The
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has
expressed grave concern about the environmental
impact of the situation in the Middle East.
Of particular concern is the
oil spill which developed off the coast of Lebanon
after Israeli bombers hit the Jiyyeh power station
in mid July. The slick covers over 150 kilometres
of the coastline along Lebanon's Mediterranean
shore, and has reached Syria. It has been described
by environmentalists as the worst environmental
disaster in Lebanon's history.
The United Nations' response
to the environmental crisis is being coordinated
through the joint UNEP/OCHA Environmental Emergencies
Section, based in Geneva. From Athens, the UNEP
Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) is monitoring
the situation closely, supported by the Malta-based
Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre
for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC). The UNEP Regional
Office for West Asia (ROWA) is in regular contact
with the Government of Lebanon and other concerned
parties in the region. From London, the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) provides specific
guidance and coordination, as it relates to the
oil spill. For it's part, UNEP's Post-Conflict
Branch will take part in the United Nations Development
Group (UNDG) post-conflict needs assessment.
