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INDICATORS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGIES
INSTITUTIONAL INDICATORS
Foreword
In the four years since the Rio Summit, there have
been many initiatives to promote sustainable development.
Indicators are useful tools to gain insight regarding the
progress made in achieving sustainable development. Agenda 21
calls for countries, international organizations and
non-governmental organizations to develop and use indicators
of sustainable development.
Building on many national and international
initiatives aimed at developing and using indicators, the
Commission on Sustainable Development in 1995 adopted a work
programme on indicators for sustainable development. The work
programme includes an initial set of 130 indicators.
To facilitate the use of these indicators and to test
their practicability at the same time, methodology sheets have
been developed for each of them. This publication presents
these methodology sheets.
It is essential to get feedback on the indicators and
the methodology sheets. We, in the CSD secretariat, look
forward to your reactions and comments. The goal is to have
a good set of indicators for sustainable development by the
year 2000. We count on the users of this publication to
contribute to this goal.
On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to
thank all of those who have participated in the process of
making this publication possible.
Joke Waller-Hunter
Director
Division for Sustainable Development
Department for Policy Coordination
and Sustainable Development
Table of Contents
Page
Foreword
Table of contents v
Introduction vii
Working list of indicators of
sustainable development ix
Methodology sheets:
Indicators for social aspects of
sustainable development 1
Chapter 3: Combating poverty 3
Chapter 5: Demographic dynamics and sustainability 31
Chapter 36: Promoting education, public awareness and
training 44
Chapter 6: Protecting and promoting human health 83
Chapter 7: Promoting sustainable human settlement
development 123
Indicators for economic aspects of
sustainable development 150
Chapter 2: International cooperation to accelerate
sustainable development in countries
and related domestic policies 152
Chapter 4: Changing consumption patterns 166
Chapter 33: Financial resources and mechanisms 184
Chapter 34: Transfer of environmentally sound
technology, cooperation and
capacity-building 201
Indicators for environmental aspects of
sustainable development 210
Water
Chapter 18: Protection of the quality and supply
of freshwater resources 213
Chapter 17: Protection of the oceans, all kinds of
seas and coastal areas 233
Land
Chapter 10: Integrated approach to the planning
and management of land resources 245
Chapter 12: Managing fragile ecosystems: combating
desertification and drought 255
Chapter 13: Managing fragile ecosystems: sustainable
mountain development 269
Chapter 14: Promoting sustainable agriculture and
rural development 280
Other natural resources
Chapter 11: Combating deforestation 298
Chapter 15: Conservation of biological diversity 311
Chapter 16: Environmentally sound management of
biotechnology 318
Atmosphere
Chapter 9: Protection of the atmosphere 323
Waste
Chapter 21: Environmentally sound management of
solid wastes and sewage-related issues 349
Chapter 19: Environmentally sound management of
toxic chemicals 364
Chapter 20: Environmentally sound management of
hazardous wastes 366
Chapter 22: Safe and environmentally sound
management of radioactive wastes 382
Indicators for institutional aspects of
sustainable development 385
Chapter 8: Integrating environment and development
in decision-making 386
Chapter 35: Science for sustainable development 395
Chapter 39: International legal instruments and
mechanisms 404
Chapter 40: Information for decision-making 411
Chapter 23-32: Strengthening the role of major groups 419
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Introduction
On occasion of its third session, in April 1995,
the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) approved
a work programme on indicators of sustainable development.
The work programme included a list of approximately 130
indicators organized in the Driving Force - State -
Response Framework. In this framework, Driving Force
indicators represent human activities, processes and
patterns that impact on sustainable development, State
indicators indicate the "state" of sustainable development,
and response indicators indicate policy options and other
responses to changes in the state of sustainable development.
The indicators are intended for use at the national
level by countries in their decision-making processes. Not
all of the indicators will be applicable in every situation.
It is understood that countries will choose to use from among
the indicators those relevant to national priorities, goals
and targets.
Following the decision of the CSD and the adoption of an
implementation plan by experts from various organizations involved in the
follow-up, the process of developing methodology sheets for each of the
indicators was started. The purpose of the methodology sheets is to
provide users at the national level with sufficient information about the
concept, significance, measurement and data sources for each indicator so
as to facilitate data collection and analysis. The process was coordinated
by the United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable
Development (DPCSD) but builds upon indicator work being carried out in
several organizations. The process was marked by a high degree of
collaboration among a large number of organizations of the United Nations
system, other intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental
organizations.
Organizations which have contributed both to the development of the
indicators and to the preparation of the methodology sheets include the
following: the United Nations Department for Economic and Social
Information and Policy Analysis (DESIPA); the United Nations Department for
Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DPCSD); the United Nations
Department for Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS); the
United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs (DHA); the secretariat
of the Framework Convention on Climate Change; the United Nations
Children~s Fund (UNICEF); the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD); the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and
its Office to Combat Desertification and Drought (UNSO); the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the secretariat of the Basel Convention;
the United Nations University; the Regional Commissions of the United
Nations; the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat); the
International Labour Organization (ILO); the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO); the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the World Health
Organization (WHO); the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO); the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO); the World Bank; the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA); the European Communities Statistical Office; the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the
International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); the International
Conservation Union (IUCN); the International Institute for Sustainable
Development (IISD); the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis
(IIASA); the National Institute for Public Health and Environmental
Protection of the Netherlands (RIVM); the New Economics Foundation; the
Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE); the Worldwatch
Institute; the World Resources Institute (WRI); the World Wide Fund for
Nature (WWF); and the Wuppertal Institute.
In February 1996, a meeting of government experts was organized by
the Environment Agency of Japan, in cooperation with DPCSD, in Glen Cove,
New York, to discuss and evaluate the methodology sheets from the point of
view of potential users. The methodology sheets were also circulated among
a roster of international experts for their comments.
The responsible organizations revised the methodology sheets
accordingly and a first draft of the publication was presented as a
Background Paper no. 15, at the fourth session of the Commission on
Sustainable Development, in April/May 1996. Since then additional and
revised methodology sheets have been submitted by the lead agencies and
were incorporated into the revised edition of the document. In a few
instances, methodology sheets are still being developed and in these cases,
a "bookmark" has been included, stating the name of the indicator, a brief
definition, the unit of measurement, and its placement in the framework.
The work on completing and revising the methodology sheets will continue,
as the CSD work programme on indicators now enters its second phase.
The second phase concentrates on enhancement of information exchange
among all interested partners, training and capacity building at the
regional and national levels and monitoring the use of the indicators in
countries that have shown interest in this process. The publication will
now be forwarded to all Governments to assist them in working with
indicators in their decision-making processes. As feedback and results
from testing, analytical work are discussed, further improvements in the
indicators and methodology sheets will be implemented. This includes in
the longer run, additional work on interlinkages, highly aggregated
indicators and the conceptual framework and compilation of environmental
indicators.
