducted in Brazil, Cuba and South Africa. In Brazil, the IAEA is working with CENBIO from the University of Sao Paulo and COPPE from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. In Cuba, the IAEA is working with CUBAENERGIA and in South Africa with the Energy Research Center of the University of Cape Town. International organizations cooperating in this partnership include UNDESA, OLADE and ECLAC.
At the national level, the partnerships are resulting in an overall assessment of the energy systems of participating countries, a review of potential future energy demand and supply scenarios and the definition of a comprehensive set of sustainable energy strategies specifically designed to help policy makers pursue their sustainable energy development objectives. Indicators for sustainable energy development (ISED) are being used to monitor each country's progress towards meeting national development goals.
Research and governmental organizations will have increased expertise in using energy planning tools and evaluation methodologies for the integrated assessment of energy systems and corresponding strategies and programs. The modelling framework and guidelines developed will permit other countries to construct systematically their country profiles on sustainable energy development.
[more]
Lead Partner: The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: There is high demand for information on environmental law. Various Governing Council decisions of UNEP recognise the need to make this information available and accessible, a task now included in the Montevideo Programme, adopted by UNEP/GC in 2001 and endorsed thereafter by UN/GA. Linguistic barriers must be overcome. The information is fragmented and changing constantly as new laws are being drafted and entering into force.
The objective of this ongoing initiative is to increase access to authoritative information on environmental law by establishing a single gateway on the Internet (ECOLEX) and publishing a range of products on specific topics.
The main beneficiaries will be policy-makers in developing countries and countries in transition. Policy-makers drafting new legislation have a need to obtain information on the law (national and international) existing in relevant thematic areas in other countries. NGOs, academics and advocacy groups are also important beneficiaries.
Business and industry also need information on environmental law in particular on legal mechanisms dealing with waste, pollution and EIA, etc [more]
Lead Partner: Earth Charter Youth Initiative, Earth Charter International
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Vision
From Earth Charter International Council, October 2006:
“We envision the Earth Charter becoming the most widely shared ethical framework for sustainable living and exercising a growing influence on human affairs.
We envision recognition and endorsement of the Earth Charter by an ever-increasing number of national and international institutions, including UN agencies, leading to the embrace of the Earth Charter by the United Nations General Assembly.
We envision individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and multilateral institutions throughout the world adopting the values and principles of the Earth Charter and working collaboratively to build just, sustainable, and peaceful communities.”
ECYI Goal:
Inspire hope within and through the Earth Charter Youth Initiative (ECYI) and support this global youth network in embodying, promoting, and applying the principles of the Earth Charter.
ECYI Objectives:
1. Raise awareness of the Earth Charter among key youth leaders and networks.
2. Grow, empower, and support Earth Charter Youth Groups (ECYGs) that are engaged in local action projects.
3. Facilitate the engagement of ECYI members in global sustainable development decision-making processes. [more]
Lead Partner: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) - Uppsala University
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional The Baltic Sea region (Europe) and the Great Lakes region (USA & Canada) Summary: The goal is to develop a new educational package on Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Agriculture and transfer knowledge on sustainable agriculture, land use, rural development, ecosystem health and management to teachers, students and professionals in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR in Europe) and in the Great Lakes Region (GLR in USA & Canada). The Baltic Sea is affected by many different environmental problems from different sources. Discharges of nutrients from agriculture and waste-water treatment plants, as well as discharge from industries, and waste facilities leads to eutrophication and other forms of pollution. It is important to increase the knowledge of and improve the management of land and land use to prevent pollution from agriculture from reaching the Baltic Sea or the Great Lakes. It is also of great importance to use the whole ecosystem health concept to understand and prevent problems for the future. As the need of knowledge regarding ecosystem health, sustainable land use in rural areas, rural development and sustainable agriculture will be a precondition for our future, it is of great importance that this knowledge can be offered to students, teachers, experts and people working in government offices, ministries, municipalities and as agricultural advisors and agricultural managers in the Baltic Sea region and in the Great Lakes region.
The goal of the project is to transfer knowledge through a series of seminars and training courses and at the same time to develop a new educational package on sustainable agriculture, land use, rural development, ecosystem health and management to teachers, students and people working in government offices, ministries, municipalities and as agricultural advisors and agricultural managers.
This partnership cooperation is unique, as it not only represents the Baltic Sea region (Europe) and the Great Lakes region (USA and Canada) but it also represents a cooperation between agronomists, veterinarians, nature geographers, biologists, chemists, animal scientists, wildlife biologists, public health professionals, economists, business and policy experts etc. It also elaborates a new concept on sustainable agriculture and its part in the rural ecosystem. In this course package not only will sustainable agriculture from the different aspects represented by the above mentioned professions be covered, there will also be substantial knowledge on such subjects as land use and rural development, climate change, ecosystem health and the interactions between the wild and domestic animal populations, as well as public health components and poverty alleviation.
The EHSA project contributes to the implementation of the Baltic 21 Agricultural sector action programme, where education, training and information for farmers, future experts and advisors, policy makers and consumers figure as one of the most important actions. It is also a Baltic 21 Lighthouse project since March 2007. [more]
Lead Partner: The EOLSS Publishers Ltd. - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), EOLSS Joint Committee
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), the world biggest web-based archive as transdisciplinary knowledge base of sustainable development.
It is, in fact, a global partnership among thousands of scholars aimed at creating an integrated knowledge base in support of sustainable development efforts. Thus, the EOLSS Project is a project in support of all other projects related to sustainable development irrespective at the level they have been carried out: local, governmental, regional or global.
* It addresses the issue of knowledge and education for sustainability
* It is a unique archive created as a valuable source of knowledge to help other projects related to sustainable development.
* It provides a basis for inspiration. In the words of Leon M. Lederman, Nobel Laureate in Physics, the EOLSS is 'the theme of humanity, embedded in nature and constrained to find ways of maintaining a relationship with nature based on understanding and respect'
* The EOLSS has been regularly updated to be a living encyclopedia, not merely a replicated publication.
