NEIP: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS PROGRAMME

Phase 1: Scoping

The first phase of the programme consisted of a scoping and design phase, the primary objective of the scoping phase was to understand the strategic context of the National Environmental Indicators Programme. This was done through a number of tasks, including:

• Develop an understanding of the global and national requirements for enhancing the availability and quality of environmental information, and the benefits of having a national core set of environmental indicators, as well as a coordinated system for monitoring and reporting on the indicators;
• Develop an understanding of the use and value of indicators in providing information for decision-making;
• Develop an understanding of how indicators are selected or developed;
• Review possible frameworks that can be used to develop a core set of environmental indicators and form the basis of a reporting system;
• Review other indicator initiatives both in South Africa and internationally that could be adopted, in order to prevent duplication of work already done or in progress;
• Consult with representatives of stakeholders to explain the National Environmental Indicators Programme and obtain feedback on how to secure stakeholder involvement in the development of indicators for SOE reporting in South Africa;
• Propose a process through which the core set of environmental indicators can be developed in collaboration with stakeholders.