Manual on the Development of Cleaner Production Policies ... - Unido

DEVELOPMENT OF CP POLICY
MODULE 2: BASICS OF CP POLICY
2. Identification of “CP champions” to promote the concept of Cleaner Production. These should be
high-profile individuals who are nationally recognized opinion leaders, in sectors such as
industry, the communication media or the Government. They should include top-level executive
officials, such as the minister of the environment or the minister of the economy. The role of CP
champions is essential in alliance building; they will often be the deciding factor in the
implementation of initiatives.
3. Monitoring new and relevant policy initiatives (e.g. environmental, industrial development,
energy efficiency, natural resource management, competitiveness, etc.), and participate in the
process of consultation and development. It may be worthwhile to declare the readiness of the
NCPC to help in the coordination of work. The objective is as much to include the CP concept in
the policy being prepared or modified, as to expose the NCPC itself to policy makers, and viceversa.
4. Lobby with the Ministry of the Environment and/or Ministry of Economy to sign the UNEP
International Declaration on Cleaner Production. Since the declaration is not a legally binding
instrument, signing it does not require parliamentary approval. As of December 2001, signatories
from Latin America included the Governments of Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico,
Nicaragua and Panama. Once again the process of interaction with officials at the highest level—
and promoting both the concept of CP and the centre—is just as important as the act of signing
itself.
5. It may be useful to organize or co-organize a national meeting on topics such as the environment
and economic competitiveness, where CP will be high on the agenda. Further details on this type
of event are provided in the next slide.
SLIDE: Examples of CP-related events
• National CP events organized by a CP centre;
• Other national events where the centre could include CP on the agenda;
• International CP events to which relevant stakeholders can be invited to
participate;
• CP awards for companies and individuals;
• Publicity campaigns on CP
This slide suggests a number of ideas for CP-related events that will help the
CPC increase its own visibility and improve understanding of the CP concept.
Background
Three good ways to quickly build up the image of the centre as a policy player are the organization of
national CP-related events, participation in high-profile environmental events and the presentation of a
strong CP agenda. Ideas for a CP-related event are presented below:
Annual national CP event organized by a CP centre. This method will require some financial
resources (catering, hire of a conference room etc.) although the most significant factor will be the
labour required to put the event together, ensure its wide promotion, and draw up a good agenda. The
key to success will be a high level of participation, a well-designed agenda and exposure to the media.
The event could be an ideal occasion for the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of the
Economy to endorse the business and competitive advantages of Cleaner Production.
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