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Module 2. The collected information should be objective, accurate, credible and scientifically analyzed, so that
3 However, the proponents of the report were cognizant of the fact that, the end result of environmental
it could build and gain trust of the various stakeholders.

assessment should be more than just knowing the state of the environment. And that such national
assessment reports should provide the policy-makers and interested stakeholders appropriate guidance,
9-12 December, 2013 obtained from such reports should be integrated with other social and economic data to assist in
(a focus on change) on how to better manage the environment. In order to achieve this, information

formulation of stronger environmental policies and programmes based on the knowledge of the Yemen
environment.

The growing interest in linking environmental, social and economic data information within the context
of sustainable development facilitates integrated analysis of the complex interactions between people
and their environment.

Step 2: WHO are the key actors, and how to build relationships with them?

Although, right from the beginning of the SoE process, an effort was made to plan and execute a
strategy that would help and sustain stakeholder's interest and participation throughout the assessment
processes. The communications strategy lacks the specificity of an impact strategy with respect to the
identification and building of relationships with key actors. The strategy identified generally only one
target audience, namely: the "stakeholders". However, the strategy itself was largely silent on the general
categories of stakeholders, (for example, government officials, elected representatives, NGOs and private
sector), and the most effective and appropriate channels to reach out and engage their attention. The
command and control policies of the government directive in making available the findings and results

of their assessment clearly delayed the timely accessibility of such reports by the concerned parties.

Information by itself doesn't leverage change, but relationships do, and this involves people communicating
ideas, analysis and data to other people. This step involves identifying the individuals and groups you
most want to reach. Central to determining who to reach is the concept of relationship management:

maintaining the connections and influence overtime. The assessment specifically lacks relationship
management approach. For the future, the communications activities must clearly demonstrate how
such reports will impact on various stakeholders.

Step 3: WHAT knowledge is to be gathered?

Although the process of preparing the Yemen SoE report was a major undertaking by theYEPA, the
report doesn't specify the details of how the data was collected and analyzed. But the management
of the report identifies the environmental status report of 1995 as the base for the information

36 Developing an Impact Strategy for your IEA