New Manual to Help NGOs Participate in MEA Negotiation and Implementation

The United Nations Environmental Programme recently released Negotiating and Implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements: A Manual for NGOs. This manual attempts improve civil society's participation in the formation and execution of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA).

The goal of the manual is to both strengthen multi-stakeholder participation and increase political momentum for effective MEA development, implementation and enforcement. It provides step-by-step background information and approaches, "inside the process" guidance, and expert advice on how stakeholders can effectively engage in developing and implementing MEAs.

The manual is divided into ten modules that explore the following areas of potential NGO participation:

• Introducing MEAs;
• The role of NGOs in MEA negotiations;
• National and regional preparations for MEA meetings;
• Networking;
• Using the internet;
• Attending MEA meetings;
• Gaining access to MEA negotiations and secretariats;
• Communicating to news media;
• Implementation, monitoring and compliance of MEAs; and
• Obtaining funding for MEA-related projects.

NGOs are important actors during the negotiations and implementation of MEAs. For example, NGOs are integrated in local communities and can act as an important bridge and interface between citizens, governments and multilateral organizations. They also can act as watchdogs that contribute to improved compliance with, and enforcement of, international commitments at the local and national level.

The manual is available at this address (PDF).