1. Central ministry having offices in each state

In some countries, the central ministry for the environment has created regional offices throughout the country for integration of centralized environmental strategies.

• coordination of efforts becomes easier
  (since only one authority is involved in monitoring activities)

• monitoring techniques and standards become uniform
  (the structure enables the government to adopt uniform monitoring techniques and standards throughout the country without contradictions)

• if properly coordinated with local authorities, it provides much needed capability and resources to local government units, including transfer of technology

• the importance of the local authorities can be undermined
  (this system creates a parallel structure to local government or institutions, which means that instead of utilizing the capabilities of local institutions, a new structure is created which may undermine the importance of the local authorities.)

• overlap of activities between the local office of the central ministry and other local institutions

• the application of standards which are appropriate in certain parts of the country but not in others

2. Central government forms advisory body

Central government advisory bodies are established for multiple reasons. It can be looking over social issues, economic issues, environmental issues, etc. or all the issues together. The body members vary according the area the body touches upon.

An advisory body, established to look over local governance issues, comprises of related central government representatives, i.e. ministers of related ministries and local government representatives, i.e. provincial governors. Some advisory bodies include the participation of social groups, such as local communities, NGOs, schools, etc.

The advisory body meets on a regularly basis to discuss local/sectoral policy issues and resolve policy differences, along with making policy decisions on behalf of the member institutions.

Example:

Thailand: National Economic and Social Development Board

The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), a government-formed advisory body, has many policy programmes under its supervision, one of which is the Phuket International City Action Plan. NESDB, in cooperation with local officials of Phuket province, NGOs, experts and social groups, come together to develop sustainable action plans for the development of Phuket into in 'International City' for tourism and trade.

URL http://www.nesdb.go.th

3. Creation of subnational/local environmental cells or units

Some countries have created environment units that would function similar to the national level environmental unit but focuses more at the subnational level; others have liaised with environmental core groups consisting of specialists, which act as roving team moving from ministry to ministry.

Example:

Philippines: Local environmental offices

The Philippines’ Local Government Code has authorized the appointment of environment and natural resources officers in provincial and local government units whose duties include, among other things, coordinating with the national environment and natural resources department (ministry) and its local offices and discharging the devolved functions and responsibilities pertaining to environment and natural resources. (More...)

In some countries, subnational government structure may be similar to national institutional arrangement. This is a very systematic approach and creates governance uniformity throughout the country.

Example:

Malaysia: Institutional arrangement for environmental management

Malaysia has a similar institutional arrangement for environmental integration into decision-making at the state level. Each state will have their own environmental agencies to handle environmental problems and regulations. (More...)

4. Creation of environmental cells or units in various ministries

Some countries have created environmental cells or units within the various ministries (usually at the national/central office level) to deal with issues concerning the sector/ministry. (see Role of other ministries in module II).

5. Creation of a local (urban or rural) entity with representation from various local government departments

In order to overcome the limitations mentioned earlier, the creation of a local (urban or rural) entity with representation from various local government departments is imperative. This council should represent local views in a regional council. In this way, local issues would be directly represented at the regional level, and indirectly heard in the national policy-making body (through the regional entity). In areas of particular relevance to its locality, this entity should be given the authority to formulate policies independently within the parameters of the overall national objectives. In addition, it should have the administrative structure to implement policies through local government departments, units etc., and to coordinate the activities of all entities. Finally, in order for local authorities to discharge their responsibilities, an adequate budget and proper training should be provided.

Example:

Philippines: Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD)

The Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) acts as a coordinating mechanism, in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) - Office of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) and other international organizations, on the provision of assistance and cooperation towards the fulfillment of Philippine commitments to the UNCED; and Agenda 21.