This book discusses the role of observatories in supporting evidence-based decision-making. The
book focuses on issues of data accessibility monitoring frameworks and governance processes
with regard to environmental resources - water soil and waste. This publication highlights
challenges related to policy-implementation measures and examines current monitoring approaches
and illustrates how the UNU-FLORES Nexus Observatory seeks to overcome concerns related to data
monitoring and governance of water soil and waste resources. In particular given that extreme
weather events such as droughts and floods are predicted to become more frequent in the future
it discusses the need for improved hazard risk monitoring. It proposes risk indices for drought
and floods which measure exposure and vulnerability to the phenomena through a multitude of
bio-physical socio-economic and institutional indicators. Furthermore the potential for using
openly accessible data made available through observatories in decision-making aimed at
improving food security is also discussed. It acknowledges governments as key players in
environmental resource management and recognizes that decentralization reforms as well as the
emergence of information and communication technologies have significantly changed the role of
governments in promoting sustainable development. The book is particularly relevant for
decision-makers donor agencies practitioners and students with an interest in environmental
management who are also keen followers of discussions on the post-2015 monitoring agenda.
