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INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BELGIUM

Click here to go to these sections: Integrated Decision-Making Major Groups Science Information International Law

INTEGRATED DECISION-MAKING

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Since 1993, Belgium is a Federal state with several levels of power, namely the Federal Government, the Flemish Community and the Flemish Region which have been merged, the Walloon Region, the Brussels Capital City Region, the French-speaking Community, and the German-speaking Community. Each level of power has its own coordinating structures for the implementation of Agenda 21.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a Topical Coordination Division (TCD) for coordinating consensus on environmental matters among Federal, Regional, and Community authorities. It also coordinates the drafting of the Belgian report on sustainable development. Cross-sectorial and inter-departmental coordination has been initiated between the Federal Government and the three Regional Governments in the context of cooperation on international environmental policy. The Coordination Committee for International Environmental Policy (CCIEP) was established and became fully operational in 1995. It systematically reviews the relationship and overlaps between international agreements, and is charged with coordination and consultation activities to ensure vertical and horizontal integration regarding environmental policy. It also decides on Belgium's international environmental policy.

The decision-making structures regarding sustainable development are far from fully integrated in Belgium. However, at the regional level, laws and frameworks regarding environment policy have been permanently improved since UNCED, and a coordinating mechanism decides on Belgium's international environment policy. The new law improving the planning and management of sustainable development at the Federal level brings institutional changes and introduces new procedures to facilitate the integrated consideration of social, economic, and environmental issues.

An interdepartmental commission is in charge of the scientific aspects of sustainable development. The Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs (OSTC) is preparing a framework for research on sustainable development. One programme under this framework aims to improve communication on the subject of implementing sustainable development among scientists, decision makers, and NGOs. Activities under this initiative include a discussion platform for policy proposals, carrying out studies and small research projects to integrate results from multi-disciplinary approaches, and an all-inclusive database pertaining to sustainable development.

Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations 

In Belgium, the review and revision of legislative, regulatory, and administrative guidelines have, since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), been a permanent process. The Regional Governments of Flanders and Wallonia have adopted regional laws as the framework for the integration of this process regarding environment. The main environmental competence of the Federal Government is coordination and the interface with international authorities. Part of the country's social and economic responsibilities lies at the Federal level. The Regional Governments are also responsible for a large part of social and economic affairs, and the Community Governments for personal and cultural affairs.

At the end of 1996, the Federal Government decided to propose to the Federal Parliament a new law improving the planning and management of sustainable development at the Federal level. This law brings institutional changes and introduces new procedures to facilitate the integrated consideration of social, economic, and environmental issues. Its main innovation is the quadrennial organization for the planning of Federal policies and measures for sustainable development under the leadership of a Federal Interdepartmental Commission on Sustainable Development. The Commission provides guidance to the Federal Planning Office which will be in charge of the secretariat of the Commission. The Planning Office will publish every two years a Federal report on sustainable development, monitor the state of development every other year (including business as usual and their impacts compared to alternative scenarios), and plan a Federal sustainable development strategy. This strategy will be subjected to the examination and advice of the National Council of Sustainable Development, where major groups of society are represented. This advice is to be taken into account before adoption by the Government. The Council advises the Federal Government on sustainable development measures, particularly the implementation of the European Union's Fifth Action Programme on the Environment and Agenda 21. It proposes studies related to sustainable development, organizes fora, and will obtain broad public participation concerning sustainable development.

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

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MAJOR GROUPS

WOMEN

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

In Belgium, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was signed on 17 July 1980 and ratified on 10 July 1985.

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

Policies and strategies are being established to achieve equality in all aspects of society and full participation by women in sustainable development. The Belgian Government is taking the necessary measures to review projects and programmes proposed within the framework of Agenda 21 to improve women's conditions, to eliminate gender stereotyping, to involve women and their organizations in environmental policy processes, and to increase women's influence in environmental decision-making processes. Steps have been taken to coordinate operational programmes to ensure that gender considerations are fully integrated into all policies and activities. Recent initiatives include: the presence of women on advisory and management committees, education and training, and health institutions, etc. Mechanisms are being formulated to assess the implementation and impact of development and environmental policies on women.

