The Governing Council,
Reaffirming its view that there are inherent linkages between environmental, humanitarian and
development outcomes, and that there is a need to identify and address environmental risks linked to
natural and man-made disasters as defined in subprogramme 2 of the programme of work of the
United Nations Environment Programme, on disasters and conflicts,35
Welcoming the role of the United Nations Environment Programme as the focal point for
environment in respect of needs assessments carried out in the United Nations system and within the
humanitarian coordination system through the Inter-Agency Standing Committee cluster approach,
Noting with concern the extent to which the current limitations of international emergency
response systems could unintentionally amplify the environmental impacts of natural and man-made
disasters, and recognizing that greater efforts and support are needed to assist affected countries, upon
their request, to respond to and manage environmental risks and impacts,
Acknowledging the need to tackle the underlying factors that contribute to an increased risk of
disaster,
Expressing concern at the possible future impacts of climate change, such as increases in the
frequency, intensity and unpredictability of extreme hydrological and meteorological events, which
could contribute to corresponding increases in the number and scale of disasters and the need for
international assistance for prevention, response and recovery,
Taking into account the vulnerability of developing countries, including the most vulnerable,
such as small island developing States and least developed countries, to natural hazards and the
environmental impacts of natural and man-made disasters, which could undermine the attainment of
internationally agreed development goals such as the Millennium Development Goals,
Recalling General Assembly resolutions 44/224 of 22 December 1989, on international
cooperation in the monitoring, assessment and anticipation of environmental threats and in assistance
in cases of environmental emergency, and 46/182 of 19 December 1991 and 58/114 of 17 December
2003 on strengthening the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance by the United Nations,
Recalling also its decisions 21/17 of 9 February 2001 and 22/8 of 7 February 2003 on further
improvement of environmental emergency prevention, preparedness, assessment, response and
mitigation,
Noting that the medium-term strategy for the period 2010–2013 identifies disasters and
conflicts as one of six cross-cutting thematic priorities of the United Nations Environment Programme,
Welcoming the continued collaboration between the United Nations Environment Programme
and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, through their Joint Environment Unit, as
the principal multilateral tool for mobilizing and coordinating international response to environmental
emergencies,
Recalling the Hyogo Declaration and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015 adopted by
the General Assembly in its resolution 60/195 of 22 December 2005, which outline relevant principles
for disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness at all levels,
Noting with appreciation the development of specialized expertise within the United Nations
Environment Programme on mainstreaming environmental issues in humanitarian operations to
minimize possible environmental impacts and ensure that they do no harm with regard to longer-term
vulnerability and development,
Recalling also that, while it is a primary responsibility of Governments to establish, where
possible, adequate structures, procedures and capacities for responding to environmental risks,
preventive action and preparedness should always be prioritized as the means of dealing with such
risks stemming from natural and man-made disasters,