- UNEP’s Office in Latin America and the Caribbean supports the launch of the Regional Action Plan 2022-2025
- This initiative calls for strengthened regional cooperation on air quality management and reducing pollution
Panama, 07 September 2022 – In the context of this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, under the theme #TheAirWeShare, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented today a set of key lines of action under a Regional Plan to support the strengthening of integrated air quality management and reduce air pollution to protect health and the environment, while helping mitigate climate change and achieve the related Sustainable Development goals in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
The new Regional Action Plan on Air Quality 2022-2025 follows work undertaken on atmospheric pollution at the XXII Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, and was unveiled as the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution has been reinforced with the aim of building a cooperation framework at the national and sub-national levels. The Plan was developed with the support of UNEP, which also serves as Secretariat of the Network, and with the technical assistance of the Clean Air Institute.
“We are pleased to help strengthen regional cooperation for clean air in Latin America and the Caribbean through the Regional Action Plan 2022-2025 we are presenting today, joining efforts with different key partners such as the Pan-American Health Organization, the Clean Air Institute and now the Environmental Defense Fund,” said Jacqueline Alvarez, UNEP’s Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Director. “As the Secretary-General himself said, clean air is now a human right and we need to continue working with countries and cities, experts, international organizations and civil society to promote action to clean the air we share.”
As its Regional Director mentioned, UNEP also announced today a new partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund aiming to strengthen the cooperation between both organizations and find solutions to improve air quality, and advance global health and climate goals in countries throughout Latin American and the Caribbean.
As part of its work, UNEP has been supporting countries in the region on air quality monitoring with low-cost alternatives, while also organizing a series of technical webinars on air quality and health with the support of the Pan-American Health Organization, together with in-depth trainings on air quality management priorities. These activities have been organized within the framework of the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution as part of the implementation of the Decision 1 on Atmospheric Pollution of the XXII Forum of Ministers of Environment.
Notes to Editors
About UN Environment Programme action on air quality
The UN Environment Programme works around the world to tackle air pollution, by supporting countries in developing new policies and regulations, monitoring air quality, tackling climate pollutants, reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency, amongst other initiatives. At regional level, UNEP serves as the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Network on Atmospheric Pollution for Latin America and the Caribbean, to facilitate regional cooperation and exchange of information and best practices.
About the UN Environment Programme
The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Carlos Gomez del Campo, Public Information Officer, UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office