* It is innovative project- a global effort towards the creation of an integrated knowledge base in support of sustainable development
* It need not be replicated but it should be continued to enhance and update the knowledge base it develops
* It is first to inform decisions in the process of development and to inspire leadership. It is innovative in the sense that it is aimed at developing a base of integrated knowledge that addresses the contemporary issues of the world. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Finland - Ministry for Foreign Affairs - Sistema de la Integracion Centroamericana (SG-SICA)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Central America Summary: The main objective of the Partnership is to promote the use of renewable energy sources and clean technologies in Central America in a sustainable manner, and to make energy services more accessible to the poor, particularly to those in rural areas.
Increased utilisation of renewable energy in the national and local energy mix, introduction of new energy and environmental technologies, utilisation of CDM potential, better energy sector management and increased access to energy services are the expected results of the Partnership. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Australia - Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional South Pacific Summary: This partnership developed from the SPREP Pacific Meteorological Services Needs Analysis Project. project aims to strengthen the capacity of Pacific island countries in climate prediction. It includes Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Solomon Is, Kiribati and Niue. The project aims to upgrade the National Meteorological Services of participating island countries to enable them to provide better climate prediction support to industry government and the people of the Pacific island region. It will provide PC-based stand-alone statistical climate prediction services that are tailored to clients planning needs. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - Ministry of Environment
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: Greenhouse gases emissions from the Asia-Pacific region are increasing while climate change can have serious impact on some countries in the region. In order to implement the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, which is a first step for addressing climate change, the region requires fruitful policy dialogues among countries. Further, it needs to develop and implement a regional strategy addressing climate change. The Asia-Pacific Network on Climate Change (AP-Net) aims to facilitate policy dialogue, exchange of experiences, data, and information among all relevant actors in the region to build institutional capacity. The AP-Net has been operational since 1998, as both a gateway website and an individual website. The partnership will be formed to elaborate the AP-Net cooperatively and utilize it for implementation of joint activities among participant countries and organization. [more]
Lead Partner: The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Environmental Law Programme
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Effective implementation will not occur without capacity building and 'good governance'. This initiative provides a framework for environmental law capacity building for sustainable development at all levels, one that serves to forge links between existing institutions and processes, and to facilitate 'good governance' for sustainable development.
The long term objective of this initiative is: 'In every country governments and stakeholders have the capacity to actively participate in the international policy debate, to implement what is agreed through co-ordinated policies, laws and institutions that respect the rule of law and to ensure effective compliance.'
To be effective, such a programme requires global coordination, regional and national delivery and effective collaboration through a partnership of leading international, regional and national organizations.
IUCN's Environmental Law Programme is the world's oldest and largest environmental law network. It has the ability to mobilise and co-ordinate the efforts of the best environmental lawyers and organisations from countries all over the world. This includes a rich network of partners drawn from UN agencies, IGOs, NGOs and academic instiutions, in addition to the 900 volunteers in 130 countries who comprise the IUCN Commission on Environmental Law.
The development of this co-ordinated programme provides a context within which to develop and promote specific projects, including ECOLEX, the web based access to FAO, IUCN, and UNEP environmental law and policy information, the IUCN International Academy on Environmental Law, and targeted publications and training projects.
This partnership programme for capacitiy building integrates the broad suite of partnerships that comprise the IUCN Environmental Law Programme, with a view to achieving maximum leverage and to get resources 'on the ground' as effectively and efficiently as possible. Identified partners (other than the IUCN CEL, ELC and Academy) are involved in specific projects rather than the entire initiative ie FAO, IUCN and UNEP re ECOLEX.
[more]
Lead Partner: Government of Italy - (Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea); - United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The purpose of the Global Bioenergy Partnership is to provide a mechanism for Partners to organize, coordinate and implement targeted international research, development, demonstration and commercial activities related to production, delivery, conversion and use of biomass for energy, with a particular focus on developing countries. GBEP also provides a forum for implementing effective policy frameworks, identifying ways and means to support investments, and removing barriers to collaborative project development and implementation.
The Partnership's main objectives are to:
1. Create a global high-level policy dialogue on bioenergy, support national and regional bioenergy policy-making and market development, and facilitate international cooperation.
2. Favour more efficient and sustainable uses of biomass and develop project activities in the bioenergy field.
3. Foster the exchange of information, knowledge skills and technologies by identifying and promote potential areas of bilateral and multilateral collaboration.
4. Facilitate bioenergy integration into energy markets by tackling specific barriers in the supply chain.
5. Act as a cross-cutting initiative, working in synergy with other relevant activities, avoiding duplications.
[more]
Lead Partner: World Bank Group
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: This public-private Partnership supports the petroleum industry and national governments in their efforts to reduce the flaring of gas. The Initiative aims to supplement and strengthen efforts already underway, by mobilizing the petroleum industry, national governments, and development agencies in joint actions.
At this early stage of the Partnership, the Bank, in addition to the general global work of enhancing knowledge on gas flaring, disseminating best practices and developing standards, is in the process of identifying a number of specific countries where gas-flaring reduction is possible through a coordinated effort with the industry, and plans to ensure the cooperation from governments and national oil companies.
The Partnership intends to identify ways to overcome the barriers that currently inhibit flaring reduction investments through practicable and economic solutions, aiming to:
1. Improve the legal and regulatory framework for investments in flaring reductions
2. Improve international market access for gas
3. Provide Technical Assistance to develop domestic markets for flared gas
4. Develop financing mechanisms for gas flaring reduction projects
5. Disseminate information, including on international "best practices"
6. Promote the local small-scale use of gas (including LPG schemes) in areas where gas is now flared [more]
Lead Partner: Sustainable Development International (SDI) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Iraq
Geographical Scope: National Summary: Goal: To have a sustainable, stable and prosperous Iraq where all present and future generations can live in peace and harmony with other nations and where all resources are utilised in a sustainable manner catering to the well-being of Iraq’s current and future generations and ecosystems.
Objectives:
1. Promotion of the formulation of Iraq National Sustainable Development Strategy (INSDS) document for Iraq.
2. Effective cooperation mechanism among relevant stakeholders, including public authorities, intergovernmental organisations, private sector, including small and large businesses; local and international NGOs, children, youth and women's groups, labour organisations, UN agencies, and others working in the field of sustainable development.
