GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Proposal for funding for the preparation of
A National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)
Country Name:
Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Project Title:
Enabling activities to facilitate the preparation of a
National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPAs) for
Mauritania
GEF Implementing Agency:
UNEP
GEF operational focal point:
El Hadrami Ould Bahneine, Direction de l'Environement
et de l'Aménagement Rural
Climate change focal point:
Direction de l'Environement et de l'Aménagement
Rural
National executing agency:
Ministry of Rural Development and Environment
Country eligibility:
(i)
LDC country
(ii)
Date of UNFCCC ratification: 20th January 1994
GEF financing:
US$ 194,665
Government contribution:
In kind
Estimated total budget:
US$ 198,000
Estimated starting date:
1st January 2003
Duration:
18 Months
Mauritania: Key Socio-Economic Indicators
Population (millions)
Population growth rate (%)
Land area (km2)
GNP per capita (US$)
GDP (million US$)
GDP growth rate (%)
Access to water (%)
Access to sanitation
Forest cover (%)
2.8
2.9
1,026,000
370
935
5.2
37
33
0.3
Source: World Bank, 2002; World Bank, 2003
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Introduction
1. Mauritania has a land area of about 1,030,000km2, and a population of 3 million growing rapidly at 2.9%
per annum. The country is sparsely populated with a population density of 3 people per km2. The urban
population is given at 58% and the rural population at 42%. About 38% of the land in Mauritania is under
permanent pastures; 4% under forests and woodlands; and 58% under other uses. The average annual
deforestation rate for the period 1990-2000 is estimated to be 2.7%.
Economy
2. The service sector contributes 44% of Mauritania’s GDP. Agriculture contributes 25%, while the
industrial sector constitutes 31% of GDP. Key industries in Mauritania include fish processing and
mining of iron ore, gypsum, gold and copper. The main exports from Mauritania are iron ore, fish and
fish products and gold.
3. Some of the problems facing the Mauritanian economy include decline in world demand for iron ore
which is Mauritania’s largest export, overexploitation of fishing resources by foreigners and continued
ethnic tension between the dominant Maur (Arab-Berber) and the minority black population.
4. Adverse effects of climate change could significantly affect the economy of Mauritania. In addition,
some of the problems currently facing the economy could be further aggravated by climate change
impacts. For example, worse and prolonged droughts would seriously affect the agricultural sector,
as well as the fishing industry. Adaptation measures to this end will be investigated by the proposed
NAPA.
Agriculture
5. Mauritania’s main agricultural crop is rice. Other key agricultural products are millet, sorghum, corn, and
dates. Livestock farming is also widely practiced especially by nomadic groups. Crop farming and
livestock sectors account for 78% and 8% of rural employment, respectively. This significant proportion
of the population would be vulnerable to any negative effects of climate change on the country’s
rangelands.
6. Mauritania is one of the most drought prone Sahelian countries. Drought and desertification , together
with torrential rains and storms, are some of the main problems facing the Mauritanian agricultural
sector. Heavy storms destroyed over 6,000 tonnes of rice in mid-January 2002. As a result, the shortfall
in rice output was estimated to be 33%. Cereal production declined drastically, estimates show an 18%
decline in production in 2001/2002 due to poor weather conditions.
7. Other vulnerabilities include, increased pests and disease incidences due to abnormal wet conditions,
destruction of livestock, crops, and animal feed by floods and decline in flood plain crops. Since women
in Mauritania are involved in most agricultural activities, they are likely to be more vulnerable to climate
change impacts on agriculture.
8. Adaptation measures include, crop diversification, intercropping in order to enrich soils, orienting cereal
production toward irrigated crops that are less dependent on rain, improvement of credit and agricultural
extension services, enhanced training programs and dissemination activities, more aggressive pest control
programmes, rotation of planting dates, use of drought resistant crops and new high yield variety crops,
promotion of productive low-water use irrigation techniques and, incorporation of guidelines on climate
change in future planning. These proposed adaptation measures will be further examined and prioritised
in the proposed NAPA.
3
Forestry and Biodiversity:
9. Mauritania is a Saharan and Sahelain country whose vegetation and forest resources are sparse due to
repeated droughts. The country’s climate is desert, mostly hot, dry and dusty. It has a total forestland
cover of about 300,000 hectares. Mauritania has one of the richest fishing grounds in the world with
abundant fish and aquatic resources. Fishing is a key linchpin of the economy and employs 27,000
people.
10. Forests and biodiversity are prone to the negative effects of climate change such as increased incidences
of droughts. Some tree species could be affected by prolonged droughts. Changes in temperature and
salinity could result in changes in some fish species and increases or decreases in different species
productivity. Sea-level rises would inundate forests and eco-systems causing loss of productive land and
habitat that support Mauritania’s biodiversity.
11. Adaptation measures proposed include protection and restoration of humid zones, development of agro
forestry, social aforestation, and improved ecosystem management and promotion of energy alternatives
to fuel wood to ease pressure on forests. The proposed NAPA will assess the various adaptation measures
that have been tabled and identify the most appropriate measures that should receive priority attention.
Health and Water:
12. Life expectancy in Mauritania is about 54 years for the entire population, 50 years for the male and 53
years for the female population. The infant mortality rate is about 90 per 1000 live births, while the
under-5 mortality rate is 40 per 1000 children. Skilled medical staff attend to only 58% of births in
Mauritania. About 70% of the population have access to health facilities within 5km. An estimated
8% of children less than 5 years suffer from severe malnutrition. This places a big burden on women,
who have to take care of the sick children. About 37% of the population have access to improved and
safe water supply; while 33% of the population have access to improved sanitation.
Additional key indicators for the health sector are provided in the table below:
Physicians per 1000 people
Hospital beds per 1000 people
Child immunization rate (under 1 year)
-Measles
-DPT
0.1
0.7
Prevalence of under-nourishment
Child malnutrition
Births attended by skilled medical staff
Source: World Development Indicators, 2002
13%
44%
58%
62%
40%
13. Mauritania is prone to flooding, and climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of
floods in the country. Mauritania experienced serious floods in early 2002 due to torrential rains and
storms which led to a serious food crisis, reducing the number of meals for many households from
two meals per day to one, loss of land, homes, livestock and damage of crops. Other vulnerabilities in
the water sector include reduced freshwater availability, drainage congestion and increased river
erosion. Women would be more vulnerable to potable water scarcity since they would have to travel
longer distances to fetch fresh potable water.
14. Adaptation measures proposed include building flood protection areas, dams and dykes, flood
diversion, storage of fresh water, pump drainage and improved weather forecasting.
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15. Vulnerabilities in health sector could result from increased temperatures, which can lead to increased
incidences of malaria. In addition, changes in rainfall amounts could lead to changes in run-off,
which could adversely affect availability of potable water to the population. Flooding could lead to
contamination of drinking water resulting in increased cases of cholera.
16. Some of the proposed adaptation measures for the health sector include:
 Construction of cyclone and flood shelters for the vulnerable population with drinking water supply and
sanitation facilities
 Establishment of water treatment facilities
 Access to improved health care systems
 Improved sanitation and use of insecticides
 Revamping the public health program and decentralization of medical services
 Improved surveillance and monitoring of diseases
17. The proposed NAPA will review the aforementioned adaptation measures to identify priority measures
that should be fast-tracked for priority implementation.
Poverty:
18. Mauritania has a GNP per capita of US$370. With regard to the international poverty line, 28.6% of the
population is below US$1 per day. The figure jumps to 68.7% when those under US$2 per day are
considered. Farmers and non-farm rural workers exhibit poverty rates above 60%, indicating that farmers
are poorer than other segments of the population. Female-headed household are more vulnerable to
poverty. In single parent families, incidence of poverty is three times higher among female-headed
households. The vulnerability is derived from the fact that the illiteracy levels among women are higher
since women receive less schooling. They therefore have numerous difficulties in finding employment.
19. The poor are more vulnerable to climate change since they do not have sufficient incomes to prepare
and protect themselves from the adverse effects of climate change. In floods, the poor are usually
displaced due to the temporary nature of their homes. The poor are also more susceptible to water
borne diseases, since they rely on untreated water, which could get contaminated during floods.
Adaptation measures for the poor have not been dealt with exhaustively in Mauritania, and will be
tackled in the preparation of the proposed NAPA.
Energy
20. Biomass is the main source of energy in Mauritania. Another important source is imported oil. Scarcity
of biomass fuels would affect women, since they would have to travel longer distances to collect
firewood. In turn, the depletion of trees as sinks could lead to more dramatic variation in temperature and
precipitation resulting in a further destabilisation of the environment.
21. Some of the adaptation measures that could be proposed include more energy efficient appliances such as
improved stoves both at household and institutional levels. These would directly benefit women, by
reducing the amount of fuel used and therefore the time and distance for firewood collection. In addition,
the appliances would reduce the exposure of women and children to smoke emissions. Another measure
to reduce reliance on biomass fuels would be to promote the use of renewable energies to reduce the
strain on biomass. Electricity generation in Mauritania is from two sources, fossil fuels and hydro based
generation.
5
Source
Hydro
Fossil fuel
% of total generation in 1999
17.22
82.78
Source: EIU, 2002
22. Vulnerabilities for electricity generation include destruction of electricity transmission lines by floods,
torrential rains and storms. The lines would therefore require frequent repair and replacement.
23. Frequent and prolonged droughts would lead to the reduction of electricity generation from hydropower,
which would result in additional generation from fossil fuels (oil). This would have direct implications on
emission of greenhouse gases. The proposed NAPA will assess additional vulnerabilities and propose
priority coping measures for the energy sector.
Transport and Infrastructure:
24. Mauritania has 7,660km of highways of which paved highways total 866km and unpaved road, 6,794km.
Mauritania’s ferry traffic operates on Senegal river waterway which measure 8,046km. Mauritania also
has a number of ports and harbours.
25. Roads and associated infrastructure are vulnerable to changes in climate patterns, for example storms
and flooding. Heavy rains and floods damage seasonal roads that are critical in the marketing of
agricultural produce in rural areas, an activity mostly undertaken by women
26. Possible response measures include construction of specially reinforced roads, bridges, culverts and
improved drainage. In addition, storms and/or very heavy rains can damage telephone (land lines) and
electricity infrastructure while changes in sea level could affect ports and harbours and interfere with
ocean freight.
27. The proposed NAPA will identify the most important adaptation measures for the transport and
infrastructure sector.
Coastal Resources and Structures
28. Mauritania has a coastline 754km long. The country has significant coastal resources, which include
one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. The Mauritanian coastal resources have over the years
been overexploited by foreign fish traders’ policies. The Mauritanian waters are also in the middle of
controversy between the EU and opponents of the European Union’s fisheries policy. The coastal
areas are also important for crop cultivation, and a significant proportion of the population lives along
the coast.
29. During the rainy season, storms are common in the coastal areas of Mauritania. Climate change could
increase the frequency and intensity of storms. This may result in displacement of people, loss of
agricultural land and produce, and, destruction of infrastructure among others. Changes in sea level
are likely to destroy the delicate coastal ecosystems, which depend on wetlands, beaches, coral reefs
and mangroves. Fish, birds and mammals, which rely on coastal wetlands, would also be affected. In
addition, seal level rises would affect the population that lives by the coast, as well as lead to the loss
of agricultural land. Other identifiable vulnerabilities of coastal areas to climate change include:



Drainage congestion
Saline water intrusion
Coastal erosion
30. Some of the adaptation measures for coastal areas include erecting coastal defences, construction of
cross-dams and embankments to prevent saline water intrusion, and construction of cyclone and flood
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shelters, prohibition of sand extraction from the coast, growing vegetation on the coastal dune and
reconstruction of the weakened areas. On the institutional side, adaptation measures include
reinforcement of the capabilities of the institution concerned with coastal management and limitation
of population pressure, improved forecasting of weather patterns, proper design for drainage
structures, land-use planning and change of cropping pattern and intensification of extension services.
The proposed NAPA will build on these findings and identify priority measures that should be
implemented in the short term.
Institutional Context
31. The Government of Mauritania established the National Environment Action Plan (Plan National
d’Action pour l’environment, PANE), which is charged with monitoring and evaluating environmental
policies and programs. The Ministry of Rural Development and Environment coordinates all activities
on climate change and the environment in the country.
Objectives, and linkages to ongoing activities
32. The objectives of NAPAs are:


To serve as simplified and direct channels of communication for information relating to the urgent
and immediate needs for adaptation in Mauritania
To facilitate capacity building for the preparation of initial national communications, and addressing
urgent and immediate adaptation needs.
Status of past and ongoing climate change activities
33. Mauritania has signed and ratified the following international conventions:





United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
Vienna Conventions on Ozone Depleting Substances
Montreal Protocol for the control of Chlorofluorocarbons
7
Mauritania has also implemented a number of GEF projects, which are listed in
the following table.
Project Title
Focal Area
Status
Assessment of capacity building Bio diversity
CEO approved
needs for biosafety, participation
in CHM and Preparation of
Second National Report
Sustainable energy management Climate change
Pipeline
project
Enabling activities for the Persistent Organic Pollutants CEO approved
Stockholm
convention
on (POPs)
persistent Organic pollutants
(POPs): National implementation
plan for Mauritania
Rescue plan for the Cap Blanc Bio diversity
Project closure
Colony of the Mediterranean
Monk Seal
National
Biodiversity Biodiversity
CEO Approved
conservation strategy, action plan
and first national report to the
CBD
Strengthening the clearing house Biodiversity
CEO approved
mechanism focal point for the
participation in the pilot phase of
the CHM of the CBD
Enabling activities for the Climate change
CEO approved
preparation of initial national
communication related to the
UNFCCC
Decentralised
wind
electric Climate change
Project Closure
power for social and economic
development (Alizes Electriqeus)
Source: Project database-www.gefonline.org
Table 1:
34. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Mauritania has
completed its 1st National Communication Report. The report covered the following key issues:




Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Vulnerability and Adaptation
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases
Climate Change Response Strategies
35. The vulnerability and adaptation assessment, which is of direct relevance to the proposed NAPA
exercise, covered the following sectors:


Coastal resources
Cereals
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Initial set of gaps identified from Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) assessments
36. Based on the vulnerability and adaptation assessments already undertaken in Mauritania, the following table presents an initial set of gaps that still remain
to be addressed. These will be tackled in the NAPA preparation. The NAPA National Network will also propose additional gaps that need to be
addressed.
Table 2: Status of adaptation activities
Sector
Coverage/Initial set of gaps identified
Agriculture
-
Criteria for
prioritisation
Adaptation/Coping Options
Institutional Capacity
Technical capacity
to implement
to implement
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Financial capacity
to implement
Impact on cereals covered
Coastal Zones and
Coastal Resources
Fresh Water
Resources
Forests and
Biodiversity
Human Health
-
Impact of inundation covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
-
Impact on fresh water resources not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
-
Impact of forest t resources and biodiversity not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
-
Impact of diseases not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Fisheries
-
Impact on fish species not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Socio-Economy
Wildlife
-
Social economic sector not covered
Impact on wildlife species not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Tourism
- Impact on tourism sector not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Building Stock
- Impact on buildings, housing not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Transport
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Eco-systems
- Impact on roads (major highways and feeder roads) not covered
- Impact on bridges and railways not covered
- Impact on communication infrastructure not covered, e.g. telephone lines
- Impact on electricity generation and electricity transmission not covered
- Impact of higher day temperatures and lower night temperatures on energy
requirements not covered
Impact on the key eco-systems in the country not covered
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Cultural Heritage
-
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
- Not undertaken
Communication
Energy
Impact on high-value cultural heritage assets not covered
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Project Activities and Outputs
37. The project will involve the following key activities, which are outlined below, and which are based
on the “GEF operational guidelines for expedited funding for the preparation of national adaptation
programmes of action by LDCs”.
Module 1: Preparatory Activities
Module 2: Consultation and
prioritisation
Module 3: Drafting of NAPA and
public review
Module 4: Endorsement and
Publication of NAPA



Establish NAPA National network
Review of studies/reports on vulnerability and
adaptation to climate change
Participatory Rural Appraisal




Organise national stakeholders workshop
Prioritisation of adaptation measures using criteria
Organise sectoral workshops
Organise eco-system workshops
 Prepare proposals for implementation of priority
adaptation activities
 Undertake cost benefit analysis of each adaptation
measure
 Review of the draft NAPA by public (newspaper
supplements, press conferences, public hearing)
 Review of NAPA by Government and Civic
organisations
 Endorsement by GEF Focal Points
 Publication of final NAPA document
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Module I: Preparatory Activities
Activity 1.1: Establishment, composition and mandate of the NAPA national network and
identification of a lead agency
38. The main objective of this activity will be to establish a multi-disciplinary network and institutional
structure charged with preparing the NAPA.
39. A NAPA National Network will be established by the executing agency, in consultation with other
relevant ministries and governmental departments, as well as the private sector, including NGOs. A
Project Co-ordinator to coordinate the NAPA national network will be identified and appointed.
40. The NAPA National Network will have representatives from key sectors as well as from Mauritania’s
major eco-systems. Key sectors that will be represented in the national network include agriculture,
health, water, tourism, transport, environment and energy. In addition, an expert representative from
each of the major eco-systems of Mauritania will be included in the country network.
41. Gender equality will be considered in forming the NAPA country network. The participation of men
and women is essential for several reasons. Adverse effects of climate change disproportionately
affect women, who are often marginalized in national projects. Women are often knowledgeable in
vital local and traditional issues, and they should be recognized as key stakeholders in consultations
and decision-making.
42. Some of the key organisations that will be represented on the NAPA national network include:












Ministry of Commerce, Handicrafts, & Tourism
Ministry of Equipment & Transportation
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy
Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
Ministry of Hydraulics and Energy
Ministry of Interior, Post, & Telecommunications
Ministry of Rural Development & Environment
Ministry of Mines & Industry
Secretary of State in Charge of Women’s Affairs
Secretary of State Delegate to the Prime Minister in Charge of New Technologies
National Environment Action Plan
43. The Director of the selected executing agency, the project co-ordinator and 6 experts from the sectors and
the different eco-systems in the country will form a Project Management Team (PMT). The Project
Coordinator will be supported by an assistant. The PMT will have adequate and appropriate computer
and telecommunication facilities, including access to the Internet. The PMT will hold monthly meetings
to monitor the progress of the project, while the project co-ordinator and assistant will be responsible for
the day to day running of the project.
44. It is estimated that a total of 6 sectoral and eco-system experts will be required. These experts will
ideally be individuals who have extensive experience in the sectors/eco-systems, and a good
understanding of trends in the sector/ecosystem. In addition, the experts should have some understanding
of climate change issues in the country. The experts will undertake assessments of vulnerabilities to
climate change in their respective sectors/ecosystems, and propose possible adaptation measures,
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priorities and associated criteria. They will prepare expert papers based on their assessments, which will
be presented at the sectoral and ecosystem workshops, as well as undertake the required reviews.
45. In addition to the sectoral and eco-system experts, economists will be recruited as part of both expert
teams. The economists will take a lead role in the cost benefit analysis of adaptation measures. The 3
sectoral and 3 eco-system experts will focus on the drafting of the NAPAs. The sectoral and eco-system
expert teams will be designated in the following fashion:
Sectoral Experts
Eco-system Experts
1 sectoral expert on Agriculture, Forestry, Water  3 eco-systems of contrasting ecosystems* and
Resources, and Tourism
infrastructural facilities
 1 sectoral expert on Transport, Infrastructure and
Energy
 1 sectoral expert on Health
 3 economists
 3 economists
* The NAPA national network will propose the 3 eco-systems, which will be the focus of the NAPA.

46. By drawing on many disciplines the resulting NAPA will be more integrated and cross-cutting, capturing
all the components of sustainable development.
47. The project co-ordinator and assistant will be responsible for compiling the various reports into a
single comprehensive NAPA report and for overall day-to-day coordination of the project.
48. A Steering Committee will provide advice and guidance to the PMT. The Steering Committee will be
composed of representatives from the following institutions:







Ministry that houses the executing agency
Ministry of Finance
Parliamentary sub-committee on environment or natural resources as well as the budgetary process
A representative of the civil society
A representative of the academic community
1-2 experts from outside Mauritania to provide a comparative regional perspective
Representative from the Disaster Management Bureau
49. To ensure that the National Steering Committee maintains an arms-length relationship to the PMT and
NAPA national network, it is recommended that no members of the PMT and NAPA national network
sits on the Steering Committee, with the exception of the Project Co-ordinator. The Steering Committee
will meet every 6 months to review the progress of the project.
50. Based on the skills and capacity available in the country (as demonstrated by the progress of the
preparation of the initial country communication), it is recommended that the duration of the project be
18 months. This will provide sufficient time for building the requisite skills and capacity needed for the
preparation of the NAPA.
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51. Outputs for Activity 1.1
The key output of this activity will be the establishment of the NAPA National Network, Project
Management Team (PMT) and a Steering Committee.
The duration for this activity will be 3 months.
Activity 1.2: Review of studies/reports on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change
52. The aim of this activity will be to review all previous and on-going studies on climate change undertaken
to ensure that there is no duplication, and that the current studies build on existing data and information.
Special emphasis will be placed on filling the gaps identified from the previous V&A assessment in the
UNFCCC National Communication and the US Country Studies Program. Some of the initial gaps have
been identified in the table on page 9 (Initial set of gaps identified from Vulnerability and Adaptation
(V&A) assessments). The NAPA national network will identify additional gaps and areas that could be
studied.
53. The sectoral experts will gather existing international, regional and country-specific information on
vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in their respective sectors. The eco-system experts will
also gather relevant national, regional and international reports providing useful background information,
data and case studies on Mauritania’s major eco-systems. The information will be in the form of
published and un-published reports, articles, electronic media (CD-ROMs), conference papers, and draft
reports. The material will be grouped under each of the sectors, and both the eco-system and sectoral
experts will synthesise the material gathered for their respective sectors and eco-systems. Each expert
will prepare a report on vulnerability and adaptation, which will include an annotated bibliography on all
the materials and publications reviewed.
54. As it is unlikely that specialized eco-system reports on vulnerability and adaptation in Mauritania are
available, the national network is expected to use sectoral reports and more general reports on each of the
major country’s major eco-systems that provide information and data that is relevant to vulnerability and
adaptation issues. The key documents to be reviewed will include:








The initial national communication report under the UNFCCC
Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, included in the initial national communication under the
UNFCCC Draft Report
Desertification Studies
Biodiversity Studies
US Country study on climate change
The Country Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), which includes a very detailed analysis of the
most vulnerable eco-systems and areas of Mauritania.
Reports from organisations that distribute food and medical aid to communities (e.g. CARE
International) during emergencies
Relevant national, eco-system and sectoral environmental reports.
55. As a gap-filling exercise, the sectoral and eco-system experts will organise field trips to undertake
participatory rapid appraisals, with the aim of collecting additional information on vulnerabilities to
climate change, coping measures currently in place and possible adaptation measures.
56. In the case of Mauritania, it is recommended that the experts undertake a PRA of the differentiated
impacts of climate change on men and women. This aspect was not dealt with exhaustively in the
V&A assessment undertaken as part of the initial national communication.
13
57. The Project Management Team (PMT) will engage the services of a documentation expert, to compile
the various documents into an accessible, easy to use documentation resource pack, which will be
available in the public domain. The documentation resource pack will be housed in the executing
agency, national library and a private organisation that deals with climate change. An initial set of
relevant publications and reports that could be included in the document pack are listed in Annex 5. The
list of documents was used in the compilation of this proposal.
58. Outputs for Activity 1.2
The main output for this activity will be a Draft Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Review Report,
to be compiled by the PMT from the reports prepared by each sectoral and eco-system expert; and, a
public domain documentation resource pack on climate change, vulnerability and adaptation. The
documentation resource pack will comprise of:
- A minimum of 10 key reports on vulnerability and adaptation to climate change
- CD-ROM and diskette with abstracts of the key publications
- Draft V&A Report
- Relevant Eco-system and Sectoral Meeting Reports
- Contact list for vulnerability and adaptation in Mauritania, including detailed names and
contact addresses of all agencies represented in the NAPA network.
The duration for this activity will be 2 months.
Module II: Consultations and prioritisation
Activity 2.1: Consultation workshop on major areas of vulnerability to climate change and key
adaptation measures and development of country driven criteria for prioritisation of adaptation
measures
59. The key objective of the consultation workshop will be to solicit the views of stakeholders nationally,
and to develop criteria for prioritising the adaptation measures.
60. The PMT in consultation with the NAPA national network will organise an initial national level
workshop, where a wide range of stakeholders will discuss the Draft Vulnerability and Adaptation
(V&A) Review Report. The sectoral and eco-system experts are also expected to participate in the
Workshop. The aim of the workshop will be to solicit the views of stakeholders within and outside
the NAPA network, on the vulnerability of Mauritania to current climate variability and extreme
weather events and on the initial set of key adaptation measures that have already taken place.



