Pollution Control and Environment Governance

From the above discussion it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.

Summary

From the above discussion it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.

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Pollution Control and Environment Governance

Pollution Control and Environment Governance

Good Governance

Introduction

In recent times the terms "governance" and "good governance" are being increasingly used in development literature. There is a concept in our societies that Bad governance is being increasingly regarded as one of the root causes of all evil. Major donors and international financial institutions are increasingly basing their aid and loans on the condition that reforms that ensure "good governance" are undertaken. This note tries to explain, as simply as possible, what "governance" and "good governance" means.

Governance

Talking about the "governance" it is not new for all. Simply we can say that governance is as old as human civilization. In simple term "governance" means:the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). We can use Governance in several contexts such as international governance, corporate governance, national governance and local governance. Since governance is the process of decision making and the process by which decisions are implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing the decisions made and the formal and informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and implement the decision. Government is also taken as the actors in governance. Other actors involved in governance vary depending on the level of government that is under discussion. On the context of rural areas, some example, other actors may include influential land lords, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, finance institutions political parties, the military, associations of peasant farmers religious leaders etc. There is so much complexity situation in urban areas. The interconnections between actors involved in urban governance can be seen in the Figure 1. At the national level, in addition to the above actors, lobbyists, international donors, media, multi-national corporations, etc. may play a role in decision making or in influencing the decision-making process. All actors other than government and the military are grouped together as part of the "civil society." In some countries in addition to the civil society, organized crime syndicates also influence decision-making, particularly in urban areas and at the national level. Similarly formal government structures are one means by which decisions are arrived at and implemented. At the national level, informal decision-making structures, such as "kitchen cabinets" or informal advisors may exist. In urban areas, organized crime syndicates such as the "land Mafia" may influence decision-making. In some rural areas we can still find the locally powerful families may make or influence decision-making. Corrupt practices or leads to corrupt practices are the results of such informal decision-making.

Good Governance

There are 8 major characteristics of Good governance. It is participatory, accountable, consensus oriented, transparent, responsive, equitable and inclusive effective and efficient, and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Figure 1: Urban actors

Figure 1: Urban Actor
Figure 1: Urban Actor

Participation

The key cornerstone of good governance is participation by both men and women. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. While Participation we must need to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand.

Rule of law

Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.

Transparency

Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also tells that information/data is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. And also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.

Responsiveness

Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.

Consensus oriented

There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.

Equity and inclusiveness

A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being.

Effectiveness and efficiency

Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Accountability

The key requirement of good governance is Accountability. Not only governmental institutions but also civil society organizations and private sector must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an institution or an organization is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.

Reference

Mr. Yap Kioe Sheng

Chief,

Poverty Reduction Section

UNESCAP, UN Building,

Rajdamnern Nok Ave.

Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Tel: 66-2-288-1600

Fax: 66-2-288 1056

E-mail: escap-prs@un.org

URL: <www.unescap.org/pdd>

Lesson

Environmental Governance

Subject

Environmental science

Grade

Bachelor of Science

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