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This book is a product of the Regional Public Goods Program of the Interamerican Development Bank: “Development and Strengthening of Official Environment Statistics through the creation of a Regional Framework in Latin America and the Caribbean”. (RG-T2012). Opinions expressed in this book comes from the authors and do not necessarily correspond with the point of view of the Interamerican Development Bank, its Executive Directorate, the countries the Bank represents neither the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. This publication was prepared for the Regional Public Goods Project by the consultant Mónica Luz Ureña, using as a base the works prepared carried out by the consultants Alejandro Eduardo Guevara Sanginés and César Sigifredo Morales Estupiñán. DR © 2018, Inter-American Development Bank
1300 New York Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20577. United States of America
Printed in Spain ISBN 978-84-09-06924-8
Index
Acronyms
Acknowledgements
Introduction 1
Chapter I. Regional diagnosis of the official environment statistics situation 3
1. Current state and progress in the generation of environment statistics 5
1.1 The paradigm of environment 5
1.2 Regulatory frameworks of environment statistics 8
1.3 Environmental and economic accounting systems 12
1.4 Diagnoses background and challenges of the environment statistics in LAC 14
2. Self-diagnosis application 19
3. Self-diagnosis application results 20
3.1 Institutional dimension of environment statistics 20
3.2 Section of the questionnaire about environment statistics production 35
3.3 Section of the questionnaire about statistical topic level 52
3.4 Current programs for basic environment statistics 57
3.5 Environmental accounting 62
4. Conclusions of the diagnosis of the situation of environment statistics 67
Chapter II. Strategy and action plan 69
1. Building the strategy 71
2. Strategy mission and vision 72
3. Strategic axes 74
3.1 Strategic axis I: Institutional development 75
3.2 Strategic axis II: Strengthening and expanding production, dissemination
and promotion of environment statistics use 78
3.3 Strategic axis III: Building capacities to support the development and
strengthening of environment statistics in the region 81
3.4 Strategic axis IV: Strengthening regional and subregional cooperation, as
well as cooperation between countries and institutions. 82
4. Action Pan 84
4.1 Action Plan for Strategic Axis I: Institutional development 84
4.2 Action Plan for Strategic Axis II: Strengthening and expanding production,
dissemination and promotion of environment statistics use. 86
4.3 Action Plan for Strategic Axis III: Building capacities to support the
development and strengthening of environment statistics in the Region. 89
4.4 Action Plan for Strategic Axis IV: Strengthening regional and subregional
cooperation as well as cooperation between countries and institutions. 90
Chapter III. Training plan on official environment statistics 93
1. Introduction and justification of the regional training plan 95
2. Relevant pedagogical concepts related to training processes 97
2.1 Basic concepts about the learning process 97
2.2 Motivation: central element for learning 98
2.3 Learning approaches 99
2.4 Adults learning 100
2.5 Learning by doing 101
2.6 Training modalities 101
2.7 Individual and institutional training 101
3. Objectives and scope of the plan 102
3.1 Objectives of the plan 102
3.2 Scope of the plan 102
4. Target population of the training plan 103
5. Conceptual framework of the regional training plan in official environment
statistics 104
5.1 Preliminary considerations 104
5.2 Pedagogical approach 105
5.3 Conceptual approach 105
5.4 Methodological approach 105
5.5 Training evaluation and certification 106
5.6 Final considerations related to the conceptual model proposed 108
6. Training plan curriculum 109
7. Proposal for curriculum implementation 111
7.1 Implementation by target population groups 111
7.2 Implementation of the curriculum at the initial level 112
7.3 Implementation of the rest of the curriculum 114
8. Estimated cost of the training plan 116
8.1 Estimated cost according to the proposed implementation of the
curriculum 116
8.2 Estimated cost according to the number of countries participating in
training 118
9. Final considerations about the training plan 119
Annex 121
Annex I. Responsibles for the completion of the diagnosis questionnaire 121
Annex II. Administrative-political division of each country of the project 123
Annex III. Criteria for defining the priority level in data collection 124
Annex IV. Information on international cooperation projects or events 125
Annex V. Curriculum 129
References 141
Acronyms
BEST Bahamas Environment Science &Technology Commission
CARICOM Caribbean Community
CSD
DANE
DSR
DPSIR
EC
Commission on Sustainable Development
National Administrative Department of Statistics (Colombia)
Driving force-State-Response
Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response
European Commission
ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
FAO
FDES
GBS
GHG
GIS
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics
General Bureau of Statistics (Suriname)
Greenhouse Gas
Geographic Information System
IDB Inter-American Development Bank
IMF
INEGI
International Monetary Fund
National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Mexico)
LAC
MDGs
Latin America and the Caribbean
Millennium Development Goals
NEPA National Environment and Planning Agency
NSO
OECD
PSR
SDGs
SDI
SEEA
National Statistics Office
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
Pressure-State-Response
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Indicators
System of Environmental-Economic Accounting
UN United Nations
UNECE
UNIDO
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNSD United Nations Statistics Division
USD United States Dollar
WB World Bank
Acknowledgements
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) of Mexico is deeply grateful for
the collaboration on the Project from national institutions, as well as the participation of
international agencies. This collaboration allowed for a multitude of contributions, ranging from
the diligence of the self-diagnosis questionnaire on the status of environment statistics, to the
review and validation of various documents, through the participation in consultants’ selection
procedures, as well as reflections and analyses during workshops.
The National Statistics Offices that participated were:
1. Department of Statistics of Bahamas
2. National Administrative Department of Statistics (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística, DANE), Colombia
3. National Institute of Statistics and Census (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos, INEC) of Costa Rica
4. National Statistics Office (Oficina Nacional de Estadística, ONE) of the Dominican Republic
5. National Institute of Statistics and Census (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos, INEC) of Ecuador
6. Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN)
7. National Institute of Statistics and Census of Panama
8. General Bureau of Statistics (GBS) of Suriname
9. National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, INE) of Venezuela
The Environment Ministries that participated were:
1. Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission (BEST)
2. Department of Environment of Belize
3. Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia (MIAMBIENTE)
4. Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE)
5. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Dominican Republic
6. National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) of Jamaica
7. Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico (SEMARNAT)
8. Environment Ministry of Panama
9. National Institute for Environment and Development (NIMOS) of Suriname
10. Ministry of Popular Power for Eco-Socialism and Water of Venezuela (MINEA)
The international agencies that offered technical assistance were:
1. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
2. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
3. The United Nations Statistics Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNSD)
In addition, it is pertinent to thank the enthusiasm with which the following people offered their ideas and joined a collective creation effort:
1. Clarice Ann Turnquest from the Department of Statistics, Bahamas
2. Brendalee Dulce Adderley from the Department of Statistics, Bahamas
3. Samantha Shanique Miller from the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology Commission
4. Edgar Ek from the Department of Environment of Belize
5. Elena Rodríguez Yate from the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia
6. Juliana Rodríguez Naranjo from the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia
7. María Elena González Quesada from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Costa Rica
8. Fabio Herrera Ocampo from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Costa Rica
9. Álvaro Aguilar Díaz from the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica
10. Alma Vargas de González from the National Statistics Office of the Dominican Republic
11. Natividad Martínez Solano from the National Statistics Office of the Dominican Republic
12. Patricio Devers Espino from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic
13. Carla Ballesteros Tamayo from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Ecuador
14. María José Murgueitio Tamayo from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Ecuador
15. Christian Alberto Cando López from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Ecuador
16. Janet Geoghagen-Martin from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica
17. Schmoi Mellecia McLean from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica
18. Carlos Guerrero Elemen, General Head of the Project, from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico
19. Martín Wilson Sánchez, Technical Coordinator of the Project, from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico
20. Francisco Jiménez Nava from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico
21. Shellsea Alejandra Becerra Espinosa from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico
22. Jorge Arturo Flores Ochoa from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico
23. Georgina Alcántar López from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico
24. José Branca Requenes from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Panama
25. Neyra Yanet Herrera Marín from the Environment Ministry of Panama
26. Anjali Kisoensingh from the General Bureau of Statistics of Suriname
27. Donovan Bogor from the National Institute for Environment and Development (NIMOS) of Suriname
28. José Rafael López Garnier from the National Statistics Institute of Venezuela
29. Dinoira Yurdit Moreno Perdomo from the National Statistics Institute of Venezuela
30. Luis Amado Ibarra Lobo from the National Statistics Institute of Venezuela
31. Pablo Ramón Arias Bello from the Ministry of Popular Power for Eco-Socialism and Water of Venezuela
32. Rayén Quiroga Martínez from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
33. Birgit Altmann from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
34. Reena Shah from the United Nations Statistics Division
35. Juan Carlos Bello Silva from the United Nations Environment Program
We wish to express our gratitude to the consultant Monica Luz Ureña for the commitment
and responsibility with which she pursued the objectives of the project during her work and
produced a high quality report.
It is also necessary to thank Janine Perfit and Benjamín Santa María, IDB officials, for the
valuable work done in the follow-up and management of the Agreement (ATN/OC-13080-RG)
that provided the financial resources without whom this project would not have been possible.
Likewise, it is important to recognize to the consultant Enrique Alcides López Reyes, for
the commitment with whom he assumed his duties as Project Officer during most of the
fulfilment time of the program.
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Introduction
Under the impetus of an initiative of the Working Group of Environment Statistics of ECA-
ECLAC, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as sponsor, and the National Institute of
Statistics and Geography of Mexico (INEGI) as executing agency, an agreement was undertaken
for the granting of a non-reimbursable technical cooperation, the goal of which was to finance
the implementation of the Project “Development and Strengthening of Official Environment
Statistics through the creation of a Regional Framework in Latin America and the Caribbean”.
The objective of the Project was defined as collectively promoting the strengthening of
the official systems of environment statistics of the participant countries from Latin America and
the Caribbean (LAC): Bahamas, Belize, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Republic of Colombia,
Republic of Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Republic of Ecuador, Jamaica, Republic of Suriname
and United Mexican States.
Map 1. Countries participating in the Regional Public Goods project
Source: Author’s preparation
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The specific objectives of the Project were established as follows:
i) Generate a diagnosis of the current status of environment statistics programs to
develop and enhance them by improving their technical quality;
ii) Promote coordination at the national level between institutional actors related to
statistics, indicators, and environmental accounts;
iii) Strengthen regional collaboration to promote the standardization and comparability
of common environment statistics.
The Project was articulated on the following components:
Component 1. Diagnosis of the current state of environment statistics in Latin America
and the Caribbean.
Component 2. Creation of a Regional Strategy and Action Plan for the development and
strengthening of environment statistics.
Component 3. Development and validation of a methodological and technical Toolkit.
Component 4. A Regional Training Plan on Environment Statistics.
Component 5. Publications.
Component 6. Final Seminar.
The present publication, A Regional Framework for the Strengthening of Official
Environment Statistics, is the product of component 5 of the Project and contains the results of
components 1, 2 and 4.
In addition, component 5 generated another publication, Toolkit for the Strengthening of
the Official Environment Statistics, according to content contained in component 3.
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Diagnosis of the
environment
statistics situation
4
5
Chapter I. Regional diagnosis of the official environment statistics situation
1. Current state and progress in the generation of environment statistics
1.1. The paradigm of environment
The United Nations Conference on Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972,
named First Earth Summit, is the first record of international recognition of the relevance of the
environment to human beings. This conference stressed the need for environmental concerns
to be incorporated into the whole of economic and social policies.
Since then, several initiatives have been created for the development of environment
statistics, including the meetings of the European Economic Commission of the United Nations
(1973), at which requests for funding to the United Nations Statistics Division were made by the
United Nations Statistical Program, for the coordination and development of environmental
statistics and programs.
The notion that environmental sustainability and economic development are not
opposing forces was later incorporated in the First World Commission on Environment and
Development meeting, held in 1984, in response to an urgent call from the United Nations
General Assembly to establish A Global Agenda for Change. The conviction that a more
prosperous, fairer and safer future can be built for humanity was reflected in the Our Common
Future report, known as the Brundtland Report, elaborated by the World Commission on
Environment and Development in 1987. The report compiled common international worries
about the environment, as well as a new proposal regarding the relationship between the
environment and economic development. The importance of this document lies not only in the
act of launching the concept of sustainable development, defined as development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations, but also lies in
the fact that said concept was subsequently incorporated into all United Nations programs.
Notably, it became the main thrust for the second Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in
1992.
Since the second Earth Summit in 1992, the United Nations has invited governments and
other societal actors to develop indicators and generate information related to sustainable
development. This has led to individual countries giving more relevance to environmental
information generation and to the elaboration of Agenda 21, a document that recognizes the
responsibility of each country to elaborate sustainable development models.
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In 2002, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (third Earth Summit) held in
Johannesburg (Republic of South Africa), the importance of having easily accessible statistical
systems relevant to policy development was reiterated.
At the fourth Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development, Río+20), the relevance of environmental sustainability was
highlighted, associating issues such as the eradication of poverty through a sustainable economy
and the creation of an institutional framework of environment development. This framework
focuses on three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. In addition, a focus on tasks
established by the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development such as strengthening
policies to integrate statistics at global, regional, national and local levels, was created.
On September 25, 2015, 193 world leaders committed their countries to 17 world
objectives named “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs), which consider several principles
directly associated with the environment. Among them, sustainable production and consumption
patterns, sustainable use of oceans and seas, and appropriate management of marine resources
and terrestrial ecosystems, including actions to halt or revert desertification, land degradation
and biodiversity loss.
SDGs pay special attention to the need for urgent actions regarding climate change, one
of the major challenges of our time, which jeopardises the survival of many societies and the
biological systems that support them. SDGs also consider complementary objectives related to
the environment, such as ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and
sanitary services and sustainable access to energy.
During the XXI Conference on Climate Change held in Paris in December 2015, the Paris
Agreement was negotiated within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change, establishing measures for the reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emissions
(GHG) through the mitigation, adaptation, and resilience of ecosystems, in relation with Global
Warming.
Faced with these challenges, the signatory states recognized that a solid alliance of
individuals, governments, civil society, and the private sector is necessary, aimed at ensuring an
optimal future for present and future generations. To address the challenges posed by
environmental management, decision makers at all levels require more accessible and timely
information, so the generation of quality environment statistics is increasingly necessary.
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Photo 1. Dam for public water supply, Mexico
Source: INEGI (Mexico)
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1.2 Regulatory frameworks of environment statistics
Environment statistics show the status of and changes in environmental conditions, the
availability and quality of natural resources, and the impact of human activities and natural
events. They also provide information on societal responses and the economic measures
designed to prevent, avoid, or mitigate environmental impacts, to recover and to sustain
essential environmental services’ capacities for people’s lives and well-being. Environment
statistics cover a broad conceptual spectrum, are multidisciplinary by nature and are based on a
wide variety of methodologies and information sources. They require the participation and
coordination of several institutions and represent a supply for the elaboration of economic-
environmental accounting.
The first antecedent of a framework for organizing environment statistics is the STress-
Response Environment Statistics System (STRESS), developed by Statistics Canada. This system
assumes that human activity generates pressure on ecosystems and that ecosystems respond to
that stimulus. Under this premise, an information system should be set up to monitor human
activities in relation to key issues, while at the same time register indicators related to ecosystem
responses.
Photo 2. Solid urban waste final disposal site, México
Source: INEGI (Mexico)
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In 1984, the United Nations Statistics Division developed a Framework for the
Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) whose purpose was to serve as a referential
common framework for countries, in relation to the unification of concepts and methods for the
elaboration of said statistics. It should be noted that this first version of the FDES was developed
with a similar logic to the Pressure-Response System, establishing a sequence of information
organization, which links human activity with impacts on the environment and consequent
reactions. In addition, the Statistics Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe (UNECE) developed environment statistics classifications, while at the same time the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Statistics Office of the
European Union (Eurostat) were given the task of collecting data and calculating development
indicators.
The STRESS system gave rise to the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model, which
recognizes that human beings apply pressures on the environment, which induce changes in its
state. At the same time, societies respond to pressures and changes through policies and
programs aimed at reducing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. In 1996,
the Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) developed the Driving Forces-State-
Response (DSR) based on the PSR model, adapting it to the thematic axes of Agenda 21. This
framework was eventually abandoned because it was not adapted to show the complex links
between variables, creating ambiguities and demonstrating an inability to properly identify the
existing relationships between indicators and sustainable development policies. However, this
initiative resulted in a set of Sustainable Development Goals, first published in 2001 and reviewed
in 2007, and currently consists of a set of indicators related to the three pillars of sustainable
development (economic, social and environmental).
The European Environment Agency later developed the Driving Force-Pressure-State-
Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, adapting the PSR model, based on the argument that driving
forces cause pressures on the environment that eventually degenerate it, impacting human
health and ecosystems, which can induce human responses to reduce these negative effects. In
2013, the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) published a new Framework for the
Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) with the goal of making it an integral tool for
monitoring, measuring, analysing, and assisting in policy decisions regarding the environment.
In the framework provided by the FDES, the conceptual scope of environment statistics
encompasses biophysical aspects of the environment as well as aspects of the socioeconomic
subsystem that affect the status and quality of the environment and environmental changes. It
also includes ecosystem interactions and considers earth as the limited space for the
development of natural ecosystems, habitats and the range of human activities; and which
contains underground resources that supply raw materials and energy sources, after their
extraction and use.
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The conceptual framework also includes definitions about waste generation and
management and their impacts on the environment, as consequences of consumption and
production processes. It recognises that certain activities can often cause environmental
modifications, such as resource depletion and environment degradation, which in turn can
induce negative impacts for human well-being. In contrast, mechanisms for environmental
protection and natural resources management may reduce negative impacts on the
environment.
In this way, FDES first level structure is articulated on six components, represented in
Figure 1.
Figure 1: Environment Statistics Components
Source: Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics, 2013.
The FDES review is an effort to integrate new policy issues and conceptual developments
that have emerged since its creation. Issues such as climate change, Millennium Development
Goals, Green Economy and Green Growth initiatives, natural capital, ecosystem approaches and
biodiversity and ecosystem economy have become very relevant in the international context.
They have generated new information requirements, which consequently created the need to
adapt the framework to this new context.
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It is important to mention that the FDES was adapted to consider the importance that
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have in the development of environment statistics as a
tool that makes it possible to associate information with different spatial units, which is
particularly important in the context of environmental information.
Photo 3. Solid urban waste final disposal site, with special waste (tires) management. México
Source: INEGI (Mexico)
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1.3 Environmental and economic accounting systems
Environment and economic accounts systems began in 1993, with the National
Accounting Manual: integrated environmental and economic accounting, and they constitute a
relevant user of environment statistics. This system incorporates flows between the environment
and the economy, accounting stocks of natural resources and their changes over time. The
system also accounts for the costs associated with environmental degradation and natural
resources depletion, in accordance with National Accounting Systems. Below is a description of
this system and some of its derivations.
System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA 2012)
SEEA is “an international statistical standard for economic and environmental accounting”
(UN-EC-IMF-FAO-OECD-WB, 2012:2) jointly developed by various international organizations.1
This system establishes interrelations between environmental variables and the economy,
measuring the state and variation of environment asset stocks, expressed in physical and
monetary terms. Like the FDES, SEEA 2012 is a product of review of previous accounting systems,
namely the National Accounting Manual: integrated environmental and economic accounting of
1993 and 2003, as well as SEEA 1993 and SEEA 2003.
SEEA presents an accounting structure that establishes asset accounts, expresses the
physical assets and flows of the environment in physical and monetary terms, delimits economic
units, as well as accounting rules and principles. SEEA also establishes how to integrate and
present environmental accounts (UN-EC-IMF-FAO-OECD-WB, 2012).
