The use of integrated environmental assessment tools for improved MEA implementation

The document outlines a six-step framework for MEA Outcome Planning, utilizing IEA tools to bridge the gap between international environmental commitments and national action in the Caribbean. It emphasizes the use of the Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to identify synergies between different MEAs and align them with human well-being and development goals. The guide introduces five specific tools: MEA Priorities Mapping, MEA Synergies Mapping, the Challenge Scenario, Policy Mapping, and Rapid MEA Stress Testing, culminating in the creation of a policy planning brief for high-level decision-makers. It also provides guidance on adaptive policy-making and the use of SMART targets and indicators to track progress.

• National-level MEA implementation in the Caribbean faces three primary challenges: the need to clarify the vertical relevance of MEAs to national development plans, the need to clarify horizontal relevance across different government ministries, and a lack of funding for necessary human resources.
• The MEA Priorities Mapping Tool helps demonstrate the relevance of an MEA to national development by linking the environmental state the MEA addresses to specific ecosystem services and their subsequent impact on human well-being.
• The DPSIR (Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) analytical framework is used to identify synergies among different MEAs, allowing policymakers to find leverage points for implementation efficiency and resource sharing.
• To track MEA progress, the document recommends using three categories of indicators: Environmental status indicators (ESI) for ecosystem quality, Stress reduction indicators (SRI) for on-the-ground measures, and Process indicators (PIs) for institutional and political progress.
• The Policy Mapping Tool provides a systems-level view of the current policy landscape by mapping existing instruments against the DPSIR components to identify gaps and recommend a more rounded portfolio of policy instruments.
• Rapid MEA Stress Testing is used to identify risks and opportunities by immersing policymakers in plausible future scenarios, such as the 'Unsustainability and Increased Conflicts Scenario', to test the robustness of MEA implementation strategies.
• Adaptive policy-making is presented as a necessary approach for complex environmental systems, emphasizing a 'plan-do-check' cycle that includes policy pilots, multi-stakeholder deliberation, and the ability to revise or abandon failing policies.

APA

Swanson, D., Bizikova, L., Corbin, C., Pinter, L., Sabelli, A., Metternicht, G., Thomas, A., Salinas, A., & Yarde, T. (2013). The use of integrated environmental assessment tools for improved MEA implementation. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_training_module_web_9c.pdf

Chicago

Swanson, Darren, Livia Bizikova, Chris Corbin, Laszlo Pinter, Andrea Sabelli, Graciela Metternicht, Anya Thomas, Andrea Salinas, and Thérèse Yarde. The use of integrated environmental assessment tools for improved MEA implementation. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2013. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_training_module_web_9c.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Swanson |first1=Darren |last2=Bizikova |first2=Livia |last3=Corbin |first3=Chris |last4=Pinter |first4=Laszlo |last5=Sabelli |first5=Andrea |last6=Metternicht |first6=Graciela |last7=Thomas |first7=Anya |last8=Salinas |first8=Andrea |last9=Yarde |first9=Thérèse |title=The use of integrated environmental assessment tools for improved MEA implementation |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=March 2013 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_training_module_web_9c.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{swanson2013use, author = {Swanson, Darren and Bizikova, Livia and Corbin, Chris and Pinter, Laszlo and Sabelli, Andrea and Metternicht, Graciela and Thomas, Anya and Salinas, Andrea and Yarde, Thérèse}, title = {{The use of integrated environmental assessment tools for improved MEA implementation}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2013}, month = mar, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/iea_training_module_web_9c.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }