The Swedish Government has adopted a policy for environmental and climate issues in Swedish development cooperation for 2010-2014.
"It is important as a governing document for the EfD initiative, which is funded by Sida and is part of Sida's development cooperation," says Anders Ekbom (left), one of the researchers in EfD's research committee and leader of the advisory function Sida's External Expert Advice for Environmental Economics.
"EfD contributes well to attaining the policy’s general objective to manage natural resources sustainably, reduce poverty and promote sustainable development, by producing and conveying research results to strategic planning and decision-making in partner countries. Strengthening institutional capacity for environment management in public administrations is a related area in which EfD makes important contributions to fulfill the objectives of the policy ", says Anders Ekbom.
The new policy establishes, according to its summary, "fundamental principles and sets out the Swedish Government’s general position regarding environmental and climate issues within development cooperation."
The summary also says:
"The overarching objective for Sweden’s environmental and climate support within development cooperation is: a better environment, sustainable use of natural resources, stronger resilience to environmental impact and climate change in developing countries, and limited climate impact.
Sweden shall focus its activities on the following areas in particular:
• Strengthened institutional capacity in public administration
• Improved food security and sustainable use of ecosystem services
• Improved water resources management, greater access to safe water
and basic sanitation
• Increased access to sustainable energy sources
• Sustainable urban development
The policy applies to Swedish bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. The policy shall be realised in strategies for cooperation with countries, regions and multilateral organisations.
The policy provides guidance in the development of Swedish positions and standpoints in the EU and multilateral organisations, in negotiations on relevant conventions and processes, and in the advancement of development cooperation policy.
The policy establishes that environmental and climate aspects are a central basis for all development cooperation. Both normative and operative work shall be characterised by an environmental and climate perspective.
Implementation of the policy requires the active involvement of a large number of actors - both governmental and non-governmental - in Sweden and internationally. Actions require coherence and shall be based on and support the priorities, plans and programmes of partner countries."
