Policy-making environment

This chapter reviews the main strategies and initiatives launched in the areas of sustainable development and environmental management during the period 2002-12. It examines Italy’s environmental governance, the regulatory framework for environmental protection, and programmes to ensure compliance with environmental requirements. The chapter also reviews the application of mechanisms in place to improve horizontal and vertical co-ordination, as well as the instruments used to systematically evaluate the environmental impacts of economic and sectoral policies. Progress in promoting environmental democracy, through open access to information and improved public participation in decision making, is also discussed, along with a programme promoting environmental education.