Regional Partnership Alliance to Combat Sand and Dust Storms1
(Concept Note – draft III, 26/12/2012, UNEP/ROWA)
Background
Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) in the West Asia region have escalated in scale, geographic spread,
intensity and frequency to a level that it became a true impediment to development and human
well-being across several countries in the Region. In March and May 2012, the region was hit
with probably the worst dust storms in history; schools and airports were closed, traffic
paralyzed, hospitals congested with cases of respiratory diseases and almost all aspects of
people’s daily life and needs were disrupted. Sand and Dust Storms have also had impacts on
land productivity and increased rate of desertification and land degradation ultimately affecting
the already fragile ecosystems and livelihood of people and their well-being.
A number of countries in the Near East are experiencing the negative impacts of sand and dust
storms, and have held a number of discussions and consultation regarding this, including a
cooperation meeting held between Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey in Ankara in April 2010,
resulting in the Ankara Ministerial Declaration and commitment to form a Task Force to address
the SDS issue. Within the Declaration the Ministers committed to further develop cooperation in
the area of environment and meteorology and proposed the development of a project with the
aim of reducing environmental pollution with special emphasis on the mitigation of SDS, taking
measures on dust formation, improving the meteorological monitoring and forecasting,
controlling the wind and soil erosion and developing regional cooperation projects in these areas.
Situational Analysis
Regional Level
The five critically important dimensions of causes, sources, climate dynamics & monitoring,
impacts and mitigation of the dust and sand storms are not well understood nor researched.
Efforts to address the SDS issue in Iraq and the region have been so far too fragmented and
imbalanced across the five dimensions. The regional dialogue has not been sustained despite a
good start through the Ankara Ministerial Declaration issued in 2010 by Ministers of
Environment of Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. Two subsequent meetings at the Technical and
Ministerial levels were held in Tehran in September 2010 with the additional participation of
Qatar. Both Ankara Declaration and Tehran Action Plan are good basis to build on for the
regional programme. The political will is evident. However, there is a need for sustained and
concrete actions at the national and regional level supported by a well funded programme.
Capacities in the region varies with regard to research, monitoring and action on sand and dust
storms. At the national level, there is institutional fragmentation and the SDS may not get
1
Although the Programme does not differentiate between “Sand” and “Dust” Storms, it should be recognized that
combating strategies for each of them can be different.
priority among other pressing political and development issues. Coordinated and complimentary
approaches are necessary to ensure a regional wide effectiveness in addressing the problem.
The Proposed Cooperation Programme
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Programme is to trigger systematic and step-wise collaboration among SDSaffected countries based on informed and science-based sustained actions to reduce the
occurrence, mitigate and control the SDS at the source, transportation paths and the deposition
areas. Equally important, these actions should be accompanied by solid scientific research and
actions on the causes, trends and prediction, morning, early warning and preparedness measures.
Programme Objective
Sand and Dust storms have had profound impacts through all dimensions of socio-economic and
development of the countries. During the blow of the sand and dust storm, life is almost
paralyzed resulting in loss of productivity and businesses, higher demand for water and power,
damage to infrastructure and constraints on public health services in addition to large scale land
degradation and desertification and loss of the potential that ecosystems provide in the form of
goods and services.
The ultimate goal of the Programme is to protect people, environment and development of the
region and countries from the threats and impacts of sand and dust storms. This goal will be
achieved through the following four inter-linked objectives:
Objective 1 - To strengthen cooperation among countries of the region (and within
countries) to address the SDS problem through collaborative and innovative solutions,
institutions and adequate resources
Objective 2 - To enhance scientific and societal knowledge about the causes, sources,
impacts, dynamics of and coping with the SDS
Objective 3 - To reduce occurrence and impacts of SDS through the design and
implementation of innovative and scalable solutions that will at the same time promote
investment in the green economy benefiting local communities and their livelihoods
Objective 4 - To establish systems of coordinated and state-of-the art monitoring and
early warning including development of specialized regional centres
Programme Approach and Design
The Programme will be built in a logical step-wise approach as shown in figure 1 below. The
approach includes four major steps:
Understand &
diagnose the
problem
Propose and get
Consensus of the
Solution
Implement The
Agreed Actions
Monitor, Learn
and Scale Up
 Understanding and Diagnosing the Problem
For any effective and sustainable programmatic intervention there is a need to understand the
problem, its root causes, impacts and the best and most cost-effective strategies to counter it.
Although the SDS problem has been known to impact the region for decades, there is still limited
scientific understanding of its causes, sources and dynamics. Nor we know the existing scientific
potential of countries in the region to investigate the problem in more depth. Historical records
are dispersed among national and global research and government institutions. There is limited
sharing of data, information and knowledge among countries. Therefore, the first step is to
conduct a special assessment of the SDS phenomena, identify the gaps and propose solutions.