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

The Women's Council is formed of many NGOs whose actions are focused on women's development, highlighting the special role of women in society. Both the Social Democratic and the Christian Democratic trade unions are involved in the organization of programmes aimed at improving women in labour market conditions, and the associated social needs.

The proportion of women in decision making roles in 1996 were as follows: Federal Government 10.5%, Regional Governments 11%; the Chamber 11.3% (17 women on 150); the Senate 23.6% (17 women on 72); Regional Parliaments 17.6%; and in Walloon, Flemish, and Brussels municipalities 20%, 20%, and 27% respectively. Curricula and education materials already provide gender relevant knowledge.

Cooperation  

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

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CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Two law projects were started in 1995 to reinforce existing Belgian laws on the exploitation of children. The Government is working to create new laws to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. It is proposing strategies to prevent sexual and physical abuse of children and to promote strategies to identify factors which contribute to child abuse. A National Centre for Missing Children will be created in the near future.

No information is available

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

The Youth's Community Councils for the Environment were created in the Wallonia Region to involve youth in the decision making process. Specific projects conducted by youth are funded by local authorities. A second important youth fora is the Federal Sitting for Youth Help. These fora play an ad hoc role in the National decision making process. Important NGOs include the Flemish Consultation on Sustainable Development, the World Workgroup Training, and the Youth for Development Platform. These NGOs are very active in areas such as networking with other NGOs to reinforce their involvement in the decision making process by focusing on specific topics, such as the role of youth in environmental issues and community groups, and education campaigns. The NGOs work with youth groups to make them aware of the realities in developing countries.

No information is available

Status   

The goal set in Agenda 21 to ensure that by the year 2000 more than 50% of youth, gender balanced, have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training has been reached. Nevertheless, youth unemployment for those 25 years old and younger has increased from 14.9% in 1992 to 21% in early 1996.

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

ecision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Status  

Some NGOs in Belgium are working in programmes aimed at indigenous people and their communities. Through the Climate Alliance, the Flemish Organization for Sustainable Development (VODO) cooperates with the Coordinating Organization of Indigenous Communities of the Amazonian Region (COICA) whose actions are aimed at defending land rights, human rights, indigenous culture, and representation at the National level. The Confederation of Christian Trade Unions of Belgium (CSC/ACV), in collaboration with the organization Solidarité Mondiale/Wereld Solidariteit, works on programmes concerning the social emancipation and well-being of indigenous people in several areas of the world. The Social Democratic Trade Union (FGTB/ABVV) is involved with Bulgarian trade unions to integrate cultural and ethnic minorities into trade union structures and actions.

No information is available

Financing  

The Belgian Administration for Development Cooperation (BADC) contributes to the Indigenous People Fund. This fund is intended to finance projects for the benefit of South American indigenous people and their communities. These programmes specially focus on the identification of settlement areas, the strengthening of institutional representation, and the encouragement of political communication and organization.

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

Belgium is reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. Mechanisms already exist and NGOs are participating fully in the review of Agenda 21 implementation. These mechanisms allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively and a mutually productive dialogue exists at the National level between NGOs and governments.

NGOs participate in a wide range of special programmes at local, regional, and National levels such as women in development, maternal and child health, assistance for developing countries, community development, development education, indigenous people and their communities, etc. NGOs in Belgium provide a bridge between the government and the community for the exchange of views and information on National and international environmental issues. The Belgian Government encourages participation by NGOs on Belgian delegations to major international conferences. NGOs have been represented in the National delegations to the Commission on Sustainable Development. Although there is considerable effort to support representatives of major groups in their sustainable development efforts, much remains to be accomplished.

No information is available

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising  

Many of the NGO's actions are related to Agenda 21 including training and educational programmes on North-South issues; and political actions related to National and international policy and support of development programmes in developing countries. The Federal Government provides financial and technical assistance to NGOs with a view to raising community awareness, and increasing understanding of environmental issues and ecologically sustainable development principles.

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

The Belgian Government supports local Agenda 21 initiatives. It also encourages local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.

Programmes and Projects   

Municipal authorities have established a number of actions for the coordination of operational programmes and projects to ensure environmental infrastructure, to establish local environmental policies and regulations, to assist with the implementation of National environmental policies, and to help coordinate programmes for infrastructure development. They are involved in operational programmes to facilitate a dialogue amongst themselves, the citizens, and private enterprises, concerning sustainable development. Local authority actions strengthen social responsibility, improve the social and cultural quality of life, preserve village structures, rehabilitate and revive rural communities, establish biological diversity and river contracts, establish noise and waste pollution regulations, regulate land use for construction purposes, and complete environmental impact assessments and educational programmes.

No information is available

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising   

In 1995, the Belgian Administration for Development Cooperation (BADC), in collaboration with local authorities, started a public awareness campaign focused on South American countries. Local authorities also worked with universities to organize conferences on Belgian development cooperation policies, environmental education, and the status of Algerian women.

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

WORKERS AND TRADE UNIONS

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

No information is available

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

Belgium trade unions are committed to preventive occupational health and safety. They play an important role in the tripartite mechanisms of safety, health, and sustainable development; and participate in the environmental, economic, and social policies of the country. Trade unions are involved in the design of operational programmes and projects aimed at strengthening the rights of individual workers such as industrial strategies, International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, employment policies, collective mechanisms to achieve sustainable development, and educational programmes. Belgian trade unions participate in the Council of Scientific Policy where issues of technology assessment and transfer are discussed. They have independently initiated a number of actions promoting sustainable development.

Both the Social Democratic and Christian Democratic trade unions are members of the National Council for Sustainable Development. The unions collaborate with the Federal and Regional Governments on projects at the Regional level, including the elaboration of sustainable development projects for the Walloon and the Flemish Region, and the design of educational and training programmes.

No information is available

Status   

In summary, workers take some part in Agenda 21 discussions and implementation. Activities to the year 2000 include: promoting ratification of ILO Conventions; establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanisms on safety, health, and sustainable development; increasing the number of environmental collective agreements; reducing occupational accidents and injuries; and increasing workers' education and training efforts.

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

In Belgium, there are government policies encouraging the efficiency of resource use, and there are government policies requiring recycling and reduction of waste.

Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement   

Belgian business and industry are closely involved in developing initiatives to promote sustainable development and attend National and international meetings related to environmental issues. The Belgian business community is developing a progressive environmental policy supported by information campaigns and environmental strategies.

No information is available

Status   

In addition, the Government encourages the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs. The Federal Government provides assistance to industry, primarily to integrate environmentally sound technologies in production processes and technology transfer. Most big and several small and medium sized enterprises have adopted sustainable development policies.

No information is available

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising   

Business and industry perform public information activities such as awareness campaigns in order to involve the population in discussions on environmental issues and sustainable development.

The Belgian Federation of Enterprises has been actively involved in the promotion of sustainable development production patterns. This includes the design and organization of an environmental management system training programme (with the support of the European Commission), and coordination of a pilot studies programme with a consortium of eight industrial companies aimed at the integration of International Standards Organization standards (ISO 9000 on quality systems and ISO 14000 on environmental management systems) and the European Union's voluntary Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The Wallonian Federation of Enterprises consistently informs and sensitizes small and medium sized enterprises on environmental management through its team of environmental consultants.

No information is available

Research and Technologies  

The Wallonian Directorate General for Natural Resources and the Environment has created the Clean Technologies Group particularly for the industrial sector. It aims, among other things, to implement an R&D programme on pollution prevention, provide assistance to the Wallonian Federation of Enterprises, help small and medium sized enterprises adopt more environmentally responsible production methods, and provide financial assistance to industry for investment in environmentally sound technology. Flemish enterprises can get financial assistance for investments in environmental technologies through the Flemish Ministry of Economic Affairs within the framework of economic expansion legislation.

No information is available

Cooperation  

Belgium provides international development assistance with a view to promote the use of environmentally sound technology in foreign industries. Priority areas include emissions and waste reduction, alternative methods of energy production, state-of-the-art production standards, and efficient resource utilization.

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COMMUNITY

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

The National Council for Sustainable Development allows scientists to examine science-related issues of National importance and to provide advice on specific issues. The Federal Ministry of Science Policy has undertaken a round of consultations with the scientific community and the Council aimed at bringing forward new and innovative programmes to promote sustainable development. There is some effort to exchange knowledge and concerns between the scientific and technological community and the general public in Belgium. The Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs (OSTC) is developing an information crossroad on sustainable development.

