C2n Integrated assessment and planning for sustainable development
Hussein Abaza, UNEP, Geneva
Key issues to be addressed
This session will address trends and issues in integrated assessment and planning (IAP). It has two main objectives:
• Generally, to take stock of the status of IAP systems and processes that are in place or emerging in different countries and international agencies; and
• Specifically, to review lessons of experience from the UNEP initiative on building capacity in the application of IAP frameworks and tools.
Recently, there has been considerable work and experimentation in the area of integrated assessment and planning. New elements and tools for undertaking this approach are emerging all the time. For their promise to be fully realised, however, a number of institutional and methodological issues need to be resolved. Specifically, how can different forms of impact assessment be linked within mainstream policy-making and planning processes in support of sustainable development? And where does SEA fit in this larger scheme of things?
In order to address such questions, UNEP has initiated a project to assist countries in enhancing their capacity to undertake integrated assessment and planning (IAP) for sustainable development. A series of pilot projects are underway to test a strategic framework and approach as part of the policy and planning procedures of selected developing or transitional countries. The goal is to link IAP to the larger international agenda for achieving the Millinuim Development Goals, particularly those related to achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction, and role of trade in achieving both (as referred to in the WSSD Plan of Implementation). It ensures that the economic, environmental and social considerations are evaluated with reference to sustainability criteria at all stages of plan or policy formulation. Other aspects of this approach include focussing on the root causes of problems rather than only treating symptoms, identifying win-win options and providing opportunities for public participation.
Key elements, principles and tools for undertaking IAP will be summarised, together with recent experience in their pilot applications in countries participating in the UNEP initiative. Other perspectives on and examples of IAP process and practice are sought to round out the review of IAP experience internationally and to facilitate a comparative analysis of the UNEP projects
This session forms part of the stream on SEA and international development cooperation and capacity building and there will be opportunity to discuss IAP experience in relation to this larger agenda