Sustainable Resource Management
Introduction
United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) -
a universally acceptable and internationally applicable scheme for the sustainable management of all energy and mineral resources.
What is UNFC? Fundamentals of UNFC explained (animation)
Key areas of work
In focus
UNECE Resource Management Week 2024
Including the 15th Session of the Expert Group on Resource Management
22 April (10:00) - 26 April (18:00) 2024
Tempus, Palais des Nations, Geneva
The UNECE Resource Management Week 2024, including the 15th session of the Expert Group on Resource Management (EGRM-15), will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, 22-26 April 2024.
Leaders, experts, and stakeholders in resource management will gather to discuss sustainable development challenges and opportunities. Our theme, "Assuring sustainability in resource management", will focus on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) and their pivotal role in resource management worldwide.
Guidebook on Critical Minerals for Sustainable Energy Transition to Support Intergenerational Action
Critical minerals are essential for the energy transition as are intergenerational equity in resource management and the engagement of youth. The EGRM Resource Management Young Member Group has developed the publication "Critical Minerals for the Sustainable Energy Transition: A Guidebook to Support Intergenerational Action”. This Guidebook serves as a crucial tool to aid policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society to navigate the complex landscape of mineral resources crucial for the global shift toward renewable energy technologies.
ECOSOC endorses UNRMS, paving the way for the implementation of sustainable resource management principles worldwide
A milestone for advancing sustainable resource management worldwide has been reached with the endorsement of the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). UNRMS is a set of principles and requirements that guide the planning, design, operation and closure of resource extraction and processing activities to balance economic development, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. The endorsement by ECOSOC opens the way for global application of UNRMS, recognizing its potential to help countries and companies manage natural resources sustainably.
Download UNRMS Principles and Requirements
UNFC applied for geothermal inventory at Waikato Region, New Zealand
Jacobs has published a comprehensive report applying UNFC for an inventory of geothermal projects in the Waikato Region in New Zealand. The report shows how UNFC has been successfully applied to compile a geothermal inventory of the Waikato Region in Aotearoa in New Zealand, marking a significant step forward in transparent and consistent reporting of energy potential. This initiative, commissioned by the Waikato Regional Council, utilized UNFC to assess existing, planned, and potential geothermal developments as part of its mandate for reporting on natural resources in the region. The full article published in THINK GEOENERGY is available here: UNFC applied for geothermal inventory at Waikato Region, New Zealand (thinkgeoenergy.com)
Highlights
A. Development and Implementation of UNFC and UNRMS
New UNFC and UNRMS documents and case studies are now available. UN are being increasingly adopted in various countries and regions due to their potential benefits in classifying and managing resources efficiently and sustainably. The continued development and implementation of UNFC and UNRMS is a crucial step towards responsible and equitable resource management worldwide.
- UNFC applied for geothermal inventory at Waikato Region, New Zealand - Jacobs has published a comprehensive report applying UNFC for an inventory of geothermal projects in the Waikato Region in New Zealand. The full article published in THINK GEOENERGY is available here: UNFC applied for geothermal inventory at Waikato Region, New Zealand (thinkgeoenergy.com)
- Work Plan of the Expert Group on Resource Management for 2024-2025 endorsed by UNECE Executive Committee on 4 December 2023.
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Resolution E/RES/2023/19 calls for global application of the United Nations Resource Management System Principles and Requirements.
- Guidance for the Application of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) for Mineral and Anthropogenic Resources in Europe" will assist regional and national authorities to establish and maintain a Project inventory of primary and secondary raw materials Projects in Europe.
B. Platform on Resilient Energy Systems
The Platform on Resilient Energy Systems was launched at the Committee on Sustainable Energy 32nd Session. Sustainable resource management, access to critical raw materials and sustainable management of hydrogen resources, including application of UNFC and UNRMS, have been flagged as priority areas.
- Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs)Toolkit - A curated collection of resources, including UNFC and UNRMS, designed to help UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), UN Country Teams, UN Resident Agencies, and other relevant UN stakeholders to engage with countries that seek to better comprehend, evaluate and enhance the sustainability and security of CETM supply chains. The Toolkit was developed under the leadership of the UN Regional Economic Commissions, in close consultation with other UN Working Group on Transforming the Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development members.
- Factsheet: UN tools for sustainable resource management
- Note on “Securing Access to Critical Raw Materials in the UNECE Region: Challenges and Opportunities” prepared for Committee on Sustainable Energy 32nd Session. The note delves into the significant issues of accessing CRMs, which play a vital role in low-carbon energy transition and various sectors, including renewable energy, digital technologies, and healthcare. It outlines the primary challenges and risks that impact the demand and supply of CRMs, such as geopolitical tensions, environmental impacts, market distortions, and technological changes.
- Policy Briefs: G20 - T20 Policy Brief - Ensuring Sustainable Supply of Critical Minerals for a Clean, Just and Inclusive Energy Transition (2023) and UN-Energy Policy Brief: Aligning Critical Raw Materials Development with sustainable development (2023)
- Concept Note and Proposed Actions: Application of UNFC and UNRMS to Hydrogen Projects
C. Other resources
Recent Events
15 March
