Belgium
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A - Renewed political commitment for sustainable development
Experiences
Success Factors
Risks
Experiences
Question 1
Are there objective ways of measuring political commitment? What are the relevant indicators? Which indicators are most useful from your perspective? (e.g., New legislation enacted, Policy announcements, Budgetary allocation and support, Prominence of relevant institutions, Level of media interest, etc.)
Federal level
The initial federal Act regarding the coordination of the policy on sustainable development,
dating back to 1997, has been revised in 2010. The revision of the Act ? in itself evidence of the
continued support to sustainable development ? aims to strengthen political commitment to
sustainable development by taking into account lessons learned during the past 13 years, as it:
? calls for the development of a long‐term vision for SD. Based on this long term vision a new
Federal Plan for Sustainable Development will be drafted in which the concrete measures are
identified that are deemed necessary to achieve the long‐term objectives determined by the
vision.
? promotes vertical integration by a stronger focus on cooperation among the various levels of
government: national , regional, and local
? integrates the monitoring and reporting procedures as components of a coherent learning
cycle;
? reaffirms the Sustainability Impact Assessment procedure;
? Allows for increased flexibility in the development and implementation of future Federal
Plans for SD, providing a new government with the possibility to change a plan during its life
span.
Other examples of actions that have been taken to strengthen political support for sustainable
development relate to the
‐ Establishment of the Federal Public Planning Service on Sustainable Development (2002),
responsible for the preparation and coordination of the federal policy on sustainable
development and for providing support to the Interdepartmental Commission of Sustainable
Development (ICSD).
‐ The activities of the Task Force Sustainable Development of the Federal Planning Bureau,
notably the five Federal Reports for Sustainable Development (from 1999‐2009)) and the
continuous work related to the development of SD indicators.
‐ Creation of sustainable development units in the different Federal Public Services
(administration) (2004)
‐ Introduction of a sustainability impact assessment (SIA) in 2007.
‐ Federal Plans for Sustainable Development (2000‐2004 & 2004‐to date)
‐ Framework document on the National strategy on Sustainable Development adopted by the
inter‐ministerial conference on sustainable development (2005).
‐ Annual sustainable development action day in all federal public services (advocacy)
Flemish region
In Flanders, a decree and a Strategy for Sustainable Development have been accepted by the
Flemish government. In these documents, the three pillars or dimensions of sustainable
development are seen as inextricably linked.
The decree for the advancement of sustainable development (SD) stipulates that SD is a
horizontal theme and that every minister is responsible for the adoption of SD in her/ his policy.
Furthermore, the decree mentions SD is a coordinated and participative process.
Flanders has a Working Group on SD, where all the administrations have a representative. This
working group is responsible for the coordination of Flanders SD policy.
The decree also stipulates the drafting of a Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development every
legislature.
In 2010, the second Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development is being drafted.
A long term‐ vision (2050) was developed in cooperation with a large group of stakeholders
(business and industry, NGOs, the academic world, government officials?). In this vision the
necessity for a broad transition to a new societal system is emphasized (system innovation). The
following systems/ themes have been given priority: the energy, mobility, food, building and
housing, materials (resources) and healthcare. Following dimensions of sustainable development
have been defined: economic development, social development, the ecological capacity of the
earth, knowledge and education, the international setting and governance and institutions.
The long term vision was coupled with a range of midterm‐ and short‐term actions. A monitoring
system is being created for the follow‐ up of these actions.
There is a special focus on
‐ Sustainable Public Procurement
‐ Sustainable Building and Housing
‐ Sustainable Materials Management
‐ Education for Sustainable Development
‐ Corporate Social Responsibility
‐ Gender
Within the transition process for sustainable building and housing, there is a lot of expertise on
transition management and participative processes. There are several toolboxes and guidelines
for sustainable construction, covering all aspects of sustainable development: not only
environmental aspects like natural surroundings and landscape, biodiversity, ecological
materials, eco efficiency etc, but also social aspects like modular living, healthy environment,
affordability, population mix (young and old, local and foreign, people living in poverty and
middleclass etc) room for children?s development etc.
In this context, cooperation within the Flemish government, with other governments (local,
regional, national, and international) and with other stakeholders is essential.
Within the Flemish government, there is also an annual sustainable development action day for
all the civil servants.
Wallonia
The Walloon government has a minister of sustainable development.
While there is no specific strategy or action plan explicitly dedicated to the sustainable
development in Wallonia, the principles of sustainable development have been integrated
throughout strategies and plans dedicated to sector‐specific policies and transversal approaches,
among which:
‐ The Environment Plan for Sustainable Development (PEDD, Plan d?environnement pour le
développement durable, 1995). The plan contains an important conceptual discussion on
sustainable development, focusing nevertheless specifically on the environmental dimension.
It makes clear linkages with international commitments.
‐ The Future Contract for Wallonia ? an active and solidary Wallonia on the path of
development (Contrat d?avenir pour la Wallonie, 2000‐2004), identifying priority actions in
the economic, social and environmental field. Moreover, much emphasis was given to the
principles of good governance and participation.
‐ The Marshall Plan 2.Green, presented as priority plan of action in the Regional Policy
Declaration (Déclaration de politique régionale) for the period 2009‐2014. The title of the
government?s inaugural declaration was ?A shared energy for a sustainable, human and
solidar society? and it expresses the intention of promoting sustainable development into all
policies.
The Marshall Plan 2.Green is the revival plan developed for the Walloon economy. The plan,
is centered around 6 priority axes and guided by 2 transversal dynamics, including
sustainable development. The Plan is based on a combination of training, research and
development and territorial management. One of the goals is to incorporate Wallonia into
the energy revolution to exploit the promises of sustainable development. The Marshall Plan
2.Green promotes sustainable development into all public policies. It provides specific
instruments and financial means for the pursuit of sustainable development, including
sustainable development indicators and an administrative sustainable development advisory
unit. Furthermore, it contains several measures that could be important in the context of
sustainable development :
‐ the creation of Employment‐Environment Alliances focusing on the energy and
construction sectors (eco‐construction, eco‐renovation, energy performance of buildings
‐ the creation of a 6th hub of competitiveness dedicated to new environmental
technologies which contributes to respond to the crosscutting concern of sustainable
development in this Region
Brussels‐Capital
The Government Agreement (2009‐2013) of the Brussels ?Capital region, entitled ?A sustainable
Regional Development for the inhabitants of Brussels? puts sustainability in the center of its
political project for the years to come. Inter alia, it
‐ calls for the development of a true Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (PRDD)
‐ Acknowledges that tackling the environmental challenges will imply that Brussels needs to
become a model city for sustainable development. This objective is not out of reach, as
Brussels came out on a shared first position in the 2009 Green Cities Index (December 2009)
analyzing the environmental policies of 30 major European cities.
‐ Decides that future town planning schemes on vacant urban spaces are to take place in
accordance with the criteria of a sustainable neighborhood and need to conform with
stringent sustainability criteria with regards to energy, water, materials, ..
The social and economic dimension of sustainable development is consistently taken into
account within the actions taken by the Environment Administration of the Brussels‐capital
Region (BE‐IGBE). Reference can be made, inter alia, to the design and maintenance of public
parks in disadvantaged districts or in districts with few green spaces; targeted support to
disadvantaged citizens in their efforts to save energy,?
The initial federal Act regarding the coordination of the policy on sustainable development,
dating back to 1997, has been revised in 2010. The revision of the Act ? in itself evidence of the
continued support to sustainable development ? aims to strengthen political commitment to
sustainable development by taking into account lessons learned during the past 13 years, as it:
? calls for the development of a long‐term vision for SD. Based on this long term vision a new
Federal Plan for Sustainable Development will be drafted in which the concrete measures are
identified that are deemed necessary to achieve the long‐term objectives determined by the
vision.
? promotes vertical integration by a stronger focus on cooperation among the various levels of
government: national , regional, and local
? integrates the monitoring and reporting procedures as components of a coherent learning
cycle;
? reaffirms the Sustainability Impact Assessment procedure;
? Allows for increased flexibility in the development and implementation of future Federal
Plans for SD, providing a new government with the possibility to change a plan during its life
span.
Other examples of actions that have been taken to strengthen political support for sustainable
development relate to the
‐ Establishment of the Federal Public Planning Service on Sustainable Development (2002),
responsible for the preparation and coordination of the federal policy on sustainable
development and for providing support to the Interdepartmental Commission of Sustainable
Development (ICSD).
‐ The activities of the Task Force Sustainable Development of the Federal Planning Bureau,
notably the five Federal Reports for Sustainable Development (from 1999‐2009)) and the
continuous work related to the development of SD indicators.
‐ Creation of sustainable development units in the different Federal Public Services
(administration) (2004)
‐ Introduction of a sustainability impact assessment (SIA) in 2007.
‐ Federal Plans for Sustainable Development (2000‐2004 & 2004‐to date)
‐ Framework document on the National strategy on Sustainable Development adopted by the
inter‐ministerial conference on sustainable development (2005).
‐ Annual sustainable development action day in all federal public services (advocacy)
Flemish region
In Flanders, a decree and a Strategy for Sustainable Development have been accepted by the
Flemish government. In these documents, the three pillars or dimensions of sustainable
development are seen as inextricably linked.
The decree for the advancement of sustainable development (SD) stipulates that SD is a
horizontal theme and that every minister is responsible for the adoption of SD in her/ his policy.
Furthermore, the decree mentions SD is a coordinated and participative process.
Flanders has a Working Group on SD, where all the administrations have a representative. This
working group is responsible for the coordination of Flanders SD policy.
The decree also stipulates the drafting of a Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development every
legislature.
In 2010, the second Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development is being drafted.
A long term‐ vision (2050) was developed in cooperation with a large group of stakeholders
(business and industry, NGOs, the academic world, government officials?). In this vision the
necessity for a broad transition to a new societal system is emphasized (system innovation). The
following systems/ themes have been given priority: the energy, mobility, food, building and
housing, materials (resources) and healthcare. Following dimensions of sustainable development
have been defined: economic development, social development, the ecological capacity of the
earth, knowledge and education, the international setting and governance and institutions.
The long term vision was coupled with a range of midterm‐ and short‐term actions. A monitoring
system is being created for the follow‐ up of these actions.
There is a special focus on
‐ Sustainable Public Procurement
‐ Sustainable Building and Housing
‐ Sustainable Materials Management
‐ Education for Sustainable Development
‐ Corporate Social Responsibility
‐ Gender
Within the transition process for sustainable building and housing, there is a lot of expertise on
transition management and participative processes. There are several toolboxes and guidelines
for sustainable construction, covering all aspects of sustainable development: not only
environmental aspects like natural surroundings and landscape, biodiversity, ecological
materials, eco efficiency etc, but also social aspects like modular living, healthy environment,
affordability, population mix (young and old, local and foreign, people living in poverty and
middleclass etc) room for children?s development etc.
In this context, cooperation within the Flemish government, with other governments (local,
regional, national, and international) and with other stakeholders is essential.
