csr sesh 10

Introduction to Session 10: SD Governance

Learning Objectives

  • Identify institutions and organizations involved in Sustainable Development (SD)

  • Understand changes in practices due to different organizations in SD

  • Learn key mechanisms for environmental policy implementation

  • Recognize the role of international negotiations in trade, aid, debt, and climate change for promoting SD

Transition from Government to Governance

  • Shift from traditional government roles to governance which includes multiple institutions.

  • Governance: A complex network of institutions, rules, and participants that steers societal change.

  • Environmental Governance: Encompasses both formal (state, business, NGOs) and informal (family arrangements) institutions influencing environmental actions.

Principles of Governance

  • Governance involves the interaction between formal institutions and civil society.

  • It signifies how elements in society exercise power, authority, and influence, enacting policies for public life and social upliftment.

Three Aspects of Governance

1. Good Governance

  • Effective decision-making processes.

2. Effective Governance

  • Capacity of countries to pursue sustainable development.

3. Equitable Governance

  • Focuses on distributive outcomes.

Eight Elements of Good Governance

  • Rule of law

  • Consensus-oriented

  • Effectiveness and efficiency

  • Equity

  • Inclusiveness

  • Transparency

  • Accountability

  • Responsiveness

Key Organizations and Institutions in SD

  • International environmental and financial institutions

  • Governments

  • Businesses

  • Civil Society organizations

  • Key Arenas: Aid, Trade, Debt linking SD in developing countries with actors beyond boundaries.

Selected Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

  • Ramsar Convention (1971): Conservation and wise use of wetlands.

  • World Heritage Convention (1972): Preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

  • CITES (1973): Regulates international trade in endangered species.

  • CMS (1979): Conservation of migratory species.

  • UNCLOS: Comprehensive legal framework for ocean use.

  • Vienna Convention (1988): Protecting human health from ozone depletion.

  • Basel Convention (1989): Environmental sound management of hazardous wastes.

  • UNFCCC (1992): Framework for controlling greenhouse gases (GHGs).

  • Kyoto Protocol (1997): Legally binding GHG emission reductions.

  • Paris Agreement (2015): Global framework to limit climate change.

Sustainable Development Actors

Public Actors

  • Significant international institutions (e.g., UNEP, GEF)

  • Role of the European Union in providing frameworks and standards beyond the pollution-pays principle.

  • Local authorities such as cities and regions.

Financial Actors

  • Banks and insurance firms as key financing sources for eco-friendly initiatives.

  • Ethical responsibilities of financial actors in SD commitments.

  • Growth of Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) emphasizing social and environmental criteria.

Economic Actors

  • Listed companies leveraging CSR for funding and development.

  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) also adopting CSR due to market demands.

  • Public procurement regulations encouraging socio-environmental criteria.

  • Investment in clean technologies to drive profits and sustainability.

NGOs and Civil Society

  • NGOs raise public awareness and pressure companies for environmental consciousness.

  • Notable NGOs include Greenpeace, WWF, and Amnesty International.

  • Engagement of citizens and educational institutions in sustainability initiatives.

CSR Policy and Legal Framework

In the EU

  • EU Sustainable Development Strategy (2001): Aimed for sustainable development across Europe.

  • Revised strategy (2005): Focus on generation needs without compromising future generations.

In France

  • NRE Law (2001): Mandating companies to report on social and environmental effects of their activities.

  • La Charte de l’Environnement (2005): Ensures everyone’s right to a healthy environment.

  • Grenelle de l'Environnement (2008): Priorities include climate change, biodiversity, and pollution reduction.

  • PACTE Law (2019): Requirement for companies to integrate social and environmental issues into management practices.

CSR Rating Agencies in France

  • Vigeo Eiris: Evaluates companies on sustainability performance.

  • EthiFinance: Focus on European SMEs’ CSR evaluations.

  • Beyond Ratings: Specialized in integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria into credit ratings.

Contributing Organizations to SD

Ecological and Solidarity Tourism

  • ISO 14001: Certification for environmental management systems.

  • Blue Flag: Recognizes municipalities and marinas with sustainable policies.

  • Green Resorts: Rural towns with quality charters preserving the environment.

Sustainable Development Events

  • European SD Week: Promotes sustainable actions and awareness.

  • SD Student Week: Engages students in sustainability projects.

  • European Week for Waste Reduction: Educates public on waste prevention.

Eco-delegation and Student Engagement

  • Role of eco-delegates in schools to drive sustainability efforts.

  • Eco-School Label: Assists schools in SD implementation across various themes.

  • REFEDD: Student-led associations promoting sustainability projects and awareness.

Acknowledgments

  • Presentation credits to Slidesgo, Flaticon, Freepik, and Stories.