·Why are we here: Are NSSDs an empty acronym?  If yes then we can leave today and forget about them, if no then, each of us and our organisations need decide how our organisation might assist the implementation of this – the forgotten third component international development target.

·Today is a learning exercise for us all.  Bretton Woods, RSPB, Tearfund and WWF as part of the UK NGO – Development and Environment Group have convened today to explore NSSD and promote further debate. – 1^st step.

·Notions of what is Sustainable Development has moved along way since Bruntland and from reports like; Caring for the Earth, World Conservation Strategy.  Most of us here today believe that the environment is fundamental to poverty elimination and that environment is a development opportunity.  As Caring for the Earth states: “we need not lose....We can eliminate the risk by ensuring that the benefits of development are distributed equitably, and by learning to care for the Earth and live sustainably”.

Format of Today

·Next Sarah Cambridge from the World Bank UK and Ireland will talk about World Bank Initiatives the Comprehensive Development Frameworks (CDF) and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) needed for debt relief and how they relate to NSSDs.

·And then Mary Painter, RSPB, and Co-Chair of the DEG, will provide a summary of Civil Society experiences in National Strategy Dialogues and lessons that can be picked up for NSSDs processes.

·There will be an opportunity at the end of this session to ask questions and identify issues for further discussions in the 2^nd session.

·2^nd Session: Break out-groups with both pre-set questions plus some of those arising out of the 1^st Session: You might want to think about these questions during the presentations?  These are provided in your packs.

·3^rd Session: Present back discussions and capture experiences.  What might the next steps be?

Three Main Issues for Today

·Are NSSDs the process for mainstreaming the environment?

The DAC views NSSD “as the main vehicle for integrating poor economic growth with social improvement and responsible approach to environmental management”.  It sounds good, but what does this really mean in practice?  Are NSSD a practical tool for mainstreaming the environment?  The process for the 2^nd Development Plan in Namibia is looking at ways to join the 1^st Development Plan with the Green Plan...but how will this be implemented in practice.... what political, bureaucratic and private interests need to be overcome to ensure it is not business as usual but with another name!

·Strategy overload?

Developing countries have been asked to develop numerous national strategies over the years.  Currently, in for example Bolivia, they are involved in the World Bank’s Comprehensive Development Framework; Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers and NSSD dialogue.  How do these strategic processes over-lap?  What weight are they given and how will they be resourced?  What does this mean for the Bolivian Government, Civil Society and even Business?

·Civil Society engagement in National Strategy Dialogues – linking local with national

How can Civil Society engage in NSSDs?  How do Civil Society organisations input into National Strategic planing processes?  Can local organisations /community based organisations realistically input?  Do they have the capacity?  What processes best ensure equitable distribution of environment benefits.  How can national interests not be borne by the poor?  There are plenty of experiences out there....how can we learn lessons?

Outputs of Today

·Today is not about developing grand plans around this International Development Target (IDT).  We want to learn from each other today, to hear from people involved in the National Strategic Processes.  If we decide that NSSDs are a vital development tool and the this IDT is to be achieved, we should look to come away from today with practical outputs that is the stepping stone to move this forward....rather than rhetoric and empty promises, I would suggest three outputs might be:

·How can UK NGOs support partners to engage in NSSD processes?

·What must be done now for Earth Summit2002?

·If we are (as DFID pledges) to achieve the OECD DAC International Development Target by 2015 along with the other targets then we need practical actions and investment of resources and synergy between all actors to make this happen – How?