Within the Flemish government, there is also an annual sustainable development action day for
all the civil servants.
Wallonia
The Walloon government has a minister of sustainable development.
While there is no specific strategy or action plan explicitly dedicated to the sustainable
development in Wallonia, the principles of sustainable development have been integrated
throughout strategies and plans dedicated to sector‐specific policies and transversal approaches,
among which:
‐ The Environment Plan for Sustainable Development (PEDD, Plan d?environnement pour le
développement durable, 1995). The plan contains an important conceptual discussion on
sustainable development, focusing nevertheless specifically on the environmental dimension.
It makes clear linkages with international commitments.
‐ The Future Contract for Wallonia ? an active and solidary Wallonia on the path of
development (Contrat d?avenir pour la Wallonie, 2000‐2004), identifying priority actions in
the economic, social and environmental field. Moreover, much emphasis was given to the
principles of good governance and participation.
‐ The Marshall Plan 2.Green, presented as priority plan of action in the Regional Policy
Declaration (Déclaration de politique régionale) for the period 2009‐2014. The title of the
government?s inaugural declaration was ?A shared energy for a sustainable, human and
solidar society? and it expresses the intention of promoting sustainable development into all
policies.
The Marshall Plan 2.Green is the revival plan developed for the Walloon economy. The plan,
is centered around 6 priority axes and guided by 2 transversal dynamics, including
sustainable development. The Plan is based on a combination of training, research and
development and territorial management. One of the goals is to incorporate Wallonia into
the energy revolution to exploit the promises of sustainable development. The Marshall Plan
2.Green promotes sustainable development into all public policies. It provides specific
instruments and financial means for the pursuit of sustainable development, including
sustainable development indicators and an administrative sustainable development advisory
unit. Furthermore, it contains several measures that could be important in the context of
sustainable development :
‐ the creation of Employment‐Environment Alliances focusing on the energy and
construction sectors (eco‐construction, eco‐renovation, energy performance of buildings
‐ the creation of a 6th hub of competitiveness dedicated to new environmental
technologies which contributes to respond to the crosscutting concern of sustainable
development in this Region
Brussels‐Capital
The Government Agreement (2009‐2013) of the Brussels ?Capital region, entitled ?A sustainable
Regional Development for the inhabitants of Brussels? puts sustainability in the center of its
political project for the years to come. Inter alia, it
‐ calls for the development of a true Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (PRDD)
‐ Acknowledges that tackling the environmental challenges will imply that Brussels needs to
become a model city for sustainable development. This objective is not out of reach, as
Brussels came out on a shared first position in the 2009 Green Cities Index (December 2009)
analyzing the environmental policies of 30 major European cities.
‐ Decides that future town planning schemes on vacant urban spaces are to take place in
accordance with the criteria of a sustainable neighborhood and need to conform with
stringent sustainability criteria with regards to energy, water, materials, ..
The social and economic dimension of sustainable development is consistently taken into
account within the actions taken by the Environment Administration of the Brussels‐capital
Region (BE‐IGBE). Reference can be made, inter alia, to the design and maintenance of public
parks in disadvantaged districts or in districts with few green spaces; targeted support to
disadvantaged citizens in their efforts to save energy,?
Success Factors
Question 5
What examples or experiences from other areas demonstrate how political support for critical issues was enhanced (e.g., MDGs, climate change)? How could they be applied to SD?
The three overarching objectives of, and essential requirements for, sustainable development
that have been identified in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation ¨C Poverty eradication,
changing unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and protecting and managing
the natural resource base of economic and social development are ¨C have received particular
focus in all federal entities.
With regards to sustainable production and consumption patterns, four policy areas related have
received specific focus. These are a) better access to sustainable products and services for all; b)
development of labels and eco©labels; c) sustainable public procurement policies; and d) policies
aimed at corporate social responsibility. Furthermore reference can be made to
© The working group on sustainable consumption and production patterns that has been set up
in January 2001 within the Belgian Coordination Committee for International Environmental
Policy. This working group is composed of representatives of the federal and regional
administrations in order to prepare the environmental aspects the Belgian position on
European policies on SCP.
© The different working groups set up within the Interdepartmental Commission for
Sustainable Development ¨C the coordination committee for the federal and regional
administrations regarding sustainable development ¨C that have elaborated action plans on
specific SCP©aspects, such as corporate social responsibility or sustainable public
procurement.
Federal level
Six priority areas are being identified through the federal plan for sustainable development,
corresponding to six themes of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development. The priority areas
are
© Combating poverty and social exclusion
© Dealing with the implications of an ageing society
© Addressing threats to public health
© Managing natural resources more responsibly
© Limiting climate change and increasing the use of clean energy
© Improving the transport system.
Sustainable production and consumption is a specific area where political commitment at the
federal level has been particularly strong. This resulted in, inter alia, the evaluation and updating
of the first action plan on corporate social responsibility; the promotion of social responsible
investments for governments; the federal policy on sustainable public procurement and the
development of a guide for sustainable procurement;¡
Flemish region
Following the decree enhancing sustainable development, every Flemish minister is responsible
for the integration of sustainable development in his or her policy. The sectors or areas where
political commitment was especially strong, was dependent on the priorities of the ministers.
Up until now, the Flemish government has focused most of its attention on sustainable building
and living, on sustainable (not green!) public procurement, education for sustainable
development, corporate social responsibility, tourism, gender and on sustainable materials
management.
There is, however, a strong evolution towards a more integrated approach and more
coordination and cooperation between ministries.
In order to achieve sustainable development, the Flemish government has given priority to six
themes in the Strategy for Sustainable Development (FSSD): energy, mobility, food, building and
housing, materials (resources) and healthcare. Under the chapter on sustainable production and
consumption, the links between the themes above are emphasized.
Actions were formulated, amongst others, on enhancing sustainable consumption and promoting
both ecological and social life cycle analysis. For each theme, the sustainable development
strategy indicates a long© erm view, one or more long© erm goals and various strategic shortterm
goals. The strategy clearly indicates that the goals are based on existing international and
Flemish commitments, resulting from UN and EU meetings, and from Flemish policy documents.
Wallonia
Historically, political commitment in Wallonia has been stronger in the social and economical
fields. In recent decades, the environmental dimension has also been developed. There is an
evolution towards the integration of sustainable development as an overall objective for
Walloon development, inspiring all policy domains.
6
Indeed, various plans and instruments have been used to achieve sustainable development goals,
in particular with regards to the following sectors and themes :
- In the field of economical policy : creation of Employment©Environment Alliances focusing on
the energy and sustainable construction sectors, creation of a 6th hub of competitiveness
dedicated to new environmental technologies ; continuation and strengthening of the
sustainable public procurement policy ; corporate social responsibility ; social economy ; call
for eco©zoning projects
- in the field of social action and health policy : social and family support service ; social
integration of target groups such as disadvantaged persons, disabled people, seniors or
migrants ; fight against over©indebtedness ; reintegration into working life ; ageing
population and quality of life ; equal opportunities and gender equality ; prevention and fight
against addictions ; housing aid ; health and environment.
- in the field of environmental policy: water; energy; biodiversity; air and climate; sustainable
consumption and production; forestry; waste management; soil; awareness campaigns.
The Walloon government has also defined six priority axes in its Marshal Plan 2.Green and in its
Regional Policy Declaration, accompanied by targets and measures which contribute to achieve
sustainable development goals :
- developing human capital;
- amplifying competitiveness clusters and business networks;
- making scientific research a key factor for the future
- creating activities and jobs of quality
- making employment©environment alliances a strategy for the future
- combining employment and social welfare
Brussels©Capital
Since many years, the Brussels©Capital Region carries out concrete actions aimed at contributing
to the goals of sustainable development. Reference can be made, inter alia to:
- Sustainable public procurement: the Government of Brussels adopted the ¡°Circular of
February 5, 2009 relating to the inclusion of criteria pertaining to environmental issues and
sustainable development into government supply and service contracts. This circular
modifies an earlier ministerial circular of July 8, 1993 relating to the Eco©consumption and
the management of waste in the regional public administrations in the Brussels©Capital
Region¡±.
Furthermore, under application of the decree on clean vehicles (MB May 28, 2009), regional
authorities with more than 50 vehicles are held to respect the Ecoscore threshold at the time
of acquisition of certain types of new vehicles. This Ecoscore makes it possible to limit the
choice between the least polluting vehicles.
- Sustainable building and construction: Since 2007, the Brussels©Capital Region has launched
an annual call for exemplary building projects that score high in terms of their energy
efficiency and their environmental sustainability.
The global objective is to encourage the building sector towards producing sustainable
buildings. The short© erm objective is to stimulate the eco©construction of new buildings or
the refurbishment of existing buildings with high levels of energy efficiency and
environmental sustainability whilst also remaining technically replicable and financially
feasible so that these buildings can serve as examples for the future. So far, 117 projects have
been selected.
More information:
http://www.eumayors.eu/benchmarks_of_excellence/benchmark_75/index_en.htm
Furthermore, within the framework of the Urban Growth Pact, the Alliance Employment©
Environment (alliance employ ¨C environnement) has been established with a key focus on
sustainable construction.
- sustainable food: e.g. through the creation and support of the ¡°Network of the Brussels
Actors for Sustainable Food (RABAD, R¨¦seau des Acteurs Bruxellois pour l¡¯Alimentation
Durable), bringing together since 2008 some 40 organizations active in the sector with the
aim of further promoting sustainable food practices through exchanging experiences and
facilitating common activities.
that have been identified in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation ¨C Poverty eradication,
changing unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and protecting and managing
the natural resource base of economic and social development are ¨C have received particular
focus in all federal entities.
With regards to sustainable production and consumption patterns, four policy areas related have
received specific focus. These are a) better access to sustainable products and services for all; b)
development of labels and eco©labels; c) sustainable public procurement policies; and d) policies
aimed at corporate social responsibility. Furthermore reference can be made to
© The working group on sustainable consumption and production patterns that has been set up
in January 2001 within the Belgian Coordination Committee for International Environmental
Policy. This working group is composed of representatives of the federal and regional
administrations in order to prepare the environmental aspects the Belgian position on
European policies on SCP.
© The different working groups set up within the Interdepartmental Commission for
Sustainable Development ¨C the coordination committee for the federal and regional
administrations regarding sustainable development ¨C that have elaborated action plans on
specific SCP©aspects, such as corporate social responsibility or sustainable public
procurement.
Federal level
Six priority areas are being identified through the federal plan for sustainable development,
corresponding to six themes of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development. The priority areas
are
© Combating poverty and social exclusion
© Dealing with the implications of an ageing society
© Addressing threats to public health
© Managing natural resources more responsibly
© Limiting climate change and increasing the use of clean energy
© Improving the transport system.
