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Many environmental institutions were originally set up under different
conditions and to perform different functions from those they are expected
to exercise today. They now need to adapt to new roles and partnerships,
especially in view of the development of multiple, nested levels of action
from the global to the local, and the spread of responsibilities to civil
society. Many institutions are constrained by a lack of human capacity
and funding, despite increased environmental challenges, and this limits
their effectiveness. These are clearly issues that need to be addressed
if institutions are to fulfil their present obligations and confront emerging
environmental issues.
| What to aim for |
- Reform, streamline and strengthen existing environmental institutions.
Reforms should be directed towards creating flexibility, adaptability
and adequate capacity.
- Reinforce the linkages between global and local levels, and
ensure that implementation and capacity are passed on to local
authorities wherever possible.
- Rationalize the range of environmentally related mandates among
the many international organizations and conventions that result
in overlap, duplication, poor assignment of responsibilities and
difficulties in information sharing.
- Promote synergies between public institutions, think tanks and
the private sector to facilitate the exchange of ideas, capacity
and skills
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| Suggestions for Action |
| Improving policy performance monitoring |
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At the international level:
- Support the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and encourage
more countries to join
- Support international efforts to improve compliance with MEAs
and strengthen capacities to build effective national compliance
regimes
- Strengthen regular dialogue between the international community
and civil society through an open forum to discuss relevant environmental
policy issues, share ideas and propose recommendations
Within civil society:
- Strengthen the existing monitoring of political will and performance,
continue to raise awareness of environmental concerns and act
as a 'watchdog' over the private sector, governments and international
organizations
- Encourage individual responsibility and provide the missing
link between people and policy development
- Support private sector initiatives on environmental performance
standards and reporting, such as voluntary disclosure on progress
in stemming pollution, protecting environmental assets and promoting
sustainable development
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