Global Atmosphere Watch Symposium April, Geneva. Progress of UN environment Sand and Dust Storms. Valentin Foltescu

Transcription

1 Global Atmosphere Watch Symposium April, Geneva Progress of UN environment Sand and Dust Storms Valentin Foltescu

2 Mapping current work of UN Environment Science Division 1. As a follow-up to the Global Assessment of Sand and Dust Storms, a Technical Guide is being prepared, in partnership with UN Convention on Combating Desertification and World Meteorological Organization. UN Environment contributes in the following areas of the Technical Guide, together with the World Meteorological Organization: a) Methodology (monitoring, modelling and databases) b) Regional and global cooperation and networking c) Catalogue of impact mitigation measures.. 2

3 Mapping current work of UN Environment Science Division 2. The topic of Sand and Dust Storms is presented in the Environment under Review feature story for the current Annual Report. The title is A line in the sand. 3. The topic of Sand and Dust Storms is singled out as an emerging issue and presented as a stand alone chapter in the Frontiers Report. 4. UN Environment takes part in the interagency collaboration meetings for co-organizing the International Conference on Sand and Dust Storms later this year, to clarify the roles that the agencies would play.

4 Mapping upcoming work of UN Environment Science Division In the pipe line to do 1. Global Assessment of Sand and Dust Storms outreach and follow-up activities to implement the recommendations of the assessment, including economic analysis of mitigation options and strengthened dust-health early warning systems. 2. Our partner agency World Meteorological Organization has activities in relation to dust prediction in the following countries: Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Thereby we have entry points for work with all the above countries, in particular to strengthening their observational capacity for dust detection and air quality monitoring (see below).

5 Mapping upcoming work of UN Environment Science Division In the pipe line to do 3. The current impediment to having reliable dust forecasts is the very limited real-time data (particulate matter concentrations) and information from e.g. West Asian countries. Several countries in West Asia, could be supported in building capacity to monitor and assess dust and its impact on health, while also contributing to reporting on the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and improving dust predictions. UN Environment is ready to assist in the design and set-up of affordable air quality and dust monitoring networks and regular evaluation of their operation. Our assistance may include: a) Technical advice in selecting and deploying monitoring instruments for mapping air pollution (including dust) in cities; b) Training and capacity building for on-site technical assistance, data retrieval, analysis and validation; c) Identification of funding opportunities and synergy to facilitate implementation and sustainability of this effort with other UN agencies, Civil Society, and the private sector.

6 Mapping upcoming work of UN Environment Science Division Potential expanded/new work areas 1. We see a possibility of collaboration with UN Convention on Combating Desertification and World Health Organization for vulnerability mapping for impact sectors, including health. An approach for sand-and-dust-storms related meningitis in Africa can be part of it. 2. UN Environment could organize Industry Roundtables on promising technologies for combating Sand and Dust Storms and associated impacts. 3. UN Environment could undertake work on Evaluation of effectiveness in reduction of Sand and Dust Storms Impacts following ecosystem protection and restoration initiatives.

7 Thank you

8 Bali Strategic Plan for capacity building and technology support Reinforce role of UN Environment Make UN Environment more responsive to country needs Provide a coherent platform for all actors Strengthen cooperation and partnerships + with private sector Impact significantly on socio-economic development in the provision of environmental goods and services. Build on existing capacities National ownership, to sustain capacities Bottom up needs assessment Well coordinated Non-duplicative of efforts 8