About the Committee
(Russian)
The ECE’s concern with problems of the environment
dates back at least to 1971, when the group of Senior
Advisors to the ECE governments on environmental
issues was created which led into establishment
the Committee on Environmental Policy (CEP).
The
terms of reference of the Committee were developed to reflect
the changing political conditions in the region and in October 2003 the Committe adopted
the strategic goals contained in the document "
Future
UNECE strategic directions for the Environment",
to become a guide for the Committee for the five/ten
years to structure and continuosly adapt its programme
of work.
The Committee on Environmental Policy (CEP) (see
member
States of the UNECE) meets annually, non-governmental
organizations are invited to participate in those
meetings. The Committee provides collective
policy direction in the area of environment and
sustainable development, prepares ministerial meetings,
develops international environmental law and supports
international initiatives in the region.
Its
main aim is to assess countries' efforts to reduce
its overall pollution burden and manage its natural
resources, to integrate environmental and socioeconomic
policies, to strengthen cooperation with the international
community, to harmonize environmental conditions
and policies throughout the region and to stimulate
greater involvement of the public and environmental
discussions and decision-making.
The Committee’s work is based on the three
strategic pillars: