harmonization of information for multilateral environmental agreements inter-linkages conference,...

Harmonization of Information for Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo 14-16 July 1999

Mark Collins Chief Executive

World Conservation Monitoring Centre

14 July 1999

Implementation of MEAs

Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo, 14-16 July 1999

Set objectives



Establish targets

Set objectives



Implement actions

Establish targets

Set objectives



Implement actions

Establish targets

Set objectives

Monitor results

Solution

Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, 14-16 July 1999

•Establish clear and measurable environmental targets•Identify indicators of success•Monitor them through the MEAs by dividing up the work & focusing reporting procedures

Constraints


•Gaps not covered by any treaty•Duplication•Different party constituents•Lack of agreed baseline data and indicators•Poor capacity for monitoring & reporting

Lessons from the Private Sector


•Hostile or friendly take-overs•Specialise & create network organisation•Pay attention to customer needs & pressures•Provide proper reports to shareholders•Act upon those reports to improve performance

Tactics


•Review treaties and establish potential for greater cooperation•Be clear about what is needed from MEAs as a whole•Establish proper reporting standards and success indicators

Conference Themes


•Information management•Finance•Issue management•Scientific mechanisms•Synergies for sustainable development

Difficulties in monitoring


•Parties lack the capacity to do baseline studies or monitor environmental change•Reporting is inconsistent & cannot be aggregated•Some treaties lack enough parties to provide a global picture

Role of Information Working Group


•Harmonise information in MEAs•Identify complementarity and gaps•Identify ways to share datasets•Harmonise reporting•Improve collection, organisation and dissemination of information

Find ways to:

Achievements so far


•UNEP identified as the lead in environmental assessment and early warning•WCMC Feasibility Study on Shared Information Management for Biodiversity Treaties•UNDP/SEED Expert Meeting on Synergies in National Implementation of Rio Agreements

Non-MEA Environmental Reports


•Global Environmental Outlook (UNEP)•World Development Report (UNDP)•World Resources Report (UNDP/UNEP/World Bank/WRI)

Information CBD CITES CMS Ramsar WHCECOSYSTEMSEcosystems and habitatsecosystems habitat types traditional use SPECIESClassification, names and identification

higher taxonomy scientific name common names identification materials

Shared Information Requirements Across MEAs

Informationmodulesprovided

Informationmodulesrequired

InternationalConvention

(i)


(ii)


(iii)

NationalAgency

A

NationalAgency

B

NationalAgency

C

Modular Reporting Reduces Duplication

Building Capacity at National Level


•Systematically assess national needs across all countries•Devise appropriate training programmes•Transfer information technology

The UNEP/GEF project Biodiversity Data Management has made a good start & should be extended

Helping the Secretariats


•Build IT capacity•Outsource services to specialists•Regular coordination of conventions

Time for Action


•Improve national monitoring and reporting procedures•Systematically build capacity for information management•Harmonise the work of the Secretariats

harmonization of information for multilateral environmental agreements inter-linkages conference,...

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