ABSTRACT
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and 169 targets are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. This chapter focuses on the environmental dimension of sustainable development and illustrates highlights from evaluations undertaken by Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) related to natural resources management, environment conservation in China and water conservation and management. In 2016, IOE carried out a project performance assessment of the Environment Conservation and Poverty-Reduction Programme in Ningxia and Shanxi, China. The programme used a multi-sectoral approach to address the main causes of poverty within a fragile environment. Programme activities were implemented in the context of wider government efforts to reduce poverty in the region. In order to promote more sustainable and equitable water management practices, IFAD has joined forces with a global community of practice that encourages multiple water-use systems.
