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
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
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