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Governments, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, major groups, the private sector and civil society, individually or collectively, have a role in environmental governance.   At the international level, multilateral environmental agreements have been increasingly playing an important role.  Regional organizations and bodies provide forums for policy development and implementation in regions.  The scientific community has a specific role in providing a basis for scientifically sound and informed decision-making.  

UN system organizations and coordinating mechanisms (including the Chief Executives Board, Environment Management Group, and the UN Development Group) each play an important role in formulating policies relating to environmental governance.   At the national level, UN country teams and various UN agencies implement environment-related policies.

UNEP is the principal body of the UN in the field of the environment. UNEP’s role is to be the leading global environmental authority. This includes setting the global environmental agenda, promoting the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serving as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP works with relevant actors to enhance environmental governance by bridging science and policies, catalyzing the development and implementation of environmental policies and instruments, and supporting efforts of Governments to implement agreed environmental goals and objectives.