Key Message

Tools that make it easier for government and society to manage information systems and track process towards sustainability are no longer on the horizon —they are currently being developed and used.

Government Planning and Reporting for Sustainable Development

Advancing information systems for better governance

As societies we tend to manage what we measure, and we measure what we care about. Imagine a future where governments—be they local, provincial or national—operate an Internet-based system of information continually tracking the current state of our economic, social and environmental well-being. Imagine with a click of the mouse, you could view trends of conditions that your community has collectively identified as being important to your well-being. And imagine that your government plans and manages their programs and projects based on the ability to affect improvement in these very conditions.

This is not a far-fetched future. Many governments now have systems in place to report on key indicators relevant for sustainable development, and are using this information in the planning and budgeting of programs and projects. Two innovative examples in North America are the Oregon Benchmarks reported annually by the Oregon Progress Board and the Province of Alberta's Measuring Up reporting process.

IISD is developing learning tools for governments that help advance systems of information to support government planning and reporting in consideration of economic, social and environmental issues and their interactions.

In 2005, IISD began working with Manitoba's Treasury Board Secretariat to develop a workshop and supporting materials that would help build the capacity of government departments in using outcome-based measures.

The Green Policy and Integrated Environmental Monitoring Sections of Saskatchewan Environment contracted the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in 2005 to conduct background research in support of proposed Departmental Stewardship Planning for the government of Saskatchewan.

For more information please contact IISD Project Manager/Officer, Darren Swanson.