Past and current practices (coping mechanisms) for adaptation to climate change and climate
variability
Key climate change adaptation measures
Criteria for selecting priority activities
61. These workshops will also assess the adaptive capacity of Mauritania to various climate change
vulnerabilities. For example, the ability of national agricultural research institutions to adapt to
adverse effects of climate change by developing drought resistant and flood resistant crops, and
effectively distribute them to affected areas as and when needed would be a good indicator of
adaptive capacity. Similar elements will be investigated for all sectors.
14
62. One possible tool for assessing the vulnerability of various sectors to climate change as well as
identifying appropriate indicators for prioritisation is the “Multi-level indicators of climate variability
and climate change” proposed by Moss et al. 1999, in Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change Impacts
and Adaptation published by UNEP. This method suggests key indicators for vulnerability for
various sectors, as shown in the following table:
Sector
Food
Water
Settlements
Health
Ecosystems
Vulnerability
Index
- Crop/farm type,
Irrigation
prevalence, Farm
income
- Ground water
reserves, Soil
moisture, Runoff,
Drought days/area
- Percentage of
population in
marginalized
settlements,
percentage of
population near
sea-level,
Traditional
biomass fuel use
- Water and
sanitation access,
disease incidence,
urban air quality
- Extent of
degraded soils,
SO2 Emissions
Fragmentation
Source: UNEP Vulnerability Indices, a more comprehensive version of the table is shown in Annex 2.
63. A set of locally driven criteria will be used to select priority adaptation activities. The NAPA country
team could consider the following criteria:
-
Level or degree of adverse effects of climate change
Poverty reduction to enhance adaptive capacity
Synergy with other multilateral environmental agreements
Cost-effectiveness
64. Sectoral and eco-system experts as well as workshop participants will be invited to comment on the
proposed criteria for prioritisation of adaptation measures as well as invited to suggest other criteria
that might be more appropriate. In addition, cost benefit analysis of the various coping measures
will also be undertaken.
65. Outputs for Activity 2.1
The consultation workshop will result in a more detailed inventory of areas of vulnerability to
climate change in Mauritania; key adaptation measures (categorised by sector and region); and,
an initial set of criteria for prioritisation of adaptation measures for Mauritania.
The duration for this activity will be 3 months.
Activity 2.2: Prioritisation of adaptation measures using criteria
66. The main objective of this activity will be to prioritise the various adaptation measures using the
criteria developed in Activity 3.
67. Based on the criteria agreed to by the National Workshop, the eco-system experts will convene 3-day
eco-system consultative seminars to consult with eco-system and district stakeholders to refine and
prioritise the various adaptation measures. In parallel to the above activities, the sectoral experts will
also convene 2-day workshops to prioritise the various sectoral adaptation measures.
68. The Project co-ordinator and assistant will compile the priority listings from the sectoral and eco-system
seminars and develop a national level priority listing.
15
69. Outputs for Activity 2.2
The key outputs for activity 4 will be a priority listing of adaptation measures for each sector and
each region as well as a national level priority listing of urgently needed adaptation measures
with the requisite criteria.
The duration for this activity will be 4 months.
Module III: Drafting of NAPA and public review
Activity 3.1: Drafting proposals for implementation of priority adaptation activities
70. This activity’s main goal will be to prepare Programmes of action for priority adaptation activities.
71. The sectoral experts in conjunction with the Project Co-ordinator and assistant will prepare proposals
based on the priority activities identified in Activity 4. The proposals will describe how the
adaptation measures will be implemented, while highlighting the requirements for implementing the
measures. The proposals will also include a cost-benefit analysis for each of the adaptation measures,
to be prepared by the economists attached to each sectoral and eco-system expert. Guidelines for the
preparation of proposals are provided in Annex 6 prepared by the LDC Expert Group (LEG).
72. The NAPA project co-ordinator and assistant will coordinate the drafting and compilation of the
proposals, with the day-to-day coordination responsibilities delegated to the various sectoral and ecosystem experts.
73. Outputs for Activity 3.1
Once all the sections of the proposals have been drafted and compiled and incorporated in
earlier draft reports, the compilation will constitute the first Draft National Adaptation
Programme of Action (NAPA) report.
The duration for this activity will be 3 months.
Activity 3.2: Public Review of the draft NAPA
74. This activity will ensure incorporation of opinions and views of the wider public in the National
Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA).
75. A media consultant will be contracted to take a lead in the publicizing of the NAPA. The draft
NAPA will be summarized into brief 5-page summaries, and translated into Arabic, French and
Pulaar which are widely used in Mauritania before being distributed to the public for review. The
draft NAPA will be distributed to various interest groups (e.g. NGOs, environmental organisations,
universities, etc.) in both urban and rural areas. In addition, the draft NAPA will appear in Arabic,
French and Pulaar daily newspapers, which will ensure wider public readership. Press conferences
involving representatives of main TV stations, national radio stations and a wide range of FM radio
stations will be organised. In addition, a public hearing will be organised to solicit the views of the
general public. Comments from the public review of the draft NAPA will be compiled, and
incorporated into the NAPA by the PMT with assistance from the sectoral and eco-system experts.
16
76. Outputs for Activity 3.2
The output for this activity will be an updated NAPA (in both summarized and extended formats),
which will have incorporated the comments received during the public review.
The duration for this activity will be 1 months
Module IV: Endorsement and Publishing of NAPA
Activity 4.1: Review of updated NAPA by Government, civil societies, and endorsement by GEF
focal point
77. The updated NAPA will be distributed to the NAPA national network, key Government ministries,
the National Climate Change Committee and civil society for review. Comments received from the
review by Government and civil society will be used to further improve the NAPA.
78. The updated NAPA will then be forwarded to the GEF focal point for endorsement.
79. Outputs for Activity 4.1
The two key outputs from this activity will be (i) the final NAPA (in both summarized and
extended formats), and (ii) the endorsement letter from the GEF focal point in Mauritania.
The duration for this activity will be 1 month.
Activity 4.2: Finalizing and dissemination of the NAPA
80. The final NAPA report (in both summarized and extended formats) will be published and printed, and
also translated in Arabic, French and Pulaar. The Arabic, French and Pulaar versions will be
disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders and the public. Brief summaries of the reports will be
reproduced in the major Arabic daily newspapers and discussed in the mass media (TV stations and
radio stations).
81. Outputs for Activity 4.2
The key outputs will be the published French and Arabic versions of NAPA reports and
widespread national dissemination.
The duration for this activity will be 2 months.
17
Table 3: Diagrammatic Representation of the Processes/Tasks and Reports
Reports
Process/Tasks
Background
Literature review
Module 1: Preparatory Activities
Documentation Resource
Pack
Literature review
Literature review
Draft V&A report
National Workshop to
review draft criteria and
priorities
National Workshop
Module 2: Consultation and
prioritisation
Review of
prioritisation of
activities by
steering committee
Sectoral &
Seminars
Final criteria & priorities
Eco-System
Drafting & Compilation
First draft NAPA
incorporating proposals,
criteria & priorities
Module 3: Drafting of NAPA and
public review
Updated
NAPA
incorporating public review
Public
review
Module 4: Endorsement and
Publication of NAPA
dissemination
&
Government, & civil society
review
and
GEF
endorsement
Final NAPA incorporating
Government & civil society
review and endorsement by
GEF
Wider Dissemination
18
Institutional Arrangements for oversight and coordination
82. The National Executing Agency will co-ordinate the project. The Executing Agency will be the
UNFCCC Focal Point in Mauritania, which is the Ministry of Rural Development and Environment.
The Executing Agency will have overall responsibility for the project. They will oversee the
constitution of the NAPA national network.
83. The NAPA national forum will be formed at both the sectoral level and regional levels. Each major
sector and region will be represented in the NAPA national network. This will allow for participation
of all stakeholders, even at the district and regional levels.
84. The PMT (Project Management Team) will meet monthly and will be comprised of the Project
Coordinator, Assistant and the 6 sectoral /eco-system experts plus the 6 attached economists. The
PMT will be expected to meet monthly to review the progress of the project.
85. The National Steering Committee will act as an independent oversight body, and will approve the
major decisions of the project. The Committee will periodically review the outputs of the PMT,
sectoral and ecosystems experts, as well as proceedings of the national workshops.
86. UNEP as the implementing agency will provide technical backup and advisory support to both the
executing agency and the NAPA national network. In addition, the PMT could also request for
technical assistance from the LDC Expert Group (LEG).
87. The institutional structure envisaged for the project is provided in Annex 2.
19
Table 3: Timetable
Activity/Month
1.1 Establishing, composition & mandate of the
NAPA country network
1.2. Review of studies / reports on vulnerability
to climate change and adaptation measures
Sectoral Studies and Eco-system Studies
PRA
2.1. National Stakeholder workshop to establish
criteria for selecting priority measures
2.2. Sectoral and Ecosystem seminars to review
draft V&A review reports
3.1 Drafting of proposals for implementation of
priority adaptation activities
3.2. Public review of the draft NAPA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
4.1. Review of updated NAPA by stakeholders
4.2. Finalising and dissemination of the NAPA
20
Table 4: Budget (US$)
Activity
Stocktaking
Process:
(Assessments,
consultations,
workshops, etc.)
Product:
Assessment
reports/strategy
and action plan
Total
Assessment and prioritisation-Activity 2 and 3
1. Synthesis of available information on adverse effects
of climate change and coping strategies
Literature Review
PRA
Document Resource
Pack
28,095
2.
National Stakeholders
Workshop
Inventory of areas of
vulnerability
Key
adaptation
measures
Initial criteria list
18,000
Participatory assessment of vulnerability to
current climate variability and extreme weather
events, and associated risks
 Identification of past and current practices for
adaptation to climate change and climate
variability
 Identification of key climate change
adaptation measures
 Identification of criteria for selecting priority
activities
Total
(Assessment and prioritisation)
46,095
Development of proposals for priority activities- Activity 4 and 5
1) National /sub-national consultative process for short
listing potential activities