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Methodology Sheets
Indicators for Institutional Aspects of
Sustainable Development
Table of Contents
Page
Chapter 8: Integrating environment and development in
decision-making 386
- Sustainable development strategies 386
- Programme for integrated environmental and economic
accounting 387
- Mandated Environmental Impact Assessment 390
- National councils for sustainable development 394
Chapter 35: Science for sustainable development 395
- Potential scientists and engineers per million
population 395
- Scientists and engineers engaged in R & D per million
population 398
- Expenditure on research and development as a
percent of GDP 401
Chapter 39: International legal instruments and mechanisms 404
- Ratification of global agreements 404
- Implementation of ratified global agreements 408
Chapter 40: Information for decision-making 411
- Main telephone lines per 100 inhabitants 411
- Access to information 414
- Programmes for national environmental statistics 417
Chapter 23-32: Strengthening the role of major groups 419
- Representation of major groups in national councils for
sustainable development 419
- Representatives of ethnic minorities and indigenous
people in national councils for sustainable development 422
- Contribution of NGOs to sustainable development 426
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Sustainable development strategies.
(b) Brief Definition:
(c) Unit of Measurement: Yes/no.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 8: Integrating Environment and Development in
Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
(Indicator under development)
LEAD AGENCY: UNDP
PROGRAMME OF INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ACCOUNTING
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Programme of integrated environmental and economic
accounting.
(b) Brief Definition: Programme of integrated environmental and economic
accounting leading to the regular publication of integrated environmental and
economic statistics in a state of the environment report, a compendium of
environmental statistics, and/or natural accounts or similar reports.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Yes/no.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 8: Integrating Environment and Development in
Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: The existence of a national programme of integrated
environmental and economic accounting is an indication of the interest of a
country to incorporate environmental concerns in economic decision making and
policy analysis.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: The closer
integration of environmental considerations in policy and management decision
making is one of the premises for sustainable development contained in Agenda
21. The availability of integrated environmental and economic accounts
represents a tool to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of decisions
within the context of sustainable development. This represents the creation
of an institutional structure to enable the more systematic consideration of
environmental factors when decisions are taken over economic, social, fiscal,
natural resource, transportation, trade, and other policies. Such accounts
facilitate better integration among national and local governments, industry,
science, interest groups, and the public in the process of developing
effective approaches to achieving sustainable development.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator depends on the
availability of a sound system of environmental statistics. It is also
linked to those economic and environmental areas which generate data that can
be used in integrated accounts.
(d) Targets: This indicator is not open to the setting of targets.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: The United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) recommended the
implementation of the System of Integrated Environmental and Economic
Accounting (SEEA) in all member states.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Several methodologies, such as
natural patrimony accounts in France, National Accounts Matrix including
Environmental Accounts (NAMEA) in the Netherlands, and physical accounts in
Norway have been used to carry out integrated environmental and economic
accounting. Most of these methodologies represent variations of the System of
Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting (United Nations, 1993).
(b) Measurement Methods: This is a yes/no indicator, therefore, there is
no actual measurement involved but just an indication of the existence of a
programme. The indicator provides information about the actual implementation
of a programme, based on the regular publication of integrated environmental
and economic statistics in various reports or compendia (see section 1b
above).
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: This indicator is an
institutional Response to the need for improved information for decision
making.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: Not available.
(e) Alternative Definitions: The indicator could be developed further to
provide a qualitative indication of the progress being made in the development
and publication of integrated accounts. In addition, the indicator could
request information from countries on the type of integrated accounts being
pursued, for example natural resource stock, natural resource use, waste
output, and environmental expenditure accounts.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
Information about the existence of an integrated accounting programme is
available for many countries from national governments, primarily national
statistical agencies and environmental ministries.
National governments are involved in the decision of whether to establish a
programme of integrated environmental and economic accounting or not. Several
international, inter-governmental, non-governmental and regional organizations
are also involved in the implementation of programmes on integrated
environmental and economic accounting in countries. The United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) has included the implementation of integrated
accounting in selected programmes, following the recommendations of the
national governments.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
The lead agency is the United Nations Department of Economics and Social
Information and Policy Analysis (DESIPA). The contact point is the Director,
Statistics Division, DESIPA; fax no. (1 212) 963 9851.
7. Further Information
Not available.
LEAD AGENCY: DESIPA
MANDATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Mandated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
(b) Brief Definition: Legally binding requirements at the national level
for EIA.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Yes/no.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 8: Integrating Environment and Development in
Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: To ensure that environmental considerations are taken into
account in the development planning and decision-making process.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: EIA is recognized
as an essential tool for ensuring sustainable development, that is through the
integration of environmental and socioeconomic considerations.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is closely linked with
other institutional ones, such as sustainable development strategies, national
councils for sustainable development, and programme of integrated
environmental and economic accounting.
(d) Targets: All countries have policy or legal instruments in place to
ensure that EIAs are carried out.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: Numerous references have
been made to EIA in international agreements, for example: Convention on
Biological Diversity; United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; Basel
Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
their Disposal; Framework Convention on Climate Change; UN/ECE Convention on
Environmental Impact in a Transboundary Context, 1991; Regional Seas
Agreements; Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development
of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Eastern African Region of 21 June
1985; (Noumea) Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and
Environment of the South Pacific Region of 24 November 1986.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Mandated EIA means that EIA is
required by national legislation. Environmental Impact Assessment is a
structured approach for obtaining and evaluating environmental information
prior to its use in decision-making in the planning and development process.
EIA includes predictions of how the environment is expected to change if
certain alternative actions are implemented and advice on how best to manage
environmental changes if one alternative is selected and implemented. As used
here environment includes the physical, biological, economic, health, and
socio-cultural context of human activities. The relevant concepts are well
developed and are described in a variety of publications on the subject.
(b) Measurement Methods: Consult national legislation and determine
whether it contains an EIA requirement.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: Mandated EIA indicates a
government policy Response to integrate environment and development to
minimize adverse environmental impacts of socioeconomic development
activities.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: The Yes/No measurement simply indicates
that the legislation requires EIA. It does not necessarily imply
implementation of EIA and therefore this should be considered as a first step
in the process of using EIA as an indicator of sustainable development.
Mandated EIAs can differ in degree of detail and scope. For instance some
EIA legislation is limited to projects whilst others can extend to cover
policy, plans and programmes. EIA can be applied during planning,
implementation, operation and closure of activities. EIA legislation can be
expressed as part of a framework/general environmental law or as the subject
of specific legislation.
A number of countries base their EIA procedures on policy provisions rather
than legally binding instruments. This indicator does not allow for such
procedures and therefore may not adequately reflect a country's commitment to
EIA.
(e) Alternative Definitions: An alternative indicator would focus on
measuring the implementation of the recommendations of EIAs. This obviously
involves a lot more research to acquire the data.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: The existence or absence of
national legislation.
(b) Data Availability: Data are available for all countries.
(c) Data Sources: National government departments (for example, Attorney
General's office, environment ministry), and libraries.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). The contact point is the Director, Division of
Environmental Assessment, UNEP; fax no.(254 2) 62 42 74.
(b) Other Organizations: Other interested parties include national EIA
agencies; and the Network for Environment and Sustainable Development in
Africa (NESDA).