No information is available

Research and Technologies  

The scientific community is conducting research on sustainable development; much however, remains to be accomplished. Areas of research include climatic change mobility, human rights abuse, food strategies and food security, sustainable agricultural development, soil fertility conservation, land management, indicators of sustainable development, technology transfer, biological diversity, poverty, health, indigenous people, gender issues, etc.

Financing  

The Belgian Administration for Development Cooperation (BACD) provides financial assistance for R&D efforts. The 1993 Institutional Reform has put the Regional Governments and local authorities in charge of the majority of policies for R&D, and several programmes have been created in recent years to obtain funding for R&D. Belgium develops, improves, and promotes international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.

Cooperation  

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

FARMERS

No information is available.

No information is available.

No information is available.

There are a number of NGOs which represent farmers and rural communities on issues such as social welfare, animal health issues, education, trade and transport, etc. Activities are also being implemented to involve NGOs in decision-making processes related to sustainable agriculture, production and consumption patterns, and regional quality production. Other activities being implemented by NGOs focus on issues such as food security, sustainable agricultural policy, North-South agricultural impacts, and reorientation of agricultural and environmental policies. A number of farmers' unions are involved in many activities, including the design of projects (for example, cleaner production and water conservation); environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects; and workshops and training courses at the local, Regional, and Federal levels. The Federal Government and the Regional Governments provide financial assistance to a number of these activities.

Programmes and Projects 

Status   

The Federal Government, Regional Governments, and municipalities have all started activities which encourage farmers to protect biological diversity on their land. This includes design of operational programmes that provide incentives to farmers to manage their natural resources efficiently and in a sustainable way through sustainable farming practices and technologies, and low input and low energy processes. In Belgium, sustainable farming policies, practices, and technologies are promoted. Farmer's organizations participate in the design and implementation of sustainable development policies.

Challenges

No information is available.

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising  

No information is available.

Information

No information is available.

Research and Technologies  

No information is available.

Financing

No information is available.

Cooperation

No information is available.

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

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SCIENCE

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Belgium is a Federal country and the responsibility for Science Policy is spread over the different levels of public authority (the Federal State, the Regions, and the three linguistic Communities). As a principle each authority is responsible for the research falling within its general competence. For example, basic and applied research (in the universities and research institutions) is mainly financed by Regional bodies (more specifically, the Government of the French or Flemish Community); pure environment related research is funded by Regional authorities; while space research is funded by the Federal Government.

The Federal state may also intervene in support of international agreements, or when its action relates to activities which go beyond the interest of one Community or Region. In these cases, the Federal State acts on the base of cooperation agreements with the other Belgian authorities.

No information is available

Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans  

Some of the main objectives of Belgian science policy are:

• to ensure sufficient volume of human and financial resources to maintain and reinforce high-level basic research, most of which is completed in university institutions;
• to encourage industrial research in companies and collective research centres; and
• to stimulate research contributing to the pursuit of general interest objectives through publicly financed impetus programs.

No information is available

Programmes and Projects   

In the Federal Science Policy Department (OSTC), a framework program called Plan for Scientific Support of a Policy Aimed at Sustainable Development was launched in 1996 with a budget of Bfr 2.4 billion for the next six years. This framework program consists of seven research programs; some are new, others prolong activities which were launched in previous years. These programs are: a) global change and sustainable development (basically addressing the question of climate change); b) sustainable management of the North Sea aimed at a better understanding of the ecosystem of the North Sea and the consequences of human activities; c) Antarctic sciences to contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to protect the Antarctic ecosystem and to assure an interface with the Antarctic treaty; d) sustainable mobility (this existing research program was reoriented to give more attention to environmental aspects as well as traffic safety); e) food products and its normalization with special attention given to environmental assessment instruments and the enhancement of access to existing data; f) social aspects of sustainable development, including policy instruments and analysis of the causes for the absence of sustainable development; and g) teledetection to improve the use of an important instrument for decision making. There is an advisory committee composed of representatives of involved administrations for each programme. These committees ensure that the programme results are transmitted and implemented. Actions stemming from the programmes are not only linked, but provide the means to promote a dialogue between scientists, public agencies, and the public.