 Propose and Get Consensus of the Solution
During the Special Assessment phase, scientists, policy experts and technical staff from relevant
institutions would have the opportunity to debate viable solutions based on experiences and
practices existing in the region and elsewhere (especially the far east, China, Mongolia, Japan
and South Korea). This process will lead to the elaboration of a comprehensive medium to long
term programme to combat dust storm. The Key component of this programme will be the
regional cooperation platform which will facilitate regional dialogue and pave the way for
collaborative action initiatives on the scientific and research fronts as well as on the government
institutions fronts. Consensus among the countries on the programme is the key to its success.
 Implement Agreed Actions
Once the regional medium and long-term programme agreed and the provisional cooperative
framework at the regional level is set up, the programme will be implemented at the regional and
country level according to well defined Action Plans. Actions at the country level will be the
responsibly of the country itself. The focus will be on the hot spots identified in the Assessment
phase. The programme will encourage innovative solutions with strong participation from local
governments, communities and civil society organizations. The private sector and financial
institutions will be the principle partners to support these actions. At the regional level, the focus
will be on inter-county collaboration on applied research, information exchange and networking,
capacity building and an overarching monitoring programme linked to global SDS monitoring
systems.
 Monitor, Learn and Scale Up
To sustain action and have long term impacts, it is necessary to establish a system to measure
success, to learn from experience and to define and implement carefully tailored strategies for
scaling up of these actions. The regional platform with elements such as the Regional SDS Fund
or SDS Facility and the associated knowledge networks will be the core functional institution to
operate this phase.
Programme Components
The Programme is organized into eight components corresponding to the four major steps
described above. These components are structured in such a modular way whereby they can be
tailored to be implemented at the regional, sub-regional and national level or any combination of
these levels.
Description of the Programme Components
A.
Special Assessment of SDS
Objective: To assess the state of knowledge with regard to SDS physical phenomenon, its
occurrence, impacts and state of capacities within the region to deal with it.
Outputs:
1. Assessment Report on historical trends, transportation paths, causes and impacts and
recommendations on potential intervention measures
2. Illustrative maps of hot spots areas
3. A set of indicators related to SDS and extremes
4. Enhanced capacities in the region on conducting such assessments
5. Assessment of information/knowledge gaps and elaborated components for a
comprehensive programme
Process:
The assessment will be undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team of international and regional
scientists and collaborating centres. It will be based on comprehensive literature review on SDS
studies, questionnaires, focus group discussions, country-level information gathering, remote
sensing information and observed data. The global and regional circulation/climate models with
dust storm elements will be used to the extent possible. Hotspots and areas of vulnerability due
to land use practices, climate change, climate variability and extreme events will be identified.
B.
Regional Cooperation Framework
Objective: the objective here is to build in gradual way a sustainable regional mechanism to
enhance cooperation among affected countries.
Outputs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
MoU or Framework Agreement among countries
Task Force on SDS
Advisory Committee on SDS
Thematic Expert Groups as necessary
Network of Research Institutions
Interim Secretariat for the Partnership/Programme (or Programme Management Unit)
Process:
The framework will be built up gradually. It will start by establishing expert groups at the
technical level to exchange information/knowledge and assist with the Special Assessment. As
the issue is understood better and the value and nature of cooperation among countries become
apparent, more involvement at the policy level will be encouraged through regional meetings,
capacity building activities and possibly an MoU in follow up to the Ankara Declaration. An
interim Secretariat will be established in UNEP for the purpose of facilitating such process
C.
Research, Measurement & Assessment
Objective: To enhance the understanding on SDS phenomenon based on accurate measurements
and regular assessment
Outputs
1. Regional and Local Climate Models linking climate, drought, water, soil and land use
parameters
2. Measurement instruments and stations
3. Focused and prioritized and strategic applied research studies
4. Simulation of the proposed mitigation processes and evaluation of results
5. Collaboration on Research within the Region and with global centres of excellence
6. Regular assessment of the SDS based on the initial assessment
Process:
A research programme will be developed based on priorities stemming out of the Special
Assessment. A system of SDS measurement and monitoring stations linked to other relevant
programme components such as the monitoring and early warning. Complementary capacities
for climate modeling will be established across the countries of the region. Climate modeling
will include simulation of potential mitigation measures and the likely effect on reducing SDS.
This will help in the design of the most effective mitigation measures at the local/site level. The
research will be very focused on areas that are major sources of dust to establish the baseline and
thereafter measure progress towards achieving the objective of the programme.
D.
