Workshop on Capacity Development in Environment: Tools and Challenges: Rome, Italy 4-6 December 1996

Environmental capacity means the ability of individuals and societies to respond effectively to environmental problems. Helping to develop this capacity has become a major strategic goal for development co-operation today. As pressure on the environment increases, aid donors need to work in partnership with developing countries to help them improve their capacities to manage their own environmental resources. Tangible results of these efforts will further contribute to the effectiveness of international development co-operation. DAC work on strengthening environmental capacities in developing countries gained further momentum this year with a major Workshop on Capacity Development in Environment, hosted by Italy from 4-6 December 1996. This initiative was proposed and prepared by the DAC Working Party on Development Assistance and Environment. Through a series of specially selected case studies, participants at the Workshop compared experiences and shared lessons learned. A set of practical, replicable tools and materials was produced and can now be widely used to support environmental capacity development efforts. Included among the participants at this Workshop were around 35 representatives from developing countries.