Freshwater is one of UNEP's priority areas of concern. Through its work on water policy and strategy, UNEP addresses the issues of inadequate quantity, declining quality and insufficient access, while also promoting a better understanding of the linkages between freshwater, coastal areas and the marine environment. Working with other UN partners, and through the newly established UNEP Collaborating Centre on Water for the Environment, UNEP assists countries to integrate environmental considerations into efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and in attaining the environmentally related water and sanitation targets agreed to at WSSD and other recent international forums.

Key water-related activities include: the Global International Waters Assessment; the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities; the Global Environmental Monitoring System's freshwater quality programme, GEMS/WATER; and the Dams and Development Project.

Areas of expertise:Environmental monitoring, assessment, early-warning systems, policy development, law, water, marine pollution, biodiversity, chemicals, hazardous waste, energy, atmosphere, economic instruments, trade, sustainable consumption, cleaner production, urbanization.

Media contact:
Eric Falt
Director/Spokesman
UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information
UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-2-62-3292
Fax: +254-2-62-3692/3927
E-mail: eric.falt@unep.org

Jim Sniffen
Information Officer, UNEP New York
Tel: +1-212-963-8094
Fax: +1-212-963-7341
E-mail: sniffenj@un.org