7. Further Information
(a) Further Reading:
UNEP. EIA Sourcebook (forthcoming).
International Institute for Environment and Development. A Directory of Impact
Assessment Guidelines. ISBN: 0 905347 99 4
FAO. EIA legislation: Evaluation des impacts sur l'environnement pour un
developpement rural durable: etude juridique. ISBN: 92 5 2034935.
UNEP. UNEP's New Way Forward: Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
(forthcoming).
UNEP. Compendium of EIA Legislation for Developing Countries. UNEP/ELI-PAC
(forthcoming).
UNEP. EIA - A Guide to Good Practice. UNEP/EEU (forthcoming).
(b) Other Contacts:
Chief, UNEP EEU; fax no. (254 2) 624 268.
Canadian International Development; fax no. (1 819) 953 3348.
Environment Protection Agency of Australia; fax no. (61 6) 274 1666 .
Director, Environmental Assessment Effectiveness Study, Canada; fax no.
(1 604) 477 8752 or (1 819) 953 2891.
Director, Environmental Planning Group, International Institute for
Environment; fax no. (44 171) 388 2826.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); fax no.
(33 1) 4524 1996 or 4524 1650.
Coordinator, Environmental Assessment Service, The World Conservation Union
(IUCN); fax no. (41 22) 999 0002.
Coordinator, Network for Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa
(NESDA); fax no. (225) 20 5922.
LEAD AGENCY: UNEP
NATIONAL COUNCILS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: National councils for sustainable development.
(b) Brief Definition:
(c) Unit of Measurement: Yes/no.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 8: Integrating Environment and Development in
Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
(Indicator under development)
LEAD AGENCY: UNDP
POTENTIAL SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS PER MILLION POPULATION
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Potential scientists and engineers per million population.
(b) Brief Definition: This indicator is defined as the total number
of holders of university degrees or equivalent expressed as a
proportion of one million inhabitants.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Ratio.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 35: Science for Sustainable Development.
(b) Type of Indicator: State.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: The ratio gives a measure of the relative numerical
strength of highly qualified human resources available in a
country.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: This
indicator shows the level of supply of scientists and engineers
vital for the generation, advancement, dissemination and
application of scientific and technical knowledge needed to
ensure sustainable development decision making. Scientists are
improving their understanding on policy-relevant issues such as
climate change, growth in resource consumption rates,
demographic trends, and environmental degradation. Changes in
these and other areas need to be taken into account in devising
long term strategies for development. Scientific knowledge
should be applied to assess current conditions and future
prospects in relation to sustainable development.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This measure is often linked with
indicators relating to scientists and engineers engaged in research and
development (R&D). It can also be linked with education indicators which
contribute to the accumulation of stock of highly qualified scientists.
(d) Targets: No targets exist for this indicator.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: No international
conventions or agreements apply.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Potential scientists and
engineers refer to persons present in the domestic territory at a given
reference date, who possess the necessary qualifications (achieved either in
the educational system or through professional experience) to work as
scientists or engineers, regardless of their economic activity, age, sex,
nationality or other characteristics. This concept corresponds to "stock of
scientists and engineers" in the Recommendation Concerning the International
Standardization of Statistics on Science and Technology (S&T Recommendation)
which was adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1978, and elaborated in the
UNESCO Manual for Statistics on Scientific and Technological Activities.
(b) Measurement Methods: The indicator can be obtained by simply dividing
the total number of potential scientists and engineers by the total population
expressed in millions.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: The indicator depicts the State
of a nation's potential in terms of the relative numerical strength of highly
qualified manpower within the population who can participate in and contribute
to scientific and technological activities related to sustainable development.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: It may be difficult to obtain
information on those scientists and engineers who have received training and
acquired professional experience equivalent to formal education at the third
level of education. The present method of estimating the number of potential
scientists and engineers based only on the number of holders of university
degrees or equivalent can, therefore, give under-estimations. In addition,
these data are usually obtained through population censuses or manpower
surveys. They are therefore not available on a yearly basis. The data do not
show the proportion of scientists and engineers whose work relates to
sustainable development.
(e) Alternative Definitions: In the S&T Recommendation cited in section
4a above, it was suggested that the national S&T human resources should be
assessed according to the following criteria: total stock and number of
economically active qualified manpower. If, for practical reasons, a problem
of mutual exclusion arises in the collection of data, preference is given to
the second criterion.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Total number of holders of
university degrees or equivalent; and total population.
(b) Data Availability: Data are usually collected during population
censuses and manpower surveys. The data required for deriving this indicator
may not be readily available every year. At the international level, data on
potential scientists and engineers (either stock or number of economically
active) for 1990, or later year, are available for 30 countries only.
(c) Data Sources: To establish this indicator at the international level,
the population data needed can be obtained from the United Nations, whilst
those relating to potential scientists and engineers can be obtained through
UNESCO's international survey on scientific research and experimental
development. At the national level, data on potential scientists and
engineers are normally collected through population censuses and/or manpower
surveys.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
The lead agency is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization. The contact point is the Director, Division of Statistics,
UNESCO; fax no. (33 1) 45 66 48 44.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
UNESCO. Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of
Statistics on Science and Technology. Adopted by the General Conference
of UNESCO in 1978.
UNESCO. Manual for Statistics on Scientific and Technological Activities.
1984.
UNESCO. Guide to the Collection of Statistics on Science and Technology.
1984.
OECD. Manual on the Measurement of Human Resources Devoted to S&T,
"Canberra Manual". 1995.
(b) Other References and Contact Points:
UNESCO Division of Statistics.
(c) Status of the Methodology:
Concepts and the corresponding definitions as well as suggestions for the
collection of data are set out in the Recommendation Concerning the
International Standardization of Statistics on Science and Technology.
LEAD AGENCY: UNESCO
SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ENGAGED IN RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT PER MILLION POPULATION
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Scientists and engineers engaged in research and
experimental development (R&D) per million population.
(b) Brief Definition: Number of scientists and engineers engaged in
R&D (expressed in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Ratio.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 35: Science for Sustainable Development.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: The ratio provides an indication of the human resources
devoted to R&D and their relative numerical strength with respect to the total
population of the country.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: Scientists and
engineers are the key performers of R&D aimed at increasing the stock of
knowledge and devising new applications in order to ensure sustainable
development. Scientists are improving their understanding on policy-relevant
issues such as climate change, growth in resource consumption rates,
demographic trends, and environmental degradation. Changes in these and other
areas need to be taken into account in devising long term strategies for
development. Scientific knowledge should be applied to assess current
conditions and future prospects in relation to sustainable development.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator can be linked with
potential scientists and engineers per million population for measuring the
extent of utilization of highly qualified human resources for R&D purposes.
It can also be linked with indicators of expenditure on R&D to study and
compare the levels of human and financial inputs into R&D, and to derive the
average amount of financial resources per researcher.
(d) Targets: For Africa, one researcher per 1,000 population (that is,
1,000 scientists and engineers engaged in R&D per million population) by the
year 2000 (see section 3e below).