3. Promotion of knowledge building, awareness, networking and partnerships among relevant groups of Iraqi Society about sustainable development;
4. Promotion of a problem-solving applied research programme at the national and local levels;
5. Promotion and contribution to the formulation, development and implementation of a National Sustainable Development Strategy Framework (NSDSF) for Iraq,
6. Promotion of Sectoral Sustainable Development Strategies (SSDS) at the national and local levels;
7. Development and Implementation of Poverty Alleviation Strategy;
8. Promotion of an Environmentally Sound Technology Plan for Iraq,
9. Establishment and promotion of an Integrated Pilot schemes package for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Iraq that could be funded by donor countries, including education, health, clean energy, agriculture, housing, and capacity building;
10. Establishment of a Sustainable Iraqi Community Fund (SIrCoF) to contribute to the sustainable reconstruction and development of Iraq;
11. Establishment of intensive sustainable development capacity-building activities, including a comprehensive capacity building/development programme that should complement the on-going similar activities undertaken by public and private agencies in Iraq, as well as benefiting from other programmes such as the UNDP Capacity 2015.
[more]
Lead Partner: Government of Australia - Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: To establish and sustain ocean data gathering, analysis and predictive systems for the marine environment, accessible to all nations, providing safer and more efficient ocean operations, improved safety and risk management in the marine environment and coastal seas, as well as an improved scientific and information basis for marine and ocean policy development.
The Project will establish a practical and effective approach to providing routine ocean services, supported through the initiatives and technology of developed nations, but delivering products that are widely accessible and of benefit to all coastal states. Products for the open ocean and coastal regions will contribute to and benefit marine ecosystem management, coastal ocean services and warnings, and safety and risk management for the oceans. GODAE will demonstrate the benefits of a cooperative, integrated approach to development of sustained infrastructure that can be shared and exploited by all nations. Coastal states will have immediate access to data and model interpretations of ocean currents and ocean conditions, much as is the case for weather prediction. Through 2003-2005, GODAE will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of an integrated approach to oceans issues and provide a framework for informed decision-making and policy development. Ongoing and timely access to relevant information will enable early detection of environmental changes and reduce the uncertainties associated with management of the marine environment. [more]
Lead Partner: Healthy Environments for Children Alliance Secretariat- World Health Organisation (WHO) - World Health Organization
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: HECA'S DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT: A world-wide alliance to intensify global action on environmental risks to children's health that arise from the settings where they live, learn, play and sometimes work, by providing knowledge, increasing political will, mobilizing resources, and catalysing intense and urgent action.
The aim of HECA is to build a global alliance to tackle key environment and poverty-related risks to children's health that are responsible for the loss of millions of healthy years of life each year. The Alliance will focus on, and catalyse action within the environments where children spend their time (i.e., the home, the school, and the community). Particular attention will be given to improving the home environment - traditionally neglected - but where children spend a major part of their young lives, and where the most significant health threats converge. In each setting, the alliance will focus on health risks associated with lack of access to clean water, to sanitation and to clean indoor air and outdoor air. It will also act to reduce risks associated with disease vectors, hazardous chemicals, and non-intentional injuries. Addressing the multiple risks in each setting will necessitate taking a holistic, integrated approach, as health risks are complex, and often interconnected. This approach also provides a framework to highlight the links between issues, and to facilitate action, in an integrated fashion, on the range of health risks in a given setting.
The Alliance will catalyze action that is both participatory and effective, stimulating a world-wide movement. It will concentrate initially on areas where it can add the most value - broadening in scope as it develops.
The Alliances core functions include:
* Ensuring advocacy and awareness raising;
* Providing knowledge, information exchange and expertise for decision-making;
* Promoting effective policies and action, at all levels, in all sectors;
* Supporting countries and communities in creating and maintaining healthy environments for children;
* Monitoring and evaluating progress. [more]
Lead Partner: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The project on Indicators for Sustainable Energy Development (ISED) has three major objectives: (1) to fill the need for a comprehensive and consistent set of energy indicators that can be used in an effective manner to assess progress towards a sustainable energy future, (2) to assist countries in energy and statistical capacity building necessary to induce energy sustainability and (3) to supplement the general indicators effort being undertaken by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
The project consists of two phases. The major objective of the First Phase was to identify and define a set of indicators for sustainable energy development applicable worldwide.
The Second Phase of the project aimed to demonstrate the practical applicability and utility of the ISED set as a policy tool in a variety of analytical cases. The objectives of this phase include: (1) to test the original set of energy indicators in a number of countries; (2) to provide assistance to countries in the implementation and use of the ISED for the formulation of their energy strategies in conformity with their sustainable development criteria; and (3) to incorporate the ISED into the relevant databases and analytical tools so that energy indicators can be used in on-going statistical analyses (capacity building). [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Italy - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGCS)
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: General Objective: to contribute to social and economic development of the populations of the Hindu Kush - Karakorum - Himalaya mountain complex and to the environmental conservation of the region by consolidating institutional capacity for systemic planning and management of the territory, focusing on:
1. reduction of poverty
2. conservation of biodiversity
Specific Objective A: provide instruments (knowledge of the territory, the populations and the technologies for systemic data management) to facilitate the consistency of various national-level actions in area-based planning and management, within the framework of regional level systemic planning and monitoring.Specific Objective B: establish a process of application of the acquired capacities and Decision Support System (DSS) by individual countries in systemic planning and management of mountain areas at a local/national or transboundary level, within the framework of sustainable mountain development.Individual components of these objectives include:* Create a coordinated system for collection and analysis (monitoring) of natural resource data;* Provide decision makers of competent national and local administrations with an instrument (DSS) for systemic territorial planning and management;* Build local institutional capacity to study, analyze and manage natural resources, favoring local community involvement in these processes. [more]
Lead Partner: The City of Knowledge Foundation - The City of Knowledge Foundation
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Panama Center for Sustainable Development is proposed as a strategic solution to the need for an integrated knowledge management system that take into account ecosystems behavior, the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability, and the relationship between local, regional and global processes and actions. The initiative will develop around five major objectives:
1. Promote and conduct interdisciplinary and interinstitutional research programs and activities aimed at supporting plans, policies, and the overall decission-making processes of sustainable development
2. Promote the exchange of experiences and the development of information systems necessary to spur sustainable development
3. Develop scientific and technical capabilities through specific educational and training programs aimed at the formulation and implementation of sustainable development plans, policies and actions
4. To provide a platform that integrates scientific, technological, institutional, legal, and other aspects required to support the decision making processes of sustainable development
5. To contribute to the analysis of trends in the global network of production, dissemination and utilization of knowledge for sustainable development
[more]
Lead Partner: International Solar Energy Society
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The goal of IREA is to foster collaboration, removing market barriers, identifying and promoting successful implementation strategies, enhancing business conditions and developing markets. This is to be achieved by the provision of reliable and up to date facts and considerations for more informed decision making at all levels of national and international policy and to further the principles and goals declared in the 2004 Bonn Declaration on Renewable Energies. [more]
Lead Partner: International Solar Energy Society
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: ISES has been serving the needs of the renewable energy community since its founding in 1954. A UN-accredited NGO present in more than 50 countries, the Society supports its members in the advancement of renewable energy technology, implementation and education all over the world. Its goals include:
* Towards a Sustainable World:Encouraging the use of Renewable Energy everywhere, through appropriate technology, scientific excellence, social responsibility, and global communication.
