The Montevideo Programme V secretariat has developed this digital handbook that highlights the Programme’s objectives, activities and outcomes in order to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the Programme by Governments and relevant stakeholders. This will create a strong and recognizable brand for the Programme and serve as a guide that strengthens the role of Government officials and other users in the further development and implementation of its priority areas. The handbook will be included on the UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform (UNEP-LEAP), the digital backbone of the Montevideo V Programme.
The handbook is divided into five parts. Part I provides a brief overview, history and achievements of the Montevideo Programme. It then outlines the key features of the Montevideo Programme V highlighting how it is different from previous iterations as well as its articulation with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Part II of the handbook analyses and provides information on the existing legal responses at international and national levels to the three agreed thematic priority areas for implementation under the Montevideo Programme V, that is, the climate change crisis, the pollution crisis, and the biodiversity and nature loss crisis. It underlines the interconnectedness between the three thematic priorities areas and identifies the opportunities and potential contribution of the Programme in assisting Governments to respond to the crises. Part III provides information on how Governments can access support under the Programme, the types of support available, and resource requirements and sources of finance. Part IV addresses the critical issue of partnerships and stakeholder engagement. It highlights the significant emphasis the Programme places on the role of partners and major groups in the conception, delivery and implementation of activities. Part V provides information on existing resources on environmental law both within and outside UNEP with a view to enabling Governments and stakeholders to build and strengthen capacities in this field.
