GRID-Arendal Biennium Report 2008 - 2009

2.3 Polar & Cryosphere Programme Goal:

The global dimensions of polar and cryosphere issues influence decision-making world-wide, especially in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation; Polar and cryosphere-influenced ecosystems, and related indigenous and local cultures and economies, are conserved, and enabled to adapt to climate change where feasible. Purpose: Enhance the impact from UNEP’s work in relation to polar regions and the cryosphere, including strengthening UNEP’s science base and visibility in this field and communicating polar and cryosphere issues to decision-makers world-wide; Promote and enable the application of locally appropriate integrated ecosystem management and climate change adaptation mechanisms, with a focus on working through multi-sectoral partnerships; Enhance the effectiveness UNEP’s work with Indigenous Peoples (globally) and of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in the Arctic. Activities: According to the Work Plan activities of the Polar Programme under this Framework agreement were focusing on: • UNEP Key Polar Centre services, including leadership on UNEP IPY strategy implementation; • Linking of key Arctic and SIDS stakeholders to influence international policy and decisions on climate change, through “Many Strong Voices”; • Provision of information highlighting impacts from changing snow and ice in the Himalayas; • Assessment, outreach and capacity building in support of sustainable development and adaptation related to polar regions and the cryosphere; • Coordination and facilitation of Arctic component of UNEP policy for engagement with Indigenous Peoples and leadership in assessing and improving effectiveness of MEAs in the Arctic (coastal and marine focus). Contribution to UNEP Medium Term Strategy: The activities under this programme contribute to the following UNEP Medium-Term Strategy priorities: • Ecosystem management; • Environmental governance; • Disaster and conflict; • Climate change. Contribution to the UNEP’s Programme of Work Contributions were made to the UNEP’s Programme of Work for: • Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) on implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan through environmental assessment reports on biodiversity, ecosystems and cross-cutting thematic issues (A4) and environmental challenges and emerging issues for decision makers (A5); outreach and communication materials on findings of environmental assessments (A6); consultations on assessments (A8), meetings of environmental data and information working groups (B10); strengthening networks and partnerships (B4); advisory services (C2) and technical assistance (C3) to Governments; training of experts (C4); training of trainers (C410) and producing training and outreach materials (C6); • Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) on environmental assessment and progress reports for post-conflict countries and countries affected by disasters (A1); • Division of Communication and Public Information (DCPI) on dissemination of the environmental message of UNEP (A5); audio-visual exhibitions and presentations (A7); celebrations and public events (B5); campaigns and public events (B7); • Division of Regional Cooperation and Representation (DRC) on participation of Indigenous Peoples and their communities' in Environmental processes (C2). See Also Annex 1. Partners and leveraged resources: 9