United Nations Environment Programme's approach to integrated assessment of trade-related policies: evolution and recent progress

Authors: Kessler, J.J.; Abaza, H.

Source: Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, Volume 24, Number 4, 1 December 2006 , pp. 273-283(11)

Publisher: Beech Tree Publishing

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Abstract:

Over the last decade the Economics and Trade Branch (ETB) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has worked to enhance national capacities to undertake integrated assessment of trade-related policies. This article describes the evolution of the approach adopted by UNEP towards achieving greater integration on three key levels: `substantively' by using quantitative and qualitative tools that generate insight into the interrelationships among environmental, social and economic impacts of public policies; `policy-wise' by establishing more direct linkages between the planning and decision-making processes; and `process-wise' by promoting inter-ministerial co-ordination and multi-stakeholder participation and involvement. There is also a shift towards taking a more proactive approach to designing trade policies that will help reduce poverty in an environmentally sound way.

Keywords: integrated assessment, trade policies, capacity bu

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.3152/147154606781765093

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