SEEA-Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EEA)
The Experimental Ecosystem Accounting 2012, which is part of the System of
Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), is an effort by some international institutions to
develop an ecosystem accounting framework, including marine and atmospheric ecosystems,
that provides a common set of concepts and classifications of environmental goods and services,
both in physical and monetary terms, with emphasis on a spatial context, both at national and
subnational level (UN-EC-IMF-OCDE, 2013)1.
SEEA-EEA incorporates the most current knowledge of the relationship between
environmental assets. The system is complementary to the frameworks referred to above. SCAE-
EEA is a consistent system with both MDEA and SEEA, that adds the importance of the spatial
approach.
1 United Nations, Europe Commission, International Monetary Fund, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and World Bank.
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SEEA-Water
Like SEEA-EEA, SEEA-Water is a complementary system to SEEA with an emphasis on
water. It presents definitions, concepts, classifications, tables and common principles for the
integration of environmental accounts in the subject of water.
Photo 4. Urban wastewater treatment plant, Mexico
Source: INEGI (Mexico)
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1.4 Diagnoses backgrounds and challenges of the environment statistics in
Latin America and the Caribbean
Previous regional studies regarding the state of environment statistics exist, including
Environment Statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean: progress and perspectives from R.
Quiroga (2005) and Status of the situation of environment statistics in Latin America and the
Caribbean in 2008: progress, challenges and perspectives from K. Taboulchanas and F. Fernández
(2009).
These pioneering studies highlight the fundamental aspects of the state of environment
statistics in the region, as well as their evolution. They help create an image of the challenges
that exist.
Photo 5. Urban wastewater treatment plant, Mexico
Source: INEGI (Mexico)
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As Mercado and Lopez (2014) point out, the generation of environmental information is
recent if it is compared with economic, demographic and social information generation. This
implies that there are many unresolved difficulties related to its generation or that the actions
taken by the countries to solve them are still emerging.
Important challenges in the development of environment statistics were identified in the
literature review. The main challenges are briefly described below:
i) Differences in the regulatory frameworks
According to Quiroga (2005), most countries use a framework of environmental
components. This approach is relatively simple to establish, where large categories and
subcategories are created to sort environmental information. However, these frameworks do not
consider the relations between different types of information. As a result, they are unable to
provide information about, for example, the impact of economic activity on the environment.
In this context, the first identified challenge was the heterogeneity in existing regulatory
frameworks used by countries that generate environment statistics. The diversity of existing
frameworks may lead to inconsistences between countries, for example, in the type of variables
and the organisation of information, which can prevent the ability to integrate the various
frameworks in the future.
ii) Lack of institutional connection
According to Mercado and Lopez Pérez (2014), almost every country has created a
ministry (or agency) that specifically addresses environmental issues, which has been useful in
strengthening worldwide environmental information generation.
As Quiroga (2005), UNEP/GRID-Arendal (2009) and Mercado and Lopez (2014) and others
point out, administrative records often exist and can potentially be compiled in an environmental
information system; however, these records are regularly dispersed across various government
agencies, which rarely share data. There is a need to develop inter-institutional coordination
mechanisms that allow for the flow of administrative records, for later systematization by
national statistics offices.
In this context, in the absence of effective coordination mechanisms, the systematization
of administrative records in an environment statistics regulatory framework, is proceeding more
slowly than it could be. The use of administrative records for statistical purposes is not immediate
and sometimes not feasible, so a detailed study is necessary in each case to accurately assess its
potential.
16
iii) Spatial and temporal distribution of natural phenomena related to environment
statistics
The spatial and temporal nature of the phenomena related to the environment is not
necessarily consistent with the temporal cycles and geographic spaces related to human activities
and their administrative demarcations, which can, in some cases, prevent using the same
approaches used to establish the frequency and spatial delimitation of sociodemographic and
economic information.
iv) Lack of regularity of environment statistics
Sometimes, even if environmental information is generated on certain topics at the
national level, it is done irregularly. For example, a survey or census is sometimes carried out for
a specific purpose or its execution depends on the availability of financial resources. This lack of
regularity in the generation and compilation of environmental information causes uncertainty
regarding the generation of new data, often resulting in insufficient data for decision making. The
execution of a survey or census depends on the availability of financial resources, which may not
be made consistently available.
v) Lack of knowledge
There is still widespread ignorance on the part of political actors and those responsible
for environmental management on the casual links between human activity and its impact
(positive or negative) on the environment. In many countries there are significant gaps in the
information collected and analysed, which may significantly impact or even prevent the efficient
identification of what information should be privileged. Effective and accurate knowledge
generation is a long and costly process that requires the participation of several sectors of
society, such as academia and civil society.
There have been significant efforts to generate information regarding the links between
ecosystem services and human activities. The “Ecosystem and Biodiversity Economy” initiative
(TEEB, 2010) provided relevant information about the economic value of ecosystem goods and
services. These estimations are relevant for global decision-making, but there is still a need to
generate regular information that is disaggregated and broader in scope. The studies that serve
as a basis for information generation typically have a very specific focus, making it difficult to
apply the data to other contexts. The challenge is, therefore, to use a basic statistics generation
approach to make the information generated through these studies compatible for application
in a variety of contexts.
17
vi) Lack of access to information
Principle number 10 of the Rio Summit (UN, 1992) states:
Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at
the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to
information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including
information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the
opportunity to participate in decision-making processes.
According to Taboulchanas and Fernandez (2009), prior to 2009 the most common means
of dissemination of information among Latin American countries were PDF and Excel tables,
which could not be consulted on demand. In addition, only Mexico and Venezuela had online
platforms for consulting environment statistics. The widespread use of information technology
continues to lag in the region, to be discussed in more detail below.
vii) Lack of economic and human resources
Limited economic and human resources are a problem frequently mentioned in studies
carried out in the Region on the status of environment statistics. This topic is notably referred to
by Quiroga (2005), Taboulchanas and Fernandez (2009) and Taboulchanas (2013). It should be
noted that there are not only insufficient resources, but the technical skills of staff are sometimes
considered insufficient to produce accurate environment statistics. At the same time, countries
face information requirements from different international agencies, which sometimes puts
additional pressure on already scarce staff (Taboulchanas, 2013).
viii) Supply and demand of environment statistics
Quiroga (2005) argues that the supply of environment statistics is not enough to
guarantee its use in decision-making and points out that building the demand for this kind of
statistics at different levels of government is just as important as its development. In this sense,
the use of environment statistics should transcend the environmental sector and influence
decisions in every sector of society that affects or is affected by changes in the environment. For
example, consider agricultural policy, which is generally based on a production approach.
Although environmental concerns are increasingly considered, there continue to be policies, such
as certain subsidies, that increase rather than decrease pressure on natural resources.
18
Environment statistics can play an important role in policy formulation and follow-up by
demonstrating in a systematic and rigorous way how increased pressure factors on ecosystems
caused by certain types of policies can eventually reduce the economic benefits of particular
activities. Thus, a regulatory framework that clearly and unambiguously establishes the
relationship between pressure factors and changes in the state of natural resources can be a
strong argument for correctly targeting these types of policies.
ix) Absence of metadata
The large volume of information generated in recent years associated with information
technologies has significantly increased the importance of “information of information”.
Metadata are essential for organizing, distinguishing and identifying the usefulness of statistical
information. However, the importance of generating “information of information” involves costs
in terms of time and effort. In a regional context, metadata standardisation is of vital importance
to ensure the international comparability of environment statistics, which can be as important
as establishing a common regulatory framework.
19
2. Self-diagnosis application
As was previously mentioned, the project aimed at assessing the current levels and
organization of environment statistics in the 11 participating countries, from which a strategy
and action plan could be implemented to strengthen this domain in the region. To collect the
relevant data, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to the participant countries. The
data collected were then analysed to identify and characterise the circumstances in which the
various institutions conduct their work.
The questionnaire was designed using advances pioneered by both the United Nations
Statistics Division (UNSD) and DANE of Colombia. It should be noted that an essential reference
of the questionnaire, the Environment Statistic Self-Assessment Tool (ESSAT) developed by the
United Nation Statistics Division, was in the process of construction by the time the questionnaire
used in this project was designed, so the ESSAT version used was preliminary.
The questionnaire gathered the specific reflections and proposals raised during the Initial
Workshop of the Technical Committee of the Project, held in April 2014 in Mexico City. Likewise,
it expresses in some way what was developed by the INEGI from Mexico, conceptual terms to
generate the technical specifications that guided the diagnosis. In addition, reference terms that
were used also took into account the considerations of the Working Group on Environment
Statistics of ECA-ECLAC.
20
3. Self-diagnosis application results
The results presented below correspond to the 11 countries participating in the Project:
Bahamas, Belize, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica,
Panama, the Republic of Colombia, the Republic of Costa Rica, the Republic of Ecuador, the
Republic of Suriname and the United Mexican States.
3.1 Institutional dimension of environment statistics
Institutional dimension refers to required factors for the improvement and strengthening
of the production, dissemination, and use of essential environment statistics for national and
regional development. This includes the legal framework, inter-institutional arrangements,
certainty in the resources distribution and technical regulations among other aspects which
guarantee the prevalence and continuity of institutions and projects.
i) National Statistics legal framework and organization
In the countries of study, a favourable legal and institutional framework to produce
national statistics is observed. Apart from Bahamas and Jamaica, each country has an institution
with a legal mandate for the generation of official statistics, as well as a national statistical system
and a statistics development plan.
Table 1. Institutional framework of national statistics
Institutional Dimension
Existence of institutions with legal mandate for the
development of official statistics
Existence of a national statistical system
Existence of a plan for the development of the
national statistical system
Bahamas ✓ X X
Belize ✓ ✓ X
Colombia ✓ ✓ ✓
Costa Rica ✓ ✓ ✓
Ecuador ✓ ✓ ✓
Jamaica ✓ X ✓
Mexico ✓ ✓ ✓
Panama ✓ ✓ ✓
Dominican Republic
✓ ✓ ✓
Suriname ✓ ✓ X
Venezuela ✓ ✓ ✓
Total 11 9 8
Note: ✓=Yes X=No
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
21
ii) Official environment statistics legal framework and organization
The following map shows the institution, National Statistics Office (NSO) or Ministry of
Environment with a legal mandate to produce official environment statistics.
Map 2. Institution with legal mandate to produce official environment statistics
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014.
The emerging nature of environment statistics is expressed by the fact that only half the
consulted countries reported having implemented a national environment statistics system. This
is illustrated in Map 3, below. This is in stark contrast with the situation of other national statistics
systems (including demographic, social and economic domains) in the participant countries, as
discussed above.
Despite this limitation, most countries have a current plan for the generation of
environment statistics and have created an area exclusively dedicated to the management of
projects on environment statistics.
22
Map 3. Existence of a National Environment Statistics System
Map 4. Existence of a National Environment Statistics Plan/Program
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation
of Official Environment Statistics 2014.
23
Table 2. Institutional framework of environment statistics
Institutional dimension
Existence of a national system of environment
statistics
Existence of a plan to develop environment
statistics
Existence of a department dedicated exclusively to environment statistics
Bahamas X X X
Belize X X X
Colombia ✓ ✓ ✓
Costa Rica ✓ ✓ ✓
Ecuador ✓ ✓ ✓
Jamaica X NS NS
Mexico ✓ ✓ ✓
Panama X ✓ ✓
Dominican Republic
X ✓ ✓
Suriname X X X
Venezuela ✓ ✓ ✓
Total 5 7 7
Note: ✓=Yes X=No NS= Not-specified
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
Another indication of the relative disadvantage of environment statistics in relation to
other domains of official statistics is that only four of the eleven countries included environment
statistics at the same hierarchical level as social and economic statistics.
Considering that environment statistics is a relatively new subject in the field official
statistics production, and support more financial and institutional limitations than other fields as
was mentioned earlier, none of the participating countries qualified the level of progress of their
environment statistics program as achieving higher than initial or intermediate progress.
24
Map 5. Existence of a department, division or unit dedicated exclusively to
environment statistics production
Map 6. Environment statistic unit location in the National Statistics Office
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014.
25
Table 3. Location of the environment statistics unit and level of progress of the environment statistics program in participating countries
Institutional dimension
Level of progress of the national environment statistics program
Location of the environment statistics unit at the National Statistic Office
Bahamas Non-existent Other
Belize Initial stage The unit does not exist
Colombia Intermediate stage At the same level of economic and social statistics
Costa Rica Intermediate stage Other
Ecuador Intermediate stage At the same level of economic and social statistics
Jamaica Initial stage At the same level of economic and social statistics
Mexico Intermediate stage At the same level of economic and social statistics
Panama Intermediate stage Within economic statistics
Dominican Republic
Initial stage Within social statistics
Suriname Non-existent Within economic statistics
Venezuela Intermediate stage At the same level of economic and social statistics
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014.
iii) Human and financial resources allocated to the area of environment statistics
The information reported indicates that the production of environmental information in
the National Statistics Offices of the participating countries is overseen by seventy-six people in
total, an amount deemed insufficient for the scope and complexity of the task. Six of eleven
countries reported employing between one and eight people in this activity. Ecuador, Mexico
and Colombia rank highest in this area, assigning an average of 19 people to these tasks, while
the remaining countries (Belize and Surinam) did not report employing any staff in this area.
Regarding the various Ministries of Environment, similar or greater limitations in staffing
was reported, with a total of 47 people across 11 participating countries assigned to statistical
production activities. Mexico reported the highest number with 34 people; five countries
reported between one and four employees assigned to environment statistics production, while
the remaining countries did not report allocating any employees to this activity.
26
Although the total number of staff in the National Statistics Offices is higher overall, they
tend to be less qualified. The percentage of staff with a bachelor’s degree or higher is
approximately 43 per cent, compared with 83 per cent in the Ministries of Environment. It is
important to note that the percentage of staff members within the National Statistics Offices that
do not have a bachelor’s degree at minimum is significant. A lack of adequate qualifications has
very serious implications on the execution of complex tasks, such as conceptual, methodological
and technical tasks that are required for the production of statistical information.
Table 4. Human resources assigned to the generation of environment statistics
Country
Bachelor’s degree
Master PhD Other None Total
NSO ME NSO ME NSO ME NSO ME NSO ME NSO ME
Bahamas 2 NS 0 NS 0 NS 0 NS 0 NS 2 NS
Belize NS 1 NS 1 NS 0 NS 2 NS 0 NS 4
Colombia 0 NS 4 NS 0 NS 13 NS 0 NS 17 NS
Costa Rica 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
Ecuador 1 NS 4 NS 0 NS 16 NS 0 NS 21 NS
Jamaica 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Mexico 8 24 4 1 0 3 7 6 0 0 19 34
Panama 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 6 3
Dominican Republic
0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Suriname NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Venezuela 2 NS 1 NS 0 NS 5 NS 0 NS 8 NS
Total 16 30 17 6 0 3 42 8 1 0 76 47
Note: NSO: National Statistics Office; ME: Ministry of Environment; NS: Non-specified
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
27
In addition, only six of the countries in the study reported operating with a budget aimed
to environment statistic production. Two main issues were identified: 1) the apparent
insufficiency of financial resources assigned to environment statistics units, mainly from the
Environment Authority, and 2) the financial heterogeneity reflected among the countries under
study.
Figure 1 represents the financial resources allocated to the environment statistics units
from 2010 to 2014 in current dollars (USD). Only six countries provided this information to the
study, and it was possible to collect the amount of financial resources for the six countries only
for the last two years of the time series. In 2014, Ecuador was the country that allocated the most
financial resources to the environment statistics units, followed by Colombia. In this ranking, the
budgets of the Dominican Republic and Panama were the last and penultimate respectively.
Figure 1. Regular budget allocated to the environment statistics units by the National Statistics Offices
Note: Amounts converted to dollars according to the annual average current exchange rate issued by
the World Bank
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014.
Figure 2 shows the budgets in constant dollars; from this perspective, almost all the
countries were in the same place in the ranking, with the exception of Venezuela, which in
current dollars exceeded Mexico in the last two years and in real dollars was only higher than the
Dominican Republic.
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
700000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Am
eri
can
D
ollars
(Current prices)
Ecuador
Colombia
Mexico
PanamaVenezuela
Dominican
Republic
28
Figure 2. Regular budget allocated to environment statistics unit by the National Statistics Offices (in constant prices, 2010)
Note: Amounts deflated according to the Consumer’s Price Index (CPI) base 2010=100 figured by the
World Bank for each country.
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
iv) Inter-institutional collaboration to produce environment statistics
The importance of inter-institutional collaboration from the perspective of growth and
strengthening of environment statistics programs is clear. Official environment statistics are, in
many cases, still insufficiently positioned and even misunderstood. There are many challenges
related to the fact that many issues and variables remain to be completed with data, and in many
cases, data have the peculiarity of being transversal. In this context, improving the position of
environment statistics involves the participation of the different institutions related to the
environmental sector as a fundamental step, and it involves creating agreements and harnessing
synergies to improve the production and use of environmental information.
In this field, none of the countries under study reported a “very satisfactory” level of
collaboration among inter-agency partners. In seven of the eleven studied countries, the level of
collaboration between institutions was considered to be satisfactory; in five cases, it was
reported that this process has resulted in the establishment of collegiate bodies where policies
and lines of action for data generation are defined; and in six countries the operation of technical
committees or another type of group oriented to technical or methodological definitions was
indicated.
$-
$100,000.00
$200,000.00
$300,000.00
$400,000.00
$500,000.00
$600,000.00
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Am
eri
can
D
ollars
(Constant prices 2010)
Ecuador
Colombia
Mexico
Panama
Venezuela
Dominican
Republic
29
Table 5. Assessment of inter-institutional collaboration in environment statistics
Level of collaboration among inter-institutional partners for the production of environment statistics
No. of countries
Very satisfactory 0
Satisfactory 7
Unsatisfactory 3
Non-existent 1
Existence of an inter-institutional group, council or other collective body of participation that defines policies, strategies or plans for the production of environment statistics
Yes 5
Underdeveloped 2
No 4
Existence of specialized committees or technical groups that define aspects related to technical standards, methodologies or other standards applicable to the generation of environment statistic information
Yes 6
No 4
Not-specified 1 Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014.
Map 7. Assessment of the inter-institutional collaboration level for environment statistics production
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014.
30
v) International cooperation
In all the participant countries, the existence of a flow of environmental information that
responds to the requirements of international organisms was reported, indicating a commitment
to collaboration with agencies that develop initiatives related to the environment at a global
level.
Table 6. International cooperation of National Statistics Office by country (2009-2014).
Type of international cooperation Bahamas Belize Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Jamaica
National environment statistics are reported to international organizations
✓ X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Participation of the NSO in an international expert group on environment statistics, in the context of the activities of the UNSD
- - - ✓ ✓ ✓
Participation of the NSO in an expert group on the FDES implementation
- - ✓ - ✓ ✓
Participation of the NSO in an expert group on regional environment statistics
- - - - ✓ -
Participation of the NSO in another group or body related to environment statistics
✓ - - - - -
Type of international cooperation Mexico Panama Dominican Republic
Suriname Venezuela Total countries
National environment statistics are reported to international organizations
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 10
Participation of the NSO in an international expert group on environment statistics, in the context of the activities of the UNSD
✓ - - ✓ - 5
Participation of the NSO in an expert group on the FDES implementation
✓ ✓ - ✓ - 6
Participation of the NSO in an expert group on regional environment statistics
✓ - - ✓ ✓ 4
Participation of the NSO in another group or body related to environment statistics
✓ - ✓ ✓ - 4
Note: ✓=Yes X=No Middle dash (-) indicates no answer in the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
31
Table 7. International cooperation of another agency by country (2009-2014).
