The EMG at its 6th session in February 2004 decided to focus on the issue of environmental aspects of capacity building to identify the possible contribution and added value of the EMG to the ongoing efforts of the UN system in this area. In particular, in facilitating more coordinated information exchange and data on lessons learned, experiences and methodologies within the UN system through establishing a resource library within the EMG framework.
The Group decided to establish an Issue Management Group (IMG) on capacity building to do further work and analysis on the potential and the added value of the EMG’s work vis- avis the existing information exchange framework /networks within the UN system. The IMG was mandated to develop a situation/needs analysis in the area of environmental aspects of capacity building in the two pilot areas of biodiversity and chemicals.
The aim of these analyses would be to provide an overview on the major environment related capacity building exercises within the UN system as well as the existing information exchange networks, their products, challenges and the existing gaps in further enhancement of information exchange in the above areas. Such overviews shall help in identifying the needs and gaps, the potentials of the EMG in responding to these needs, and also in defining the scope of a possible resource library. The work of the IMG will also contribute to the UNEP Intergovernmental Strategic Plan for technology support and capacity building (ISP).
The outcome of the pilot surveys will determine the future work of the EMG in defining the scope and the design of a possible resource library. Based on the achieved results, the same approach could be taken in addressing environmental capacity building in other areas such as climate change, desertification, etc…