Objectives

To approach the multidimensional analysis of functional capacities in environmental health in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, based on the UNDP model of interactions between central problems and functional capabilities.

Method

Individual institutional results obtained through surveys and information from secondary sources, CAR (Autonomous Regional Corporations) and environmental authorities on policies, strategies, action plans, regional environmental management plans, regulations, activities, and accountabilities related to environmental health during the period 2012-2015 were used as sources of information.

Results

The consolidation of results per corporation about core issues and functional capabilities, in terms of the level of response, shows a significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Public leadership and social empowerment constitute a virtuous circle that allows strengthening capacities in projects of high social interest. Moreover, other capacities such as achieving commitments and institutional and technical capacities (policy design, implementation, evaluation, etc.) can be strengthened as well. Three alternatives for environmental health capabilities implementation have been proposed.