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: The above target is
contained in Social Development: Africa's Priorities, Audience Africa; United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 6-10
February 1995.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Scientists and engineers engaged
in R&D activities comprise persons with scientific or technological training
(usually completion of third level education) who are engaged in professional
R&D work, as well as administrators and other high-level personnel who direct
the execution of R&D activities.
(b) Measurement Methods: The indicator can be calculated by dividing the
number of scientists and engineers engaged in R&D expressed in full-time
equivalent by the total population in millions.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: The ratio indicates the density
of scientists and engineers engaged in R&D with respect to the total
population of a country and can serve as measure of the Response of scientific
and technological development in contribution to sustainable development of a
country.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: The indicator does not show the
proportion of the R&D scientists who are engaged in research which could
contribute to sustainable development. Data on scientists and engineers
engaged in R&D are usually obtained through special surveys. To date, only a
few developing countries are able to regularly collect and provide
internationally comparable data. In addition, some difficulties have been
encountered in measuring the number of scientists and engineers in full-time
equivalence. This has led to either under-estimation when those working
part-time in R&D activities have not been taken into account, or
over-estimation in the case where part-time personnel have been counted as
full-time.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Not available.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Number of scientists and
engineers engaged in R&D expressed in full-time equivalence (FTE); population.
(b) Data Availability: Data on scientists and engineers engaged in R&D
for 1990, or later, are available for 49 countries only. At the national
level, the availability of these data depends on the existence and frequency
of S&T surveys.
(c) Data Sources: To derive this indicator at the international level,
the population data needed can be obtained from the United Nations whilst
those relating to R&D scientists and engineers can be obtained through
UNESCO's international surveys on scientific research and experimental
development. At the national level, data on scientists and engineers are
normally collected through special R&D surveys conducted by the
ministry/department/council of science and technology and/or the central
statistical office and/or specialized institutions, whereas population data
are obtained through population censuses and estimations.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
The lead agency is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization. The contact point is the Director, Division of Statistics,
UNESCO; fax no. (33 1) 45 66 48 44.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
UNESCO. Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of
Statistics on Science and Technology. Adopted by the General Conference of
UNESCO in 1978.
UNESCO. Manual for Statistics on Scientific and Technological Activities.
1984.
UNESCO. Guide to the Collection of Statistics on Science and Technology.
1984.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Proposed Standard
Practice for Surveys and Research and Experimental Development, "Fracati
Manual". 1995.
(b) Other References and Contact Points:
UNESCO Division of Statistics.
(c) Status of the Methodology:
Concepts and the corresponding definitions as well as suggestions for the
collection of data are set out in the Recommendation Concerning the
International Standardization of Statistics on Science and Technology.
LEAD AGENCY: UNESCO
EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AS A PERCENT OF
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Expenditure on R&D as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product
(GDP).
(b) Brief Definition: Total domestic expenditure on scientific research
and experimental development expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).
(c) Unit of Measurement: %.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 35: Science for Sustainable Development.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: This ratio provides an indication of the financial resources
devoted to R&D in terms of their share of the GDP.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: Scientists are
improving their understanding on policy-relevant issues such as climate
change, growth in resource consumption rates, demographic trends, and
environmental degradation. Changes in these and other areas need to be taken
into account in devising long term strategies for development. Scientific
knowledge should be applied to assess current conditions and future prospects
in relation to sustainable development. This indicator is required to assess
the level and distribution of R&D expenditure in relation to GDP, at a given
point of time, as well as its trends. Adequate R&D funding that is
commensurate with economic growth and national income is necessary for
ensuring sustainable development.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator can be most closely
linked with the one relating to scientists and engineers engaged in R&D per
million population, in providing complementary indications on both the human
and financial resources devoted to R&D, and their mutual interactions.
(d) Targets: For Africa: (i) African countries should devote 1% of their
GNP to R&D by 1995; (ii) each African country should consecrate at least 0.4
-
0.5% of its GDP to research by 2000 (see section 3e below).
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: The above targets are
established in the Final Report, Second Conference of Ministers Responsible
for the Application of Science and Technology to Development in Africa
(CASTAFRICA II), 6-15 July 1987; and Social Development: Africa's Priorities,
Audience Africa, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), 6-10 February 1995 respectively.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: The Recommendation concerning
the International Standardization of Statistics on Science and Technology
defines total domestic expenditure on R&D activities as all expenditure made
for this purpose in the course of a reference year in institutions and
installations established in the national territory, as well as installations
physically situated abroad; land or experimental facilities rented or owned
abroad, and ships, vehicles, aircraft and satellites used by national
institutions.
(b) Measurement Methods: The indicator is calculated by dividing total
domestic expenditure on R&D by GDP and expressed as a percentage, that is
Total domestic expenditure on R&D x 100
---------------------------------------
GDP
Both data on R&D expenditure and GDP can be expressed in current values and in
the national currency.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: The indicator measures the
potential R&D Response to sustainable development.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: The indicator does not show the
proportion of expenditure on research which contributes to sustainable
development. Data on R&D expenditure are usually obtained through special
surveys. To date, most developed and a few developing countries are able to
regularly collect and provide internationally comparable and timely data.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) can
be used as an alternative indicator. It is already in use in a significant
number of countries. The difference between total domestic expenditure and
GERD is that the former includes R&D expenditure on installations physically
situated abroad but used by national institutions.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Total domestic expenditure on
R&D; GDP.
(b) Data Availability: Data on R&D expenditure for 1990, or later years,
are available for 46 countries only. At the national level, the availability
of these data depends on the existence and frequency of surveys.
(c) Data Sources: To derive this indicator at the international level,
the GDP data needed can be obtained from the World Bank whilst those relating
to R&D expenditure can be obtained through UNESCO's international surveys on
scientific research and experimental development. At the national level, data
on R&D expenditure are collected normally through special R&D surveys
conducted the ministry/department/council of science and technology and/or the
central statistical office and/or specialized institutions, whereas those on
GDP can be obtained from either the ministry of finance or the central
statistical office.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
The lead agency is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization. The contact point is the Director, Division of Statistics,
UNESCO; fax no. (33 1) 45 66 48 44.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
UNESCO. Recommendation concerning the International Standardization of
Statistics on Science and Technology. Adopted by the General Conference of
UNESCO in 1978.
UNESCO. Manual for Statistics on Scientific and Technological Activities.
1984.
UNESCO. Guide to the Collection of Statistics on Science and Technology.
1984.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Proposed Standard
Practice for Surveys and Research and Experimental Development, "Fracati
Manual". 1995.
(b) Other References and Contact Points:
UNESCO Division of Statistics.
(c) Status of the Methodology:
Concepts and the corresponding definitions as well as suggestions for the
collection of data are set out in the Recommendation Concerning the
International Standardization of Statistics on Science and Technology.
LEAD AGENCY: UNESCO
RATIFICATION OF GLOBAL AGREEMENTS
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Ratification of global agreements.
