Evolution of Life Cycle Thinking Worldwide and Capability Development in Non OECD Countries

The United Nations Development Programm defines 'capacity building' as the creation of an enabling environment with appropriate policy and legal frameworks, institutional development, including community participation (of women in particular), human resources development and strengthening of managerial systems, adding. UNDP adds that capacity building is a long-term, continuing process, in which all stakeholders participate (ministries, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and water user groups, professional associations, academics and others). The capability development efforts of the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative (Initiative) aim to empower individuals and societies with the necessary skills and competences to move our societies toward more sustainable production and consumption patterns. Together with our partners we are building networks, sharing knowledge, data, experiences and best practices and implementing projects to foster a new generation of citizens who integrate life cycle thinking in their personal and professional decisions. The Initiative has built a global network with over 1000 members. Additionally, we have established three regional life cycle networks in Africa, India and Latin America to interact with key stakeholders world wide in areas where they can have the greatest impact. Target audiences of our capability development activities include: (1) scientists, (2) business, (3) governments and the (4) civil society.
Since the launch of the Initiative, in 2002, the world has experienced a positive evolution regarding the internalization of Life Cycle (LC) Thinking in policy making and business. Today key players in sustainable decision making issues see the Initiative as a one-stop-shop for approaches and knowledge.

Evolution of Life Cycle Thinking Worldwide

The current level of progress on LC thinking worldwide can be seen in the picture towards the incorporation of LC thinking. The Initiative believes that this positive evolution can be partially attributed to the impact of 6-year work of the Initiative. Nearly 40% of the world population is between level 2 and 3 and about 10% are at the starting point ready to begin the journey (level 1) towards the incorporation of LC thinking. The Initiative believes that this positive evolution can be partially attributed to the impact of 6-year work of the Initiative.

Legend:

Level 0 (brown): No LC experience or regulation.
Level 1 (violet): Limited experience and no regulation.
Level 2 (yellow): Some research experience and foundations of LC based regulation
Level 3 (green): Some good practices and limited regulation.
Level 4 (dark blue): Advaced LC practices and developed regulation.
Unknown (light blue): No data available.

Clickable map with specific country information by region

Countries listed by level


Activities on Capability Development in Non OECD Countries

1. Project title: Capability development in Non OECD Countries in conjunction with International Conferences

2. Type of project: Group project

3. Number of participants: Secretariat and regional networks (20 participants)

4. Scope of the project: Global

5. Period: Ongoing from May 2007

6. Projects Goals:
Dissemination of life cycle approaches worldwide and contribution to rise awarenes and the level of expertise in Non OECD countries.

7. Activities open to experts:

A list of activities in Africa is also a useful output from this WA that can help the co-organization of joint activities where possible:

- African Roundtable on SCP in June 4-6 in South Africa
- National SCP Roundtable on 10 June in South Africa
- Second African regional meeting on SAICM; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 13-19 July 2008
- First Inter-Ministerial Conference on Health and Environment in Africa, 26-29 August 2008, Libreville Gabon, UNEP Chemicals and UNEP ROA.
- Eco-labelling Workshop in Kenya (Date to be defined)
- AREED II in Ghana (Date to be defined)

Regarding meetings organized by private organizers, we have:
- The East Africa Power Industry Convention (EAPIC), 16-18 September Nairobi, Kenya (www.esi-africa.com/events)
- The African SMME Conference and Awards, 23 October, Capetown South Africa (www.africagrowth.com)

A list of activities in Asia follows below:
- 5th World SETAC conference, Sydney, 5-7 August 2008
- Conference on Advances in Product Development and Reliability including Product Life Cycle Management, Chengdu, China, 4-6 August 2008.
- 8th Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP8), Cebu, Philippines on September 18-20, 2008 www.aprscp.org
- 14th Annual International Sustainable Development Research Conference, New Delhi, India on September 21-23, 2008 www.14aisdrc2008.com
- LCM 2008 Conference in Chengdu, China, October (date TBC), 2008

A list of activities in Latin America is the following:
- LCM Conference in Peru, Lima, August (Date to be confirmed), 2008
- 4to Foro de Ecoeficiencia – La Gestion del Ciclo de Vida en la Industria del Petroleo en America Latina, Mexico D.F., 10 – 12 September, 2008
- I Brazilian Life Cycle Management Conference, Curitiba, Brazil, 29 - 31 October, 2008

8. Name of the project leader and of the leading organization(s):

- Secretariat of the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative

How can interested persons get involved in this project?
Please submit a cover letter and CV to: ilci@unep.org