Harmonization of Information for Multilateral Environmental Agreements Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo July 1999 Mark Collins Chief Executive World Conservation Monitoring Centre 14 July 1999

Implementation of MEAs Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo, July 1999 Set objectives

Implementation of MEAs Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo, July 1999 Establish targets Set objectives

Implementation of MEAs Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo, July 1999 Implement actions Establish targets Set objectives

Implementation of MEAs Inter-Linkages Conference, Tokyo, July 1999 Implement actions Establish targets Set objectives Monitor results

Solution Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Establish clear and measurable environmental targets Identify indicators of success Monitor them through the MEAs by dividing up the work & focusing reporting procedures

Constraints Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Gaps not covered by any treaty Duplication Different party constituents Lack of agreed baseline data and indicators Poor capacity for monitoring & reporting

Lessons from the Private Sector Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Hostile or friendly take-overs Specialise & create network organisation Pay attention to customer needs & pressures Provide proper reports to shareholders Act upon those reports to improve performance

Tactics Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Review treaties and establish potential for greater cooperation Be clear about what is needed from MEAs as a whole Establish proper reporting standards and success indicators

Conference Themes Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Information management Finance Issue management Scientific mechanisms Synergies for sustainable development

Difficulties in monitoring Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Parties lack the capacity to do baseline studies or monitor environmental change Reporting is inconsistent & cannot be aggregated Some treaties lack enough parties to provide a global picture

Role of Information Working Group Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Harmonise information in MEAs Identify complementarity and gaps Identify ways to share datasets Harmonise reporting Improve collection, organisation and dissemination of information Find ways to:

Achievements so far Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 UNEP identified as the lead in environmental assessment and early warning WCMC Feasibility Study on Shared Information Management for Biodiversity Treaties UNDP/SEED Expert Meeting on Synergies in National Implementation of Rio Agreements

Non-MEA Environmental Reports Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Global Environmental Outlook (UNEP) World Development Report (UNDP) World Resources Report (UNDP/UNEP/World Bank/WRI)

InformationCBDCITESCMSRamsarWHC ECOSYSTEMS Ecosystems and habitats ecosystems habitat types traditional use SPECIES Classification, names and identification higher taxonomy scientific name common names identification materials Shared Information Requirements Across MEAs

Modular Reporting Reduces Duplication

Building Capacity at National Level Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Systematically assess national needs across all countries Devise appropriate training programmes Transfer information technology The UNEP/GEF project Biodiversity Data Management has made a good start & should be extended

Helping the Secretariats Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Build IT capacity Outsource services to specialists Regular coordination of conventions

Time for Action Inter-Linkages Conference Tokyo, July 1999 Improve national monitoring and reporting procedures Systematically build capacity for information management Harmonise the work of the Secretariats