(b) Brief Definition: The ratification of (accession to, acceptance or
approval of) selected global agreements related to sustainable development.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Number of the following agreements which have
been ratified or acceded to: Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal; Convention on Biological
Diversity; Framework Convention on Climate Change; International Convention to
Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or
Desertification, Particularly in Africa; The Vienna Convention for the
Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer; United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 39: International Legal Instruments and
Mechanisms.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: This indicator signifies a government's commitment to the
principles and objectives of sustainable development, which are embodied in
the selected global agreements.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: Global agreements
represent global political consensus on issues of sustainable development.
This consensus is, in effect, a compromise, minimum-level response to specific
problems of sustainable development. Ratification demonstrates a country's
commitment to work towards sustainable production and consumption patterns.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is linked to the issue
areas addressed by the international agreements listed in 1c above. The
closely linked indicators include, for example: implementation of ratified
global agreements through national legislation, amount of new and additional
funding for sustainable development, land affected by desertification,
protected forest area, emissions of greenhouse gases, ozone depleting
substances, and imports and exports of hazardous wastes.
(d) Targets: Ratification of the selected global agreements by all
countries.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: See section 1c above.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Ratification, acceptance,
approval and accession means in each case the international act whereby a
State establishes on the international plane its consent to be bound by a
treaty. The legal system in some countries provides that a global agreement,
when ratified, automatically becomes a part of existing national law. In
other countries legislation is needed to give legal effect to a global
agreement at national level. The conventions selected for this indicator have
been chosen because they offer comprehensive coverage of sustainable
development issues relevant to all countries of the world.
(b) Measurement Methods: The indicator is the number out of six selected
global agreements, which have been ratified. Ratification is measured by
determining whether the appropriate written instruments have been submitted
for each of the selected global agreements.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: This is a Response indicator
because it represents a government policy decision to address issues of
sustainable development that require international co-operation.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: Ratification does not necessarily mean
implementation. Many countries require national measures to implement global
obligations at the national level (see indicator on this topic). Some
countries may consider that certain global agreements are not a priority to
them, and therefore, not to ratify those agreements. The indicator is not
very suitable for showing meaningful trends.
(e) Alternative Definitions: The indicator could have a wider scope and
relate to ratification of all international agreements relevant to sustainable
development.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Records of ratification.
(b) Data Availability: The data are available.
(c) Data Sources: The national government (ministry/department responsible
for foreign affairs, legal affairs, or environment) or the Treaty Section of
the UN Office of Legal Affairs can provide the information for this indicator.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). The contact point is the Director, Division of
Environmental Assessment, UNEP; fax no.(254 2) 62 42 74.
(b) Other Organizations: Other interested parties include the Secretariat
for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
Secretariat for Basel Convention, UN Office of Legal Affairs, UNEP Regional
Office for Asia and the Pacific.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
Texts of global agreements.
Depositary records.
UNEP ELI/PAC. Biannual Bulletin of Environmental Law.
UNEP. Computerized Environmental Law Information Base (CELIB). Available on
INTERNET through GOPHER at UNEP.UNEP.NO.
UNEP. Selected Multilateral Treaties. 1983 and 1991.
UNEP. Register of International Treaties and Other Agreements in the Field of
the Environment. 1993.
Burhenne/IUCN Environmental Law Centre. International Environmental Law:
Multilateral Agreements.
Publications of Convention Secretariats.
(b) Other Contacts:
Director, UNEP ELI/PAC; fax no. (254 2) 230 198.
Co-ordinator, Secretariat for the Basel Convention; fax no.
(41 22) 797 3420.
Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity;
fax no. (22 41) 797 2512.
Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the Climate Change Convention; fax no.
(41 22) 979 9034.
Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the International Convention to Combat
Desertification; fax no. (41 22) 979 9030 .
Coordinator, Secretariat for the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the
Ozone Layer; fax no. (254 2) 226 886.
Director and Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General in Charge of the Office of
Legal Affairs, Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, UN Office of
Legal Affairs; fax no. (1 212) 963 3386.
LEAD AGENCY: UNEP
IMPLEMENTATION OF RATIFIED GLOBAL AGREEMENTS
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Implementation of Ratified Global Agreements.
(b) Brief Definition: The existence of legislation for the
implementation, at the national level, of international agreements related to
sustainable development.
(c) Unit of Measurement: The ratio between agreements legislated for and
agreements ratified from the following list of international legal instruments
related to sustainable development: Basel Convention on the Control of
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal; Convention on
Biological Diversity; Framework Convention on Climate Change; International
Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious Drought
and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa; The Vienna Convention for the
Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol on Substances That
Deplete the Ozone Layer; United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 39: International Legal Instruments and
Mechanisms.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: This indicator signifies initial government action to
effectively implement ratified international agreements related to sustainable
development.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: Ratified
international agreements must be implemented at the national level in order to
achieve the objectives of sustainable development.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is linked to the issue
areas addressed by the international agreements listed in 1c above. The
closely linked indicators include, for example: ratification of global
agreements, amount of new and additional funding for sustainable development,
land affected by desertification, protected forest area, emissions of
greenhouse gases, ozone depleting substances, and imports and exports of
hazardous wastes.
(d) Targets: Provisions in national legislation for the implementation of
all listed international agreements ratified by the government.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: See 1c above.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Implementation is the
application of global agreements at the national level through various general
and specific measures, including national programs (policies, plans, voluntary
agreements with industry, capacity building, etc.), legislation (including
laws, decrees, regulations, ordinances, orders, or any other legally-binding
measure), financial measures, and institutional arrangements.
(b) Measurement Methods: Determine the existence of national legislation
for the implementation of ratified international agreements. Express the
indicator as a ratio between agreements legislated for and agreements
ratified.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: This is a Response indicator
since it represents a government policy decision to implement the requirements
of ratified international agreements at the national level.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: The content of national legislation for
the implementation of international agreements can vary from general
provisions to specific regulatory requirements. The more detailed the
provisions, the greater the likelihood that the agreement will be fully
implemented. However, the existence of legislation does not necessarily imply
effective implementation or compliance. The indicator is not very suitable
for showing meaningful trends.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Not available.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Information on national
measures.
(b) Data Availability: The data are available.
(c) Data Sources: The primary data sources include national governments,
and the Treaty Section of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). The contact point is the Director, Division of
Environmental Assessment, UNEP; fax no.(254 2) 62 42 74.
(b) Other Organizations: Other interested parties include the Secretariat
for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
Secretariat for Basel Convention, UN Office of Legal Affairs, Economic and
Social Council for West Asia, Network for Environment and Sustainable
Development in Africa, and national governments.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
Reports of implementation/compliance committees of international agreements.
Reports of the Conferences of the Parties.
National reports to the Conferences of the Parties.
Secretary-General's Bulletin, ST/SGB/Organization (Section OLA/Rev.1), 14
November 1994.
(b) Other Contacts:
Co-ordinator, Secretariat for the Basel Convention; fax no.
(41 22) 797 3420.
Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity;
fax no. (22 41) 797 2512.
Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the Climate Change Convention; fax no.
(41 22) 979 9034.
Executive Secretary, Secretariat for the International Convention to Combat
Desertification; fax no. (41 22) 979 9030 .
