What does STAG mean in ADVISORY

STAG is a group of experts that provides both strategic and technical guidance to the decision-making process on environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The group's members are appointed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to bring together an international network of expertise, as well as facilitate collaboration between policymakers, scientists, academics, private sector stakeholders and civil society representatives.

STAG provides a range of advice in areas such as policy and regulation development, assessment of impacts from pollution and unsustainable resource use, establishment of economic instruments for environmental protection, improved access to scientific information, development of technical capacities to manage environment and resources, supporting evidence-based decision making and other actions to promote sustainable development.

The members of STAG are appointed by UNEP for their scientific expertise on the environment. They come from diverse backgrounds such as public health experts, hydrologists, economists, ecologists, conservation biologists or climate scientists among others.

STAG consists of virtual networks where members come together regularly to discuss various topics related to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Through this collaborative work they come up with innovative solutions which can be adopted by different actors worldwide. Also, webinars are organised in order for experts from different disciplines to interact with each other.

The frequency of meetings may vary depending on specific needs but meetings are usually held once every two years at most. During these meetings important decisions related to environmental protection are discussed among all participants so that international standards can be set for effective implementation at national level.

Since its creation in 2008 many accomplishments have been achieved through the efforts made by STG such as increased commitment from member countries to enforce existing environmental regulations more effectively across different sectors; improved integrated management plans for transboundary water basins; better access to information regarding existing regulations in different countries; enhanced collaboration between developed and developing countries concerning adaptation strategies; establishment of global early warning systems among others.

All findings produced by the members are presented during meetings where conclusions and recommendations can be debated among all participants before being accepted or revised accordingly depending on further considerations needed according to specific areas involved in the discussions. Additionally, reports are made available through UNEP’s website so that governments, civil society organisations, private sector stakeholders or any interested person can have access them easily.