Permitting and Inspection

1. When is decentralization effective? Delegate most permit writing and inspection functions to lowest possible level to effectively implement program Local government should have principal inspection authority with national government with second line authority. Need to clearly delineate of legal powers between central and local authorities Need good coordination between central and local authority Adequate budgetary resources and capacity building at local levels Should strengthen capacity of local authorities in a phased process that builds the capacity of more progressive or model agencies and then replicates with other agencies. Clearly address conflicts, including conflicts of interest that might arise Improve political will for local implementation through public education

1. When is decentralization effective? (continue) Improve political will for local implementation through public education and peer pressure from other local governments Need to develop clear policies and guidelines from national agencies including mechanism to ensure implementation at the local level Develop well-defined area e.g. river or local basins following the principle of integrated water resources management

2. How can national agencies best monitor performance of local agencies? Develop national guidelines for inspection and permitting that clearly delineates roles and responsibilities Establish formal reporting and other communications mechanisms to enable national agency monitoring of progress via performance management systems with performance indicators National supervision mechanisms of local implementation linked to direct national-local collaboration during implementation National agencies should provide direct implementation assistance to local bodies. Establish appeals mechanisms for national review of local decisions including compliant mechanism

2. How can national agencies best monitor performance of local agencies? Establish penalties for local agencies for incomplete implementation Standardize performance indicators and publish information via website Ensure local government involvement in the development of national policies and standards to ensure ownership by local governments Develop joint inspection programs

3. What are main training needs? National and local laws, authorities and guidelines on inspection, permitting, and investigation including formulating local laws and regulations Technical training on industrial processes, industrial pollution, pollution control, pollution prevention, waste management, etc. Public participation and public relations Program management including budget allocation Leadership and management Performance management, indicators and benchmarking Inspection manual with detailed inspection process, documentation of inspection results to support litigation Case preparation using inspection reports Guidelines and information on enforcement ethics to provide compliance assistance in addition to performing enforcement function Training/guidelines for specific sectors

Other suggested needs Compilation of national environmental laws and regulations Equipment to support pollution inspection and monitoring