Urgent need to change mind-sets...

‘ Environmental mainstreaming’ is the informed inclusion of relevant environmental concerns into the decisions of institutions that drive international, national and local development policies. The economy and society are closely dependent upon the health of the environment. Environmental assets, in terms of fertile soils, clean water, biomass and biodiversity yield income, offer safety nets for the poor, maintain public health, and drive economic growth. Poor people are especially dependent on environmental assets and are vulnerable to hazards. But environmental and developmental institutions and decisions tend to be separate, which results in the environment being viewed as a set of problems rather than potentials. Today’s mainstream government and market institutions marginalise environmental issues, and prioritise short-term economic growth. Politicians are least concerned about environment and it doesn’t usually reflect in their political manifesto. They perceive the environment as a negative factor — a ‘green brake’ on development. Similarly, many leaders hold the view that the environment cannot be prioritised over other concerns perceived to be ‘more pressing’. So, environment mainstreaming first requires a change in values and mind-sets at a leadership level. Mainstreaming is not a standardised, technical process carried out in a neat sequence; rather it is collaboration between environment and development interests. It should be a continuous and long-term institutional change process rather than a one-off project. From Ms Arushi Madan Student based in Sharjah