Type of international cooperation Bahamas Belize Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Jamaica
Participation of another agency in an international expert group on environment statistics, within the context of activities of the UNSD
- ✓ - - ✓ -
Participation of another agency in an expert group in the implementation of the FDES
- ✓ - ✓ ✓ -
Participation of another agency in an expert group on regional environment statistics
- ✓ ✓ - - -
Participation of another agency in another group or body related to environment statistics
- ✓ - - - -
No participation - - - - - -
Type of international cooperation Mexico Panama Dominican Republic
Suriname Venezuela Total
countries
Participation of another agency in an international expert group on environment statistics, within the context of activities of the UNSD
- - - - - 2
Participation of another agency in an expert group in the implementation of the FDES
✓ ✓ - - - 5
Participation of another agency in an expert group on regional environment statistics
✓ - ✓ - - 4
Participation of another agency in another group or body related to environment statistics
✓ - - - - 4
No participation - - - ✓ ✓ 2
Note: ✓=Yes X=No Middle dash (-) indicates no answer in the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
Regardless of the variability observed, every country indicated participation in at least
one working group associated with some multinational initiative, highlighting the efforts that are
being made by international agencies to incorporate producers of official environment statistics
in the processes of design and construction of projects. It also demonstrates the collaborative
will of countries in the region in this area.
32
For the referenced period, respondents reported thirty-nine events associated with
international technical cooperation, the majority consisting of training received through a course
or workshop. In terms of frequency, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Suriname stand out for
their participation in six events, followed by Jamaica and Venezuela, participating in five events.
Table 8. Number of international technical cooperation events, by type and by country (2009-2014)
Country Technical assistance Course or workshop Other Seminar Overall total
Bahamas 0 1 0 0 1
Belize 0 0 0 0 0
Colombia 0 2 0 1 3
Costa Rica 0 5 0 1 6
Ecuador 1 1 0 0 2
Jamaica 1 4 0 0 5
Mexico 0 2 0 0 2
Panama 0 3 0 0 3
Dominican Republic 0 6 0 0 6
Suriname 0 5 1 0 6
Venezuela 1 3 0 1 5
Total 3 32 1 3 39 Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
vi) Use of environment statistics
Table 9. Use of environment statistics Use
Country
Design and evaluation of
national public
policies
Calculation of sustainable
development indicators
Elaboration of environmental
accounting
Elaboration MDG reports (Goal 7)
Elaboration of reports related with
environmental multilateral agreements
Bahamas Not used NS Non-elaborated Non-elaborated Non-elaborated
Belize Yes Non-calculated Non-elaborated Yes Yes
Colombia Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Costa Rica Yes Yes Non-elaborated Yes Yes
Ecuador Yes Yes Yes Non-elaborated Non-elaborated
Jamaica Not used Non-calculated Non-elaborated Yes Non-elaborated
Mexico Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Panama Yes Yes Non-elaborated Yes Yes
Dominican Republic
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Suriname Not used Non-elaborated Non-elaborated Yes Non-elaborated
Venezuela Not used Yes Non-elaborated Yes Yes
Note: NS: Non-specified Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
33
A significant consideration in the development of environment statistics is their use in
public management. Six of the eleven countries reported that this information is used to
elaborate and evaluate public policies. Similar proportions were reported in relation to the use
of environment statistics to calculate sustainable development indicators, in environmental
accounting elaboration and in reporting the progress of multilateral agreements. All this means
that there is still a lag between statistics production and public policies. Environment statistics
must move beyond the analysis and diagnosis dimension to become information that drives
action from the public administration.
vii) Means of dissemination of environment statistics
As in other areas of official statistics, transparency and access to information in the area
of environment statistics should not be overlooked. It is necessary to carry out data
dissemination and diffusion by different means so that information can be available to all users.
Generating a culture of statistical information usage can improve some current problematic
situations, while it can also have a positive effect on the generation of information itself, because
data demand can stimulate the growth of its corresponding supply.
Table 10. Dissemination means for environment statistics
Dissemination means Number of countries
Printed 9
Digital 8
Report to ministries and authorities by request 5
Web pages 8
Monograph 0
Consult systems 4
Online tables or tabulations 5
Online database 2
Microdata 2
Other contents 1
Other dissemination means 2
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of
Official Environment Statistics 2014.
While print products remain an important medium for information delivery among
participant countries, the use of the internet and digital products have been increasing. The use
of information technologies, as a part of the dissemination strategies for the environment
statistics, has a positive impact in relation with the user’s coverage, because digital products
better allow the data processing and analysis options for users.
34
Nevertheless, tables and tabulations remain the predominate option of information
dissemination, while the presence of information on online database or at the micro-data level
continues to be marginal. This strongly limits the analysis possibilities typically related to
specialized users.
Photo 6. Landfill for solid urban waste, Mexico
Source: INEGI (Mexico)
35
3.2 Section of the questionnaire about environment statistics production
The section of the self-diagnosis tool named Battery at Specific Statistical Level addresses
in great detail the availability of environment statistics in each individual country, taking into
account the universe of analysis of 508 variables considered in the version of the Framework for
the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) 2013 that was used. As already mentioned
above, the document used corresponds to a preliminary report of the final version published by
the United Nations.
In the questionnaire, the issue of statistics availability is addressed considering data
existence, information on the national priority in the collection of this information, collection
frequency, as well as sources and data coverage, among others.
i) Environment statistics availability
The results of the self-diagnosis for the aggregate of participating countries indicate that
there is no information availability in approximately 50 per cent of the considered variables.
Additionally, only a third of the available data is produced identically to what is specified in the
FDES and the remaining 20 per cent in a similar way. This situation is not different if the analysis
is carried out for each of the six components of the Framework.
Figure 2. Environment statistics availability according to FDES components
37%
15%
48%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
28%
19%
53%
2. Environmental resources and their use
31%
17%
52%
3. Residuals
29%
16%
55%
4. Extreme events and disasters
36
Identical Similar Not available
Source: Author’s elaboration based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014.
At the country level, the results show that environment statistics availability is
heterogeneous, with Belize, Jamaica, Suriname and Venezuela having highest percentage of
missing statistics (ranging from 57 per cent to 68 per cent). The Bahamas and Dominican Republic
produce the highest percentage of information according to the FDES.
Figure 3. Environment statistics availability by country in relation to the FDES
Identical Similar Not available
32%
18%
50%
5. Human settlements and environmental health
31%
19%
50%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
50%
1%
49%
Bahamas
42%
1%
57%
Belize
34%
31%
35%
Colombia
23%
34%
43%
Costa Rica
37
Source: Author’s elaboration based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014.
ii) National priority in the environment statistics generation
Considering the 508 observed variables, disaggregated in the six components in which
FDES is organized, the proportion of those considered by the informants as high priority variables
for collection oscillates between 45 per cent and 65 per cent; the average priority being 20 per
cent and the lowest 25 per cent.
25%
31%
44%
Ecuador
29%
12%
59%
Jamaica
40%
15%
45%
Mexico
40%
6%
54%
Panama
55%
10%
35%
Dominican Republic
30%
2%
68%
Suriname
5%38%
57%
Venezuela
38
Considering this issue at the component level, the variables corresponding to component
5 (environmental settlements and environmental health) and component 3 (residuals) showed
the highest proportions of high priority in data generation; 65 per cent and 60 per cent
respectively.
Figure 4. Level of priority in environment statistics generation by FDES component
High Medium Low Not applicable
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014
51%
19%
24%
6%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
51%
23%
21%
5%
2. Environmental resources and their use
61%16%
22% 1%
3. Residuals
57%
12%
31%
4. Extreme events and disasters
64%13%
22%1%
5. Human settlements and environmental health
51%
21%
23%
5%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
39
It is appropriate to introduce here in the analysis the notion of data groups or data
packages related to the idea of priority levels, considering the three Tiers managed in the FDES:
- Tier 1 corresponds to the minimum set required for the production of
environment statistics.
- Tier 2 refers to a set of relevant and prioritised environment statistics, the
production of which requires a greater investment of time, resources and
methodological development.
- Tier 3 conforms to lower priority environment statistics for which a higher degree
of methodological development is required.
The highest priority level in the data collection in all countries was granted to Tier 1 data,
with the exception of Colombia, where the highest priority ration for collecting information
corresponded to the data package of Tier 2. However, it should be noted that the priority levels
assigned to the data do not show large differences, which indicates the difficulty in distinguishing
hierarchies in the broad spectrum of production needs of environmental information.
Figure 5. National priority level of environment statistics generation by FDES Tier
High Medium Low Not applicable
TIER1 TIER 2 TIER 3
69%
21%
10%
49%
32%
16%3%
50%
42%
8%
78%
16%5% 1%
65%23%
11% 1%43%
34%
22%1%
Bahamas
Belize
40
51%36%
12% 1%
59%31%
8% 2%
48%40%
12%
47%
23%
26% 4% 31%
29%
37%3% 31%
28%
31%10%
68%21%9% 2% 66%
20%
10%4% 60%
26%
11%3%
59%
16%
19%6% 44%
22%
28%6% 27%
18%44%
11%
67%
12%
21%55%
11%
34% 60%
5%
35%
Colombia
Ecuador
Jamaica
Costa Rica
Mexico
41
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
82%
5%8% 5%
71%2%
21%
6%
65%
3%
29%
3%
53%
30%
3%14% 49%
36%
7%8% 50%
26%
7%
17%
35%
9%
52%
4%27%
6%
61%
6%26%
4%
58%
12%
87%10%
2%
1%71%
19%6% 4%
61%24%
13% 2%
Panama
Dominican Republic
Suriname
Venezuela
42
iii) Data characteristics
This section addresses the origin and scope of the data available in the countries
represented in the study, such as data sources, geographic disaggregation and information
production periodicity.
a. Main data source
A look at the data collection sources related to environment statistics shows that
administrative records have a big relevance as a way to produce data, which does not change if
the revision is practiced at each level of the six FDES components. The only exceptions are
represented by component 1, Environmental conditions and quality, and component 5, Human
settlements and environmental health, where according to the data nature, information comes
from monitoring and census, respectively.
Figure 6. Main source of environmental data by FDES component
Census Surveys Administrative records Monitoring
Estimation from remote images Modelling and estimation Other
1% 20%
39%12%
4%
24%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
2% 8%
63%
10%
6%6% 5%
2. Environmental resources and their use
43
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
From a country level perspective, the results remain unchanged: administrative records
are the main source of environmental information collection, as reported by the self-diagnostic
questionnaire in all studied cases, with the exception of the Dominican Republic. The proportion
of available data originating from administrative records reaches an average of 46 per cent for
the eleven countries, ranging from 21 per cent reported by the Dominican Republic to 84 per
cent reported by Suriname.
This group of data also highlights that monitoring is the second information source in
almost every country, which is associated with the type of phenomena that is being measured,
such as atmospheric monitoring and changes in vegetation coverage. It is also important to note
that census and surveys have a relatively low presence as an environmental information
collection source, despite the enormous need to study many aspects of the relationship between
the economy and the environment or between households and the environment, projects for
which the development of surveys or modules is required.
10%1%
59%
10%
0%
14%6%
3. Residuals
1%
0%
77%
18%
2%2%0%
4. Extreme events and disasters
33%
27%
36%
1%2%1%
5. Human settlements and environmental health
0%2%
83%
2%
0%0%
13%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
44
Figure 7. Main environmental data source by country
Census Surveys Administrative records Monitoring
Estimation from remote images Modelling and estimation Other
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
12%
6%
39%27%
0%0%
16%
Bahamas 0%
8% 61%
21%
10% 0%
0%Belize
15%
35%21%
7%
4%
18%
Colombia
3% 3%49%
10%
4%
8%
23%
Costa Rica
10%9%
36%15%
10%
2%
18%
Ecuador
7% 2%58%
11%
5%
10%7%
Jamaica
10%0%
46%12%
6%
25%1%
Mexico
11%1%
47%
21%
1%
0%
19%
Panama
4% 4%
21%
51%
4%0%
16%
Dominican Republic
3% 2%
84%
0%
3%8% 0%
Suriname
3% 5%
49%
21%
13%
3% 6%
Venezuela
45
b. Geographic coverage
Regarding the spatial disaggregation of the information, that is, considering the
geographical or political-administrative delimitation for which the information is representative,
the availability of information only at the national level affects most of the FDES components.
The most impacted component was component 6 (environmental protection, management and
engagement), where for eight out of ten variables information was only available at the national
level.
Components 4 and 5 observed better conditions in terms of information availability in
sub-national territorial divisions. There exists a large area of opportunity to be addressed in the
Region, as solving many environmental problems requires, necessarily, the existence of data at
sub-national or local level.
Figure 8. Geographic coverage of environment statistics by FDES component
Not applicable Only national Sub-national at second level
Sub-national at third level Sub-national at fourth level Other
6%
52%10%
3%
1%
28%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
2%
81%
8%4%0%5%
2. Environmental resources and their use
71%
8%
8%
8%5%
3. Residuals
0%39%
34%
21%
6%0%
4. Extreme events and disasters
46
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
The same feature reviewed at country level, considering the aggregate of the FDES
variables that the countries reported having available data, shows that in seven of the eleven
studied cases environment statistics are mostly produced only at the national level.
Consequently, the disaggregation of existing data on territorial sub-national entities is still not
very frequent in the Region, which strongly restrict the decision making in relation with local
scale phenomena. However, the changes that Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica and Mexico have been
implementing in this area cannot be ignored. In addition, a significant fraction of the availability
environmental information in the consulted countries refers to territorial areas outside the
political-administrative, such as: watersheds, metropolitan areas, planning regions, airports,
agro-zones and beaches, among others of similar scope.
Figure 9. Geographic coverage of environment statistics by country
Not applicable Only national Sub-national at second level
Sub-national at third level Sub-national at fourth level Other
0%28%
15%
21%
18%
18%
5. Human settlements and evironmental health
3%
84%
6%4%1%2%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
0%81%
0%
0%
0%
19%
Bahamas
0%
86%
7%7% 0%
0%Belize
6%
62%
11%4%1%
16%
Colombia
47
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
c. Frequency in the data diligence
The descriptive analysis of this section was undertaken by reviewing how the six
components of the FDES are deployed at level of the twenty-one subcomponents. The collection
of more than 50 per cent of the data is usually annual, highlighting wastewater generation and
management, waste generation and management, environmental protection and natural
resources management as well as environmental health.
9% 60%
5%
6%
20%
Costa Rica
8%34%
1%20%
9%
28%
Ecuador
2%
72%
11%
4%5%6%
Jamaica
1%
45%
35%
15%
0%
4%
Mexico
0%49%
11%
10%
10%
20%
Panama
0%63%
6%1%3%
27%
Dominican Republic
0%
77%
23%
0% 0% 0%
Suriname
0%68%
17%
2%
7% 6%
Venezuela
48
Regarding monthly and irregular frequencies, it was observed that the monthly
frequency has a moderate participation in 18 of the studied subjects (between 1 per cent and 25
per cent), while the temporal irregularity in the different subcomponents ranges from 3 per cent
to 77 per cent of the data.
Figure 10. Frequency of the data diligence by FDES subcomponent
Other Irregular Decennial Quinquennial Biennial Yearly
Biannual Quarterly Bimonthly Monthly
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
3. Environmentalquality
2. Land coverage,ecosystems, and
biodiversity
1. Physicalconditions
%
Subcomponents Component 1. Environmental Conditions and Quality
49
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
9. Water resources
8. Biologicalresources
7. Soil resources
6. Soil
5. Energyresources
4. Non-energymineral resources
%
SubcomponentsComponent 2. Environmental Resources and their Use
50
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
13. Biochemistsapplication
12. Generationand management
of wastes
11. Generationand managementof sewage water
10. Air emissions
%
Subcomponents Component 3. Residuals
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
15. Technologicaldisasters
14. Extremenatural events andnatural disasters
%
Subcomponents Component 4. Extreme Events and Disasters
51
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
17. Environmentalhealth
16. Humansettlements
%
Subcomponents Component 5. Human Settlements and Environmental Health
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
21. Informationand
environmentalawareness
20. Preparation toface extremeevents anddisasters
management
19. Regulationand
environmentalgovernance
18. Environmentalprotection and
natural resourcesmanagement
%
SubcomponentsComponent 6. Environmental Protection, Management and Engagement
52
3.3 Section of the questionnaire about statistical topic level
In the FDES, topic is the first level of aggregation (minimum level) of environment
statistics for the 508 variables. The self-diagnosis questionnaire addressed the topic level in areas
such as the relevance that countries give to data collection and the availability of data.
Participants had to make an overall assessment of these aspects for each variable included in
each topic.
i) Relevance granted to data collection and availability of information by topic,
according to FDES component
In an overview, the topics grouped in the components environmental resources and their
use, environmental conditions and quality and residuals present the highest proportions of high
relevance for data collection. However, with only slight variations between the different
countries, in general, clusters of topics for all FDES components were of high relevance for data
collection.
Regarding the availability of statistical information, the assessment done by the countries
indicate that proportions of satisfactory and unsatisfactory levels of availability are very similar,
fluctuating around 50 per cent, with some variability by country and component.
On average, six out of ten topics considered in the FDES components received a high
relevance for the purpose of being the base of national plans and projects, as well as responding
to country’s own environmental conditions. Viewed at the component level, topics included in
component 2 Environmental resources and their use received, overall, the highest relevance
assessment “high relevance” in seven out of ten topics, followed by those for components 3 and
6. Topics of component 4, Extreme events and disasters, received the lowest assignment of high
relevance, with only four out of ten topics. To complement and qualify the analysis of this item,
it should be noted that overall in almost 16 per cent of the topics, no level of relevance was
specified.
Regarding the availability of statistics grouping topics by FDES component, an overview
shows that 38 per cent of cases were rated as unsatisfactory, while 34 per cent were defined as
satisfactory. Only 8 per cent of topics reported a highly satisfactory rating of data availability.
53
Concerning the two aspects discussed above, in the sets of topics that were assigned the
highest levels of relevance the situation regarding the data availability was not very different
from that found for less relevant, which means the valuation of unsatisfactory information
production generally prevailed. This is very significant, since it demonstrates that there is no
adequate planning of the environment statistics production according to their demand. This can
have repercussions on the lack of connection and impact of such information in national public
policies. Similarly, on the self-diagnosis questionnaire this topic generated an unspecified (non-
response in the questionnaire) of considerable dimension: 21 per cent of the topics lack a rating
regarding the statistics availability.
Figure 11. Relevance of topics by FDES component
Unspecified High relevance Medium relevance Low relevance Not relevant
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
11%
66%
16%7%
0%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
17%
73%
5%5%
2. Environmental resources and their use
12%
70%
13%
3%
2%
3. Residuals
18%
39%
20%
9%
14%
4. Extreme events and disasters
14%
62%
16%5%
3%
5. Human settlements and environmental health
13%
65%
18%4%
0%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
54
Figure 12. Environmental statistical information availability by topics of FDES
component
Unspecified Highly satisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
12%4%
38%
46%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
21%
6%
33%
40%
2. Environmental resources and their use
14%
3%
33%
50%
3. Residuals
27%
9%
27%
37%
4. Extrem events and disasters
18%
14%
33%
35%
5. Human settlements and environmental health
14%
15%
36%
35%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
55
ii) Main problems with national data production
The applied questionnaire inquired about the main concerns facing environment
statistics production at the topic level. In the reported data, resources limitation represents the
most problematic situation with the highest frequency of mentions, followed by technical
difficulties.
