Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Political division and conflict are increasingly diminishing humanity’s capacity to pursue environmental protection and sustainable development. As armies wage war, the environment is caught in the crossfire, jeopardizing essential ecosystem services and threatening everyone – including those who live in other countries that depend on natural resources from crisis-hit areas.
Goal 16 and the environment
Strong institutions are the foundation of a healthy environment that provides for everyone. Without improved institutions, the proportion of the world’s poor living in resource-rich nations is expected to rise from 20 per cent to 50 per cent by 2030. Meanwhile, environmental degradation and inequitable access to natural resources are driving migration, instability and conflict.
All countries have at least one environmental law or declaration, but there are notable gaps between environmental legislation and regulation. This weak implementation and enforcement mean environmental crimes are still prevalent. Environmental rule of law is when governments ensure that environmental laws related are widely understood, respected, and enforced. This is necessary for sustainable development and provides a legal and moral foundation for environmental rights and obligations to be exercised.
UNEP’s work on Goal 16
Humanity is engaging in the largest number of violent conflicts since 1946, while corruption, poaching, and illegal logging continue to undermine environmental protection. Ending armed conflicts, strengthening institutions, and enacting legislation that protects the rights of all are necessary for sustainable development. Adopting, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws and respecting the environmental rule of law will be crucial to the protection of human rights and planetary health.
UNEP is urging governments to adapt existing legislation to reflect the 2022 UN General Assembly declaration that everyone has a right to a healthy environment. UNEP also helps governments lay the foundations for smart environmental laws that include clear standards and are tailored to national and local contexts.
UNEP supports individuals and groups who are defending their environmental rights, and identifies solutions to mitigate the abuse of environmental rights, which affects a growing number of people in many parts of the world.
Wadi El Ku Catchment Management Project
With support from the European Union, UNEP is helping farmers in Sudan's North Darfur region better manage scarce supplies of water, helping them adapt to climate change, and reducing conflicts over natural resources. Many of those benefitting from the project are women.
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