* Realising a Global Community: Bringing together industries, individuals and institutions in support of Renewable Energy technologies - through communication, co-operation, support and exchange.
* Supporting Development: Applying practical projects, technology transfer, education, training and support to the issue of global energy development.
* Supporting the Science of Solar Energy: Stimulating and encouraging both fundamental and applied research in solar energy.
* Contributing to Growth: Ensuring individual and community growth through support of private enterprise and empowerment in the area of Renewable Energy.
* Information and Communication: Rapid access to information through tailor-made communication and exchange platforms utilising modern technology.
ISES is a multi-faceted, global membership organisation. With its long history and extensive technical and scientific expertise provided by its members, the Society is a modern, future-oriented non-governmental organisation (NGO). Clearly defined goals, extensive communication networks and practical, real-world projects are the hallmarks of ISES. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Developing local capacities and mechanisms for adapting and implementing global principles and norms of sustainable urbanisation (including related MEA¿S e.g. on climate change; air quality; water management, biodiversity);Strengthening the capacities of local (and national) actors for contributing local experiences and expertise to the formulation of global principles and norms. [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Decentralized Cooperation Programmes (DCP) objective is to encourage lasting South-South city-to-city cooperation for sustainable and economic development. For this purpose, DCP has established a global network of 11 associated training centres (as of Feb. 2006), which are located in Atlanta / United States; Barcelona and Bilbao / Spain; Curitiba / Brazil; Divonne-les-Bains and Lyon / France; Durban / South Africa; Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia; Ouagadougou / Burkina Faso; Plock / Poland and Shanghai / China. Each of these International Training Centres for Local Authorities and Local Actors is a hub for capacity building and knowledge sharing between local and regional authorities, international organizations, the private sector and civil society to enhance local public services. The training sessions for local authorities focus on four main areas:
- Environment and sustainable development
- Urban services
- Economic development and local governance
- Human security.
[more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), DPDL - United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Strengthening the capacities of local authorities and their public, private and community partners to achieve more sustainable urban development, socially, economically and environmentally;Reducing poverty by working on sustainable urbanisation through more efficiently and equitably use of environmental resources and control of environmental hazards in urban development planning. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Indonesia - Ministry of Environment
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional ASEAN region Summary: Develop a uniformed mandatory disclosure scheme on emissions of motor vehicles to inform the public on compliance with motor vehicle emissions standards within respective ASEAN countries.
In order to reduce air pollution caused by automotive emission, the MOE of Republic Indonesia has several experiences with performance program (proper) for in used vehicles. The GOI has also started for the "ecolabel" which has focused on green production, which then we will initiate and try to integrate it into this program. We want to know from other partnerships initiative experiences such as experiences in controlling vehicles emissions, fuel consumption labeling scheme, efforts and measures in promoting green vehicles.
In 2003, the new emissions standards for type approval will be launched including certifying mechanism. Besides that various countermeasures such as cleaners fuels, alternative fuel, Inspection and Maintenance, transportation modes has been implemented with various successes.
On the other-hand, we have to develop emission testing facilities and mechanism of exchange data and information within related institutions in disclosing automotive emission within ASEAN as well as public awareness through public campaign and multi media coverage. [more]
Lead Partner: International Center of Resources and Innovation for the Sustainable Development-CIRIDD (former Association Agora 21) - Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (IEPF - Institut de la Francophonie Numérique - Unité Jeunesse)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The aim of the project is to create an information and discussion platform for sustainable development that is accessible to the various groups concerned (States and public administrations, local governments and international bodies, associations, the economic sector, scientists and the academic community, and ordinary citizens) by facilitating exchanges and integration of the available data on a network of Internet sites distributed throughout the French-speaking world.
The second objective is to develop the use of French regarding these topics for the sake of linguistic plurality at the international level, thereby helping to reinforce the capacities of French-speaking participants, especially in the organization of preliminary debates for major conferences. This platform is also an experimental ground for research and development into new tools and approaches that will be transferred to the partners. It will be an extension of various projects and actions. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Italy - Ministry for the Environment and Territory - Italian Agency for the Protection of the Environment and for Technical Services (APAT)
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Mediterranean Summary: The availability of more reliable information concerning GHG emissions will enable countries with economies in transition and developing countries to comply with their obligations under the UNFCCC, namely the preparation and submission of GHG inventories and national communications, and to actively participate in Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism activities.
This partnership aims therefore at supporting the preparation of consistent and reliable GHG inventories in Mediterranean countries, through exchange of information on activity indicators and emission factors, identification of QA/QC procedures and development of common methodologies.
