18 - Innovative Approaches Toward Capacity Building

Summary

The significance of adopting preventive environmental approaches integrating cleaner production alternatives cannot be overemphasized. It is well known that preventive environmental management minimizes negative impacts and augments measures in environmental protection [UNEP IE, 1994; Nielsen et al, 1994; Van Berkel et. al, 1994; Chandak, 1994].

The need to become environmentally responsible, along an increasing gradient, also appears to have created a demand for systematic education and training efforts [UNEP IE/PAC, 1993a,b] addressing information requirements of several target groups whose activities are relevant in this context; notwithstanding reportedly perceived dichotomies between production and environmental protection activities [Nowak, 1993; UNEP IE, 1994]. The need to address issues of finance and reliability of technologies has also been emphasized. Awareness campaigns on cleaner production options (CPOs) supported by demonstration projects and training augmented by update on relevant information have also been proposed as elements of capacity building [UNEP IE, 1994]. A wide range of approaches have been adopted by the UNEP in its pursuit of capacity building (Box 18.1).

It will be evident from the framework of analysis embodied in the earlier chapters that several stakeholders in the community have equally significant roles to play in translating intentions of environmental protection to a reality. The scope for action permeates all levels of organization including on-floor levels, management entities of firms and industrial estates [UNEP, 1998b], regulators, policy makers and financial institutions, apart from the most significant stakeholder viz. the general public [UNEP, 2001].