The
Joint
UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit
For a Better
International Response to Environmental Emergencies
What –
Provision of practical assistance to countries affected by environmental
disasters such as industrial/technological accidents, chemical and oil spills,
forest fires, floods, and other sudden-onset emergencies that damage the
environment and human health and welfare.
Why -
Industrialisation increases the frequency and magnitude of environmental
emergencies. Countries, in particular developing countries, need faster and
better response capabilities to cope with such crises.
Who - The Environment Unit is a joint project of the UN Environment Programme and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, bringing together technical and policy expertise and delivery of international assistance in a pragmatic, efficient and targeted way.
Where - The Geneva-based Environment Unit intervenes anywhere in the world
through a global network of National Focal Points consisting of governmental
organisations responsible for environmental emergencies at the national level.
When –
Countries can contact the Environment Unit for urgent assistance 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.
How -
The Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit is designed to ensure a prompt
international response to environmental disasters. It acts as a:
Switchboard for disaster notification and
alert issuing regular Information and Situation Reports disseminated
world-wide.
Broker matching demands from affected
countries to offers from donors ready and willing to assist.
Clearinghouse channelling available data,
maps, satellite images and other useful information, from sources to relevant
end-users.
Focal point mobilising urgent multilateral
assistance.
Provider of services arranging for professional,
impartial and independent initial assessments and post-emergency analyses to
help countries in the response phase.
Backstop providing guidelines for assessments,
contingency and emergency response planning, improving emergency reporting
procedures and mechanisms, and supplying relevant contacts points.
Supplier of OCHA Emergency Cash Grants
up to US$50,000 for immediate needs.
ORIGIN
The Environment Unit was established in 1994 following extensive
consultations with Governments. Ever since it has been recognised as
practicable, making best use of available resources, avoiding duplication of
efforts and consolidating the valuable experience and expertise available at
UNEP and OCHA.
PARTNERS
The Environment Unit collaborates increasingly with other UNEP units and
programmes, dealing with the prevention and preparedness aspects of
environmental emergencies and other disaster-related matters, including early
warning, environmental assessment, chemicals, industry and environment, trade
and environment, convention secretariats and all regional offices. The
Environment Unit co-operates with partners offering a specialised knowledge
both inside and outside the UN system, including the European Union, the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE), the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
UNEP and OCHA have also set up an international Advisory Group on
Environmental Emergencies to bring together national experts and focal points
from countries around the world. The Advisory Group meets periodically to
review the work of the Environment Unit, share experience and provide guidance
and advice on its future activities.
EXPERIENCE
During the recent past, the Environment Unit has responded to requests
from the Philippines (spill of mining tailings), Armenia and Georgia (threat of
dam breaks), Brazil (forest fires), Chile (acute river pollution), Indonesia
(forest fires), Kyrgyzstan (toxic chemical spill), Madagascar (chemical fire),
Paraguay (storage of hazardous wastes), Russia (forest fires), Moldova
(underground water pollution), Somalia (alleged dumping of hazardous wastes),
Kenya (fuel spill), Tajikistan (threat of dam break) and Turkey (earthquake).
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Look for the latest on the activities of the Environment Unit on the Web
and don’t hesitate to interact with us
http://www.reliefweb.int/ocha_ol
Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, Disaster Response Branch
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Telephone: (41 22) 917 1142
Fax: (41 22) 907
0257/917 0023
E-Mail: OCHAGVA@UN.ORG or sakharov@un.org
In case of Emergency Only (24
hours), telephone: (41 22) 917 2010