It builds on the work of the MeditAIRaneo project, currently financed by APAT, which involves government agencies responsible for the preparation of air emission inventories in the northern shore of the Mediterranean. The expertise and the tools developed in the frame of this project (experts' network, web-site, know-how concerning Mediterranean specificities about atmospheric emissions) will be used for the development of this partnership. [more]
Lead Partner: Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Methane to Markets Partnership is an international initiative that advances cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. The goal of the Partnership is to reduce global methane emissions in order to enhance economic growth, strengthen energy security, improve air quality, improve industrial safety, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
The Partnership currently focuses on four sources of methane emissions:
- Agriculture (animal waste management)
- Coal mines
- Landfills
- Oil and gas systems [more]
Lead Partner: French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Partnership aims at putting into place a specific technological and institutional model for meeting the needs for modern energy services in rural areas, using locally available renewable biomass resources, and through South-South technology cooperation.
The Partnership will be based on the following major components:
institution of sustainable mechanisms for collection and processing of biomass for energy production, through:
specific energy plantations, applying sustainable forestry management techniques, or;
collection and processing of forestry/agricultural waste products (rice hulls, wood chips, ...). [more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Building nationally the capacities of local and central governments, associations of local authorities, and training institutions to routinely integrate the lessons of experience from local demonstrations into national sustainable urbanisation and poverty alleviation policies, up-scaling strategies, and associated legal frameworks. In other words: Developing institutional frameworks and national networks for sustained EPM support. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Spain - Government of the Basque Country - Nrg4SD Secretariat
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Nrg4SD Network was formed by the "regional governments" -understood as the largest and first level of political subdivision within an individual state represented at the UN but which is above de municipal level- that attended the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development, to share information and experience about sustainable development policy-making at the regional level of governance. They agreed the `Gauteng Declaration' which is the founding document of the Network. Nrg4SD promotes understanding, collaboration and partnerships in sustainable development and seeks greater international recognition of the importance of the contribution which regions make to sustainable development. Nrg4SD aims to be a voice for, and to represent, regional governments at the global level, promoting sustainable development at regional level around the world. Nrg4SD has members from the five United Nations (UN) regions of the globe and focal points in each of them. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - U.S. Enivronmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: NEISGEI consists of 1) a globally distributed database of air pollutant emissions information in well documented formats at the local, regional, national, and global scales; 2) computer software that will enable users to retrieve, compile, and analyze relevant emissions information from the globally distributed database using the World Wide Web; and 3) a global network of air emissions experts in government, industry, and academia. [more]
Lead Partner: International Association of Scientific Technical and Medical Publishers - United Nations Environment Programme - Yale University
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Through Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE), a new international public-private partnership, the world’s most prestigious scientific publishers, societies and associations are now offering one of the world’s largest collections of peer-reviewed natural and environmental science literature to more than 1500 national institutions in 106 least-developed nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.
Launched October 30, 2006 in New York, OARE has a mission to improve the quality and effectiveness of natural and environmental science research, education and training in low-income countries. In doing so, OARE will help achieve four primary development objectives:
• Growth in the number of national scholars and experts who will, through their knowledge and reputation, integrate into and facilitate the development of more progressive science-driven policy development processes, regulatory frameworks, and governance structures.
• Strengthen the intellectual foundation of universities and research institutions so as to enable faculty to perform research on a par with peers in industrialized countries, develop their own publishing record, and enable students to conduct research and seek education in new and emerging subjects.
• Build the capacity of independent national organizations to gather, interpret, and disseminate and use global scientific research. Local rather than foreign organizations will engage/empower end-users of information.
The average annual US institutional subscription fee of each title provided through OARE is approximately $1,500. Each institution enrolled in OARE will receive access to more than 1200 serial titles and search engines with a US annual retail subscription value of more than $1 million. The total US annual retail subscription value of scholarly literature and scientific search engines to be provided through OARE to all enrolled institutions is more than $200 million per year.
Research is provided in a wide range of disciplines, including biotechnology, biology, botany, climate change, wildlife conservation, ecology, energy, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, environmental engineering and planning, environmental law and policy, environmental toxicology and pollution, forest and fisheries sciences, geography and population studies, geology, meteorology, natural disaster prevention, natural resource management, oceanography, urban planning, water and hydrology, zoology, and many others. In addition to obtaining direct access to vast quantities of scientific findings, developing countries will be provided access to the world’s most powerful scientific abstract and information databases and indexes, critical intellectual tools the scientific community uses to identify information located in tens of thousands of articles across thousands of international publications.
[more]
Lead Partner: Government of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Summary: Mission statement: To contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment, an improvement in quality of life, and the promotion of sustainable development in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, through partnership projects involving the public and private sectors and civil society.
[more]
Lead Partner: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Division of Policy Development and Law (DPDL)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The partners will work to:
- Help developing countries to develop action plans to complete the elimination of leaded gasoline by end 2008
- Start to phase down sulfur in diesel and gasoline fuels, long-term objective to be 50 ppm and below
-Concurrent with the aboveadopting cleaner vehicle requirements;
- Support the development and adoption of cleaner fuel standards and clean vehicle requirements by providing a platform for exchange of experiences and successful practices in developed and developing countries as well as technical assistance;
- Develop public outreach materials, educational programs, and awareness campaigns; adapt economic and planning tools for clean fuels and vehicles analyses in local settings; and support the development of enforcement and compliance programs, with an initial focus on fuel adulteration;
- Foster key partnerships between government and industry, NGOs, and other interested parties within a country and between countries to facilitate the implementation of cleaner fuel and vehicle commitments. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - U.S. Enivronmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air is bringing together governments, industry and non-governmental organizations to increase the use of affordable, reliable, clean, efficient, and safe home cooking and heating practices. More than 147 Partner organizations are contributing their resources and expertise to improve health, livelihood and quality of life by reducing exposure to air pollution, primarily among women and children, from household energy use. The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air is focusing on four priority areas: addressing social/cultural barriers to adopting improved technology; supporting the development of local business models and markets for improved cooking and heating techniques; improving the design and performance of improved fuels and technology; and demonstrating reduced exposure to indoor air contaminants. [more]
Lead Partner: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Asian Development Bank
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Transport in developing countries is the one of the largest, and fastest growing, source of GHG emissions. Transport related CO2 emissions are expected to increase 57% worldwide in the period 2005 – 2030, and it is estimated that transport (passenger and freight) in developing countries will contribute about 80 percent of this increase. At the same time transport is largely missing in climate change mitigation policies and actions worldwide and in particular those aimed at the developing countries. Growing GHG emissions from the transport sector in developing countries are inextricably linked to an overall lack of sustainability expressed by poor urban planning, increased motorization, increased air pollution and noise, growing congestion and decreasing road safety.