Figure 13. Main problems with the national data production by FDES component
Resources limitation Technical difficulties Inadequate quality Inappropriate coverage
Lack of accessibility Lack of coordination Other difficulties
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official
Environment Statistics 2014
27%
19%
9%
16%
8%
17%4%
5. Human settlements and environmental health
25%
22%
4%7%
10%
28%4%
6. Environmental protection, management and engagement
28%
18%
10%
17%
8%
16% 3%
1. Environmental conditions and quality
27%
20%
11%
15%
7%
17% 3%
2. Environmental resources and their use
22%
22%
14%
14%
6%
17% 5%
3. Residuals
22%
24%
10%
9%
9%
20%6%
4. Extreme events and disasters
56
By country, it should be noted that in addition to the problems related to resource
limitations, issues that occur with more relative frequency are the technical/methodological
difficulties and the lack of coordination.
Figure 14. Principal problems in environment statistics generation by country
Note: Bahamas did not report information in this questionnaire section.
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment
Statistics 2014
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Venezuela
Suriname
Panama
Mexico
Jamaica
Ecuador
Dominican Republic
Costa Rica
Colombia
Belize
Resource constraints Methodological/Techinical diffculty in collecting
Insufficient quality Inappropriate coverage
Lack of accessibility Lack of institutional set-up/coordination
Other difficulties in data collection
57
3.4 Current programs for basic environment statistics
This section of the questionnaire investigated the existence of current programs to
develop basic environment statistics generation. In all, 23 projects were reported by seven
countries, although only 17 projects from three countries really corresponded to basic statistical
production processes with these characteristics (see Table 11).
In terms of the data sources of the reported projects, administrative records carry a
relatively high weight, suggesting that it is a set of information that has been generated
historically in countries with purposes other than environmental statistics. A similar scenario is
presented regarding the exploitation of information from census and surveys of socio-
demographic and economic character.
Exploiting administrative records for statistical purposes to cover the existing large gaps
of environmental information presents major technical, methodological and inter-institutional
coordination challenges.
It is noteworthy that in some countries efforts are being made to produce basic
environment statistics, investigating issues such as emissions, waste, water, energy, and
environmental protection expenditure among others through data collected from economic
units, households, and governments.
Table 11. Current programs or projects for the generation of basic environment statistics
COLOMBIA
Name Institution Data source Observation unit Period
Manufacturing Sector Environmental Survey DANE Survey Industrial
establishment Annual
Hotel Environmental Survey DANE Survey Hotel
establishment Annual
Environmental-Economic Module on
“Characterization of Agricultural Production Units in National Natural Parks of the third
National Agricultural Census”
DANE Census Agricultural
production unit Unspecified
Monitoring Statistics of the Land Coverage of Colombian Amazonia
SINCHI Remote
perception-census
Amazon Region Biennial
National Forest Inventory Statistics
IDEAM Survey
Forest and other
vegetal covers
Quadrennial
58
COLOMBIA
Name Thematic coverage (main subjects) Geographic
coverage Program
status
Manufacturing Sector
Environmental Survey
- Investments, costs and expenditures related to environmental protection. - Solid waste generation. - Hazardous waste generation. - Water resource management. - Environmental management instruments
National and 6 regions: Amazonía-Orinoquía, Atlántica (except San Andres
Archipiélago, Providencia and Santa Catalina), Bogotá, Central,
Oriental and Pacífica
Data published
Hotel Environmental Survey
- Investments, costs and expenditures related to environmental protection. - Energy consumption. - Water resource management. - Environmental management instruments
National Data
published
Environmental-
Economic Module on “Characterization
of Agricultural Production Units in
National Natural Parks of the third
National Agricultural Census”
- Surface of National Natural Parks - Use and land coverage of National Natural Parks - Production units (agricultural and non-agricultural) - Sustainability factors in the Agricultural Production Units in National Natural Park (water, soil, waste and energy).
National, departmental and
municipal
Data published
Monitoring Statistics of the Land Coverage of Colombian Amazonia
- Multitemporal changes in land cover Regional,
Departmental and municipal
Data published
National Forest
Inventory Statistics
- Structure, floristic composition, diversity, aerial biomass and wood volume of the forest - Forest mass conditions and quality - Forest resource dynamic
National, regional, departmental and
municipal
Data published
Note: DANE: Statistic National Administrative Department of Colombia SINCHI: Amazonian Institute of Scientific Researches of Colombia IDEAM: Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies of Colombia
59
ECUADOR
Name Institution Data source Observation unit Period
Environmental data (integrated system of environment statistics)
INEC Census, surveys,
administrative records
Housing, households,
municipalities, enterprises
Annual, biennial,
decennial,
Agricultural and livestock production INEC Surveys Agricultural
production lands Annual
Enterprises economic environmental information
INEC Surveys
Enterprises Annual
Household environmental information
INEC Surveys
Households Annual
Economic environmental information in local and provincial GAD’s
INEC Census based on
administrative records
Municipalities and provincial governments
Annual
Hazardous waste in health facilities INEC Administrative record Health facilities Annual
ECUADOR
Name Thematic coverage (main subjects) Geographic
coverage Program
status
Environmental data (integrated system of
environment statistics)
Environmental conditions and quality Environmental resources Residuals Human settlements Natural and anthropogenic disasters Citizen participation
National, regional, provincial and self-represented cities
Data published
Agricultural and livestock production
Permanent and non-permanent crops Land use Agricultural employment Pesticides use
National, regional and provincial
Data published
Economic environmental information in
companies
Environmental investment Waste Hazardous waste Water resource
National, regional and provincial
Data published
Household environmental
information
Water Energy Waste Environmental awareness
National, regional, provincial and self-represented cities
Data published
Economic environmental
information in local and provincial GADs
Environmental investment Waste and hazardous waste Water resource
National, regional, provincial and
cantonal
Data published
Hazardous waste in health facilities
Hazardous waste collection Hazardous waste management Hazardous waste final disposal
National, regional, provincial and
cantonal
Data published
Note: INEC: Ecuador National Institute of Statistic and Census Ecuador
GADs: Decentralised autonomous governments of Ecuador
60
MEXICO
Name Institution Data source Observation
unit Period
Environmental module on drinking water and sanitation in the national census of municipal
and delegation governments INEGI Census
Municipalities and
Delegations Biennial
Environmental module on urban solid waste in the national census of municipal and delegation
governments INEGI Census
Municipalities and
Delegations
Biennial
Households and environment module INEGI Survey Households Biennial
Module on environmental management of state governments
INEGI Census
States Annual
Environmental module in economic census INEGI Census Economic units Quinquennial
Environmental administrative records INEGI,
SEMARNAT Administrative
records Economic units Annual
MEXICO
Name Thematic coverage (main subjects) Geographic
coverage Program status
Environmental module on drinking water and sanitation
in the national census of municipal and delegation
governments
Water and sanitation services Wastewater treatment Untreated wastewater discharges Service billing Human resources
Municipalities and
delegations Published data
Environmental module on urban solid waste in the
national census of municipal and delegation governments
Collection and transfer Treatment and final disposal
Municipalities and
delegations
Published data
Households and environment module
Water Energy Waste Environment perception
National Published data
Module on environmental management of state
governments
Water Atmosphere Soil Productive activities Energy Building
National and state
Under implementation
Environmental module in economic census
Environmental regulations Staff dedicated to environmental or natural resources protection activities Waste Environmental protection expenditure Wastewater treatment
National, state and municipal
Published data
Environmental administrative records
Atmospheric emissions Water discharges Hazardous waste generation and management Environmental investment and expenditure
National and state
Under implementation
Note: INEGI: National Institute of Statistic and Geography of Mexico
SEMARNAT: Environment and Natural Resources Secretary of Mexico
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics
2014
61
The still limited generation of basic environment statistical information is being accompanied by
incipient efforts aimed at documenting the technical and methodological procedures applied in this
production. The desirable expansion of the supply of environmental data should be associated with
additional efforts in this sense, including the adoption of international best practices and standardization
of processes, all to benefit transparency, and users.
The following table shows which current programs or projects on environment statistic
generation, summarized in table 11, have geographic representation, as well as the characteristics of this
representation. Geospatial information –localization data- has only a marginal presence in the
environment basic statistic projects in the Region. Particularly regarding environmental issues, the
possibility of having georeferenced data is very important as this provides the option of linking multiple
layers and their connections to maximize their usefulness in analysis and decision-making processes.
Table 12. Cartography resources and spatial data infrastructure in the production of environment
statistics
Note: Colombia did not report information about these items.
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
Country Program or project Scale of
geographical representation
Information with point-
level georeferencing
With information
layers (shapes)
available to users
With geographic metadata
available to users
Ecuador Agriculture and livestock
production 1:5000
No No No
Mexico
Environmental module on drinking water and sanitation in the
national census of municipal and delegation governments
1: 250 000 Si Si Si
Environmental module on urban solid waste in the national census
of municipal and delegation governments
1: 250 000 Si Si Si
62
3.5 Environmental accounting
Finally, in five of the eleven studied countries a process for environmental accounting
generation was reported to exist. In three of those countries the responsibility lay with the
National Statistic Office. It should be noted that the frequency of existing data in all cases is
annual, with significant variability between countries regarding the start and end dates of the
series. In relation with the information geographic coverage, it was not reported other than at
the national level.
It is worthy to note that Mexico has developed the area of environmental accounting
since the mid-1980s. Over time this work has also acquired importance in Colombia and Ecuador.
Regarding physical and monetary assets accounts, as well as in relation with physical flows
between the economy and the environment, several themes stand out: water, forestry and
energy resources.
Table 12. Environmental Accounting generation
Country
Existence of a process to generate environmental
accounting
Institution responsible
Bahamas No
Belize No
Colombia Yes Statistic National Administrative Department (DANE)
Costa Rica
Yes Costa Rica Central Bank supported by the Ministry of
Environment and Energy (MINAE) and National
Institute of Statistic and Census (INEC)
Dominican Republic Yes Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
Ecuador Yes Ministry of Environment
Jamaica No
Mexico Yes National Institute of Statistic and Geography(INEGI)
Panama No
Suriname No
Venezuela No
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
63
Table 13. Environmental accounting developed by country
1. Assets accounts, in physical and monetary terms, about mineral and energy resources, wood, soil, water, land and other biological resources
Country Accounts Frequency Geographical
disaggregation Serie first
year Serie last
year Not
generated
Colombia Mineral and energy
resources Annual National 2005
2012 provisional
Costa Rica Water and forest Annual National Unspecified Unspecified
Dominican Republic
Water Other National 2005 2005
Ecuador Energy, Land and soil
resources Annual National 2008 2013
Mexico Balance and flows sheets Annual National 1985 2012
2. Physical flows accounts (from the environment to the economy, within the economy and from the economy to the environment)
Country Accounts Frequency Geographical
disaggregation Serie first
year Serie last
year Not
generated
Colombia Energy, forest and water Annual National 2005 2011
Costa Rica Water and forest Annual National Unspecified Unspecified
Ecuador Energy, water, air
emissions, waste and wastewater
Annual National
2008 (Except water flows)
2013
Mexico Flows sheets Annual National 1985 2012
3. Environmental activities and related transactions accounts (environmental protection expenditure and environmental goods and services sector)
Country Accounts Frequency Geographical
disaggregation Serie first
year Serie last
year Not
generated
Colombia Environmental protection
expenditure Annual National 2005
2012 provisional
Costa Rica Environmental protection
expenditure Annual National
Unspecified Unspecified
Ecuador Environmental protection
expenditure Annual National 2008 2014
Mexico Environmental protection expenditure of the public
sector Annual National 1985 2012
64
4. Connection with National Accounts (environmental taxes, environmental subsidies, production accounts, distribution and income use accounts, capital and financial accounts)
Country Accounts Frequency Geographical
disaggregation Serie first
year Serie last
year Not
generated
Colombia Environmental taxes Annual National 2000 2013
provisional
Costa Rica ✓
Ecuador ✓
Mexico Production accounts and
capital accounts Annual National 1985 2012
5. Development of integrated economic-environmental accounts for forest, energy, land and ecosystem resources
Country Accounts Frequency Geographical
disaggregation Serie first
year Serie last
year Not
generated
Colombia Energy, Forest and
Ecosystems Annual National 2000 2011
Costa Rica ✓
Ecuador Timber forest, land use change and land cover
Annual National
2008 (land cover
account starts at
1990)
2013 (Land cover
account end year is
2014)
Mexico Forest Annual National 2003 2012
6. Environmental accounting projects on water
Country Accounts Frequency Geographical
disaggregation Serie first
year Serie last
year Not
generated
Colombia Water Annual National 2005 2012
Costa Rica ✓
Ecuador Preliminary exploration
about water flows Annual National
2012 2013
Mexico
Water supply and uses (activities and products)
Annual National 2003 2012
Note: ✓= Not generated
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics
2014
65
The five countries that reported not having worked on national accounting also indicated
that they were not currently ready to start. The Dominican Republic reported starting water
accounts in 2005, however, from the information provided it appears there has been a lack of
continuity in this area.
On the other hand, regarding the participation in actions or projects focused on the
valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services, as well as in projects related to economy and
green growth, only four of the eleven countries reported to be working on initiatives of this
nature.
Table 15. Actions or projects oriented to the valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services
1. Participation in projects for the valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services such as WAVES program coordinated by the World Bank
Country Stages, projects and methodologies considered in the process or project
Colombia Participates in the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES)
Costa Rica It was in the stage of elaborating inter-institutional Work Plan 2015-2016
Mexico Pilot Project for the implementation of SEEA-EEA
Note: Belize, Ecuador, Jamaica, Panama, Suriname and Venezuela reported not participating in this kind of project.
Bahamas and the Dominican Republic reported not knowing about this type of project.
2. Participation in actions on green economy (UNEP) or green growth (OECD)
Country Stages, projects and methodologies considered in the process or project
Bahamas Invited to be a pilot country in the Green Economy Project of United Nations (2014-2015)
Colombia Strategy for Green Growth, as a part of the Development National Plan
Ecuador Participating in the Pilot Project “Capacity building of developing countries to measure progress towards a green economy 2015-2016”, with technical assistance of UNSD, ECLAC and UNEP
México Development of Green Growth Indicators
Note: Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama and Venezuela reported not participating in these kinds of initiatives.
The Dominican Republic and Suriname reported not knowing about these kinds of initiatives.
66
3. Projects or actions other than those indicated previously aimed at promoting the valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services
Country Stages, projects and methodologies considered in the process or project
Ecuador
Participated in the study “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (TEEB) with the project “Reflecting the strategic role of ecosystems and biodiversity in changing the productive matrix of Ecuador”
Note: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela reported not participating in these
kinds of initiatives.
Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Suriname reported not knowing about these types of initiatives.
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics
2014
67
4. Conclusions of the diagnosis of the situation of environment statistics
1. The basic environment statistics generation is still very limited in the Region, considering
the projects originally designed from the perspective of the environment.
2. The use of environment statistic information in the design and evaluation of public
policies is still emerging in the participant countries.
3. The efforts of strategic planning and democratization of decisions related to the future
of environment statistics are barely germinal in the Region.
4. The technical and methodological challenges faced by the environment statistic
generation are one of the main aspect to be solved in terms of capacity building.
5. The human and financial resources to produce environment statistics are scarce, and
they have remained constant in a context of increasing demand for information.
6. The existence of areas/units dedicated exclusively to environment statistics production
was reported in several countries. It was also pointed out the persistence of differences
in the level of importance they occupy in the organizational structure with respect to
their peers in other statistical domains.
7. The path of exploitation of administrative records for statistical purposes, to cover the
large gaps of environmental information, presents its own technical, methodological and
inter-institutional coordination challenges.
8. The thematic, geographic and temporal coverage of the current projects for the
generation of basic environmental information is quite limited.
9. Geospatial information has only a marginal presence in the projects for environment
basic statistics production.
10. There are few efforts aimed at the adoption of environmental accounting systems, the
valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services, and the generation of information
related to green economy and green growth, despite the increased relevance of these
issues.
68
69
Strategy and action plan
69
70
71
Chapter II. Strategy and action plan
1. Building the strategy
This chapter presents a strategy proposal for the development and strengthening of the
official environment statistics in the participant countries of the project. The Strategy constitutes
a “road map” that each country could adjust according to its specific conditions, and that will
eventually provide a framework of statistical coordination and harmonization following existing
international standards.
Strategy design was supported by the strategic planning guidelines, understood as a
results-based management instrument to ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness and quality of
services and activities to be provided. In a general sense, the Strategy aims to identify and
propose lines of action to reach a “desired future” by identifying goals and objectives to fulfil its
mission and vision.
According to the results of the diagnosis described in chapter I, different challenges were
identified during the construction of the Strategy, including the following:
Standardising the different organisational frameworks used by the different countries
Strengthening institutional links to share and generate statistics between agencies
Overcoming irregularities in the production of statistics
Gathering information allow to reveal the causal links between the pressures exerted by
human activity and ecosystem response
Fully harnessing information and communication technologies to facilitate access to
information
Overcoming the scarcity of human and financial resources
Effectively strengthening links between those providing environment statistics and those
requiring them (policy makers), so statistics can become an instrument for the policy
makers.
Suitably defining metadata.
72
2. Strategy mission and vision
Every participating country raised similar areas of increasing concern at the starting point
of the Strategy, particularly the failure to integrate environmental themes into public agendas
and economic-productive decision making, as well as a need for increased citizen participation.
In this sense, the Strategy is aimed at finding answers to new questions related to the links
between the environment and development, and to do so through the formulation of public
policies and evidence-based decision making, including through the contribution of environment
statistics.
This Strategy approach takes place in a context in which, as noted earlier in Chapter I,
there are still strong differences between the statistical systems of the countries, information
gaps in relevant areas, lack of harmonization and standardization of criteria and definitions,
dissemination difficulties, as well as a general lack of training of human resources are observed.
Added to this are restrictions for the sustainability of programs and poor coordination among
data provider institutions.
Given that the challenges faced by the production sector of environment statistics are
manifold and variable in nature, the Strategy proposes a broad and inclusive perspective, which
integrates scientific-technical knowledge from different disciplines, articulated on the basis of
four strategic axes. These axes arise from the diagnosis executed and contain realistic goals and
objectives. They consider the broad conceptual spectrum of environment statistics, the
specificities of the instruments used to measure environmental data sources, as well as the
participation and coordination of the institutions that make up an environmental information
subsystem, as an integral part of the official environment statistics system of each country.
Following this definition, the Strategy’s MISSION can be stated as contributing to the
efforts to strengthen the environment statistics production in Latin America and the Caribbean
through inter-institutional cooperation, capacity building and agent awareness. On the other
hand, the Strategy’s VISION is the expansion and improvement of the environment statistic
supply useful for decision making.
The STRATEGIC AXES through which the Strategy is deployed are aligned with the results
of the Diagnosis regarding the status of environment statistics in the participant countries (see
Chapter I) and are divided into objectives, goals and actions.
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The 4 Strategic Axes cover the following aspects:
- Legal framework for the environment statistics production;
- Administrative structure of the environment statistics system;
- Human and financial resources in the environment statistics system;
- The basic environment statistics production processes, derived statistics and
environmental indicators; sources and means of data collecting, thematic and
geographic coverage, regularity, procedure documentation, use of standards and
geospatial information;
- Dissemination of and access to environment statistics;
- Environment statistics use in the design and evaluation of public policies;
- Regional horizontal cooperation;
- Capacity building (conceptual frameworks, statistical and geographic projects
documentation using metadata standards, use of administrative records,
environmental accounting and ecosystemic services assessment, classifications and
international standards, anonymization techniques, data exchange protocols such as
SDMX, Statistical data and Metadata Exchange, statistical operations evaluation);
- Environment statistic international cooperation.