Status   

Belgium is a country with a long scientific tradition. In several fields (for example, life sciences and materials sciences) it has a well-known reputation. In addition, researchers, especially in universities, are dedicated to research related to water resources management. The science policies adopted in Belgium are comparable to those shared by other industrialized countries. They are based on the consensus and conviction that research can play a major role in ensuring social and economic progress, and in improving the quality of life. This is manifest in different ways through: a) the creation of the Federal Interministerial Commission on Sustainable Development; b) the adoption of the Plan for Scientific Support; c) the completion of various regional sustainable development reports based on scientific expertise; and d) calls for research solutions to precise questions, for example, those arising from within the framework of the carbon dioxide (CO2) policy.

No information is available

Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising   

The National Council for Sustainable Development is the official agency which supports dialogue among the scientific community, governments, and the general public. When it comes to enhancing the scientific understanding of sustainable development, all activities like exhibitions, publications, promotion campaigns like the one of the Brussels Capital City Region organized and sponsored by a very broad variety of institutions (state owned as well as private institutions) should be mentioned. There are several INTERNET addresses covering the scientific response to sustainable development, although it is necessary to search several sites.

Information   

The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) is regularly sent overview reports on science activities which support sustainable development. Other international organizations only get reports in response to specific questions, for example the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and other institutions in the context of international treaties.

Research and Technologies  

In Flanders, there are three research programs of special importance in the context of sustainable development : a Program on Environmental Technologies (in Dutch abbreviated as VLIM), a Program on Energy Technologies (abbreviation VLIET) and a Program Focused on Nature (abbreviation VLINA). VLIM aims to enhance the development and implementation of those techniques that make ecologically sound and economically efficient production possible. Five major areas have been developed: environmentally sound production processes; integrated measure and interpretation techniques for environmental technologies; treatment of specific waste aimed at reuse or recycling; techniques for prevention or remediation of diffuse pollution; and techniques for the disposal of historic pollution. A separate part of the VLIM program is dedicated to socioeconomic studies, which address such questions as: how to stimulate environmentally sound behaviour; how to augment responsibility; and the enlargement of policy instruments. VLIET addresses traditional energy sources, renewable energy sources, final utilization of energy technology, and all policy aspects. A sustainable development emphasis exists throughout this program. VLINA is oriented to research concerning the different components of the ecosystem.

In Wallonia, the main science program is the Environmental Technology Program. It is jointly managed by the Wallonian Research Agency (DGTRE) and the Wallonian Directorate General for Natural Resources and the Environment (DGRNE). It covers two types of financial help: subsidies as well as reclaimable financial aid. Subsidies can cover up to 70% of the cost of a research project of a private firm if the project tackles fundamental research; research preceding the development of products, processes, or services; and feasibility studies prior to the introduction of technologically advanced processes. Reclaimable aid is granted for the development of processes, products, or services when their industrial exploitation is imminent; for demonstration projects; and for general engineering studies. Five sectors of research are included: prevention of industrial pollution, and limitation of waste especially packing materials; recycling of effluents, industrial waste, residential waste, and agricultural waste; treatment of industrial effluents and industrial waste; control of industrial emissions; and methods to effectively intervene in cases of industrial pollution. In addition, DGTRE has developed a broad information campaign directed to industry through the publication of very detailed sectoral technology and environment files. These files tackle the reduction of disturbances (prevention as well as curative) with special attention to environmental, technological, and economical aspects.

There are several federal and regional research programmes which focus on the problem of more sustainable production and consumption patterns. In the Federal Plan for Scientific Support several socioeconomic programmes, such as the levers for sustainable development policy, mobility development, and the socioeconomic aspects of global change, have been initiated. The poverty problem is considered by research programmes within the Federal Plan which are not specifically dedicated to sustainable development, but which study aspects of sustainable development. In addition, there is a tradition of research on poverty in Belgium. At regular intervals, through "panel"surveys always with the same respondents, poverty is analyzed quantitatively (has the number of poor changed) as well as from an analytical viewpoint (causes and consequences).

