ACCOUNTABILITY: Domestic and international environmental commitments now range far and wide. The question of environmental performance - in other words, how far these commitments are actually met - is central to the environmental credibility of governments to the public opinion, other governments and international community.

PEER REVIEW: The review of trends, policies and country performances, as well as the use of peer pressure to improve them, is a basic OECD function. Each review establishes the facts using data and indicators and addresses around 50 recommendations to help the reviewed country consolidate achievements and make further progress.

EFFICIENCY & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: These systematic and independent reviews have been conducted for all member countries as part of the 1st cycle of reviews.The OECD is now engaged in the 2nd cycle of reviews directed at promoting environmental effectiveness, economic efficiency and sustainable development, with emphasis on the integration of economic, social, and environmental decision-making.

OUTREACH: The OECD was asked to extend this programme to include countries of central and Eastern Europe, non member countries,etc. Examinations were carried out with UNECE (Bulgaria, Belarus, Russia), with UNECLAC (Chile) as China in 2006-07.