Sustainable production and consumption is a specific area where political commitment at the
federal level has been particularly strong. This resulted in, inter alia, the evaluation and updating
of the first action plan on corporate social responsibility; the promotion of social responsible
investments for governments; the federal policy on sustainable public procurement and the
development of a guide for sustainable procurement;¡
Flemish region
Following the decree enhancing sustainable development, every Flemish minister is responsible
for the integration of sustainable development in his or her policy. The sectors or areas where
political commitment was especially strong, was dependent on the priorities of the ministers.
Up until now, the Flemish government has focused most of its attention on sustainable building
and living, on sustainable (not green!) public procurement, education for sustainable
development, corporate social responsibility, tourism, gender and on sustainable materials
management.
There is, however, a strong evolution towards a more integrated approach and more
coordination and cooperation between ministries.
In order to achieve sustainable development, the Flemish government has given priority to six
themes in the Strategy for Sustainable Development (FSSD): energy, mobility, food, building and
housing, materials (resources) and healthcare. Under the chapter on sustainable production and
consumption, the links between the themes above are emphasized.
Actions were formulated, amongst others, on enhancing sustainable consumption and promoting
both ecological and social life cycle analysis. For each theme, the sustainable development
strategy indicates a long© erm view, one or more long© erm goals and various strategic shortterm
goals. The strategy clearly indicates that the goals are based on existing international and
Flemish commitments, resulting from UN and EU meetings, and from Flemish policy documents.
Wallonia
Historically, political commitment in Wallonia has been stronger in the social and economical
fields. In recent decades, the environmental dimension has also been developed. There is an
evolution towards the integration of sustainable development as an overall objective for
Walloon development, inspiring all policy domains.
6
Indeed, various plans and instruments have been used to achieve sustainable development goals,
in particular with regards to the following sectors and themes :
- In the field of economical policy : creation of Employment©Environment Alliances focusing on
the energy and sustainable construction sectors, creation of a 6th hub of competitiveness
dedicated to new environmental technologies ; continuation and strengthening of the
sustainable public procurement policy ; corporate social responsibility ; social economy ; call
for eco©zoning projects
- in the field of social action and health policy : social and family support service ; social
integration of target groups such as disadvantaged persons, disabled people, seniors or
migrants ; fight against over©indebtedness ; reintegration into working life ; ageing
population and quality of life ; equal opportunities and gender equality ; prevention and fight
against addictions ; housing aid ; health and environment.
- in the field of environmental policy: water; energy; biodiversity; air and climate; sustainable
consumption and production; forestry; waste management; soil; awareness campaigns.
The Walloon government has also defined six priority axes in its Marshal Plan 2.Green and in its
Regional Policy Declaration, accompanied by targets and measures which contribute to achieve
sustainable development goals :
- developing human capital;
- amplifying competitiveness clusters and business networks;
- making scientific research a key factor for the future
- creating activities and jobs of quality
- making employment©environment alliances a strategy for the future
- combining employment and social welfare
Brussels©Capital
Since many years, the Brussels©Capital Region carries out concrete actions aimed at contributing
to the goals of sustainable development. Reference can be made, inter alia to:
- Sustainable public procurement: the Government of Brussels adopted the ¡°Circular of
February 5, 2009 relating to the inclusion of criteria pertaining to environmental issues and
sustainable development into government supply and service contracts. This circular
modifies an earlier ministerial circular of July 8, 1993 relating to the Eco©consumption and
the management of waste in the regional public administrations in the Brussels©Capital
Region¡±.
Furthermore, under application of the decree on clean vehicles (MB May 28, 2009), regional
authorities with more than 50 vehicles are held to respect the Ecoscore threshold at the time
of acquisition of certain types of new vehicles. This Ecoscore makes it possible to limit the
choice between the least polluting vehicles.
- Sustainable building and construction: Since 2007, the Brussels©Capital Region has launched
an annual call for exemplary building projects that score high in terms of their energy
efficiency and their environmental sustainability.
The global objective is to encourage the building sector towards producing sustainable
buildings. The short© erm objective is to stimulate the eco©construction of new buildings or
the refurbishment of existing buildings with high levels of energy efficiency and
environmental sustainability whilst also remaining technically replicable and financially
feasible so that these buildings can serve as examples for the future. So far, 117 projects have
been selected.
More information:
http://www.eumayors.eu/benchmarks_of_excellence/benchmark_75/index_en.htm
Furthermore, within the framework of the Urban Growth Pact, the Alliance Employment©
Environment (alliance employ ¨C environnement) has been established with a key focus on
sustainable construction.
- sustainable food: e.g. through the creation and support of the ¡°Network of the Brussels
Actors for Sustainable Food (RABAD, R¨¦seau des Acteurs Bruxellois pour l¡¯Alimentation
Durable), bringing together since 2008 some 40 organizations active in the sector with the
aim of further promoting sustainable food practices through exchanging experiences and
facilitating common activities.
Risks
Question 8
Among your country?s senior national policy makers, would you say the predominant view of the three pillars of sustainable development is that: ____there are difficult trade-offs among them? ____ they are strongly complementary? Please briefly elaborate on your answer.
Since 2007 the Belgian Constitution (art 7bis) refers to sustainable development as a general
political objective of the federal Belgium, the Communities and the Regions, whereby the
objectives of sustainable development are to be pursued in their social, economic and
environmental aspects, taking into account the solidarity between the generations.
As a result, the three pillars of sustainable development are reflected in the respective federal
and regional policies pertaining to sustainable development and concrete actions proposed to
further the goals of sustainable development
Sustainable development policy in Belgium (federal as well as regional) is guided by the
international (major summits on sustainable development) and European policies on sustainable
development (eg EU©SDS).
In line with the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, Belgium views the three pillars of
sustainable development as interdependent and mutually reinforcing (cf Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation) and recognizes that economic, social and environmental objectives can
reinforce each other and should advance together (cf EU©SDS).
Belgium approaches sustainable development as a policy holding many challenges ¨C even more
relevant against the background of the multi©faceted crises with which we are currently
confronted ¨C inter alia restoring economic growth; creating new and decent jobs; protecting the
environment, biodiversity and natural resources; dealing with the costs of an ageing society,
boosting social security, improving health services and making them more accessible; achieving
sustainable mobility or rendering public administration more efficient.
Such a comprehensive view of sustainable development calls for further integration between the
three pillars in order to avoid negative trade offs and maximizing synergies in the identification
and implementation of concrete measures and actions aimed at contributing to the goals of
sustainable development.
Traditionally, the integration of the social and economic dimension has been most successful.
More recently, significant progress is being made regarding the integration of the economic and
environmental dimension. In comparison, the integration of the social and environmental
dimension has received far less attention.
political objective of the federal Belgium, the Communities and the Regions, whereby the
objectives of sustainable development are to be pursued in their social, economic and
environmental aspects, taking into account the solidarity between the generations.
As a result, the three pillars of sustainable development are reflected in the respective federal
and regional policies pertaining to sustainable development and concrete actions proposed to
further the goals of sustainable development
Sustainable development policy in Belgium (federal as well as regional) is guided by the
international (major summits on sustainable development) and European policies on sustainable
development (eg EU©SDS).
In line with the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, Belgium views the three pillars of
sustainable development as interdependent and mutually reinforcing (cf Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation) and recognizes that economic, social and environmental objectives can
reinforce each other and should advance together (cf EU©SDS).
Belgium approaches sustainable development as a policy holding many challenges ¨C even more
relevant against the background of the multi©faceted crises with which we are currently
confronted ¨C inter alia restoring economic growth; creating new and decent jobs; protecting the
environment, biodiversity and natural resources; dealing with the costs of an ageing society,
boosting social security, improving health services and making them more accessible; achieving
sustainable mobility or rendering public administration more efficient.
Such a comprehensive view of sustainable development calls for further integration between the
three pillars in order to avoid negative trade offs and maximizing synergies in the identification
and implementation of concrete measures and actions aimed at contributing to the goals of
sustainable development.
Traditionally, the integration of the social and economic dimension has been most successful.
More recently, significant progress is being made regarding the integration of the economic and
environmental dimension. In comparison, the integration of the social and environmental
dimension has received far less attention.
B - Assessing progress and remaining gaps in implementation
Success Factors
Challenges
Success Factors
Question 6
Are there examples of strong public-private partnerships for sustainable development in your country / the country(ies) or region(s) of interest to your group? How have these been promoted?
Federal level
Reference can be made to the various research programmes implemented under the auspices of
the Belgian science policy (The research programme ?Science for a Sustainable Development?
(2005 ? 2009).; the Scientific Support Plan for a Sustainable Development Policy ‐ SPSD II (2000‐
2006); and the Scientific Support Plan for a Sustainable Development Policy ‐ SPSD I (1996‐
2001)), which are intended to preserve and develop the scientific potential in strategically
important areas for sustainable development with the objective of reducing scientific
uncertainties and anticipating future needs of knowledge and offering the political authorities
the scientific support required for the preparation, implementation, and follow‐up of a
supranational, federal, regional, or local policy in the field of sustainable development.
Another interesting example of cooperation between the public and private sector for
sustainable development, reference can be made to the development of the federal Guide for
Sustainable Procurement. In order to promote sustainable products and services, the federal
government identifies sustainable criteria sets to be used in public tender and procurement
documents. These are then subjected to a consultation process with the business sector and
relevant NGO?s, in view of finalizing commonly agreed ambitious and user‐friendly criteria sets.
In 2010, stakeholder consultations took place for food and beverage products, catering services,
paper products, printing companies, ICT products, textiles, mattresses, furniture and eventually
construction materials.
More information on: http://www.gidsvoorduurzameaankopen.be/en?q=en/node/18
Flemish region
There are a few examples of public‐private partnerships for sustainable development in Flanders,
for example for the sustainable construction of school buildings and road construction.
Sustainability is promoted through the tender documents.
Wallonia
The following examples of strong public‐private partnerships for sustainable development in
Wallonia can be mentioned
‐ The Alliances Employment‐Environment (the Marshall Plan 2. Green), focuses on the energy
and sustainable construction sectors and covers the three pillars of sustainable
development : economy (creation of green jobs, economical development), environment (less
impact), social (improvement of quality of life, lower electricity bills).
‐ The Walloon government is currently setting up a call for the « Sustainable Housing »
projects (Habitat Durable ), aiming at encouraging private and public sectors to invest in real
estate accessible for all. The future inhabitants are involved in the creation of projects and
actions for reducing the impact on environment. http://clusters.wallonie.be/cap‐
2020/fr/actualites/appel‐a‐projet‐soutien‐du‐developpement‐durable.html)
‐ The « Branch Agreements » (les Accords de branches ») relate to a partnership concluded
between industrial sector and public authorities. Industries have to improve their energy
performance and in return receive financial and administrative incentives from the Walloon
government.
Reference can be made to the various research programmes implemented under the auspices of
the Belgian science policy (The research programme ?Science for a Sustainable Development?
