Abstract Integration of environment and development tasks within the United Nations has not occurred. Lacking the capacity for coordination, the UN development system does not handle complex, cross-cutting issues such as the environment well. Changes in the relationship of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with its executing agencies make a review of its environmental activities particularly urgent. As UNDP assumes greater direct responsibility for its project portfolio it must develop the technical skills to ensure that the environmental imperative is respected. UNDP's current approach to these issues does not suffice to meet the needs of environmental management and the move to more sustainable patterns of development.