Selection and identification of priority activities
Sectoral workshops
Ecosystem workshops
2) Prepare profiles of priority activities in the
prescribed format
Priority listing of
adaptation measures
61,700
1st Draft NAPA
7,000
Total
68,700
Preparation, review and finalization of the NAPA- Activity 6,7 and 8
1) Public review
Translation
Special Supplement
Press Conferences
Public Hearing
Posters/Advertisements
2) Final review by government and civil society
representatives
3) Printing, publishing and translation of the final
NAPA document
Final Translation
Publishing
4) Dissemination
Postage
Updated NAPA in
summarized
and
extended formats
18,650
Final NAPA and
endorsement letter
from GEF focal
point
Published version of
NAPA
in
summarized
and
extended format in
Arabic, Pulaar and
French
-
20,820
1,500
Total
40,970
Technical Assistance
1) Assistance requested from LDC expert group
-
2) Other technical assistance (Steering Committee)
Total
Review Meetings
Minutes
4,350
4,350
21
Activity
Stocktaking
Project Coordination and Management
Assessments,
consultations
Monitoring and Evaluation
Total
TOTAL
Process:
(Assessments,
consultations,
workshops, etc.)
Consultations
Assessment Meetings
Product:
Assessment
reports/strategy
and action plan
Workshop
proceedings
Compilation
of
NAPA
Progress Reports
Project Evaluation
Report
Total
32,885
5,000
37,885
198,000
22
References
Global Environment Facility, (GEF) Projects Database. Document downloaded from the GEF website
(www.gefonline.org).
Hassan, M. Khan R., (1989). Cookstoves in Mauritania: A Case Study. The Woodburning Stove Group,
Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
International Monetary Fund, (IMF). Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Implementation Report, Islamic
Republic of Mauritania. Document Downloaded from the IMF website (www.imf.org)
Manibog, F. R., (1982). Mauritania: Rural and Renewable Energy Issues and Prospects. World Bank
Energy Department, Washington.
United Nations (2000). The Worlds Women, Trends and Statistics (2000). United Nations, New York.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1993). The Impacts of Climate Change, UNEP,
Nairobi, Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1999-2000). Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptation, UNEP Policy Series. UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
(1990). Scientists Assessment of Climate Change, Policy Makers Summary of the report of Working
Group I to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. UNEP and WMO, Inter Governmental Panel
on Climate Change, Geneva, Switzerland.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1999-2000). Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptations, UNEP Policy Series, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2002). STAP Expert Group Workshop on Adaptation
and Vulnerability, 18-20 February 2002 and STAP Consultations, 21 February 2001. UNEP, Nairobi,
Kenya.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1997). Communications from Parties not included in
Annex 1 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UN, New York.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2001). National Communications from Parties not
included in Annex 1 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). UN,
New York.
The US Country Study Notes. Country Study Notes, Issue 10. The Country Study Notes, New York.
World Bank (2001). Human Development Report (2001). World Bank Washington, DC.
World Bank (2002). World Development Report (2002). World Bank Washington, DC.
World Bank (2002). World Development Indicators (2001). World Bank Washington, DC.
23
Annex 1: Summary of Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment in Mauritania
Sector
Vulnerabilities
Adaptation options
Agriculture (Cereals)
-Human and animal pressure on vegetation
-Abusive cutting of trees for charcoal
-Degradation of cultivated/ cultivable land
resulting in serious cereal deficits
-Inadequate cereal production thus over
reliance on imported foods
-Intensive reforestation
-Mechanical and Biological Installation of dunes
-Limit water losses
-Increased cereal and gardening products cultivating areas
-Intercropping
-Encourage consumption of imported wheat and rice
(Irrigated as opposed to rain fed cereals)
-Protection of humid zones
Coastal Resources
-Inundation
-Limitation of urban pressure
-Reinforcements of capacities of institutions concerned
with coastal resources
-Reinforcement of national weather forecasting capacities
-Prohibition of sand extraction from the coast
-Construction of a protective dyke
-Growing vegetation on coastal dune
-Reconstruction of weakened areas
-Putting up a permanent scientific and technical
observatory
24
Annex 2: Institutional Structure for the Preparation of NAPAs
UNEP/GEF
Implementing Agency
LDC Expert Group
Executing Agency
(UNFCCC Focal Point)
Steering Committee
Programme Management Team
(PMT)
Sectoral
Experts
Eco-system
Experts
Economics
Experts
Economics
Experts
NAPA National Network
25
Annex 3: Multi-level indicator of vulnerability to climate vulnerability and climate change
Vulnerability Indicator for
country
Socio-economic factors e.g. sectoral composition of GDP,
GDP/cap., Total fertility, Adult literacy, community
organizations, public employees/1000
Environmental factors, e.g., pop. Density/distribution,
domesticated land as % land area. Air/water quality
Food vulnerability Index
Coping Capacity, e.g., % pop. In
subsistence agric. Extension
availability, net trade in cereals
Agric. Sensitivity, e.g., crop/farm
type, irrigation prevalence, Farm
income
Water vulnerability
Index
Coping Capacity, e.g.
Consumption per cap. % pop
with modern access, type of
water system
Water Sensitivity, e.g., ground water
reserves, soil moisture, runoff,
drought days/area
Settlements
Vulnerability Index
Coping Capacity, e.g.,
Investment share in GDP,
Insurance mechanisms
Hazards exposure, e.g., % pop. In
marginalized settlements, % pop.
near sea-level, trad. biomass fuel use
Health Vulnerability Index
Coping capacity, e.g., Public health
expenditures, distance to clinic,
Health risk exposure, e.g., water &
sanitation access, disease incidence,
urban air quality
Ecosystems vulnerability
index
Coping capacity, e.g.
conservation enforcement, %
land in protected areas
Ecosystem sensitivity, e.g.,
extent of degraded soils, SO2
emissions, fragmentation
26
Annex 4: Institutional profile for some key ministries
Ministry
Ministry of Rural Development
and the Environment





Priorities
To formulate and implement rural development
and environmental protection policies
To reduce rural migration
To promote the rural sector in economic, technical
and social aspects
To fight against pollution
To protect the environment





Ministry of Mines and Industry








Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare







Ministry of Commerce,
Handicrafts and Tourism







Provision of energy to the population
Formulation of a minerals policy
Establishment of geological charts and
implementation of studies on the minerals sector
Formulation and application of regulation in the
domain of research activities, extraction and
transportation of mineral substances
Development of mineral resources
Formulation of an industrial policy
Orientation and planning of industrial development
Regulation and coordination of industrial activities




Formulation of national policy on health
Promotion of curative medicine
Supply and distribution of medicine, as well as
acquisition of infrastructure
Provision of training of medical, paramedical and
administrative personnel
Ensure quality of medicine and medical material
Formulate a policy for protection and social aid
Assistance of socially disadvantaged persons




Organisation and promotion of trade
Implementation of actions aimed at developing
export and import activities
Ensure supply of goods and services
Regulation of prices for goods and services
Development of programmes for the tourism and
artisan industry
Regulate and coordinate artisan activities
Organise tourism activities







