Developing Sustainability Strategies in Asia and the PACIFIC

Transcription

1 Developing Sustainability Strategies in Asia and the PACIFIC David Abbott Regional Macroeconomic and Poverty Reduction Advisor UNDP Pacific Centre Pacific Island Countries 15 countries covered by UNDP through 3 CO 5 LDCs (Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu & Vanuatu) 5 primarily atoll countries (Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tokelau & Tuvalu) 2 single island countries (Nauru and Niue) 8 mixed high/volcanic/reefs and atolls Region is not homogenous, many ethnic groups (even with countries) Huge distances, isolation, small populations 1

2 Pacific Islands Characteristics Pacific island economies traditionally largely subsistence based, heavily reliant on in-shore fisheries and coastal lowland agriculture Rural urban migration; increasing urbanisation, population densities increasing, social/environmental health declining, waste management issues especially on atolls Rural depopulation, rising dependency ratios, decreasing agricultural production declining food security High vulnerability; volcanic islands prone to earthquakes, low atolls, cyclones and El Nino affects (droughts in some places, too much rain in others) On average one in four households is experiencing poverty as measured by national basic needs P/L Pacific Plan Definition of Sustainable Development Reduced poverty; - MDG1 Improved education and training; - MDG2 Improved gender equality; - MDG3 Improved health and nutrition; - MDGs1,4,5,& 6 Improved environmental management; - MDG7 Improved natural resource management; - MDG7 Enhanced involvement of youth; - MDG8 Increased levels of participation and achievement in sports; and Recognised and protected cultural values, identities and traditional knowledge as a basis for sustainable development. 2

3 Key Principles for National Sustainable Development Strategies The strategic approach Consensus on long-term vision. Comprehensive and integrated. Targeted with clear budgetary priorities. The strategic process. Based on comprehensive and reliable analysis. Incorporate monitoring, learning and improvement. Link national and local levels. Building on existing mechanisms and strategies. Develop and build on existing capacity. Ownership. Country-led and nationally-owned. owned. People-centred. High-level government commitment and influential lead institutions. Effective participation. Box 1: Current National Plans and Strategies amongst Pacific Island Countries. CK National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) FSM Strategic Development Plan Fiji Strategic Development Plan (SDP) KI National Development Strategy Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) NI Niue Integrated Strategic Plan (NISP) Palau Palau 2020 National Master Development Plan 2020 PNG Medium Term Development Strategy (MTDS) RMI Vision SA Samoa Development Strategy SI National Economic Recovery, Reform and Development Plan (NERRDP) TG National Strategic Development Plan /7 2008/9 TV National Strategy for Sustainable Development VA Priorities and Action Agenda

4 PIC/NSDS: Did They Meet the Criteria Preliminary Analysis Highest 3 Scoring Principles (3.4 or higher): Consensus and long-term vision Country-led and nationally owned People centred Lowest Scoring Principles (2.6 or lower): Targeted with clear budgetary priorities Based on comprehensive and reliable analysis Incorporate monitoring, learning and improvement Link national and local levels National Plans linked to MDGs scored Mid Range 12 of the 15 countries got 30+ points out of 60 Q1: Challenges to Achieving Greater Policy Coherence in NSDS Need for better understanding of sustainable development issues at political level; Lack of strong linkage between budget and policy/planning functions; Weaknesses in understanding links between sectors; Lack of engagement between sectoral ministries in determining development priorities; Competition for funding and resources; budget constraints. 4

5 Lack of capacities for developing evidence based polices, need for long-term (continuing) capacity building Lack of reliable and timely data Lack of participatory approach (CSOs communities, individuals) to: assess needs and priorities of the people, and specifically the poor and disadvantaged Enhance the role that CSO agencies can play in setting development agenda and ensuring successful implementation Q2: Which Processes Would Facilitate Moving from PRS to NSDS PICs have not generally had PRS (PNG exception) Greater top-level leadership and direction setting for development, MDGs and sustainability Stronger institutional and governance structures Greater CSO involvement of reflect community level priorities Parliamentary capacity building Better understanding of poverty characteristics Clearer understanding of what constitutes pro-poor poor sustainable development policy Stronger inter-sectoral linkages and dialogue; especially on priority setting and resource allocation Stronger NSDS PROCESS not just a document 5

6 Q3: How Can International Agencies work Better Together Pacific Plan Commitment by PICs to work together for greater regionalism Clear definition of what constitutes sustainable development; economic, social, environmental Commitment to having NSDS as basis for development policy Agreement of Pacific Principles for Aid Effectiveness; build on Paris Principles Incorporation of MDGs as integral policy goals for NSDS PIFS Chaired Inter-agency Task Force on MDGs and Sustainable Development One UN Inter-agency task force Regional Development Assistance Framework Establishing MDG Liaison Offices in a number of PICs Other Development Partners Adopt Paris and PI Forum principles Follow NSDS priorities SWAPS: coordinated funding for sectors 6

7 Thank You David Abbott Regional Macroeconomic and Poverty Reduction Advisor UNDP Pacific Centre, Suva, Fiji 7