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3. Strategic axes
As previously indicated, the Strategy is comprised of four thrusts:
Strategic Axis I: Institutional Development, which refers to the legal framework for the
environment statistics production, the administrative structure of the environment
statistics system and human and financial resources.
Strategic Axis II: Strengthening and expansion of the production, dissemination and
promotion of environment statistics use; a process that includes the production of basic
environment statistics and derived statistics, data dissemination and access, and the use
of information in the design and evaluation of public policies.
Strategic Axis III: Capacity building to support the development and strengthening of
environment statistics in the Region.
Strategic Axis IV: Strengthening regional and sub regional cooperation, as well as
between countries and institutions.
Figure 15. Strategic Axes of the Strategy
Source: Author’s preparation
Framework for the development of the Environment Statistics (FDES)
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The definition of the strategic axes, the objectives and goals are presented down below:
3.1 Strategic axis I: Institutional development
The institutional system is understood as the set of laws, institutions, political
commitments, and human and financial resources involved in the production of environment
statistics, as well as relations between these elements.
Given the multidisciplinary and crosswise nature of environment statistics, its production
involves several stakeholders and producers, including National Statistic Offices and Environment
Ministries, as well as other institutions associated with environmental affairs, from all sectorial
and geographic levels. For this reason, interagency coordination is of special importance, as are
laws and mandates from different institutions and stakeholders participating in the production
of these statistics.
The institutional axis also refers to the governance of environment statistics, including
relations between producers and users. It is considered as potential users of the environment
statistics the policy decision makers at all levels, the general public, the media and the civil
society, analysts, researchers, members of academia and international agencies. All these aspects
should be considered in the legislation framework in order to be institutionalised. Like this,
regulation won’t leave any aspects regarding environment statistics to arbitrary decisions of the
authorities. In short, quality of the institutional system is of vital importance for the political
commitment that each country may make to improve environment statistics in accordance with
the proposed Strategy.
In the project participating countries, the institutional system in which environment
statistics production and dissemination is developed is variable. It is linked in each country to the
mandates of laws, the political-administrative organization of the country, the degree of
centralization/decentralization of the statistical services, as well as the to the organizational
structures and the articulation of the national statistic systems.
As indicated in the previous chapter, according to the Diagnosis, a relatively favourable
legal and institutional framework for the production of environment statistics is observed in the
countries participating in the project. There is a plan or specific program to produce these
statistics and an administrative unit exclusively focused on this production in seven of the eleven
countries. There is also the existence of inter-institutional working groups.
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However, it is an unquestionable fact that the institutionalization of environment
statistics is relative and that its consolidation is still in process, which requires additional efforts
for its full implementation. Environmental statistic programs in six of the eleven countries are in
an intermediate consolidation stage, and in three countries are still in an initial stage. In this
sense, environment statistics production continues to be insufficient in the region, and the
additional financial difficulties reported inhibit the possibility of overcoming these weaknesses.
Moreover, there are areas where communication channels between institutional partners
involved in environment statistics production need to be strengthened. Therefore, even though
the quality of this communication is classified as satisfactory in seven of the eleven countries, it
is non-existent or insufficient in the other four countries.
The coordination level at which environment statistics and the articulation of the national
statistics systems are produced varies from country to country. In general, the progress is at an
intermediate stage. In addition, problems associated with inter-institutional collaboration arise,
partly due to personnel turnover, the scarcity of specialised human resources and, with few
exceptions, to budgetary and management difficulties.
From this perspective, and considering the specificities of each country, goals have been
defined to address specific situations, with the understanding that there are minimal institutional
conditions as a baseline aimed at promoting the process of development and strengthening of
official environment statistics, susceptible to adapting to different institutional models.
STRATEGIC AXIS I OBJECTIVE
The objective of the “Institutional Development” strategic axis is to implement
mechanisms to overcome juridical-institutional limitations that environment statistics
production units currently face. An expectation is to improve the governance and coordination
processes, as well as the assignation of trained personnel and budgetary resources. The success
of this goal will depend on the availability of general resources and the degree of political
commitment to environment statistics and their position in the governance structure of each
country, aspects also considered in institutional development.
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STRATEGIC AXIS I GOALS
1. Strengthening or developing, depending of the case, a legal framework for the
environment statistics to clearly indicate each institution’s responsibilities and the
coordination that must be develop between them.
2. Creating or strengthening an administrative unit at the national level that has the legal
mandate to coordinate environment statistics and to integrate the different statistics
producers from the public sector. This unit will be equipped with trained human resources
and it will be backed by appropriate financial resources to develop its functions.
3. Developing and strengthening inter-institutional coordination and articulation
mechanisms supported by a legal framework. This framework shall enable a stable
articulation in the unit in charge of coordinating environment statistics with the other
institutions working on this subject, ensuring the production and delivery of information
with all necessary statistical safeguards.
Figure 16. Strategic Axis I
Source: Author’s preparation
Framework for the development of the Environment Statistics (FDES)
Diagnosis of the situation of the Environment Statistics
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3.2 Strategic axis II: Strengthening and expanding production, dissemination
and promotion of environment statistics use
Progress made in environment statistics production by countries participating in the
project, specifically over the last two decades, evidences some strengths and weaknesses. From
the perspective of strengths, progress has been made in positioning environmental issues in
official statistics systems, the availability in some countries of a considerable number of
environmental variables, the implementation of surveys or the incorporation of environmental
modules for periodical censuses and surveys and the incorporation of information and
communication technologies for data integration and dissemination.
Despite this progress, certain weaknesses remain and have even been exacerbated over
the years in some cases. Budgetary restrictions, the scarcity of specialised human resources and
difficulties of inter-institutional coordination continue to exist. Limitations on incorporating
statistical programs to address new thematics, restrictions in the use of technological innovations
for data collection operations and difficulties in terms in terms of the sustainability of data
collection programs (which leads to updating frequency limitations) continue to delay progress.
There are also methodological and operational problems in the availability of environmental
information regarding geographic units and minor political-administrative units, as well as the
almost non-existent or highly scarce georeferenced information.
This global vision evidences the presence of difficulties in deepening the study of
environmental issues and their impacts in terms of pollution, land degradation, soil, water and,
in general, natural resources, as well highlighting the relevance of coordination of these issues,
the use of standards, and the need to share information.
STRATEGIC AXIS II OBJECTIVE
This strategic axis aims to broaden and deepen the production, dissemination and use of
environment statistics, understanding that these correspond to a very broad conceptual
spectrum: encompassing thematic domains regarding the environment and natural resources
status, human activity’s impacts and intervention, mitigation, adaptation and restoration
measures.
Therefore, addressing this axis – strengthening and expanding the production,
dissemination and promotion of environment statistics use – requires a multidisciplinary focus,
considering statistical research based on data proceeding from censuses, surveys, administrative
records and remote sensors.
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Together with the different approaches to environmental phenomena, it is necessary to
consider that these phenomena take place under their own dynamics, with variable periodicities,
and in geographic areas in which scale will not always match with the political-administrative
limits. This imposes certain restrictions to data accuracy and analysis scales and highlights the
importance of cartographic representations and the integration of information in geographic
information systems.
STRATEGIC AXIS II GOALS
1. Covering environmental information gaps by broadening and deepening the programs
for collecting and compilating environmental data provided by different sources, to
respond to national environmental information requests related to the formulation and
follow-up of public policies, as well as those associated with international initiatives, such
as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The mentioned environmental information gaps apply to the following issues:
Environmental conditions and quality: physical conditions, land cover, ecosystems
and biodiversity and environmental quality.
Environmental resources and their use: non-energy mineral resources, energy
resources, land, soil, biological and water resources.
Residuals: air emissions, waste production and management, wastewater generation
and management and biochemicals application.
Extreme natural events and technological disasters.
Human settlements and environmental health.
Environmental protection and management: environmental protection and resources
management expenditure, environmental governance and regulation, preparedness
for extreme events and disaster management, information and awareness.
2. Progressing in the standardisation of basic environment statistics production processes,
based on the cooperation between the different agencies existing in the country and on
a common legal framework. The objective is to encourage that the information is
supported based on the best international practices, such as the GSBPM, applicable to the
different phases of statistical production (conceptual design, operation, data validation
and processing), as well as in relation to classifiers, standards and procedures applicable
to each of the phases.
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3. Progressing in the process of geospatial information generation regarding
environmental issues based on best practices and international agreements.
4. Approaching data users and producers from all areas covered by environment statistics,
considering different types of users. The proposed mechanism to achieve this approach
is to substantially improve information dissemination and access by incorporating
information and communication technologies, as well as the incorporation to metadata
systems and microdata availability, considering statistical confidentiality.
Figure 17. Strategic Axis II
Source: Author’s preparation
Framework for the development of the Environment Statistics (FDES)
Diagnosis of the situationof the Environment Statistics
Strategy and Action Plan
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3.3 Strategic axis III: Building capacities to support the development and
strengthening of environment statistics in the region
Putting into practice and implementing the Strategy objectives will require human
resources with advanced capacities, specific technical and scientific knowledge and professional
experience. They should also be able to incorporate the multidimensionality of environmental
problems into their work, so that institutional training should be prioritized, based on individual
training.
In fact, environment statistics are based in sources as diverse as censuses or population
surveys, agriculture, industry, housing, households, administrative records from different
institutions and remote sensors, so their production requires a solid statistical methodology and
staff able to work interdisciplinarily.
STRATEGIC AXIS III OBJECTIVE
The objective of this axis is to create the regional and sub regional mechanisms required
to train human resources in the methodological, technical and management areas required for
the production of environment statistics.
STRATEGIC AXIS III GOAL
Formulating and proposing the implementation of a regional training plan on official
environment statistics.
Figure 18. Strategic Axis III
Source: Author’s preparation
Framework for the development of the Environment Statistics (FDES)
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Building Capacities
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3.4 Strategic axis IV: Strengthening regional and subregional cooperation, as
well as cooperation between countries and institutions.
Addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity,
desertification, pollution and, in general, environmental degradation, requires harmonized
information, reliable and timely data related to global environmental problems as well as
regional, sub-regional and national singularities, including cross-border challenges.
As mentioned above, there are significant differences in the level of development of
environment statistics between countries participating in the project, which presents a wide
opportunity for intra-regional cooperation. Such a possibility is based on the existence of a critical
mass of knowledge in the Region, which can be shared and exchanged to improve mutual
learning among producers of environment statistics.
Collaboration between countries of the Region, in a south-south cooperation approach,
will facilitate triangular cooperation — which is understood as a mechanism for transferring
knowledge and capacities between two countries in the Region, funded by a third country or
organization — with developed countries or with multilateral entities, to share knowledge,
experiences and resources.
According to the Diagnosis carried out, in 2014 there was a certain intensity in the
frequency of events related to international cooperation in the field of environment statistics.
This participation was observed in specific topics, based in atomized events, without timing
permanence guarantees and without planification nor specific objectives, absent also of
mechanisms for the establishment of synergies between the different initiatives. New challenges
and increasing information demands require an elevation of international cooperation at higher
levels, making it a relevant support for the solution to major technical and methodological
challenges currently facing the production of basic environment statistics.
STRATEGIC AXIS IV OBJECTIVE
The objective of this axis is to ensure that international cooperation is constituted as a
real support for the development of environment statistics, capable of making a significant
contribution to its strengthening, by implementing the diverse possibilities that this cooperation
offers. This possibility includes aspects such as structuring the exchange of knowledge and
experiences between institutions and countries, the generation of synergies between different
initiatives, as well as obtaining access to financial resources for the implementation of projects.
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Figure 19. Strategic Axis IV
Source: Author’s preparation
STRATEGIC AXIS IV GOALS
1. Capitalizing on options offered by international cooperation to boost basic environment
statistics production and to better respond to existing information requirements.
2. Fostering south-south cooperation between the countries of the region, to promote the
exchange of knowledge and experiences regarding the production, dissemination and use
of environment statistics.
3. Developing and strengthening cooperation between countries and institutions as well
as triangular cooperation, favouring access to knowledge and human and financial
resources from other countries.
Framework for the development of the Environment Statistics (FDES)
Diagnosis of the situation of the Environment Statistics
Strategy and Action Plan
More and better data
Public Policies
Nat
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Sectoral P
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Institutional Development
Strengthening of the Information
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Building Capacities Cooperación
Internacional
EJES ESTRATEGIC
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Indicators / Studies
International Cooperation
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4. Action plan
Each of the axes and the goals indicated in the previous section corresponds to a specific
plan of action designed to achieve, through successive actions, the objectives established for
each of the goals. Both the overall Strategy and Action Plan represent a roadmap that each
country should be able to adjust to its specific conditions, taking into account the levels of
development of its environment statistics systems.
4.1 Action plan for atrategic axis I: Institutional development
AXIS I GOAL 1 ACTION PLAN
Goal 1: To develop or strengthen a legal framework in the area of environment statistics
to clearly indicate each institution’s responsibilities, as well as a framework for the coordination
to be developed between them.
Actions
i) To execute a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks, statistical plans, and different
institutional models of countries and specialised agencies with important environment
statistics development. To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various models,
including centralized and/or decentralized, autarchic and autonomous models.
ii) To formulate a proposal to raise awareness of the authorities responsible for assigning
resources in the field of environment statistics and of regional organisms.
AXIS I GOAL 2 ACTION PLAN
Goal 2: To create or strengthen an administrative unit at the national level with a legal
mandate to coordinate environment statistics and to integrate the different statistics producers
from the public sector. To equip the unit with trained personnel and the appropriate financial
resources to sufficiently develop and execute its functions.
Actions
i) To analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the legal and institutional framework and the
learned lessons in each of the participant countries, on the basis of the Diagnosis of the
Situation of Environment Statistics (see Chapter I).
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ii) To develop collaborative models of structure and functions of an administrative unit or
inter-institutional committee, with a technical secretariat managed by the National
Statistics Offices (NSO), responsible for coordinating the process of environment statistics
production.
iii) To identify the members of the administrative unit or committee responsible for
coordinating the process of environment statistics production, as well as its operating
regulations.
AXIS I GOAL 3 ACTION PLAN
Goal 3: To develop and strengthen inter-institutional coordination and articulation
mechanisms supported by a legal framework. This framework shall enable a stable articulation
in the unit in charge of coordinating environment statistics with other institutions working in this
area, ensuring the production and delivery of information with all the necessary statistical
safeguards.
Actions
i) To identify the relevant institutions related to environment statistics production.
ii) To develop a proposal of guidelines related to agreements and modalities of coordination
and institutional articulation.
iii) To design a data and metadata referential base with public access and permanent
updating by all intervening institutions.
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4.2 Action plan for strategic axis II: Strengthening and expanding production,
dissemination and promotion of environment statistics use
AXIS II GOAL 1 ACTION PLAN
Goal 1: To cover environmental information gaps by broadening and deepening the
programs for collecting and compilating environmental data provided by different sources, to
respond to national environmental information requests related to the formulation and follow-
up of public policies, as well as those associated with international initiatives, such as Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Actions
i) To identify existing and currently available information regarding environment statistics
in each country.
ii) To carry out a supply-demand balance of environmental information, based on existing
national and international requirements.
iii) To identify the most appropriate collection and/or compilation methodologies to fill the
information gaps identified, according to best statistical practices.
AXIS II GOAL 2 ACTION PLAN
Goal 2: To progress in the standardisation of basic environment statistics production
processes, based on the cooperation between different existing agencies and using a common
legal framework. The objective is to encourage that the information is supported based on the
best international practices, such as the GSBPM, applicable to the different phases of statistical
production (conceptual design, operation, data validation and processing), as well as the use of
classifiers and standard procedures applicable to each of the phases of the model.
Actions
i) To deep the understanding and application of the GSBPM for the environment statistics
generation.
ii) To identify classifiers applicable to basic environment statistics.
iii) To identify good statistical practices related to classification systems, concept
definitions, variable catalogues and protocols for metadata production.
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iv) To identify existing methodologies for the construction of specific sampling design and
for the collection of environmental data related to different components, analysis
scales, and sources, where relevant.
v) To identify quality control guidelines for the entire statistical production process,
including protocols regarding information obtained from remote sensors and
administrative records.
vi) To design actions to implement the Code of Good Statistical Management Practices in
Latin America and the Caribbean, from the Statistical Conference of the Americas (SCA)
of ECLAC, as well as the adaptations carried out by some countries.
vii) To explore the potential of using new data sources, such as Big Data, in accordance with
the proposals made by the United Nations Statistics Commission and the Global Working
Group (GWG) for official statistics.
AXIS II GOAL 3 ACTION PLAN
Goal 3: To progress the process of geospatial information generation regarding
environmental issues, based on best practices and international agreements.
Actions
i) To share geospatial data infrastructure models for statistical purposes to be adapted to
the technological conditions in the countries participating in the project.
ii) To design technical standards and develop guidelines for the use of code tables,
classification systems, and georeferencing criteria consistent between national and
international systems, considering territorial units or coordinate systems, as well as to
formulate protocols relating to geographical metadata.
iii) To develop recommendations to promote the use of remote sensing as a source for
environmental data collection.
iv) To develop guidelines for quality control in the geospatial information production
process.
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v) To identify mechanisms for establishing technical collaboration agreements with space
agencies and private companies that develop geographic information systems.
vi) To propose criteria to improve the availability of free geospatial information for citizens.
AXIS II GOAL 4 ACTION PLAN
Goal 4: To approach data users and producers from all areas covered by environment
statistics, considering different types of users. The proposed mechanism to achieve this goal is to
substantially improve information dissemination and access by incorporating information and
communication technologies, as well incorporating metadata systems and microdata availability,
considering statistical confidentiality.
Actions
i) To generate an interinstitutional, open and interoperable IT platform based on standards
that enable the use of the multiple technologies and devices available.
ii) To systematize and organize relevant and quality information, in historical series and
user-friendly formats.
iii) To organize webinars on specific topics.
iv) To propose regular feedback mechanisms to the needs of different users.
v) To develop technical guidelines and material for the formulation of environmental public
plans, programs and policies based on statistical evidence.
vi) To prepare audio-visual materials for dissemination on the advantages of decision making
based on statistical evidence, to both the private and public sectors.
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4.3 Action plan for strategic axis III: Building capacities to support the
development and strengthening of environment statistics in the region
AXIS III GOAL 1 ACTION PLAN
Goal 1: To formulate and propose the implementation of a regional training plan on
official environment statistics.
Actions
i) To develop a short, medium and long-term training plan for the participating countries of
the project with the participation of each country.
ii) To identify financing mechanisms for implementing the training plan.
iii) To prepare training materials, host workshops and hold live seminars.
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4.4 Action plan strategic axis IV: Strengthening regional and subregional
cooperation, as well as cooperation between countries and institutions
AXIS IV GOAL 1 ACTION PLAN
Goal 1: To capitalise upon the options offered by international cooperation to boost
basic environment statistics production and to better respond to existing information
requirements.
Action
To define mechanisms to identify international cooperation options related to official
environment statistics and its management.
AXIS IV GOAL 2 ACTION PLAN
GOAL 2: To foster south-south cooperation between the countries of the Region to
promote the exchange of knowledge and experience regarding the production, dissemination,
and use of environment statistics.