Related institutions/organizations
National center for agricultural
research and development
National school of agricultural
training and promotion
National center for animal husbandry
and veterinary research
The Mauritania company for animal
husbandry and livestock marketing
National Rural Development
Company
Mauritania Office of Geological
Research
National mining and industrial
company and its subsidiaries
Nouakchott central electricity
company
National hygiene center
National hospital center
Neuro-psychiatric center
National Institute of specialized
medicine
National school of public health
Chamber of commerce, industry and
agriculture
National import and export company
Mauritania insurance and reinsurance company
Mauritania charter, consignment and
transit company
Mauritania tourism and hotel
company
Artisan cooperatives
27
Annex 5: Selected Background Documents on Climate Change and Adaptation in Mauritania
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2000
Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change impacts and Adaptation
Abstract: Climate Change is the most challenging environmental problem facing the international
community today. The purpose of this briefing paper is to review emerging and existing concepts of
vulnerability and adaptability, and to refine them into a dependable tool for prioritising preventive actions
by policy makers. This would ensure cost-effective policy decisions in a variety of countries and regions
likely to experience adverse effects of climate change. The paper systematically differentiates between
three domains of vulnerability considering present criticality in the absence of climate change, adaptive
capacity and climate change hazards.
KEYWORDS: climate change, vulnerability, adaptability, international Pages 84
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) 2002
STAP Expert Group Workshop on Adaptation and Vulnerability, 18-20 February 2002 and STAP
Consultations, 21 February 2001
Abstract: This is a background document on the STAP expert group workshop on Adaptation and
Vulnerability convened from 18-20 February 2002, Nairobi, Kenya. The expert group workshop
examined the following specific aims and objectives with the view of providing the GEF with strategic
advice on how to maximise its interventions and investments in the area of adaptation. (i) How to
operationalise the guidance provided by the conference of the parties; (ii) Identify the gaps in current
scientific knowledge in terms of integration adaptation concerns into mainstream development in specific
sectors; (iii) How to integrate adaptation concerns into mainstream development projects in specific
sectors in a scientifically sound manner; (iv) Develop guidelines for the formulation of a framework
and/or approach for the GEF to fund adaptation interventions; (v) Outline the main elements of a targeted
research agenda for adaptation, based on the gaps identified in (ii).
KEYWORDS: UNEP, STAP, energy, GEF, international, workshop, climate change, adaptation Pages 32
Robert T.Watson, Marufu C.Zinyowera, Richard H. Moss, 1995
Climate Change 1995: Impacts, Adaptations and Mitigation of Climate Change - ScientificTechnical Analyses, Contribution of Working Group II to the Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Abstract: This chapter summarises the scientific-technical analyses of impacts, adaptations, and
mitigation of climate change in particular, mitigation options in the Transportation Sector. The transport
sector is one of the most rapidly growing sectors. In 1990 was responsible for about 25% of 1990 world
primary energy use and 22% of CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel use. The transport sector though linked to
economic development imposes burdens on society, including air pollution. The publication looks into
climate change and abatement of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. It also includes a
section on management of forests for mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
28
US Country Studies Program (USCSP) (1999)
Climate Change Mitigation Vulnerability and Adaptation in Developing and Transition Countries: US
Country Studies Program Support for Climate Change, Studies, Plans and Technology Assessments.
Abstract: This report provides an overview of the work conducted by developing countries participating in the U. S
Country Studies Program (USCSP). Under this program, participating countries evaluated climate change mitigation
options assessed their vulnerability to climate change, identified methods for adapting to climate change, and
developed plans for responding to climate change.
United Nations (UN), 1997
Communication from Parties not included in Annex 1 to the, United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1997)
Abstract: The is a brief report from the UNFCCC Secretariat on the status of preparation of national
communications from Parties not included in Annex 1 to the convention. A status table is prepared using
information obtained from: (i) national responses received from parties to a questionnaire on the status of
preparation of national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the convention during the period of
Feb-September 2001; and (ii) the Global Environment Facility, its implementing agencies and bilateral programmes.
KEYWORDS: UN, Climate Change, national communications, Pages 12
United Nations (UN), 2001
National Communication from Parties not included in Annex 1 to the, United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1997)
Abstract: This document summarizes and updates in synoptical form information concerning the state of
advancement of activities in the areas of technical cooperation, including those known as CC; TRAIN, CC:
FORUM, CC: INFO AND CC: SUPPORT, for consideration by the sixth session of the Subsidiary Body for
Implementation (SBI) on which the secretariat had reported to the SBI since the second session of the Conference of
the Parties (COP). The synopsis contains the following tables: Table I: “Status of preparation of national
communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the convention”’; Table 2: “Secretariat Participation in
regional workshops; Table 3 “ CC: TRAIN national workshops”; Table 4: “CC: TRAIN training material”; Table 5:
“ CC: FORUM”; and Table 6: “ CC: INFO national website initiative”.
KEYWORDS: Climate change, international, Pages 14
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 1993
The Impact of Climate Change: UNEP/GEMS Environment Library No.10
Abstract: This booklet deals with the impacts of climate change the possibility of accelerated warming resulting
from the enhanced greenhouse effect and with climate vulnerability. The effects of global warming on climate
cannot yet be predicted at a local level, but those countries currently at the margin of their ability to support their
populations’ will almost certainly find it difficult to adapt to new environmental conditions.
KEYWORDS: climate change, environment, international, energy Pages 40
29
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2000
Vulnerability Indices: Climate Change impacts and Adaptation
Abstract: Climate Change is the most challenging environmental problem facing the international community today.
The purpose of this briefing paper is to review emerging and existing concepts of vulnerability and adaptability to
enable us to refine it into a dependable tool for prioritising preventive actions by policy makers. Its aim is to help
make cost-effective policy decisions in a variety of countries and regions likely to experience adverse effects of
climate change. It points out for example that jumping into a single composite index for policy makers may be
prudent. The paper systematically differentiates between three domains of vulnerability considering present
criticality in the absence of climate change, adaptive capacity and climate change hazard.
KEYWORDS: climate change, vulnerability, adaptability, Pages 84
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) 2002
STAP Expert Group Workshop on Adaptation and Vulnerability, 18-20 February 2002 and STAP
Consultations, 21 February 2001
Abstract: This is a background document on the STAP expert group workshop on Adaptation and Vulnerability
convened from 18-20 February 2002, Nairobi, Kenya. The expert group workshop examined the following specific
aims and objectives with the view of providing the GEF with strategic advice on how to maximise its interventions
and investments in the area of adaptation. (i) How to operationalise the guidance provided by the conference of the
parties; (ii) Identify the gaps in current scientific knowledge in terms of integration adaptation concerns into
mainstream development in specific sectors; (iii) How to integrate adaptation concerns into mainstream
development projects in specific sectors in a scientifically sound manner; (iv) Develop guidelines for the
formulation of a framework and/or approach for the GEF to fund adaptation interventions; (v) Outline the main
elements of a targeted research agenda for adaptation, based on the gaps identified in (ii).
KEYWORDS: UNEP, STAP, energy, GEF, international, workshop, climate change, adaptation Pages 32
World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 1990
Scientific Assessment of Climate Change: The Policymaker's Summary of the Report of Working Group 1 to
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Abstract: Human activities may be inadvertently changing the climate of the globe through the enhanced
greenhouse effect, by past and continuing emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases which will cause the
temperature of the Earth's surface to increase - popularly termed the "global warming". If this occurs, consequent
