What can we do that is worth doing and doable?

Transcription

1 A d i l N a j a m The Fletcher School of Law Diplomacy, Tufts University International Institute for Sustainable Development How has the system of Global Environmental Governance evolved, what problems and solutions have been identified, and why have they not worked? What does this mean for developing countries and for Biodiversity? What can we do that is worth doing and doable?

2 Available for download at: Symptoms #1. Identifying the Challenges Diagnosis Prescriptions #2. Analyzing the Problems #3. Proposals for Reform

3 #1. A Primer on the GEG Reform Debate There is much to celebrate in how the system has evolved, but success has bred challenges GEG: A story of success...

4 The motors of growth... More Rules & Norms More Money More Actors The challenges of growth... Proliferation, Fragmentation, Duplication Lack of Coordination & Cooperation Inefficient Use of Resources Lack of Implementation GEG outside & Effectiveness Environmental Arenas A System that remains State-Centric

5 Why do Reform efforts stall Lack of Leadership Proposal Negativity Antagonize GEG Foot Soldiers Why do Reform efforts stall System Inertia Global vs. National Priorities Institutional Fiefdoms Developing Country Concerns

6 So, have these structural impediments to reform disappeared? NO! Is the System be Ripe for Reform Now? MAYBE

7 We have learnt a few things about what might work Change in types of reform being called for Confluence of opinion that reform will not be easy, but is inevitable A Few Selected Challenges The challenges faced by the system are serious, but there are also silver linings

8 Climate Change This was Climate s Year Climate was never just about Climate Build on the Momentum that has been generated Separate (Parallel) (sub-) Regime for Mitigation and Adaptation Expansion of space for all Stakeholders and Actors Climate is the Model for Knowledge-Driven Global Policy Learning and Building on IPCC and MEAs Knowledge- Based Policy Lets Not Overdo on replication Knowledge as a Tool for Inclusion, Not Exclusion Central Role for providing space for multi-actor, global, Knowledgecreation

9 Performance (Implementation, Compliance, Enforcement, Effectiveness) Moving from Negotiation Focus to Implementation Focus Clustering: Need for Small Steps, Careful Steps Moving Action to National and Local Not enough money where it is needed Available money not used efficiently We are in a LOSE- LOSE situation: Although not enough ; more money than we think Resource Efficiency

10 #3. Elements of a Reform Agenda Meaningful and workable reform initiatives are possible Designing Reform Goals based on Long-term Vision Knowledge Coherence Leadership Performance Mainstreaming

11 Goal #1. Leadership Long Term Vision: GEG system commands attention and respect of world leaders; institutions managed by leaders of high calibre and commitment; all working for the interests of the system as a whole. Goal #1. Leadership ~ Political, business, Mobilize a coalition of high civil society leaders & profile, well-known, and widely popular personalities respected world leaders, who ~ At multiple forums, G8, UNGA, EU Summits, can visibly and consistently WEF, WSF, etc. champion GEG reform.

12 Goal #1. Leadership ~ One person can be Streamline the process of head of more than one selecting leaders of related organization ~ Criteria should be environmental organizations demonstrated political and with the explicit goal of managerial competence improving the GEG system as a ~ Best time to influence is at time of whole. selection Goal #1. Leadership Once selected, leaders of global environmental organizations should be given the independence and resources to lead their institutions towards excellence. ~ Ability to recruit best people and bring in a senior management team of their choice

13 Goal #2. Knowledge Long Term Vision: The GEG system should be a knowledge-based and knowledge-producing system; science should be the authoritative basis of sound environmental policy. Goal #2. Knowledge UNEP should become a preeminent convener and catalyst of authoritative, cross-cutting, and relevant science on issues related to the global environment. ~ Create a highly-independent, highprofile, and high-level office of Chief Scientists within UNEP

14 Goal #2. Knowledge Strengthen and rationalize knowledge cooperation within the GEG system. ~ Ensure participation of non-state actors in knowledge creating and knowledge sharing ~ Integrate various SBSTAs, reduce their number, enhance scientific profile, and depoliticize ~ Make knowledge-production inclusive by ensuring fair representation of developing country experts Goal #2. Knowledge Ensure the independence and authoritativeness of scientific assessments produced by GEG system, especially UNEP. ~ UNEP should become convener of choice for independent, topical, integrated assessments modeled after IPCC ~ Restructure GEO to model after Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in format and process as independent, periodic review of environmental performance

15 Goal #3. Coherence Long Term Vision: The GEG system should operate as a coherent system but does not need a super-organization ; the goal is reasonable coordination, regular communication, and a shared sense of direction. Goal #3. Coherence UNDESA/DSD ECE Basel UNIDO World Bank ESCWA UNU UNITAR UNHCR ESCAP UNDP UPU HABITAT UNFCCC IMO UNESCO UNCTAD CMS UNCCD ICAO ISDR FAO CBD OCHA Ramsar UNEP WFP WIPO GEF ILO WHO CITES UNICEF IFAD ECLAC WMO IAEA ITU WTO (tourism) ITC OHCHR WTO (trade) ECA UNFPA

16 Regular Communication and Project- Specific Coordination as Needed Regular Information-Sharing and Joint Priority Setting Regular High-level Coordination of Goals and Activities Goal #3. Coherence Environmental Organizations (e.g., UNEP, MEA secretariats, etc.) Development Organizations (e.g., UNDP, World Bank, etc.) Related Organizations (e.g., ICAO, UNICEF, UNESCO, etc.) Goal #3. Coherence The GMEF should evolve into the principal high-level forum for political decision-making on strategic issues related to global environmental governance. ~ All environmental organizations should report on environmental performance in their related area to the GMEF annually

17 Goal #3. Coherence A strengthened UNEP should serve as the hub of a coherent GEG system. ~ UNEP Executive Director should be the principal environmental advisor to the UN Secretary General ~ UNEP should concentrate on broad policy issues, capacity building, and knowledge generation, and not get involved in managing projects ~ UNEP should be given the resources necessary to fulfill its mandate, including the coordination mandate Goal #3. Coherence Efforts to combat MEA proliferation and negotiation fatigue should be accelerated ~ Reporting requirements of various MEAs should be streamlined, clustered, and made implementation-focussed ~ New issues should be dealt within existing bodies, existing and new experiments in MEA clustering should be encouraged

18 Goal #3. Coherence EMG should be restructured to meet the different coordination needs of different agencies ~ EMG should be strengthened and given the resources to fulfill its goal, and facilitate different levels of coordination amongst different agencies Don t let the perfect be the enemy of the good!