Capacity development for the environment: A view for the South, a view forthe North

The notion of capacity development (CD) has been receiving increasing atten tion as a way to assist the South in its environmental management. Conseque ntly, there has been an exploration of various facets of the capacity issue in the literature and an incorporation of CD in environmental programs of donor agencies. Yet, many of these discussions have remained rather broad, and efforts to develop environmental capacity have shown only limited succe ss. Based on an examination of the capacity needs for environmental managem ent in agriculture and industry, and for dealing with climate change, this review suggests that strengthening domestic capabilities for policy researc h and innovation as well as for managing technological change may be partic ularly critical to allow for adaptation of policies and technologies for lo cal conditions and needs. Examination of innovative local experiments on en vironmental management in developing countries can also provide useful less ons on how to develop and utilize capacity that works under the constrained conditions often found in developing countries. Furthermore, it is importa nt to stress that improving the environment in developing countries also re quires capacity in the North to examine and reorient Northern policies that impact the environment, as well as capacity for the environment, in the po orer parts of the world. Ultimately, though, the development of sustainable and appropriate capacity for the environment will require not merely donor -driven programs but a systematic effort driven by Southern governments and organizations.