Message-ID: <852566A6.0062C99D.00@WBLN0014.worldbank.org> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 13:59:48 -0400 From: mailto:Mmani@WORLDBANK.ORG Subject: GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION IN POLLUTION To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
WELCOME TO THE GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION IN POLLUTION MANAGEMENTIndustrial pollution has become a serious problem in many developing countries during the past two decades. Policy instruments used for pollution control are limited and a combination of federal, state and local environmental regulations have created a highly complex system of requirements that are not systematically implemented and enforced. There is an urgent need to develop new ways of thinking and new approaches to governance locally, nationally, and internationally. This calls for a more open and market-oriented approach including budgetary discipline and more private sector participation. Governments are discovering that working with the private sector to manage industrial pollution can be more cost-effective than a traditional command and control approach.
At the same time, the recent opening up of many economies through liberalization of trade and capital flows has created new opportunities for many businesses, which are beginning to recognize the need for improving both their economic and environmental performance. Many of the international and domestic firms are interested in meeting the requirement of ISO 14000 and also use environmental audits to identify areas for further improvements. Companies are learning that collaborative approaches can actually trim costs, improve quality, enhance their public image--and increase profits.
As a contribution to greater knowledge-sharing and coordination among the various initiatives focused on these issues, the World Bank is hosting an electronic discussion which will bring together the views of government, private sector and community representatives on successful collaborative approaches to managing pollution around the world. The discussion will explore government and business experiences in: · Enhancing profitability through responsible environmental management · Designing environmental information disclosure programs · Managing environmental liability and related issues · Removing barriers to and promoting incentives for environmental innovation
This electronic discussion will begin on October 26th and will continue for eight weeks until December 14th. It will be moderated by a team from the Economic Development Institute and Development Research Group of the World Bank. This electronic discussion is being launched to complement and better define the objectives and expected outcomes of the World Bank Seminar on "Collaborating for Cost-Effective Pollution Management: A Public-Private Sector Dialogue," to be held during October 26-28 in Washington, D.C. This seminar will bring together leaders from the government, industry and the community from around the world to:
¨ Share best practices, communicate concerns, and think pragmatically about cost-effective solutions ¨ Identify tools and approaches necessary to achieve successful collaborative partnerships ¨ Develop ways of sharing the lessons learnt for the benefit of both sectors and the community
The proceedings of this seminar and announcements regarding follow-ups will be made available to all the participants of the electronic discussion.
To participate in this dialogue:
Send an email to mailto:majordomo@jazz.worldbank.org Leave the subject line blank In the body of the message, type the following: subscribe pollmgt You will receive a welcome message confirming your subscription.
You can also access this discussion group via: http://www.worldbank.org/devforum/ We look forward to your participation in this event.
Muthukumara Mani Environmental and Resource Economist Economic Development Institute Environment and Natural Resources Division The World Bank
Phone: 202-458-7139 Fax: 202-676-0977/8 E-mail: mailto:mmani@worldbank.org