Environmental Management Systems (EMS): Based on the UN Department of
Field Support (DFS)’s 2009 Environmental Policy and 2017 Environment Strategy,
DFS implemented a global environmental management system for all field missions
in 2017. As a result, a common template for planning and budgeting for the five
environmental sectors was created, and each mission has now included environ-
mental management in their budgets.
Recommendations.
While gains have been made in environmental stewardship, it is important that they be
sustained by continuing to implement the Environment Strategy, collecting data to support
implementation, and addressing the impact on local communities. The following are short-
term, medium-term, and long-term goals articulated in the International Peace Institute
(IPI)’s report “Greening Peacekeeping: The Environmental Impact of UN Peace
Operations,” (April 2018):
Short-term recommendations:
“Increase financial and human resources dedicated to the implementation of the
Environment Strategy and to planning.
Implement mandatory training on environmental management for all personnel in
missions.
Systematically collect data on environmental management from all missions and
disseminate lessons learned and best practices.
Use local capacities where feasible.”
Medium-term recommendations:
“Continue to reinforce oversight by systematically monitoring performance indicators
and fostering data ownership and accountability.
Extend DFS’s partnership with UNEP.
Advocate for member states to support sustainable environmental management in
peace operations.”
Long-term recommendations:
“Develop comprehensive indicators and an integra