Coordinator, Secretariat for the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the
Ozone Layer; fax no. (254 2) 226 886.
Director and Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General in Charge of the Office of
Legal Affairs, Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, UN Office of
Legal Affairs; fax no. (1 212) 963 3386.
LEAD AGENCY: UNEP
MAIN TELEPHONE LINES PER 100 INHABITANTS
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Main telephone lines per 100 inhabitants.
(b) Brief Definition: The indicator is derived by dividing the number of
main telephone lines in operation by the population and multiplying by 100.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Measured as the % of population with a telephone
line.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 40: Information for Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: State.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: This indicator is the broadest and most common measurement
of the degree of telecommunication development in a country.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: The policy
relevance of this indicator is that telecommunications and social, economic,
and institutional development are closely linked. Modern communications is
considered to be relatively benign to the environment. There is unlikely to be
sustainable development without a well-developed communications
infrastructure. Communications is critical to support sustainable development.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: The linkages between this indicator and
other sustainable development indicators are many. For instance, a well-
developed communication infrastructure will reduce the need for transport with
beneficial effects on the environment. Another example is the requirement of
telecommunications for the innovative delivery of health and educational
services. Yet another example is the potential of telecommunications for
reducing economic and social gaps within an economy and assisting to reduce
the need for urbanization. Access to telecommunications provides those in
rural and remote areas with contact to the outside world, reducing their sense
of isolation and providing them with a tool to improve economic, social and
cultural awareness.
(d) Targets: Not available.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: Not available.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: The definition of a main
telephone line is a telephone line connecting the subscriber's terminal
equipment to the public switched network and which has a dedicated port in the
telephone exchange equipment. This term is synonymous with the term "main
station" or "Direct Exchange Line" (DEL) which are commonly used in
telecommunication documents.
(b) Measurement Methods: The indicator is derived by dividing the number
of main telephone lines in operation by the population and multiplying by 100.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: The number of main telephone
lines is to be placed in the State category of the DSR framework.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: There is concern that main lines per
100 inhabitants does not always accurately reflect the degree of
telecommunications development. First, there are other indicators of
telecommunication development such as data network subscribers or mobile
telephone subscribers. Second, main lines on a country level does not indicate
the breakdown of the distribution of lines into business or residential or
urban and rural although this disaggregated information is available. The
indicator provides no measure of the quality or reliability of the telephone
service.
(e) Alternative Definitions: If accessibility is a main interest, then
the number of households with telephone service may be more relevant
especially for countries which have large households.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: The data needed to compile the
indicator are main lines and population.
(b) Data Availability: The International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
collects this information on an annual basis for over 200 economies. Data are
available for 1960, 1965, 1970, and annually from 1975 onwards. Population
data is widely available from UN agencies. The ITU calculates main lines per
100 inhabitants based on population data from the World Bank.
(c) Data Sources: The ITU is the standard source for main telephone
lines.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency responsible for collecting and defining
the indicator is the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The
contact point is the Head, Information Systems Unit, ITU; fax no.
(41 22) 730 6449.
(b) Other Organizations: The ITU disseminates this data to numerous
agencies including: the World Bank, the United Nations including the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD), and Eurostat.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
Definitions, methodology and other information regarding telecommunication
indicators can be found in the ITU's Telecommunication Indicator Handbook.
(b) Other References:
Application of the indicator including country data can be found in the ITU's
World Telecommunication Development Report. The data are also provided by the
ITU to other agencies and appear in the following publications: UN
Statistical Yearbook, World Bank World Development Report, UNDP Human
Development Report, OECD Communication Outlook and Aerostat Communications
Statistics.
LEAD AGENCY: ITU
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Access to information.
(b) Brief Definition: The quantity and variety of newspapers per 100
inhabitants that are printed and dispersed throughout each country.
(c) Unit of Measurement: No. of newspapers.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 40: Information for Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: State.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: The higher the number of newspapers printed and dispersed in
a country , the wider the range of information that the public can choose from
and have access to. Consequently, better-informed citizens are more likely to
be committed to the goals of sustainable development strategies, and more able
to participate in issues that are relevant to them.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: Chapter 36 in
Agenda 21 states: "There is a need to increase public sensitivity to
environment and development problems and involvement in their solutions and
foster a sense of personal environmental responsibility and greater motivation
and commitment towards sustainable development." Furthermore, the following
statement occurs in Chapter 40: "In sustainable development, everyone is a
user and provider of information considered in the broad sense. That includes
data, information, appropriately packaged experience and knowledge. The need
for information arises at all levels, from that of senior decision-makers at
the national and international levels to the grass-roots and individual
levels."
Gaining insight in the access to information people have helps to reveal
their reasons for not participating in the process of sustainable development.
Once the areas where information is not easily accessible are identified, a
response policy can be developed in order to secure the dispersion of
information more equally.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is closely linked to the
indicator on adult literacy rates, and number of main telephone lines per 100
inhabitants.
(d) Targets: There are no international targets for this indictor, but
there is an aggregate figure for newspaper circulation in the United Nations
Development Programme's Human Development Report. This figure is 4 for
developing countries and 30 for industrial countries.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: No conventions or
agreements apply.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Not available.
(b) Measurement Methods: Counting the number of different newspapers that
is daily printed and dispersed throughout country; and counting the number of
daily newspapers available per 100 people in each country.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: This indicator is an
institutional Response in the DSR Framework.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: This indicator is best understood
within the context of other indicators related to access to information, for
example: the number of radios and televisions per 100 people of the
population; or the number of registered library users as a proportion of the
population.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Not available.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Data on the number of newspaper
copies per 100 people; and data on the variety of newspapers printed in each
country.
(b) Data Availability: The data are available for most countries.
(c) Data Sources: Data on newspaper circulation are available in the
Human Development Report, annually published by the UNDP, as well as in the
annual publication of the World Bank Social Indicators of Development. Data on
the variety of newspapers in each country are available in the annual Benn's
Media.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is The New Economics Foundation, with
the following contact point: Indicators Programme Coordinator, fax no.
(44 171) 377 5720.
(b) Other Organizations: Other organizations include UNDP and the World
Bank.
7. Further Information
UNDP. Human Development Report. 1993.
LEAD AGENCY: NEF
PROGRAMMES FOR NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Programmes for national environmental statistics.
(b) Brief Definition: Programme for the development and compilation of
environment statistics, leading to the regular publication of a state of the
environment report and/or a compendium of environment statistics.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Yes/no.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 40: Information for Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: Existence of a programme signifies a country's commitment to
developing environment statistics for use in national level policy formulation
and analysis.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: Statistics
provide the basic environmental information for policy makers for
decision-making on environmental issues. While considerable data already
exist, more data and integrated data are needed on the status and trends of
the earth's ecosystems, its natural resources, pollution and related
socioeconomic variables at all levels of decision making. Limitations related
to the availability, quality, coherence, standardization, and accessibility of
data seriously impairs informed sustainable development decisions. In many
countries and regions there is a lack in the capacity to collect and assess
data, and transform them into useful information for dissemination.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is closely related to
other measures related to the provision and communication of information,
including access to information, and telephone lines per 100 inhabitants.