Technological improvements by themselves will not be enough for the transport sector to make a significant contribution to mitigation of GHG; a sector wide re-orientation to low carbon sustainable transport is required which combines policies and measures to (a) avoid/reduce the need for travel, (b) shifts to, or keeps transport at the most efficient mode, and (c) improves efficiency of motorized modes of transport.
Developing countries should seize the opportunity to make their transport systems and infrastructure low carbon and more sustainable through a combination of: increased public awareness, low-carbon, sustainable transport policies, supportive policy instruments, institutional capacity development, appropriate pricing mechanisms and mobilization of financial resources.
The Partnership has as its overarching goal to mobilize global support to reduce the growth of GHG emissions generated by land transport in developing countries by promoting more sustainable, low carbon transport. The partnership has four specific objectives:
a. The integration of sustainable, low carbon transport in climate negotiations, as well as national and local climate policies and programs,
b. The integration of climate considerations in regional, national and local transport policies,
c. Mainstream Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport in strategies and operations of international development organizations,
d. Contribute to sustainable development and the millennium development goals especially providing access to or for goods and services by lower income groups.
The thematic scope of the Partnership is on land transport in developing countries and includes freight and passenger transport. Both motorized and non-motorized transport is included. The geographical scope of the Partnership is developing countries. The Partnership will initially focus on Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The Partnership builds on previous work on sustainable transport by UN-DESA within their mandate as defined by Agenda 21 and the CSD and a large series of events on sustainable transport and climate change by the members of this Partnership in both Asia and Latin America.
[more]
Lead Partner: The Coca-Cola Company - McDonald´s - Unilever - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Initiative scope consists of those in the supply, production, transport and retailing of food and drink who require point-of-sale cooling technology, including technology and component suppliers. Thus it includes supermarkets but not mobile air conditioning, general manufacturing, or general household.
Goals:
- To promote a shift in the point-of-sale cooling technology in the food and drink, food service and retail sectors towards natural refrigerants with a low-or non-Global Warming Potential.
- To do this whilst improving or (at least) equaling energy efficiency of existing fluorocarbon based technology
- To provide a working group and supportive environment for those committed to implementing natural refrigerants who will share information with each other and with suppliers on achieving the other objectives
- To outreach a wider public including other industry, governments and global society [more]
Lead Partner: Department of Economics and Social Affairs Small Island Developing States (SIDS) UNIT - Global Coral Reef Alliance
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional AIMS, Caribbean and Pacific Island Regions Summary: The SIDS Partnership for Implementation of New Technologies for Sustainable Development, brings together United Nations Agencies with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), SIDS Governments, Non Governmental Agencies, and the Private Sector to raise awareness and funding for the implementation of new, underutilized, but proven technologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy production, restoration of coral reefs and fisheries habitat, restoration of soil fertility, aquaculture, and waste recycling for SIDS. The partnership focuses on critical, low cost, highly effective, but little known, new technologies that are applicable on small to large scales, and which have not been covered by other venues at UN Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD).
[more]
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - Ministry of the Environment
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Scientific Capacity Building and Enhancement for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries (CAPaBLE) Programme is a concrete initiative introduced by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan and Hyogo Prefecture Government, Japan to specifically realize parts 107 to 114 of the Plan of Implementation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), and was registered as a WSSD Type II Partnership/Initiative by the Japanese Government in Johannesburg, September 2002. The programme was endorsed by the APNâs Inter-Governmental Meeting in March 2003 and launched in April, 2003. The objectives of the Programme are targeted to enhance scientific capacity in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region to improve their decision-making in target areas related to climate change, water and food security, and global change that are directly linked to their sustainable development. Of particular relevance to the CAPaBLE Programme is Part 111 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation: Establish regular channels between policy-makers and the scientific community for requesting and receiving science and technology advice for the implementation of Agenda 21, and create and strengthen networks for science and education for sustainable development, at all levels, with the aim of sharing experiences and best practices, and building scientific capacities, particularly in developing countries. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of China - The State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) - Government of Italy - Ministry of the Environment and Territory
Geographical Scope: National Summary: In the year 2000, the Ministry of the Environment and Territory (IMET) launched a co-operation program with the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) of China. The program, financed by the Ministry for the Environment and Territory and co-financed by the Chinese Government and several Municipalities, consists of the implementation of pilot projects and feasibility studies for the development of scientific and commercial projects on environmental protection, including ecological conservation, air quality improvement, and sustainable agriculture development. In the following years, the Cooperation has been enlarged to the Ministry of Science & Technology of China in the perspective of implementing Clean Development Mechanism projects.
China signed the Stockholm Convention in May 2001 and is in the process of ratifying the Agreement. As per requirements of the Convention, China has begun to develop a National Implementation Plan (NIP) for POPs and to undertake enabling activities. To enhance its domestic capacity to meet obligations arising from the Convention, China is working with a range of bilateral partners including the Government of Italy, and with various intergovernmental organizations.
In this respect, the Italian Ministry for Environment and Territory together with SEPA has launched a broad cooperation program directed to the development of the following pilot projects in selected areas aimed at the improvement of air quality and control:
1. Air Quality Monitoring Systems
2. Urban Sustainable Mobility
3. Technology Transfer for the construction of low capacity boilers fed with diesel oil
4. Urban Energy Plans for a Sustainable Environment
5. Strengthening Technology and Capacity of Sustainable Agriculture
6. Control and phase out of POPs [more]
Lead Partner: Sister Cities International (SCI)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Sister Cities International is creating a network of sister city partnerships committed to implementing the concepts of sustainable development, as outlined by the international community. Through innovative, cross-cultural projects, sister city partners will demonstrate that locally based actions can: (a) be a catalyst for advancing sustainable development concepts throughout the world; (b) improve the quality of life for citizens within their communities; (c) advance the knowledge and practice of sustainable development through long-term, sustainable relationships; (d) mutually reinforce and integrate the goals of good governance, sustainable economic development, social development and environmental stewardship; and (e) achieve concrete results through partnerships with the public and private sector.
