It is important to consider the needs, roles and skills of women in efforts to protect the environment, both in order to recognise the potential negative impacts of gender-blind policies on the livelihoods of women, and also because of the many ways that drawing on women's abilities and knowledge can increase the effectiveness of programmes. This is according to a paper by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that calls for action, implementation, and for empowerment and encouragement of women's leadership.