Sharing experience on the implementation of EPR recommendations

How to make the most of the recommendations contained in UNECE Environmental Performance Reviews (EPRs)? How to involve the public in decisions affecting the environment, making public participation effective? How to involve better the private sector in the development and implementation of environment policies?  These were some of the main issues discussed by the delegations to the Committee on Environmental Policy (Geneva, 25-27 January) during a peer learning discussion in the EPR segment. In particular, Armenia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Tajikistan and the United States shared their experience.  

This peer learning discussion touched upon countries’ cooperation with the international community and on the means to strengthen it. The debates confirmed the key role of EPRs in this field. Participants highlighted the important role of the Secretariat in helping countries to prepare for the review process. They also highlighted the importance of peer learning in identifying ways to overcome difficulties by sharing experience.  Finally, they stressed the need for training on all aspects related to Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs), from costs and benefits assessments down to implementation. In this regard, UNEP mentioned that its MEAs often provide a package to assist countries in the implementation phase.

With the third round of EPRs well underway, the assessment of implementation of recommendations issued in the previous EPRs shows a rather high level of impact:  72% of the recommendations contained in the previous round have been fully implemented or are being implemented. Recommendations on accession to Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) reach an implementation rate of 65%. Difficulties arising from political priority changes in some countries were mentioned as a key risk factor.