SEEA Implementation Guide: Disseminating the accounts

Disseminating the accounts

4. Disseminating the accounts
4.1 Disseminating the accounts—some good practices
4.2 Identifying the main users of the accounts and their information needs
4.3 Country examples
4.4 Useful reference materials

 

4. Disseminating the accounts

This section focuses on some of the good practices around disseminating the accounts, identifying the main users of accounts and their information needs, and outlines a few country examples and useful reference materials.

4.1 Disseminating the accounts—some good practices

The SEEA accounts are technical in nature, and non-specialists might have difficulties using the accounts as-is and without further processing. As such, it is important for compilers to produce outputs that can be easily used by the various user groups of the accounts. Collaboration with colleagues specializing in communication and dissemination can help in developing the appropriate outputs. This section will focus on some of the good practices around disseminating the accounts. However, it may also be useful for the steering committee to draft a user engagement strategy providing overall guidance on communication and dissemination of the accounts.

A mechanism for regular engagement with users could be through the establishment of a broader stakeholder group comprised of representatives from major user groups of the SEEA accounts. The stakeholder group should be engaged on a regular basis (including by providing input into the prioritization of accounts) to ensure that user demands are met and that the accounts are mainstreamed into policy and decision making.

4.2 Identifying the main users of the accounts and their information needs

Identifying the broad categories of users can be a useful step in understanding what information users need from the accounts and in what format they need that information. For instance, some users may need data at a relatively aggregated level, whereas others may be more interested in micro data for specific geographical areas.

One of the most important user groups for the accounts will be policy analysts in line ministries. The link between SEEA information and policy discussions will be reflected in the preparation of aggregates and indicators derived from a SEEA account, or the use of accounting data as input into scenario models. Thus, while it is normal for SEEA compilers to focus on measurement and compilation challenges, it is also important that compilers think ahead about the construction and presentation of relevant aggregates and indicators.

The figure below provides a high-level on the SEEA accounts informing communication materials, and table provides some further details on the various user groups, their typical data needs, common outputs and activities/avenues for the users to access the outputs. More information can also be found in the SEEA Communication Strategy.

User group

Typical data needs

Typical outputs/ products

Activities/means for user groups to accessing the outputs/products

Leaders of NSOs, environmental agencies and other high-level officials from line ministries

Key indicators and aggregates accompanied by explanatory text.

Case studies

Presentation at high level meetings

Social media posts

Reports

Intergovernmental forums

Conferences and seminars

High level meetings

Informal networks

Social media

Government officials (policy and planning ministries staff)

Accounts and detailed information/tables derived from the accounts that can be used in policy formulation and modeling exercises.

Indicators accompanied by explanatory text.

Presentation at high level meetings

Social media posts

Case studies

Policy briefs

Web content

Reports

Intergovernmental forums

Conferences and seminars

Social media

Web presence

Members of scientific bodies and academia (meteorological, geospatial, etc.)

Accounts and detailed information/tables derived from the accounts that can be used in research and further analysis

Newsletter

Reports

Social media posts

Web content

Conferences and seminars

Web presence

Social media

NSO and environmental agency staff

Accounts and detailed information/tables derived from the accounts.

Indicators accompanied by explanatory text.

Newsletter

Social Media posts

Reports

Web content

Conferences and seminars

Workshops and trainings

Web presence

Social media

Journalists

Key indicators and aggregates with explanatory text.

Press kit/”Why SEEA” publication

SEEA brochures

Media releases, talking points and interviews with SEEA members about specific accounts

Social Media posts

Web content

Conferences and seminars

High level meetings with press presence

Social media

Web presence

Business leaders and private sector analysts

Accounts and detailed information/tables derived from the accounts that can be used in for business decisions.

Key indicators and aggregates with explanatory text.

Case studies of private enterprise accounts

Web content

Social Media posts

Reports

Conferences and seminars

Social media

Web presence

NGO staff

Key indicators and aggregates with explanatory text.

Newsletter

Social Media posts

Web content

Web presence

Workshops

Conferences and seminars

Social media

Civil society/ public at large

Key indicators and aggregates with explanatory text.

Social Media posts

Web content

 

Web presence

Social media

 

4.3 Country examples

 

4.4 Useful reference materials

The following materials can be used to explain the SEEA and its uses to non-technical users. They are freely available on the SEEA website and can be adapted for national use.