(d) Targets: No targets apply to this indicator.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: Not available.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Some countries which compile
environment statistics have applied the United Nations' Framework for the
Development of Environmental Statistics (FDES). Other countries may use
different frameworks in their environment statistics programmes.
(b) Measurement Methods: This is a yes/no indicator; therefore, there is
no actual measurement involved but just an indication of the existence of a
programme.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: This indicator provides
information about the actual implementation of a programme based on the
regular publication of a state of the environment report and/or a compendium
of environment statistics. It is an institutional Response indicator in the
DSR Framework.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: Environment statistics are
interdisciplinary and their sources dispersed; therefore, the lack of a
programme does not necessarily mean that statistics are not available. This
indicator only provides information on the existence of an environmental
statistics program; no information is given on the quality or scope of the
program.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Additional sub-measures could be added to
make the indicator more meaningful, including the existence of national
compendia of environmental statistics, state of the environment reporting,
and/or a program to develop and disseminate environmental indicators.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
National governments are primarily responsible for the establishment of
environment statistics programmes. Information about the existence of a
programme is available for many countries from national governments, primarily
national statistical services, and environmental ministries or agencies.
Several international, inter-governmental, non-governmental and regional
organizations are also involved in the implementation of environment
statistics programmes in countries.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
The lead agency is the United Nations Department of Economics and Social
Information and Policy Analysis (DESIPA). The contact point is the Director,
Statistics Division, DESIPA; fax no. (1 212) 963 9851.
7. Further Information
The FDES was endorsed by the Statistical Commission of the United Nations in
1985 as a technical report.
LEAD AGENCY: DESIPA
REPRESENTATION OF MAJOR GROUPS IN NATIONAL COUNCILS FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Representation of Major Groups in National Councils for
Sustainable Development.
(b) Brief Definition: The composition of national stakeholders in
sustainable development, including groups representing non-govermental
organizations (NGOs), academia, business, media, and grassroots organizations.
(c) Unit of Measurement: The number of members representing major groups
in national councils for sustainable development, as a proportion of the
total.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapters 23-32: Strengthening the Role of Major Groups.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: The indicator identifies the involvement of major groups in
institutional mechanisms that have been created at the national level for the
implementation of sustainable development.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: The genuine
involvement and participation of all social groups in decision making is
critical to the achievement of sustainable development. The participation of
major groups through their representation on national councils for sustainable
development is one of the ways of ensuring their involvement in decision
making.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: Other institutional indicators that are
closely linked to this one include national councils for sustainable
development, and representatives of ethnic and indigenous people in national
councils for sustainable development.
(d) Targets: Not available.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: Not available.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Agenda 21 has distinguished nine
major groups: Women, Trade Unions, Children and Youth, Business and Industry,
Indigenous People, Local Authorities, NGOs, Scientific and Technological, and
Farmers.
National councils for sustainable developments can have a multitude of names:
commission, committee, round table, forum, task group or otherwise. Two types
can be distinguished. Multi-sectoral bodies, who's members include
representatives from government agencies, NGOs, academic and research
institutions, the productive sector, and others. This last sector includes
both representatives from workers' unions and organizations as well as
companies and enterprises. Secondly, primarily governmental initiatives
consist largely of representatives of often more than one ministry or
governmental agency, and may include partial participation of NGOs and other
civil society groups.
(b) Measurement Methods: The information needed for the composition of
the Directory of National Councils of Sustainable Development was gathered
through contacts with United Nations country missions, United Nations
Development Programme regional offices, embassy attaches, members and advisers
of the Earth Council, non-governmental organizations and national government
officials. Contact was made through letters, telephone calls and faxes.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: Representation of major groups in
national councils reflects a societal Response to sustainable development.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: The information provided is still basic
and does not necessarily reflect the effectiveness of the participation of
major groups in the process of policy making within national councils. There
may be other channels through which major groups can participate in decision
making related to sustainable development, particularly at the local level.
The type of national council, its mandate, and the process of selecting
members will vary considerable among countries.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Not available.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: The membership compositions of
national councils for sustainable development
(b) Data Availability: The data are limited. Information is pending for
most African countries, although updates have been received for several
countries after the printed edition of the Directory Of National Councils for
Sustainable Development was released. This information can be accessed on the
Internet, in which all new data are incorporated.
(c) Data Sources: The Directory of National Councils for Sustainable
Development, 1st edition, April 1995, Earth Council.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is the New Economics Foundation, with
the following contact point: Indicators Programme Coordinator, fax no.
(44 171) 377 5720.
(b) Other Organizations: Other organizations include: the Earth Council in
collaboration with the World Resources Institute, and the Natural Resources
Defence Council.
7. Further Information
Earth Council. Directory of National Councils for Sustainable Development. 1st
edition, April 1995.
LEAD AGENCY: NEF
REPRESENTATIVES OF ETHNIC MINORITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN
NATIONAL COUNCILS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Representatives of Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous People in
National Councils for Sustainable Development.
(b) Brief Definition: If existing national councils for sustainable
development includes one or more representatives of ethnic minorities and/or
indigenous people.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Yes/no.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapter 40: Information for Decision Making.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: This indicator determines the participation by ethnic
minorities and indigenous people in a country~s sustainable development
planning and decision-making processes.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: This indicator is
relevant to sustainable development from the following perspectives: (i) the
overall emphasis of Agenda 21 on broad-based participation in implementing and
monitoring sustainable development; (ii) capitalizing upon and further
develop ethnic and indigenous knowledge to reduce negative environmental,
social, and economic impacts of development strategies and plans; and (iii)
increasing participation of ethnic and indigenous people at the national
level.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: Topical linkages exist under such
issues as land use, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, hazardous waste,
human settlements and health. Linkages with specific indicators include
representatives of major groups in national councils for sustainable
development, sustainable development strategies, and national councils for
sustainable development.
(d) Targets: There are no existing international targets to observe
whether or not ethnic or indigenous representation on national councils
exists. An immediate target could be to have at least one such representative
in each national council. The appropriate number of representatives should
preferably reflect the ratio of ethnic and indigenous people in the national
population. This could prompt a government to decide on a ratio of
representation by population as a measurement of this indicator.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: The following conventions
and agreements are relevant to this indicator: Human Rights Commission (HRC)
1995/28, 1995/32, and from the Economic and Social Council 1992/256 of 20 July
1992; General Assembly Resolution 49/214 December 1994 on the International
Decade of Indigenous Peoples (particularly article 19d which "encourages
governments to support the decade by establishing national committees or other
mechanisms involving Indigenous People to ensure that the objectives and
activities of the decade are planned and implemented on the basis of full
partnership with Indigenous people."); Draft Declaration of the Rights of the
Indigenous People; and Convention No. 169 Concerning Indigenous and Tribal
Peoples in Independent Countries.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: An indigenous population are -
peoples in independent countries who are regarded as indigenous on account of
their descent from the populations which inhabited the country, or a
geographical region to which the country belongs, at the time of conquest or
colonialisation or the establishment of present state boundaries and who,
irrespective of their legal status, retain some or all of their own social,
economic, cultural and political institutions.~ (Convention 169). Ethnic
minorities are people who retain customs, habits, creeds, and institutions
which distinguish them from the rest of national society. A national council
for sustainable development is a body established to coordinate implementation
of Agenda 21 at the national level. Experience to date shows that national
councils established so far are composed of representatives from national
agencies and in some cases non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other
major groups.
