1
Demonstrating the Relevance of SDGs to National and Sectoral Priorities Using Integrated
Environmental Assessment (IEA) Tools
Livia Bizikova and Laszlo Pinter, IISD
April 8, 2014
Sustainable Development Transition Forum
Incheon, Korea
2
Session overview
• Introduction and opening slides (20 min)
• Plenary discussion on linkages between SD
priorities/goals and development strategies (20 min)
• DPSIR and SD goals (slides and plenary/group activity)
(30 min)
• SD goals and indicators (slides and plenary activity) (30
min)
• Policies and communicating relevant for the SD goals
(slides and group activity) (20 min)
3
Project overview
• Building on UNEP/IISD GEO/IEA training
•
•
•
•
program started around 2000
Longer-term project started in 2009 and
ended in July 2013;
Training module; 4 capacity-building events
for medium-level decision makers (approx.
145 people) in 2 countries and 2 regional
events
Training module and its revisions (2011 and
2013); review paper, submitted journal
paper
Future projects on TOT, national trainings,
data support documents
4
Rationale for this session
• Regarding National Development Plans .....
• Tend to be driven by consultants rather than consultations
• Silo structure with sectoral goals and objectives
→ lost
opportunities for synergies and integration
• Short term planning horizon, usually tied to the political
business cycle
• Increasingly responsive to global sustainable
development agendas → hence opportunities to build
synergies with SD priorities and goals
5
Rationale for this session
• Regarding implementation…..
“Tendency not to take on a specific SD goal due to
perception it belongs to a single Ministry and not
relevant to others”
“What is the national development plan and how does
the goal fit into it. Need to show that the goal fits into
the plan and is not additional work.”
“They need to highlight what the national benefit is of
the SD goals. The minister needs to see how and why
it is good for the country”
6
Approaches to mainstreaming
• Mainstreaming helps enhance the policy development targeting
agreements, key issues by increasing policy coherence,
addressing trade-offs and capturing the opportunities for
synergistic results in terms of meeting social, economic and
environmental priorities
• An informed inclusion of relevant concerns (adaptation,
environment) into the decisions of institutions that drive
national, local and sectoral development policy, rules, plans,
investment and action.
• In this respect, the understanding of mainstreaming is close to
“integration” or “reciprocal mainstreaming”, indicating that both
the context and the development aims are considered as
important as environmental/adaptation aims, and that all three
aspects should closely interact (Dalal-Clayton & Bass, 2009).
7
Active policy-makers
• Surveys by Maiello et al. (2013) showed that managers and
policy-makers rely on knowledge provided by external experts
and collaboration with peers and other stakeholders.
• Limited capacity of policy-makers to bridge domains (Naylor et
al., 2012) and integrate different types of knowledge and
across different stakeholders’ group
• A critical process when focusing on mainstreaming is thus
increasing the capacities of policy-makers to act as active
“integrators” and transcend the boundaries of their sectors and
agencies (Feldman and Kademian, 2007).
• Such active roles could be strengthened by improving the
capacities and competences of integrators by recognizing and
institutionalizing more flexible mechanisms in collaboration and
interactions (van Buuren & Edelenbos, 2004; Cornell et al.,
2013).
8
MEAs
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and
Wildlife to the Convention for the Protection and
Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider
Caribbean Region (SPAW)
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• The Convention on Wetlands -- "Ramsar Convention“
9
Examples of SD goal proposals
Theme
Goal
Subgoal
Goal 8. Energy and
climate change
Climate change is effectively
addressed while access to
clean and sustainable energy
is significantly improved
8.1. Everyone has access to sufficient energy
and consumption is efficient and sustainable
8.2. The generation of clean and sustainable
renewables has increased.
8.3. The rate of GHG concentration increase in
the atmosphere has been reduced
Improve farming practices,
rural infrastructure, and access
to resources for food
production to increase the
productivity of agriculture,
livestock and fisheries, raise
smallholder incomes, reduce
environmental impacts,
promote rural prosperity, and
ensure resilience to climate
change
6.a. Ensure sustainable food production systems
with high yields and high efficiency of water, soil
nutrients, and energy, supporting nutritious diets
with low food losses and waste
6.b. Halt forest and wetland conversion to
agriculture, protect soil resources, and ensure
that farming systems are resilient to climate
change and disasters
6.c. Ensure universal access in rural areas to
basic resources and infrastructure services (land,
water, sanitation, modern energy, transport,
mobile and broadband communication,
agricultural inputs and advisory services)
(Source: ASEF Small
Planet report)
Goal 6: Improve
agriculture systems
and raise rural
prosperity
(Source: SDSN)
10
IMPLEMENTATION
AND REPORTING
#1 Clarify
Focal SDG,
Status and
Linkages with
Development
Priorities
Tool #6: Policy
Planning Brief
[Day 4 am]
Tool #5: Policy
Stress Testing
using Existing
Scenarios
[Day 3 pm]
Tool #1: Priorities
Mapping using
Ecosystem Wellbeing Linkages
[Day 1 am/pm]
#2 Identify
#6 Prepare
Policy
Planning Brief
SDG
Outcome
Planning
#5 Assess
Risks and
Opportunities
and Improve
and Adapt as
Necessary
Steps in the
process
Synergies
Among Focal
SDGs
[Day 2 am]
#3 Articulate
Desired
Future
Outcomes
#4 Identify
Portfolio of
Policies for
Achieving
Future
Outcomes
Tool #2:
Synergy
Mapping using
DPSIR Analysis
Tool #4: Policy
Mapping and
Back-casting
[Day 3am]
Tool #3: Setting
the Challenge
Scenario
[Day 2 pm]
11
Tool #1
Priorities
Mapping
Map the connections
between the
subgoals of the
SDGs and the
elements of a
selected national
priority
SDG1
SDG
Subgoal
Water
availability
and access:
Safe and
affordable
water is
provided for
all and the
integrity of
the water
cycle is
ensured
9.1. Water
consumption of
households and all
economic sectors is
efficient and
sustainable
9.2. Infrastructure is
available and well
maintained to ensure
a sufficient and safe
water supply
9.3. The integrity of
the water cycle has
been achieved
through widespread
adoption of integrated
water resources
management
Sector priorities or SDG2
Priority
elements
National / sector
development
priority
Maternal
health
Human
health
Healthy
lifestyles
?
