On 16th October, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Kipepeo Awards recognized over 100 personnel in three teams who have delivered exceptional performance and unwavering dedication towards addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The awards recognized achievements in three categories: Innovation, Collaborative Teams, and Environmental Impact.
“We are stronger than we have ever been and the reason for this is because of the commitment that you all put in. When we walk, we make a mighty noise. The data that we put in the hands of people and the commitments that we make through our conventions are what make the difference,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.
The UNEP Executive Director selected winners based on a shortlist of nominations compiled by UNEP and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) jury members. The fourth edition received a record-breaking 69 nominations.
This year, Kipepeo won the UN Secretary-General Awards in the “Staff and Recognition Awards”, gaining visibility within the UN Secretariat.
About the winners
1. Innovation category: The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) is the first global satellite detection and notification system providing actionable data on large methane emissions around the world to governments and companies. It has employed several innovations to scan major methane emissions, validate data, and deliver it to stakeholders, enabling swift mitigation action. To date, it has notified stakeholders of over 300 major emission events.
2. Collaborative Teams category: The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) are three legally binding conventions that share the common objective of protecting the environment and human health from the adverse effects of hazardous chemicals and wastes. Teamwork within the Secretariat has facilitated UN-agency cooperation, fostered partnerships, and enhanced international negotiations.
3. Environmental Impact category: The Global Peatlands Initiative protects and conserves peatlands, the world's largest terrestrial organic carbon stock, and prevents carbon emissions. The initiative has delivered the science to inform policies and inspire action by mapping the extent and status of global peatlands, developing policies that recognize their uniqueness, identifying financial solutions to boost blended finance and investing in healthy peatlands.
Special Nomination
The Air Pollution Management in Asia and Pacific Region programme supports UNEP Member States with high-quality data, regional information and knowledge sharing, policy design, and institutional and technical capacity-building. Expertise within the team ranges from scientific and technical expertise in chemicals and pollution, research, administration and finance, and intergovernmental affairs, among others.