(2005 ? 2009).; the Scientific Support Plan for a Sustainable Development Policy ‐ SPSD II (2000‐
2006); and the Scientific Support Plan for a Sustainable Development Policy ‐ SPSD I (1996‐
2001)), which are intended to preserve and develop the scientific potential in strategically
important areas for sustainable development with the objective of reducing scientific
uncertainties and anticipating future needs of knowledge and offering the political authorities
the scientific support required for the preparation, implementation, and follow‐up of a
supranational, federal, regional, or local policy in the field of sustainable development.
Another interesting example of cooperation between the public and private sector for
sustainable development, reference can be made to the development of the federal Guide for
Sustainable Procurement. In order to promote sustainable products and services, the federal
government identifies sustainable criteria sets to be used in public tender and procurement
documents. These are then subjected to a consultation process with the business sector and
relevant NGO?s, in view of finalizing commonly agreed ambitious and user‐friendly criteria sets.
In 2010, stakeholder consultations took place for food and beverage products, catering services,
paper products, printing companies, ICT products, textiles, mattresses, furniture and eventually
construction materials.
More information on: http://www.gidsvoorduurzameaankopen.be/en?q=en/node/18
Flemish region
There are a few examples of public‐private partnerships for sustainable development in Flanders,
for example for the sustainable construction of school buildings and road construction.
Sustainability is promoted through the tender documents.
Wallonia
The following examples of strong public‐private partnerships for sustainable development in
Wallonia can be mentioned
‐ The Alliances Employment‐Environment (the Marshall Plan 2. Green), focuses on the energy
and sustainable construction sectors and covers the three pillars of sustainable
development : economy (creation of green jobs, economical development), environment (less
impact), social (improvement of quality of life, lower electricity bills).
‐ The Walloon government is currently setting up a call for the « Sustainable Housing »
projects (Habitat Durable ), aiming at encouraging private and public sectors to invest in real
estate accessible for all. The future inhabitants are involved in the creation of projects and
actions for reducing the impact on environment. http://clusters.wallonie.be/cap‐
2020/fr/actualites/appel‐a‐projet‐soutien‐du‐developpement‐durable.html)
‐ The « Branch Agreements » (les Accords de branches ») relate to a partnership concluded
between industrial sector and public authorities. Industries have to improve their energy
performance and in return receive financial and administrative incentives from the Walloon
government.
Question 7
Is the technical assistance from UN system entities a key factor in explaining success? If so, in what areas or sectors (e.g., MDGs, water, energy, health, agriculture, biodiversity, forests, climate change, jobs, other)?
In our view, technical assistance provided through the UN system can indeed be considered as an
important vehicle for achieving progress on sustainable development in beneficiary countries
This view is reflected in the Act of May 25, 1999, which is still the legal framework for the Belgian
cooperation in international development.
According to this Act, the primary goal of the Belgian international development cooperation is
sustainable human development, which is to be achieved by fighting poverty based on a
partnership approach and adhering to the criteria of relevance to development.
In application hereof, Belgium partners with 21 international organizations for its multilateral
development cooperation, focusing on five sectors (basic health care; education and training;
agriculture and food security; basic infrastructure; conflict prevention and strengthening of
society, which also means supporting respect for human dignity, human rights and fundamental
freedoms) and four cross]cutting themes (rebalancing the rights and opportunities of women
and men; respect for the environment; social economy, rights of children).
Furthermore, Belgiumfs activities with regard to the environment and sustainable development
are structured around six priorities: sustainable management of water resources, control of
desertification and forest degradation, protection and sustainable management of biodiversity,
improved ecological management of urban and surrounding areas, reduction and prevention of
the adverse effects of climate change
important vehicle for achieving progress on sustainable development in beneficiary countries
This view is reflected in the Act of May 25, 1999, which is still the legal framework for the Belgian
cooperation in international development.
According to this Act, the primary goal of the Belgian international development cooperation is
sustainable human development, which is to be achieved by fighting poverty based on a
partnership approach and adhering to the criteria of relevance to development.
In application hereof, Belgium partners with 21 international organizations for its multilateral
development cooperation, focusing on five sectors (basic health care; education and training;
agriculture and food security; basic infrastructure; conflict prevention and strengthening of
society, which also means supporting respect for human dignity, human rights and fundamental
freedoms) and four cross]cutting themes (rebalancing the rights and opportunities of women
and men; respect for the environment; social economy, rights of children).
Furthermore, Belgiumfs activities with regard to the environment and sustainable development
are structured around six priorities: sustainable management of water resources, control of
desertification and forest degradation, protection and sustainable management of biodiversity,
improved ecological management of urban and surrounding areas, reduction and prevention of
the adverse effects of climate change
In our view, technical assistance provided through the UN system can indeed be considered as an
important vehicle for achieving progress on sustainable development in beneficiary countries
This view is reflected in the Act of May 25, 1999, which is still the legal framework for the Belgian
cooperation in international development.
According to this Act, the primary goal of the Belgian international development cooperation is
sustainable human development, which is to be achieved by fighting poverty based on a
partnership approach and adhering to the criteria of relevance to development.
In application hereof, Belgium partners with 21 international organizations for its multilateral
development cooperation, focusing on five sectors (basic health care; education and training;
agriculture and food security; basic infrastructure; conflict prevention and strengthening of
society, which also means supporting respect for human dignity, human rights and fundamental
freedoms) and four cross]cutting themes (rebalancing the rights and opportunities of women
and men; respect for the environment; social economy, rights of children).
Furthermore, Belgiumfs activities with regard to the environment and sustainable development
are structured around six priorities: sustainable management of water resources, control of
desertification and forest degradation, protection and sustainable management of biodiversity,
improved ecological management of urban and surrounding areas, reduction and prevention of
the adverse effects of climate change
important vehicle for achieving progress on sustainable development in beneficiary countries
This view is reflected in the Act of May 25, 1999, which is still the legal framework for the Belgian
cooperation in international development.
According to this Act, the primary goal of the Belgian international development cooperation is
sustainable human development, which is to be achieved by fighting poverty based on a
partnership approach and adhering to the criteria of relevance to development.
In application hereof, Belgium partners with 21 international organizations for its multilateral
development cooperation, focusing on five sectors (basic health care; education and training;
agriculture and food security; basic infrastructure; conflict prevention and strengthening of
society, which also means supporting respect for human dignity, human rights and fundamental
freedoms) and four cross]cutting themes (rebalancing the rights and opportunities of women
and men; respect for the environment; social economy, rights of children).
Furthermore, Belgiumfs activities with regard to the environment and sustainable development
are structured around six priorities: sustainable management of water resources, control of
desertification and forest degradation, protection and sustainable management of biodiversity,
improved ecological management of urban and surrounding areas, reduction and prevention of
the adverse effects of climate change
Challenges
Question 10
What are the main difficulties experienced in promoting integrated planning and decision-making?
Belgium approaches sustainable development as a comprehensive policy, encompassing many
different challenges. Sustainable development ¨C by its very nature ¨C cannot be addressed in
isolation. Despite the evident importance of strong horizontal and vertical policy integration,
challenges for integrated planning, coordination and decision making remain, and this at all
levels of policy©making.
Belgium is a federal State, consisting of three communities and three regions. Accordingly, the
country¡¯s administration is in the hands of several bodies ¡ª some federal, some federated ¡ª
and they exercise their functions independently in their respective areas of competence. The
rules regarding how these functions are divided are specified in the Constitution and in a series
of special laws; there are also mechanisms in place to ensure that the various levels of power
function smoothly and in a coordinated manner. This is also true in respect of sustainable
development, with ccompetences pertaining to sustainable development are divided among the
different regional and federal authorities. As a consequence, sustainable development is
currently being addressed through a Federal Strategy for Sustainable Development as well as
through regional strategies, each of which only addressing the sustainable development issues
that fall within their respective areas of competence.
While the Constitution provides for ¡°cooperation agreements¡± as the mechanism for policy
coordination between the different authorities, having a truly national sustainable development
strategy would undeniably be a step forward in terms of an efficient institutional framework that
is conducive for integrated planning and coordinated decision©making in terms of sustainable
development.
An efficient institutional framework for sustainable development would also allow to address
other barriers to integrated planning and decision©making with regards to a) levels of support,
ownership and buy©in from different line ministries; b) interaction between administrative and
political levels and c) stakeholder participation and identification of key partners. Such an
institutional framework for sustainable development is needed at all levels ¨C local, sub© ational,
national, and international ¨C and should treat sustainable development as a theme in its own
right.
Integrated planning and decision©making ultimately depends on sufficient levels of political
support and adequate financial resources to ensure organisational and administrative follow©up.
Finally, informal settings and opportunities for ¡®friendly networking¡± are key means to raise
levels of participation and contribute to the identification of key partners.
The Federal Council for Sustainable Development (FCSD) has also expressed its views on the main
difficulties experienced in promoting integrated planning and decision©making. In an advice
prepared in regard to the Federal elections of 13 June 2010, it formulated a number of important
points for the attention of the future federal government concerning the general policy for
sustainable development. To that end, the Council points to governance and the institutional
aspects of sustainable development, whilst for more specific recommendations as to content, it
refers to the advice papers it drew up during the previous legislature in such areas as climate and
energy policy, the Belgian presidency of the EU, cooperation for development, taxation, mobility,
etc. The Council has indicated that all too often, sustainable development is still considered a
synonym of environmental policy, whereas it is actually an integrated approach to the economic,
social and environmental dimensions of development ¨C an approach that examines the issue
from a broader spatial (world dimension) and temporal perspective (not only in the short© but
also the medium© and long© erm) .1
different challenges. Sustainable development ¨C by its very nature ¨C cannot be addressed in
isolation. Despite the evident importance of strong horizontal and vertical policy integration,
challenges for integrated planning, coordination and decision making remain, and this at all
levels of policy©making.
Belgium is a federal State, consisting of three communities and three regions. Accordingly, the
country¡¯s administration is in the hands of several bodies ¡ª some federal, some federated ¡ª
and they exercise their functions independently in their respective areas of competence. The
rules regarding how these functions are divided are specified in the Constitution and in a series
of special laws; there are also mechanisms in place to ensure that the various levels of power
function smoothly and in a coordinated manner. This is also true in respect of sustainable
development, with ccompetences pertaining to sustainable development are divided among the
different regional and federal authorities. As a consequence, sustainable development is
currently being addressed through a Federal Strategy for Sustainable Development as well as
through regional strategies, each of which only addressing the sustainable development issues
that fall within their respective areas of competence.
While the Constitution provides for ¡°cooperation agreements¡± as the mechanism for policy
coordination between the different authorities, having a truly national sustainable development
strategy would undeniably be a step forward in terms of an efficient institutional framework that
is conducive for integrated planning and coordinated decision©making in terms of sustainable
development.
An efficient institutional framework for sustainable development would also allow to address
other barriers to integrated planning and decision©making with regards to a) levels of support,
ownership and buy©in from different line ministries; b) interaction between administrative and
political levels and c) stakeholder participation and identification of key partners. Such an
institutional framework for sustainable development is needed at all levels ¨C local, sub© ational,
national, and international ¨C and should treat sustainable development as a theme in its own
right.