Innovation & Knowledge Network
Objective: To promote sharing of knowledge and information among partners within the region
and with global knowledge networks and to attract creative ideas and technological innovations
(mainly indigenous) to tack the SDS problem.
Outputs
1.
2.
3.
4.
Knowledge Hub
Network of Experts, Institutions and Focus Groups
Web-based Platform
Communication and Outreach
Process:
The Innovation and Knowledge Network will be built gradually from the core expert group that
is established during the Special Assessment phase. The core group will contribute to the full
design of the Network. The network will be a combination of virtual and physical hubs. It will be
opened for regional and international institutions. Specialized centres will be assigned to lead
particular aspect(s) of the SDS. At least one annual meeting of the Network will be held and an
International SDS Conference will be held every two years.
E.
Monitoring & Early Warning System
Objective:
To develop a Regional Atmospheric Watch (Dust Watch) and Early Warning System linked to
the global WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS)
Outputs
1. Regional SDS Monitoring and Early Warning Centre similar to that of the Asian and
Mediterranean centres established under the auspices of the WMO
2. Early Warning Systems at the national level (either new dedicated to SDS or
established within existing national systems)
3. SDS Indices
4. Training and capacity building
Process:
The starting point for this component is the assessment of existing monitoring and observation
systems in the regional and global wise to improve and support network monitoring and
observation current stations to monitor aerosol, pollutants and dust in the atmosphere and on the
land's surface. The System will be linked to the national drought, desertification, extreme
weather events, air quality systems, as appropriate. The System will allow speedy and real-time
exchange of data and information to alert countries on SDS with more accuracy on the
characteristics of the storms so that appropriate precautionary measures are put in place.
F.
Facility or Fund
Objective:
The Trust Fund or Facility to be established to ensure sustainability of programme
implementation and predictability of financial resources. The Fund will facilitate a mechanism
whereby countries in the region can support research collaboration and projects across affected
countries.
Outputs
1. Trust Fund Establishment Agreement detailing rules, procedures and accountability of the
Trustee and partners at large
2. A Financial Support Group
3. Programme Innovation Facility (to assist countries with coming up with innovative projects to
be implemented at the local level)
Process:
The Trust Fund will be established in conjunction with reaching an agreement on regional
cooperative framework to combat sand and dust storms. The Board of Trustee will be composed
of country representatives and contributors to the fund. Funds will be disbursed according to the
rules, procedures and priority programmatic actions. As a provisional/temporary arrangement,
UNEP will establish a project account to facilitate transition from the development phase to the
implementation and trust fund phase. The B
G.
Country Action Plans
Objective: To combat SDS at the source area through mitigation, control and remediation
measures at the source and affected areas
Outputs
1.
2.
3.
4.
National/Local Assessments of SDS
National Action Plans to combat SDS
Implementable Local Level Projects
Project Design Templates and Packages categorized based on types of mitigation
technologies
Process:
The Action Plans will be based on local-level assessment of SDS causes, sources, etc. The
assessment will lead to better design of the most appropriate and effective mitigation options. A
number of focused projects in hotspot areas to reduce dust and sand storms will be designed and
implemented. Depending on the scale of funding, the start up phase could include pilot/demo
projects. The results of these projects should be evaluated to assess effectiveness and to scale up
successful demonstrations.
H.
Green Investments
Objective:
Designing and implementing green investment projects to test different mitigation technologies
and assess their effectiveness and impacts. An integrated community- and ecosystem-based
management approach will be promoted to improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty in the
affected areas. Additionally, a strategy to encourage scaling up of successful projects through
private sectors and local governments will be implemented
Outputs
Process:
I.
Country-Level Action Network
Objective: The objective of the action network is integrating combating SDS into national
policies, programmes and plans. It will link science to policy and action and to build institutional
capacities at the national and local levels.
Outputs
1. National network of experts and institutions to support national programme and to feed
into the regional one
2. Capacity building programmes
3. Effective policy measures across sectors to address root causes
4. National SDS research and observatory (e,g. Atmospheric Watch, Monitoring, Early
Warning, etc)
The following diagram illustrate the Programme Design and its components
Implementation Approaches
The Programme should be designed in such a way that it can be scaled up or down as resources
become available. It should also allow for partners and stakeholders with various interests to
join.
The implementation of the Programme will be driven by countries themselves through the
established institutions. For purpose of coordination and management of the Programme
especially at the initial stage, a Programme Management Unit or Interim Secretariat will be
establish and temporary hosted by UNEP. At the regional level, the execution of Programme
activities at the initial phase will be the responsibility of UNEP but with under the oversight of
the advisory committee or the Task Force
The following elements will be necessary to achieve successful implementation of the
Programme:
a) Regional Task Force on SDS
b) Scientific (Technical) Advisory Group
The Group can be constituted from experts well known in the field and are affiliated to worldknown research institutions with long experience with dust issues. The Group will aim to pull
scientific knowledge and transfer to the regional counterparts through joint research activities,
regular assessments, international, regional and national conferences.
c) Networks of Institutions and Experts
d) Climate or SDS Trust Fund (or Facility)
The Trust Fund or Facility can be established to ensure sustainability of programme
implementation and predictability of financial resources. The Fund will facilitate a mechanism
whereby countries in the region can support research collaboration and projects across affected
countries.
