Panel 4 - Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Indicators: Measuring Performance, Managing Resources
Moderator: Paula Caldwell, Environment Canada

Draft Summary: Panelists Myriam Linster (OECD), Maria Di Paola (FARN), and Michael Stahl (US EPA) delivered presentations on how their organizations are developing and using environmental compliance and enforcement (ECE) indicators. The panel then opened into a group discussion involving all participants. Discussions demonstrated that there is always a need for several indicators but there is no universal set of indicators. The appropriate set of indicators is dependent on the specific circumstances of a given situation and must be tailored to the purpose of the exercise.

Lessons learned from various countries emphasize the need for flexibility and continuity, as well as the need for pragmatism (need to learn from pilot projects). Exchange of information and international cooperation are therefore key elements for success. The Panel also demonstrated that both developing countries and developed countries face challenges in identifying, developing, and using ECE indicators. However, the nature of these challenges may be different.

This Panel culminated in various recommendations for INECE. It was recommended that a Community of Practice be built among ECE programs conducting indicators projects in order to compile accomplishments and lessons learned. Participants also identified the need for training in this area.

It also was suggested that the Performance Measurement Guidance for Compliance and Enforcement Practitioners document be used as a starting point to develop training tools.