Integrated planning and decision©making ultimately depends on sufficient levels of political
support and adequate financial resources to ensure organisational and administrative follow©up.
Finally, informal settings and opportunities for ¡®friendly networking¡± are key means to raise
levels of participation and contribute to the identification of key partners.
The Federal Council for Sustainable Development (FCSD) has also expressed its views on the main
difficulties experienced in promoting integrated planning and decision©making. In an advice
prepared in regard to the Federal elections of 13 June 2010, it formulated a number of important
points for the attention of the future federal government concerning the general policy for
sustainable development. To that end, the Council points to governance and the institutional
aspects of sustainable development, whilst for more specific recommendations as to content, it
refers to the advice papers it drew up during the previous legislature in such areas as climate and
energy policy, the Belgian presidency of the EU, cooperation for development, taxation, mobility,
etc. The Council has indicated that all too often, sustainable development is still considered a
synonym of environmental policy, whereas it is actually an integrated approach to the economic,
social and environmental dimensions of development ¨C an approach that examines the issue
from a broader spatial (world dimension) and temporal perspective (not only in the short© but
also the medium© and long© erm) .1
Question 11
What further actions could be taken to promote effective voluntary actions and partnerships?
Voluntary, multi]stakeholder partnerships working towards sustainable development goals have
proved to be an important complementary outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD), and are intended to strengthen implementation by involving and
promoting dialogue and information exchange between all those who can make a contribution
to sustainable development at all levels of the country as well as in the international context.
Creating partnerships/ connections/ goodwill is a continuing process that cannot be expected to
be perfect from the start. It needs to evolve and grow.
It is important to involve as many stakeholders as possible into the process. Advocacy and
awareness]raising within stakeholder groups is important. If necessary, operating through
smaller gatherings and more specific thematic sub]groups bringing together motivated people
can yield increased progress. Specific support could be provided to umbrella stakeholder
organizations (such as NGOs), which could for example facilitate their participation to
international conferences and activities.
An area with large potential for partnerships and voluntary action relates to the adoption of
responsible behavior for sustainable development. The Marshall Plan 2.Green is planning on
developing awareness campaign for the Walloon government staff in the sustainable
development field. The Regional Declaration Policy also includes awareness programs.
The Brussels]Capital Region promotes environmental management in private and public sector
enterprises through the gEco]dynamic Enterpriseh label, which rewards voluntary ecomanagement
initiatives. So far, 164 labels have been awarded.
proved to be an important complementary outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD), and are intended to strengthen implementation by involving and
promoting dialogue and information exchange between all those who can make a contribution
to sustainable development at all levels of the country as well as in the international context.
Creating partnerships/ connections/ goodwill is a continuing process that cannot be expected to
be perfect from the start. It needs to evolve and grow.
It is important to involve as many stakeholders as possible into the process. Advocacy and
awareness]raising within stakeholder groups is important. If necessary, operating through
smaller gatherings and more specific thematic sub]groups bringing together motivated people
can yield increased progress. Specific support could be provided to umbrella stakeholder
organizations (such as NGOs), which could for example facilitate their participation to
international conferences and activities.
An area with large potential for partnerships and voluntary action relates to the adoption of
responsible behavior for sustainable development. The Marshall Plan 2.Green is planning on
developing awareness campaign for the Walloon government staff in the sustainable
development field. The Regional Declaration Policy also includes awareness programs.
The Brussels]Capital Region promotes environmental management in private and public sector
enterprises through the gEco]dynamic Enterpriseh label, which rewards voluntary ecomanagement
initiatives. So far, 164 labels have been awarded.
C - Addressing new and emerging challenges
Experiences
Experiences
Question 2
What mechanisms have been put in place in your country / organization / the country(ies) or region(s) of interest to your group to address these challenges: At the local level? At the national level?
Rather than identifying new and emerging issues, the real challenge is the integration of issues
and the potential multiple effects.
The most important challenges we are faced with today are not new, but are older issues that
require stronger political action, such as:
o The disproportionate effects of the financial and economic crisis on the most
vulnerable and most disadvantaged groups in society
o Unemployment is increasing, especially among young people
o Food security: hunger and malnutrition is on the increase
o Additional efforts are needed to curb and adapt to climate change, decrease
high energy consumption in the transport sector
o Reverse the current loss of biodiversity and natural resources
o Shift to a sustainable low‐carbon and low input economy
o Reinforce governance, including implementation, monitoring and follow‐up
mechanism
With regards to measures to address the disproportionate effects of the financial and economic
crisis on the most vulnerable and most disadvantaged groups in society, reference can be made
to the following initiatives:
‐ the ?plan win‐win? which aims to stimulate recruitment of specific vulnerable groups of jobseekers.
When employed, persons benefiting from this scheme will continue to receive part
of the allocation they received when unemployed, thus making it much cheaper for
employers to recruit these persons while guaranteeing them adequate income levels.
‐ Reduction of the social security contributions for low salaries
‐ Increase in minimum wage and workbonus
With regards to address increasing levels of youth unemployment, reference can be made first
and foremost to the above mentioned « win‐win plan », under which young unemployed are
considered a target group that can benefit from this policy. Other policies that have been in
existence for a number of years already are programs that provide guidance to young jobseekers
with low qualifications during their job‐search.
In the context of climate change, Belgium contributes to the implementation of the Energyclimate
package agreed at European level. Thus Belgium has prepared its national action plan on
renewable energy ? yet to be formally approved ? which includes sectors such as transport,
electricity and heating‐cooling. A second national action plan for energy efficiency is scheduled
for june 30th 2011. Belgium is also preparing its national strategy on adaptation to climate
change. All other actions already implemented can be found in the Belgium?s 5th National
Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/bel_nc5_en_final.pdf ).
With regards to biodiversity, Belgium has elaborated the ?Belgium national biodiversity strategy
2006‐2016? which is established for a 10‐year period (2006‐2016). It aims at giving strategic
political orientations in order to allow actors for biodiversity in Belgium to work in partnership
for contributing nationally and internationally towards the achievement of the European target
of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This is to be achieved by ensuring a more effective and
coherent implementation of the three objectives of the convention on biological diversity, while
taking into accounts the other relevant biodiversity agreements. The strategy offers a framework
for policy?making and further development actions. 15 priority strategic objectives have been
identified, which are to be translated into concrete actions in a second stage. For further
information:
http://www.health.belgium.be/eportal/Environment/BiodiversityandGMO/Biodiversity/Strategi
ebiodiversite20062016/index.htm?fodnlang=fr
Reference can also be made to the establishment of the Belgian biodiversity Platform aiming at
fostering biodiversity research that contributes to sustainable development, by:
- Facilitating access to biodiversity data, science and research information
- Encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation amongst scientists
- Stimulating interaction between scientists, policy makers and stakeholders in biodiversity
research
- Advising on the designation of biodiversity research priorities
- Promoting Belgian biodiversity research at international fora.
For further information: http://www.biodiversity.be/454
and the potential multiple effects.
The most important challenges we are faced with today are not new, but are older issues that
require stronger political action, such as:
o The disproportionate effects of the financial and economic crisis on the most
vulnerable and most disadvantaged groups in society
o Unemployment is increasing, especially among young people
o Food security: hunger and malnutrition is on the increase
o Additional efforts are needed to curb and adapt to climate change, decrease
high energy consumption in the transport sector
o Reverse the current loss of biodiversity and natural resources
o Shift to a sustainable low‐carbon and low input economy
o Reinforce governance, including implementation, monitoring and follow‐up
mechanism
With regards to measures to address the disproportionate effects of the financial and economic
crisis on the most vulnerable and most disadvantaged groups in society, reference can be made
to the following initiatives:
‐ the ?plan win‐win? which aims to stimulate recruitment of specific vulnerable groups of jobseekers.
When employed, persons benefiting from this scheme will continue to receive part
of the allocation they received when unemployed, thus making it much cheaper for
employers to recruit these persons while guaranteeing them adequate income levels.
‐ Reduction of the social security contributions for low salaries
‐ Increase in minimum wage and workbonus
With regards to address increasing levels of youth unemployment, reference can be made first
and foremost to the above mentioned « win‐win plan », under which young unemployed are
considered a target group that can benefit from this policy. Other policies that have been in
existence for a number of years already are programs that provide guidance to young jobseekers
with low qualifications during their job‐search.
In the context of climate change, Belgium contributes to the implementation of the Energyclimate
package agreed at European level. Thus Belgium has prepared its national action plan on
renewable energy ? yet to be formally approved ? which includes sectors such as transport,
electricity and heating‐cooling. A second national action plan for energy efficiency is scheduled
for june 30th 2011. Belgium is also preparing its national strategy on adaptation to climate
change. All other actions already implemented can be found in the Belgium?s 5th National
Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/bel_nc5_en_final.pdf ).
With regards to biodiversity, Belgium has elaborated the ?Belgium national biodiversity strategy
2006‐2016? which is established for a 10‐year period (2006‐2016). It aims at giving strategic
political orientations in order to allow actors for biodiversity in Belgium to work in partnership
for contributing nationally and internationally towards the achievement of the European target
of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This is to be achieved by ensuring a more effective and
coherent implementation of the three objectives of the convention on biological diversity, while
taking into accounts the other relevant biodiversity agreements. The strategy offers a framework
for policy?making and further development actions. 15 priority strategic objectives have been
identified, which are to be translated into concrete actions in a second stage. For further
information:
http://www.health.belgium.be/eportal/Environment/BiodiversityandGMO/Biodiversity/Strategi
ebiodiversite20062016/index.htm?fodnlang=fr
Reference can also be made to the establishment of the Belgian biodiversity Platform aiming at
fostering biodiversity research that contributes to sustainable development, by:
- Facilitating access to biodiversity data, science and research information
- Encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation amongst scientists
- Stimulating interaction between scientists, policy makers and stakeholders in biodiversity
research
- Advising on the designation of biodiversity research priorities
- Promoting Belgian biodiversity research at international fora.
For further information: http://www.biodiversity.be/454
D - A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
Experiences
Success Factors
Experiences
Question 3
What are the main perceived benefits of implementing a national/regional green economy strategy? Are these benefits being tracked, measured and reported?
While there is no Green Economy Strategy in Belgium, reference can be made to a wide range of
policies that are contributing to the transition towards a green economy.
The national implementation of the strategy Europe 2020 of course has a strong accent on green
economy, even though in this context, green economy is more confined to renewable energy and
the jobs that come with it.
Initiatives aimed at creating green jobs are considered particularly relevant for ensuring the
transition to a green economy
Reference needs to be made to ?aid to investment?, policies covering several forms of incentives
intended to encourage enterprises and promote the creation of jobs. In addition to the more
traditional aid for small, medium‐sized and large enterprises, specific aids for the benefit of
environment protection and the sustainable use of energy is also available.