Actions
i) To identify cooperation potential for each country participating in the project.
ii) To facilitate the implementation of cooperation agreements between countries.
iii) To document and disseminate South-South cooperation actions and results.
iv) To produce dissemination material regarding the impact of South-South cooperation.
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AXIS IV GOAL 3 ACTION PLAN
Goal 3: To develop and strengthen cooperation between countries and institutions as
well as to promote triangular cooperation, favouring access to knowledge as well as human and
financial resources from other countries.
Actions
i) To identify cooperation possibilities between countries and institutions, as well as to
encourage triangular cooperation, that is, between two countries of the Region and
funded by a third, higher developed country.
ii) To collaborate with countries participating in the project in the formulation of
cooperation agreements with developed countries.
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Chapter III. Training plan on official environment statistics
1. Introduction and justification of the regional training plan
As described in Chapter I, the actual state of environment statistics production in the
Region varies from country to country. Despite advances made in the last few decades, there are
still differences between the statistical systems from country to country, information gaps in
relevant areas, lack of harmonization and standardization of criteria and definitions, and
difficulties in information diffusion as well as in the technical and methodological capacities of
the human resources.
As a background to the Regional Training Plan, the conclusions of the diagnosis carried
out and the Strategy elaborated (see Chapters I and II) were taken into consideration. In both
cases, there is clear evidence on the importance of executing capacities training activities and
knowledge updated on the different stages of the environment statistics production, together
with the need for technical training in specific environment topics.
In addition, the diagnosis detected important challenges in generating official
environment statistics comparable among different countries, including the standardization of
organizers’ frameworks and the unification of concepts, definitions and methods. Also, it
highlighted the existence of significant technical and methodological challenges to be solved and
demonstrated that the capacity building process is a central aspect to supporting the
development and strengthening of environment statistics in the region.
As described in Chapter II, the Strategic Axis III: Capacity building to support the
development and strengthening of the environment statistics in the Region highlights among its
objectives that in order to put in practice and implement the objectives of the Regional Strategy,
“human resources with advanced skills will be required, as well as specific technical and scientific
knowledge and professional experience”.
Similarly, the proposal of the Strategic Plan, 2015-2025 elaborated at the Fourteenth
Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Statistical Conference of the Americas of the
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (SCA-ECLAC) indicates that:
“Latin America and the Caribbean has experienced in the last two decades significant
advances in the economic and social ambits, and in a lesser degree in environment. This
progress has generated new demands of statistical information, both in terms of coverage
and higher levels of disaggregation as well as at the need to have data and indicators for
emerging issues and substantially improved the quality and the timeliness of statistical
information. With different rhythm and scope, the national statistical systems carried out
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modernization and strengthening processes, that however, have not always been enough
to satisfy the demands described. In this way, nowadays important gaps remain to be
closed to respond to the exigent demands of statistical information in the different
countries of the region… In many cases, the agencies do not yet have enough human
resources and there is a high rotation of highly qualify personnel, which prevents them
from having a basic plant of professionals and technicians that contributes to improving
the quality of the official statistics”.
Component 3 “Development and validation of methodological and technical Toolbox” of
the project used the conceptual framework of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model
(GSBPM), to describe and define the necessary phases to produce official environment statistics.
These considerations show that the core of these processes of adaptive change is made
up of the skills and knowledge of personnel, hence the importance of a structured Training Plan.
The training proposed in this Plan is based, among others, on the following premises:
- Official environment statistics production requiring the knowledge, commitment and
participation of different actors, from the political level to the technical and
administrative levels.
- Institutions that are currently working in environment statistics do not always use
harmonized methodologies.
- It is necessary to deepen the knowledge of suitable statistical methodologies of data
collection and compilation on the environment, assimilating the latest innovations on
information technologies, sampling design and the use of administrative records as
statistical information sources.
- Capacity-building should be based on international standards applicable to official
environment statistics and should consider recommendations of specialized institutions
and countries with an advanced statistical development.
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2. Relevant pedagogical concepts related to training processes
In this section there is a brief description of some pedagogical concepts needed to
understand the pedagogical foundations of the conceptual model proposed for the Training Plan.
2.1 Basic concepts about the learning process
Overall, “training” can be defined as an educational process of strategic nature applied in
an organized and systematic way, which allows the acquisition of theoretical, technical and
practical knowledge, or the development of specific skills, whose goal is to improve the
performance in the execution of a particular activity or task.
Once training is understood as a "learning process" the model developed by Edgar Dale
called "cone of learning" can be applied, serving as a base for the development of the content
structure of the Training Plan.
This model represents a pyramid or cone of experiences in which each level corresponds
to a different method of learning. At the base are the most effective and participatory methods
and at the top the least effective and most abstract.
Figure 20. Edgar Dale’s Cone of learning
Source: Edgar Dale’s Cone of experience (1966)
Verbal symbols
Visual symbols
Still pictures, radio, recordings
Films
Informative television
Expositions
Visits y excursions
Demostrations
Dramatic participation
Contrived experiences
Direct experiences
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The cone of learning represents the sequence in the depth of learning realized with the
help of different means. At the cusp of the cone is Oral Representation (verbal descriptions and
written descriptions). At the base of the cone, representing the greatest depth of learning, is
Direct Experience in which the learner participates directly in the activity being learned.
The cone of learning has been expanded upon by some authors, giving rise to the scheme
shown below:
Figure 21. Adaptation of Edgar Dale’s Cone of learning
Source: Trends in Adult Education, 2017
2.2 Motivation: central element for learning
"Motivation" is a fundamental pillar of any learning process and can be understood as
the force that moves us to carry out activities. Motivation gives rise to the will to do a task and
to persevere in the effort that is required during the time necessary to achieve it.
Doing a Dramatic Presentation Simulating the Real Experience
Doing the Real Thing
Participating in a discussion Giving a Talk
Watching a movie
Looking at an Exhibit Watching a Demostration
Seeing it Done on Location
Looking at Pictures
Hearing Words
Reading
90% of what we SAY & DO
70% of what we SAY
50% of what we HEAR & SEE
30% of what we SEE
20% of what we HEAR
10% of what we READ
Doing
Receiving/ Participating
Visual Receiving
Verbal Receiving
After 2 Weeks we tend to remember Nature of Involvement
CONE OF LEARNING
(EDGAR COLE)
PASSIV
E
AC
TIVE
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2.3 Learning approaches
A training plan can be carried out through two learning approaches:
- The content learning approach, which is characterized by being oriented to the learning
of theoretical and conceptual information, starting from general concepts until arriving
to the particular ones. The content learning approach includes knowledge of data, facts,
concepts, and principles. This type of learning is also known as declarative knowledge
because it is knowledge that is said, declared or conformed by language.
- The competency learning approach. According to the definition of the International
Labour Organization (ILO), competency is “an effective capacity to successfully carry out
a fully identified work activity. Labour competence is not a probability of success in the
execution of a job, it is a real and demonstrated capacity.”
The concept of competence refers to a person’s capacity to successfully perform a well
identified work activity, in a favourable work environment. Competence is therefore a
personal and non-transferable quality that is specific to the performance of a particular
job, with an acceptable level of quality and in an appropriate work environment.
The competency learning approach has the following characteristics:
It focuses on the development of skills, abilities and knowledge.
Is integrative, linking content with procedures.
Emphasizes participatory learning.
Participants play a leading role.
Combines quantitative and qualitative evaluation.
Seeks a permanent link with practical application.
A competency has 3 components:
- Conceptual, relating to concepts, definitions and data.
- Procedural, including techniques, methods and strategies.
- Attitudinal, relating to values and interests.
Three classes of competencies can be distinguished:
Basics, those of the formative type.
Generics, relating to organization, teamwork and the capacity to decide.
Specifics, relating to skills and knowledge to perform a function.
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2.4 Adult learning
According to David Kolb (1984) in adults, there are four ways to acquire new knowledge:
- Experimentation, that is, participating in a direct and concrete experience, where
processes and real facts are observed.
- Theorization, starting from an abstract experience, for example listening to someone
reading a text.
- Reflection, from direct or indirect experiences, done through logical and relational
analysis leading to conclusions.
- Application, through pragmatic use, acting.
Figure 22. Styles to access to a new knowledge
Source: E. Díaz. 2012, EIDOS
From this perspective, optimal learning is the result of working the information over four
phases. These phases represent the four learning styles, although most people tend to specialize
in only one or two styles.
CONCRETE EXPERIENCE
REFLEXIVE OBSERVATION
ABSTRACT CONCEPTUALIZATION
ACTIVE EXPERIENCE
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2.5 Learning by doing
The constructive pedagogy of “learning by doing” is based on delivering to the trainee the
essential tools to build his own procedures to solve a problematic situation, which implies that
his ideas are modified and that he/she continues to learn. The teaching process is understood as
dynamic, participatory and interactive, and its purpose is that knowledge is a construction of the
learner.
2.6 Training modalities
Training can be developed through the following modalities:
- Formation: To impart basic knowledge oriented to provide a broad and general view with
relation to a specific thematic.
- Update: To provide knowledge and experiences derived from recent developments in a
specific topic.
- Specialization: For the deepening and mastery of knowledge and experiences or to the
development of skills, with respect to a specific area.
- Improvement: Completing, expanding or developing the level of knowledge and
experience, to boost the performance of technical, professional, directives or
management functions.
- Complementary: To reinforce the formation of a trainee who handles only part of the
knowledge or skills demanded by its position and who requires reaching a higher level of
understanding.
2.7 Individual and institutional training
Lastly, it is essential to distinguish between individual training and institutional training.
• Individual training provides specific competencies to encounter new challenges, enhance skills, knowledge and experiences.
• From an institutional perspective, training must raise productivity levels with a better use of the available resources and make management more flexible in order to facilitate the incorporation of technological transformations.
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3. Objectives and scope of the plan
3.1 Objectives of the plan
The general objective of the Regional Training Plan in Environment Statistics is to ensure
the transfer of theoretical, conceptual, technical, and methodological knowledge involved in the
production of environment statistics.
Specific objectives of the Plan are:
o Develop skills and abilities of the staff of National Statistical Offices, Ministries of
the Environment and other national institutions responsible for the generation of
official environmental statistics.
o Improve the processes involved in the production of environmental statistics.
3.2 Scope of the plan
The Training Plan is designed to strengthen the technical and methodological skills needed
for environment statistics production. The concept “Environment Statistics” includes, according
to classic classifications of statistics, basic environment statistics and derived statistics
(environment accounts and indicators).
The process of environment statistics production is structured according the Generic
Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM).
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4. Target population of the training plan The Regional Environment Statistics Training Plan is aimed at officials of National Statistics
Offices, Ministries of Environment and other national institutions responsible for the generation
of official environment statistics, to improve the processes involved in their production.
The target population of the Plan is the command personnel, analysts and operative
technicians in charge of the production of environmental statistics.
The target population can be classified in three groups:
Group 1
Group 1 is constituted by the decision makers: senior officials and managers of
Environment Ministries, National Statistics Offices and other institutions responsible for
producing environment statistics, as well as other equivalent figures or counterparts at
the first or second level of institutional decision making.
Group 2
This group is constituted by officials and managers responsible for environment statistics
units with decision-making capacity about the projects and operations to be developed,
as directors, managers or similar figures.
Group 3
This group contains the responsible technicians and staff of the units or areas directly
involved in the environment statistics production, in all topics.
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5. Conceptual framework of the regional Training plan in official environment statistics
5.1 Preliminary considerations
The conceptual model proposed for the Regional Training Plan includes teaching the
intrinsic characteristics of environment statistics, along with addressing the challenges faced by
National Statistics Offices, the Ministries of the Environment and other sectorial agencies in the
face of increasing national, regional and international demands of quality information to monitor
and account for the environment aspects of the sustainable development of resources.
The proposed model also takes into account the broad thematic spectrum and
interdisciplinary nature of environment statistics, the heterogeneity of the sources and therefore
the different methodologies and processes for data collection and/or compilation. The
production of environment statistics implies applying specific technical knowledge in the field of
statistics and, technical knowledge about the environment. It also requires an adequate
availability of resources and mechanisms of governance and institutional organization.
From the perspective of training, the plan considers that training must be a continuous
and long-term process. This approach is based on a series of pedagogical grounds, which
represent the pillars on which the proposed conceptual model is based:
- Active and participatory methods of learning are more effective than abstract methods.
- The training plan considers the development of motivational activities and mechanisms
as a basic transversal aspect that is part of the overall implementation process of the plan,
as well as part of the specific development of each course or workshop to be carried out.
- It is based on a combination of content and competencies learning.
On the other hand, the conceptual framework is based on the consideration that training
should involve changes, both at the individual and collective level of the production of official
national environmental statistics, highlighting that the final goal of the plan is not the formation
of individuals in the production of environment statistics but the development and strengthening
of national capacities in relation to such production.
In addition, and in accordance with the proposed model, the Plan can be adapted
according to the degree of knowledge and the typology of the participants.
Following is a summary of the general guidelines for the construction of the learning
process of the Plan. This standard model can be adapted by each country and agency according
to their needs and priorities.
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5.2 Pedagogical approach
The Plan is based on a competency learning approach, considering competency as an
effective capacity to successfully carry out a fully identified work activity. Labour competence is
not a probability of success in the execution of a job, it is a real and demonstrated capacity.
A competency has 3 components:
• Conceptual, relating to concepts, definitions and data.
• Procedural, including techniques, methods and strategies.
• Attitudinal, relating to the disposition facing values and interests.
This pedagogical approach has the following characteristics: It focuses on the development of skills, abilities and knowledge. It is integrative, linking content with procedures. It emphasizes participatory learning Participants play a leading role. It combines quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Seeks a permanent link with practical application.
5.3 Conceptual approach
The framework of reference and fundamental axis of the Plan is the process of production
of environment statistics. This process is structured according to the Generic Statistical Business
Process Model (GSBPM).
5.4 Methodological approach
The proposed methodological approach includes elements from different authors and
models. Among them, the use of the following methods of access to knowledge:
- Experimenting, participating in a direct and concrete experience, where process and real
facts are observed.
- Theorizing, starting from an abstract experience, for example listening to someone
reading a text.
- Reflecting, from direct or indirect experiences, carried out through logical and rational
analysis that lead to the development of conclusions.
- Applying, through pragmatic use, by acting.
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Figure 23. Methods to access a new knowledge
Source: Author’s preparation
Access will be made available through the methodology of "learning by doing" applied to
the entire training plan.
5.5 Training evaluation and certification
Evaluation of the training constitutes a process of great importance that should be carried
out at different intervals during the training process; in the beginning, middle, and end of the
program. It is a systematic process for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the training
efforts.
Evaluation is not an extra activity within the training, but rather a very important phase
of training that should be carried out at each phase of the cycle as a process itself. It should,
therefore, be part of the training sessions and be carried out in a timely manner. Data obtained
from evaluations are useful for decision making about the teaching – learning process, the
implemented procedures that are intended to make an impact with the training or formative
training actions, as well as in relation to the same evaluation activity.
Experimenting
Theorizing
Reflecting
Applying
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In 1959, Donald Kirkpatrick, professor at the University of Wisconsin, presented his model
of training assessment based on behavioural and cognitive learning theories. Although more than
50 years have passed the model is still valid. This model presents four levels of evaluation, namely
reaction, learning, behaviour/transfer and results/performance.
In the present Training Plan, it is proposed that the evaluation of the plan be carried out
according to the four levels mentioned:
- Satisfaction or reaction. Determining to what extent the staff valued the training action.
It is proposed that the information be collected by filling out a training evaluation survey
that covers all the executed training actions.
- Learning. It is recommended to evaluate the incorporation of knowledge through the use
of a written test that allows for a quantitative evaluation of learning and application. For
accuracy, an evaluation prior to the start of the training and another at the end of the
training are recommended to accurately measure learning.
- Application or transfer. Measuring the impact of the training action on the
tasks/activities related to the functions of the staff. A proposal for its evaluation is the
elaboration of an agenda of application or work planning, where lines of work can be
established.
- Performance. Measuring the impact or benefit of the training in terms of achievement of
goals at the institutional level. This verification is proposed after the last technical
assistance received.
Each of the criteria and methods are to be adapted for each cycle and module proposed
in the curriculum.
In relation to training certification, a global certification is proposed for those participants
who complete a selected group of proposed cycles with the possibility of obtaining partial
certification on some proposed modules. These certifications should be designed considering the
profiles of the participants and their actual training needs.
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5.6 Final considerations related to the conceptual model proposed The proposed model is based in the principles of flexibility, versatility, and relevance,
applicable to the different combinations of audiences and modalities that could be used in
training sessions.
Each trainer should use the curriculum to plan their training sessions, through a
methodological script according to their teaching style while considering the guidelines
established in the conceptual model proposed.
Lastly, it should be highlighted that motivation constitutes a transversal axis of the Plan,
and it must be manifested through teaching and learning strategies aimed to promote active
participation, collaborative construction of knowledge and transference of theory to practice,
which contributes to the generation of meanings in relation to the learned thematic.
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6. Training plan curriculum
A curriculum is an instrument that contains the structure of the design in which the
trainers approach the content of a given training, in an articulated and integrated way, allowing
an overview of the general structure of an area.
Curriculum is organized into cycles, modules, themes and sub-themes. The curriculum has
the following 5 cycles:
Cycle I. Conceptual and methodological foundations of environment statistics
Cycle II. Thematic areas of environment statistics
Cycle III. Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) applied to environment
statistics
Cycle IV. Improvement in the production of environment statistics
Cycle V. Derived statistics: environmental indicators and accounts
Each of the previous cycles consists of several modules as shown below:
Cycle I. Conceptual and methodological foundations of environment statistics
Module 1. Basic environmental concepts
Module 2. Basic concepts of statistics
Module 3. Scope and situation of environment statistics
Module 4. Theoretical-methodological frameworks of environment statistics
Module 5. Main international and regional initiatives related to environment statistics
Cycle II. Thematic topics of environment statistics
Module 6. Water resources and wastewater
Module 7. Consumption of materials, chemical substances and waste
Module 8. Energy
Module 9. Atmosphere-air-climate
Module 10. Ecosystems and biodiversity
Module 11. Oceans, seas and fishery resources
Module 12. Land and soil
Module 13. Extreme events and disasters
Module 14. Human settlements and environmental health
Module 15. Environment protection, management and commitment
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Cycle III. Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) applied to environment statistics
Module 16. Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
Module 17. Phases of the GSBPM and subprocesses applied to environment statistics
Module 18. Over-arching processes of the GSBPM
Cycle IV. Improvement in the production of environment statistics
Module 19. Data from remote sensors and satellite images
Module 20. Use of administrative records for statistical purposes
Module 21. Introduction to Big Data and its tools
Module 22. Statistical operations design
Module 23. Statistical classifiers
Module 24. Survey design methodologies
Module 25. Questionnaire design
Module 26. Sampling techniques
Module 27. Operational manuals design
Module 28. Update of directories for statistical purposes
Module 29. Statistical data processing
Module 30. Statistical data validation
Module 31. Statistical data imputation
Module 32. Specialized software use
Module 33. Statistical data analysis
Module 34. Time series analysis
Module 35. Statistical information dissemination
Module 36. Statistical operations evaluation
Module 37. Statistical process quality management
Module 38. Metadata management
Module 39. Geospatial data management
Cycle V. Derived statistics: environment indicators and accounts
Module 40. Environment indicators
Module 41. Environment accounting
As was mentioned above, for each of module several themes and sub-themes are
proposed. Annex V contains the complete curriculum for your consultation.
