MDGs
MDGs and the environment: are environmental institutions 'fit for purpose'?
Can MDG7 be achieved through the current institutions?
Authors:
N. Bird
Publisher:
Overseas Development Institute, London, 2008
This two page brief looks at the role of institutions in achieving Millennium Development Goal 7 on environmental sustainability.
The author argues that the role of the national government administration is critical to the delivery of environmental results. It sets out policy, regulatory frameworks, and monitors for compliance. The author asserts that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved since the national institutions are not ‘fit for purpose’ - they lack clarity in their missions and mandates and have conflicting functions. The author adds that even when there is clarity of institutional purpose, environmental sustainability will not be achieved without the assured funding of core programmes. There is also a likelihood of elite interference to block reforms due to vetted interests especially in natural resource rich countries.
The author recommends that:
- programmes that support environmental sustainability need to be recognised as being as much a state responsibility as the provision of health and education
- donor activity should not undermine relevant institutions as they operate parallel to the national budget and outside national priorities and coordination
- World Bank governance structures need to be reformed to become more transparent in decision making and alter internal incentives so that environmentally benign investments have greater prominence in lending portfolios
- efficiency and effectiveness of the official institutions should be improved so that can deliver on sustainability issues.
