United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA)

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data collection is by mission to regional countries; direct contact with national sources of data and information; extract data from member country's reports to various EGM, seminars and workshops. The source of the data is Governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGO's, private sector, specialized agencies, international sources (OECD, EU, etc.) and UN organizations. All types of data relevant to sustainable development, including social and human development are gathered.

Coordination of data-gathering is carried out by inter-secretariat coordination (the Statistical Division of ESCWA is the leading focal point for data collection, generation, tabulation, etc.). Furthermore, ESCWA's substantive divisions feed the Statistics Division of ESCWA in cooperation with regional organizations generating raw data or processed information.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization

For 1998-1999 programme activities, the secretariat is planning to outline the region specific energy and water environmental standards in its attempt to achieve compatibility and develop national framework for environmental protection of natural resources.

Various technical reports prepared by the secretariat touch upon uses of quality control, eco-labelling, life cycle management and ISO 14000.

The secretariat through its team of regional advisors, convening EGM's and publications, covers issues of harmonization in its general and specific context.

Assessment and Analysis
The areas include assessment of land use, energy, water, industry and other areas of resource based natural endowment. The analysis covers socio-economic and sustainability issues ranging from poverty, its roots and causes; demographic dynamics; privatization; regional economic integration, promotion of science and technology; industrial development; agricultural development and management of water resources. Furthermore, ESCWA is a leading organization in the promotion and dissemination of renewable sources of energy particularly in the LDC country (Republic of Yemen) and rural and remote areas of the region.

ESCWA since its establishment was assigned the task of promoting regional cooperation. In this context it coordinates and promotes regional cooperation among various organizations and United Nations Agencies for the implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of other UN global conferences.

Techniques used include standard methodologies, established norms and standardization by the United Nations.

Indicators
ESCWA, in cooperation with the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environment (CAMRE), is initiating a process for establishing environmental and sustainability indicators suitable for the region. Furthermore, it renders technical assistance services to member countries upon their request to establish air, water and other indices and indicators.

Modelling
As far as natural resources is concerned, the secretariat is involved in developing a mathematical modelling of coastal areas aquifers (case of coastal plain of Fujirah in the UAE) in its broader operation projects of setting up downstream infrastructure for the management of fresh water resources.

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems
The secretariat is involved in promoting GIS, application of remote sensing for assessment of natural resources and introduction of new materials for production and promotion of clean technology.

Early Warning Mechanisms
The secretariat is not involved in early warning systems, although its annual reports on socio-economic and natural resources and environmental assessment touch upon emerging priorities of water shortages, deterioration of air and water quality, and desertification.

Reports/Information dissemination

Dissemination includes regular publication of reports, proceedings and data sheets concerning regular programme activities of the secretariat. Through convening EGM and participation in meetings organized in the region, the secretariat utilizes these avenues for further dissemination of information. The ESCWA Library being a depository library in the region contributes in furthering dissemination of information. The introduction of internets and networking initiated by ESCWA intends to enhance transparency in the dissemination of information.

The primary users in ESCWA's constituency are its member countries, decision makers, universities, research centers, chambers of commerce, selected NGO's and regional and international organizations in addition to donor agencies

ESCWA is trying to articulate improved regional dissemination of information. However, the region is still uneasy about releasing information, particularly in countries where the public sector is dominant. As such ESCWA relies on information provided by its member countries and its own efforts of undertaking missions in the region, engaging consultants to solicit and verify data and other sources of regional and global information.

Network Development and Support
ESCWA promotes networking among leading institutions concerned with sustainable development. As such the secretariat developed a regional network on renewable sources of energy. It is also engaged in networking activities in areas of electricity, water management, science and technology, and energy in general.

Capacity-Building
The operational projects, technical advisory services, convening of EGM's, training courses and related technical publications are directed toward strengthening and enhancing capacity building of member states and other intergovernmental organizations.

Internet Access

 http://www.escwa.org.lb/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Mr Mohammad Wahab
Earthwatch focal point
Environment Coordination Unit (ECU)
Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
ESCWA
Riad El-Solh Square
P.O. Box 11-8575
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961-1 981301 / 981311 / 981401
Fax: +961-1 981510 / 981511

Date of preparation: Updated September 1998

ORGANIZATION:United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA)