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Links with economic planning entities

In most of the countries surveyed there is no representation by the environment-related line agencies in the key body charged with economic planning and co-ordination (e.g., the Macroeconomic Committee).

Examples:

Tonga: In Tonga, the key economic planning and coordinating committee is the Development Coordination Committee (DCC). Environment-related ministries such as Natural Resources and Lands and Survey are not represented on the DCC.

Malaysia: The highest economic planning and coordination body is the National Planning Council (NPC). Neither the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment nor the Environment Quality Council is represented on the NDC.

India: The Ministry of the Environment and Forests coordinates environment-related inputs in the preparation of the National Plan. However, it does not appear to have much say in the formulation of policy in the National Planning Commission.

The absence of direct links with the economic planning agencies in most of the countries in the Asian and Pacific region can be attributed to the fact that environmental objectives are viewed as being distinct from economic development objectives.

...Why links are important?

Links with economic planning entities are necessary for a variety of reasons including the following:

• Interaction with economic planners and advisors could assist them to better understand environmental issues and the role the environment plays in economic development.
• Environmental policy makers and planners would also benefit from these linkages by improving their understanding of economic issues
• Close links with the economic planning agencies are important for maintaining dialogue on budgetary issues concerning the environment. These links are vital for advocating increased budgetary allocations for the environment.

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