Highlights and images for 3 June 2021

The second day of the virtual session of the First Global Meeting of the National Focal Points Under the Fifth Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme V) concluded discussions of the proposals for priority areas for Programme implementation with a decision on an initial focus. Attendees then discussed ideas and options for Programme partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

The discussion on priority areas was wide-ranging. Some delegates offered suggestions for other initial work to include: climate change; biodiversity; public participation, access to information and access to justice; and strengthening education and training in environmental law. The Co-Chairs noted broad support for air pollution as an initial focus, and cited the need to indicate to the Secretariat at least one area with which to initiate substantive implementation. Delegates agreed to the Co-Chairs’ proposal to adopt air pollution as the initial priority area.

As for other possible Programme priority areas, suggestions included environmental finance, wildlife trade, and trade in used goods. One delegation suggested reducing the number of priority areas, rather than expanding them, to become more focused on achieving results. The Co-Chairs said all interventions would be reflected in the final report, invited written comments, and assured delegates that priority areas would be further discussed in detail at the 2022 in-person session of the Global Meeting.

Regarding partnerships and stakeholder engagement, several delegates supported a request for the Secretariat to create a working document on building partnerships for implementation, in collaboration with the steering committee on implementation. Others offered suggestions, including:

• engaging, educating and training police and enforcement agencies, as well as local governments and communities;
• fostering environmental law networks between judges;
• conducting monthly dialogues and information exchanges on environmental law on a social platform;
• offering legal internships with UNEP;
• showcasing research on environmental law by law students;
• and engaging with regional and subregional organizations.

A few delegates cautioned that national governments should be consulted first before the Programme agrees to any partnerships proposed with national or subnational actors.

The Co-Chairs advised that partnerships and stakeholder engagement will be explored at greater length during the 2022 in-person session, when interested parties can actually meet and network face-to-face. The Secretariat briefed participants on how those wishing to partner with the Programme can register through the Law and Environment Assistance Platform (LEAP).

The virtual session of the First Global Meeting of National Focal Points for Montevideo Programme V will reconvene for its final day on 4 June 2021 with a focus on the designation of the steering committee for implementation and its modalities of work.