The lack of reliable and consistent time-series data
on the state of the environment is a major barrier to
increasing the effectiveness of policies and programmes.
Additionally, many of the most important drivers
of environmental change or even their impacts are
not systematically monitored. All countries should
undertake to monitor and assess their own environment
and integrate social, economic and environmental
information to inform decision-making processes. As
standardized approaches to data collection are needed,
international cooperation and capacity building for
collecting data must be strengthened. Improving access
to information is also essential.