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7. Proposal for curriculum implementation
7.1 Implementation by target population groups
The implementation of the Training Plan is proposed according to the target population
groups established as is detailed below:
Group 1
Consists of the decision makers: senior officials and managers of the Environment
Ministries, National Statistics Offices and other institutions responsible for producing
environment statistics, as well as other equivalent figures or counterparts at the first or second
level of institutional decision making.
A proposed “awareness program” for this group with meetings where discussion of the
one or more of the following issues could be addressed, according to specific identified needs.
o Introduction to environment statistics. Scope and situation at national, regional and
international level.
o The importance of generating quality environment statistics. Demands for
environment statistics at the national, regional and international levels.
o Methodological and conceptual framework development and availability in relation
with environment statistics.
o Human and financial resources assigned to the production of environment statistics.
The pedagogical materials needed for the development of this awareness program are
based on the contents of the Toolkit and can be adapted to the needs of the participants and
turned into PowerPoint presentations, information cards or any other support materials
considered appropriate.
Groups 2 & 3
As was already defined, Group 2 contains officials and managers responsible for
environment statistics units with decision-making capacity about the projects and operations to
be developed, as directors, managers or similar figures. Group 3 is composed of the technicians
and staff of the units or areas directly involved in environment statistics production.
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The training proposed for these two groups includes:
o Introduction to environment statistics. Scope and situation at national, regional and
international level.
o The importance of generating quality environmental statistics. Demands for
environment statistics at the national, regional and international levels.
o The GSBPM model. Description and phases of the statistical production process.
General over-arching processes and statistical over-arching processes.
o Coordination of institutions involved in the production of environment statistics.
Definition and implementation of standards to produce environment statistics.
In this case, training could be based on a blended format using a combination of:
On-line training, with support of the Toolkit used as didactic material and through access
to a virtual classroom. The virtual tutor can guide the reading and work to be done based
on the Toolkit and the resolution of questions or concerns on the part of the trainees.
- Face to face training based on:
o Development of courses and workshops. The purpose of face to face training is:
To deepen knowledge of specific subjects proposed in the curriculum that are
not developed in the Toolkit.
To complete and implement those topics of the curriculum included in the
Toolkit.
o Technical assistances to countries. As a relevant support to the learning process, it
is proposed to provide the possibility of receiving technical assistance, according to
the needs of each country.
7.2 Implementation of the curriculum at the initial level
The curriculum consists of 5 cycles and a total of 41 modules. For its implementation, a
set of contents have been selected which constitute an initial level of development that allows
the implementation of environment statistics operations in an integral manner.
Table 16 shows the topics corresponding to this implementation of the curriculum at the
initial level, as well as the number of hours of training estimated for each of the cycles and
modules.
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The conceptual and methodological foundations of environment statistics (Cycle I) are
addressed first, followed by two thematic areas of Cycle II. Training is continued with the
approach to the GSBPM (Cycle III), both from a general perspective as well as in relation to their
link with Environment Statistics typical operations. Finally, two specifics modules are proposed
corresponding to administrative registers and geospatial data management.
In the initial implementation proposal, the selected thematic topics are "water resources
and wastewater" and "consumption of materials, chemicals substances and waste", considering
that they are two of the topics of highest priority for the Region. In any case, the selection of
thematic topics would be based on the specific needs of the countries.
In this way, at the completion of the initial level of training, participants would have the
necessary skills to address the production of environment statistics on the two environmental
areas selected.
Table 16. Curriculum implementation at initial level
Denomination Duration
(hours)
Cycle I. Conceptual and methodological foundations of Environment Statistics Module 1. Basic concepts about the environment Module 3. Scope and situation of Environment Statistics Module 4. Theoretical-methodological frameworks of Environment Statistics Module 5. Main international and regional initiatives related to Environmental Statistics
80
16
16
32
16
Cycle II. Thematic topics of Environment Statistics Module 6. Water resources and wastewater
Module 7. Consumption of materials, chemicals substances and waste
80
40
40
Cycle III. Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) applied to Environment Statistics
Module 16. Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
Module 17. Phases of the GSBPM and subprocesses applied to Environment
Statistics
Module 18. Over-arching processes of the GSBPM
160
8
128
24
Cycle IV. Improvement in the production of Environment Statistics Module 20. Use of administrative records for statistical purposes Module 39. Geospatial data management
80
40
40
Estimated total duration 400
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The estimated duration for this initial level proposal is 400 hours in total (50 days over 10
weeks). These weeks could be developed in a timing horizon variable. Table 17 provides a sample
year-long training schedule.
Table 17. Schedule proposed for the implementation of the initial level in 1 year
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Cycle I
Cycle II
Cycle III
Cycle IV
7.3 Implementation of the rest of the curriculum
In relation to the rest of the topics included the curriculum, an expansion and deepening
of knowledge in both the thematic topics of environment statistics and the application of specific
aspects of the GSBPM is proposed, according to the needs of each individual country.
The topics are listed in Table 18, along with the estimated duration for each of the cycles
and modules.
The estimated duration to complete the curriculum is 1.200 hours, over the course of 30
weeks. In this case, a time horizon of three years is proposed, scalable to five years, always
depending on the national training needs and the available resources.
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Table 18. Implementation of the rest of the curriculum
Denomination Duration
(hours)
Cycle I. Conceptual and methodological foundations of Environment Statistics Module 2. Basic concepts of statistics
40 40
Cycle II. Thematic topics of Environment Statistics Module 8. Energy Module 9. Atmosphere-air-climate Module 10. Ecosystems and biodiversity Module 11. Oceans, seas and fishery resources Module 12. Land and soils Module 13. Extreme events and disasters Module 14. Human settlements and environmental health Module 15. Environment protection, management and commitment
320 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
Cycle IV. Improvement in the production of Environment Statistics Module 19. Data from remote sensors and satellite images
Module 21. Introduction to Big Data and its tools Module 22. Statistical operations design Module 23. Statistical classifiers Module 24. Survey design methodologies Module 25. Questionnaire design Module 26. Sampling techniques Module 27. Operational manual design
Module 28. Update of directories for statistical purposes Module 29. Statistical data processing Module 30. Statistical data validation Module 31. Statistical data imputation
Module 32. Specialized software use Module 33. Statistical data analysis
Module 34. Time series analysis Module 35. Statistical information dissemination Module 36. Statistical operations evaluation Module 37. Statistical process quality management Module 38. Metadata management
760 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
Cycle V. Derived statistics: environment indicators and accounts Module 40. Environment indicators Module 41. Environment accounting
80
40
40
Estimated total duration 1.200
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8. Estimated cost of the training plan
Some of the proposed content may be developed and implemented by national
institutions (national statistical offices, ministries of environment or universities), to minimize the
financial resources necessary for carrying out the training. Examples of these modules with the
possibility of national implementation are those related to the basic concepts of environment
and statistics, the module on specialized software, or the modules related to sampling techniques
and metadata management.
8.1 Estimated cost according to the proposed implementation of the curriculum
The estimated cost for the curriculum implementation is presented below. An
international consultant-trainer remuneration of 100$/ hour, which includes both the training
sessions and the preparation of the necessary training materials, has been used for calculation.
The estimated costs do not include travel expenses and travel allowances, nor expenses related
to the rental of classroom space or other means related to the training.
The cost has been calculated for one country, assuming a single country assumes the
entire costs associated with the actual training and the preparation of the pedagogic materials
required.
Table 19. Cycles and modules of the curriculum with the duration and cost estimated
INITIAL LEVEL REST
Unit name Hours Estimated cost USD
Hours Estimated cost USD
Cycle I: Conceptual and methodological foundations of environment statistics
80 8.000 40 4.000
Module 1. Basic environmental concepts 16 1.600
Module 2. Basic concepts of statistics 40 4.000
Module 3. Scope and situation of environment statistics 16 1.600
Module 4. Theoretical-methodological frameworks of environment statistics
32 3.200
Module 5. Main international and regional initiatives related to environment statistics
16 1.600
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INITIAL LEVEL REST
Unit name Hours Estimated cost USD
Hours Estimated cost USD
Cycle II. Thematic topics of environment statistics 80 8.000 320 32.000
Module 6. Water resources and wastewater 40 4.000 Module 7. Consumption of materials, chemical
substances and waste
40 4.000
Module 8. Energy 40 4.000 Module 9. Atmosphere-air-climate 40 4.000 Module 10. Ecosystems and biodiversity 40 4.000 Module 11. Oceans, seas and fishery resources 40 4.000
Module 12. Lands and soils 40 4.000 Module 13. Extreme events and disasters 40 4.000 Module 14. Human settlements and environmental
health
40 4.000
Module 15. Environment protection, management and
commitment
40 4.000
Cycle III: Generic Statistical Business Process Model
(GSBPM) applied to environment statistics
160 16.000
Module 16. Generic Statistical Business Process Model
(GSBPM)
8 800
Module 17. Phases of the GSBPM and subprocesses
applied to environment statistics
128 12.800
Module 18. Over-arching processes of the GSBPM 24 2.400 Cycle IV. Improvement in the production of
environment statistics
80 8.000 760 76.000
Module 19. Data from remote sensors and satellite images
40 4.000
Module 20. Use of administrative records for statistical purposes
40 4.000$
Module 21. Introduction to Big Data and its tools 40 4.000 Module 22. Statistical operations design 40 4.000 Module 23. Statistical classifiers 40 4.000 Module 24. Survey design methodologies 40 4.000 Module 25. Questionnaire design 40 4.000 Module 26. Sampling techniques 40 4.000 Module 27. Operation manuals design 40 4.000 Module 28. Update of directories for statistical purposes
40 4.000
Module 29. Statistical data processing 40 4.000
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INITIAL LEVEL REST
Unit name Hours Estimated cost USD
Hours Estimated cost USD
Module 30. Statistical data validation 40 4.000 Module 31. Statistical data imputation 40 4.000 Module 32. Specialized software use 40 4.000 Module 33. Statistical data analysis 40 4.000 Module 34. Time series analysis 40 4.000 Module 35. Statistical information dissemination 40 4.000 Module 36. Statistical operations evaluation 40 4.000 Module 37. Statistical process quality management 40 4.000 Module 38. Metadata management 40 4.000 Module 39. Geospatial data management 40 4.000$ Cycle V. Derived statistics: environment indicators
and accounts
80 8.000
Module 40. Environment indicators 40 4.000
Module 41. Environment accounting 40 4.000
Implementation total estimated cost 400 40.000 1.200 120.000$
8.2 Estimated cost according to the number of countries participating in
training
Should more than one country choose to collaborate on training, the costs associated
with the preparation of the pedagogic materials would be shared, significantly lowering costs for
each country. Table 20 presents scenarios corresponding to an implementation of four and eight
countries collaborating. In the presented scenarios, the countries cooperatively assume the costs
of preparation of the pedagogical materials, but individually assume the costs associated with
the actual training.
Thus, the basic level training provided by a single country would amounts to an estimated
USD 40,000. This amount drops to USD 25,000 per country should four countries collaborate and
falls to USD 22,500 if eight countries work together.
Table 20. Estimated cost by number of participating countries
Scenario Initial level Rest
Number of hours
Cost Number of hours
Cost
TOTAL 1 country 400 40.000 1.200 120.000
TOTAL 4 countries 400 25.000 1.200 75.000
TOTAL 8 countries 400 22.500 1.200 67.500
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9. Final considerations about the training plan
The Training Plan proposed aims to satisfy the learning needs of the participating countries in a structured, complete, rigorous and flexible way. The different starting situations of each country justify the Plan should be able to be developed in different time horizons and with very variable costs. Considering the different situation of environment statistics production among countries, the Plan has been designed so it can be adapted to different starting situations, in terms of timing and costs. The culmination of the training should guarantee the institutional development of the necessary capacities for the production of quality environment statistics that satisfy the national and international needs in this area for each country.
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Annexes
Annex I. Responsibles for the completion of the diagnosis questionnaire
Country Responsible from the National Statistic Office
Institution Agent Position email addresses
Bahamas Statistics
Department Clarice
Turnquest Assistant Director
Belize Statistical
Institute of Belize
Leopold Perriot Manager Director [email protected]
Colombia
National Administrative Department of
Statistics
Eduardo Freire Delgado
Technical Director of Methodology and
Statistical Production
Costa Rica
National Institute of
Statistics and Census
Fabio Herrera Ocampo
Environment Statistics
Coordinator in the National Statistic
System
Dominican Republic
National Statistics Office
Natividad Martínez
Environmental Analyst
Ecuador
National Institute of
Statistics and Census
Janeth Castillo Jara
Analyst for Agricultural and Environmental
Statistics
Jamaica Statistical
Institute of Jamaica
Janet Geoghagen-
Martin
Director of Census and Statistics, Social
and Demographic Division
Mexico
National Institute of
Statistics and Geography
Martín Wilson Sánchez
Environmental Surveys Director
Panama
National Institute of
Statistics and Census
Diliana Mena Environmental
Statistics Analyst [email protected]
Suriname General Bureau
of Statistics Anjali De Abreu-
Kisoensingh
Staff member at the Scientific Research and Development
Division
Venezuela National
Institute of Statistics
Dinoira Moreno Manager of
Environment Statistics
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Country
Responsible for the Ministry of Environment
Institution Agent Position email addresses
Bahamas
The Bahamas Environment, Science
& Technology Commission
Samantha Miller
Environmental Officer
Belize Department of Environment
Edgar Ek Deputy Chief
Environmental Officer
Ecuador Ministry of the Environment
Franco Carvajal Environmental
Indicators Technical Analyst
Jamaica National Environment and Planning Agency
Michael Myles Monitoring and
Evalutaion Officer
Mexico Secretariat of
Environment and Natural Resources
Arturo Flores Martínez
General Director of Environment
Statistics and Environmental
Information
Panama National
Environmental Authority
Neyra Herrera Statistics Area Responsible
Suriname
Ministry of Labour, Technological
Development and Environment
Mrs. Haidy Aroma
Senior Policy Officer at the Environment Directorate
Note: Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela did not report information from the Environment Institutions
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
123
Annex II. Administrative-political division of each country of the project
Country Levels Subdivision name Number of
subdivisions
Bahamas 2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Local Government NS
Belize
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision District 6
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Municipality/Village 9
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Electoral Division 31
Colombia
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Department 32
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Municipality 1101
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Population Center 8098
Costa Rica
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Province 7
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Canton 81
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision District 478
Dominican Republic
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Macro-region 3
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Development or planning
region 10
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Province 32
5th level of the political-administrative subdivision Municipality 256
Ecuador
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Region 4
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Province 24
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Canton 221
5th level of the political-administrative subdivision Parish 1149
Jamaica
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision County 3
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Parish 14
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Electoral District 60
Mexico
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Federal State 32: 31 States and a
Federal District
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Municipality and
Delegation
2457: 2441 municipalities and
16 delegations
Panama
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision Province 10
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision District 77
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Township 648
5th level of the political-administrative subdivision Indigenous county 5
Suriname 2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision District 10
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Subdistrict or Resorts 62
Venezuela
2nd level of the political-administrative subdivision State 24
3rd level of the political-administrative subdivision Municipality 335
4th level of the political-administrative subdivision Parish 1091
Note: NS: Not specified
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
124
Annex III. Criteria for defining the priority level in data collection
Criteria
Low Medium High
(Al least one of the following criterion must be met)
1. Variable or topic related to environmental elements that are not present or not abundant in the country, for example, seas, glaciers, snow, lakes, wetlands, etc. 2. Variable or topic not related to any of the following documents: a. National Development Plan b. Regular national reports on the state of the environment c. Environment Statistics Plan d. Reports derived from international commitments 3. Variable or topic with scarce or null demand registered by information users.
1. Variable or topic related to short-term initiatives and/or projects.
1. Variable or topic that responds to an information need for monitoring the axes, objectives or goals of the National Development Plan. 2. Variable or topic required for the elaboration of periodic reports on the state of the environment generated by the Ministry of Environment or its equivalent, for implementing a national environmental program. 3. Variable or topic related to the objectives and goals of the National Statistical Plan in relation to the environment. 4. Variable or topic related to necessary information to create reports derived from international commitments (treaties, agreements, conventions, etc.) that are established or in the process of being established. 5. Variable or topic with high frequency of demand in the records of requirements by information users, including those raised in specialized technical committees that operate within the framework of the National Statistical Information System or its equivalent. 6. High priority variable or topic with information gaps detected by diagnosis about the environment statistics information needs.
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on Official Environment Statistics 2014
125
Annex IV. Information on international cooperation projects or events
Country Name of the project or event Type of event
Granted cooperation
Received cooperation
Year Involved agency -
countries
Bahamas Environment Statistics Workshop
Course or workshop
X 2014 CARICOM
Belize NR NR NR NR NR NR
Colombia
Support for developing countries to measure their progress towards a green economy
Course or workshop
X 2014 United Nations
Colombia Monitoring of green growth in the LAC Region
Course or workshop
X 2013
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Colombia
Water accounting for public policies based on evidence and monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Seminar X 2014 ECLAC
Costa Rica
Technical Team Meeting of the Project for the development and strengthening of official environment statistics.
Course or workshop
X 2014 INEGI / ECLAC / IDB
Costa Rica Green Growth Monitoring Indicators
Course or workshop
X 2014 DENU/ UNIDO
Costa Rica Environmental Accounting Course or workshop
X 2012 INEGI / ECLAC/ UNIDO
Costa Rica Water Statistics Institutionalization
Course or workshop
X 2012 ECLAC / UNIDO
Costa Rica Elaboration of Environmental and Sustainable Development Indicators
Course or workshop X 2009 ECLAC / UNEP
Costa Rica Environmental protection expenditure
Seminar X 2013 INEGI/ ECLAC
Dominican Republic
Latin American regional workshop on monitoring, reporting and verification
Course or workshop X 2014 FAO
Dominican Republic
Technical Team Meeting of the Project for the development and strengthening of official environment statistics
Course or workshop
X 2014 IDB, ECLAC, INEGI
NR: No information reported
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
126
Country Name of the project or event Type of event
Granted cooperation
Received cooperation
Year Involved agency
- countries
Dominican Republic
Mesoamerican training workshop about emissions inventories and mitigation plans in the agricultural sector, land use and change and forestry sector
Course or workshop
X 2014 FAO
Dominican Republic
2nd Workshop on statistics related to greenhouse gas emissions
Course or workshop X 2013 FAO
Dominican Republic
Workshop for the constitution and planning of the Project for the development and strengthening of official environment statistics
Course or workshop
X 2013 IDB, ECLAC, INEGI
Dominican Republic
Workshop on environmental protection expenditure and waste
Course or workshop
X 2011
National Statistics Institute of Spain and IDB
Ecuador
Capacity building for the integration of Energy, Sustainable Development Goals, targets and indicators into the National Statistical Programs in Latin American countries.
Course or workshop
X 2015 ONU-SE4ALL-IEA-PNUD
Ecuador
Technical Assistance for National Institute of Statistics and Census in relation to the FDES.
Technical assistance
X 2014 UN
Jamaica Environment statistics workshop
Course or workshop
X 2014 CARICOM
Jamaica SEEA (System Environmental-Economic Accounting)
Course or workshop
X 2014 UNSD & CARICOM
Jamaica Environment statistics workshop
Course or workshop
X 2011 CARICOM
Jamaica Environment statistics workshop
Course or workshop
X 2010 CARICOM
Jamaica
Capacity building related to the implementation of Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAS) in African, Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) countries
Technical assistance
X 2012 CARICOM
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
127
Country Name of the project or
event Type of event
Granted cooperation
Received cooperation
Year Involved agency
- countries
Mexico
Exchange of experiences in: -Construction of index and indicators about environment and sustainable development - Mechanisms to transfer statistical and geographical information between governmental institutions.
