Single country profile
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Poland|
Content: |
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Basic information
| Year of approval of the SD strategy and updates |
The NSDS was adopted by the Polish Government in 2000 (only available in Polish). In October 2007, a revision of all strategic documents in Poland has been made and according to this review, it was decided to develop a revised NSDS. In 2008, intensive work has been undertaken to create a legislative and institutional framework for coordinating the work on a Long-term Development Strategy of Poland. The EU SDS will be implemented by this document. The first draft of Long-term Development Strategy is supposed to be elaborated in first half of 2009, but still there is no official timetable set for the development of the new NSDS. |
| Type of SD strategy | |
| Lead ministry/institution in the SD strategy process |
Ministry of
the Environment |
| Link to the SD strategy document |
|
| Further information about the SD strategy process |
N/A |
Mechanisms of Vertical Integration
National — sub-national linkages
There was no system developed for the current NSDS to involve sub-national levels strategically. The involvement of the sub-national levels in the preparation of the new NSDS is still unclear.
Generally, there is coordination between the national and sub-national levels in environmental policy-making that is based on provisions set out in the law. Generally, the regions need to take into account national environmental policy when developing environmental plans (including goals and principles).
There are several LA21 initiatives in Poland. Generally, there is no direct link between the NSDS to the LA21 initiatives. Thus, no formal coordination exists between the national and sub-national level on these activities.
The number of LA21s in Poland is unknown. There is no monitoring or any reporting being done on these processes. Therefore, there is need to initiate a survey regarding LA21 initiatives in Poland. However, it is important to emphasize that there is existing inaccuracy in the definition of LA21. Some communities understand their environmental plans (documents demanded by low) as an implementation of LA21.
EU linkages
The renewed EU Strategy for Sustainable Development (EU SDS) that was adopted in June 2006 foresees that Member States bi-annually report about how they address the priorities of the EU SDS. Poland has published its first national report on implementing the EU SDS in summer 2007.
Mechanisms of Horizontal Integration
Policy coherence is facilitated by the Council of Ministers.
Evaluation and Review
The Board of Sustainable Development is responsible for the monitoring of the Polish NSDS. The Polish Government refers to the international indicators, prepared by the Commission of Sustainable Development (UN-CSD), EPOC (Committee of Environmental Policy of OECD) and by the European Commission and EUROSTAT.
The first evaluation and feedback on the NSDS was undertaken in 2007 as an internal review by the Ministry of the Environment. This evaluation will also be the basis for an update of the Polish NSDS which should be in accordance with the new EU SDS.
Indicators and Monitoring
Participation
The Board of Sustainable Development was set up in 2002 and serves as a consultative body to the Prime Minister on all issues related to SD. It is chaired by the Ministry of Environment and includes members from the public administration and civil society. Regarding work on new Polish NSDS, the scope of responsibility of The Board of Sustainable Development will be redefined.
For
a detailed documentation of all advisory and participatory councils (for SD and/or the environment) in this country,
please go to the EEAC website at http://www.eeac-net.org/bodies/poland/pl_frame.htm and click on one of the listed institutions.
Sub-national activities
Regional SD strategies:
According to the Polish Environmental Law, all administrative regions are due to create environmental programs or plans that are coherent with national environmental policy. Except on the national level, there are three administrative levels (voivodeships, powiats, gminas) The voivodeships are subdivided into powiats (often referred to in English as counties), and these are further divided into gminas (also known as communes or municipalities). Major cities normally have the status of both gmina and powiat. Poland currently has 16 voivodeships, 379 powiats (including 65 cities with powiat status), and 2,478 gminas.
LA 21 initiatives:
The number of LA21 in Poland is unknown. There is no monitoring or reporting being done on these processes. Therefore, there is a need to initiate a survey regarding LA21 initiatives in Poland. However, it is important to emphasize that is existing inaccuracy in definition of LA21. Some of communities understand their environmental plans (documents demanded by low) as an implementation of LA21.
Evaluation:
As mentioned above, all environmental programs and plans are strongly linked with national environmental policy. The monitoring and reporting process is also defined in the Environmental Law - every 4 years the Government presents an environmental policy report.
This Country Profile has been last updated on: Friday, 05 December 2008
For the sources used in the country profiles, please click here.
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