ANALYTICAL APPROACH
The AEO-2 report uses the Opportunities Framework
for analysis – this is adapted from the drivers-pressures-
state-impact-response (DPSIR) conceptual framework
(Figure 1) – focusing the assessment on the available
resource base, which provides opportunities for
sustainable development and enhanced human well-
being. The environmental resources, including goods-
and-services, are taken as the asset base available to
help reduce human vulnerability to environmental
change. The AEO-2 analysis highlights the
opportunities and potential (current and future) of
the resources to address sustainable development,
alleviate extreme poverty and reduce vulnerability, and
enhance environmental sustainability. The pressure
dimension is used for trend analysis to show the
demands or pressures placed upon the resources and
their impacts.
The opportunities framework methodology
addresses the following questions:
- What resources are available at the regional and sub-
regional levels (resources)?
- What is the value of these resources ecologically,
socially and economically (value/opportunities
and potential)?
- What are the demands/pressures (human and
natural) to the sustainable management of these
resources (demands/pressures)?
- What will happen if we don’t act now (outlook)?
What are we doing to enhance opportunities and
what should we do to reduce such pressures and
sustainably maximize on the potential, including
rehabilitation (policy actions which highlight both
institutions (law and policy) and governance)?
The framework emphasizes the more positive indicators,
highlighting among others, services delivery, increased
livelihood options, adaptability and reduced vulnerability.
The Opportunities Framework emphasizes hope over
despair, resolution over regret, and strategic response
over reaction.
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