Role of Partners:
Partner
Governments
Programme
Development
Policy guidance
Establishing
the
baseline and advise
on linkages with
government policy,
programmes
and
plans
including
budgeting
Programme
Implementation
Provide funding and
resources, oversee
implementation,
execute relevant part
of the programme,
provide
linkages
with
government
policy, programmes
Programme
Monitoring
Critical role for the
governments
and
stakeholders
Research Institutions
Regional Organizations
International
Organization
Private Sector
and plans
Provide
technical
input and support
national institutions
in execution of
activities
Provide
technical
input and support
national institutions
in execution of
activities
Support programme
implementation
bringing
up
technical expertise
and
global
experiences
Baseline
information,
exchange of ideas
for
better
programme design
Baseline
information,
exchange of ideas
for
better
programme design
Initiate programme
development, serve
as interim for a for
inter-governmental
dialogue,
coordination
and
problem solving
Contribute to the Investment in green
project design from innovations
the
financial
sustainability
perspectives
Resources Requirements: The programme can be funded and implemented in three sequential
phases to scale up activities as the programme establish itself and propel.
Stage 1
(securing funding,
essential activities, 3 years
time)
Programme
Component
Estimated Cost of the
Stage
US $3-5 M
What the stage will Good understanding of the
identifying
result in (Impacts) problem,
knowledge
gaps,
cooperation
among
countries mainly at the
technical and research
level, nucleolus facilitation
mechanism
(interim
secretariat), large scale
partnership
programme
developed and round table
for resources mobilization
Stage 2
(medium budget, pilot and
scalable activities, 5 years)
Stage 3
(high budget, full
implementation and large
investment components)
US $ 10-20 M
US $ >20M
In-depth understanding of
the problem, its impact and
comprehensive region-wide
approach to its solution,
knowledge bases, enhanced
cooperation of countries
through sustained process
of reaching consensus and
agreeing on actions, facility
on dust storm established
and operational, specialized
and
policy
networks
established, improved SDS
management and enhancing
livelihoods
through
implementation of pilot
projects,
strategy
for
scaling up the investment
In-depth understanding of the
problem, its impact and
comprehensive region-wide
approach to its solution,
knowledge bases, enhanced
cooperation of countries
through sustained process of
reaching
consensus
and
agreeing on actions, facility
on dust storm established and
operational, specialized and
policy networks and centres
of
excellence
established/assigned,
SDS
controlled, mitigated and
coping strategies, standard of
living upgraded in affected
rural and urban areas through
large scale green investment
projects
Special Assessment of
SDS
0.5
1.0
1.0
Regional
Cooperation
Framework
0.5
1.5
3.0
Research, Measurement
& Assessment
0.5
2.0
3.0
Innovation
&
Knowledge Network
1.0
2.0
5.0
5.0
5.0 – 10.0
0.5
1.0
2.0
0.5
1.0
2.0
10.0
>10
Monitoring &
Warning System
Early
Facility or Fund
Country Action Plans
Green Investments
Country-Level
Network
Action
1.0
2.0
2.0
0.5
1.0-2.0
3-5
US $ 3-5 M
US $10-20 M
US $>20 M
Programme
Management
Estimated Total
Possible Implementation Partners & Funding Sources
Programme Component
Special Assessment of SDS
Regional
Cooperation
Framework
Research, Measurement &
Assessment
Innovation & Knowledge
Network
Monitoring & Early Warning
System
Facility or Fund
Country Action Plans
Green Investments
Country-Level
Action
Network
Programme Management
Government
sources
UN
System
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












Regional
Financial
Institutions
and Funds
incl. Private
sector


Regional
Organizations




International
Financial
Institutions and
Funds & Bilaterals












Timeframe
Action
Concept Finalization
Consultations with Governments & Interested
Partners
Establishing the Expert Group
Elaborating the Programme Design Document
Fund Mobilization for the formulation of the
programme document
Securing Approval & signatures of countries
Programme Inception phase
Y1
Y1
Y2
Y2
Y3
Y3
Y4
Y5
>Y5
Programme Implementation
Mid-Term Review of the Programme
Programme Phase completion