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The Environment Policy Committee (EPOC) is responsible for implementing the environment part of the Organisation’s biennial programme of work once it is approved by the OECD Council. EPOC's Mandate is to provide a forum for Member governments to:
- Address common problems and encourage co-operation on new approaches to policy.
- Promote, in support of sustainable development, the integration of environmental and economic policies, technological innovation and diffusion, and the protection of unique environmental assets and ecosystems.
- Share data, information and experience; assess the environmental performance of Member countries.
- Promote the sharing of knowledge with non-member countries.
- Ensure that the views and expertise of non-government institutions are drawn upon in its work.
EPOC oversees four Working Parties -- on Global and Structural Policies, National Environmental Policies, Environmental Performance and Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology -- which are supported by Working Groups of experts on such topics as statistics, biodiversity, transport and waste (see EPOC structure). EPOC also co-operates closely with other OECD Committees and Bodies, participating in two Joint Working Parties -- on Trade and Environment and on Agriculture and Environment -- as well as in Joint Meetings of Experts on Taxation and Environment and Joint Meetings on Environment and Development. The Chemicals Committee, like EPOC, reports directly to the OECD Council. EPOC's Working Party on Chemicals and the Chemicals Committee together form the "Joint Meeting" which oversees the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) programme.
The OECD Environment Directorate functions as the Secretariat for a Task Force for the Implementation of the Environmental Action Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (EAP Task Force). Since 1993, the Task Force has provided a forum for dialogue and co-operation for countries in transition, and since 1998 has focused on the countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA).
The Annex I Expert Group on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is serviced jointly by the Environment Directorate and the Secretariat of the International Energy Agency (IEA). It undertakes analysis to support the negotiation and implementation of international agreements on climate change.
The Environment programme is carried out in co-operation with a range of global and regional international organisations such as the World Bank, UNEP, UNCSD, WHO, WTO, UNECE and the Council of Europe, and the Secretariats to the environment conventions (UNFCCC, CBD). Key research institutes around the world are also important partners, as is civil society represented through business, labour and non-governmental organisations (see stakeholder partners). EPOC is also actively engaging with key emerging economies. Global Forums on Sustainable Development provide a regular framework to substantiate the dialogue with non-OECD countries.
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