The Value-Chain Approach to action on Sustainable Consumption and Production

TIME: 1.30pm Central European Time / 3.30pm East Africa Time

DURATION: 1h30

LOCATION: UNEA (Digital Side Event)

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In this digital event on the sidelines of the 5th UNEA, members of the International Resource Panel and One Planet network Task Group will present the Value-Chain Approach and discuss how it can strengthen the science policy-interface on sustainable consumption and production. It will share findings from its application to three critical sectors: food, construction and textiles.

The Value-Chain Approach is a methodology for catalysing science-based policy action on sustainable consumption and production. Its purpose is to identify key points of intervention within economic systems to reduce natural-resource use and environmental impacts caused by production and consumption, and to define a common agenda for action. The approach is the product of the IRP and the One Planet network Task Group, an 18-month collaboration that formed in response to a resolution on sustainable consumption and production at the 4th UN Environment Assembly, composed of experts on natural-resource use from the IRP, and practitioners on sustainable consumption and production from across the One Planet network.

The report entitled “Catalysing science-based policy action on Sustainable Consumption and Production: The value-chain approach & its application to food, construction and textiles” explains the ‘value-chain approach’ methodology and shares findings from analyses of three critical sectors: food, construction and textiles.

Programme

• Welcoming Remarks: Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme 
• The Value-Chain Approach: a new way to catalyse science-based policy action on SCP
• Panel Discussion: SCP in Action - Priorities and Opportunities in Food, Construction and Textiles
• Panel Q&A
• Closing Remarks

Speakers   

• Rodrigo Rodriguez Tornquist, Argentina Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Secretary of Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Innovation, & Chair of the 10YFP Board 
• Arthur Eijs, The Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, Policy Advisor 
• Izabella Teixeira, International Resource Panel, CoChair, former Minister of Environment, Brazil
• Rijit Sengupta, Centre for Responsible Business, India, Chief Executive Officer
• Lee-Hendor Ruiters, South Africa National Cleaner Production Center, Regional Manager, (representing Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries, Government of South Africa
• Moderated by Ligia Noronha, United Nations Environment Programme, Economy Division Director

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Background    

The science is clear on the need to decouple socio-economic development from natural-resource use, and the positive impacts this would have on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity and reducing pollution.

Yet this evidence does not always reach key decisions makers in a way that is relevant and actionable.

Stakeholders, whether governments or businesses, need comprehensive and tailored information to help identify priorities, implement strategies, and monitor impacts around the sustainable management of natural resources.

To meet this need, the United Nations Environment Assembly requested that the One Planet network and the International Resource Panel (IRP) form a Task Group to catalyse science-based policy action on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) (UNEP/EA.4/Res.1). In addition, it requested ‘...that the task group complete its work in time to present the outcome to the Environment Assembly at its fifth session.’

The IRP and One Planet network formed the Task Group comprising experts on natural-resource use from the IRP, and practitioners on SCP from across the One Planet network, in response to this resolution.