Policies, plans and programs that drive development in the region need to be strengthened to balance economic, environmental, and social goals. Environmental costs needs to be given due considerations in planning and decision making process. For a sustainable and prosperous future, the GMS countries need to put in place appropriate systems to plan for, and invest in, natural capital stocks.
GMS countries recognize the need to shift toward planning systems that optimize natural resource allocation for better long-term outcomes. However, making this shift is an immense challenge. Inadequate regulatory frameworks, a lack of technical know-how, fragmented government institutions and cross-sector coordination, and a lack of information on natural capital stocks and ecosystem services are among the many issues that need to be addressed.
Since its 2006 beginning, the Core Environment Program has taken a lead role in supporting government efforts to improve strategic planning. In particular, CEP has introduced Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) and piloted many SEA activities, helping mainstream the approach as a valuable planning tool.
Under its 2012–2016 Phase, CEP is expanding its strategic planning support with the aim of helping GMS governments to:
CEP strategic planning activities focus on the following four areas:
Click here to find out about CEP’s strategic planning activities.