European regional consultative meeting in preparation for the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF) and the 11th Special Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GCSS.XI/GMEF) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

 The consultative meeting took place in Geneva 12-13 January 2010. The following themes of the Provisional Agenda have been discussed by participants: Enhancing synergy among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; Environment in the Multilateral System; and drafting a European regional Statement to the GCSS.XI/GMEF

During the first day’s afternoon, the participants got into four working groups to draft the Statement. The Batani Fund representative headed the work of the group on Biodiversity and ecosystems, resulting in a document reflecting the following aspects: International Environmental Governance; Rio plus 20 Summit; Enhancing synergy among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; Biodiversity and Ecosystems; Green economy: See UNEP ERCM Statement and Regional Statements 2010.

The second working day was devoted to the future of the UNEP National Committees in Europe. Representatives of all committees reported on the last year activity, also the Batani Fund director was given the floor. Yana Dordina informed executives of the UNEP Regional office for Europe on the Fund activity and expressed readiness for mutual cooperation.