Nairobi/Geneva,
18 August 2008 – An innovative mobile laboratory
developed by the Netherlands to support
international response to environmental
emergencies was officially inaugurated by
the Ministers of Environment and Development
Cooperation in The Hague today.
The modular unit, known
as the Environmental Assessment Module (EAM),
can be rapidly deployed for disasters involving
hazardous substances, together with the
relevant technical expertise and two fully-equipped
off-road vehicles. The one vehicle contains
a mobile measurement and analysis unit,
the other contains materials for logistical
support such as satellite equipment and
GPS. The entire unit can be transported
in a cargo aircraft. When deployed, the
EAM will be supported by a knowledge network
of research institutions and Ministries
in the Netherlands to ensure affected countries
receive the best available support.
Angela Cropper, the
Deputy Executive Director of the United
Nations Environment Programme, said: "This
rapidly deployable mobile laboratory will
help us to fulfil the urgent need to address
environmental emergencies from their onset.
This is an excellent example of integrating
environmental and humanitarian concerns".
The EAM will be used to
assess effects of environmental disasters.
It will mainly be deployed in countries
that lack the specialist knowledge or capacity
needed to deal with environmental disasters.
The development of the EAM is a joint initiative
of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Housing,
Spatial Planning and the Environment and
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following
recommendations by the international Advisory
Group on Environmental Emergencies. Its
development and deployment over a five-year
period involves a commitment by the Netherlands
of €1 million. Staff to operate the EAM
will be taught how to work under difficult
circumstances, deal with different cultures,
and work as a team to assist the United
Nations.
The Environmental Assessment
Module will be deployed only at the request
of the UN or other international organisations
wishing to make use of the expertise it
provides. Countries themselves may also
ask the Netherlands for help directly. A
primary client of the EAM will be the Joint
UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit (JEU), a collaborative
effort between two UN bodies – the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP) and the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
A leader in the field of environmental emergencies,
the JEU works with affected countries to
identify and mitigate acute negative impacts
stemming from disasters, providing independent,
impartial advice and practical solutions.
The Jeu most recently responded to assist
the Government of the Philippines with a
capsized ferry full of toxic pesticides.
“I wish to extend heartfelt
thanks to the Netherlands for their long-standing
commitment to supporting our endeavour to
respond even more rapidly and effectively,”
said Gerhard Putman-Cramer, Chief of OCHA’s
Emergency Services Branch and Deputy Director
of OCHA-Geneva. “In doing so, they continue
to set an important example for the international
community, and raise the quality standards
for international response to humanitarian
and environmental crises around the world.”
Notes to editors:
The Joint UNEP/OCHA
Environment Unit (JEU) is a collaborative
effort between two UN bodies – the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP) and the Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
– that mobilizes and coordinates international
response to environmental emergencies. It
serves to mobilize and coordinate international
assistance for environmental emergencies,
and helps countries to improve their preparedness
to respond to environmental emergencies.
The JEU works with affected countries to
identify and mitigate acute negative impacts
stemming from emergencies, providing independent,
impartial advice and practical solutions.
It also works with organizations dedicated
to medium and long-term rehabilitation to
ensure a seamless transition to the disaster
recovery process.
For more information, please visit: http://ochaonline.un.org/ochaunep
Mr. Nick Nuttall, UNEP Spokesperson, in
Nairobi,
