Sustainable Development Tools and the

SD Initiative in the Arab Region (SDIAR)

Presentation: Hend Zaki

Presentation outline :

1. Sustainable Development Tools 1.1 What are Sustainable Development Tools? 1.2 The Importance of Sustainable Development Tools 1.3 European Research and Sustainable Development

Tools 2. Sustainable Development Initiative in the Arab

Region (SDIAR) 2.1 Objectives2.2 Areas of Focus 2.3 Obstacles2.4 Other Obstacles & General Observations

1.1 What are Sustainable Development Tools?

A range of practical tools to support decision-making

Example:

1) Modeling and Simulation Software

2) Accounting Frameworks and Codes of Practice

3) Impact Assessment, Performance Monitoring and External Cost Estimation Tools

Sustainable Development Tools-Continued

Decision-making can only proceed in a sustainable way if the effects of new policy measures are explored and understood before they are introduced

Impact analysis and assessment are familiar processes. A strategy for sustainable development must take into account its financial costs and benefits as well as its potential environmental & health impacts and its social acceptability.

1.2 The Importance of Sustainable Development Tools?

They enhance the capacity of policy-makers, managers, planners, public authority and enterprises to identify practical measures that will be most effective in promoting and achieving a level of sustainability suited to their own circumstances

1.3 European Research and Sustainable Development Tools

European research has developed a very wide range of tools to facilitate the successive steps of the decision-making process. They include tools and methods for ‘vision-making’, impact assessment, defining objectives and targets, as well as the planning, implementation, monitoring, benchmarking and transfer of good practice.

2.1 Sustainable Development Initiative in the Arab Region-Objectives

This initiative aims at addressing the challenges faced by the Arab Countries to achieve sustainable development.

The initiative seeks to enhance the participation of the Arab countries with the aim of strengthening their efforts in realizing sustainable development, particularly in the light of globalization and its impacts, as well as finding a mechanism for financing the programs for environmental protection and sustainable development.

2.2 Sustainable Development Initiative in the Arab Region-Areas of Focus

The Initiative focuses on eight areas:

-Peace and Security

-Institutional Framework

-Poverty Alleviation

-Population and Health

-Education, Awareness, Scientific Research & Technology Transfer

- Resources Management

- Production and Consumption

-Globalization, Trade and Investment

Resources Management

Arab Action Plan-2005 European SD Strategy-2006

Overall Objective

No clear overall objective. Using words such as encouraging, supporting…etc

To improve management and avoid overexploitation of natural resources, recognizing the value of ecosystem services

Biodiversity Supporting the efforts of the Arab countries to develop a regional program for the protection of biodiversity…etc

Halting the loss of biodiversity and contributing to a significant reduction in the worldwide rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.

Action - A program of action shall be designed and carried out within the framework of the programs and activities Of the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Land (ACSAD) and LAS’ Education, Culture and Science Organization (ALECSO)

-Ongoing activity

Member States should implement the EU Biodiversity Strategy in both its EU and its

global dimensions (Convention on Biological Diversity) and, in cooperation with the

Commission, take measures to identify and implement priority actions to achieve the

objective of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and beyond.

2.3 Obstacles-Some of the mentioned Obstacles in the Initiative

Absence of Peace and Security Continuation of Foreign Occupation in Some Arab

lands, Poverty, Illiteracy, and Population Growth Scarcity of Water Resources Limited Agricultural Land Moderate Capabilities of the Academic and

Research Centers Relatively recent experience of Civil Society

2.4 Other obstacles & General Observations

No clear usage of sustainable development tools

All areas do not have a clear overall objective, measurable targets, financing, means of implementation…etc

Implementation usually includes holding experts meeting, holding a series of workshop to address a specific topic or mentioning that a program of action will be designed.