Several steps have been taken in Belgium during recent years. Most research initiatives financed by the different authorities are described in detail in a document published by the Federal Science Policy Department (OSTC). This document was prepared in order to give an advisory body (a working party on research and sustainable development of the National Council for Sustainable Development) some insights in the relationship between sustainable development and research. The working group advises, in particular, on short and medium term priorities for research to promote sustainable development. These activities also foster the long term assessment and capacities in research institutions. More details are provided in the brochure "Comparison of scientific and technological policies of Community Member States, Belgium," European Commission, Crest, 1993, Report EUR.55035 EN; and "Science policy and sustainable development", OSTC, 1996 (available in French and Dutch).

No information is available

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth and sixth sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: January 1998.

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INFORMATION

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Agencies involved in information include the Federal Planning Office, the Ministry of the Flemish Government, the Walloon Directorate General for National Resources and the Environment, and the Brussels Institute for Environmental Management. The Federal Science Policy Department is financing a research program on the application of satellite remote sensing data and geographical information systems. This includes activities to raise public awareness on satellite data and to demonstrate its use as a tool for decision making through case studies.

No information is available

Status   

Belgium does not yet have a core set of indicators of sustainable development, but in 1996 Belgium decided to become a testing country in the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Programme on Indicators of Sustainable Development. The Interministerial Conference on the Environment (ICE) is responsible for the testing of the environmental part of the working list of indicators as of June 4, 1996. It has created a working group to examine the methodology sheets of the working list. The working group has examined the list and concluded that data are, in principle, available for 20 of the 57 environmental indicators of sustainable development. The ICE decided on November 12 1996 that Belgium would start with the in-depth analysis and completion of the methodology sheets for three indicators: domestic consumption of water per capita, use of agricultural pesticides, and household waste disposed per capita.

At the Federal level, research programs are mostly aimed at developing institutional indicators of sustainable development in particular, and other indicators in general. The results were discussed in seminars and open meetings during 1996. At the Regional level (Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels), work on indicators is carried out under the framework of Regional environmental reporting and policy making. Also at the Regional level, legislation has been adopted under European framework legislation aimed at enforcing the evaluation of environmental impacts of projects. A voluntary system of environmental evaluation for firms is being implemented by the Regions, in accordance with the European Union's voluntary Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Flemish Regional demographic and environmental indicators are published annually in VRIND. The Flemish Government has created a Functional Regional Database (FRED) to cover all types of policy relevant indicators. All Flemish agencies concerned with environment and sustainable development policies are connected to this database. The Walloon State of the Environment report, published each second year, has proven to be an excellent tool for decision making for both the public and private sectors in the Walloon Region. The Wallonia Government is also developing a central database of environmental data and indicators. Particular importance is given to the maintenance and improvement of networks to control environmental quality and inventories of polluting emissions. In collaboration with the Walloon Association of Enterprises, the Walloon Government has initiated a programme to provide small and middle-sized enterprises with environmental advisors. In the Brussels Region, the implementation of existing plans includes the use of indicators to assess the performance of policies and actions launched in fields such as waste management and promotion of biological heritage (plans for the management of air quality and noise data are under development). About fifteen environmental and social indicators included in a "dashboard" are published regularly as well as reports on the State of the Environment (1990,1994). Since October 1996, an environmental statistical observatory has been created to collect data and produce indicators. A report of the notion of "indicators of sustainability", which has different interpretations, has been published.

No information is available

Cooperation  

In 1995, Belgium hosted an International Workshop on Indicators of Sustainable Development for Decision-Making organized with the Government of Costa Rica, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE). A Working List of Indicators, in the form of a set of methodology sheets, was proposed at this first workshop from which countries could select the indicators for their National policies, according to their own problems, policies and targets. This Working List was adopted by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in 1996. The same year, Belgium hosted a second International Workshop which welcomed the methodology sheets as a valuable basis for harmonization in methodological approaches and commended the Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development for their publication. The second Ghent meeting marked the launch of the testing phase of the indicators of sustainable development and produced guidelines and a timetable for this testing phase.

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This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

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INTERNATIONAL LAW

Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies    

Major agreements entered into by Belgium and relevant to Agenda 21 include:

• the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, ratification instruments deposited in January 1996;
• the Convention on Biological Diversity, ratification instruments deposited in November 1996; and
• the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

No information is available

Financing  

No information is available

* * *

This information was provided by the Government of Belgium to the fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last Update: April 1997.

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