Universal
access to
sanitation
…
…
…
12
Tool #1
Priorities
Mapping
Map the connections
between the
subgoals of the
SDGs and the
elements of a
selected national
priority
SDGs
SDG
Subgoal
Development
Priority
Priority
elements
National / sector
development
priority
14
IMPLEMENTATION
AND REPORTING
#1 Clarify
Focal SDGs,
Status and
Linkages with
Development
Priorities
Tool #6: Policy
Planning Brief
[Day 4 am]
Tool #5: Policy
Stress Testing
using Existing
Scenarios
[Day 3 pm]
SDG
Outcome
Planning
#5 Assess
Risks and
Opportunities
and Improve
and Adapt as
Necessary
Mapping using
Ecosystem Wellbeing Linkages
[Day 1 am/pm]
#2 Identify
#6 Prepare
Policy
Planning Brief
Tool #1: Priorities
Synergies
Among Focal
SDGs
[Day 2 am]
#3 Articulate
Desired
Future
Outcomes
#4 Identify
Portfolio of
Policies for
Achieving
Future
Outcomes
Tool #2:
Synergy
Mapping using
DPSIR Analysis
Tool #4: Policy
Mapping and
Back-casting
[Day 3am]
Tool #3: Setting
the Challenge
Scenario
[Day 2 pm]
15
Knowledge gained from data is fundamental to our
understanding of environmental/socio-economic
issues as well as for communicating information to
policy-makers and other groups in society.
Without good quality, relevant data and indicators,
assessments/recomendations loses not only
valuable communication tools, but also credibility
and the ability to measure progress towards
sustainability goals and objectives.
UNEP (2008); IEA, Module 4
16
Small
Planet
SDG
indicators:
Health
and
Population
17
IMPLEMENTATION
AND REPORTING
#1 Clarify
Focal SDGs,
Status and
Linkages with
Development
Priorities
Tool #6: Policy
Planning Brief
[Day 4 am]
Tool #5: Policy
Stress Testing
using Existing
Scenarios
[Day 3 pm]
SDG
Outcome
Planning
#5 Assess
Risks and
Opportunities
and Improve
and Adapt as
Necessary
Mapping using
Ecosystem Wellbeing Linkages
[Day 1 am/pm]
#2 Identify
#6 Prepare
Policy
Planning Brief
Tool #1: Priorities
Synergies
Among Focal
SDGs
[Day 2 am]
#3 Articulate
Desired
Future
Outcomes
#4 Identify
Portfolio of
Policies for
Achieving
Future
Outcomes
Tool #2:
Synergy
Mapping using
DPSIR Analysis
Tool #4: Policy
Mapping and
Back-casting
[Day 3am]
Tool #3: Setting
the Challenge
Scenario
[Day 2 pm]
18
Example – Telling an Integrated Story
HUMAN SOCIETY
DRIVERS
Step 1
Population growth
PRESSURES
IMPACTS
Step 2
Step 1
Direct influence
through human
interventions
Agriculture
Sewage
Discharge
well-being
RESPONSES
Step 3
N and P regulation
Infrastructure
Bottle water
STATE AND TRENDS
Erosion
- Access to clean water
- Nourishment
- health
Services
- Fresh water
- Food
- Recreation
Step 1
River water quality–
declining
ENVIRONMENT
Step 1
What is happening to the environment and why?
Step 2
What are the consequences for the environment and humanity?
Step 3
What is being done and how effective is it?
19
Creating a Policy Map – A System Perspective
DRIVERS
Indirect influence through human development
PRESSURES
IMPACTS
Policy 1
Policy 2
Anthropogenic
and natural
Aspects of
human wellbeing
Policy 3
Sectors
Policy 4
SDGs
Policy Map
Policy 8
Policy 7
Human influences
Natural processes
Policy 5
Policy 6
STATE and TRENDS
What is the key environment state addressed by the SDGs?
