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Module Once the framework is developed a range of environmental issues can be identified involving both expert
2 and stakeholder participation. Issue s are more specific than the categories in a conceptual framework,

but discussing them does not require deep technical expertise, which would limit the opportunities for

stakeholder participation. The result of issue identification is typically a longer list of items that is usually longer
than what can be effectively covered in an IEA. Therefore, there is normally a need for prioritization based on
criteria. Alternatively, prioritization can happen once there is a list of indicators selected, but prioritization at
9-12 December, 2013 an early stage can save time and work, as no indicators would be developed for lower priority issues.

The result of this stage of the process is a short list of clearly formulated priority issues with a clear
link to the IEA’s conceptual framework and a strong connection to stakeholders’ concerns about the
environment.

Indicators, data collection and analysis

National IEA reports use indicators to quantitatively describe various issues and to track changes.
In a national IEA report, the number and type of indicators will depend on the objectives defined by
the technical team. The list should include environmental, economic and social indicators. Indicator
selection can directly build on the earlier identified priority environmental issues. Typically, indicator

selection involves several rounds of discussion first producing a larger list and then narrowing it down
to a tighter set of leading indicators based on scientific, policy and feasibility criteria. Indicator selection,
data collection, visualization and analysis are described in detail in Module 4.

Due to limitations of time and resources, as well as common technical difficulties in gathering primary
data, the technical team is likely to rely on secondary information sources, using information already
prepared by various organizations, such as national statistical offices. Information needed for the report
is often dispersed, and may require considerable work just to locate. The technical team needs to
establish agreements with organizations willing to share their files and databases.

These involved two main steps: collecting and processing the information, and analyzing the information
and writing the report. The first task often takes more time than expected, mainly because of
institutional barriers to information sharing. Once the first task is completed, the next steps are relatively

straightforward.

a. Information gathering

Because technical teams usually do not produce primary data, they must acquire it from original sources,
often in government agencies. Sometimes, the technical teams have to persuade government officials
to get interested in the project and help in the data collection. Such discussions can delay the process.

50 National IEA Process Design and Organization