News
SPIRAL "UK National Ecosystem Assessment" paper publshed
A new paper has been published based on work carried for SPIRAL, authored by Kerry Waylen and Juliette Young. This paper focuses on the first phase of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment.
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Assessment of Assessments demonstrates need for stronger links between science and policy
In support of the 2011 'Environment for Europe' Ministerial Conference in Astana, the European Environment Agency has recently produced a report entitled ‘Europe’s Environment – An Assessment of Assessments’. This report focuses on the themes of water and water-related ecosystems, and greening the economy.
It provides a comprehensive overview of available sources of environmental information across the region. In writing this report, experts looked at more than 1000 reports, more than half of which were reviewed in detail. This report, which was produced with the support of the UNECE Steering Group on Environmental Assessments, is complemented by a series of regional reports that focus on specific pan-European sub-regions.
The Assessment of Assessments report shows the need to further strengthen the link between policy and information. This works both ways – policy-makers need to make better use of the wealth of environmental information currently available; at the same time environmental assessments should be targeted to be as policy-relevant as possible.
The report concludes by making a number of recommendations on how to enhance the knowledge base that underpins decision-making processes, improve assessment tools, and ensure greater information exchange across the pan-European region and at a global level.
Based on the findings of the Assessment of Assessments, it is expected that Ministers at Astana will decide to establish a regular process of environmental assessment.
The report is available in English, Russian and French (summary only).