In the context of environmental protection, support could be provided for investments that
? are related to the manufacturing process of eco‐products. This means that a product has
to be an example of quality and to bring benefits for the quality of the environment in all
of its production process and in the use stage (by‐products, emissions, power
consumption, life‐cycle analysis);
? allow the enterprise to surpass the existing Community standards for investments
carried out in the absence of such obligatory standards;
? are carried out by an SME in order to comply with the new Community standards, during
a period of three years to be counted from their adoption by the European Community;
? are related to actions for the development of waste materials reduction in the
production process (re‐use, recycling and reduction of energy in order to decrease the
environmental risks).
In the context of sustainable use of energy, support could be provided to investments aimed at
? The reduction of the consumption of energy used in the course of the of production
process;
? The development of energy arising from renewable sources of energy;
? The development of high‐quality co‐generation installations.
Flemish level:
The concept of green economy has quite a broad content. It encompasses many subjects ranging
from, closing material cycles, eco‐innovation, economic incentives, promoting renewable energy,
green jobs
The implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy filters through in thematic policy plans like the
environment and nature policy plan (2011 ? 2015).
Reference can also be made to a more horizontal strategic plan that gives green economy a
strong role, called Flanders in Action. Flanders in Action is a project launched in 2006 by the
Flemish government in which all stakeholders were involved. The plan aims to make the Flemish
region one of the top regions in Europe by 2020. In this project the greening of the economy is a
key project.
Wallonia:
In Wallonia, the Marshall Plan 2.Green could be considered, to some extent, as green economy
action plan. It is being implemented along two tracks: on the one hand, the transition of the
Walloon economy towards sustainable development and knowledge society; on the other hand,
pursuing a sustainable, equitable and humane growth of Wallonia.
The following measures of the Marshall Plan 2.Green could be seen as embodying a vision of
green economy :
‐ Create the 6th hub dedicated to new environmental technologies;
‐ Create Employment‐Environment alliances focusing on the energy and sustainable
construction sectors ;
‐ Conduct a study on the new economy mechanisms in Wallonia and create a partnership
with foreign institutions recognized;
‐ Encourage sustainable development initiatives by local companies (very small enterprise,
SME, artisans) through specific innovation grants
‐ Focus efforts on eco‐designs through different measures throughout companies ;
‐ Strengthen financial support to innovative companies in the environmental and sustainable
technology field and also to dedicated structures such as incubators,
‐ Support the development and participation of firms approved in the social economy sector to
the dynamics of sustainable development and green economics, incorporating also a better
balance with private life
‐ Set up a call for projects in the eco‐building materials field).
‐ Consider the opportunity to create a ?ecosystem company? label, using appropriate tools and
compatible with the Brussels label, EMAS / ISO 14001.
policies that are contributing to the transition towards a green economy.
The national implementation of the strategy Europe 2020 of course has a strong accent on green
economy, even though in this context, green economy is more confined to renewable energy and
the jobs that come with it.
Initiatives aimed at creating green jobs are considered particularly relevant for ensuring the
transition to a green economy
Reference needs to be made to ?aid to investment?, policies covering several forms of incentives
intended to encourage enterprises and promote the creation of jobs. In addition to the more
traditional aid for small, medium‐sized and large enterprises, specific aids for the benefit of
environment protection and the sustainable use of energy is also available.
In the context of environmental protection, support could be provided for investments that
? are related to the manufacturing process of eco‐products. This means that a product has
to be an example of quality and to bring benefits for the quality of the environment in all
of its production process and in the use stage (by‐products, emissions, power
consumption, life‐cycle analysis);
? allow the enterprise to surpass the existing Community standards for investments
carried out in the absence of such obligatory standards;
? are carried out by an SME in order to comply with the new Community standards, during
a period of three years to be counted from their adoption by the European Community;
? are related to actions for the development of waste materials reduction in the
production process (re‐use, recycling and reduction of energy in order to decrease the
environmental risks).
In the context of sustainable use of energy, support could be provided to investments aimed at
? The reduction of the consumption of energy used in the course of the of production
process;
? The development of energy arising from renewable sources of energy;
? The development of high‐quality co‐generation installations.
Flemish level:
The concept of green economy has quite a broad content. It encompasses many subjects ranging
from, closing material cycles, eco‐innovation, economic incentives, promoting renewable energy,
green jobs
The implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy filters through in thematic policy plans like the
environment and nature policy plan (2011 ? 2015).
Reference can also be made to a more horizontal strategic plan that gives green economy a
strong role, called Flanders in Action. Flanders in Action is a project launched in 2006 by the
Flemish government in which all stakeholders were involved. The plan aims to make the Flemish
region one of the top regions in Europe by 2020. In this project the greening of the economy is a
key project.
Wallonia:
In Wallonia, the Marshall Plan 2.Green could be considered, to some extent, as green economy
action plan. It is being implemented along two tracks: on the one hand, the transition of the
Walloon economy towards sustainable development and knowledge society; on the other hand,
pursuing a sustainable, equitable and humane growth of Wallonia.
The following measures of the Marshall Plan 2.Green could be seen as embodying a vision of
green economy :
‐ Create the 6th hub dedicated to new environmental technologies;
‐ Create Employment‐Environment alliances focusing on the energy and sustainable
construction sectors ;
‐ Conduct a study on the new economy mechanisms in Wallonia and create a partnership
with foreign institutions recognized;
‐ Encourage sustainable development initiatives by local companies (very small enterprise,
SME, artisans) through specific innovation grants
‐ Focus efforts on eco‐designs through different measures throughout companies ;
‐ Strengthen financial support to innovative companies in the environmental and sustainable
technology field and also to dedicated structures such as incubators,
‐ Support the development and participation of firms approved in the social economy sector to
the dynamics of sustainable development and green economics, incorporating also a better
balance with private life
‐ Set up a call for projects in the eco‐building materials field).
‐ Consider the opportunity to create a ?ecosystem company? label, using appropriate tools and
compatible with the Brussels label, EMAS / ISO 14001.
Question 4
What economic sectors do you consider to be most important to building a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication?
When promoting the transition to a green economy all sectors must be involved. It should be
considered a crosscutting issue. Focusing disproportionally on some sectors while excluding
others will not lead to the desired result.
In the Flemish region a focus is put on renewable energy, sustainable building and housing,
sustainable agriculture and on sustainable materials management (SMM). The SMM policy is
building on a successful waste sorting and ] recycling policy, which has created a viable green
sector.
In Wallonia, the Marshall Plan 2.Green focuses on green potential sectors such as sustainable
construction and eco materials, research on renewable energy, sustainable management,
sustainable buildings and materials.
considered a crosscutting issue. Focusing disproportionally on some sectors while excluding
others will not lead to the desired result.
In the Flemish region a focus is put on renewable energy, sustainable building and housing,
sustainable agriculture and on sustainable materials management (SMM). The SMM policy is
building on a successful waste sorting and ] recycling policy, which has created a viable green
sector.
In Wallonia, the Marshall Plan 2.Green focuses on green potential sectors such as sustainable
construction and eco materials, research on renewable energy, sustainable management,
sustainable buildings and materials.
Success Factors
Question 6
How have those policies contributed to poverty eradication, sustainable consumption and production, protection of the natural resource base and other sustainable development goals?
Green economy has quickly emerged as a central element in the policy discourse relating to the
recovery from the financial and economic crisis, reflecting the idea that environmental goals can
be attained while stimulating a viable and competitive economy. This has allowed to make
significant progress regarding the integration of the economic and environmental dimension of
sustainable development. However, the social dimension of sustainable development has
received far less attention, thereby missing opportunities in terms of progress to poverty
eradication and other social aspects.
In order to be more effective in terms of contribution to poverty eradication, green economy
policies would also need to focus on gender issues, corporate social responsibility, consumer
behavior (education for sustainable consumption), universal design (design aimed at inclusion of
groups wit specific needs such as people with disabilities, elderly,?).
Initiatives aimed at creating green jobs are considered particularly relevant for ensuring the
transition to a green economy, but green jobs need to be decent jobs as well, if they are to make
a significant contribution to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Decent work is
central to efforts to reduce poverty and is a means for achieving equitable, inclusive and
sustainable development.
The concept of life cycle thinking and the application of life cycle analysis links back to Agenda21,
and has since then become increasingly important in discussions pertaining to product policy.
While the considerations of environmental impacts of products and the consideration of
economic impacts in life cycle costing are very prevalent, the investigation of social effects in a
life cycle perspective has been rarely considered this far, despite the clear recognition that
products have also social impacts on employees, communities and societies. The application of
social life cycle assessment (S‐LCA), therefore, should be promoted as a tool for enabling the
integration of the social dimension into green economy decision‐making processes.
Federal level
Belgian social partners set up in 2009 the ?eco‐cheque? system. These cheques are distributed by
the enterprises to workers two times a year for a maximum of 250?. These cheques have to be
used for the purchase of ecological products (energy saving products, water saving products,
products with EU Ecolabel, bicycles, public transport ticket, etc.). The whole system is currently
analyzed in order to :
- Improve the identification of products which can be purchased with eco‐cheques;
- Improve the control of the system
- Reduce the fixed costs (for the enterprises)
Flemish level
The Flemish policy on green economy suggests a mix of policy instruments to tackle the green
economy, aimed at both consumer and producers side. This mix can consist of policy instruments
on:
? Eco‐innovation
? Energy‐efficiency
? Establishing a frontrunner policy for eco‐efficiency of materials, products and services
? Green jobs
? Beyond GDP
? Sustainable public procurement
? Greening of economic instruments
? Eco‐system services
? ?
Wallonia
In Wallonia, all green economy measures included in the Marshall Plan 2.Green have
been endowed with their own means. As a consequence, much is expected of each of
these measures in order to contribute to poverty eradication and other specific
sustainable goals. The sustainable development transversal axe of the Marshal Plan
2.Green, which aims to promote sustainable development in all public policies, focuses in
particular on sustainable public procurement.
recovery from the financial and economic crisis, reflecting the idea that environmental goals can
be attained while stimulating a viable and competitive economy. This has allowed to make
significant progress regarding the integration of the economic and environmental dimension of
sustainable development. However, the social dimension of sustainable development has
received far less attention, thereby missing opportunities in terms of progress to poverty
eradication and other social aspects.
In order to be more effective in terms of contribution to poverty eradication, green economy
policies would also need to focus on gender issues, corporate social responsibility, consumer
behavior (education for sustainable consumption), universal design (design aimed at inclusion of
groups wit specific needs such as people with disabilities, elderly,?).
Initiatives aimed at creating green jobs are considered particularly relevant for ensuring the
transition to a green economy, but green jobs need to be decent jobs as well, if they are to make
a significant contribution to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Decent work is
central to efforts to reduce poverty and is a means for achieving equitable, inclusive and
sustainable development.
The concept of life cycle thinking and the application of life cycle analysis links back to Agenda21,
and has since then become increasingly important in discussions pertaining to product policy.
