IRG is widely recognized as a world leader in environmental policy. Our focus is on building in-country capacity for critically analyzing, managing, and ameliorating degradation of all environmental media, using combinations of legal, regulatory, economic, and information tools appropriate to particular circumstances. Our experts offer advisory assistance to public and private institutions to address environmental quality problems associated with industrial production, household consumption and provision of services. IRG is a leader in environmental management system (EMS) consulting for companies and government agencies worldwide. We specialize in helping organizations implement performance-focused EMS programs within strict budget and time constraints while providing world-class guidance. IRG is ISO 14001 certified.

Capabilities:

• Environmental and Economic Policy Reform
• Finance Strategies and their Implementation (including capital development user fees, permitting, cost recovery systems)
• Eco-tourism, Cultural Tourism, and Non-Competitive Uses of the Environment
• Technical Assistance and Training in Forestry, Water, and Other Resource Management
• Knowledge Management Systems for Environmental Applications
• Training in Various Aspects of Environment and NRM

Select projects include:

Managing Environments and Strengthening Institutions Worldwide
IRG and its partners provide advisory services and technical assistance to USAID's Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT), country missions, and regional bureaus. Through EPIQ, IRG helps decision makers in developing countries analyze, develop, and implement policy options that balance growth with environmental sustainability, thus enhancing economic development while reducing long-term threats to the global environment. IRG was the sole awardee of the EPIQ I IQC (1996-2002) under which the firm implemented $105 million in contracts in 40 countries. IRG is the prime contractor of the multiple-award EPIQ II IQC (2003-2008) that has a $250 million ceiling. The contract also helps EGAT's sustainable environmental management program, which includes natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable urban development, and sustainable energy systems. Global: Environmental Policy and Institutional Strengthening Indefinite Quantity Contract (EPIQ)

Implementing Reforms to Mitigate Environmental Constraints
IRG provided core management and analytical support for environmental reform efforts in Egypt to improve waste management, reduce industrial pollution, conserve marine biodiversity, and overcome institutional, financial, and economic constraints to sound environmental management. Egypt: Environmental Policy Program

Protecting Biodiversity and Establishing Sustainable Practices
IRG helped USAID/Madagascar in its efforts to manage and protect biologically diverse ecosystems in priority conservation zones. Providing technical assistance, training, and grant administration for the project involved establishing sustainable financing mechanisms; implementing adaptive management practices; developing and applying environmental policies, legislation, and procedures; and bolstering strategic planning, communication, management, and monitoring. Madagascar: Enabling Conditions for Sustainable Organization and Policies (PAGE)

Helping to Increase Cooperation for Defense and the Environment in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor
IRG was asked to facilitate a regional workshop in Costa Rica as part of the Central American Environmental Defense Program in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. This environmental security conference was established to strengthen and improve the relationships between the armed forces, police corps, environmental officials and civil society in order to manage the natural resources in Central America in a sustainable way. Under the sponsorship of the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the course focused on examining the intersection between national security and environmental problems with repercussions at the local, national and regional levels. US Army War College and US Southern Command Central America Environmental Security Training Course