The Sister Cities Network for Sustainable Development will involve sister city communities and their citizens, international and U.S. non-governmental organizations, multilateral organizations, corporations, foundations and other major donors to address a variety of issues related to sustainable development as outlined in the United Nations' Agenda 21, the Plan of Implementation adopted at the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the Millennium Development Goals. Using the Sister Cities Internaitonal "model," sister city partnerships will promote the participation of local citizens in all levels of program development, including identifying project areas, suggesting and designing solutions, overseeing implementation and evaluating results. [more]
Lead Partner: Southern Caucus Of NGOs For Sustainable Development
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: THE PARTNERSHIP SHALL:
1. Establish Five Multi Regional Centers to assist in recruitment, mobilization and development of human resources and strengthen Southern Major Group NGO Institutions on Local, National and Regional Levels and increase their Capacity to participate in and contribute to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Locally, Nationally and Regionally.
2 Seek resources to implement National NGO Action Plans to Eradicate Poverty, complementary to Government Plans
3 Report on the impact of reduction of poverty programs using UN CSD measurements and report on NGO Sustainable Development achievements and obstacles to participation in Local, National and Regional Sustainable Development.
4 Increase participation of Southern Major Group NGO¿s as observers and experts at Government Regional Meetings with feedback to local communities.
5 Replicate to NGOs in the countries served by the Centers best practices and expert programs developed by National and Regional NGO Major Groups that contribute to Sections IV to VIII of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, including the following:5a Reduce digital divide problems through Digital Divide Centers linked to Distance Learning, Technology Exchange, Higher Education, Research, Technical Assistance and Communications Programs,
5b Provide .
5c Participate in Monitoring and Management of Watersheds, Forests and Carbon Exchange programs [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Canada - Industry Canada
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: By partnering with cities in developing and emerging economies, the SCI helps cities define their sustainable development objectives and implement projects to improve the environmental and human health of their community. Multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder city teams (Canadian private sector, government and NGOs) combine forces and resources with local authorities to develop and implement city sustainable development plans. The SCI's main areas of focus are all priority areas for sustainable urban development: clean water, waste management, clean energy, transportation, housing, capacity-building, urban planning, telecommunications, urban infrastructure projects, and waterfront development. By showcasing Canada's expertise in sustainable development technologies and services, the SCI demonstrates the important role the private sector can play in reducing poverty, enhancing quality of life and promoting the principles of good governance. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Indonesia - Ministry of Environment
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Asia and the Pacific Summary: At present many countries especially developing countries are facing increased growth in the mining industry. One shared issue facing countries having mining activities is the deterioration of its environmental quality such as surface and ground water, air, coastal and sea areas. Countermeasures taken to deal with the situation are the introduction of clean technology in carrying out processing and best mining practices in the mining products. These practices have been applied in developing countries with various results achieved.
Most developing countries have already environmental standards for emission, effluent, groundwater contamination in place as well as hazardous and toxic management guidelines. Nevertheless, mining industry still do not comply due to weak law enforcement, lack of monitoring capability and skilled human resources. One effective tool that can be applied is to improve the mining industries environmental performance and management through harmonization of environment standards within the developing countries.
This partnership aims to improve environmental performance and management of the mining industry through harmonization of environmental standards within the ASEAN countries which produce mining products.
Expected results include:
a. Create a demand from the public for environmentally mining process in complying with effluent, emission standards and hazardous and toxic management;
b. Pressurize mining industries to comply with existing environmental standards;
c. Heightened public awareness on mining industries that pollute;
d. Ensure openness and transparency in the implementation of environmental standards for mining industries;
e. Obtain reliable information on performance of mining industries; [more]
Lead Partner: Government of Japan - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Geographical Scope: Regional
Summary: At WSSD, Japanese Government launched this partnership to contribute to sustainable development by further encouraging the sharing the know-how of Japanese local governments on environmental problems with local authorities in developing countries. This partnership also intended to promote the Kita-Kyushu Initiative adopted at the 4th Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Development held in Kita-Kyushu City in September 2000.
On March 23, 2003, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the "Initiative for Japan's ODA on Water" at the 3rd World Water Forum. In collaboration with the central government, Japanese public waterworks (operated by local governments) have played a significant role in assisting the ownership and capacity-building for planning, management, and control in the fields of water supply and sewage, as well as developing a network among Asian cities. [more]
Lead Partner: Steering Committee on Transport, Environment and Health
Geographical Scope: Regional
- Europe and North America Summary: Transport, Health and Environment Pan European Programme (THE PEP) aims at making progress towards the achievement of transport patterns that are sustainable for health and the environment by focusing work at the Pan-European level on those priorities where further work of the international community is most needed and could make the biggest impact: integration of environmental and health aspects into transport policies and decisions; shift of the demand for transport towards more sustainable mobility; urban transport issues. In addition, special attention will be given to the needs of the Newly Independent States and South-Eastern European countries as well as to areas, which are particularly sensitive from an environmental point of view.
THE PEP streamlines and consolidates the WHO and UNECE activities on transport, environment and health with a view to a more effective use of resources and better co-ordination of efforts at the international as well at the national level. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - Department of State
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) is an umbrella energy partnership comprising U.S. activities in the Global Village Energy Partnership, Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles Partnership, Partnership for Clean Indoor Air, and Efficient Energy for Sustainable Development. Collectively, these components will increase access to modern energy services, promote clean transportation fuels, indoor cooking and heating practices, and improve the productivity and efficiency of current energy systems reducing waste, saving money, and improving reliability. [more]
Lead Partner: U.S. Energy Association
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: These partnerships provide an invaluable opportunity for senior executives of overseas utilities and regulatory agencies to observe and learn how their U.S. counterparts are structured, financed, managed and regulated. The program also enables U.S. energy executives to understand the dynamics of non-U.S. energy markets and to forge international strategic alliances.