While the considerations of environmental impacts of products and the consideration of
economic impacts in life cycle costing are very prevalent, the investigation of social effects in a
life cycle perspective has been rarely considered this far, despite the clear recognition that
products have also social impacts on employees, communities and societies. The application of
social life cycle assessment (S‐LCA), therefore, should be promoted as a tool for enabling the
integration of the social dimension into green economy decision‐making processes.
Federal level
Belgian social partners set up in 2009 the ?eco‐cheque? system. These cheques are distributed by
the enterprises to workers two times a year for a maximum of 250?. These cheques have to be
used for the purchase of ecological products (energy saving products, water saving products,
products with EU Ecolabel, bicycles, public transport ticket, etc.). The whole system is currently
analyzed in order to :
- Improve the identification of products which can be purchased with eco‐cheques;
- Improve the control of the system
- Reduce the fixed costs (for the enterprises)
Flemish level
The Flemish policy on green economy suggests a mix of policy instruments to tackle the green
economy, aimed at both consumer and producers side. This mix can consist of policy instruments
on:
? Eco‐innovation
? Energy‐efficiency
? Establishing a frontrunner policy for eco‐efficiency of materials, products and services
? Green jobs
? Beyond GDP
? Sustainable public procurement
? Greening of economic instruments
? Eco‐system services
? ?
Wallonia
In Wallonia, all green economy measures included in the Marshall Plan 2.Green have
been endowed with their own means. As a consequence, much is expected of each of
these measures in order to contribute to poverty eradication and other specific
sustainable goals. The sustainable development transversal axe of the Marshal Plan
2.Green, which aims to promote sustainable development in all public policies, focuses in
particular on sustainable public procurement.
Question 7
What in your view are the principal reasons for their success? (e.g., economic efficiency, availability of relevant institutional or technical capacity, strong political support, broad engagement of business and industry, NGO support, international support)
As reasons for success can be mentioned, inter alia
- a widely accepted view of green economy as contributing to the broader objective of
sustainable development, thus fully taking into account aspects like poverty eradication.
- the presence of strong political support
- a broad engagement of all key stakeholders such as private sector and civil society.
- Links with an equally ambitious and comprehensive environmental policy with clear longterm
goals, focusing not only on the impacts but also on the drivers of environmental effects.
- Availability of adequate resources
- a widely accepted view of green economy as contributing to the broader objective of
sustainable development, thus fully taking into account aspects like poverty eradication.
- the presence of strong political support
- a broad engagement of all key stakeholders such as private sector and civil society.
- Links with an equally ambitious and comprehensive environmental policy with clear longterm
goals, focusing not only on the impacts but also on the drivers of environmental effects.
- Availability of adequate resources
Question 8
What steps and actions have proven effective in building political and popular ownership for green economy measures?
In general terms, ownership depends on the appreciation of the benefits of a given policy as well
as the acceptance of responsibility for the successful implementation of the policy. Effective
ownership will remain illusive as long as stakeholders are not sufficiently familiar with the policy.
Therefore, transparent communication, advocacy or popular awareness raising about the policy
as well as early, consistent and active involvement of the various stakeholders can be identified
as effective steps for building political and popular ownership for green economy measures.
as the acceptance of responsibility for the successful implementation of the policy. Effective
ownership will remain illusive as long as stakeholders are not sufficiently familiar with the policy.
Therefore, transparent communication, advocacy or popular awareness raising about the policy
as well as early, consistent and active involvement of the various stakeholders can be identified
as effective steps for building political and popular ownership for green economy measures.
E - Institutional framework for sustainable development
Experiences
Success Factors
Challenges
Experiences
Question 7
In your country / organization / the country(ies) of interest to your group, what role have sub-national and local government played in implementing sustainable development since Rio? What role has your group played in such councils?
Belgium is a federal State, consisting of three communities and three regions. Accordingly, the
country?s administration is in the hands of several bodies ? some federal, some federated ?
and they exercise their functions independently in their respective areas of competence.
This is also true in respect of sustainable development, with ccompetences pertaining to
sustainable development are divided among the different regional and federal authorities. As a
consequence, sustainable development is currently being addressed through a Federal Strategy
for Sustainable Development as well as through regional strategies, each of which only
addressing the sustainable development issues that fall within their respective areas of
competence.
Flemish region
After the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, the Flemish region
gradually developed a sustainable development policy. First as a part of the environment
administration, now under the administration of the minister‐ president, which is deemed to be
the best position for a coordination‐ and facilitation unit. This unit, the Team Sustainable
Development, is ?amongst others‐ responsible for the coordination of the Flemish Strategy for
Sustainable Development. In 2008, a decree was accepted by the Flemish government that
ensures the continuation of the Flemish sustainable development policy. It was determined that
the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development will be revised every legislation.
After the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, also the local
governments took action. As such, there are agreements between the regional government of
Flanders and the local authorities to start up sustainable projects in exchange for financial
support. There is also a supporting organization called SLA21 (supporting local agenda 21)that was set up after Johannesburg, that supports local authorities in developing local sustainable
policy.
Wallonia
In the aftermath of the Rio Summit, Wallonia has reoriented its policy in the direction of
sustainable development. As a consequence, the principles of sustainable development have
been integrated throughout strategies and plans dedicated to sector‐specific policies and
transversal approaches.
Since Rio, sustainable development continues to be one of the major priorities in the local
government?s agendas. The Walloon government provides a subvention to municipalities (local
governments) to benefit from experts in the environmental field, specialized in sustainable
development and in helping the population as a councelor in environmental issues.
The municipality can benefit from this fund if they set up a local Agenda 21 project within three
years. In addition, a rural program has been effective for the last 15 years, called the
?PCDR?(Municipal Rural Development Programmes).
Both programs, the local Agenda 21 and the PCDR aim at improving the residents? quality of life
and social, economical and cultural living standards. They are both set up by an active
participation of the population (the « Local Commission of Rural Development? for the PCDR
program), then approved by the municipality and finally by the Walloon government. The ?Rural
Wallonia Fondation? (FRW) accompanies municipalities in the implementation of their PCDR/
local agenda 21 project. http://www.frw.be/
So far, 58 municipalities have developed active PCDR projects in
2010; 40 municipalities have set up a PCDR/local Agenda 21 joined project and 21
municipalities are being assisted by the ?Rural Wallonia Fondation?.
Brussels‐Capital Region
Through its ?agenda‐Iris‐21? programme, the Brussels Environment Administration provides
financial and methodological support to 14 communities and 5 public centers for social
assistance (CPAS) implementing local Agenda 21 projects.
More info: http://agenda‐iris‐21.be/
In 2010, the city of Brussels has adopted a new local agenda 21, strengthening and broadening
the earlier actions on sustainable development dating back to 2008.
Furthermore, the Brussels Environment administration is committed to the development of
sustainable districts/neighborhoods, and has established specific tools for supporting this
purpose.
More information: http://sustainatbrussels.eu/en/en_accueil.html
country?s administration is in the hands of several bodies ? some federal, some federated ?
and they exercise their functions independently in their respective areas of competence.
This is also true in respect of sustainable development, with ccompetences pertaining to
sustainable development are divided among the different regional and federal authorities. As a
consequence, sustainable development is currently being addressed through a Federal Strategy
for Sustainable Development as well as through regional strategies, each of which only
addressing the sustainable development issues that fall within their respective areas of
competence.
Flemish region
After the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, the Flemish region
gradually developed a sustainable development policy. First as a part of the environment
administration, now under the administration of the minister‐ president, which is deemed to be
the best position for a coordination‐ and facilitation unit. This unit, the Team Sustainable
Development, is ?amongst others‐ responsible for the coordination of the Flemish Strategy for
Sustainable Development. In 2008, a decree was accepted by the Flemish government that
ensures the continuation of the Flemish sustainable development policy. It was determined that
the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development will be revised every legislation.
After the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, also the local
governments took action. As such, there are agreements between the regional government of
Flanders and the local authorities to start up sustainable projects in exchange for financial
support. There is also a supporting organization called SLA21 (supporting local agenda 21)that was set up after Johannesburg, that supports local authorities in developing local sustainable
policy.
Wallonia
In the aftermath of the Rio Summit, Wallonia has reoriented its policy in the direction of
sustainable development. As a consequence, the principles of sustainable development have
been integrated throughout strategies and plans dedicated to sector‐specific policies and
transversal approaches.
Since Rio, sustainable development continues to be one of the major priorities in the local
government?s agendas. The Walloon government provides a subvention to municipalities (local
governments) to benefit from experts in the environmental field, specialized in sustainable
development and in helping the population as a councelor in environmental issues.
The municipality can benefit from this fund if they set up a local Agenda 21 project within three
years. In addition, a rural program has been effective for the last 15 years, called the
?PCDR?(Municipal Rural Development Programmes).
Both programs, the local Agenda 21 and the PCDR aim at improving the residents? quality of life
and social, economical and cultural living standards. They are both set up by an active
participation of the population (the « Local Commission of Rural Development? for the PCDR
program), then approved by the municipality and finally by the Walloon government. The ?Rural
Wallonia Fondation? (FRW) accompanies municipalities in the implementation of their PCDR/
local agenda 21 project. http://www.frw.be/
So far, 58 municipalities have developed active PCDR projects in
2010; 40 municipalities have set up a PCDR/local Agenda 21 joined project and 21
municipalities are being assisted by the ?Rural Wallonia Fondation?.
Brussels‐Capital Region
Through its ?agenda‐Iris‐21? programme, the Brussels Environment Administration provides
financial and methodological support to 14 communities and 5 public centers for social
assistance (CPAS) implementing local Agenda 21 projects.
More info: http://agenda‐iris‐21.be/
In 2010, the city of Brussels has adopted a new local agenda 21, strengthening and broadening
the earlier actions on sustainable development dating back to 2008.
Furthermore, the Brussels Environment administration is committed to the development of
sustainable districts/neighborhoods, and has established specific tools for supporting this
purpose.
More information: http://sustainatbrussels.eu/en/en_accueil.html
Question 10
Name the governments/major groups with which your group/government has had the closest collaboration. For each, briefly describe the main features of the collaboration.
Federal Level
In terms of stakeholder participation, the Belgian Federal Council for Sustainable Development
plays a key role. Established in 1997, it advises the federal authorities about that policy, at the
federal government's and parliament's request, as well as on its own initiative. Ministers
frequently call on the Council for advice regarding different societal issues. The Council is also
actively involved in the consultative process surrounding the preparation of the federal plans for
sustainable development. Furthermore the Federal Council for Sustainable Development acts as a
forum to encourage the sustainable development debate, for instance by means of organizing
symposia. Experts in the area, representatives of government and civil society, and a wider public
have the opportunity to explain their point of view and to dialogue. The Council makes use of the
results when formulating advices. The Council was also given the task of sensitizing organizations
and citizens on the subject of sustainable development.