(b) Measurement Methods: Currently there is no mechanism that
systematically takes stock of the composition of the national councils in
terms of ethnic and indigenous representation. However, the on-going work of
a
non-governmental consortium of the National Resources Defence Council (NRDC),
World Resources Institute (WRI), and the Earth Council provides information on
the existing national councils and their membership when the information is
available.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: Having ethnic and indigenous
people or their representative in national councils for sustainable
development recognizes the contribution Indigenous Peoples are making towards
achieving sustainable development. In the DSR Framework, the indicator is one
of Response.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: This indicator will be difficult to
quantify in many countries. It does not reveal anything about the quality of
the inputs of ethnic or indigenous people, or the impact of their
participation. The selection criteria will vary from country to country.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Other potential indicators of the
participation of ethnic and indigenous people in sustainable decision making
could be the number of appointments to relevant decision making positions, or
the existence of networking and capacity-building programs for ethnic and
indigenous people.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: Information on existing
national councils and comparable government institutions; and their
composition.
(b) Data Availability: National reporting and independent studies executed
by NGOs such The Directory of National Commissions on Sustainable Development
compiled by World Resources Institute, Earth Council, and Natural Resources
Defence Council.
(c) Data Sources: Indigenous peoples, national governments, and major
ethnic groups.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is the United Nations Department of
Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DPCSD). The contact point is
the Director, Division of Sustainable Development, DPCSD; fax no.
(1 212) 963 4260.
(b) Other Organizations: The indicator will be further developed in
cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations
Development Programme, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, United Nations
Centre for Human Settlements, the International Labour Office (ILO), The World
Bank, national councils, indigenous and ethnic networks.
7. Further Information
(a) Further Readings:
Declaration of Principles of Indigenous Rights.
ILO, Convention No. 169: Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in
Independent Countries.
1994: International Year of the Family.
The United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples .
International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.
Initiating Project for the United Nations' International Decade of the World's
Indigenous People.
(b) Other Contacts:
The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), Canada.
Coordinating Body for the Indigenous Peoples Organizations, Ecuador.
Earth Council, Costa Rica.
Indigenous Development International, England.
Indigenous Law Institute, USA.
Indigenous World Association, USA.
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, Denmark.
Natural Resources Defence Council, USA.
New Economics Foundation, U.K.
Rainforest Foundation International, USA.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Sarawak), Malaysia.
Support Group of Indigenous Peoples (KWIA), Belgium.
UNAAQ, Canada.
World Council of Indigenous Peoples, Canada.
World Resources Institute, USA.
LEAD AGENCY: DPCSD
CONTRIBUTION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Category: Institutional
1. Indicator
(a) Name: Contribution and role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
that represent one or more major groups in sustainable development.
(b) Brief Definition: The number of NGOs that represent one or more major
groups involved in the development, implementation and/or monitoring of
national strategies for sustainable development.
(c) Unit of Measurement: Number of groups.
2. Placement in the Framework
(a) Agenda 21: Chapters 23-32: Strengthening the Role of Major Groups.
(b) Type of Indicator: Response.
3. Significance (Policy Relevance)
(a) Purpose: This indicator shows the level of participation in
sustainable development by major groups represented by NGOs.
(b) Relevance to Sustainable/Unsustainable Development: The genuine
involvement and participation of all social groups in decision making is
critical to the achievement of sustainable development. Chapter 23 of Agenda
21 calls for broad public participation in decision making as a fundamental
prerequisite for the achievement of sustainable development. Chapter 27
advocates strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations as partners
for sustainable development in a participatory democracy. The credibility of
NGOs lies in the responsible and constructive role they play in society.
Governments are encouraged to consult NGOs and establish mechanisms to ensure
their participation in decision-making processes at the national level.
(c) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is linked to other
institutional measures including sustainable development strategies, national
councils for sustainable development, and representation of major groups in
national councils for sustainable development.
(d) Targets: No targets exist for this indicator.
(e) International Conventions and Agreements: Not available.
4. Methodological Description and Underlying Definitions
(a) Underlying Definitions and Concepts: Major groups are distinguished
by Agenda 21 as follows: Women, Trade Unions, Children and Youth, Business and
Industry, Indigenous People, Local Authorities, NGOs, Scientific and
Technological, and Farmers. Participation is defined by the Human
Development Report 1993 as follows: "Participation means that people are
closely involved in the economic, social, cultural and political processes
that affect their lives...Participation...is an essential element of human
development."
(b) Measurement Methods: There is no institutionalized measurement method
for this indicator, but surveys such as the one that has recently been carried
out by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) could serve this
purpose. The CSD Survey of Major Groups has been sent to over 1100 NGOs and
major group organizations around the world. One section of the survey enquired
which major group(s) are represented in the NGO and which formal relationships
it has with several international bodies, including UN agencies. The third
section focused on the respondent's activities related to the individual
chapters of Agenda 21. The fourth and, for this indicator, most relevant
section contained detailed questions about the level and type of participation
of the respondent in national sustainable development strategies, and the
reasons, if applicable, why the respondent did not take part in these.
Further measurement methods could be the investigation of participatory
mechanisms in constituencies of both governments and NGOs, and/or national
reports related to sustainable development reporting.
(c) The Indicator in the DSR Framework: The indicator assesses the
Response activities that are undertaken by major groups, and particularly by
their NGO representatives with respect to sustainable development.
(d) Limitations of the Indicator: The main limitation of this indicator
is that measurement by surveys relies entirely on the response to those
surveys, which is unlikely to yield representative samples on an individual
country basis.
(e) Alternative Definitions: Mechanisms established by government for the
participation of NGOs at any stage in national strategies for sustainable
development, for example, in receiving and commenting on drafts of national
reports. Adopting this alternative indicator would put the emphasis rather on
the opportunities national authorities create for NGOs to participate instead
of the use that Major Groups make of those opportunities.
5. Assessment of the Availability of Data from International and National
Sources
(a) Data Needed to Compile the Indicator: The data needed for this
indicator are twofold: first, which NGOs represent major groups; and second,
in what way are these NGOs participating in national strategies for
sustainable development.
(b) Data Availability: Currently no data are available on a regular
basis.
(c) Data Sources: The CSD represents a potential source of data.
6. Agencies Involved in the Development of the Indicator
(a) Lead Agency: The lead agency is the New Economics Foundation, with
the following contact point: Indicators Programme Coordinator, fax no.
(44 171) 377 5720.
(b) Other Organizations: Other organizations include the CSD.
7. Further Information
Not available.
LEAD AGENCY: NEF
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