Course or workshop
X 2013 Peru, Mexico
Mexico
Exchange of experiences to implement a national environmental information system
Course or workshop
X 2011 Argentina, Mexico
Panama
2nd Workshop on agricultural statistics to calculate greenhouse gas emissions produced by the sector
Course or workshop X 2013
FAO/Latin American countries
Panama
Green indicators, capacities and small and medium enterprises (SME)
Course or workshop X 2012
ECLAC (Division of Production, Productivity and Management), International Research Development Center (IRDC) of Canada, el Centro International de Investigaciones and the OECD
Panama
Meeting of the working group on environmental indicators of the Latin American and Caribbean Initiative for Sustainable Development (ILAC)
Course or workshop
X 2011
UNEP/Latin American countries working on ILAC
Suriname NR NR NR NR NR NR
NR: No information reported
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
128
Country Name of the
project or event Type of event
Granted cooperation
Received cooperation
Year Involved agency -
countries
Venezuela
Environmental indicators calculation (ILAC/MDG7)
Course or workshop X 2009
Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Chile, El Salvador-ECLAC, UNEP
Venezuela
Methodology for the calculation of environmental indicators for Venezuela
Course or workshop X 2008
Venezuela National Statistical System and ECLAC
Venezuela
Methodology for the calculation of environmental indicators
Course or workshop X 2007
Colombia, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Panama and ECLAC
Venezuela
New methodological developments and operational challenges in the field of environment statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean
Seminar X 2011
Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Dominican Republic, ECLAC, ILAC, INEGI and Knowledge transmission network
Venezuela Horizontal technical advice
Technical assistance
X 2010 Venezuela, ANAM-Panama
NR: No information reported
Source: Author’s preparation based on the Self-Diagnosis Questionnaire on the Situation of Official Environment Statistics 2014
129
Annex V. Curriculum
Unit name Number of hours
CYCLE I: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ENVIRONMENT STATISTICS 120
MODULE 1: BASIC CONCEPTS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT 1.1 Natural resources. Concept of renewable and non-renewable resources. Quality and
availability of resources. 1.1.1 Water 1.1.2 Soil 1.1.3 Air 1.1.4 Energy 1.1.5 Raw materials 1.1.6 Ecosystems and biodiversity
1.2 Environmental pollution. Concept of pollution. 1.2.1 Air emissions 1.2.2 Wastewater discharges 1.2.3 Waste generation 1.2.4 Radiation
1.3 Pollution prevention and control. Environmental management. 1.4 Human settlements and environmental health. 1.5 Environmental economy.
1.5.1 Sustainable development 1.5.2 Positive and negative externalities 1.5.3 Economic evaluation of ecosystemic services 1.5.4 Economic efficiency 1.5.5 Adjusted net savings. Green GDP. 1.5.6 Circular economy.
40
MODULE 2. BASIC CONCEPTS OF STATISTIC 2.1 Concepts and definitions.
2.1.1 Statistic, statistical units, variables, statistical data and data matrix
2.1.2 Tables and graphs elaboration
2.1.3 Statistical Operations Inventory
2.1.4 National Statistical System
2.2 Descriptive Statistic introduction.
2.2.1 Central tendency measures: mean, median and mode
2.2.2 Variability measures: range, variance, standard deviation and variation
coefficient
2.2.3 Distribution measures
2.3 Inferential Statistic Introduction
2.3.1 Universe
2.3.2 Population
2.3.3 Sample
2.3.4 Probability Theory
2.3.5 Statistical Inferenced Theory
2.3.6 Sampling types. Probabilistic and non-probabilistic
2.3.7 Sampling associated errors
2.3.8 Statistical disaggregation levels
40
130
Unit name Number of hours
MODULE 3. SCOPE AND SITUATION OF ENVIRONMENT STATISTICS 3.1 Environmental information 3.2 Scope of environment statistics 3.3 Situation of environment statistics at national, regional and international levels
8
MODULE 4. THEORETICAL-METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORKS OF ENVIRONMENT STATISTICS 4.1 Pressure-State-Response Model (PSR) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) 4.2 Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Model (FPSIR) of the European
Environment Agency (EEA) 4.3 Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) of the United Nations
and its implementation. 4.3.1 FDES 2013 presentation
4.3.2 Auto-Diagnosis Tool for Environment Statistics (ADTES)
4.3.3 Putting the Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES)
to work – A Blueprint for Action
4.3.4 Basic Set of Environment Statistics (BSES)
4.3.5 Basic Set of Environment Statistics Manual
- Mining resources
- Energy resources
4.4 United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounts (SEEA)
4.4.1 Introduction to the SEEA Central Framework
16
MODULE 5. MAIN INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL INITIATIVES RELATED TO ENVIRONMENT
STATISTICS
5.1 Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
5.1.1 What is Agenda 2030?
5.1.2 Sustainable Development Goals, Targets and Indicators.
5.2 Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative for Sustainable Development (LACI)
5.3 Paris 2015 Agreement. Conference of Paris on Climate Change COP 21.
5.4 Sendai Framework for Disasters Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
5.5 REDD+ Initiative (Reduce Emissions for Deforestation and Degradation)
5.6 United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management
Initiative (UN-GGIM)
5.7 Green Economy, Green Growth and Green Production initiatives:
5.7.1 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Green Economy Initiative
5.7.2 United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) Green Economy Indicators.
5.7.3 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Green
Growth Strategy
5.7.4 Green Production Indicators: a guide towards Sustainable Development.
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
16
131
Unit name Number of hours
CYCLE II. THEMATIC TOPICS OF ENVIRONMENT STATISTICS
400
MODULE 6. WATER RESOURCES AND WASTEWATER
6.1 Definitions
6.2 The water cycle
6.3 Data sources related to water resources and wastewater
6.4 Hydric supply calculation
6.5 Water supply
6.6 Water consumption and use. Use and consumption by economic sectors (agriculture,
households, industrial sector…)
6.7 Wastewater management: sanitation and treatment
6.8 International recommendations on water statistics
6.9 Water SDGs
6.10 United Nations Water Questionnaire
6.11 Water accounting (Environmental and Economic Accounting System)
40
MODULE 7. CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALES, CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND WASTE
7.1 Definitions
7.2 Discharge of chemical substances into the environment
7.3 Integrated waste management
7.4 Data sources related to the discharge of chemical substances and waste
7.5 Hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation
7.6 Waste generation by economic sectors
7.7 Waste management and final disposal
7.8 Waste SDGs
7.9 United Nations Waste Questionnaire
7.10 Waste accounting (Environmental and Economic Accounting System)
40
MODULE 8. ENERGY
8.1 Definitions
8.2 Energy production and consumption
8.3 Renewable and non-renewable energy
8.4 Energy efficiency
8.5 Data sources related to energy production and consumption
8.6 Energy SDGs
8.7 Energy accounting (Environmental and Economic Accounting System)
40
MODULE 9. ATMOSPHERE-AIR-CLIMATE
9.1 Definitions
9.2 Main air pollutants and their effects
9.3 Air quality
9.4 Emissions and Immisions
9.5 Greenhouse gases inventory elaboration
9.6 Atmosphere SGSs
9.7 Atmospheric accounting (Environmental and Economic Accounting System)
40
132
Unit name Number of hours
MODULE 10. ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY
10.1 Definitions
10.2 Data sources about ecosystems and biodiversity
10.3 Fauna
10.4 Flora
10.5 Protected areas
10.6 Forest management
10.7 Biodiversity SDGs
10.8 Forest accounting (Environmental and Economic Accounting System)
40
MODULE 11. OCEANS, SEAS AND FISHERY RESOURCES
11.1 Definitions
11.2 Data sources about oceans, seas and fishery resources
11.3 Fishery catches
11.4 Sustainable fishing
11.5 Oceans, seas and fishery resources SDGs
40
MODULE 12. LAND AND SOIL
12.1 Definitions
12.2 Data sources about land and soil
12.3 Desertification
12.4 Agricultural activities
12.5 Sustainable agriculture
12.6 Land/soil SDGs
40
MODULE 13. EXTREME EVENTS AND DISASTERS
13.1 Definitions
13.2 Data sources about extreme events and disasters
13.3 Types of extreme phenomena
13.4 Disaster rate of occurrence
13.5 Impact of disasters
13.6 Extreme events and disasters SDGs
40
MODULE 14. HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
14.1 Urban and rural populations
14.2 Population Access to basic services
14.3 Health problems related to environmental conditions (air and water quality, vector
diseases, radiation exposure and toxic substances presence).
14.4 Human settlements and environmental health SDGs
40
MODULE 15. ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION, MANAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT
15.1 Resource management and environmental protection expenditure
15.2 Environmental regulation and governance
15.3 Environmental protection, management and commitment SDGs
40
133
Unit name Number of hours
CYCLE III: GENERIC STATISTICAL BUSINESS PROCESS MODEL (GSBPM) APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENT
STATISTICS
160
MODULE 16. GENERIC STATISTICAL BUSINESS PROCESS MODEL (GSBPM)
16.1 Model presentation
16.1.1 Background
16.1.2 Model structure and use
16.2 Application of the GSBPM to environment statistics
16.3 The Generic Statistic Information Model (GSIM)
8
MODULE 17. PHASES OF THE GSBPM AND SUBPROCESSES APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENT
STATISTICS
17.1 Phase I. Specify needs
17.1.1 Identify needs
17.1.2 Consult & confirm needs
- Elaboration of an instrument for the identification of information
needs related to environment statistics
17.1.3 Establish output objectives
17.1.4 Identify concepts
17.1.5 Check data availability
17.1.6 Prepare business case
- Business case elaboration for an environmental statistical project
17.2 Phase II. Design
17.2.1 Design outputs
17.2.2 Design variable descriptions
17.2.3 Collection design
17.2.4 Design frame & sample
17.2.5 Design processing & analysis
17.2.6 Design production systems & workflow
17.3 Phase III. Build
17.3.1 Build collection instrument
17.3.2 Build or enhance process components
17.3.3 Build or enhance dissemination components
17.3.4 Configure workflows
17.3.5 Test production system
17.3.6 Test statistical business process
17.3.7 Finalise production system
17.4 Phase IV. Collect
17.4.1 Create frame & select sample
17.4.2 Set up collection
17.4.3 Run collection
17.4.4 Finalise collection
128
134
Unit name Number of hours
MODULE 17. PHASES OF THE GSBPM AND SUBPROCESSES APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENT
STATISTICS (continuation)
17.5 Phase V. Process
17.5.1 Integrate data
17.5.2 Classify & code
17.5.3 Review & validate
17.5.4 Edit & impute
17.5.5 Derive new variables & units
17.5.6 Calculate weights
17.5.7 Calculate aggregates
17.5.8 Finalise data files
17.6 Phase VI. Analyse
17.6.1 Prepare draft outputs
17.6.2 Validate outputs
17.6.3 Interpret & explain outputs
17.6.4 Apply disclosure control
17.6.5 Finalise outputs
17.7 Phase VII. Disseminate
17.7.1 Update output systems
17.7.2 Produce dissemination products
17.7.3 Manage release of dissemination products
17.7.4 Promote dissemination products
17.7.5 Manage user support
17.8 Phase VIII. Evaluate
17.8.1 Gather evaluation inputs
17.8.2 Conduct evaluation
17.8.3 Agree to an action plan
MODULE 18. OVER-ARCHING PROCESSES OF THE GSBPM
18.1 General over-arching processes
18.1.1 Legislation management
18.1.2 Organizational management
18.1.3 Human resources management
18.1.4 Finance management
18.1.5 Project management
18.1.6 Strategic planning
18.2 Over-arching processes related to statistical business processes
18.2.1 Quality management
18.2.2 Metadata management
18.2.3 Data management
18.2.4 Process data management
18.2.5 Knowledge management
18.2.6 Statistical framework management
18.2.7 Statistical program management
18.2.8 Supplier management
18.2.9 Client management
18.2.10 Geospatial data management
24
135
Unit name Number of hours
CYCLE IV. IMPROVEMENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENT STATISTICS 840
MODULE 19. DATA FROM REMOTE SENSORS AND SATELLITE IMAGES
19.1 Remote sensing technique principles
19.2 Sensor types
19.2.1 Active and passive sensors
19.2.2 High, medium and low-resolution sensors
19.2.3 Orbits and platforms
19.3 Techniques and methods for classification of data generated by remote sensors
19.4 Types of image processing software
19.5 Statistical applications of remote sensing: examples (land use, forest
inventories/vegetation types, urban spaces and infrastructures)
19.6 Data Integration on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
40
MODULE 20. USE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES
20.1 Types of administrative records
20.2 Advantages and disadvantages of administrative record statistical use
20.3 Conversion of an administrative record into a statistical record
20.4 Record unit definition
20.5 Coherence, accuracy and updating periodicity
40
MODULE 21. INTRODUCTION TO BIG DATA AND ITS TOOLS
21.1 Data wrangling
21.2 Data management, exploration and analysis
21.3 Predictions
21.4 Results viewing
40
MODULE 22. STATISTICAL OPERATIONS DESIGN
22.1 Thematic/methodological design 22.2 Statistical design 22.3 Executive design 22.4 Systems design 22.5 Quality control methods design 22.6 Test design 22.7 Analysis design 22.8 Dissemination design 22.9 Evaluation design 22.10 Documentation
40
MODULE 23. STATISTICAL CLASSIFIERS
23.1 Background to the international classifiers construction
23.2 Description
23.3 Classifiers structure
23.4 Classifiers use and implementation
23.5 Adaption of international classifiers to local conditions. Description.
40
136
Unit name Number of hours
CYCLE IV. IMPROVEMENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENT STATISTICS 840
MODULE 24. SURVEY DESIGN METHODOLOGIES
24.1 Needs detection 24.2 Methodological design: creation of a data collection instrument 24.3 Test or pre-test questionnaire. Modification, validation and elaboration of the final
questionnaire. 24.4 Sampling design 24.5 Planning of the field strategy 24.6 Staff training (interviewers and supervisors) 24.7 Data collection and recording processes 24.8 Data recording and tabulation 24.9 Data processing 24.10 Data analysis 24.11 Conclusions, corrections and Survey Report
40
MODULE 25. QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN
25.1 Questionnaire as a tool of data collection 25.2 Types of questionnaires 25.3 Types of questions. Types of answers 25.4 Formulation of questions 25.5 Common mistakes in question formulation 25.6 Structural organization of questionnaire 25.7 Planning the questionnaire content 25.8 Questionnaire quality control. Evaluation
40
MODULE 26. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
26.1 Determination of the statistical universe
26.2 Formulation of the sampling frame
26.3 Sample statistical proportionality. Sample size
26.4 Representative sample. Methods of sample selection
26.5 Update of sampling frame for statistical purposes
40
MODULE 27. OPERATIONAL MANUALS DESIGNING
27.1 Relevance and usefulness of an operational manual 27.2 Characteristics and requirements of an operational manual 27.3 Types of operational manuals 27.4 Design conditioning factors of an operational manual 27.5 Diagram of the process for operational manual elaboration 27.6 Macro-activities description for operational manual elaboration
40
MODULE 28. UPDATE OF DIRECTORIES FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES
28.1 Basic concepts and definitions 28.2 Functions of companies’ statistical registers 28.3 Directory units and coverage 28.4 Directory variables and sources 28.5 Directory management 28.6 Data confidentiality and security 28.7 Directory dissemination and use 28.8 Quality management
40
137
Unit name Number of hours
MODULE 29. STATISTICAL DATA PROCESSING
29.1 Data processing conditioning factors 29.2 Data processing design 29.3 Data processing execution
40
MODULE 30. STATISTICAL DATA VALIDATION
30.1 Relevance of statistical data validation 30.2 Validation methods 30.3 Validation system development
30.3.1 Errors identification 30.3.2 Standard solutions implementation to identify standard errors 30.3.3 Report generation on identified errors and improvements in individual data
validation 30.3.4 Auxiliary data files collection for analysing and controlling 30.3.5 File recovery
40
MODULE 31. STATISTICAL DATA IMPUTATION
31.1 What is imputation? What are missing data? 31.2 Imputation objectives 31.3 Missing data behaviour patterns 31.4 Missing data distribution 31.5 Data imputation process. Simple and multiple imputation 31.6 Data imputation in complex surveys
40
MODULE 32. SPECIALIZED SOFTWARE USE
32.1 What is statistics software? 32.2 Statistics software types. Open and under license software 32.3 Basic functions of specialized statistics programs 32.4 SPPS 32.5 SAS 32.6 STATA 32.7 R 32.8 Other programs
40
MODULE 33. STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS
33.1 Data analysis and interpretation 33.2 Data analysis objectives 33.3 Analysis of previous activities 33.4 Types of variables and analytical methods 33.5 Descriptive analysis 33.6 Hypothesis evaluation 33.7 Statistical power. Sampling size 33.8 Biases 33.9 Meta-analysis
40
138
Unit name Number of hours
MODULE 34. TIME SERIES ANALYSIS
34.1 Introduction to time series 34.2 Descriptive analysis of a time series 34.3 Time series and stochastic processes 34.4 Stationary and non-stationary processes 34.5 Univariate models 34.6 Multivariate models
40
MODULE 35. STATISTICAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
35.1 How to present statistical information to the public
35.2 User oriented statistical dissemination
35.3 Media relations
35.4 Statistical information dissemination
35.5 Open data standards
40
MODULE 36. STATISTICAL OPERATIONS EVALUATION 36.1 Procedures 36.2 Tools
40
MODULE 37. STATISTICAL PROCESS QUALITY MANAGEMENT
37.1 Normative frames for statistical information quality
37.2 Quality management systems
37.3 Integral scheme to quality assurance
37.4 Quality of Statistical products
37.5 Quality of Statistical processes
37.6 Quality of Institutional environment
40
MODULE 38. METADATA MANAGEMENT 38.1 Common Metadata Framework (CMF)
38.2 Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX)
40
MODULE 39. GEOSPATIAL DATA MANAGEMENT
39.1 Elements of cartography. Cartography for statistical and thematic purposes
39.2 Geodesy theoretical elements
39.3 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) introduction
39.4 MxSIG
39.5 Design and components of a Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI)
40
139
Unit name Number of hours
CYCLE V. DERIVED STATISTICS: ENVIRONMENT INDICATORS AND ACCOUNTS
80
MODULE 40. ENVIRONMENT INDICATORS 40.1 What is an indicator?
40.2 Relevance and utility of indicators
40.2.1 Development and use of indicators for evidence-based decision making
40.2.2 Monitoring and evaluation of public policies using statistics and indicators
40.3 Indicator characteristics
40.4 Indicator types
40.5 Indicator classification
40.6 Indicator limitations
40.7 Indicator construction
40.7.1 Needs identification
40.7.2 Target population determination
40.7.3 Variables identification
40.7.4 Information use and users’ identification
40.7.5 Use of different data sources in the construction of indicators
40.7.6 Indicator formulation
40.7.7 Methodological sheets/Technical data sheets development
40.7.8 Definition of responsibilities and calculation frequency
40.7.9 Case study: environment indicators construction
40
MODULE 41. ENVIRONMENT ACCOUNTING 41.1 Introduction to the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting
(SEEA)
41.2 Accounting structure
41.3 Flow accounts in physical units
41.4 Environmental activities and associated transactions accounts
41.5 Assets accounts
41.6 Accounts integration and presentation
41.7 Case study: environmental accounts elaboration
40
140
141
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