United Nations Resource Management System

The United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) is a voluntary global standard for managing natural resources sustainably.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |title=United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/unfc-and-sustainable-resource-management/unrms |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}} It is based on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC).{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2020-12-31 |title=United Nations Resource Management System: An overview of concepts, objectives and requirements (ECE ENERGY SERIES No. 68) {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/publications/united-nations-resource-management-system-overview-concepts |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}} UNRMS aims to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing a comprehensive framework and methodology for resource progression, policy development, and financing.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2024-03-01 |title=How can sustainability standards transform the raw materials sector in a changing world {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/media/news/388718 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}}

Background

UNRMS is a sustainable resource management system developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It was created to address unsustainable resource supply and use patterns to mitigate environmental and societal impacts while ensuring long-term resource availability.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2022-11-09 |title=COP27: UNECE presents UN-approved system for natural resources management to support low-carbon transition {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/media/press/372724 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}} The UNRMS was initiated in 2017 and goes beyond classification, offering a holistic approach to resource management. It promotes technologies for efficient resource discovery, recovery, and processing. The UNRMS is a significant step towards harmonizing economic, environmental, and social objectives in resource utilization.{{Cite web |last=UCL |date=2024-03-01 |title=UCL to play leading role in world's first UN backed centre for circular economy research |url=https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/mar/ucl-play-leading-role-worlds-first-un-backed-centre-circular-economy-research |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=UCL News |language=en}}

Objectives and goals

UNRMS is a sustainable management framework that aims to enhance resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. It is designed to promote a circular economy by considering resources as interconnected elements of a broader ecosystem. The system supports stakeholders in adopting sustainable practices across various resource sectors, contributing to achieving SDGs and ensuring responsible production and use of natural resources for present and future generations.{{Cite web |last=Smyth |first=Vicky |date=2023-04-26 |title=UNRMS: A Cornwall Case Study |url=https://met4tech.org/unrms-a-cornwall-case-study/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=Met4Tech |language=en-GB}}

Framework and methodology

UNRMS framework is based on 12 fundamental principles and 54 requirements. It uses a unique methodology that assesses resources based on their environmental, social, and economic viability, technical feasibility and confidence in estimates. This approach is a sustainable pathway for resource progression, considering its impact on society and the environment.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2021-09-24 |title=Countries are committing to implementation of the United Nations Resource Management System {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/media/news/360243 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}} The methodology promotes high-impact technologies for efficient resource discovery, recovery, and processing, intending to advance sustainable resource management practices that can be adapted to various types of resources and geographical contexts.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2023-10-24 |title=Energy Ministers in Asia-Pacific invite application of United Nations Resource Management System Principles {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/news/energy-ministers-asia-pacific-invite-application-united-nations-resource |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}}

The fundamental principles of UNRMs are:

State rights and responsibilities in the management of resources
Responsibility to the planet
Integrated management of resources
Social engagement
Service orientation
Comprehensive resource recovery
Value addition
Circularity
Health and safety
Innovation
Transparency
Continuous strengthening of core competencies and capabilities.

Application and coverage

UNRMS extends its application across diverse resources, including minerals, petroleum, renewable energy, nuclear and anthropogenic resources, geological storage and groundwater. It is a versatile tool for stakeholders, encompassing governments, industries, and civil society, to manage resources that align with sustainable development goals.{{Cite web |last=British Geological Survey |date=2024-02-29 |title=British Geological Survey to help deliver UN ICE-SRM {{!}} Agg-Net |url=https://www.agg-net.com/news/british-geological-survey-to-help-deliver-un-ice-srm |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=www.agg-net.com |language=en}} UNRMS's coverage is not limited to isolated sectors but spans a region's entire resource base, promoting an integrated approach to resource management that supports policy development, technological advancement, and sustainable financing.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2023-08-30 |title=ECOSOC endorses UNRMS, paving the way for the implementation of sustainable resource management principles worldwide {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/circular-economy/press/ecosoc-endorses-unrms-paving-way-implementation-sustainable-resource |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=unece.org}}

Various regions have adopted UNRMS to improve the sustainability of their natural resource management, aligning with global sustainability goals and climate agreements.{{Cite web |last=UNECE |date=2024-04-05 |title=Cornwall, UK, applies UN Resource Management System to support sustainability of Critical Raw Materials mining {{!}} UNECE |url=https://unece.org/media/press/389683 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=unece.org}} Assessments have demonstrated the effectiveness of the UNRMS by identifying gaps in existing resource management systems and providing actionable recommendations for improvements, thereby proving its utility in enhancing sustainable development practices.{{Cite journal |last=UNECE |date=2024-02-08 |title=Optimizing Resource Management for Critical Raw Materials: A Case Study of the Application of the United Nations Resource Management System with Cornwall Regional Government, United Kingdom |url=https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/ECE_ENERGY_GE_3_2024_6%20UK%20UNRMS%20Case%20Study_ENG.pdf |journal=Fifteenth Session of the Expert Group on Resource Management}} UNRMS has proven effective at the sub-national level by providing a comprehensive framework that guides regions in enhancing their resource management systems, leading to improved sustainability and adherence to global environmental standards.