Abstract

Environmental data and information spanning the natural environment, urban environment, and climate change are crucial for informed decision-making processes. The significance and necessity of accessing high-quality environmental data are globally acknowledged, given the imperatives of sustainable resource management and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Data governance and data management, while distinct, are closely interrelated. Data quality, encompassing accuracy, completeness, availability, and effectiveness, is pivotal. Data governance enhances these aspects by facilitating internal and external data flow, integration, and ensuring role definition and responsibilities.

Although initiatives like the Framework for the Development of Environmental Statistics (FDES) and the Central Framework for the System of Environmental and Economic Accounting (SEEA) have enhanced the quality of input data for environmental statistics, there has been insufficient attention given to establishing an accounting framework governing data management and flow. Consequently, this lack of focus has led to delays in data availability, hindering informed decision-making, and impeding progress towards achieving sustainable development goals.

This study aims to develop an accounting information system for environmental data governance, addressing pressing environmental challenges, climate change, and stakeholder needs. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach, it examines international standards for environmental data governance and proposes an accounting framework applied to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics.

The study anticipates proposing an accounting framework outlining concepts, objectives, responsibilities, interactions, policies, obstacles, challenges, and their alignment with indicators and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Serving as a guiding framework, it can assist environmental data producers in Egypt and Arab countries, enhancing statistical production to benefit planners, researchers, and decision-makers.