ABSTRACT

Many policy problems such as climate change, water pollution, or biodiversity loss originate in one sector or location but deploy their effects elsewhere and so require comprehensive regulation that is both source-directed and cross-sectoral. But, how can we assess a country’s cross-sectoral policy performance when it comes to solving complex (environmental) problems? To answer this question, the study examines pesticide regulation in Costa Rica. Synthetic pesticides are widely used to sustain agricultural production, but they constitute a risk for humans and nature. To assess policy performance, both the substantive (policy instruments) and institutional (legislation) aspects of policymaking targeting pesticide risks mitigation are considered for evaluation. More specifically, the policy mix of instruments in respective action plans as well as legislation in respective laws and regulations are analysed. To assess the cross-sectoral dimension and to add to literature on policy density and intensity, criteria like formulation of objectives, target group integration, coordination and policy instrument types are used. The findings indicate that policy mixes in the water and health sector exhibit high cross-sectoral performance in terms of source-directed instruments, but cross-sectoral performance in the overarching legislation is limited.

摘要

气候变化、水污染或生物多样性丧失等许多政策问题起源于一个部门或地点，但在其他地方发挥作用，因此需要以源头为导向和跨部门的综合监管。但是，在解决复杂（环境）问题时，我们如何评估一个国家的跨部门政策绩效？为了回答这个问题，该研究考察了哥斯达黎加的农药法规。合成农药被广泛用于维持农业生产，但它们对人类和自然构成风险。为评估政策绩效，针对减轻农药风险的政策制定的实质性（政策工具）和制度（立法）方面都被考虑进行评估。进一步来说，分析了各自行动计划中的政策组合以及各自法律法规中的立法。为了评估跨部门维度并增加关于政策密度和强度的文献，我们使用了目标制定、目标群体整合、协调和政策工具类型等标准。研究结果表明，水和卫生部门的政策组合在以源头为导向的工具方面表现出很高的跨部门绩效，但总体立法中的跨部门绩效是有限的。