Partnership Benefits to U.S. Partners:
- Helps identify and develop strategic partners
- Identifies short and long-term business opportunities
- Develops staff capabilities and international awareness
- Develops climate change mitigation activities
Partnership Benefits to Non-U.S. Partners:
- Allows for a transfer of knowledge on market-based planning, international energy sector restructuring, and development experiences by peers
- Establishes advisory/commercial relationships to discuss changes affecting the industry, corporate structure and regulation of the energy industry
- Improves management performance
- Increases energy efficiency [more]
Lead Partner: Government of United States of America - Dept of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration
Geographical Scope: Sub-regional USA-Mexico Summary: Rapid industrialization and population growth have produced profound environmental stresses along the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite efforts by both governments, risks to human health remain a significant problem. The goal of this project is to reduce exposure to environmental hazards, with a focus on children, by improving the capacity of lay community health workers (promotores) in U.S. communities along the US-Mexico border to raise public awareness and inform their peers about such hazards and how to minimize exposure. A seondary goal is to improve the capacity of health professionals in the same communities to recognize, manage, and report pesticide related illnesses. The objectives are: 1) improve knowledge of sources of environmental hazards and ways to minimize exposure; 2) improve knowledge of basic sanitation, referral resources for medical care and legal assistance, 3) understand how to report exposure to agricultural pesticides, 4) improve leadership and communication skills, 5) strengthen public participation through community mobilzation, and 6) develop mechanisms facilitating cross-border sharing of environmental health information. [more]
Lead Partner: Government of India - Karnataka Urban Development Infrastructure and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) - Government of United States of America - USAID
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Purpose: The Alliance Watergy Program works with local and regional partners in developing countries to develop sustainable strategies for increasing energy efficiency within municipal water supply systems. While water provision is the immediate concern of water utilities, energy for water pumping and treatment is one of the main components of a water utility¿s costs. In many developing countries the energy used for the basic service of water provision to urban residents accounts anywhere from 40 to 70 percent of a municipality¿s total budget. The fact that large numbers of people in the developing world still lack ready access to water places more pressure upon decision makers to develop sustainable energy and water management strategies. The Alliance Watergy Program¿s efforts are based upon a holistic model that incorporates the participation of important stakeholders involved in sustainable development of the urban area, and the sustained development of their technical, managerial and financial capacities to overcome the energy inefficiencies in municipal systems. This is done by systematically addressing a range of issues that affect municipalities such technical and managerial capacities, education and awareness, team building, equipment rehabilitation and maintenance, non-revenue water reductions, proper pressure management, effective demand side management, pre-paid water metering, etc. Through these efforts, the Alliance Watergy Program aims to achieve the larger purpose of providing local and regional institutions and organizations with a sustainable framework and the proper tools for addressing the long-term water and energy needs of their peoples.
Goals: The Watergy program evolves and changes as efficiency models are developed and new opportunities emerge. Goals for the program include:
- Build institutional capacity to improve water and energy resource management
- Advocate and assist in the integration of energy efficiency considerations in developing countries, primarily in the efficient operation and maintenance of systems supplying water services
- Promote energy-efficient technologies and practices, especially in optimizing and modernizing municipal water supply systems
- Increase education and awareness concerning energy efficiency and environmentally sound water and energy systems
- Develop innovative financing mechanisms to implement projects aimed at improving energy use in water delivery
- Develop centers of excellence on energy for sustainable development to support and promote capacity building efforts and technology transfer activities and serve as information clearinghouses [more]
Lead Partner: World Nuclear Association
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: The mission of the World Nuclear University (WNU) is to strengthen the international community of people and institutions so as to guide and further develop:
- The safe and increasing use of nuclear power as the one proven technology able to produce clean energy on a large global scale; and
- The many valuable applications of nuclear science and technology that contribute to sustainable agriculture, medicine, nutrition, industrial development, management of fresh water resources and environmental protection.
Through a worldwide network that coordinates, supports and draws on the strengths of established institutions of nuclear learning, the WNU promotes academic rigour and high professional ethics in all phases of nuclear activity, from fuel and isotope supply to decommissioning and waste management.
While looking to the future, the WNU will strengthen capabilities to manage, and responsibly dispose of, the waste legacy of early weapons and power programmes in compliance with rigorous standards of custodianship and environmental protection. [more]
Lead Partner: Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbz)
Geographical Scope: Global Summary: Partnership for the creation of an international communication and information platform on sustainable consumption (SC) for youth.
The partnership will consist of a platform for capacity building on sustainable consumption for schools, local authorities and consumer organisations. Capacity building will be facilitated through the provision of pedagogical materials as well as a of a space ( meetings and a electronic forum) for the exchange of experiences among youth. The project attaches importance to the language used: the concepts and issues related to sustainable consumption as well as sustainable development will be transmitted using visuals, text, youth icons, concrete examples in order to bring closer to the day to day reality of young people. The partners believe that to stimulate critical thinking in young consumers one has to talk to them a language understandable to them and icons they recognise as their own and provide critical material and reliable information rather than "already packaged dos and don'ts"and will operate with the following objectives:
The partnership is based on a awareness raising and training web-site www.yomag.net and will operate with the following objectives:
* Provide reliable and integrating information about the concept of sustainable consumption at global level. In particular, provide a critical insight in the global environmental and social impacts and challenges of the current consumption patterns of affluent societies.
* Offer an online platform" for the exchange of ideas, visions and projects to youth from all over the world.
* Provide youth, communicators, teachers and consumer organisations with the tools to efficiently communicate about sustainable consumption.
* Through teachers ans students workshops, allow youth from all over the world to meet, exchange perspectives and experiences on their different consumption patterns and to envision concrete solutions to the imbalances to goods and resources.
* Establish and link networks of education authorities and other relevant institutions in the field of education and consumer organisations to enable capacity building, awareness raising and mutual understanding of the problems and imbalances linked to current consumption patterns and the solutions to overcome them. [more]
to collapse the Summary of Partnerships.