9 September 2013: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have released the final report of the global consultation on environmental sustainability in the post-2015 development agenda. The report emphasizes the linkages between environmental sustainability and human development, and urges transformative action that integrates economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development.

‘Breaking Down the Silos: Integrating Environmental Sustainability in the Post-2015 Agenda’ summarizes the key messages of the consultation, which engaged over 5,000 people around the world through 11 online discussions, the Leadership Meeting on Environmental Sustainability held in Costa Rica, and discussion notes.

Rather than define specific environmental goals, the Consultation discussed connections between environmental sustainability and human development. Participants agreed on the need to include four principles in the post-2015 agenda: integrated development that advances economic, environmental and social sustainable development and ensures environmental sustainability and poverty eradication; equality in access to natural resources and engagement in decision-making processes; human rights-based approaches; and resilience of communities.

The Consultation concluded that the post-2015 agenda should build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while identifying challenges in achieving them, including: failure to address key drivers of environmental sustainability; poor integration of environmental sustainability and poverty reduction and ‘silo-ed’ approaches; competition among goals; lack of data and poor monitoring; and limited grassroots engagement. The Consultation highlighted three challenges to environmental sustainability: population dynamics; consumption and production patterns; and climate change.

Participants identified four areas where action is needed to overcome barriers and drive change. On economic transformation, participants called for: reconsidering how progress is measured; recognizing sustainability as good business; and transitioning to an inclusive, green economy and sustainable consumption and production (SCP). On governance and accountability, participants highlighted the need for an enabling framework that integrates environmental and social values, strengthens institutions, ensures transparency and incorporates legal empowerment. On local action and empowerment, participants recommended ensuring access to education, information and resources for marginalized and vulnerable groups, including children, indigenous communities and women. Finally, participants identified education that is culturally sensitive, flexible and relevant as necessary to achieve transformational change.

UNDP and UNEP co-led the global thematic consultation with support from the Governments of Costa Rica and France. [Publication: Breaking Down the Silos] [IISD RS Coverage of Leadership Meeting] [Consultation Webpage]