Accordingly, the United Nations Conference on Human Environment held in Stockholm in June 1992 identified as a priority the need for the conservation of biological diversity. The Action Plan on Programme Development and Priorities adopted in 1973 at the first session of UNEP's Governing Council (GC), identified the "conservation of nature, wildlife and genetic resources" as a priority area. Since then, the conservation of biological diversity constitutes one of the main activities undertaken by UNEP

The main objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness of the dangers of lead exposure from paint and to facilitate discussions about how to establish legal limits on lead paint and potential next steps in Jamaica and the Caribbean region.

The action plan is a response to the call by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) for the development and adoption of an environment initiative to address Africa’s environmental challenges, while at the same time combating poverty and promoting social and economic development.