The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) recently organized a regional workshop about an important framework for analyzing the impact of economic policies on the environment, called the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA).

In partnership with the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS) and the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the Regional Workshop on Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting Systems to Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Arab Region was held in Amman, Jordan from 26 to 29 March.

The workshop responded to the recommendation of the Consultative Meeting on the Implementation Framework for the Environmental Dimension of the 2030 Agenda in the Arab Region, which released a report with a set of conclusions on ways of integrating the environmental dimensions of the 2030 Agenda.
Participants included 26 experts and representatives from national statistical offices of 15 countries, including representatives from UNSD, UN Environment (UNEP), Statistics Canada and Statistics Indonesia.

During the workshop, participants and experts discussed concepts, principles and methodologies for the implementation of integrated environmental and economic accounting, and how SEEA can be implemented to respond to the growing national demands for integrated environmental-economic policies. In addition, they explored existing challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the SEEA framework in the Arab region.

The Workshop also provided an opportunity for practical exercises on the supply & use tables and assets accounts on water, energy and land. It offered knowledge on the linkages between the environment statistics, SEEA and environment-related SDG indicators.

In addition, participants engaged in a dialogue on existing capacity gaps related to the development of environmental accounts, and the ways to use relevant environmental statistical data to support follow-up and review of the SDGs. Discussions also focused on building a mechanism for regional interactions that address capacity gaps and strengthen SEEA.

The workshop concluded with the participants providing a list of priorities for their respective countries. Most agreed that water, energy, land, waste and environmental protection expenditures are priority accounts in the Arab region.

For more Information: “SEEA Central Framework and SDG’s Indicators”