UNEP's Clearing-house, one of our youngest programmes, expands our roles of 'catalysis and co-ordination" in the field of technical co-operation. The Clearing-house acts as a benevolent broker, an impartial friend and advisor to match the colossal needs of the poor with the significant resources of the more affluent. It has been created to be used as an unprejudiced source of information and advice, and as a facilitator.