Its members represent various social organizations: environmental organizations, development
organizations, consumers' unions, trade unions, employers' federations, energy producers and
the world of science. Federal and regional government representatives and delegates of
environmental and socio©economic advisory bodies only have an advisory voice in the meetings.
www.frdo©cfdd.be
With regards to the scientific community, reference can be made to the various research
programmes implemented under the auspices of the Belgian science policy (The research
programme ¡°Science for a Sustainable Development¡± (2005 ¨C 2009).; the Scientific Support Plan
for a Sustainable Development Policy © SPSD II (2000©2006); and the Scientific Support Plan for a
Sustainable Development Policy © SPSD I (1996©2001)), which are intended to preserve and
develop the scientific potential in strategically important areas for sustainable development
with the objective of reducing scientific uncertainties and anticipating future needs of knowledge
and offering the political authorities the scientific support required for the preparation,
implementation, and follow©up of a supranational, federal, regional, or local policy in the field of
sustainable development.
Flemish Region:
© The academic world: there is a working group of academics that conduct studies in
the field of sustainable development for the government on the subjects of
governance/ transition and system innovation/ institutional framework. They
cooperated in the development of the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development
and the transition processes that are active or that are being initiated in Flanders
(sustainable building and housing, sustainable materials management, mobility, nutrition,
energy and health care).
© The advisory councils: there are several advisory councils in Flanders: for the environment,
social©economic affairs, international affairs, mobility, education, governance, science and
innovation, culture, welfare ¡ These advisory councils have cooperated in the development
of the long term view of the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development and have
submitted a written advice on that strategy.
© NGOs: the Flemish NGOs that work on the theme of sustainable development have
cooperated in the development of the long term view of the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable
Development. They also participate in the transition processes that are active or that are
being initiated in Flanders.
© Business and industry: a few companies have contributed to the long term view of the
Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development. In the transition processes that are active or
that are being initiated in Flanders (sustainable building and housing, sustainable materials
management, mobility, nutrition, energy and health care), interested companies are actively
involved in the process.
© Sub© regional entities such as the cities and provinces
© Trade unions and employers¡¯ association
Wallonia
© The regional sustainable development council and its 30 Advisory Committees : the
CESRW (Walloon Region Economic and Social Council) and among its 30 Advisory
Committees, the CWEDD (Walloon Environment Council for Sustainable
Development), as described before, are involved in the policy development in
Wallonia.
© NGOs: The associative sector plays an important role in the decision making process
and in informing the public.
o For example, ¡°Inter©Environnement Wallonie¡± (Wallonia Inter©Environment) created
30 years ago, which consists of an active federation including 150 different
organizations struggling for the implementation of sustainable development at all
levels (local, regional, federal and even European) and making concrete actions to
protect the environment. As a consequence, environmental issues have more
chances to be integrated in legal documents as well as being part of the political
decisions. http://www.iewonline.be/
o Another example is ¡°Association 21¡±, a platform bringing together 26 organizations
from different sectors of society (CRIOC, the League of Families, ATD Fourth World,
Wallonia Inter©Environment, Oxfam ...). Its goal is to facilitate exchanges and joint
action in order to accelerate the implementation of economic and social
development of our society that is also environmentally friendly.
http://www.associations21.be/
© Local stakeholders : Wallonia support various programs including active collaboration
between the population and the local governments in the decision making process in the
field of sustainable environmental development. Among these programs :
o the PCDR (Municipal Rural Development Programmes), as described before;
o the PCDN (Municipal Nature Development Programmes):.
http://environnement.wallonie.be/dnf/PCDN/ ;
o the River Contracts : http://environnement.wallonie.be/contrat%5Friviere/
© Socio©economic actors: the Walloon government has concluded framework agreements with
its socio©economic actors. The mission assigned to them by this convention is to inform,
report and educate their target population on a better management of the environment.
Among these partnerships are framework agreements with the business, the NGOs and the
trade union sectors.
Generally speaking, consistent involvement, transparent communication and dissemination of
feedback and results have proven to be particularly effective means for strengthening
participation of major groups and other relevant stakeholders in the national sustainable
development efforts.
In terms of stakeholder participation, the Belgian Federal Council for Sustainable Development
plays a key role. Established in 1997, it advises the federal authorities about that policy, at the
federal government's and parliament's request, as well as on its own initiative. Ministers
frequently call on the Council for advice regarding different societal issues. The Council is also
actively involved in the consultative process surrounding the preparation of the federal plans for
sustainable development. Furthermore the Federal Council for Sustainable Development acts as a
forum to encourage the sustainable development debate, for instance by means of organizing
symposia. Experts in the area, representatives of government and civil society, and a wider public
have the opportunity to explain their point of view and to dialogue. The Council makes use of the
results when formulating advices. The Council was also given the task of sensitizing organizations
and citizens on the subject of sustainable development.
Its members represent various social organizations: environmental organizations, development
organizations, consumers' unions, trade unions, employers' federations, energy producers and
the world of science. Federal and regional government representatives and delegates of
environmental and socio©economic advisory bodies only have an advisory voice in the meetings.
www.frdo©cfdd.be
With regards to the scientific community, reference can be made to the various research
programmes implemented under the auspices of the Belgian science policy (The research
programme ¡°Science for a Sustainable Development¡± (2005 ¨C 2009).; the Scientific Support Plan
for a Sustainable Development Policy © SPSD II (2000©2006); and the Scientific Support Plan for a
Sustainable Development Policy © SPSD I (1996©2001)), which are intended to preserve and
develop the scientific potential in strategically important areas for sustainable development
with the objective of reducing scientific uncertainties and anticipating future needs of knowledge
and offering the political authorities the scientific support required for the preparation,
implementation, and follow©up of a supranational, federal, regional, or local policy in the field of
sustainable development.
Flemish Region:
© The academic world: there is a working group of academics that conduct studies in
the field of sustainable development for the government on the subjects of
governance/ transition and system innovation/ institutional framework. They
cooperated in the development of the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development
and the transition processes that are active or that are being initiated in Flanders
(sustainable building and housing, sustainable materials management, mobility, nutrition,
energy and health care).
© The advisory councils: there are several advisory councils in Flanders: for the environment,
social©economic affairs, international affairs, mobility, education, governance, science and
innovation, culture, welfare ¡ These advisory councils have cooperated in the development
of the long term view of the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development and have
submitted a written advice on that strategy.
© NGOs: the Flemish NGOs that work on the theme of sustainable development have
cooperated in the development of the long term view of the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable
Development. They also participate in the transition processes that are active or that are
being initiated in Flanders.
© Business and industry: a few companies have contributed to the long term view of the
Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development. In the transition processes that are active or
that are being initiated in Flanders (sustainable building and housing, sustainable materials
management, mobility, nutrition, energy and health care), interested companies are actively
involved in the process.
© Sub© regional entities such as the cities and provinces
© Trade unions and employers¡¯ association
Wallonia
© The regional sustainable development council and its 30 Advisory Committees : the
CESRW (Walloon Region Economic and Social Council) and among its 30 Advisory
Committees, the CWEDD (Walloon Environment Council for Sustainable
Development), as described before, are involved in the policy development in
Wallonia.
© NGOs: The associative sector plays an important role in the decision making process
and in informing the public.
o For example, ¡°Inter©Environnement Wallonie¡± (Wallonia Inter©Environment) created
30 years ago, which consists of an active federation including 150 different
organizations struggling for the implementation of sustainable development at all
levels (local, regional, federal and even European) and making concrete actions to
protect the environment. As a consequence, environmental issues have more
chances to be integrated in legal documents as well as being part of the political
decisions. http://www.iewonline.be/
o Another example is ¡°Association 21¡±, a platform bringing together 26 organizations
from different sectors of society (CRIOC, the League of Families, ATD Fourth World,
Wallonia Inter©Environment, Oxfam ...). Its goal is to facilitate exchanges and joint
action in order to accelerate the implementation of economic and social
development of our society that is also environmentally friendly.
http://www.associations21.be/
© Local stakeholders : Wallonia support various programs including active collaboration
between the population and the local governments in the decision making process in the
field of sustainable environmental development. Among these programs :
o the PCDR (Municipal Rural Development Programmes), as described before;
o the PCDN (Municipal Nature Development Programmes):.
http://environnement.wallonie.be/dnf/PCDN/ ;
o the River Contracts : http://environnement.wallonie.be/contrat%5Friviere/
© Socio©economic actors: the Walloon government has concluded framework agreements with
its socio©economic actors. The mission assigned to them by this convention is to inform,
report and educate their target population on a better management of the environment.
Among these partnerships are framework agreements with the business, the NGOs and the
trade union sectors.
Generally speaking, consistent involvement, transparent communication and dissemination of
feedback and results have proven to be particularly effective means for strengthening
participation of major groups and other relevant stakeholders in the national sustainable
development efforts.
Success Factors
Question 11
Are there examples, whether in the sustainable development domain or in related policy domains (e.g., MDGs, other), where an effective institutional framework has contributed to significant positive outcomes at national level? international level?
Federal Level
- Reference can be made to the Interdepartmental Commission for Sustainable Development
(ICSD, established in 1997 by the Federal Act on Sustainable Development, as a central venue
for cooperation, consultation and coordination on issues related to sustainable development.
Membership of the ICSD now extents to representatives of the various federal
administrations, representatives of each sub]national government and a representative from
the Federal Planning Bureau.
Flemish Level
The creation of a Team Sustainable Development, under the minister]president of the
Flemish government, with steady funding, a legal basis and a working group where all
the administrations are involved, has strongly improved the possibilities for coordinating
the Flemish policy for sustainable development.
- Reference can be made to the Interdepartmental Commission for Sustainable Development
(ICSD, established in 1997 by the Federal Act on Sustainable Development, as a central venue
for cooperation, consultation and coordination on issues related to sustainable development.
Membership of the ICSD now extents to representatives of the various federal
administrations, representatives of each sub]national government and a representative from
the Federal Planning Bureau.
Flemish Level
The creation of a Team Sustainable Development, under the minister]president of the
Flemish government, with steady funding, a legal basis and a working group where all
the administrations are involved, has strongly improved the possibilities for coordinating
the Flemish policy for sustainable development.
Challenges
Question 15
What are the most significant challenges facing international institutions charged with promoting sustainable development?
Belgium views sustainable development as a truly comprehensive policy holding many different
transversal and cross]cutting challenges. In addition, competencies pertaining to sustainable
development are divided among the different regional and federal authorities. As a result,
securing efficient mechanisms for horizontal and vertical policy integration and coordination
remains a constant challenge.
Other challenges relate to
] Consistent levels of political support
] stakeholder participation and ownership.
] Support of an integrated approach, not only from the perspective of environmental services
] The development and maintenance of a solid knowledge base
Effective communication, education and awareness]raising
transversal and cross]cutting challenges. In addition, competencies pertaining to sustainable
development are divided among the different regional and federal authorities. As a result,
securing efficient mechanisms for horizontal and vertical policy integration and coordination
remains a constant challenge.
Other challenges relate to
] Consistent levels of political support
] stakeholder participation and ownership.
] Support of an integrated approach, not only from the perspective of environmental services
] The development and maintenance of a solid knowledge base
Effective communication, education and awareness]raising