Ecosystem
services
impacted
20
Creating a Policy Map – Example
DRIVERS
Urban Growth
Job
creation
incentives
PRESSURES
Sewage Discharge
Spatial development
regulations
Food
imports
Infrastructure
expenditures
Sectors
SDGs
Policy Map
Human influences
Natural processes
Sewer
charges
Water
quality
standards
STATE and TRENDS
River Water Quality
In-situ
treatment
Water
imports
IMPACTS
Nutrition and
hydration
Livelihoods
Recreational and
Cultural
enjoyment
Decreased fish
catches
Less drinking
water
21
Developed by: Lisa Benjamin (Bahamas), Samuel Carrette (Dominica), Michelle Walters (St. Kitts and Nevis),
Laverne Walker (St. Lucia), Christopher Roberts (CEHI) and Jason Williams (Antigua and Barbuda)
22
Creating a Policy Map – A System Perspective
DRIVERS
Indirect influence through human development
PRESSURES
IMPACTS
Anthropogenic
and natural
Aspects of
human wellbeing
Sectors
SDGs
Policy Map
Human influences
Natural processes
STATE and TRENDS
What is the key environment state addressed by the SDGs?
Ecosystem
services
impacted
23
IMPLEMENTATION
AND REPORTING
#1 Clarify
Focal SDGs,
Status and
Linkages with
Development
Priorities
Tool #6: Policy
Planning Brief
[Day 4 am]
Tool #5: Policy
Stress Testing
using Existing
Scenarios
[Day 3 pm]
SDG
Outcome
Planning
#5 Assess
Risks and
Opportunities
and Improve
and Adapt as
Necessary
Mapping using
Ecosystem Wellbeing Linkages
[Day 1 am/pm]
#2 Identify
#6 Prepare
Policy
Planning Brief
Tool #1: Priorities
Synergies
Among Focal
SDGs
[Day 2 am]
#3 Articulate
Desired
Future
Outcomes
#4 Identify
Portfolio of
Policies for
Achieving
Future
Outcomes
Tool #2:
Synergy
Mapping using
DPSIR Analysis
Tool #4: Policy
Mapping and
Back-casting
[Day 3am]
Tool #3: Setting
the Challenge
Scenario
[Day 2 pm]
24
Policy Stress Testing
• To identify key policy performance risks and uncertainties
•
•
•
•
•
that could prevent achievement of SDGs
To identify key opportunities
To improve and adapt the portfolio of policies as
necessary to ensure maintain progress toward SDGs
Idea of policy stress testing is to identify key factors that
impact on policy performance
Then examine policy performance under plausible future
conditions that consider the most important and uncertain
factors
Can use existing scenario information to do this
25
GEO LAC 3 Scenarios:
26
GEO LAC 3 Scenarios
Relegated
Sustainability
Sustainability Reforms
GEO 4
Scenarios
Unsustainability and
Increased Conflicts
Transition to
Sustainability
27
Stress Test Questtions
• Risks: Is achievement of your desired SDG
target(s) at risk given the plausible future
conditions outlined in the scenario? If so, what
factors are likely to have the most impact, and
how? What adaptations for the portfolio of SDG
policies are necessary to mitigate against the
potential risks?
• Opportunities: What opportunities does the
scenario present for achieving your desired SDGs
target(s) that have not yet been considered?
What actions are necessary for the portfolio of
SDG policies to be able to leverage the
opportunities that may present themselves in the
future?
28
IMPLEMENTATION
AND REPORTING
#1 Clarify
Focal SDGs,
Status and
Linkages with
Development
Priorities
Tool #6: Policy
Planning Brief
[Day 4 am]
Tool #5: Policy
Stress Testing
using Existing
Scenarios
[Day 3 pm]
SDG
Outcome
Planning
#5 Assess
Risks and
Opportunities
and Improve
and Adapt as
Necessary
Mapping using
Ecosystem Wellbeing Linkages
[Day 1 am/pm]
#2 Identify
#6 Prepare
Policy
Planning Brief
Tool #1: Priorities
Synergies
Among Focal
SDGs
[Day 2 am]
#3 Articulate
Desired
Future
Outcomes
#4 Identify
Portfolio of
Policies for
Achieving
Future
Outcomes
Tool #2:
Synergy
Mapping using
DPSIR Analysis
Tool #4: Policy
Mapping and
Back-casting
[Day 3am]
Tool #3: Setting
the Challenge
Scenario
[Day 2 pm]
29
Policy Brief Template
(max 2 pages)
1. Key SDG commitments and their relevance to national
development priorities:
...[summarize results from Tool #1 Priorities Mapping]…
2. Synergies and Important Stakeholders within and outside of
government:
… [summarize the results of Tool #2 Synergies Mapping]…
3. Possible future SDG outcome targets:
…[summarize the results of Tool #3 Policy Mapping]…
4. Existing Policy Inventory and Recommendations:
…[summarize the results of Tool #4
5. Risks and Opportunities for Achieving Outcomes:
….[summarize the results of Tool #5 Policy Stress Testing]…