changes may have a significant impact on society. The purpose of the Working Group 1 report, as determined by
the first meeting of IPCC, is to provide a scientific assessment of: 1) the factors which may affect climate change
during the next century especially those which are due to human activity. 2) the responses of the atmosphere-oceanland-ice system. 3) Current capabilities of modelling global and regional climate changes and their predictability.
4) The past climate record and presently observed climate anomalies.
KEYWORDS: environment, international, report, policy, climate Pages 26
30
Annex 6: Guidelines on the Structure of NAPA Documents
Information already included in the proposal for funding the NAPA preparation process need not
be repeated in the NAPA document itself. The GEF proposal-preparation process requires specific
information and linkages to other enabling activities. Only essential points should be repeated here.
A. Introduction and setting
1.
This introductory section will include background information about the country that is
relevant to the NAPA process. It will cover current characteristics, key environmental stresses, and how
climate change and climate variability adversely affect biophysical processes and key sectors.
Given the need for conciseness in the NAPA document, only information that is directly relevant
to the content of the NAPA document should be included in this section.
B. Framework for adaptation programme
2.
This section will also provide an overview of climate variability and observed and
projected climate change and associated actual and potential adverse effects of climate change. This
overview will be based on existing and ongoing studies and research, and/or empirical and historical
information as well as traditional knowledge.
This section should clearly summarize hazards posed by climate and climate change, and some
summary of vulnerability, based on past studies and/or from stakeholder knowledge of their situation.
This section will set the context for the whole NAPA by clearly demonstrating what aspects of climate
change are important for the country, based on the experience of its stakeholders. Such an approach
cannot rely exclusively on academic literature, or Vulnerability and Adaptation reports, but mainly on the
knowledge of practitioners at the community level who have developed coping strategies over
generations.
The reference above to “projected climate change” implies drawing on existing national
projections, if available.
3.
This section will describe the NAPA framework and its relationship to the country’s
development goals, to make the framework consistent with socio-economic and development needs. In
addition, it would also describe the goals, objectives and strategies of the NAPA, taking into account
other plans and multilateral environmental agreements.
While the NAPA identifies urgent and immediate action, it still needs to fit within development
goals, plans and frameworks, especially in relation to rural citizens and economic development plans for
the country. NAPAs will not attempt to implement broad national development goals; rather, NAPAs
would build upon national goals and integrate into national plans. They should also promote synergies
with other plans of action.
Most if not all countries have elaborated their development goals, and have systems in place to
implement the associated plans through economic planning, etc. It is important that the NAPA team be
aware of these, because NAPAs may be expected to safeguard important systems, including infrastructure
that would be critical in achieving economic goals for the country. For example, a NAPA may wish to
flood-proof a single bridge that connects a major cash-crop producing area of a region.
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4.
included.
Where possible, a description of the potential barriers to implementation should also be
There may be potentially serious barriers to implementing NAPAs, such as a lack of policies to
facilitate the implementation of the NAPA. These barriers should be identified and possibly considered as
areas for intervention in the immediate term or in future. Examples of such barriers could include legal
and policy-level inadequacies or inconsistencies, institutional, social, economic and cultural barriers, lack
of awareness of climate change issues etc.
C. Identification of key adaptation needs
5.
Based on this overview and framework, past and current practices for adaptation to
climate change and climate variability will be identified as related to existing information regarding the
country’s vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change, climate variability and extreme weather
events, as well as long-term climate change. This section will explain how and to what extent activities
may address specific vulnerabilities.
This will be the synthesis of the core of the NAPA preparation process, and should clearly
articulate suggested courses of action based on specific vulnerabilities. This long list of activities should
be based on the assessments carried out by the NAPA team, including very substantive involvement by
stakeholders.
In some cases, countries may have adequate information from past studies to suggest urgent
actions to address previously identified priorities. In such a case, the multi-stakeholder dialogue would
emphasize the discussion of actions and selection of priority activities.
6.
Given the actual and potential adverse effects of climate change described in section B.2
above, this section will identify relevant adaptation options including capacity building, policy reform,
integration into sectoral policies and project-level activities.
D. Criteria for selecting priority activities
A country should be free to choose from these criteria as best suits their case. NAPA activities
must address convincing threats of climate and climate change, and information should be provided that
shows potential damages and how this damage would be avoided or reduced. NAPA activities should
demonstrate fiscal responsibility (cost-effectiveness), they must be related to level of risk, and should
complement important country goals, such as overcoming poverty to enhance adaptive capacity, and other
environmental agreements.
The prioritisation process is a two-tiered approach. Under paragraph 7 below, four general
criteria will be used to select priority adaptation activities from a long list of potential activities. The
criteria under paragraph 8 below will be prioritised and will subsequently be used to rank the selected
NAPA activities.
The criteria under paragraph 7 could be seen as of a first order; those under paragraph 8 as further
detailing. Countries are encouraged to limit the number of criteria to a manageable number.
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7.
A set of locally-driven criteria will be used to select priority adaptation activities. These
criteria should include, inter alia:
(a)
Level or degree of adverse effects of climate change;
(b)
Poverty reduction to enhance adaptive capacity;
(c)
Synergy with other multilateral environmental agreements;
(d)
Cost-effectiveness.
8.
These criteria for prioritisation will be applied to, inter alia:
(a)
Loss of life and livelihood;
Countries are encouraged to treat “loss of life” and “loss of livelihood” as two distinct criteria.
(b)
Human health;
(c)
Food security and agriculture;
(d)
Water availability, quality and accessibility;
(e)
Essential infrastructure;
(f)
Cultural heritage;
(g)
Biological diversity;
(h)
Land-use management and forestry;
(i)
Other environmental amenities;
This could include wetlands, natural attractions, etc.
(j)
Coastal zones, and associated loss of land.
Countries should use all or any of the above, as well as other relevant criteria for their situation.
E. List of priority activities
9.
This section will list priority climate-change adaptation activities that have been selected
based on the criteria listed in section F.4 above.
This is the outcome of the NAPA preparation process – a list of priority activities, which fit in
well with the country's development goals and poverty reduction strategies, while at the same time
enhancing the adaptive capacity of its vulnerable communities.
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10.
For each of the selected priority activities a set of profiles will be developed for
inclusion in the NAPA document. The format of the project profile is as follows, and each
should be about 2-3 pages only:


Title
Rationale/justification, in relation to climate change, including sectors
concerned
Description
- Objectives and activities
- Inputs
- Short-term outputs
- Potential long-term outcomes
Implementation
- Institutional arrangement
- Risks and barriers
- Evaluation and monitoring
- Financial resources


F. NAPA preparation process
11.
This section will describe the NAPA development process, including the process of
consultation, the methods for evaluation and monitoring, the institutional arrangements, and the
mechanism of endorsement by the national government.
This final section would document, briefly, the processes and major steps in developing the NAPA,
paying particular attention to the important guiding principles of NAPA, namely:






use of a participatory process involving stakeholders, especially local communities
inclusion of multiple disciplines and inclusion of agencies responsible for
implementing development plans
country-drivenness
contribution to overall sustainable development goals
government endorsement and commitment to implementing the outcomes, and some
system for accountability
transparency
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