Integrated Environmental Assessment Training Manual

The Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) Training Manual is a comprehensive guide developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). It provides a modular framework for conducting forward-looking environmental assessments at subglobal levels, utilizing the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) approach to link environmental data with public policy and human well-being.

• The training program is structured into two volumes: Volume 1 contains eight basic methodological modules covering the GEO approach, national IEA design, impact strategies, monitoring, trend analysis, scenario development, communication, and learning. Volume 2 consists of a thematic module specifically focused on Vulnerability and Impact Assessment for climate change adaptation.
• The IEA process follows a structured seven-stage lifecycle: Initiation, Institutional Organization, Scoping and Design, Planning, Implementation, Communication of Results and Dissemination, and finally Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.
• To ensure assessments lead to actual policy changes rather than being ignored, the manual emphasizes the creation of an 'impact strategy.' This strategy accounts for 'data smog'—the overwhelming volume of information decision-makers face—by identifying key influencers and timing messages to match political windows of opportunity.
• The manual utilizes the FMPEIR analytical framework to understand environmental change. This framework analyzes the relationship between Driving forces (F), Pressures (P), State of the environment (E), Impacts on human well-being (I), and the Responses (R) implemented by society.
• Scenario development in the IEA process is not intended as a prediction of the future, but as a description of how the future could develop. The manual highlights four distinct scenario types: 'Markets First,' 'Policies First,' 'Security First,' and 'Sustainability First.'
• The IEA Community Platform, established in 2008 through collaboration between UNEP, GRID Arendal, and IISD, serves as an online hub for trainers to access the manual, share case studies, and participate in a database of registered IEA professionals.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). Integrated Environmental Assessment Training Manual. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_brochure_es.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Integrated Environmental Assessment Training Manual. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_brochure_es.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Integrated Environmental Assessment Training Manual |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_brochure_es.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndintegrated, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Integrated Environmental Assessment Training Manual}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_brochure_es.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }