Green Economy and RWSSP-WN
A Green Economy is an economy that results in improved human well-being and reduced inequalities over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks and ecological scarcities. A green economy can be thought of as one which is low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive. This approach includes holistic management approaches such as integrated water resources management and combines principles of social inclusiveness, resource and energy efficiency, while assuring biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem services.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) describes green economy as a green, participatory economy, which aims at strengthening the well-being and social equality of people. A green economy is based on the sustainable use of natural resources, operates within the environmental capacity limits, and ensures the continued provision of ecosystem services. An inclusive green economy that promotes employment is one of the four priorities of Finland’s Development Policy 2012.
A green economy cannot be totally green unless it addresses water issues. In other words, “a blue economy is a pre-requisite to a green economy.“ We take this statement and the related reports by United Nations Environment Programme as the point of entry for reflecting how RWSSP-WN is contributing to a green economy.
Our “Result Area 3: Institutional Capacity” links indirectly to green economy as these planning processes are essentially a participatory and democratic planning tool that pays attention to a range of relevant local issues that form the basis for a green economy. These include availability of natural resources (mainly water), the protection of water ecosystems, the efficient use of water as a natural resource, and climate change and disaster risk reduction issues.
References:
UNEP, 2011. Water – Investing in Natural Capital.
UNEP, 2011. UNEP, 2011, Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication, www.unep.org/greeneconomy