This study reviews the current state of integration of environmental considerations in humanitarian action. It suggests how the environment should be consistently taken into account at all phases of humanitarian programming, leading to improved effectiveness, accountability and sustainability of humanitarian action. Over 100 people were consulted as part of this study, representing government, the donor community, UN agencies, NGOs and individual consultants/experts.
The study makes 12 key conclusions and recommendations, across four categories:
- System-wide accountability and responsibility: The UN, IASC, OCHA, humanitarian organisations and donors should address the lack of leadership and accountability for the environment during humanitarian actions. OCHA and UNEP should increase the political commitment and human and financial resources dedicated to the environment in humanitarian action.
- Mainstraming the environment at system and field level: OCHA and UNEP should develop a detailed proposal for action including a full analysis of at least five priority countries. Existing mechanisms to promote environmental mainstreaming should be better analysed. The environment should be mainstreamed within every stage of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle.
- Advocacy and evidence: More understanding and a strong evidence base are needed on the crucial benefits of mainstreaming the environment in humanitarian action. This includes detailed case studies built on field and management perspectives to provide evidence of what has and has not worked, and strong advocacy strategies targeted at humanitarian practitioners.
- Funding environment in humanitarian action: Donors should develop an environmental mainstreaming policy for humanitarian aid and integrate environmental mainstreaming while analysing programme proposals. Donors should commit to longer-term funding, and seek to strengthen the knowledge of programme officers and operational partners at desk and country levels, and establish a technical support helpdesk.
